JP7716815B2 - Full-coverage headcover made of a wettable material - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a full-coverage head cover made of a wettable material.

Healthcare professionals often wear surgeon's caps, bouffant caps (e.g., hair nets), or both during medical procedures to prevent contact with hazardous materials, including blood and other bodily fluids. Additionally, healthcare professionals are often required to cover their hair by wearing surgeon's caps or bouffant caps (e.g., hair nets) to protect a sterile environment. Furthermore, the Association of Registered Nurses (AORN) guidelines have been revised to recommend that head coverings cover the head, hair, ears, facial hair (beard), and nape of the neck to not only protect healthcare professionals but also maintain a sterile environment. However, because traditional surgeon's caps do not cover the ears or nape of the neck, healthcare professionals are also required to wear bouffant caps or hair nets to cover these areas. Bouffant caps add an additional layer of PPE, which can trap heat and increase bulk. Additionally, bouffant caps tend to leave red marks or indentations on the forehead after use due to the use of elastic bands to secure the bouffant cap around the head.

One solution is to wear only a bouffant cap instead of a bouffant cap and a surgeon's cap. However, bouffant caps generally cannot accommodate the use of a headlamp or other equipment that a medical professional may use. Therefore, a surgeon's cap must have sufficient bulk and structure to support the headlamp and other equipment, necessitating the wearing of both a bouffant cap and a surgeon's cap. However, using a surgeon's cap also presents problems. Typical surgeon's caps only come in a few sizes and do not provide a secure enough fit for many medical professionals. Furthermore, surgeon's caps are fastened with strings, and repeatedly tying the strings of the surgeon's cap to ensure its fit over an extended period of time can lead to shoulder pain and other problems.

Furthermore, many head coverings used during treatment are made of non-wettable materials. In particular, materials such as spunbond or meltspun polyolefin materials lack breathability and moisture-wicking properties, which can lead to sweating in various areas of the head due to stress, temperature, and/or personal predisposition to sweating. Therefore, such head coverings can create an unhygienic and uncomfortable situation as the material drips sweat into the eyes and sterile surfaces.

Therefore, there is a need for a head cover that overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings of existing surgeon's caps and bouffant caps. In particular, a head cover that covers a healthcare professional's hair without requiring the wearer to wear a surgeon's cap or a full bouffant cap would also be useful. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to provide a head cover that fits the majority of potential users without requiring adjustment. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to provide a head cover that exhibits improved breathability and/or wettability.

The present disclosure is generally directed to a head cover. The head cover includes a front portion having a first height, a rear portion having a second height, and at least one side portion. The at least one side portion extends between the rear portion and the front portion and has a lower end, and the lower end of the at least one side portion has a non-linear contour. The non-linear contour has an inflection point between the front and rear portions. At least one elastic strip is attached to the inflection point, extends to the lower end of the rear portion, and has a length of about 7 cm to about 17 cm, or about 14 cm to about 34 cm.

In a further embodiment, the lower end has a first slope and a second slope, and the first slope is not equal to the second slope. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first slope is the slope of a point between the front and rear portions, and the second slope is the slope of a point adjacent to either the front or rear portions, and the absolute value of the first slope is greater than the absolute value of the second slope. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the lower end further has a third slope that is not equal to either the first slope or the second slope.

Additionally or alternatively, the head cover further includes at least one elastic strip. In a further embodiment, the second height is about 1.1 to about 3.3 times the first height. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the head cover has a relaxed length when folded along the inner line of about 18 cm to about 28 cm. In a further embodiment, the at least one elastic strip, or both the head cover and the at least one elastic strip, can be stretched so that the head cover has an extended length along the inner line of about 1.25 to about 2 times the relaxed length.

The present disclosure is generally directed to a head cover that includes a front portion having a first height, a rear portion having a second height, and at least one side panel, where the second height is approximately 1.1 to approximately 3.3 times the first height.

Additionally or alternatively, the first height is from about 7 cm to about 17 cm. In a further embodiment, the second height is from about 11 cm to about 23 cm. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the side portion has a shape, size, or both a shape and size sufficient to cover one ear of a user when the head covering is worn. Additionally or alternatively, the front portion, the back portion, and at least one side portion have a shape, size, or both a shape and size sufficient to cover at least about 80% of the user's head, hair, ears, and nape.

In a further embodiment, the head cover further includes an upper portion. In yet another embodiment, at least one side panel is a continuous side panel configured to encircle the user's head in the worn configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the head cover has a circumference of about 55 cm to about 76 cm.

The present disclosure also generally contemplates a head cover comprising a front portion having a first height, a rear portion having a second height, and at least one side panel, wherein at least a portion of the head cover comprises a wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material.

Additionally or alternatively, the wet spunbond meltblown spunbond material comprises a wet spunbond meltblown spunbond material treated with an anionic or cationic surfactant. In a further embodiment, at least a portion of the wet spunbond meltblown spunbond material comprises polypropylene and a random copolymer resin. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the head cover further comprises an upper portion comprising a spunbond material.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in this specification, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 is a side view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a rear view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure; FIG. 11 is a side view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure separated at rear seam 122 of FIG. 10 and laid flat. 8 is a side view of the elastic head cover of FIG. 7. FIG. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a rear view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram of a laminate according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11B is a diagram of the laminate of FIG. 11A including a surfactant according to the present disclosure.

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

In general, the present invention relates to a head covering that can be worn by healthcare professionals. Specifically, a head covering according to the present disclosure has a height h at the front of the head covering sufficient to cover a front portion of a user's head, such as the user's forehead, a height _h2 at the rear of the head covering sufficient to cover a rear portion of the user's head, such as the user's nape, and at least one side or side panel shaped and sized to connect the front and rear portions of the head covering. The at least one side portion has a contoured portion t that forms all or part of its lower edge. The lower edge of the side portion extends from the lower edge of the front portion to the lower edge of the rear portion and is shaped and sized to cover the user's ears , scalp, and sideburns, as required by the AORN guidelines, but remain away from the user's eyes and field of vision adjacent to the front of the head covering.

Additionally, head covers according to the present disclosure may have elasticity along all or a portion of the head cover, sufficient to provide a secure fit for most users, but not a complete band around the entire perimeter of the head cover. Furthermore, head covers according to the present disclosure may be configured to provide adequate head protection for at least about 60% (e.g., at least about 80%) of users when worn by a user, such as by having a height h, height _h2 , contoured portion t, and/or elastic band according to the present disclosure, allowing the head cover to fit a majority of users or potential users. Similarly, head covers according to the present disclosure may be configured to provide an adequate or acceptable fit for at least about 60% (e.g., at least about 80%) of users or potential users, such as by having a height h, height _h2 , and/or contoured portion t according to the present disclosure, and/or other factors to be described herein. A proper or acceptable fit is determined based on "one size fits most" (e.g., the disclosed height and circumference (including stretched and relaxed circumference) will fit approximately 80% or more of the population when the head covering is properly positioned around the head, e.g., the circumference is large enough to encompass 80% or more of the head circumference in a stretched state and maintain proper positioning on the head after being worn (e.g., the relaxed circumference can maintain sufficient contact or pressure where positioned, and the front to back height covers a sufficient portion of the user's head to meet the relevant criteria but does not affect mobility and/or vision/line of sight)). Certain features of the head coverings of the present invention may be better understood by reference to FIGS. 1-11.

1, one embodiment of a head covering 100 contemplated by the present disclosure is shown prior to being donned and secured around a wearer's head. The head covering 100 according to the present disclosure has a front portion 102 that is positioned around the wearer's forehead and a rear portion 104 that is secured around the back of the wearer's head or neck. The head covering 100 also includes a top portion 106 and a side portion 108. In one embodiment, the top portion 106 and the side portion 108 can be joined together at a seam 110 that circumscribes the circumference of the top portion 106 (as shown more clearly in FIG. 4). The side portion 108 extends between the front portion 102 and the rear portion 104. It should be noted, of course, that the side portions 108 are formed from a continuous piece of material, such as the side panels 126, which completely encircle the user's head when worn, and which include the side portions 108, the front portion 102, and the back portion 104, as shown in Figures 7-10 and described in more detail below.

Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the head covering 100 has a height h at the front portion 102 of the head covering ₁₀₀ that is less than a height h2 at the rear portion 104 of the head covering 100. For example, in one embodiment, the height h is high enough to cover the user's forehead without obscuring the user's eyes or eyebrows or impeding the user's vision or line of sight. In such an embodiment, the height h at the front portion 102 of the head covering 100 is from about 7 cm to about 17 cm (e.g., from about 8 cm to about 16 cm, from about 9 cm to about 15 cm, from about 10 cm to about 14 cm, etc.).

Furthermore, in one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the height _h2 at the rear portion 104 of the head covering 100 is greater than the height h at the front portion 102 of the head covering 100. For example, in one embodiment, the height _h2 at the rear portion 104 of the head covering 100 is sufficient to cover the back of the user's neck, e.g., at least partially, if not completely, covering the nape of the user. In such an embodiment, the height _h2 at the rear portion 104 of the head covering 100 is from about 11 cm to about 23 cm (e.g., from about 12 cm to about 22 cm, from about 13 cm to about 21 cm, from about 14.5 cm to about 20 cm, etc.). It should be noted that in one embodiment, the rear portion 104 of the head covering 100 can completely cover the nape of the user to provide sufficient neck protection, as required by the AORN standard.

In one embodiment, the height _h2 at the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100 is about 1.1 to about 3.3 times (e.g., about 1.2 to about 2.9 times, about 1.3 to about 2.35 times, about 1.3 to about 2 times, etc.) the height h at the front portion 102. Accordingly, the opposite is also true. In particular, if the height _h2 at the rear portion 104 is known instead, the height h at the front portion ₁₀₂ of the head cover 100 can be obtained by dividing the height h2 by the above multiplier.

Continuing with FIG. 1 , a head cover 100 according to the present disclosure may have a side portion 108 that is part of a continuous side panel 126 that extends from the front portion 102 of the head cover 100 to the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100. The side portion 108 may have a contour portion t that defines a lower edge 116 of the side portion 108. However, in embodiments in which the side portion 108 is part of a continuous side panel 126 that completely surrounds the user's head, the contour portion t may define the lower edge 116 of only the side portion 108 (e.g., as the portion extending between the front lower edge 112 and the rear lower edge 114 of the side portion 108), and the front portion 102 and the rear portion 104 have respective lower edges (112, 114) that are not defined by the contour portion t. It should be noted that in such embodiments, the front lower edge 112 and the rear lower edge 114 may be delimited and/or marked, such as by a seam or other marker indicating the transition from the side portion 108 to the front portion 102 or rear portion 104 (more clearly shown in Figures 5, 6, 9 and 10), or may be simply a point on the undelimited side panel 126 (more clearly shown in Figures 7 and 9) (e.g., a point where the height (h or _h2 ) does not increase or decrease along the contour t, and/or where the lower edge 116 has no or negligible slope (more clearly shown and described with respect to Figures 7, 8 and 10)). In particular, the front lower end 112 and/or the rear lower end 114 may have some slope between their respective first ends (111, 113) and second ends (115, 117), although in one embodiment the front lower end 112 and the rear lower end 114 are substantially horizontal, have no slope, or have only a negligible slope.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the front lower end 112 extends between a first end 111 of the front lower end 112 and a second end 113 of the front lower end 112, and the rear lower end 114 extends between a first end 115 of the rear lower end 114 and a second end 117 of the rear lower end 114. Thus, in one embodiment, the lower end 116 of the side portion 108 may extend between the first end 111 of the front lower end 112 and the first end 115 of the rear lower end 114, and/or the lower end 116 of the side portion 108 may extend between the second end 113 of the front lower end 112 and the second end 117 of the rear lower end 114.

Nevertheless, the contour t may define lower edges 116 of the sides 108 that increase the height of the sides 108 of the head cover 100 when moving from the front 102 to the rear 104 and decrease the height of the sides 108 when moving from the rear 104 to the front 102. In particular, the lower edges 116 of the sides 108 connect the front lower edge 112, which has the smaller height h, to the rear lower edge 114, which has the larger height _h , in a smooth, continuous, but not linear, manner, connecting the front lower edge 112 and the rear lower edge 114 by lower edges 116 of the sides 108 that are not horizontal and/or have at least some positive slope when moving from the rear 104 to the front 102 along the lower edges 116 or at least some negative slope when moving from the front 102 to the rear 104 along the lower edges 116. For example, in one embodiment, the side lower edge 116 connects the front portion 102 and the rear portion 104 by extending between the first end 111 of the front lower edge 112 and the first end 115 of the rear lower edge 114 and/or the lower edge 116.

In one embodiment, the lower edge 116 exhibits a linear or non-linear change in height. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, the change in height of the head cover 100 along the lower edge 116 may be approximately linear. Alternatively, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lower edge 116 may exhibit a non-linear change in height, having at least one change in average slope, such as at least two changes in average slope, at least three changes in average slope, etc., where the non-linear average slope of the lower edge 116 may be measured between the start point and an inflection point, the inflection point and an end point, or simply the start point and end point and one or more predetermined locations therebetween.

For example, as generally shown in FIG. 1, the profile t defines a lower edge 116 beginning at a first end 111 and/or a second end 113 of the front lower edge 112 and moving toward a first end 115 and/or a second end 117 of the rear lower edge 114, the lower edge 116 having a negative slope that initially increases the height of the side 108 of the head covering 100 at a very gradual rate. Note that when reaching a point along the lower edge 116, such as point m in FIG. 1, point m may not have a physical separation but may simply refer to a point along the lower edge 116, such as a point of change in slope indicating a change in the rate of increase in the height of the side 108 of the head covering 100, or the slope may become even more negative to indicate a greater rate of increase in the height of the side 108 along a portion of the lower edge 116. Similarly, continuing from point m toward the first end 115 and/or second end 117 of the rear lower edge 114, the lower edge 116 reaches a point (e.g., point 118) where the slope becomes less negative and begins to slope toward a horizontal line, as does the slope of the rear lower edge 114, indicating a decreasing rate of increase in height of the side portion 108 of the head cover 100. Thus, in embodiments moving from the front to the rear, the slope between point m and point 118 is most negative, but in reality, the slope is greatest in terms of the rate of change of height. Thus, when referring to a maximum or greater slope, in some embodiments, reference may be made to the absolute value of the slope, such that the most negative slope is the maximum or greater slope. Of course, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and described above, the lower edge 116 may also exhibit a substantially linear change in height between the front portion 102 and the rear portion 104.

Regardless of the contoured portion t, the head covering 100 may also include an elastic strip 120 or elastic portion along all or a portion of the head covering 100. For example, referring again to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the head covering 100 may include an elastic strip 120 only along the rear portion 104. In particular, FIG. 1 shows the elastic strip 120 beginning at point 118 and extending to at least the first end 115 of the rear lower edge 114. The elastic strip 120 may be integrated into the fabric from which the rear portion 104 is formed from a material having some degree of elasticity, or the elastic strip 120 may be integrated into the head covering 100 by attaching the elastic strip 120 to a material forming the portion to which the elastic strip 120 is desired, either before or after the formation of the head covering 100. In embodiments in which the separate elastic strip 120 is integrated with the head cover 100, rather than being a property of the material itself, for example, by attaching the elastic strip 120 to the material forming the head cover 100, the elastic strip 120 may be attached to the head cover 100 so as to be disposed on the outer surface of the head cover 100 or on the inner surface of the head cover 100 (e.g., positioned between the head cover and the user when worn). However, in some embodiments, as discussed in more detail below, the elastic strip 120 may be disposed along the rear lower edge 114, and in further embodiments, the elastic strip 120 may be disposed within the rear lower edge 114. In such embodiments, the fit of the head cover 100 may be improved as described above, for example, by providing a soft elastic strip that is attached to only a portion of the head cover, minimizing pinching and marking from elastic bands (e.g., that encircle the user's head) while providing a more comfortable and secure fit for more users.

Thus, in one embodiment, the elastic strip 120 may be attached at a point 118 having a height _h3 . The height _h3 may be slightly lower than the height _h2 of the rear portion 104, but slightly higher than the height h of the front portion 102 of the head covering 100. For example, in one embodiment, the height h3 of the side portion 108 of the head covering 100, at which the elastic strip 120 may be attached to the lower end 116 of the side portion 108, _may be from about 10 cm to about 20 cm, such as from about 11 cm to about 19 cm, such as from about 12 cm to about 18 cm, for example, from about 13 cm to about 17 cm.

Furthermore, in a relaxed state, the elastic strip 120 may have a length 1 of from about 7 cm to about 17 cm, such as from about 8 cm to about 16 cm, such as from about 9 cm to about 15 cm, before being incorporated into the head cover 100. Of course, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, in one embodiment, the above ranges refer to the elastic strip 120 extending from the first end 115 of the rear lower end 114 to the rear seam 122. Notably, in such an embodiment, the elastic strip 120 may include two portions, a first portion extending from the first end 115 of the rear lower end 114 toward the rear seam 122, and a second portion extending from the second end 117 of the rear lower end 114 toward the rear seam 122. Alternatively, the elastic strip 120 may be an elastic strip 120 extending along the entire rear portion 104 from a first end 115 of the rear lower edge 114 to a second end 117 of the rear lower edge, or may be an elastic strip 120 extending from a point marked as point 118 to a corresponding point 118 on the opposite side of the head covering 100. In such a case, the elastic strip 120 (either half or all) may have a length l2 of from about 14 cm to about 34 cm, for example from about 16 cm to about 32 cm, for example from about 18 cm to about 30 cm, before being incorporated into _{the head covering 100} or in a pre-stretched/relaxed state.

Nevertheless, whether the elastic strip 120 includes only a single portion having the originally disclosed relaxed length l, includes two portions having length l relative to one another, or includes a single portion having length l ₂ , the elastic strip 120, when stretched, may have an extended length (not shown) that is about 1.5 to 3 times, e.g., about 2 to 3 times, the length (l or l ₂ ) of the relaxed length of the elastic strip 120 in a relaxed state (as more clearly shown in FIG. 10 ). In such embodiments, the length l of the elastic strip 120 when stretched prior to incorporation into the head covering 100 and/or in a relaxed state prior to being stretched may be from about 21 cm to about 31 cm, e.g., from about 22 cm to about 30 cm, e.g., from about 23 cm to about 29 cm, e.g., from about 24 cm to about 28 cm.

It will be appreciated that while the above lengths may be provided for the elastic strips 120, the amount of stretch of the head covering 100 may depend on or be limited by the amount of stretch of the material forming the head covering 100 or the amount of stretch of any pleats 124 or gussets provided therein. In one embodiment, as more clearly shown in Figures 5, 6, 9, and 10, the head covering 100 may have one or more gussets and/or pleats 124. Thus, in the embodiment as shown in Figure 1, when the head covering 100 is folded in half or separated along its midline, such as a line extending through the center of the back portion 104 and the center of the front portion 102, the head covering 100 may have a length _l3 of from about 18 cm to about 28 cm, such as from about 19 cm to about 27 cm, such as from about 20 cm to about 26 cm, for example, from about 21 cm to about 25 cm. In such embodiments, when stretched along line A (see FIG. 1 ), the head covering 100 may have a length (not shown) of from about 26 cm to about 36 cm, e.g., from about 27 cm to about 35 cm, e.g., from about 28 cm to about 34 cm, e.g., from about 29 cm to about 33 cm, or may be stretched to a length of from about 1.25 to about 2 times its unstretched or relaxed length (in this case, l ₃ ).

2 illustrates one embodiment of the present disclosure from the front. The head cover 100 has a top portion 106 and a side portion 108 (or portions thereof). The top portion 106 and the side portion 108 may be joined together at a seam 110 that circumscribes the circumference of the top portion 106 (more clearly shown in FIG. 4). The head cover 100 has a front lower edge 112, first and second ends 111 and 113 of the front lower edge 112, a rear lower edge 114, and first and second ends 115 and 117 of the rear lower edge 114. As previously mentioned, in one embodiment, the side portion 108 is part of a continuous side panel 126. Therefore, there are no marks or depictions between the side portion 108 and the front portion 102 and/or rear portion 104. Alternatively, the first end 111 and/or the second end 113 of the front lower edge 112 may mark the point where the contour t intersects with the front portion 102 and/or may be located at the front portion 102 of the head cover 100 if the front lower edge 112 is substantially horizontal or has no or negligible slope. Similarly, the first end 115 and/or the second end 117 of the rear lower edge 114 may mark the point where the contour t intersects with the rear portion 104 and or may be located at the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100 if the rear lower edge 114 is substantially horizontal or has no or negligible slope.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the present disclosure from the back. The head cover 100 has an upper portion 106 and a side portion 108 (or the aforementioned side portion 108). The upper portion 106 and the side portion 108 may be joined together at a seam 110 that encircles the circumference of the upper portion 106 (more clearly shown in FIG. 4). The head cover 100 has a front lower end 112 and a rear lower end 114, however, only the rear lower end 114, including its first end 115 and second end 117, is visible from the back. Portions of the contour portion t extending to the left of the first end 115 and to the right of the second end 117 of the rear lower end 114 are visible. As mentioned above, the side portion 108 may be part of a continuous side panel 126. Therefore, no markings or depictions exist between the side portion 108 and the rear portion 104. Alternatively, the first end 115 and/or second end 117 of the rear lower edge 114 may mark the point where the contour t intersects with the rear portion 104, or may be located at the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100 if the rear lower edge 114 is substantially horizontal or has no or negligible slope.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the present disclosure from a top view. The head cover 100 has a top portion 106 and a side portion 108 (or the aforementioned side portion 108). The top portion 106 and the side portion 108 may be joined together at a seam 110 that circumscribes the circumference of the top portion 106 (more clearly shown in FIG. 4). As shown in the top view of FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the head cover 100 may have a circumference C measured around an outer portion of the head cover, such as the circumference of a side panel 126. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the circumference C around the portion of the top portion 106 or side panel 126 adjacent the seam 110 is the same as or similar to the circumference of the side panel 126 adjacent the bottom end 116 (not shown in FIG. 4). However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art and as generally shown in FIG. 9, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which the portion adjacent the top portion 106 has a smaller circumference than the portion adjacent the bottom end 116.

For example, in one embodiment, the circumference C of the head cover 100 may be from about 55 cm to about 76 cm (e.g., from about 57 cm to about 74 cm, from about 59 cm to about 72 cm, from about 57 cm to about 72 cm, from about 61 cm to about 70 cm, from about 63 cm to about 68 cm, etc.). Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the circumference at the lower end 116 is different from the circumference adjacent to the upper portion 106, the larger of the two circumferences C is based on the above circumference, and the smaller circumference may be from about 54 cm to about 75 cm (e.g., from about 56 cm to about 73 cm, from about 58 cm to about 71 cm, from about 60 cm to about 69 cm, from about 62 cm to about 67 cm, etc.).

5 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the head cover 100 of the present disclosure has a front portion 102, a rear portion 104, a top portion 106, a rear seam 122, a bottom edge 116, and a bottom edge seam 128 joining the bottom edge 116 to a side panel 126 (or side portion 108). In such an embodiment, the head cover 100 also has gussets or pleats 124. While the head cover 100 may be formed from a material that is inherently stretchable or elastic, in one embodiment, as described above, the gussets or pleats 124 may be used to allow the head cover 100 to stretch a predetermined amount by providing excess material that can be folded and contained to fit a wide variety of users with different head shapes and sizes. The gussets or pleats 124 also serve as marks or delineations, in this embodiment, at one or both of the first end 111 and second end 113 of the front lower edge 112 between the side portion 108 and the front portion 102, or at one or both of the first end 115 and second end 117 of the back lower edge 114 between the side portion 108 and the back portion 104. Of course, in further embodiments, gussets or pleats are not required, and instead the material may be gathered around all or a portion of the head covering 100, such as around the elastic strips 120, or the material may have sufficient inherent stretchability to allow the head covering 100 to stretch to a fully extended position as described above.

6 is a side perspective view of one embodiment according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the head cover 100 of the present disclosure has a front portion 102, an upper portion 106, a seam 110, a lower edge 116, and a lower edge seam 128 joining the lower edge 116 to a side panel 126 (or side portion 108). For example, in one embodiment, one or more seams 110 are used to join the upper portion 106 to the side panel 126, for example, to form a tapered seam or line from the side panel 126 to the upper portion 106 or to sufficiently secure the upper portion 106 to the side panel 126. In such an embodiment, the head cover 100 also has gussets, or pleats 124. As noted above, the head covering 100 may be formed from an inherently stretchable or elastic material, but in one embodiment, as noted above, gussets or pleats 124 may be used to allow the head covering 100 to stretch a predetermined amount by providing excess material that can be neatly folded and contained to fit a wide variety of users with various head shapes and sizes. The gussets or pleats 124 also function in this embodiment as a mark or delineation at the first end 111 of the front lower edge 112, marking the point where the side portion 108 meets the front portion 102.

FIG. 7 shows a head covering 100 according to the present disclosure separated along the rear seam 122. For example, FIG. 7 shows a length _l4 , which is the same in centimeters as any of the circumferences C described above. Additionally, FIG. 7 shows a single side panel 126 forming both sides of the head covering 100, which are sewn together at the rear seam 122 or fastened using other methods to form the head covering 100 that encircles the user's head at the rear seam 122. FIG. 7 also shows an embodiment in which the contour t has a substantially linear contour. As mentioned above, the contour t can be linear or non-linear, but such contour should be selected to correspond to the heights disclosed above, have the contour t connecting the front lower end 112 and the rear lower end 114 of the head covering 100, and cover the user's ears, scalp, hair, and nape without obstructing the user's eyes and vision.

For example, in one embodiment, the contour t begins around the first end 111 and/or second end 113 of the front lower end 112 and has a fairly shallow negative slope such that the height of the head covering 100 gradually increases from the front portion 102 to the rear portion 104. In this manner, the height of the contour t near the front portion 102 and adjacent the user's face and/or eyes may be substantially the same as or slightly higher than the front portion 102 when in a worn configuration. However, as the transition continues along the rear lower end 116, the contour t has a steeper negative slope, rapidly increasing the height of the head covering 100 to cover the user's ears and, desirably, earrings, if desired. Then, as the contour t approaches the first end 115 and/or second end 117 of the rear lower end 114, the contour t begins to taper, becoming more gradual and approaching zero. In this manner, the contoured portion t defines a lower edge 116 at which the side portions 108 of the head covering 100 vary in height to cover the user's ears, hair, scalp, and nape without covering the user's eyes or eyebrows and/or obstructing the user's vision or line of sight.

Similarly, as noted above, elastic strips 120 may be used to improve the fit of the head covering 100 of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 8. In particular, Figure 8 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 7 further comprising one or more elastic strips 120. The elastic strips 120 may be any material having elastic properties, such as elasticity, commonly used or known in the art, and may be used as part of the head covering 100, or may be attached to or integrated with the head covering 100. In particular, as noted above, the elastic strips 120 terminate or are attached to the head covering 100 at point 118. Such point is located along contour t on the lower edge 116 of the side portion 108, and the height of the side portion 108 is about 1 cm to about 4.5 cm less than the height _h2 of the rear portion 104, or the height of the side portion 108 is equal to any of the heights described above with respect to height _h3 .

In one embodiment, point 118 may be located along the lower edge 116 of side portion 108, and when measured from rear seam 122 toward the front, is a distance of about 7 cm to about 17 cm, for example about 8 cm to about 16 cm, for example about 9 cm to about 15 cm, from rear seam 122 toward the front 102 in a relaxed state.

In this manner, when at least one of the contours t of the side portions 108 and the size and location of the elastic strips 120, or a combination thereof, is selected in accordance with the present disclosure, a head covering 100 is provided that fits most users and meets the AORN guidelines for coverage. In particular, when the contours t, the first height h, the second height _h2 , the elastic strips 120, or a combination thereof are selected in accordance with the present disclosure, the head covering 100 according to the present disclosure, when worn by a user, will provide an adequate or acceptably fit for at least about 60% (e.g., at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, etc.) of the users wearing the head covering 100, where an adequate or acceptable fit is defined as above.

Additionally or alternatively, the head covering 100 according to the present disclosure, when worn by a user, adequately covers the head and/or neck for at least about 60% (e.g., at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, etc.) of users wearing the head covering 100. In particular, the head covering 100 according to the present disclosure has been found to conform to the AORN coverage guidelines for at least about 90% (e.g., at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, etc.) of users wearing the head covering.

Regardless of the particular configuration of the head covering 100 selected, the materials used to form the head covering 100 can be selected to maximize comfort for the wearer. For example, the top portion 106 and the side portions 108 or side panels 126 can be made from a variety of nonwoven materials formed by any number of processes, including, but not limited to, air-laid processes, wet-laid processes, hydroentangling processes, spunbonding, meltblowing, staple fiber carding and bonding, and solution spinning. The fibers of the nonwoven material itself can be made from a variety of both natural and synthetic materials, including, but not limited to, cellulose, rayon, nylon, polyester, polyolefins (including polypropylene and random copolymer resins), and many other materials. The fibers can be relatively short, staple-length fibers, typically less than 3 inches, or longer, substantially more continuous fibers such as those produced by spunbonding and meltblowing processes.

In one particular embodiment, the top 106 of the head covering 100 may be formed from a spunbond material to promote airflow and minimize the amount of heat trapped within the head covering 100. Meanwhile, the side portions 108 or side panels 126 may be formed from a laminate material, such as a spunbond meltblown spunbond material made from three separate layers laminated together to provide sufficient structure to support a headlamp or any other accessory a medical professional might wear on top of their head. Methods for making such materials are known and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,041,203 to Brock et al., incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The Brock et al. material is a three-layer laminate, also commonly referred to by the acronym "SMS," in which the spunbond meltblown spunbond layer is a three-layer laminate. The two outer layers of the SMS (e.g., the innermost and outermost layers) are spunbond materials made from extruded polyolefin fibers or filaments including polypropylene and a random copolymer resin, which are arranged in a random pattern and then bonded together. The inner layer (i.e., the middle layer located between the two outer spunbond layers) is typically a meltblown layer also made from extruded polyolefin fibers with a smaller diameter than the fibers in the spunbond layers. As a result, the meltblown layer has improved barrier properties due to its fine fibrous structure, allowing sterilants to pass through the fabric while preventing the passage of bacteria and other contaminants. Conversely, the two outer spunbond layers provide the majority of the strength of the overall laminate. Laminates can be prepared using an intermittent bond pattern, preferably used in a substantially regularly repeating pattern on the surface of the laminate. The pattern is selected so that the bonds occupy from about 5% to about 50% of the surface area of the laminate. Desirably, the bonds occupy from about 10% to about 30% of the surface area of the laminate.

For example, FIG. 11A illustrates an SMS laminate 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The SMS laminate 200 includes a first spunbond layer 148, a meltblown layer 150, and a second spunbond layer 152. In one embodiment, the first spunbond layer 148 and the second spunbond layer 152 are formed from the same or similar polymer compositions, such as one of the polymer compositions described above. In additional or alternative embodiments, the first spunbond layer 148 and the second spunbond layer 152 may be formed from different polymer compositions or may include one or more additives in their compositions that differ between the first spunbond layer 148 and the second spunbond layer 152. Additionally, although the first spunbond layer 148 is described as the "first layer," the first spunbond layer 148 may function as an interior or exterior surface of the laminate. Similarly, although the second spunbond layer 152 is described as a second layer, it may function as either the inner or outer surface of the laminate.

Additionally, while the head covering 100 is described above as being formed from a combination of spunbond and SMS materials, it should be understood that different portions of the head covering 100 may be made from any other suitable material that minimizes heat trapping and provides sufficient structure as needed, or may be formed solely from SMS and/or spunbond materials. For example, in addition to the spunbond or SMS materials described above, any or all portions of the head covering 100 may be formed from a cotton woven material.

However, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the head covering 100 is formed from a wettable SMS material, such as a fabric formed from the SMS laminate 200 that has been treated with a surfactant that causes the SMS fabric to absorb fluids. In particular, as briefly discussed above, SMS fabrics are generally hydrophobic and water-repellent. This can create uncomfortable and unsanitary conditions during surgery, as sweat drips onto the clinician's face and head, potentially distracting the clinician and increasing the risk of surgical site infection. Therefore, while utilizing SMS fabric for its desirable breathability and lightweight qualities is beneficial, SMS fabrics can also absorb liquids. Accordingly, the inventors have discovered that treating SMS fabric with a surfactant can result in the formation of a wettable SMS fabric that retains the desirable qualities of SMS fabric, including durability, but also exhibits good wicking and drying properties. For example, surfactants selected in accordance with the present disclosure enable the SMS fabric to retain its durability, breathability, and comfort, and also provide the fabric with wetting and absorption properties in addition to helping reduce the surface tension of liquids that contact the SMS fabric.

In particular, in one embodiment, the surfactant may be a cationic or anionic surfactant. Regardless of the type of surfactant selected, it may be desirable to select a surfactant compatible with the antistatic treatment used in the nonwoven fabric. Notably, regardless of the surfactant selected, the surfactant may be sprayed onto one or both sides of the SMS fabric, for example, by applying an amount of surfactant sufficient to penetrate the SMS fabric. In such cases, the surfactant-impregnated SMS fabric may be subjected to standard SMS fabric treatments, including passing the impregnated fabric through rolls and dryers to remove liquid, leaving the surfactant impregnated on or within the fabric, etc. For example, a surfactant-impregnated SMS fabric according to the present disclosure may have the surfactant on one or both sides of the fabric, and/or may coat the fibers forming the fabric through all three layers, or a portion of the fibers from each of the three layers, or only the fibers in one or more layers of a fabric formed from an SMS laminate 200 according to the present disclosure. Therefore, it may be desirable to select a surfactant compatible with the process for manufacturing the SMS fabric, such as an antistatic treatment, since the surfactant will be processed with the SMS fabric after incorporation.

Thus, in one embodiment, the surfactant may comprise one or more anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, or a combination thereof. Anionic surfactants include mono- and di-alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfates, sulfonates such as alkyl, aryl, benzene, alkyl ether, and olefin sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfates, alcohol and alcohol ether sulfates, phosphates such as alkyl phosphates and phosphate esters, alkyl and alkyl ether carboxylates, fatty carboxylates, alkyl and ethoxylated alkyl phosphate esters, taurates, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the cationic surfactant, applied alone or in combination, may be a dialkyl sulfosuccinate or a salt thereof, such as the dialkyl sulfosuccinate sold under the trade name DOSS-70D.

Surfactants according to the present disclosure may also include cationic surfactants, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkylene glycol surfactants, or combinations thereof. Additionally, the surfactant may be applied as part of a surfactant composition that includes a carrier or solvent. In one embodiment, the carrier or solvent may be water or another carrier or solvent commonly known in the art that is compatible with SMS fabrics according to the present disclosure. Additionally, although not essential, in some embodiments, the surfactant composition may also include various additives known in the art, such as, for example, antifoam additives to minimize foaming of the surfactant when added to a carrier or solvent.

In particular, as is generally known in the art, surfactants are used to reduce the surface tension of a liquid, enhancing the spreading and wetting properties of the liquid. The inventors have discovered that applying a surfactant composition to an SMS fabric, e.g., in an amount sufficient to penetrate the fabric, and then drying, can result in the fabric exhibiting wetting and water absorption properties, even when the original fabric was hydrophobic or had hydrophobic properties prior to the application of the surfactant. For example, surfactants are polar molecules with hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends. When incorporated into an SMS fabric according to the present disclosure, the hydrophobic ends can orient themselves on the fibers of the SMS fabric, coating all or part of the fibers of the SMS fabric and leaving the hydrophilic ends available to accept fluids that come into contact with the fabric. Additionally, the hydrophilic ends can overcome the adhesion (e.g., surface tension) of the fluid to themselves, reducing the surface tension of the fluid in contact with the fabric, causing droplets to spread and the fluid to disperse over the surface of the fabric.

For example, when an SMS fabric or laminate is impregnated with a surfactant and then dried, the carrier or solvent evaporates while the surfactant is retained on the fabric or laminate, coating the fibers of the SMS fabric or laminate with the surfactant, as described above. For example, with reference to FIG. 11B, the above-described SMS laminate 200, which may form all or part of a wettable SMS fabric according to the present disclosure, has a first spunbond layer 148, a meltblown layer 150, and a second spunbond layer 152, and further includes a surfactant 154. The surfactant 154 coats the SMS laminate 200 (e.g., in one embodiment, coats the fibers thereof) and has been applied in a manner sufficient to coat all three layers of the SMS laminate 200. In such embodiments, all or a portion of the fibers in each layer are coated with a surfactant to form a continuous path of coated fibers (e.g., coated fibers or portions of fibers in one layer are adjacent to or in contact with coated fibers or portions of fibers in an adjacent layer) between the first spunbond layer 148, the meltblown layer 150, and the second spunbond layer 152, as shown in Figure 11B, to aid in wicking liquids throughout the laminate. While Figure 11B shows an SMS laminate 200 with a continuous path of coated fibers throughout the SMS laminate 200, this may be fibers or portions of fibers in an adjacent layer that form a continuous path of coated fibers from the first spunbond layer 148, through the meltblown layer 150, and to the second spunbond layer 152, as discussed above. Or, conversely, in one embodiment, an SMS fabric according to the present disclosure may have only a portion of the fabric with continuously coated fiber portions, while other portions may be only partially coated or uncoated. Thus, after drying, the surfactant may be present on or in the SMS fabric in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt %, for example, about 0.5 wt % to about 18 wt %, for example, about 1 wt % to about 15 wt %.

Regardless of the surfactant or combination of surfactants selected and/or the materials used to form the wettable SMS fabric, the inventors unexpectedly discovered that, after treatment with a surfactant, the wettable SMS fabric exhibits superior absorbency properties. For example, in one embodiment, a wettable SMS fabric according to the present disclosure can absorb an amount of liquid, based on the total weight of the SMS fabric, that is about 1.5 to about 4.5 times the weight of the SMS fabric, e.g., about 2 to about 4 times the weight of the SMS fabric, e.g., about 3 to about 3.9 times the weight of the SMS fabric. Furthermore, a wettable SMS fabric according to the present disclosure may have a high absorption capacity per gram of wettable SMS fabric. For example, the wettable SMS fabric may absorb from about 1.25 grams to about 7.25 grams of liquid per gram of SMS fabric, e.g., from about 2.75 grams to about 6.5 grams per gram of SMS fabric, e.g., from about 3.5 grams to about 5 grams per gram of SMS fabric. Furthermore, the wettable SMS fabric may be capable of absorbing liquid up to its absorption capacity in grams at a rate of about 1 second to about 9 seconds, for example, about 3 seconds to about 7 seconds, for example, about 3 seconds to about 6 seconds.

In such embodiments, the wettable SMS fabric may have a fabric weight in grams per square meter (gsm) of from about 10 gsm to about 60 gsm, e.g., from about 15 gsm to about 55 gsm, e.g., from about 20 gsm to about 20 gsm, e.g., from about 25 gsm to about 45 gsm, e.g., from about 30 gsm to about 40 gsm.

Furthermore, wettable SMS fabrics may exhibit excellent moisture-wicking properties, allowing absorbed liquid to evaporate or dry from the fabric, transporting moisture away from the body. In particular, wettable SMS fabrics of the present disclosure are porous and wettable to exhibit capillary action, particularly higher capillary action and/or drying rates than some cellulosic fibers, indicating that the wettable SMS fabrics can wick moisture from their surface and dry after absorbing the liquid. For example, wettable SMS fabrics according to the present disclosure (tested using AATCC 201 at 37°C with 0.2 mL of water) have a drying rate of about 2.5 mL/hr to about 4 mL/hr, e.g., about 2.75 mL/hr to about 3.75 mL/hr, e.g., about 3 mL/hr to about 3.5 mL/hr.

Furthermore, wettable SMS fabrics according to the present disclosure also exhibit excellent breathability, as indicated by their high permeability to air passage. For example, in one embodiment, an SMS fabric according to the present disclosure (tested according to ASTM D737-18 using a 4 inch x 4 inch (10 cm x 10 cm) sample) may have an air permeability, measured in cubic feet per minute of air passing through the SMS fabric, of about 40 CFM to about 62 CFM, e.g., about 42 CFM to about 60 CFM, e.g., about 44 CFM to about 58 CFM, e.g., about 46 CFM to about 56 CFM, e.g., about 48 CFM to about 54 CFM. In addition, because the wettable SMS fabrics of the present disclosure are comprised of a polyolefin-based composition, the wettable SMS fabrics of the present disclosure exhibit low linting properties even after one and five years of accelerated aging, particularly compared to cellulosic-based fabrics.

Furthermore, certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be better understood by the following examples, which are intended to be non-limiting and exemplary in nature.

In particular, wettable SMS fabrics according to the present disclosure were tested for their absorbent capacity (and absorbency rate) and absorption rate, the results of which are shown in Table 1. Absorption rate was measured according to TAPPI T 432 using 4 inch x 4 inch (10 cm x 10 cm) samples and is the average of 90 samples tested. Absorbent capacity and absorbency rate were tested using 90 samples of SMS fabric with a 4 inch x 4 inch (10 cm x 10 cm) sample size and a basis weight of 34 gsm. Wettable SMS fabric samples were prepared from three different lots to account for lot variability.

In particular, the SMS fabric was found to have an average absorbent capacity per gram of 1.39 grams, or an absorbent capacity (measured as absorbency) of 376.6%, or approximately 3.75 times the fabric's weight of liquid. Furthermore, Table 1 shows the absorbency rate in seconds, with the sample's capacity absorbed in 4.35 seconds, demonstrating the wettable SMS fabric's ability to rapidly absorb liquid.

In Table 2, the drying rate of three wettable SMS samples (SMS1, SMS2, SMS3) according to the present disclosure was tested against more traditional cellulosic fabrics using AATCC 201, with 15 cm x 15 cm samples and 0.2 mL of water, at 37°C with 1.25 m/sec airflow over the samples.

As shown in Table 2, the average drying rate of the wet SMS samples was 3.22 mL/hr, while the average drying rate of the cellulosic samples was 1.67 mL/hr. Thus, the SMS samples dried almost twice as fast as the cellulosic samples after absorbing the liquid. Therefore, SMS fabrics according to the present disclosure are able to wick sweat away from a user's body more quickly than cellulosic fabrics. Furthermore, Tables 1 and 2 demonstrate the ability of SMS fabrics to absorb liquid (e.g., sweat from a user in one embodiment) from a surface and then dry after absorbing the liquid.

Table 3 presents data from testing a total of 90 samples divided between wettable SMS fabric samples according to the present disclosure and spunbond fabric samples for breathability. For example, the spunbond fabric may be the spunbond fabric described above formed from polyolefin and may be used in conjunction with the SMS fabric according to the present disclosure in an article of personal protective equipment. In particular, as described in more detail below, the spunbond fabric may be used to form portions of the article where high breathability is required, but does not provide high support, for example, in the upper portion of a head cover where support from the device is not required. Thus, by using the spunbond fabric in conjunction with the SMS fabric according to the present disclosure, a breathable, lightweight PPE garment may be formed. As described in more detail, the article according to the present disclosure may be formed solely from the SMS fabric, or may have portions, such as the crown and sides, formed from the SMS fabric and other portions, such as the upper portion, formed from the spunbond fabric.

Therefore, using 10 cm x 10 cm (4 in x 4 in) samples, the samples were tested for air permeability according to ASTM test D737-18. In such tests, a higher value indicates a more permeable material to the passage of air. Specifically, the results are provided in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and reflect the rate at which air flows out of or through a medium. Thus, a higher CFM value indicates a more permeable material, due to the greater rate at which air passes through the medium represented by the CFM.

Therefore, from Table 3, it can be concluded that both fabrics used in the head cover 100 according to the present disclosure exhibit breathability and air permeability.

Accordingly, the present disclosure has discovered that wettable SMS fabrics can exhibit properties that make them ideal fabrics for use in personal protective equipment.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention and enables one skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system, and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they contain structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they contain equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims.

Claims (19)

A head cover,
a front portion having a first height;
a rear portion having a second height;
at least one side portion extending between the rear portion and the front portion and having a lower end;
at least one elastic strip;
the lower end of the at least one side portion has a non-linear contour, the non-linear contour having an inflection point between the front portion and the rear portion;
the at least one elastic strip is attached to the inflection point and extends to a lower end of the rear portion;
The head cover, wherein the at least one elastic strip has a length of about 7 cm to about 17 cm, or about 14 cm to about 34 cm in a relaxed state. The head cover according to claim 1 ,
the lower end has at least a first slope and a second slope;
The head cover, wherein the first slope is not equal to the second slope. The head cover according to claim 2 ,
the first slope is the slope of a point between the front and rear portions;
the second slope is the slope of a point adjacent to either the front portion or the rear portion;
A head cover, wherein the absolute value of the first inclination is greater than the absolute value of the second inclination. The head cover according to claim 2 or 3 ,
The head cover, wherein the lower end portion further has a third inclination that is not equal to the first inclination or the second inclination. The head cover according to claim 1,
The second height is about 1.1 to about 3.3 times the first height. The head cover according to claim 1 ,
The head cover has a relaxed length when folded along an inner line of about 18 cm to about 28 cm. The head cover according to claim 6 ,
The at least one elastic strip, or both the head cover and the at least one elastic strip, can be stretched so that the head cover has an elongated length along the inner line that is about 1.25 to about 2 times the relaxed length. A head cover,
a front portion having a first height;
a rear portion having a second height;
at least one side panel;
at least one side portion extending between the front portion and the rear portion and having a lower end;
at least one elastic strip;
the lower end of the at least one side portion has a non-linear contour, the non-linear contour having an inflection point between the front portion and the rear portion;
the at least one elastic strip is attached to the inflection point and extends to a lower end of the rear portion;
the at least one elastic strip has a length in a relaxed state of from about 7 cm to about 17 cm;
The second height is about 1.1 to about 3.3 times the first height. The head cover according to claim 8,
The head cover is characterized in that the first height is about 7 cm to about 17 cm. The head cover according to claim 8 or 9,
The head cover is characterized in that the second height is between about 11 cm and about 23 cm. The head cover according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
The side panel has a shape, size, or both a shape and size sufficient to cover one ear of a user when the head cover is worn. The head cover according to any one of claims 8 to 11,
The front portion, the rear portion, and at least one of the side panels are shaped, sized, or both shaped and sized to cover at least approximately 80% of a user's head, hair, ears, and nape. The head cover according to any one of claims 8 to 12,
The head cover further includes an upper portion. The head cover according to any one of claims 8 to 13,
The head cover, wherein the at least one side panel is a continuous side panel configured to encircle a user's head in a worn configuration. The head cover according to any one of claims 8 to 14,
The head cover has a circumference of about 55 cm to about 76 cm. A head cover,
a front portion having a first height;
a rear portion having a second height;
at least one side panel;
at least one side portion extending between the front portion and the rear portion and having a lower end;
at least one elastic strip;
the lower end of the at least one side portion has a non-linear contour, the non-linear contour having an inflection point between the front portion and the rear portion;
the at least one elastic strip is attached to the inflection point and extends to a lower end of the rear portion;
the at least one elastic strip has a length in a relaxed state of from about 7 cm to about 17 cm;
A headcover, wherein at least a portion of the headcover comprises a wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material. 17. The head cover according to claim 16,
A head cover characterized in that the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material includes the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material treated with an anionic or cationic surfactant. 18. The head cover according to claim 16 or 17,
A head cover, wherein at least a portion of the wet spunbond meltblown spunbond material comprises polypropylene and a random copolymer resin. The head cover according to any one of claims 16 to 18,
The head cover further comprises an upper portion comprising a spunbond material.