TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to athletic earpieces, particularly decorative athletic earpieces that can be worn during contact sports.
BACKGROUND Wearing jewelry is a part of popular culture. Male and female athletes wear jewelry when permitted and doing so enhances their overall aesthetic. Jewelry worn in or on the ear, or earrings, will typically have a metal post inserted through a section of the ear and some jewel or design displayed on one side of the earring. Other designs do not require the ear to be pierced such as clip-on earrings. These designs sandwich a section of the ear between two ends, one movable towards or spring biased with respect to the other. See e.g., Japanese Patent No.: JPH09117311 entitled “Clip-Type Earring.”
Athletes who participate in contact sports, e.g., basketball or softball, cannot wear traditional jewelry such as earrings—pierced or clip-ons. See e.g., the 2014-2015 Official Rules of the National Basketball Association, Rule No. 2, §IIb-c—Duties of the Officials: “[t]he officials shall not permit players to play with any type of hand, arm, face, nose, ear, head or neck jewelry.” Still, many athletes desire to be fashionable during the competition. Particularly, professional and collegiate level athletes are under a lime light. Their competitions are recorded and heavily broadcasted so their aesthetic is under a magnifying glass. Understandably, even athletes in the middle of a competition want to look their best. At least some of their better aesthetics are forfeited to the rules of play as jewelry cannot be worn during competition in many sports.
Mass media exposure also creates marketing opportunities. Professional athletes often have their action shots magnified, replayed, reprinted on posters, billboards, sides of buildings, mass transportation devices, personal wall decals and in retail store displays. The equipment a notorious athlete uses or wears during a game is also exposed—wristbands, arm bands, gloves, sleeves, water bottles and headbands are promoted with the athlete. Thus, when an athlete is not allowed to adorn their ears during competitions a tremendous marketing opportunity is lost.
Some existing athletic ear wear has sought to protect traditional earrings while a player participates in contact sports. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,113,208 titled “Apparatus and Method for Protecting Earlobes of Athletes” teaches the use of a protector that adheres to the ear and covers a traditional earring. The bond created by adhesives may erode, however, with perspiration which is highly probable. Other designs seek to clamp around a portion of the ear. See e.g., US Patent Publication 2015/0181990 titled “An Ear Protection Device for Athletes” which teaches a device having a back arched portion in tension with a front face to be worn without removing a traditional earring. This design, however, is less desirable as there are rules and policies, like NBA Rule No. 2, §IIb-c, that would prohibit a pierced or clip-on earring from being worn at all, covered or uncovered.
Therefore, it is desirable to have a fashionable earpiece that can be worn during contact sports and other competitions. A more secure attachment is also needed.
SUMMARY In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure a decorative athletic earpiece, includes: a reinforcement member having: (i) a first portion positionable at a first section of an ear, with a first end spring biased; and (ii) a second portion positionable at a second section of the ear, with a second end spring biased; and a protective skin at least partially covering the reinforcement member. The protective skin is configured to form-fit the ear at an attachment point.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure a decorative athletic earpiece, includes: a reinforcement member having: (i) a first portion with a first leaf spring; and (ii) a second portion with a second leaf spring; and a protective skin at least partially covering the reinforcement member. The first portion and second portion are interconnected. The first and second leaf springs have a longitudinal axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the earpiece.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure a decorative athletic earpiece, includes: a reinforcement member having a leaf spring; and a protective skin at least partially covering the reinforcement member. A portion of the protective skin is configured to rest on a side of the ear opposite a leaf-spring side of the ear. The leaf spring has a longitudinal axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the earpiece.
The present teachings provide fashionable earpieces wearable during contact sports and other competitions. At least some embodiments include a design surface where different signs can be displayed. Accordingly, increased aesthetics and/or marketing is achieved when utilizing the disclosed earpieces.
Some of the disclosed embodiments provide a form-fit to the ear delivering a more secure attachment during competitions. The use of adhesives is not required and the fit is water proof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Techniques will be explained in greater detail below by way of example with reference to the figures, in which the same reference numbers are used in the figures for identical or essentially identical elements. The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. In the figures:
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an athlete with traditional earrings.
FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of an athlete without traditional earrings.
FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of an athlete with a decorative athletic earpiece according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 3A-B are schematic illustrations of an athlete without and with the decorative athletic earpiece of FIG. 2B, respectively.
FIG. 4 is an assembly view of the athlete and athletic earpiece of FIG. 2B.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the earpiece of FIG. 2B with a reinforcement member.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the earpiece of FIG. 2B.
FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an ear and the earpiece of FIG. 2B.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another earpiece according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a reinforcement member for use with the earpiece of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an ear and earpiece according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the earpiece of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a reinforcement member for use with the earpiece of FIG. 10.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an earpiece according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 14A-C are schematic illustrations of an ear and earpiece according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a reinforcement member and temple for use with the earpiece of FIGS. 14A-C.
FIGS. 16A-B are schematic illustrations of an ear and earpiece according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the earpiece of FIGS. 16A-B.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a reinforcement member for use with the earpiece of FIGS. 16A-B.
FIGS. 19A-B are top views of the reinforcement member of FIG. 18 in an opened and closed position, respectively.
FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of an ear and earpiece according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the earpiece of FIG. 20.
FIGS. 22A-B are top views of the earpiece of FIG. 20 in an opened and closed position, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawings, wherein like characters represent the same or corresponding parts throughout the several views there is shown various embodiments of decorative athletic earpieces. Earpieces are designed to be worn during sporting competitions, especially during contact sports. Earpieces are designed to securely fasten to different portions of an ear.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown therein an athlete 10 who plays tennis—a non-contact sport. Since tennis is a non-contact sport the rules governing wearing jewelry are more lenient than with contact sports. As shown, tennis players often enjoy the benefit of wearing traditional earrings 20 and necklaces 30 during competition. Earrings 20 can be composed of metal and can be of the pierced kind. The same is also true of necklaces and “tennis” bracelets. This ability to accessorize during play allows tennis players to enhance their aesthetic. Branding and marketing opportunities are also improved with the ability to accessorize.
Turning now to FIGS. 2A-B, there is shown a side-by-side comparison of another athlete 50 playing basketball. Particularly, the athlete 50 is shooting a free throw shot. In televised matches, close-ups of athletes—e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3A-B—are often broadcast while the athlete 50 is at the free-throw line. As shown in FIG. 2A, the athlete 50 is without an earpiece. Traditional jewelry would ordinarily be prohibited. In FIG. 2B, the athlete 50 has an earpiece 60 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Even from a somewhat distant perspective the decorative earpiece 60 is noticeable. Certainly, from a close-up shot, as shown in FIGS. 3A-B, the aesthetic of the athlete 50 is significantly increased with the addition of the earpiece 60.
FIG. 4 shows an assembly view of the ear-to-earpiece connection. Earpiece 60 includes a design surface 70, as also shown in FIG. 6. Design surface 70 opposes a side 80 of the ear 90 proximate a face 100, i.e., design surface is displayed in conjunction with any face shot. Design surface 70 includes a sign 110 in this embodiment. Sign 110 can incorporate any number of displays including, for example, brand names, logos, trademarks, numbers, names, images or reflective surfaces. In this embodiment, sign 110 is a decal applied to the design surface 70. In other embodiments, sign 110 can be applied using other techniques, including e.g., printing, etching, burning or molding.
Earpiece 60 of FIGS. 4-6 is positionable at two different portions of the ear 90. First, earpiece 60 can be clamped around an upper triangular fossa 120 and a helix 130 of the outer ear 90, as shown in FIG. 7. Earpiece 60 is configured to conform to the natural contours of the ear 90 and is form-fitted to the ear when attached thereto. An interior (or worn) surface 140 of earpiece 60, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, is deformable and/or spring biased to fit snugly against outer ear portions of different sizes. Second, the earpiece 60 can be clamped around a lower pinna 150 of the ear and an earlobe 160 (or auricular lobule, as it is sometimes referred to).
In FIG. 5 there is shown therein a cross-sectional view of the earpiece 60 of FIG. 4. Earpiece 60 includes a two-piece reinforcement member 170. Reinforcement member 170 includes an upper portion 180 and a lower portion 190. Upper portion 180 includes two ends 200, 210 connected through a mid-section 220. End 200 is spring biased with respect to the mid-section 220. In this embodiment, reinforcement member 170 is composed of a polymer. Upper portion 180 is bent at corner 230. End 200 is pre-stressed so as to rest away from a face-side 240 of the earpiece 60 and to rotate about the corner 230 when pressure is applied towards the face-side of the earpiece. Upper portion 180 is also bent at corner 250. In this embodiment, end 210 is spring biased with respect to mid-section 220. End 210 is pre-stressed so as to rest towards the face side 240 of the earpiece 60 and rotate about corner 250 when pressure is applied towards a display side 260 of the earpiece 60. In this manner, when worn, a section of the ear 90, e.g., a crest of the pinna 150 as illustrated in FIG. 7, is clamped or sandwiched between end 200 and end 210 of FIG. 5. Earpiece 60 is form-fitted to the ear 90 at the attachment point, in this case the pinna 150 shown in FIG. 7.
A lower portion 190 of reinforcement member 170, as shown in FIG. 5, also includes two ends 270, 280 connected through a mid-section 290. End 270 is spring biased with respect to the mid-section 290. Lower portion 190 is bent at corner 300. End 270 is pre-stressed so as to rest away from the face-side 240 of the earpiece 60 and to rotate about the corner 300 when pressure is applied towards the face-side of the earpiece. Lower portion 190 is also bent at corner 310 and end 280 is pre-stressed so as to rest towards the face side 240 of the earpiece 60 and rotate about corner 310 when pressure is applied towards the display side 260 of the earpiece. Another section of the ear 90, e.g., the earlobe 160 as illustrated in FIG. 7, is thereby clamped or sandwiched between end 270 and end 280 of FIG. 5. Earpiece 60 is form-fitted to the ear 90 at the attachment point, in this case the earlobe 160 as shown in FIG. 7. In other embodiments, reinforcement member can be composed of other materials, e.g., epoxies, foams, rubbers, metals, fiberglass, Kevlar or gels.
Upper and lower portions 180, 190 of reinforcement member 170, as shown in FIG. 5, are coated in an insulation layer 320. Insulation layer 320 is an energy absorption material, such as foam. A protective skin 330, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, encases the reinforcement member 170 and insulation layer 320. Protective skin 330 is an outer layer or housing that, in this embodiment, wraps around all surfaces of the reinforcement member 170 and insulation layer 330. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, reinforcement member 170 extends between a front and rearward surface 340, 350 of earpiece 60. Protective skin 330 is composed of a rubber. In other embodiments, however, protective skin can be composed of other materials, such as for example, foam, vinyl or cloth. In some embodiments, protective skin 330 includes a feature to add grip or increase friction along the worn surface 140 of the earpiece 60. Feature can, for example, be textured or be composed of a different material than the remaining portion of the protective skin 330 so as to resist movement of earpiece 60 with respect to the ear 90. In one embodiment, for example, the feature is composed of a rubber or elastic material.
Turning now to FIGS. 8-9, another exemplary embodiment of an earpiece 400 is shown therein. Earpiece 400 can be worn on different places of the outer ear 90, e.g., as shown in FIG. 7. With respect to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section of the earpiece 400. As shown, earpiece 400 includes a reinforcement member 410 that is unitary or continuous. Reinforcement member 410 includes an upper portion 420 and a lower portion 430. Upper portion 420 includes an end 440 connected to a mid-section 450. End 440 is spring biased with respect to the mid-section 450. Upper portion 420 is bent at corner 460. End 440 is pre-stressed so as to rest away from a face-side 470 of the earpiece 400 and to rotate about the corner 460 when pressure is applied towards the face-side of the earpiece. Upper portion 420 is also bent at corner 480. In this manner, when worn, a section of the ear, e.g., a crest of the helix 130 as shown in FIG. 7, is clamped or sandwiched between end 440 and wall 490 of reinforcement member 410. Earpiece 400 is form-fitted to the ear at the attachment point.
A lower portion 430 of reinforcement member 410, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, also includes an end connected to a mid-section 500. End 510 is spring biased with respect to the mid-section 500. Lower portion 430 is bent at corner 520. End 510 is pre-stressed so as to rest away from the face-side 470 of the earpiece 400 and to rotate about the corner 520 when pressure is applied towards the face-side 470 of the earpiece 400. Lower portion 430 is also bent at corner 530. Another section of the ear, e.g., the earlobe 160 as shown in FIG. 7, is thereby clamped or sandwiched between end 510 and wall 490. Earpiece 400 is form-fitted to the ear at the attachment point.
Upper and lower portions 420, 430 of reinforcement member 410, as shown in FIGS. 8-9, are coated in an insulation layer 560. Insulation layer 540 is an energy absorption material, such as rubber. A protective skin 550, as shown in FIGS. 8-9, encases the reinforcement member 410 and insulation layer 560. Protective skin 550 is an outer layer or housing that, in this embodiment, wraps around all surfaces of the reinforcement member 410 and insulation layer 560. In this embodiment, protective skin 550 is composed of a rubber. In other embodiments, however, protective skin 550 can be composed of other materials, such as for example, foam, vinyl or cloth.
Now turning to FIGS. 10-12, there is shown another exemplary embodiment of an athletic earpiece 600. In this embodiment, earpiece 600 includes an elastic member, 610 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, that provides tension in a vertical direction, V, as shown in FIG. 12. Although earpiece 600 can be attached at different portions on the ear 90, earpiece 600 is shown clamped around a lower pinna 150 of the ear 90 and an earlobe 160 in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, earpiece 600 includes a design surface 620 having a sign 630.
In FIG. 11 there is shown therein a cross-sectional view of the earpiece 600 of FIG. 10. Earpiece 600 includes a two-piece reinforcement member 640. Reinforcement member 640 includes an upper portion 650 and a lower portion 660. Upper portion 650 includes two ends 670, 680 connected through a mid-section 690. End 670 is spring biased with respect to the mid-section 690. Upper portion 650 is bent at corner 700. End 670 is pre-stressed so as to rest away from a face-side 710 of the earpiece 600 and to rotate about the corner 700 when pressure is applied towards the face-side of the earpiece. Upper portion 650 is also bent at corner 720. In this embodiment, end 680 is spring biased with respect to mid-section 690. End 680 is pre-stressed so as to rest towards the face side 710 of the earpiece 600 and rotate about corner 720 when pressure is applied towards a display side 730 of the earpiece 600.
Lower portion 660 of reinforcement member 640, as shown in FIGS. 11-12, also includes two ends 740, 750 connected through a mid-section 760. End 740 is spring biased with respect to the mid-section 760. Lower portion 660 is bent at corner 770. End 740 is pre-stressed so as to rest away from the face-side 710 of the earpiece 600 and to rotate about the corner 770 when pressure is applied towards the face-side of the earpiece. Lower portion 660 is also bent at corner 780 and end 750 is pre-stressed so as to rest towards the face side 710 of the earpiece 600 and rotate about corner 780 when pressure is applied towards the display side 730 of the earpiece. Another section of the ear, e.g., the earlobe 160 as shown in FIG. 10, is thereby clamped or sandwiched between end 740 and end 750.
In this embodiment, elastic member 610 connects the upper and lower portions 650, 660 of the reinforcement member 640. Elastic member 610 is composed of rubber strands 790 that extend between each portion 650, 660 of the reinforcement member 640. Strands 790 are attached to reinforcement member ends 680 and 750. In this embodiment, strands 790 are adhered to end 680 and end 750, respectively. In other embodiments, strands are braided. Though strands 790 are composed of rubber in this embodiment, strands can be composed of other materials, e.g., other polymers or metal. A protective skin 800, as shown in FIGS. 10-12, encases the reinforcement member 640.
Now turning to FIG. 13, there is shown another exemplary embodiment of an athletic earpiece 850. In this embodiment, earpiece 850 includes an elastic member 860 that is integrated into a protective skin 870. Earpiece 850 can be attached at different portions on the ear. In FIG. 13, there is shown a perspective view of the earpiece 850 with a two-piece reinforcement member 880 shown in hidden lines. Reinforcement member 880 includes an upper portion 890 and a lower portion 900. Upper portion 890 includes two ends 910, 930 connected through a mid-section 920. End 910 is spring biased with respect to the mid-section 920. Upper portion 890 is bent at corner 940. End 910 is pre-stressed so as to rest away from a face-side 950 of the earpiece 850 and to rotate about the corner 940 when pressure is applied towards the face-side of the earpiece. Upper portion 890 is also bent at corner 960. In this embodiment, end 930 is spring biased with respect to mid-section 920. End 930 is pre-stressed so as to rest towards the face side 950 of the earpiece 850 and rotate about corner 960 when pressure is applied towards a display side 970 of the earpiece.
Lower portion 900 of reinforcement member 880, as shown in FIG. 13, also includes two ends 980, 990 connected through a mid-section 1000. End 980 is spring biased with respect to the mid-section 1000. Lower portion 900 is bent at corner 1010. End 980 is pre-stressed so as to rest away from the face-side 950 of the earpiece 850 and to rotate about the corner 1010 when pressure is applied towards the face-side 950 of the earpiece. Lower portion 900 is also bent at corner 1020 and end 990 is pre-stressed so as to rest towards the face side 950 of the earpiece 850 and rotate about corner 1020 when pressure is applied towards the display side 970 of the earpiece. Another section of the ear, e.g., the earlobe 160 as shown in FIG. 10, is thereby clamped or sandwiched between end 980 and end 990.
In this embodiment, an elastic member 860 connects the upper and lower portions 890, 900 of the reinforcement member 850. A protective skin 870, as shown in FIG. 13, encases the reinforcement member 880. Elastic member 860 is incorporated into protective skin 870. Elastic member 860 and protective skin 870 are composed of a material designed to achieve the desired elastic properties and protective insulation, e.g., a rubber. In other embodiments an insulation layer is applied between the reinforcement member 880 and protective skin 870.
Now turning to FIGS. 14A-C and 15, there is shown another exemplary embodiment of an athletic earpiece 1100. In this embodiment, earpiece 1100 includes a temple 1110 attached to a protective skin 1120 and configured to wrap around a back of the outer ear 90. Temple 1110 includes a temple end 1130 that rests on a front of the ear 90, as shown. End 1130 is pre-stressed and spring biased towards a mid-section of temple, 1140 as shown in FIG. 14C. A top portion 1150 of temple 1110 is also spring biased towards a bottom portion 1160 of temple when worn. In this manner additional tension is applied by the earpiece 1100 during wear. Protective skin 1120 and temple 1110 can be composed of the same material or different materials. In this embodiment, protective skin 1120 and temple 1110 are composed of a polymer. In other embodiments, temple 1110 includes a reinforcement member 1170 that can be coated with an insulation layer.
Reinforcement member 1170, of FIG. 15, includes an upper portion 1180 and a lower portion 1190. Upper portion 1180 includes two ends 1200, 1210 connected through a mid-section 1230. End 1200 is spring biased with respect to the mid-section 1230. Upper portion 1180 is bent at corner 1240. End 1200 is pre-stressed so as to rest away from a face-side 1250 of the earpiece 1100 and to rotate about the corner 1240 when pressure is applied towards the face-side of the earpiece. Upper portion 1180 is also bent at corner 1260. In this embodiment, end 1210 is spring biased with respect to mid-section 1230. End 1210 is pre-stressed so as to rest towards the face side 1250 of the earpiece 1100 and rotate about corner 1260 when pressure is applied towards a display side 1270 of the earpiece.
Lower portion 1190 of reinforcement member 1170, as shown in FIG. 15, also includes two ends 1280, 1290 connected through a mid-section 1305. End 1280 is spring biased with respect to the mid-section 1305. Lower portion 1190 is bent at corner 1315. End 1280 is pre-stressed so as to rest away from the face-side 1250 of the earpiece 1100 and to rotate about the corner 1315 when pressure is applied towards the face-side 1250 of the earpiece. Lower portion 1190 is also bent at corner 1325 and end 1290 is pre-stressed so as to rest towards the face side 1250 of the earpiece 1100 and rotate about corner 1325 when pressure is applied towards the display side 1270 of the earpiece. Another section of the ear, e.g., the earlobe 160, is thereby clamped or sandwiched between end 1280 and end 1290. In the illustrated embodiment, of FIGS. 14A-C and 15, the temple 1110 is bare or exposed. In other embodiments, the temple 1110 is covered with a jacket that overlays the protective skin 1120. Jacket can be fitted to the temple 1110 or extend therefrom, e.g., to cover other areas of the outer ear like the helix. Jacket is formed of cloth in one embodiment but can be composed of other materials.
Now turning to FIGS. 16A-B thru 19A-B, there is shown therein another exemplary embodiment of an athletic earpiece 1300. In this embodiment, earpiece 1300 is configured with a reinforcement member 1310 having a set of leaf springs 1320, 1330 that have a longitudinal axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the earpiece 1300, as shown in FIG. 17. A protective skin 1340 has a design surface 1350, as shown in FIG. 16A. Earpiece 1300 is configured to cusp and clamp a portion of the ear, e.g., the earlobe 160, in a hairclip type fashion, as shown in FIGS. 16A-B. Reinforcement member 1310 provides tension against two opposing sides of the ear along a length of the earpiece 1300.
A longitudinal axis of the reinforcement member, LR, is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the earpiece, LE, as shown in FIG. 17. Reinforcement member 1310 includes two leaf springs 1320, 1330 configured to extend along axis LR. Reinforcement member 1310 provides tension against a side of the ear along a length of the earpiece, l. Leaf springs 1320, 1330 are interconnected at 1360. Leaf springs 1320, 1330 include orifices 1370. In this embodiment, reinforcement member 1310 is composed of a polymer. When pressure is applied in one direction leaf spring 1330 overcomes spring 1320 and reinforcement member 1310 is in a closed position, shown in FIG. 19A. When pressure is applied in another direction, against the first direction, leave spring 1320 overcomes spring 1330 and reinforcement member is in an opened position, shown in FIG. 19B. Protective skin 1340, as shown in FIG. 17 encases the reinforcement member 1310.
Now turning to FIGS. 20 thru 22A-B, there is shown therein another exemplary embodiment of an athletic earpiece 1400. In this embodiment, earpiece 1400 is configured with a reinforcement member 1410 having a single leaf spring 1420 that has a longitudinal axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the earpiece, as shown in FIG. 21. Protective skin 1430 has a design surface 1440, as shown in FIG. 20. Protective skin 1430, as shown in FIGS. 20 through 22A-B, encases the reinforcement member 1410. Reinforcement member 1410 or leaf spring 1420 provides tension against a side of the ear along a length of the earpiece, l, as shown in FIG. 20. A portion 1450 of the protective skin 1430 is configured to rest on a side 1460 of the ear 90 opposite a leaf-spring side 1470 of the ear.
A longitudinal axis of the reinforcement member, LR′, is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the earpiece, LE′, as shown in FIG. 21. Leaf spring 1420 is configured to extend along axis LR′. In this embodiment, reinforcement member 1410 is composed of a polymer. When pressure is applied in one direction leaf spring 1420 is out of tension and a worn surface 1480 of earpiece is opened or exposed, as shown in FIG. 22A. When pressure is applied in another direction, against the first direction, leave spring 1420 applies a tension clamping the ear inside the earpiece 1400, shown in FIG. 22B.
Insulation layers can be added or removed on any of the embodiments discussed. In some embodiments multiple insulation layers are used. In other embodiments, a partial or no insulation layer is added between the reinforcement member and protective skin. In some other embodiments, an insulation layer is nested inside of the reinforcement member.
Various manufacturing techniques can be implemented to construct the exemplary earpieces discussed herein. For example, in one embodiment, the reinforcement members are injection molded and pre-stressed thereafter. An insulation layer is sprayed onto the reinforcement members, which are subsequently inserted into another mold. Protective layer is then formed or molded around the reinforcement member. Other manufacturing techniques can be utilized to form, attach or enclose the various components of each earpiece, including but not limited to, extrusion, lathing, cutting, sewing, curing, or milling.
While some modes for carrying out the disclosed techniques have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this area of technology pertains will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the disclosed techniques.
