SAFETY FEATURES FOR WEARABLE ARTICLES

Abstract

An aspect of the disclosure provides a decoupling wearable article for body piercings including a post, a front portion, and a back portion. The post has opposite longitudinal ends and extends longitudinally through a body piercing. The front and back portions releasably couple to opposite longitudinal ends of the post such that at least one of the front and back portions decouples from the post when a predetermined force is applied. An aspect of the disclosure provides a removable protector for a wearable article including a first protector portion configured to be removably coupled to and externally covers at least portion of the wearable article. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a conformable earpiece for acoustic transmission including an earpiece received an ear canal with conformable section of the earpiece conforming to the ear canal. The conformable earpiece including a speaker received within the conformable section of the earpiece.

Description

STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/262,179, filed on Oct. 6, 2021, the entire content is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to coverings for wearable articles, and earrings and earring protectors for use in sporting events, for example.

BACKGROUND

Some wearable articles, such as earrings, other body piercings, orthopedic braces, etc., may be dangerous to the person and/or others who may come into contact with the person, such as during a sporting event or other physical activity. Because of this, for example, some sport organizations and associations, such as youth sports, have generally not allowed athletes and competitors to wear jewelry or other objects in body piercings, such as earrings, studs, etc., during competition. This is generally due to the safety risks associated with the wearing of exposed jewelry or other objects in a piercing (e.g., sharp edges or points stabbing/cutting a player or an earring injuring an earlobe). However, being required to remove these accessories can result in players/competitors misplacing and losing the jewelry or, in the particular case of earrings, can affect the piercing hole, making it more difficult to wear earrings in the future.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a sports earring;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sports earring;

FIG. 3 is a cross section taken in the plane of line 1-1 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross section taken in the plane of line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an earring protector;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the earring protector positioned on an earring;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective of an orthopedic protector on a knee brace;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective of a mouth guard protector on a mouth guard;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a helmet protector on a football helmet;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a sport padding protector on shoulder pads;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective of an ear piece in an ear canal and sensors on skin and hair; and

FIG. 12 is a front perspective of a sensor on a fingernail.

Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect a decoupling wearable article for body piercings, generally comprises a post, a front portion, and a back portion. The post has opposite longitudinal ends and extends longitudinally through a body piercing. The front and back portions releasably couple to opposite longitudinal ends of the post such that at least one of the front and back portions decouples from the post when a predetermined force is applied on the decoupling wearable article.

In another aspect, a removable protector for a wearable article comprises a first protector portion configured to be removably coupled to the wearable article. The first protector portion externally covers at least a portion of the wearable article and reduced damage and or injury to an article or person from coming into contact with the wearable article.

In yet another aspect, a conformable earpiece for acoustic transmission generally comprises an earpiece with a conformable section and a speaker received within the conformable section of the earpiece. The earpiece is received an ear canal such that the conformable section of the earpiece conforms to the ear canal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the present disclosure relates to safety features for wearable articles used during sporting competition and/or physical activity. As described below, in one aspect a wearable article for a body piercing, such as but not limited to earrings, studs, spikes, rings, etc., enables the article to be received in the body piercing and become disengaged from the body piercing if a force applied to the wearable article exceeds a predetermined force to inhibit injury to the body part through which the piercing passes and inhibits damage and or injury to the article or person applying the force to the wearable article. As also described below, in another aspect a removable protector is configured to be worn over a conventional wearable article for a body piercing, such as but not limited to conventional earrings, studs, spikes, rings, etc., to inhibit injury to the body part through which the piercing passes and inhibit damage and or injury to an article or person which may come into contact with the wearable article. In yet another aspect, also described below, a removable protector is configured to worn over a wearable article used during a sporting competition or other physical activity, such as an orthopedic brace or other wearable article, such as a mouth guard, helmet, or sports pads, to inhibit damage and or injury to the article or person which may come into contact with the wearable article.

Releasable Wearable Article for Body Piercing

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a wearable article for a body piercing for use in sporting competition or other physical activity is generally indicated at reference numeral 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the wearable article is configured as an earring (e.g., a stud earring), although it is understood that the wearable article may be of other configurations, including but not limited to a body stud, a hoop earring, a spike, etc., configured to be inserted through a body piercing. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated earring 100 comprises a front or ornamental portion 102 (broadly, a first portion), a back portion 104 (broadly, a second portion), and a post 106 (e.g., cylindrical post) extending between and coupling the front and back portions 102, 104 and configured to be inserted into (e.g., through) the body piercing. The post 106 is releasably couplable to the front and back portions 102, 104 such that front and back portions decouple from the post when a predetermined force (e.g., shearing force transverse to the longitudinal axis of the post) is applied to the corresponding one of the front and back portions. The predetermined force is such that the front and back portions 102, 104 remain coupled to the post 106 during normal competitive activity (such as during soccer, basketball, field hockey, etc.) and will decouple from the post to inhibit injury to the body part through which the piercing passes and inhibit damage and or injury to the article or person applying the force to the wearable article. In one example, the predetermined force is a shearing force. The predetermined shearing force may be, for example, from about 10N to about 70N, or about 20N to about 60N, or about 30N to about 50N. As can be understood, conventional earrings include a back that is removable from the post by applying a longitudinal force to the back to slide the back off the post. In this construction, the back will not disengage or decouple from the post due to a shearing force and may injure (e.g., rip through the earlobe of the wearer). Moreover, in this conventional construction, the ornamental front portion does not decouple from the post but is instead fixedly secured thereto.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front and back portions 102, 104 are couplable to opposite longitudinal ends of the post 106 by a magnetic coupling. In one example, the front and back portions 102, 104 and the post 106 comprise a magnetic or ferromagnetic material. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the front and back portions 102, 104 each comprise an outer housing or covering 110 and a magnetic component 112 (e.g., magnetic or ferromagnetic material). The outer housing 110 may substantially surround and house the magnetic component 112 or the outer housing may only partially cover the magnetic component, such as an outer perimeter of the magnetic component. The outer housing 110 may be molded around the magnetic element 112. However, other means of forming the outer housing 110 around the magnetic element 112 are also anticipated by this disclosure. The outer housing 110 may comprise a relatively soft material, such as a silicone or other polymer, rubber, or other material. The outer housing 110 may have, for example, a Shore A durometer from about 0 A to about 70 A, or from about 10 A to about 60 A, or from about 25 A to about 50 A. The outer housing 110 may have other hardnesses, including hardnesses in the 00 Durometer scale. Similar to the front and back portion 102, 104, the post 106 may comprise an outer housing or covering 116 and a magnetic component (e.g., magnetic or ferromagnetic material, not shown), or the post may not include the outer housing or covering. The outer housing 116 may substantially surround and house the magnetic component or the outer housing may only partially cover the magnetic component, such as an outer perimeter of the magnetic component. The outer housing 116 may be formed from the same or similar material as described above with respect to the outer housing 110.

When inserting the earring 100 (or other wearable article constructed according to the above teachings into a body piercing, the magnetic attraction force between the front and back portions 102, 104 and the post 106 result in the earring 100 sandwiching the earlobe (or other pierced portion of the body) of the user. One or both of the front and back portions 102, 104 may be configured to have a post receiver 108 (an opening as seen in FIG. 2, which may be a slot) or other post locator to couple the post to the front and back portions. The post receiver 108 is configured to accept the post 106 when the post is in the pierced hole of the user such that the front portion 102 contacts the front of the ear and the back portion 104 contacts the back of the ear. The post receiver 108 enables the adjustment of the location of the back portion 102 and/or the front portions along the length of the post 106 to make the earring adjustable based on the depth of the piercing (e.g., thickness of an earlobe or other body portion), for example.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second discs 102, 104 and the post 106 may not include ferromagnetic or magnetic elements, but are instead secured to each other using hook and loop fasteners or other releasable coupling mechanisms. As with the magnetic embodiment, the force used to secure the earring 100 in place (e.g., magnetic force, Velcro force) is selectively releasable by the user or another non-user when the user or non-user exerts a force opposite to the securing force on the sports earring. Thus, if there is a collision between the user and another player in which the sports earring 100 is caught on something, the earring is easily removed from the ear and no harm is caused to the players.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the post 106 is not comprised of a ferromagnetic or a magnetic material, but is instead comprised of some other material, which makes the post rigid or semi-rigid allowing some resilient bending of the post. The post 106, like the prior disclosed post, continues to maintain the earring hole size for the user of the earring 100. However, the front and back portions 102, 104 and the post 106 are couplable in the piercing through magnetic attraction between the front and back portions in such a way as to sandwich the body portion (e.g., ear lobe) of the user. The magnetic force between the front and back portions 102, 104 releasably secures the front and back portions in place, while the post 106 maintains the earring hole size for the user of the earring 100.

Removable Protector for Body Piercing

Referring to FIG. 5, a removable protector for a wearable article for a body piercing is generally indicated at reference numeral 150. The removable protector is configured to be worn over a conventional wearable article for a body piercing, such as but not limited to conventional earrings, studs, spikes, rings, etc., to inhibit injury to the body part through which the piercing passes and inhibit damage and or injury to an article or person which may come into contact with the wearable article.

The illustrated removable protector 150 is configured to protect an earring (e.g., a stud earring). The illustrated earring protector 150 comprises a front protector portion 152 and a back protector portion 154. In another embodiment, the earring protector 150 may comprise only a front protector portion. Referring to FIG. 6, the front protector portion 152 is configured to be removably coupled to the decorative or front portion 156 of the earring 155 to at least partially cover the front portion, and the back protector portion 154 is configured to be removably coupled to at least one of the back portion 160 of the earring and the post 158. In one example, the front and back protector portions 152, 154 may be coupled to one another to form an assembly. For example, a connector (e.g., a strap or other flexible component, not shown) may couple the front and back protector portions 152, 154 to one another. The front and back protector portions 152, 154 and the connector may be integrally formed as a one-piece structure or may be formed separately and then coupled together.

The front protector 152 and/or the back protector 154 and/or the connector may comprise relatively soft material, such as a silicone or other polymer, rubber, or other material. Any or all of the front protector 152, the back protector 154, and the connector may have, for example, a Shore A durometer from about 0 A to about 70 A, or from about 10 A to about 60 A, or from about 25 A to about 50 A. Any or all of the front protector 152, the back protector 154, and the connector may have other hardnesses, including hardnesses in the 00 Durometer scale. This material allows the earring 155 to be protected from someone, such as the user or non-user of the earring, from grabbing, ripping out, or being poked by the earring during sporting events. The front and back protector portions 152, 154 are configured in the illustrated embodiment to be resiliently flexible and fitted over the earring 155 in such a way that the front and back protectors are frictionally or otherwise removably secured to the earring. This allows for the user to remove the earring protectors 150 from the earring 155 after the end of the sporting event or other activity. In other embodiments, the earring protectors 150 may be secured to the earring 155 using hook and loop fasteners, magnets, or other removable couplers.

The removable protector 150 may also be a type of coating that is a slippery surface so the earring 100 cannot be grabbed, pulled, or twisted. The slippery surface would be soft enough to protect an individual wearing the wearable article, such as the earring 100, and individuals who might be playing sports in the opposite direction, so they are not injured by the wearable article. For example, but not limiting to, the removable protector 150 may be a material of polyethylene or grease type support that would slide off if one would try to grab the removable protector 150. In alternative embodiments, the removable protector 150 as a coating may be of metal, plastic, or foam. The removable protector may be applied over the wearable article by a spray material onto the wearable article to provide a custom cover or by positioning the removable protector over the wearable article such that the removable protector may be secured to the wearable article by locking into position. The removable protector 150 may be formed of a single piece or multiple pieces. For example, when the removable protector is made of multiple pieces, it may be made from two different types of polymers or two different types of materials with different modulus of elasticity. A first material would be more firm to grab onto a body part and a second material may be more deformable so one that would grab this would not injure the individual. It could be sharper posts so it would not push back into the skull and protected with firmer polymer. On the external part, for example, an earring would be soft and more deformable to not injure the athlete who tries to grab this.

The removable protector 150 may be configured to be a single use or reusable cover to the wearable article 100 both of which may be sterilizable. A single use embodiment of the removable protector 150 may include, but is not limited to, a shrink wrapped material that locks onto the wearable article and is removed by cutting off of the wearable article or sliding off the wearable article. This could be done by crimped or heat shrinking into position. For example, material of the removable protector 150 may be placed over the wearable article 100 and then heated with a hot air device, hot water, or thermoplastic to lock the removable protector into position and then removed by being cut off, slid off, or alternative methods. An alternative embodiment of a single use removable protector 150 may be secured to the wearable article by an adhesive, which would be removed by peeling off the adhesive from the wearable article. Reusable removable protectors 150 may be attached to the wearable article 100 by reusable adhesives, magnets, thermoplastic, velcro, or electromagnetic forces.

Removable Protector for Other Wearable Articles

Nothing in this disclosure should be construed to limit the application of this disclosure to merely earring protection, as other applications, such as orthopedic brace removable protectors 250 (FIG. 7), mouth guard removable protectors 350 (FIG. 8), helmet removable protectors 450 (FIG. 9), sports pad removable protectors 550 (FIG. 10), or other body piercing removable protectors, to name a few, are also contemplated by the inventors.

For example, a removable protector 250 (FIG. 7) may be configured to be removably coupled to an orthopedic brace 200, such as a knee brace or elbow brace (not shown) to at least cover portions of the brace that may cause injury or harm to others. The removable protector 250 could be placed also over existing metal devices or braces. For example, if one has a hinged knee brace, one could attach these afterwards either temporary or full time onto the hinged knee brace so the metal is not exposed and one risks injuring other athletes. The protector may comprise a relatively soft material, such as a silicone or other polymer, rubber, or other material. The protector may have, for example, a Shore A durometer from about 0 A to about 70 A, or from about 10 A to about 60 A, or from about 25 A to about 50 A. The protector may have other hardnesses, including hardnesses in the 00 Durometer scale. This removable protector 250 may also be a type of coating that is a slippery surface so the brace 200 cannot be grabbed, pulled, or twisted. The slippery surface would be soft enough to protect an individual wearing the wearable article, such as the brace 200 and individuals who might be playing sports in the opposite direction, so they are not injured by the wearable article. For example, but not limiting to, the removable protector 250 may be a material of polyethylene or grease type support that would slide off if one would try to grab the removable protector 250. In alternative embodiments, the removable protector 250 as a coating may be of metal, plastic, or foam. The removable protector 250 may be applied over the wearable article by spray material onto the wearable article to provide a custom cover or by positioning the removable protector over the wearable article such that the removable protector may be secured to the wearable article by locking into position. The removable protector 250 may be formed of a single piece or multiple pieces. For example, when the removable protector is made of multiple pieces, it may be made from two different types of polymers or two different types of materials with different modulus of elasticity. A first material would be more firm to grab onto a body part and a second material may be more deformable so one that would grab the removable protector 250 would not injure the individual. The removable protector 250 may be configured to be a single use or reusable cover to the wearable article 200 both of which may be sterilizable. A single use embodiment of the removable protector 250 may include, but is not limited to, a shrink wrapped material that locks on the wearable article 200 and is removed by cutting off of the wearable article or sliding off the wearable article. This could be done by being crimped or heat shrunk into position. For example, material of the removable protector 150 may be placed over the wearable article 100 and then heated with a hot air device, hot water, or thermoplastic to lock the removable protector into position and then removed by being cut off, slid off, or alternative methods. An alternative embodiment of a single use removable protector 250 may be secured to the wearable article 200 by an adhesive, which would be removed by peeling off the adhesive from the wearable article. Reusable removable protectors 250 may be attached to the wearable article 200 by reusable adhesives, magnets, thermoplastic, velcro, or electromagnetic forces. Referring to FIGS. 8-10, removable protectors 350, 450, and 550 may be similar to the removable protectors 250 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. When referring to the figures, embodiments of the removable protectors 250 have corresponding numbers to the removable protectors 150 by plus 100. Each embodiment each embodiment of the removable protectors 350, 450, and 550 each are the previous embodiment's reference numbers plus 100.

Safety Features for Wearable Articles and/or Sensor Technology

The present disclosure also relates to technology for sensors 700 (FIGS. 11-12), wearables, or electronics that could be in part biodegradable/degradable. For example, this could include sensor technology that is based on hair follicle movement, keratin, collagen, PJA/PLA composites, cellulose, etc. These materials can be used as sensor-based technologies to detect activity, motion, stress, etc. For example, hair follicles could be utilized as sensors 700. The body currently uses hair sensors 700 to measure motion, measure pressure, etc. The hair follicles may be as built in biologic sensors 700 administering a charge to the surface, whether through an electric charge or whether by linking to wearable technology. A Bluetooth signal would then transmit the information to another device (i.e., a computer memory storage transmission system, iPhone, mobile device, Ring, etc.) that would be able to store and/or transmit data and collate this to a central storage site. The sensors 700 may be partially or completely biodegradable. Electronics could be partially coated with PJA/PLA or other biodegradable composites for use as insulators. Nothing in this disclosure should be construed to limit the types of materials that can be utilized. Multiple different polymeric materials could be utilized in this application, as well as partial biodegradable materials and biologics. In one example, the biologic material could be a portion of the sensor 700. It could be hair follicles, keratin, collagen, cells, etc. Further, the disclosure could implement inflatable technologies that lock or stabilize the sensors 700 against the surface of the body. The disclosure relating to biodegradable material and electronics set forth in U.S. Ser. No. 16/405,046, filed May 7, 2019, is incorporated herein.

Referring to FIG. 11, the present disclosure further relates to an inflatable earpiece 600 for headphones or for acoustic transmission. In one example, the earpiece 600 inflates into the ear canal in order to conform to the user's ear canal, where the speakers are built into the inflatable section. The earpiece 600 can also add or amplify the bass or other acoustic responses to amplify sound or storage. For example, if one had wireless or amplified earbuds or audio technology, one could place the earpiece 600 into the ear and either manually inflate the earpiece 600 with a small pump or the earpiece could automatically inflate using an electrical charge, the electrical charge inflating the earpiece until it fit the contour of the ear. The earpiece 600 could also use a contouring foam that could be electrically charged or thermally charge so it would conform. It would not necessarily inflate, but thermally conform. The foam could add a sound dampening feature to add to the noise cancelling concepts. The thermally modifiable foam or inflatable material could also be responsible for adding bass response or other response as it stabilized into the ear. There could also be sensors (i.e., Bluetooth or other wireless transmitting technology) to transmit data back to the device that is supplying the audio information. It could inflate further down into the ear canal to work as a sensor so as one was speaking one could also then speak through this system as well.

The earpiece 600 could also be used for custom hearing aids, so if someone is trying to enhance their hearing, it would cancel out or amplify the external noise. By sealing with thermally modifiable foams or polymers, or inflatable polymers, hearing aid technology could be enhanced. Sensors could be placed on the hearing aid to provide feedback to wireless systems or mobile devices. The mobile device (i.e. rings, watches, phones, etc.) itself could also pickup sound and transmit it to the hearing aid to amplify the sound and enhance the individuals hearing. This could also be used for remote hearing monitoring. If the speakers or the mobile device was shifted away like an Alexa, one could then transmit to these devices and enhance one's ability to monitor specific locations. The disclosure relating to patient monitoring apparatus and method for orthosis and other devices set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7/182,738, filed Apr. 23, 2003, is incorporated herein. Further, the disclosure relating to systems and methods for use in diagnosing a medical condition of a patient set forth in U.S. Publication No. 2014/0276096, filed Mar. 15, 2013, is incorporated herein.

Another technology is to use alternative adhesives, i.e., malleus based adhesives, biologic based adhesives etc. Biofilm adhesive disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 13/912,933, filed Jun. 7, 2013. Biofilms are made by certain bacteria such as staph aureus, which can be used as biodegradable adhesives. The protein sugar composite that is secreted by certain bacteria, such as staph aureus, allows them to adhere to tissue surface. This could be used to sterilize instruments through a number of known methods or could be genetically engineered through enzymatic conversion processes. One could create biofilm as a biodegradable type adhesive that could be used for wearables, other devices, or potentially even implantable devices for holding cells, tissues, and other things in position. In one embodiment, the adhesive could be simply washed off later. The adhesive could be used for implants, scaffolds, etc. One could also use a fabric home strap, which is a composite of foam plus a fabric over the foam that would stretch and adhere. The strap could have Velcro over the top or other locking adhesive or device (i.e., an electric or magnetic device) to stabilize. This could be used for bandages or dressings, to protect the safety features of wearable articles, to protect metals or other materials from damage and stabilize with non-adhesive elements. It would adhere to the skin without having to remove the hair or other tissue on the surface and would allow the strap to go circumferential. The adhesive locks upon itself and then can progressively strap. The adhesive would be an improvement upon Fabrifoam by allowing use for numerous other medical dressings and bandages but also for the protected based technologies. The adhesive could also magnetically adhere to itself or electrically adhere to itself (e.g., with static electricity), and/or could be used to hold sensors or stabilize devices in place. Again, this also could be used with biofilm with partially or completely biodegradable sensors or technologies.

For the specifics for the ear canal, one could stabilize the ear canal with a 2-piece polymer, thermal acting polymer, inflatable, Fabrifoam, or even adhesive type ideas. One softer to protect the device and other firmer to stabilize the body part. The sensors could be used in these wearables or wearable biologics. Inside the wearable could be placed silver, antibiotic, or other treatments to protect the skin. It could also add different types of adhesives, which could be permanent or temporary to stabilize body parts. These could also be used for a number of different medical wearables. It could be used for watches, rings, earphones/ear pieces/hearing aids or others to stabilize mobile devices or mobile technologies. It could also be for nasal devices, sinus devices, ultrasound, or stabilization devices. It could be used for suction type adhesive devices and/or to stabilize suction type wound dressings, which are single use degradable. The disclosure relating to method of inhibiting the formation of adhesions and scar tissue and reducing blood loss set forth in U.S. Publication No. 2008/0069855, filed Aug. 21, 2006, is incorporated herein. Fabrifoam can be washed or thrown away as a single-use device. It could be used also to enhance/transmit sound. These could have a sensor with wireless communication. It could also be used for vehicles for communication or in communication with Bluetooth or Alexa.

The wearables could be used to stabilize different body parts or different types of braces, whether it is a hinged knee brace or unloader or whether it is a simple sleeve. The wearable could be an external device that is linked to sensors that allow enhanced sensor based technology on the surface of the body or internal to the body. It could be used to stabilize robotic components as one is doing surgical procedures either externally or internally. It could be used to stabilize robotic type devices—micro robots, Nano robots, etc., that are used in both medical applications and non-medical including automotive, etc.

The wearables could further be inflatable by a single bladder or multiple bladders. The bladders could be dual durometer bladders, which are reinforced with fibers so as to control the direction of expansion. These dual durometer or multiple durometer sleeves could control the expansion of the wearable. If something is inflated or thermally modifiable polymer, the expansion can be controlled in one direction but not in another so as to conform to surface, whether the surface is a body surface, automotive surface, or any type of device one wants to stabilize.

These technologies can be used in conjunction with other body piercings (i.e., ear, nose, belly, or other areas) in order to stabilize and protect the piercings. For example, with a piercing through the belly button, one could wrap adhesive around the piercing or around the body part or link the piercing to a dressing so it would not be ripped out or damaged. Adhesives could be used to hold the piercing in position.

These technologies can also be used with living biosensors using a magnetic electric static. One could pick up pressure/motion/thermal energy and turn this into actual sensors. One could use, as previously noted, hair, cells, skin, keratin, or fingernails or added devices that are augmented to body tissue or to non-body tissue to create sensors that would be adhering or bonding. The disclosure relating devices, systems, and methods set forth in U.S. Publication No. 2018/0243626, filed Feb. 28, 2017, is incorporated herein. This disclosure includes a concussion diagnostic transmitter for transmitting optical signals to the eyes of a wearer.

Referring to FIG. 8, another technology of this disclosure relates to removable protectors 450 for helmets such as football helmets for protection. This could be for football, lacrosse, hockey, etc. Football helmets 400 are designed hard outside. The design for these helmets 400 was to specifically create noise impact and excite the fans. The external hard shell, however, has a number of drawbacks. As individuals are trying to pad the helmets, all the padding occurs internally which makes this more challenging and the concussion risk is greater. If the padding was external or if the helmet was somewhat slightly flexible on its external surface, it could protect against the risk of concussion. For instance, a softer layer, such as polyurethane, on the outside of the helmet would provide cushioning. The firmer polymer would then be underneath the softer polymer, followed by padding external as well as internal to the helmet. One of the challenges with the softer foams is that the materials could adhere. If two helmets collide or helmet collides against another material, it would stick and risk damage to the neck. There needs to be a smooth external surface on this flexible polymer so when impact occurs it would deform and slide. A soft deformable surface on the helmet would slide rather than grasp. An external surface would be deformable so it would decrease the risks for a concussion. It may affect the sound issue that the NFL or sports like, but this could also be added via other type of noise, acoustic type devices, or even speakers for example. External shells of the helmet, face guard, and/or shoulder pads should be more soft or deformable to decrease the risk of concussions or other injuries. Polyurethanes and coated silicones are capable of providing this solution, as well as numerous other material such as polyethylene, which could be embedded to allow both sliding and external compression. A slidable cover would also be beneficial for coving fingernails, hair, ponytail, corn rows, etc., which would allow the cover to slide off if someone tries to grab them, which would prevent damage the individual's neck, shoulders, arms, or hand. This protection design relates also to the protection for ear pieces or for earrings and also for any type of devices that are used to protect athletes including shoulder pads, knee pads, etc. It is the hard outer shell of these that risk damage to other individuals and/or damage to the tissue inside. If the external surface was soft and would deform on impact, it would protect the body surface much better rather than rigid hard plastic on the external surface of the brace, helmet, shoulder pads, etc. To decrease concussions or risk of tissue damage, it would be softer, slidable polymer on the outside. There is a firmer layer and then a third layer inside, which would cushion as well. The cushion is outside and inside the helmet rather than the hard plastic. One could use Teflon or other non-stick materials that are well known or ceramics as examples to decrease the risks for concussion from helmets or even face masks, face guards, etc.

This could be added to protect the earring, the outer ear, or the inner ear canal, and could be a thermally conformable material. For example, this could be fixed to a body part or wrapped around specific body parts. For example, in the ear, it could wrap around a portion of the outside of the ear into the ear. It could clamp on as one more deformable piece and one rigid piece. It could be multiple colors of skin tones or other. It could also sparkle to simulate jewelry or to cover this up so it is more skin tone and appears normal to the skin. It could be single use. It would wrap around and be stabilized. This could be stabilized to the body part. It could be fabrifoam, static electricity, or could use different types of adhesives. You could add speakers to this protection design to enhance sounds. One could communicate from one athlete to another with this system. It could also be used externally to protect metal or polymeric braces. This flexible cover could be removable or applied onto existing braces. It could be single-use disposable component or rigid component that could be added onto existing braces. It can also be used for wearables and other exercise devices and technologies.

Sensors may be attached to fingernails or hair so if the keratin flexes it creates a charge. This could be used to create energy to charge a sensor via a capacitor. It could be used as the sensor itself with electrical, magnetic, or static charge. The hair follicles would move and sense activities such as moisture, heat, motion, stress, etc. These could be used also for psychological evaluation whether monitoring eye motion, finger motion, or stress. Often hair stands on end as a fight or flight reaction. The hair could be turned into sensors themselves with or without electrical charge, battery operated charge, or magnetic charge. Information could be transmitted to a mobile device to indicate where the charge came from. The information can be picked up through any type of known mobile system as part of this technology and then transmitted to a central computer for processing as noted. This could also be personalized and/or protected through Artificial Intelligence or other machine learning algorithms as well as linked to the individual because each individual has specific DNA and biologic codes.

In another aspect, DNA/RNA may be scanned using mobile device or sensors. An individual's DNA simply by scanning the surface of the skin, hair follicles, etc. These would not be just sensors but would be code markers for encryption, data transmission, or authentication. One would be able to scan this off a mobile device possibly even doing a micro biopsy that would go onto your mobile device that would then be used to identify an individual. Access would be allowed off your mobile device whether it is infrared or microprocessor. It could be added to the mobile device as an add on feature. Using DNA would identify an individual better than retinal scans or facial recognition. This should be DNA/RNA recognition of specific tissue types that are individualized. This could be used whether Artificial Intelligence encryption or personalization linked to your phone so then no one else can use it or access bitcoin or currency type applications.

Cameras or other devices imbedded into a wearable article 150-650, for example or have locating type devices. For example, if one loses an earring 100 or some type of jewelry, it could be identified later patched into a cellphone or an app. For example, a major area would be covering fingernails or hair as previously noted. The disclosure relating to artificial intelligence and/or virtual reality for activity optimization/personalization set forth in U.S. Publication No. 2019/0065970, filed Aug. 30, 2017, is incorporated herein. Further, the disclosure relating to robotic systems, operating room systems, insulated conductor including biologically active material, microplastic filter, and combinations thereof set forth in U.S. Publication No. 2022/0133572, filed Oct. 6, 2020, is incorporated herein.

When introducing elements of aspects of the invention or the embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Not all of the depicted components illustrated or described may be required. In addition, some implementations and embodiments may include additional components. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein. Additional, different or fewer components may be provided and components may be combined. Alternatively, or in addition, a component may be implemented by several components.

The above description illustrates the aspects of the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description enables one skilled in the art to make and use the aspects of the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the aspects of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the aspects of the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the aspects of the invention are not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The aspects of the invention are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

It will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

In view of the above, it will be seen that several advantages of the aspects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

The Abstract and Summary are provided to help the reader quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. They are submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. The Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in simplified form that are further described in the Detailed Description. The Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A decoupling wearable article for body piercings, the decoupling wearable article comprising:

a post extending longitudinally through a body piercing, the post having opposite longitudinal ends; and

front and back portions releasably couplable to opposite longitudinal ends of the post, wherein at least one of the front and back portions decouples from the post when a predetermined force is applied on the decoupling wearable article.

2. The decoupling wearable article of claim 1, wherein the predetermined force is a shearing force from about 10N to about 70N.

3. The decoupling wearable article of claim 1, wherein the front and back portions and the post comprise a magnetic component configured to releasably couple the front and back portions to the post.

4. The decoupling wearable article of claim 3, wherein the magnetic component of the front and back portions and the post is a magnetic or ferromagnetic material.

5. The decoupling wearable article of claim 3, wherein the front and back portions each comprise an outer housing configured to cover at least a portion of the magnetic component of the front and back portions, the outer housing defining an outer perimeter of the magnetic component.

6. The decoupling wearable article of claim 5, wherein the outer housing is molded around the magnetic element.

7. The decoupling wearable article of claim 5, wherein the outer housing comprises a soft material, with a Shore A durometer from about 0 A to about 70 A and a hard material of a hardness in the 00 Durometer scale.

8. The decoupling wearable article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the front and back portions comprise a post receiver configured to receive and secure the post.

9. A removable protector for a wearable article, the removable protector comprising:

a first protector portion configured to be removably coupled to the wearable article such that the first protector portion externally covers at a least portion of the wearable article, wherein the first protector portion is configured to reduce damage and or injury to an article or person when contacting the wearable article.

10. The removable protector of claim 9, wherein the first protector portion is configured to cover a decorative portion of an earring.

11. The removable protector of claim 9, wherein the first protector portion is configured to cover sports or orthopedic protective gear.

12. The removable protector of claim 9, further comprising a second protector portion.

13. The removable protector of claim 12, further comprising a connector configured to couple the first and second protector portions together.

14. The removable protector of claim 9, wherein the first protector portion comprises a soft material with a Shore A durometer from about 0 A to about 70 A and a hard material of hardnesses in the 00 Durometer scale.

15. The removable protector of claim 9, wherein the first protector portion includes a coating configured to be a slippery surface to minimize grabbing, pulling, or twisting of the wearable article.

16. The removable protector of claim 9, wherein the first protector portion includes a first material being firm and a second material being deformable.

17. The removable protector of claim 9, further comprising a sensor configured to operably couple to the wearable article.

18. A conformable earpiece for acoustic transmission, the conformable earpiece comprising:

an earpiece comprising a conformable section and being configured to be received in an ear canal, wherein the conformable section of the earpiece conforms to the ear canal; and

a speaker received within the conformable section of the earpiece.

19. The conformable earpiece of claim 18, wherein the earpiece conforms by manually inflating with a pump or automatically inflating by an electrical charge.

20. The conformable earpiece of claim 18, wherein the earpiece conforms by a thermal charge.