Ear Patents (Class 2/209)
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Patent number: 7197773Abstract: This invention relates to a protective headgear for use by wrestlers and other athletes who require protective covers for their ears during practice and contests. The headgear provides shock absorbency and protection for the ears and forehead in an easily adjustable and comfortable device that is also disassemblable and interchangeable for ease of repair.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: John Purnell
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Patent number: 7171698Abstract: An earmuff having anatomically correct ear cups, which are axially rotatable to ensure a proper fit over a person's ears and laterally rotatable when the earmuff is disposed in a storage position around the person's neck.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Jackson Products, Inc.Inventor: Michael D. Saffran
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Patent number: 7146650Abstract: Ear covers and a strap for joining the ear covers. Each ear cover includes an inner cup over the ear, an outer cup over the inner cup. The cups are shaped to define an inner space between them in which an end region of the strap is guided to move lengthwise with respect to the ear cover. A channel on the outside of the inner cup receives a flange on the strap for guiding its longitudinal movement. The rims of the inner and the outer cups are connected and a protective covering cloth may be at the rims for contacting the user's head around the ear.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: New York Accessory GroupInventor: Isaac Shalom
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Patent number: 7134147Abstract: Protective ear shades for headwear such as caps, which shades include a pair of cupped or oblate shades extending from stitched or sewn attachment to the sides of the cap over the ears to protect the ears from ultraviolet radiation. In a preferred embodiment the protective ear shades curve from the headband or side margin of the cap upwardly and outwardly in a cupped configuration toward the crown and then downwardly and forwardly to the bill of the cap. In another preferred embodiment of the invention one or more stiffeners or reinforcements are provided in the ear shades to maintain the shades in the desired protruding, cupped and oblate configuration over the ears.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Inventor: David E. Yount
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Patent number: 7117546Abstract: A device for protecting an ear of a subject from auricular haematoma, characterized in that the device comprises an inner member for inserting behind the ear and between the ear and skull of the subject, and a first outer member for placing over the ear of the subject, and for securing to the skull of the subject, the inner member being of a resilient shock absorbing material for acting as a shock absorber between the ear and skull and for cushioning the ear against the skull in the event of a blow, or other force, to the ear.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Inventor: Brian Michael Goulding
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Patent number: 7117544Abstract: There is provided an article of headwear to be worn over the head and ears of the individual encircling around the circumference of the individual's neck, and extending down a portion of the individual's chest. The article is formed by connecting two, generally double layered strips of fabric. The upper portion gradually increases in diameter to below the ears, with the diameter being thickest at the spaced points of attachment to the lower portion creating a central opening at the back of the individual's head. The lower portion gradually decreases on both ends and is used to secure the device through a passage way or a wrap method. The article provides protection and warmth to the covered areas and fulfills the function of a headband, ear warmer and scarf with one device.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Inventor: Victoria Ann Kanitz
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Patent number: 7058992Abstract: A strap for ski goggles is disclosed wherein the strap includes a ring at the location of the wearer's ears so that the ring surrounds or substantially surrounds the ear. In this way the strap does not press down on the ears. The ring may include a Velcro perimeter that engages a corresponding Velcro perimeter of a removable ear cup for keeping the ears warm. The rings may be circular, oval, or generally U-shaped.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Inventor: Brian D. Ogonowsky
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Patent number: 7058985Abstract: An ear covering is produced by sewing first and second cloth layers together along a first closed loop seam, and forming a hole inside the loop and extending through both layers; turning the sewn first and second layers inside out by passing one layer through the opening; then passing one of the layers through a passage in a flexible insert in the form of a distorted, truncated cone; placing a third cloth layer over one of the first and second layers and sewing the first second and third cloth layers along a second closed-loop seam, thereby enclosing the insert within a toroidal enclosure formed by portions of the first and second layers. Afterwards, the assembly is turned inside out to form a cup-shaped receptacle for receiving an external ear, with the second seam in the interior of the receptacle, and with the first seam within the toroidal enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Metex CorporationInventor: Masao Tanaka
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Patent number: 7036157Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of producing a hood for a hearing protector by injection moulding of plastic material. The hood is injection moulded to a single contiguous piece employing at least two plastic materials possessing different properties in at least one respect. The plastic materials may be both homogeneous and in porous or foamed form. A hood for a hearing protector is produced from plastic by injection moulding. The hood includes at least two portions or layers which are united to one another. The portions or layers consist of plastic materials with different properties in at least one respect.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Peltor ABInventors: Magnus Andersson, Jan Folkesson
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Patent number: 7028343Abstract: An ear protector and ear cover for and method covering, protecting and holding the folded ear on a person's head while the hair of the person is being treated. The cover includes a flexible, water impervious strip shield for covering and holding the ear in a forwardly folded condition. The flexible strip shield includes one side with a central non-adhesive ear engaging portion for bearing against the folded ear and an adhesive border strip surrounding the central portion for adhesively sealing to the portion of the person's head surrounding the ear.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Inventor: Deborah Watson
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Patent number: 7020901Abstract: A combined eye and ear protective device has an eye protective portion and an ear protective portion, the eye protective portion and the ear protective portion being functionally cooperating. The protective device utilizes the eye protective portion of the device as the head support for the ear protective portion of the device and configures the eye protective portion within a single piece of optically clear material that reduces or eliminates the discontinuity between the lenses and frame of conventional eyeglasses and provides for unimpeded peripheral vision. A one piece polycarbonate resin eye protective portion is coupled with the ear protective portion to allow the eye protective portion to move between a “down” position and an “up” position.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Joseph A. Brhel
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Patent number: 7020902Abstract: A heated ear guard, for warming the ears of the user, having a pair of reflector assemblies and a headband extending between the reflector assemblies for positioning the reflector assemblies over the ears of the user. Each reflector assembly has an open end, a light bulb, and orients light from the light bulb toward the open end. When the open end is positioned over the ears the light bulbs radiate heat to the ears. The reflector assemblies may include a translucent peripheral ring that encircles the open end and allows some light to escape thereat to enhance the visibility of the user.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Paul Tyler
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Patent number: 7024013Abstract: A sound attenuating device including an earmuff-like headset with two earpieces that is adjustable to accommodate different sized heads and includes a removable headband sleeve that eliminates hair entanglement. Additionally, one of the earpieces is fixedly attached to an end of the headband while the second earpiece is removable to allow for the removal and replacement of a fitted cotton sleeve which covers the headband. The headband washable cotton sleeve prevents hair entanglement, provides protection related to health and sanitary issues and also provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In addition to the removable cotton sleeve for the headband, each of the earpieces is also provided with a removable fitted cotton cover.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventors: Gregory A. Van Dam, James Padula
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Patent number: 6978483Abstract: The present invention relates to an ear warmer device. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making ear warmers and ear warmer frames.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: 180s, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Isom, Brian E. Le Gette, Alan Tipp, Justin Saul Werner, Ronald L. Wilson, II
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Patent number: 6976275Abstract: A protective ear shield releasably mounted over the top and the rear saddleback portion of an ear suitable for releasing discomfort due to compression pressure of the shield and the weight of the added body accessory. The protective ear shield comprises at least two curved sections joined with an adjustable connecting member for adjusting and fixing the distance between these two sections. The ear shield is configured to fit the contours of the top and the rear saddleback portion of the ear so as to minimize the discomfort feeling. The ear shield may comprise a hook element at each end of the two sections configured for securing the eyeglasses or sunglasses.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Inventor: Chin Chia Liu
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Patent number: 6944886Abstract: Soft flexible generally ovate pouch-like ear protectors formed of a single sheet of chemically resistant and moisture impervious or heat insulative material shaped similar a human ear that protect the ear from heat and harsh chemicals and moisture during hair treatment operations, and their method of manufacture are disclosed. The protectors have a stretchable resilient opening for placement over the external ear, a larger top end portion that accommodates the helix of the ear and taper downwardly to a smaller bottom end portion that accommodates the lobule of the ear. In one embodiment, the protectors have a radially outward flared skirt portion surrounding the opening to prevent harsh chemicals, moisture and hair dye from contacting the ears and delicate skin area around the ears. In another embodiment the protectors insulate and protect the ears from heat generated by hair dryers and electric straightening/curling irons. Pairs of each embodiment may be provided as a kit.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Inventor: Linnie Jackson
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Patent number: 6920645Abstract: An ear warmer comprises a set of membranes and a frame. The set of membranes collectively defines an outer perimeter. The set of membranes is attached along the outer perimeter to define an attachment portion. The attachment portion is entirely disposed within an interior of the set of membranes. The frame is disposed within the interior of the set of membranes.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: 180s, Inc.Inventors: Brian Edward LeGette, Justin Saul Werner, Ronald L. Wilson, II
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Patent number: 6912733Abstract: A disposable shield for use on the upper portion of the external human ear, including the helix, antihelix, and portions of the tragus and antitragus, comprising a sheet of non-foramenis, foldable paper having a narrow strip of adhesive located adjacent the border, and foldable about the periphery of the ear to affix a portion of the sheet about the rear of the surface of the ear, the front of the surface of the ear, and the peripheral area of the ear between the rear of the surface of the ear and the front of the surface of the ear.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Inventors: Joannie F. Carrafield, Jaqueline A. Clayton
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Patent number: 6888950Abstract: An ear warming article that can be comprised of a C-shaped resilient band, an outer sleeve and a speaker or other electronic device is described. The outer sleeve is dimensioned to contain the resilient band, and includes two insulating, ear-receiving portions as well as a first opening through which the resilient band can be inserted or removed to yield an assembled or disassembled article, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the article includes an electronic device having one or more speakers located at the ends of the resilient band; additional openings in the outer sleeve may exist for any control functionality associated with the electronic device(s). The outer sleeve can be comprised of a washable fabric material, particularly suitable as a means for interchangeable advertising (team logo, branding, etc.). In other embodiments, the ear warming article includes additional advertising and/or securing features.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Jovid Designs, LLCInventors: David R. Siskin, Joel A. Schechter
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Patent number: 6880174Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first curved band portion and a second curved band portion. The first curved band portion has a first end, a second end, an inner curved side and an outer curved side. The first curved band portion defines a passageway between the first end and the second end of the first curved band portion. The passageway has a first opening. The second curved band portion has a first end, a second end, an inner curved side and an outer curved side. A motion-restraint portion is proximate to the first end of the second curved band portion. The first end of the second curved band portion is insertable into the first opening of the passageway of the first curved band portion. The first curved band portion has a range of motion within the passageway of the second curved band portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: 180s, Inc.Inventor: Gary F. Prokop
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Patent number: 6874169Abstract: A portion of a mask or helmet covering a user's ear has an aperture covered by a sound-collecting and sound-transmissive protector swivelingly mounted thereon. The protector has a substantially parabolic reflector surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the protector's axis of rotation which magnifies sounds arriving from a particular angular direction and directs the sound through a plurality of holes axially penetrating through the protector from an outer to an inner surface. A user manipulable actuator nib extends axially outwardly from a peripheral portion of the outer surface of the protector allowing user control of swiveling movement.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: JT USA, LLCInventor: Lester Broersma
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Patent number: 6860598Abstract: A wind and noise reducer for eyeglasses includes a panel that has a top edge, a bottom edge, a forward edge and a rear edge. The forward edge is generally vertically orientated. The panel has an inside surface and an outside surface. The inside surface is concave and the outside surface is convex. An elongated arm has first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the top edge such that the arm is generally horizontally orientated. The arm extends rearward from the panel. A coupler is removably positionable on the temple of the eyeglasses for selectively coupling the arm to the temple such that the arm is orientated parallel to the temple and the forward edge is directed forward of the eyeglasses. The panel may be moved along the temple such that wind is directed around the ears of the wearer of the eyeglasses.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Inventor: Daniel R. Bigda
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Patent number: 6855410Abstract: An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Inventor: Theresa M. Buckley
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Patent number: 6854466Abstract: Tool for injection-molding a hearing protection cup which includes a curved shell with an opening for receiving an ear, and a washer which extends around the opening and is connected to the edge thereof. The washer projects inward across the opening along at least two opposite sides thereof and is intended to support a sealing and comfort ring which is intended to rest against the head. The tool includes a common mold cavity intended to produce the shell and the washer in one piece, and an insert which can be introduced into this mold cavity for forming the inner surfaces of the shell and of the washer. The insert is divided into at least three portions by means of dividing planes which extend in the same principal direction as the opposite sides of the opening. The invention also relates to a method for producing a hearing protection cup, and to a hearing protection cup produced using the method.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: AB Kompositprodukter VikmanshyttanInventor: Mats Lindgren
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Publication number: 20040237171Abstract: A disposable protection device for a portion of an individual's body is disclosed including a cover layer for partially encompassing the body portion, an elastic portion coupled to a first portion of the cover layer, and an adhesive portion coupled to a second portion of the cover layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2003Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Maureen Greene, Theodore T. Tarone
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Publication number: 20040187192Abstract: The present invention relates to an ear warmer device. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making ear warmers and ear warmer frames.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Matthew Isom, Brian E. Le Gette, Alan Tipp, Justin Saul Werner, Ronald L. Wilson
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Publication number: 20040181841Abstract: A combination eye and ear protection apparatus includes an eye protection portion which includes respective ends, an ear protection portion which includes a pair of ear-covering portions, and a pair of bridge portions connected between the respective ends of the eye protection portion and outer portions of the respective ear-covering portions. The eye protection portion includes a frame which includes frame ends, and lenses are received in the frame. The bridge portions include VELCRO bridge-to-ear-cover connectors and the ear-covering portions include complimentary VELCRO ear-cover-to-bridge connectors. With the combination eye and ear protection apparatus of the invention both ear protection and eye protection are provided for a wearer without the eye protection assembly interfering with good ear protection.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventor: Bill Artzberger
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Publication number: 20040172738Abstract: An adjustable ear protector comprising, a U-shaped band having first and second ends wherein the first and second ends are positioned opposite each other on the band; a pair of ear covers; respectively mounted on the first and second ends; and a means for providing tension to the band to secure said ear covers on the ears of a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2003Publication date: September 9, 2004Inventors: Erene Caine, Rajan Nair, Philip J. Cerniglia
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Patent number: 6754911Abstract: A device for mounting a noise attenuating ear cup on a helmet shell. The device includes a clamp plate, which is secured to the shell in an operative position extending along a side edge of the shell. A flexible strap extends along an inner surface of the clamp plate. The strap has first and second ends and an intermediate portion bulging inwardly from the inner surface of the clamp plate. The ear cup is attached to the intermediate portion of the strap, and the first end of the strap is anchored to the clamp plate. The second end of the strap is adjustably constrained for longitudinal movement relative to the clamp plate to thereby vary the extent to which the intermediate portion of the strap bulges inwardly from the inner surface of the clamp plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Down East, Inc.Inventor: Frank A. Howell
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Patent number: 6735784Abstract: The present invention relates to an ear warmer device. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making ear warmers and ear warmer frames.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: 180s, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Isom, Brian E. Le Gette, Alan Tipp, Justin Saul Werner, Ronald L. Wilson, II
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Patent number: 6732379Abstract: There is provided an ear covering device to be worn over the ears of an individual in such a manner as to cup over the ears and to extend in a contoured manner at such an angle as to fit securely around the front of the individual's head along the very edge of the forehead at the hairline and furthermore to extend in a contoured manner at such an angle as to fit securely around the back of the individual's head along the very edge of the neck at the hairline. These ear coverings are constructed of a soft and pliable material or fabric, single or plural layers that expand for the comfort of the individual, for the purpose of keeping the ear protectors in place and for the ease of putting on and removing the ear protectors. These ear protectors can be constructed with the option of an opening with a fastening device on each end that adopts to cooperate in securing the ends together.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Inventor: Eugenia Fripp Ducker Lebherz
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Patent number: 6708347Abstract: Protective headwear for use under a hair dryer includes a strap which extends across the forehead of the wearer. A visor is attached to the bottom of the strap and covers and protects the eyes and nose of the wearer. A pair of earpieces are connected to opposite sides of the forehead strap by means of elastic connectors. Each earpiece has a first section and a bendable end section which extends around an ear of the wearer. Flaps are attached to and hang down from the first section to cover the ears. The forehead strap may be elastic and extendable, and the visor may be fan shaped.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: Jackie L. Brundidge
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Publication number: 20040040072Abstract: A windshield covering the vicinity of the front of the ear of a rider on an open-top vehicle. When a person rides on an open-top vehicle with his ears exposed, the air coming from the front dashes against his earlobes, so that the rider hears the whistling sounds of the wind. To reduce these sounds, the rider's earlobes are covered with windshields from the front or from the front to the side. The earlobes are exposed to the open air in the upper, lower and rear regions thereof. This windshield reduces the whistling sounds of the wind. At the same time, the rider sufficiently hears surrounding sounds, and a state in which there is a sufficient amount of heat dissipation from the head is maintained. Thereby, during riding, protection against hardness of hearing and effect of improved safety are obtained without feeling hot.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventor: Ken Mizuno
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Patent number: 6698028Abstract: The present invention relates in general to ear muffs and in particular to an earmuff that are to be used in conjunction with headphones for portable radios, cassette players and the like. The outer surface of the earmuff is a solid shape resembling a standard earmuff while the inner side that faces the ear breaks apart into 2 C-shape donut halves to accommodate the placement of the headphone speaker. This design allows the earmuff to be positioned around the headphone speaker by means of the 2 C-shape donut halves and reconnect together around the headphone speaker in order to stabilize against the headphone and allow space for the headphone band and speaker wire between the connected respective halves of the donut. The earmuff makes use of the unique donut design to accommodate various styles of portable headphones while providing maximum insulation to the ear. The earmuffs are detachable and can be exchanged.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Jeffrey Lewis Daw
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Patent number: 6678897Abstract: Ear defenders comprising an elastic headband (1) and an ear muff (4) arranged on the inside of each leg (2) of the headband. The ear muffs (4) are arranged displaceably along the insides of the legs (2) from the end positions of the legs and so far along the legs that the free ends (7) of the latter can be bent towards and connected to one another, so that the legs completely surround the ear muffs (4). This means that the ear defenders can be compressed before storage in, for example, a pocket.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Ab Kompositprodukter VikmanshyttanInventor: Mats Lindgren
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Patent number: 6654966Abstract: A fully collapsible headset assembly includes a headband portion formed by side arm members articulated together by a flexible hinge member. The flexible hinge member includes an elastic cam member, the force of which is released to maintain the assembly in either an operating or collapsed position, as desired. In the collapsed position, the tension of the cam member maintains a permanent pressure and the headband assembly forms a cavity in which the facing ear-cups are retained.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: José Maria Rolla
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Patent number: 6637039Abstract: A neck and ear protection device for protecting the skin the ears and neck region from being burned by heated air from a hair dryer. The neck and ear protection device includes a base portion being shaped for being positioned around the neck of the user. The base portion is designed for protecting skin of the neck of the user from direct contact with the heated air. A pair of ear portions are coupled to the base portion. Each of the ear portions is positioned whereby the ear portions are diametrically opposed when the base portion is positioned around the neck of the user. Each of the ear portions is shaped for receiving one of the ears of the user. The ear portions are designed for preventing direct contact between the heated air of the hair dryer and the skin of the ears.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Grace Manuel
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Patent number: 6629579Abstract: A headphone/earmuff includes a headband, a pair of ear cups and associated positioning devices attaching each ear cup to the headband. Each ear cup positioning device has a cylinder attached to either the ear cup or the headband, and a piston received slidably within the cylinder and attached to the other of the headband or the ear cup.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: TWD-Acoustic Products Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Hasegawa
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Publication number: 20030182713Abstract: A fully collapsible headset assembly includes a headband portion formed by side arm members articulated together by a flexible hinge member. The flexible hinge member includes an elastic cam member, the force of which is released to maintain the assembly in either an operating or collapsed position, as desired. In the collapsed position, the tension of the cam member maintains a permanent pressure and the headband assembly forms a cavity in which the facing ear-cups are retained.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Jose Maria Rolla
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Patent number: 6625819Abstract: A headphone type earpiece assembly having two earpieces adapted for protecting the user's ears and keeping the user's ear warm and a cord member connected between the earpieces is disclosed. Each earpiece has a soft cloth covering supported with a flat frame, and a clamping plate pivoted to the flat frame and disposed outside the soft cloth covering for securing the respective earpiece to one of the user's ears. The clamping plate has a horizontal front hook for hanging on the top side of the ear, and a vertical clamping portion for clamping on the tragic lamina of the ear.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Inventor: Kai-Mou Tsai
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Patent number: 6611963Abstract: A banded earmuff for protecting a worker's hearing, includes a band (12) formed of a wire frame (34) and a flexible polymer sheath (32) around much of the wire frame and a pair of pods (14,16) that press around the wearer's ears. The wire frame includes parallel wire lengths (50, 52) with opposite end parts joined by loops (70, 72). Each pod that seals around the ear has a mount (40) that is coupled to the wire length end parts. Each mount has a groove (42) with opposite sides that receive the pair of wire length end parts. This allows the pod to pivot on the wire length end parts, and to also slide along them. The sheath is molded with a pair of slits (114, 116), and middle length parts of the wire frame are installed through the slits into passages (54, 56) in the sheath.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Bacon USA Safety, Inc.Inventors: Edwin Woo, William Nyugen, Thomas W. Fleming
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Publication number: 20030159199Abstract: A portion of a mask or helmet covering a user's ear has an aperture covered by a sound-collecting and sound-transmissive protector swivelingly mounted thereon. The protector has a substantially parabolic reflector surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the protector's axis of rotation which magnifies sounds arriving from a particular angular direction and directs the sound through a plurality of holes axially penetrating through the protector from an outer to an inner surface. A user manipulable actuator nib extends axially outwardly from a peripheral portion of the outer surface of the protector allowing user control of swiveling movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventor: Lester Broersma
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Publication number: 20030159197Abstract: The present invention relates in general to ear muffs and in particular to an earmuff that are to be used in conjunction with headphones for portable radios, cassette players and the like. The outer surface of the earmuff is a solid shape resembling a standard earmuff while the inner side that faces the ear breaks apart into 2 C-shape donut halves to accommodate the placement of the headphone speaker. This design allows the earmuff to be positioned around the headphone speaker by means of the 2 C-shape donut halves and reconnect together around the headphone speaker in order to stabilize against the headphone and allow space for the headphone band and speaker wire between the connected respective halves of the donut. The earmuff makes use of the unique donut design to accommodate various styles of portable headphones while providing maximum insulation to the ear. The earmuffs are detachable and can be exchanged.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventor: Jeffrey Lewis Daw
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Publication number: 20030140397Abstract: The present invention relates to an ear warmer device. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making ear warmers and ear warmer frames.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: Matthew Isom, Brian E. Le Gette, Alan Tipp, Justin Saul Werner, Ronald L. Wilson
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Patent number: 6568394Abstract: A multi-flanged earplug is provided, comprising a stem, a rounded flange positioned at a first end of the stem, and at least a second flange positioned between the first end portion of the stem and an opposing second end portion of the stem. In one embodiment, the first flange is generally hemispherical in shape and has a curvature that is generally is generally convex with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem, while the second flange has a shape that is generally concave with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem. In another embodiment, an outer circumference portion of the second flange has an increased thickness relative to an inner, annular portion of the second flange. In another embodiment, an outer circumference portion of the second flange is provided with a protruding ridge.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Cabot Safety Intermediate CorporationInventor: Robert N. Falco
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Publication number: 20030088905Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first curved band portion and a second curved band portion. The first curved band portion has a first end, a second end, an inner curved side and an outer curved side. The first curved band portion defines a passageway between the first end and the second end of the first curved band portion. The passageway has a first opening. The second curved band portion has a first end, a second end, an inner curved side and an outer curved side. A motion-restraint portion is proximate to the first end of the second curved band portion. The first end of the second curved band portion is insertable into the first opening of the passageway of the first curved band portion. The first curved band portion has a range of motion within the passageway of the second curved band portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Dean Bavetta, Paul Kay, Brian E. Le Gette, Gary F. Prokop, Steve Remy
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Patent number: 6557179Abstract: A compartmental hair cap for providing heat or cold to a user's head. The compartmental hair cap includes a cap member comprising an interior layer and an exterior layer. The interior layer of the cap member forming a head cavity. The cap member comprises a lower edge. The cap member comprises an upper edge extending between opposite ends of the lower edge. The interior layer is coupled to the exterior layer along the lower edge of the cap member. The interior layer is coupled to the exterior layer along a plurality of connection lines for coupling the interior layer to the exterior layer to form a plurality of pockets between the interior layer and the exterior layer. Each of the pockets comprises an associated interior space. A plurality of flexible containers each being positionable in an associated one of the pockets. Each of the plurality of flexible containers comprises a thermo-retentive material therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: Michelle G. Reuven
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Patent number: 6557186Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight protective ear guard which relies on an outer air cushion created between a semi-rigid inner shell and a resilient outer shell to provide a multi-level degree of shock absorbency and protection for the ears. The wearable structures comprising a pair of ear guards connected by a plurality of adjustable strap members are provided for particular use by wrestlers to protect their ears from injury due to contact with wrestling surface and other wrestlers.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: John W Purnell
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Publication number: 20030079275Abstract: A banded earmuff for protecting a worker's hearing, includes a band (12) formed of a wire frame (34) and a flexible polymer sheath (32) around much of the wire frame and a pair of pods (14,16) that press around the wearer's ears. The wire frame includes parallel wire lengths (50, 52) with opposite end parts joined by loops (70, 72). Each pod that seals around the ear has a mount (40) that is coupled to the wire length end parts. Each mount has a groove (42) with opposite sides that receive the pair of wire length end parts. This allows the pod to pivot on the wire length end parts, and to also slide along them. The sheath is molded with a pair of slits (114, 116), and middle length parts of the wire frame are installed through the slits into passages (54, 56) in the sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Edwin Woo, William Nyugen, Thomas W. Fleming
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Patent number: 6550064Abstract: An ear shield assembly which attaches to various headgear and protects the users ears against the sun and ultra violet rays, thereby reducing the probability of inducing cancer in this normally sensitive and exposed area. The head gear is typically a cap with the protective ear shield attachments positioned on opposite sides of the cap. These ear shields are placed above the ears and may be folded up against the cap and secured to the side of the cap with hood and loop material when they are not in use. When in use, these shields are lowered and extended outward horizontally from the brim of the cap, allowing air to reach the users ears, while at the same time blocking the sunlight from reaching the ears.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Inventors: Robert Schmitt, Richard Kinsey