Ear Patents (Class 2/209)
  • Patent number: 7036157
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Peltor AB
    Inventors: Magnus Andersson, Jan Folkesson
  • Patent number: 7028343
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Deborah Watson
  • Patent number: 7020901
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph A. Brhel
  • Patent number: 7024013
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventors: Gregory A. Van Dam, James Padula
  • Patent number: 7020902
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Tyler
  • Patent number: 6978483
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: 180s, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Isom, Brian E. Le Gette, Alan Tipp, Justin Saul Werner, Ronald L. Wilson, II
  • Patent number: 6976275
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Chin Chia Liu
  • Patent number: 6944886
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Linnie Jackson
  • Patent number: 6920645
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: 180s, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Edward LeGette, Justin Saul Werner, Ronald L. Wilson, II
  • Patent number: 6912733
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventors: Joannie F. Carrafield, Jaqueline A. Clayton
  • Patent number: 6888950
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Jovid Designs, LLC
    Inventors: David R. Siskin, Joel A. Schechter
  • Patent number: 6880174
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: 180s, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary F. Prokop
  • Patent number: 6874169
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: JT USA, LLC
    Inventor: Lester Broersma
  • Patent number: 6860598
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel R. Bigda
  • Patent number: 6854466
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: AB Kompositprodukter Vikmanshyttan
    Inventor: Mats Lindgren
  • Patent number: 6855410
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Theresa M. Buckley
  • Publication number: 20040237171
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Maureen Greene, Theodore T. Tarone
  • Publication number: 20040187192
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Matthew Isom, Brian E. Le Gette, Alan Tipp, Justin Saul Werner, Ronald L. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20040181841
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Bill Artzberger
  • Publication number: 20040172738
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Erene Caine, Rajan Nair, Philip J. Cerniglia
  • Patent number: 6754911
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Down East, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Howell
  • Patent number: 6735784
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: 180s, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Isom, Brian E. Le Gette, Alan Tipp, Justin Saul Werner, Ronald L. Wilson, II
  • Patent number: 6732379
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Eugenia Fripp Ducker Lebherz
  • Patent number: 6708347
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Jackie L. Brundidge
  • Publication number: 20040040072
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Ken Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6698028
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lewis Daw
  • Patent number: 6678897
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ab Kompositprodukter Vikmanshyttan
    Inventor: Mats Lindgren
  • Patent number: 6654966
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: José Maria Rolla
  • Patent number: 6637039
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Grace Manuel
  • Patent number: 6629579
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: TWD-Acoustic Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20030182713
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jose Maria Rolla
  • Patent number: 6625819
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Kai-Mou Tsai
  • Patent number: 6611963
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Bacon USA Safety, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Woo, William Nyugen, Thomas W. Fleming
  • Publication number: 20030159197
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lewis Daw
  • Publication number: 20030159199
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Lester Broersma
  • Publication number: 20030140397
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Matthew Isom, Brian E. Le Gette, Alan Tipp, Justin Saul Werner, Ronald L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6568394
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Cabot Safety Intermediate Corporation
    Inventor: Robert N. Falco
  • Publication number: 20030088905
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Dean Bavetta, Paul Kay, Brian E. Le Gette, Gary F. Prokop, Steve Remy
  • Patent number: 6557179
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Michelle G. Reuven
  • Patent number: 6557186
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: John W Purnell
  • Publication number: 20030079275
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Edwin Woo, William Nyugen, Thomas W. Fleming
  • Patent number: 6550064
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Schmitt, Richard Kinsey
  • Publication number: 20030070210
    Abstract: An eyes and ears protection device provides a forehead beam supporting a depending goggle-like eyes shield and laterally opposed depending side shields. The lateral portions of the forehead beam pivotally support rearwardly extending temple beams, the rearward portions of which each movably interconnect a rearwardly extending ear beam by a ball and socket joint. The rearward portion of each ear beam movably interconnects an earplug structure by a ball and socket joint. Each earplug structure movably supports an earplug positionable for use in a user's auditory canal and for storage in a cavity or space defined by the ear beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Jake Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 6526594
    Abstract: A new invention, titled Dry Ear Set, has appeared. It is in the nature of personal hygiene. It is a single unit containing two ear covers, each with a water buffer and an elastic tape attached from one water buffer to the other, and riding across the upper lip. This unit is light, friendly and due to the manner of construction does the job of keeping water out of the ears while one takes a shower. It appears the Dry Ear Set would be suitable for the sick room and for the beauty parlor, as well as in the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Patrick William Hays
  • Publication number: 20030037366
    Abstract: Ear defenders comprising an elastic head-band (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: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Mats Lindgren
  • Patent number: 6502247
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Gray Matter Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Brian Edward Le Gette, Justin Saul Werner
  • Patent number: 6502248
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Gray Matter Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Brian Edward LeGette, Justin Saul Werner, Ronald L. Wilson, II
  • Patent number: 6499146
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Gray Matter Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Dean Bavetta, Paul Kay, Brian E. Le Gette, Gary F. Prokop, Steve Remy
  • Publication number: 20020138894
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Jackie L. Brundidge
  • Patent number: 6449806
    Abstract: A head strap for a set of headphones or hearing protector s with two ear members comprises two almost parallel wire arcs (18, 19) for connecting the two ear members. The two wire arcs (18, 19) are held together by a connecting member (20), wherein the connecting member (20) is a rigid plate. The rigid plate (20) comprises two recesses (22) extending in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the plate, a wire arc section (18, 19) being fixed in the recesses, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventors: Jörg Engelhard, Manfred Hargarter