Abstract: A protective headgear is provided that includes a pair of ear guards, each having generally crescent-shaped or kidney-shaped core. Preferably, a pattern of vent openings is provided in the core to connect the interior and exterior surfaces. A one-piece removable ear guard covering of a flexible material covers each ear guard. The covering has a core portion with vents that communicate with the vents on the core to allow a wearer to hear. The covering also includes a peripheral edge portion that extends between the core portion and a peripheral edge and covers the exterior surface of the core. The covering also includes an interior peripheral edge portion for extending about a portion of the interior surface of the core. A layer of cushioning material, preferably gel cushioning material, may be positioned along the interior surface of the peripheral edge of the cover.

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.

Abstract: An earphone having a drive unit (22) carried by an earphone shell (20) and covered by an ear cushion (24) of auxetic foam.

Abstract: A thermal earmuff includes an inner cover having a circular partition formed with a first circular recess at one side thereof and a second circular recess at another side thereof, a circular member having two opposite circumferential edges provided with two curved shoulders and force-fitted within the second recess of the circular partition to support the inner cover, an outer side of the circular member being provided with a clamping device, a heating member secured on an outer side of the circular member and provided with a heating filament facing the through holes of the circular partition, an outer cover enclosing the inner cover, a head band having a plurality of teeth at two ends each of which is inserted into the slot with the teeth of the head band engaged with the teeth of the clip, and power supplying means electrically connected with the filament

Abstract: An earmuff for hearing protection of the ear of a wearer, including an outer cup of rigid plastic material. An inner cup of foam material is supported by the outer cup, and a cushion is attached to the outer cup for lying around the ear of the wearer. The outer cup of rigid plastic material includes a filler of metal powder such as Carbonyl iron powder.

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.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for diverting sound from a direction generally rearward of a user towards the user's ears. The apparatus includes a sound reflector which can be worn by the user directly or connected to a separate mount such as a helmet. A connection between the sound reflector and the helmet may be fixed or adjustable. An adjustable connection may be removable or permanent. When a helmet mount is used, the apparatus can include a splitter positioned between two sound reflectors. The splitter directs sound to each of the two sound reflectors. The addition of buffer pads aid the sound reflectors in deflecting air around the user's ears to reduce wind noise and increase the user's ability to hear sounds originating from the rearward direction.

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.

Abstract: An ear protector dimensioned and configured to secure over the user's ear, protecting the ear from the harmful effects of hot curling irons and blow dryers. The ear protector has a three layer construction having a cotton fiber or cotton fabric exterior, a Teflon® or a similar type material located in the center and a cotton or soft batting in the interior. The three layer construction acts as a heat shield which protects the user from receiving painful burns. The cotton batting inner covering is attached to the outer covering via stitching. An elastic band is secured to both the inner covering and outer covering adjacent to the stitching and secures the ear protector safely over the user's ear. Alternatively, a draw string can be used in place of the elastic band to secure the ear protector over the user's ear. In addition, aesthetically pleasing indicia is placed upon the outer covering of the ear protector such that a certain style or charm is added to the practicality.

Abstract: Acoustic modules adapted to be worn on the head of a wearer, such as with a headband, or fastened to a hat or eyeglasses, are provided. The modules are situated on opposite sides of the wearer's head, adjacent the ears, and each contains a transducer, an outlet port and a vent port. The audio system is connected to, or in communication with, a conventional source of audio signals, such as a radio, tape player, CD player, cellular telephone, or the like.

Abstract: A wind dampening device for dampening the wind around the ear associated with traveling at high velocities. The wind dampening device includes a panel. The panel has a top edge, a front edge, a back edge, a facing side and a rear side. The panel generally has a triangular shape. The top and front edges are orientated generally perpendicular to each other. The rear side of the proximal portion is concave. A fastening means fastens the panel to the article.

Abstract: An acoustical hearing device is presented, comprising a foam and at least one component which is mechanically bonded to the foam. The mechanical bonding of the component arises during manufacture, wherein the component is placed into a mold cavity as an insert and a foam is formed within the mold so as to allow controlled penetration of the component during foaming. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one component comprises a stem having a tip at one end, wherein the tip includes at least one opening at least partially extending therethrough. The mechanical bond resulting when the foam extends through the at least one opening.

Abstract: The present invention involves two heat resistant ear caps attached to a continuous flat woven cord. The caps are designed to protect the ears from burns during the treatment of hair with heated cosmetology curling irons, hot rollers, and dryers. The heat resistant ear caps are uniquely constructed to hook over the auricle (top) of the ears into a defined depth of the caps. The caps comprise an outer heat resistant fabric, an inner webbing and cotton denim fabric fused together. The unique construction is created by simultaneously stretching and sewing elastic between two defined points located on the fused fabrics thus creating a semi-circle opening with a defined depth which hooks over the ears. The outer edges of the semi-circle opening with a defined depth are covered and enclosed by a cotton lycra strip. The two caps are attached to a flat woven cord which adjusts underneath the chin by use of a manufactured cord lock.

Abstract: A boundary layer flow regulator, called a dam, is fastened, by way of example, to a bicycle rider's head band and is located against the temple area. The dam includes a fine permeable maze which viscously impedes but does not arrest the air flow through it. The maze is held in place by a supportive but flexibly resilient, wind permeable matrix attached to a base. On a calm day the relative headwind experienced by the rider is stabilized by the maze held in position by the stilled matrix so that a stationary flow envelope forms around the rider's ear canal to eliminate wind noise. However, on a windy day the preturbulent gusts in the headwind cause the matrix to instantly shift the position and permeability gradient of the maze so that the flow envelope is dynamically regulated around the ear canal to minimize the infranoise caused by the gusts.

Abstract: The ear protector (10) includes a pair of ear covers (12 and 14) mounted at the ends of a U-shaped yoke (16). Each ear cover includes an arcuate ear engager (32) and a cushion insert (43).

Abstract: An enlarged earcup which occupies substantially all of the helmet eardome and provides greater attenuation of ambient noise, especially low frequencies. The speaker and earseal are mounted onto an adjustable assembly. The assembly is slideably mounted onto a flange which extends inwardly from the earcup's rim. The assembly includes a pair of parallel annular plates which sandwich the flange therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides an earmuff device comprising an earmuff cup having at least a window portion which is formed of an optical material which transmits light rays in such a way that the human eye can see through the material to a degree that an earplug or other object inserted within the ear is visually perceivable to the human eye. In other words, the earmuff cup is formed of a transparent material or a translucent material so long as the earplug inserted within the wearer's ear is visually perceivable through the translucent portion of the earmuff cup. Because the earmuff cup is formed of a material that permits an individual, such as a supervisor or hearing conservationist, to perceive whether an earplug is inserted within the wearer's ear, the earmuff device of the present invention is particularly well suited for use in a dual hearing protection environment in which the previous method of compliance monitoring was time consuming and difficult.

Abstract: A noise-blocking banded earmuff wherein the earmuffs (12, 14) are fixed against rotation about a horizontal axis (34) with respect to the band (24), and wherein the band can extend upwardly around the top of the head, downwardly (24A) around the neck, or rearwardly (24B) behind the head, using earmuffs of moderate size. Instead of each earmuff aperture being of a vertically elongated oval shape, each aperture has four 90.degree. concave corner segments (46-49) lying at the corners of an imaginary square (36), and four connecting segments (41-44) that each connects two concave segments. The middles (56) of the connecting segments lie closer to the aperture axis (34) than the middles (50) of the concave corner sections. The connecting segments can be largely straight to form an earmuff aperture of largely square shape with rounded corners. The connecting segments can be convex (181-184) to form an earmuff aperture of largely cloverleaf shape.

Abstract: Flexible individual ear coverings (2) with an elastic opening (1), and a flexible neck covering (2) with a fabric grip closure (3).

Abstract: Banded hearing protector that includes two hearing protecting bodies of soft, sound attenuating material and a headband including a central part having two ends and headband shanks having angled ends. Each angled end may support one of the two hearing protecting bodies. The banded hearing protector may also include a hinge that swingably couples each of the headband shanks to the central part and each of the two hearing protecting bodies may include a convexly curved contact surface positioned opposite the angled ends.

Abstract: Hearing protective devices having glow-in-the-dark properties are presented in the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the hearing protective device comprises a semi-aural device, an earplug, or an earmuff device. In all embodiments, a glow-in-the-dark material is incorporated into at least a part of the hearing protective device so that the glow-in-the-dark material continues to emit light for an extended period of time in a dark environment after the material has been excited by irradiation. Preferred and exemplary glow-in-the-dark materials comprise phosphorescent materials. The glow-in-the-dark materials may be disposed on a surface of the hearing protective part or dispersed throughout the material which forms this part.

Abstract: The main components of an earphone-microphone-earmuff assembly are an earphone, a microphone and an earmuff. Besides using the assembly as a whole, each component can be independently used as well. The assembly has several pairs including a mounting cap, an earphone, an earmuff, and each part has its own mounting structure or structures for interconnection. In operation, the mounting cap and the earphone can be assembled together just for listening. Alternatively, the mounting cap and the earmuff can be assembled together just for ear warming or noise shielding. However, the mounting cap, the earmuff and the earphone can all be put together for hearing, ear warming and noise shielding. Furthermore, a microphone can also be installed on the earphone for easy communication.

Abstract: An ear and eye protection device for allowing a user to protect his eyes and ears simultaneously from the elements. The device comprises an eyewear having a right side and a left side, a pair of temple stems extending backward from the right side and the left side of the eyewear, and a pair of earplugs slidably mounted from the eyewear, such that the earplugs may be pulled downward towards the user's ears. According to the preferred embodiment, the earplugs may be secured to the free ends of the temple stems when the earplugs are not in use.

Abstract: Acoustic valve capable of selective and non-linear filtering of sound and placeable in a perforated ear plug. The acoustic valve consists of a tube enclosing two rigid disks axially spaced opposite each other, each of the disks containing at least one perforation. The total perforated surface of at least one disk is between 0.03 and 0.5 mm.sup.2.

Abstract: Ear warmers which are carried by the frame of a pair of eye glasses and comprised of a pair of soft pliable ear covers wherein each of the ear covers has a perforated side panel, a rear flap portion, a tubular sleeve projecting forwardly from the side panel and an attachment strap projecting laterally from the rear flap portion. The tubular sleeves are adapted to receive portions of the templates of the eye glasses proximate the ear pieces to secure the ear warmers to the eye glasses such that upon securing together the extended ends of the attachment straps at the back of the wearers' heads, the side panels and rear flap portions of the ear warmers extend comfortable along and about the wearer's ears to warm and protect the ears.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrestling ear guard comprising a pair of substantially identical mirror image, roughly inverted triangular shaped guards comprising a cup member formed of thin, relatively stiff, resilient sheet material having an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface, a first padded layer applied to the inner concave surface and comprising a roughly inverted triangular portion and outwardly and upwardly extending strap members integral with the triangular member at the upper top corners thereof, a second padded layer applied to the outer convex surface and comprising a roughly inverted triangular member corresponding in size to the inverted triangular portion of the first padded layer and being partially compressed over the outer surface thereof, the second layer being secured about its periphery to the first padded layer whereby the cup member is confined between the first padded layer and the second padded layer.

Abstract: Protective ear covering and method of producing the same, comprising enclosing a flexible, cupshaped insert which may be turned against a biasing force to bulge from a position wherein an ear is insertable through an opening of the insert to a position wherein the insert is attached around the ear, the method including that the insert is attached to the wrong side of the stitched clothing and then turned through its own opening together with the clothing for turning the clothing right.

Abstract: An ear protecting device 10 is provided for protecting an individual's ear 12 from heat and moisture. The device 10 includes a lower support member 18 for covering areas 28 around and adjacent to the ear 12 and an upper support member 34 aligned with the lower support member for covering the ear. The upper support member 34 includes a recessed member 64 having an aperture 86 formed in a lower portion thereof. The recessed member 64 is provided for covering a recessed inside surface 58 of the ear 12 when the aperture 86 is aligned adjacent the ear canal. A diagonally descending back member 46 is coupled between an outermost portion of one side of the upper support member 34 and an innermost portion of one side of the lower support member 18 for covering a back diagonally descending member 42 of the ear 12. When the device is in place the device conforms to the shape of the ear 12 thereby covering the entire ear as well as adjacent areas 28 of the individual's head 14.

Abstract: A permeable aerodam 10 is fastened to a front helmet strap 16 of a bicycle rider's helmet 18. The aerodam includes a shaped fiber filter 32 which is mounted on a base 36 and is designed to impede, but not arrest the motion of air flowing through it. The aerodam also includes a matrix 52 which includes the base and which shapes, supports, and locates the filter next to the temple area. A headwind experienced by the rider flows around the side of the head and partially through the aerodam such that an impedance gradient caused by the shaped filter will cause a quiet retrolaminar flow velocity profile 92 alonside the rider's ear canal. The effect eliminates the onset of noisy turbulence heard by the rider while allowing unobstructed ambient sounds and ventilation to be enjoyed.

Abstract: A hearing protection device. The hearing protection device includes a band and legs that are rotatable relative to the band. Each leg includes a first leg end and a second leg end. The first leg end is rotatably coupled to the band to allow the leg to rotate relative to the band. The second leg end includes a hole for receiving a stem of a hearing protector. Alternatively, the second leg end includes a socket for receiving a ball formed on a hearing protector shaft. The hearing protection device can accommodate head sizes ranging from the 5th percentile of women to the 95th percentile of men.

Abstract: An anti-cold ears cushion is provided. The ears cushion is composed of an arcuate headband in conforming with the head of human and a pair of ear cushions coupled with two ends of the headband. The cushion each includes a base having a lock and a first electrical socket on outer surface and an electrical heating plate on the inner surface connecting to the socket by a pair of first cords, and a pad of warm soft material sleeve onto the base and engageable with the ears of human. A battery seat is receivable in the front pocket of garment and includes a switch and a second electrical socket connected to the first electrical socket by a second cords, when the switch is turned-on, the heating plate inside each of the ear cushions will provide adequate heat to warm the ears in a cold weather.

Abstract: A hearing protection device. The hearing protection device includes a band and legs that are rotatable relative to the band. Each leg includes a first leg end and a second leg end. The first leg end is rotatably coupled to the band to allow the leg to rotate relative to the band. The second leg end includes a hole for receiving a stem of a hearing protector. Alternatively, the second leg end includes a socket for receiving a ball formed on a hearing protector shaft. The hearing protection device can accommodate head sizes ranging from the 5th percentile of women to the 95th percentile of men.

Abstract: A noise blocking earmuff is described, which has a better noise blocking ability and which is more comfortable than prior earmuffs. The earmuff includes a cup-shaped shell (20), a cushion (22) that surrounds the open inner end of the shell and which presses against the head of the wearer, and an inside sound-absorber (26) lying in the shell. The cushion is formed of slow recovery material which has a rebound of no more than about 10 percent, to more comfortably and completely conform the cushion to the area of the wearer's head that the cushion presses against. The inside sound absorber includes a layer (50) of resilient felted foam for blocking higher frequency sounds, and a layer (52) of unfelted foam for blocking lower frequency sounds, to obtain a better overall noise blocking capability.

Abstract: A hearing protection device. The hearing protection device includes a band and legs that are rotatable relative to the band. Each leg includes a first leg end and a second leg end. The first leg end is rotatably coupled to the band to allow the leg to rotate relative to the band. The second leg end includes a hole for receiving a stem of a hearing protector. Alternatively, the second leg end includes a socket for receiving a ball formed on a hearing protector shaft. The hearing protection device can accommodate head sizes ranging from the 5th percentile of women to the 95th percentile of men.

Abstract: An ear-protector is provided as a flexible element preferably made of PVC, having a first enlarged section used for covering over an ear, and a second, forwardly-extending, reduced mounting section extending from the first enlarged section. Each section has formed therein a vertical slit, forming together a pair of forwardly-positioned slits through which may be passed the temple part of eyeglasses or sunglasses, by which the ear-protector is mounted over an ear. The temple part of the eyeglasses is inserted through the pair of slits, so that the section of the temple part of the eyeglasses between the pair of slits is located exteriorly of the ear-protector, and whereby the second reduced section of the ear-protector and part of the first enlarged section of the ear-protector adjacent to the first section is bowed inwardly in a concave manner for forcing the ear-protector against the ear, whereby the ear-protector is snuggly positioned against the ear, for protecting the ear against cold and wind.

Abstract: An ear protection device made of an insulating fabric that adjustably and releasably fastens to the retaining strap of an eye goggles unit. The device utilizes elastic means to retain its lower edge proximate the head of the wearer under even severe conditions.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a hearing protective earmuff apparatus for use by an individual wearing eyeglasses while effecting a complete seal of the earmuff pad against the individual's head. In one embodiment, the earmuff comprises an outer housing assembly, a resilient inner pad that can seal against the wearer's head, and a middle assembly positioned between the outer housing assembly and the inner pad. The middle assembly includes an eyeglass stem receptor channel that opens at the front of the middle assembly. The receptor channel is adapted to receive and removably engage an eyeglass ear stein inserted into the stem receptor. In another embodiment, the earmuff apparatus of the invention comprises a pair of auditory protective earmuffs mounted on a connecting band.

Abstract: A high performance hearing protection or communications earcup and seal is disclosed that takes advantage of the facts that a characteristic acoustic impedance mismatch at a boundary will reflect a large portion of impinging energy rather than absorb it, and the "pumping" action on an elastomeric boundary from cyclic acoustic pressure can be damped by placing damping materials adjacent to that boundary. The preferred embodiment of the hearing protection earcup seal of the instant invention interleaves damping materials between the plurality of concentric ring structures of the instant invention and places thinned edges on individual concentric ring structures to enhance seal conformation with obstacles such as eyeglass temple pieces. An elastomeric semi-annular tensile plate supports the concentric ring structures of the instant invention. Both the earcup and earcup seal of the instant invention are readily manufacturable with conventional tooling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ear protective device that protects the human ear from being burned by curling irons or hot rollers during the heat treatment of hair. The ear protective device is especially constructed to cover the human ear. The device comprises an outer heat resistant material, an inner soft material connected to the outer material, said outer and inner materials defining a cavity for receiving the human ear, wherein the outer and inner materials or covers have an elastic member attached around the perimeter of said outer and inner materials which define an opening to said cavity.

Abstract: A disposable element for ear phone assembly is provided for use with a hearing screening instrument to test infants for hearing impairments. The ear phone assembly includes a generally D-shaped reusable cover including a back wall having a perimeter, a side wall extending from the perimeter to define a cavity for receiving an infant's ear, a port in the cover to receive and support a transducer, and a generally D-shaped disposable element that is adhesive coated on two sides to be secured to the cover and to the patient's head. The cover may have a notch located along the perimeter of the re-usable body for removing the disposable element. A liner is used to cover the disposable element adhesive sides to protect them from contamination during packaging and prior to use. The disposable element may have a die cut so that a portion of it can be removed to make the ear phone adjustable for infants with large ears.

Abstract: An earcup assembly is disclosed for use in a headset. The earcup assembly includes an earseal ring that includes an outer peripheral surface, an inner peripheral surface that provides an opening an annular base surface for securing the earseal to the headset, and an annular exposed surface opposite the base surface. The inner surface includes a first portion adjacent the exposed surface that provides a first peripheral distance around the opening and the inner surface further includes a second portion adjacent the base surface that provides a second peripheral distance around the opening. The second distance is larger than the first distance.

Abstract: An improved ear muff that is snappably engageable with the ear of the wearer. It includes an outer cover and an inner snappable annular actuating element form-fitted within said outer cover, the inner annular actuating element comprising a semi oval generally c-shaped closable ribbon-like member having closing projections and mating apertures to change the shape from that of a "c" to essentially that of an "o". When in the open, or "c" shape, the two ends of the ribbon which are opposed are non- parallel thus forming a truncated V-shaped space leading into the interior of the c, and the ribbon is essentially planar or partially curved. When in the closed, or "o" shape, the closing projections mate within the mating apertures thereby eliminating the truncated V-shaped space and causing the ribbon to assume or increase an arcuate shape. Provision is additionally made for optional inclusion of one or more electrical-to-audio transducers mounted within the muffs.

Abstract: A child ear protector is provided including a pair of ear enclosures each defining an interior space and a free peripheral edge. Each enclosure has an elastomeric gasket formed about the free peripheral edge thereof. A resilient head set is included having a pair of ends mounted to the ear enclosures to maintain the same over ears of the user during use. A music mechanism is situated within at least one of the ear enclosures for transmitting a melody.

Abstract: Headgear for wrestlers to cover and protect wrestler's ears and consisting of a pair of ear cover members, a plurality of straps to maintain the ear cover members in positions protecting the wrestler's ears, each of the cover members being comprised of a cup shape member having inner and outer surfaces and formed of a relatively hard shape retaining plastic foam material, a layer of soft conforming plastic foam on the inner surface of the cup shape member and having an inner surface shaped to conform to the shape of the wrestler's head in areas around the ears, a pair of inner and outer fabric members on the outer surface of the cup shape member and enveloping the plastic foam and providing a durable, washable and comfortable inner surface engagable with the wrestler's head and a tough, wear resistant color codable outer surface, and a plurality of hollow grommets extending through the ear cover members to provide sound passages to the ears of the wrestler.

Abstract: The present invention provides earmuffs for use with protective headgear, primarily helmets for use in contact sports such as hockey, football and the like, wherein the earmuffs are removably carried by the headgear in a position to protect the ears from cold, and do not interfere with wearing the helmet or the helmet wearer's activity.

Abstract: There is provided an ear covering device to be worn over the ears of the individual and to extend around the back of the individual's head or neck. The covering device is formed by a frame having a flexible band and two ear cups on each end. The band is contemplated to be flexible so that the space between opposite ear cup members may be enlarged to permit attachment of the covering device onto the back of the head. The spring force of the flexible band causing engagement of the covering device over the ears of the individual with the flexible band wrapping around the back of the individual's head or neck. Each ear cup includes a frusto conical frame portion having a central opening therein. Fabric covers the frusto conical portion of the ear cups as well as the flexible band. The frusto conical frame along with the fabric cover form a pocket. Suitable materials are provided in order to create a comfortable feeling, as well as provide warmth and protection for the ears.

Abstract: A headband ear protector apparatus including a pair of ear protectors and a resilient head band supporting, at opposite ends of the headband, the ear protectors. This forms a band which positions the ear protectors to lie by the opposite ears of a person. The headband is formed of a combination of hard and soft materials. The hard material is formed as a main support member for the ear protectors to extend between the ear protectors and provide resilience so the ear protectors will lie by the opposite ears of the person. The main support member includes at least one region having structure to receive the soft material to provide sound attenuation for reducing sound transmitted through the headband to the ear protectors.

Abstract: An ear seal for an ear cup in a noise attenuating headset. The ear seal surrounds an opening communicating with the interior of the earcup. The ear seal includes a continuous conformable element surrounding the opening and a fabric cover surrounding the opening. The cover overlays and is heat sealed to the element.

Abstract: An earmuff incorporating elevated sound attenuation. The earmuff comprises an outer cup (10') which connects with a sealing part. Arranged within the earmuff are a plurality of separating partitioning walls (14) which extend from the bottom wall (16) of the cup towards the sealing part. The partitioning walls (14) may be integral with the cup (10') or formed separately therefrom and loosely fitted thereinto.