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 article of headgear has a headband portion and ear covering portions which cover the ears of the wearer and pair of open ended pockets in the ear covering portions which removably receive and carry a packet of exothermic heat dispensing material to warm the ears of the wearer. In a first embodiment, the headband is formed of a pair of curved bands of resilient flexible material curved to fit over the top of the person's head and slidably connected in overlapped relation such that the length of the headband portion may be adjusted to fit various head sizes, and the ear covering portions are ear pads secured on the outer ends of the headband. In a second embodiment, the headband is a continuous circular configuration formed of flexible elastic material which encircle the person's head and the laterally opposed ear covering portions and pockets are integrally formed on the circular headband.

Abstract: An ear cover for protecting the external ear of a wearer. The cover includes a first flexible sheet having an outer layer formed of an absorbent material and an inner layer coextensive therewith formed of an impermeable material. A second flexible sheet is secured to the first flexible sheet adjacent the inner layer to serve as a liner for the cover. An elastic band is secured between the first and second flexible sheets for gathering the respective peripheries thereof around the ear of a wearer.

Abstract: A protective enclosure for the human ear which entirely encloses the ear except for a first opening sized to receive the outer ear and a second, lower, opening to act as a drain or weep hole, the weep hole having the ability to shed any liquid that is able to breach the enclosure. The first opening is surrounded by a band of pressure-sensitive adhesive to anchor the enclosure to the skin all around the base of the ear, forming a substantially fluid tight seal for the bag covering the ear. The opposite lateral edges of the enclosure are pleated inwardly to receive the operator's fingers in areas closely spaced to the adhesive while installing the enclosure over the ear.

Abstract: A single piece protective ear covering device is provided. The device is designed to protect the ear from heat and hairdressing preparations while the hair of the user is being treated. The device has a pair of mutually opposed ear coverings having a drawstring threaded therethrough and through a central strap for adjusting the ear coverings to a secure, fluid tight position about the ear. The strap is secured to both ear coverings and extends under the users chin when the device is in use. The drawstring is threaded through the strap and extends therefrom allowing for adjustment of the ear coverings about the ears.

Abstract: This invention provides an ear protector to prevent water from entering the ear during watersport activities like swimming, surface snorkeling or child's play in the water. It provides for waterproof ear pieces which are adhered to a head band worn either over the head and under the chin or, in combination with a viewing piece, around the front of the head to the rear of the head. While the ear pieces and viewing piece are watertight around the ears or eyes due to suction of suitable material, the band can also be tightened to further promote tightness against water.

Abstract: An earplug is described, with a metal insert that enables the earplug to be detected if it falls in a vat of food or other material during industrial processing, wherein the insert can be very easily attached, with or without a cord, to even an earplug body formed of resilient foam. The earplug includes a molded earplug body (12) having an axis (16) extending in forward and rearward directions. The earplug includes a detectable insert (14) attached to the rear portion (22) of the body, the insert comprising a fastener having a shaft (32) extending through a hole (30) in the rearward portion of the body and having a pair of flanges (34, 36) at opposite sides of the rearward portion, with foam body material compressed between the flanges. A cord (96) is attached to the earplug, the cord having a wrapped end part (110) that is wrapped around the shaft and which is compressed between a flange (34) and the compressed portion of the earplug body.

Abstract: Use of a superabsorbent nonwoven material in a moisture absorbing cover for an earmuff. A moisture absorbing ring-shaped cover for a sealing ring of an earmuff includes an inner layer (23) of super-absorbent fiber material. A device for use in moisture absorption at an earmuff comprises a cover (7) of this type and a supplementary cover (9) of the same construction intended for application within the earmuff and with a form corresponding to that of the area encompassed by the ring-shaped cover (7).

Abstract: An ear protector is formed from a sheet of thin flexible material such as a thermoplastic, for example polyethylene or a coated paper material. The protector is provided with a narrow flap of the sheet material along rear edge, and its top, both of which are curved to approximate the curvature of a human ear. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided preferably along the rear edge of the protector to hold the protector in place on the skin behind and adjacent to the ear during use. Preferably the front edge also is provided with a strip of adhesive. The protector has the advantage of being inexpensive and disposable.

Abstract: A protective wrestling headgear is provided having a pair of ear guards. Each ear guard has a generally disk-like core having a peripheral edge portion, an interior surface and an exterior surface. Preferably, a pattern of a plurality vent openings is provided in the core and connect the interior and exterior surfaces. A layer of gel cushioning material, preferably silicon gel cushioning material covers the interior surface of the peripheral edge. Preferably, a one-piece removable ear guard covering of a flexible material covers each ear guard. The covering has a core portion of a continuous web that covers the exterior surface of the core, leaving the pattern of vent openings exposed. The covering also includes a peripheral edge portion that covers the exterior surface of the peripheral edge and the layer of gel cushioning material. The flexible covering surrounding the peripheral edge has a tacky exterior surface to grip the area surrounding the wrestlers ear.

Abstract: A skin heat shielding system comprising an elastic headband member positionable about the head of a user; a forehead shielding member constructed from a heat resistance plastic having a first headband attachment portion and a forehead shielding portion extending outwardly from the headband attachment portion, the first headband attachment portion being detachably securable to a first headband section of the headband member with a first detachable fastening mechanism; a neck shielding member constructed from a heat resistance plastic having a second headband attachment portion and a neck shielding portion extending outwardly from the headband attachment portion at an angle of less than sixty degrees, the second headband attachment portion being detachably securable to a second section of the headband member with a second detachable fastening mechanism; and a pair of ear shield members each having a fabric outer shell that is impregnated with metallic particles and that forms an internal compartment that is acc

Abstract: An ear shield assembly comprises a headband fabricated of semi-rigid material and formed in a generally semi-circular configuration, the headband having two free ends; and two ear covers each formed in a hollow generally semi-spherical configuration, each ear covering having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, a free end of the headband being coupled through each ear cover, in an operative orientation a user placing the headband across his forehead, the user then positioning each ear cover over the auricle of an ear, the apparatus protecting a user's forehead and ears from hair dye during hair coloring.

Abstract: A baseball-style cap unencumbered by a bill or visor. A brimless baseball-style cap has the advantages of being lightweight, requires less structure and therefore less material, is inexpensive and provides opportunities for unique attachments. The baseball-style cap of the instant invention replaces the bill or visor with a decorative cloth and/or chin strap with ear cushions. Since many people wear baseball caps backwards or in reverse, the decorative cloth which will hang down behind the head and neck will provide an opportunity for the wearers to display their favorite logo or design in a unique and exciting way.

Abstract: The headband unit includes two enlarged fabric pockets disposed to overlie and cover the ears of the person wearing the unit. Each pocket is formed between two layers of fabric and contains an audio speaker support in the form of a strip of flexible plastic secured around its edges to the layer of fabric that engages the ear of the person wearing the unit, and having therein a plurality of spaced openings or slots each of which is adapted to receive and removably support an audio speaker in any of a plurality of different positions in the associated pocket so as to be registrable selectively with the ear of the person wearing the unit.

Abstract: Winter sports goggles are secured by a two-sided headband made of a double layer of insulating fabric. Downward extensions of the fabric on the sides provide earcovers. The two sides of the headband overlap around the head and are adjustably connected by mating strips of hook and loop fasteners. An advertising logo may be affixed to one or both sides of the headband. The goggles are contoured with a foam edge contacting the face. Foam covered openings on the top and bottom edges of the goggles allow moisture to escape from behind the transparent windscreen which filters ultraviolet rays. A narrow band of elasticized material sewn between the fabric layers of the headband connect each end of the headband to the goggles through a slotted extension from the goggles on each side or through slotted hooks snapping into openings in the sides of the goggles.

Abstract: An ear protector for protecting outer ear structure including the pinna, helix and ear lobe, includes a U-shaped retainer with first and second legs joined by a bight and a shield which is pivoted to the retainer at the bight. The retainer is slipped over the ear with the bight and one leg being behind the ear. The shield is then pivoted down over the ear to sandwich the ear between the retainer and shield. Preferably, the shield is lined with a soft foam on its inside surface and has a layer of heat protecting foil on its outer surface.

Abstract: An ear protecting apparatus adapted to protect children and infants from discomfort and potential hearing damage associated with noisy environments. The apparatus includes an adjustable headband having a pair of noise-attenuating earmuffs provided at opposite ends thereof, respectively. Each earmuff includes an annular member which entirely surrounds the user's ear and a noise-attenuating dome-shaped member which is shaped, dimensioned, and adapted to press against an outer portion of the user's auditory canal to effectively seal same from loud noise. Both the annular member and the dome-shaped member are preferably fabricated of a noise-attenuating foam material. The headband is spring-biased to urge the earmuffs inwardly so that they will be comfortably pressed into position on and around the user's ears.

Abstract: A designer ear muff is disclosed which has (a) a material covered arcuate top section having two ends. The arcuate top section is sized to fit over the top of the head of the wearer and extending downwardly to the wearer's ears where it is attached at each end to a detachable ear covering piece which is removably affixed to each end of the material covered arcuate top section.

Abstract: An earmuff assembly is adapted to be secured to a wearer's head in order to cover the wearer's ears. The earmuff assembly comprises a pair of earmuff elements, a band member and a joining means. Each of the earmuff elements has a pair of spaced-apart sleeve structures disposed thereon. The band member has opposite ends and includes a pair of strap portions. A first one of strap portions is slidably received in a first one of the sleeve structures of each earmuff element and a second one of the strap portions is slidably received in a second one of the sleeve structures of each earmuff element so that the earmuff element may be selectably positioned along the band member between the strap portions. The joining means interconnects the opposite ends of the band member so that the band member may be placed around and retained by the head of the wearer with the earmuff elements oriented to cover the ears.

Abstract: Ear muffs having an adjustable head band with ear pieces resembling a racing slick or monster truck tire. The ear pieces include removable hubcap discs on the outwardly facing sides thereof on which indicia may be applied in the nature of a race driver's name or the name of the racing establishment, for example. Ear cushions having a noise muffling material are removably attached to the inwardly facing sides of the tire ear pieces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective ear guard assembly for covering and protecting portions of a user's head, particularly for wrestlers. The assembly includes a pair of ear guards each consisting of a resilient semi-rigid shell having a cup shaped center section and a peripheral outer flange, a plurality of strap attachments, an outer partially compressed foam pad corresponding to the shape and size of the shell and having a plurality of raised areas, an inner foam ring corresponding substantially to the outer flange of the shell and a molded flexible outer cover substantially covering the foam pads and having openings corresponding to the raised areas of the outer foam pad whereby those raised areas protrude through the outer skin cover.

Abstract: A seal plate attachment for earmuffs. The seal plate attachment has a first and second portion including substantially flat surfaces, outer perimeters, and inner perimeters defining central openings. The first portion of the seal plate attachment includes a first channel extending around a section of the outer perimeter. The seal plate attachment second portion includes a rim, projecting inwardly from and extending around a section of the outer perimeter. The rim of the seal plate attachment second portion forms a second channel to oppose the first channel on the seal plate attachment first portion, allowing the second portion to be slidable relative to the first portion. An improved earmuff design includes rigid earcup elements, a connecting band, and soft sealing elements in combination with the seal plate attachments for earmuffs.

Abstract: A cap having an arrangement for shielding the ears of a wearer from direct sunlight by the use of a pair of generally elongate ear shades removably supported from the sides of the cap. This novel cap has a head-encircling portion and a crown portion as well as support devices for the ear shades. These support devices are mounted on opposite sides of the head-encircling portion, at locations generally corresponding to the temporal portions of a wearer's head. Each of the support devices is adapted for supporting one of the ear shades, with both of the ear shades being double-ended and of non-planar construction. A securing component is disposed on each end of each ear shade, adapted for engagement with the respective support device.

Abstract: An earfoil (2) is used with a helmet (4) having a chin strap (6) which passes in front of the ear (30) and under the chin. The earfoil includes a wind deflecting, sound-permeable earfoil body (22) sized to cover the user's ear. The front edge (44) of the earfoil body is secured to the chin strap and lies against the user's head. The upper edge (46) of the earfoil body is secured to the lower circumferential edge (52) of the helmet just above the user's ear. These attachments are such that the earfoil body overlies the rear flange (56) of the user's ear while the rearward edge (62) of the earfoil body is spaced apart from the ear flange. This permits eddy current airflow to occur about the ear flange to enhance cooling even while the earfoil body directs airflow away from the concha (28) of the user's ear. The invention provides for a reduction in personally heard wind noise with enhanced eddy current cooling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible, disposable ear plug which is capable of decreasing humidity levels from the environment within the inner ear of a user. The ear plug includes a resilient hygroscopic body and a removable integral tip which are both surrounded by a flexible water-proof casing. When the integral tip is removed from the body of the ear plug, a surface of the hygroscopic body of the ear plug is exposed. The ear plug is then compressed and inserted into the outer ear of a user such that the exposed hygroscopic surface of the ear plug is able to absorb moisture from within the ear.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a person's ears from the damaging ultra-violet rays of the sun is presented. The ear protector apparatus conveniently clips to the outside of a cap, typically, a baseball cap. The protective ear apparatus is positionable along the headband of the cap in accordance with the anatomical configuration of a person's head. Furthermore, the protective ear apparatus is removable and may be applied from one cap to another. Ornamental designs may be applied to the outside surface of the ear protector to display the logo of a sports team or even to advertise an organization or business entity.

Abstract: A combined goggles and headband assembly comprising a goggles unit including a unitary goggles connected by a retaining strap for encircling the head of a wearer, and a cover for the ears of the wearer comprising a piece of cloth and fasteners of a length and width to encircle the retaining strap from opposed end edges of the goggles.

Abstract: A headgear garment has pockets for receiving exothermic heat packets to provide an active heat-generating source proximate to the ears of a wearer. The garment includes a garment body having pockets for receiving exothermic heat-generating packets and a means for securing the garment to the wearer's head. The securing means may be the structural configuration of the garment itself. The pockets are constructed of a breathable material to allow the exothermic heat-generating packets to provide heat and are placed proximate to the wearer's ears when worn. An insulation material is placed between the pockets and the ears to protect the ears from any excess heat generated by the exothermic packets. The shown embodiments include earmuffs, headbands, including a helmet headband and a straight headband, and a hat.

Abstract: A helmet for use with a bicycle, motorcycle or other vehicle. In one embodiment, a duct is located at each side of the helmet, and used for the dual functions of drawing air from the interior of the helmet and channeling ambient sounds inside the helmet where the sounds can be heard by a user. Sounds may be enhanced by the use of microphones, speakers, and other electronic equipment. The side ducts extend to the rear of the helmet and help to reduce drag and turbulence-induced vibration due to air flow. In another embodiment, separate air and sound ducts are located at each side of the helmet. The separate air and sound ducts function more efficiently because air and sound waves pass through different inlet ports and openings in the helmet. Breakaway joints may be used for the helmet.

Abstract: The present invention is an ear flap hat that is designed to be worn in both good and bad weather. The hat gives the wearer the flexibility of wearing the hat with the ear flaps down covering the wearer's ears or positioning the ear flaps in an up position on the crown of the wearer's head so that the wearer's ears are exposed. A cord and cord lock are also included with this hat so that the wearer can tighten the cap down and affix it to their head when the ear flaps are down. The cord can also be used to hold the ear flaps in the up position when they are not covering the wearer's ears. When the ear flaps are in the down position, covering the wearer's ears, the cord can be positioned in the back of the wearer's neck or under the wearer's chin depending on the desired tightness and the weather conditions. The hat will be less likely to fly off during gusts of high wind when the cord is positioned under the wearer's chin.

Abstract: A hang-type earmuff has a unitary, seamless core of flexible plastic in a truncated, conical configuration. A cover extends across the convex outer surface of the core and a liner extends across the concave inner surface of the core. The liner is attached to the core by providing a sheet of lining material, securing the lining material to the convex outer surface of the core adjacent the central opening thereof, removing the central portion of the lining material corresponding with the core opening, folding the lining material over the edge of the core defining the opening, through the opening and across the concave inner surface of the core and securing the lining material at the peripheral edge of the core. The cover is fitted to the core over a fixture to provide ample material to extend around the wearer's ear. The cover may be sewn or welded to the liner.

Abstract: A sweatband and earphone system utilizing a head sweatband preferably formed of an elastic fabric having internal pockets defined therein for receiving earphones connected to a radio or tape player. The sweatband comfortably and securely maintains the earphones upon the wearer's ears, and the sweatband includes stretchable openings permitting the earphones to be readily inserted and removed.

Abstract: A headset comprising: a headband, two ear cups, coupling means for rotatively coupling the ear cups to the headband for adjustably varying the location of each ear cup relatively to the headband and for simultaneously adjustably varying the pressure of each ear cup on the ears of the user. Securement means provide effective fixing of the ear cups in each chosen location. Moreover, the headset as a whole can be provided in a compact size for the purpose of carrying or keeping.

Abstract: An ear muff device is arranged to include a resilient band, with the band of a generally semi-circular configuration of resilient construction, including a glove-shaped member at each end thereof, wherein each glove-shaped member is arranged to receive an ear of an individual in surrounding relationship relative to the ear to impart warmth to the ear in use. A modification of the invention includes audio conduit structure directed through the glove members to direct and ease audio hearing of an individual in use of the organization.

Abstract: An improved combined ear and eye protector is disclosed which provides optimum flexibility by permitting the use of both eye and ear protection, or alternatively eye protection only or ear protection only. Maximum flexibility is achieved by providing an ear protection system which includes a head support independent of the eye protector.

Abstract: Earmuffs for use with headphones of the type having two speakers connected by a headband including two speaker receiving pouches. A headband receiving pouch is connected between the two speaker receiving pouches. Closing means are provided for closing the two speaker receiving pouches around the two speakers and for closing the headband receiving pouch around the headband. The two speaker receiving pouches can warm a listener's ears while using headphones.

Abstract: An Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Training Device for use during aircraft pilot training in conjunction with a headset having a pair of earphones supported by earphone stirrups. In its most preferred embodiment, the training device includes, at least, a mask member for partially occluding a pilot's vision, two arm members extending rearwardly from connections with opposing sides of the mask member, and headset connecting clamps for pivotally connecting the arm members to the headset stirrups, wherein the training device is supported by the headset and movable to a location up and away from a pilot's primary field of vision.

Abstract: An ear defender which comprises two ear plugs (11) each of which is connected to a respective end of a cord (20). Each plug (11) includes a plug-part (10) which is provided with a recess (18) for a cord locking sleeve which coacts with a respective plug-part. The locking sleeve (12) is slotted from its front end in the plug-part so as to form two identical sleeve-parts (24). These are joined together at the rear end of the locking sleeve (12) by at least one hinge or web part (26) formed integrally with the locking sleeve. A length of the end of the cord extends into a channel (32) in the sleeve through an opening provided in the vicinity of the hinge part. The cord end is secured in the channel (32), by pressing the sleeve parts into firm engagement with the cord end within the recess (18).

Abstract: A cup member defines a cavity for covering an infant's ear, and an annular member extends from an end portion of the cup member. The cup member and the annular member each comprise a first sound attenuating layer of foam material which attenuates high frequency sound and a second sound attenuating layer of a material which attenuates low frequency sound. The annular member has a surface for placing the earmuff against the infant's head. A hydrogel adhesive is disposed on the surface for bonding the earmuff to the infant's head. The hydrogel layer preferably extends along the plane defined by the surface of the annular member and into the cavity defined by the cup member for bonding the earmuff to a substantially hairless portion of the infant's head located behind the pinna.

Abstract: An ear protection device, intended to be worn as a pair, for attachment to the chin straps of helmets and being of minimum weight and bulk and used to protect the ear from cold, wind chill, wind noise and abrasion without compromising sound reception by the ear. The ear protection device comprises a covering member which is positioned on or around the chin straps and in contact with the bottom edge of the helmet. Thus being positioned over the ear, the fastening or coupling member is engaged holding the cover in place over the ear.

Abstract: Athletic ear guard assembly is disclosed having a removable inner ear pad that enables the ear pad to be removed by hand for a thorough cleaning of both the ear pad and the concave cup section into which the ear pad is mounted. The cup section is part of a side panel molded with a plurality of extending legs that are deflected to form the concave cup section. Likewise, the inner ear pad is also molded flat to provide ease in molding the components of the ear guard assembly. Thorough cleaning of the ear guard assembly is facilitated by easy hand removal of the ear pad to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses among wrestling opponents.

Abstract: A sun and sound shielding arrangement (10) for allowing a person to sleep in a bright noisy environment wherein the arrangement (10) includes a sun shade member (20) having an open end box configuration provided with air flow openings (24); and, an ear plug unit (11) including ear plug members (13) mounted on a spring element (14) such that the ear plug members (13) will cause the tragus (101) of the user's ear (100) to block the auditory canals (102).

Abstract: An article of wearing apparel that is configured to be worn by an individual as an ear protector and eye glasses retainer. The article is adjustably attachable to a pair of glasses by utilizing formed sleeves that receive the bows of the glasses. Each of the sleeves grips the bows as with an elastomeric material forming a part of the sleeve that clings to the bows of the glasses. The article worn on the head of the individual covers the ears to provide protection and being attached to the glasses, retains the glasses in position.

Abstract: Motion limiting means are provided on a combination headset and face mask device to eliminate the necessity of a rear head strap which is normally utilized to position the headband and to prevent its relative movement on the wearer's head when the face mask is adjusted as between upper and lower positions. This is accomplished by the provision of a bridge member which in essence pins the terminal band portion of the headband against its proximal ear cup thereby enabling the headband and ear cups to act as an unit and thus increase the frictional force available against the face mask moving the headband out of position.

Abstract: An earcup assembly for protecting the ear of the wearer from ambient sound in which a cylinder within a shell adapted to surround the wearer's ear and having a resilient seal engaging the wearer's head around his ear, receives a piston which is held in a fixed position relative to the wearer's head to maintain the volume of the space within the earcup between the piston and the ear seal opening approximately constant when the ear seal flexes under the action of ambient noise impinging on the shell.

Abstract: An ear seal for use with an earcup of a headset. The ear seal includes at least one ring of noise attenuating material, the material being a mixture of a dilatant silicone compound and a silicone fluid. A sheath is provided to enclose the ring of noise attenuating material. A ring of soft compliant material may also be used adjacent the ring of noise attenuating material for added comfort to the user. A sheath may be provided to enclose both the ring of soft compliant material and the ring of noise attenuating material.

Abstract: A wind deflector deflects wind away from the ear to reduce wind noise while ambient sound passes through to the inner ear so that the user's hearing is not substantially impaired.

Abstract: A sprung attachment arm for sound attenuating devices intended to form part of a head stirrup or to be fitted to a protective helmet. The arm (2) is constructed so that one end thereof can be attached to a protective ear muff (4) in a manner to spring-press the ear muff against the head of the wearer. The arm (2) has a substantially straplike configuration along at least part of its length and a cross-section through the straplike part presents at least one part which functions as a sprung leg (5) which forms an angle with adjacent parts of the straplike part (2). The straplike part (2) will preferably include at least two mutually angled sprung legs (5). A sprung arm of this configuration will produce an abutment pressure which will vary only slightly in response to different head sizes.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing the external auditory canal of an ear. The apparatus includes an ear protector band which extends over the forehead, ears, and nape of the head of an individual. The protector band prevents ear plugs from falling out of the ears of the individual, and tends to uniformly distribute compressive forces generated against the head by the band.

Abstract: A low spring rate headset has at least one earcup with bands of approximately equal width nested together. An earcup is attached to at least one of the bands.