And Ears Patents (Class 2/423)
-
Publication number: 20040154081Abstract: A size-adjustable hat comprises a front panel attached at a center portion to the body of the hat to form two laterally extending straps. The straps are removably attached to the sides of the hat. The straps can be attached closer to the front of the hat or closer to the rear of the hat to adjust the inner circumference of the hat to thereby accommodate heads of different sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventor: Scott Zimmerman
-
Patent number: 6754911Abstract: A device for mounting a noise attenuating ear cup on a helmet shell. The device includes a clamp plate, which is secured to the shell in an operative position extending along a side edge of the shell. A flexible strap extends along an inner surface of the clamp plate. The strap has first and second ends and an intermediate portion bulging inwardly from the inner surface of the clamp plate. The ear cup is attached to the intermediate portion of the strap, and the first end of the strap is anchored to the clamp plate. The second end of the strap is adjustably constrained for longitudinal movement relative to the clamp plate to thereby vary the extent to which the intermediate portion of the strap bulges inwardly from the inner surface of the clamp plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Down East, Inc.Inventor: Frank A. Howell
-
Publication number: 20040040072Abstract: A windshield covering the vicinity of the front of the ear of a rider on an open-top vehicle. When a person rides on an open-top vehicle with his ears exposed, the air coming from the front dashes against his earlobes, so that the rider hears the whistling sounds of the wind. To reduce these sounds, the rider's earlobes are covered with windshields from the front or from the front to the side. The earlobes are exposed to the open air in the upper, lower and rear regions thereof. This windshield reduces the whistling sounds of the wind. At the same time, the rider sufficiently hears surrounding sounds, and a state in which there is a sufficient amount of heat dissipation from the head is maintained. Thereby, during riding, protection against hardness of hearing and effect of improved safety are obtained without feeling hot.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventor: Ken Mizuno
-
Patent number: 6654967Abstract: Therapy apparel (10) is provided to assist in therapy sessions with children diagnosed with sensory integration dysfunction and impaired motor development. The apparel (10) includes a fabric top (14) to be worn over the shoulders and trunk of a child (12), together with a cape (16) and close-fitting headgear (18). The top (14) has fanciful theme decorations (e.g., a beetle) and is equipped with a series of flexible elastic straps for the feet, knees and hands of the child (12) and which can be used during a therapy session. The cape (18) is likewise theme-decorated and includes handholds (84) allowing the child (12) to spread the cape during imaginative play. The headgear (18) is constructed using padded side and sections (104, 106) with flexible elastic sections (108) between the sections (104, 106), and a chin strap (110) allowing the headgear (18) to be drawn into close conforming relationship with the child's head.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Kansas State University Research FoundationInventor: Sherry J. Haar
-
Patent number: 6651256Abstract: A pillow is worn in the manner of a helmet and includes an inner layer of cotton type material, an outer layer and an intermediate layer of foam or the like. The pillow blocks noise from getting to the wearer and can block light as well. The pillow also includes a neck-supporting portion. A stretchable neck-encircling portion permits the pillow to be pulled over the wearer's head while holding the pillow snugly in place.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Inventor: Carol L. Swift
-
Publication number: 20030159199Abstract: A portion of a mask or helmet covering a user's ear has an aperture covered by a sound-collecting and sound-transmissive protector swivelingly mounted thereon. The protector has a substantially parabolic reflector surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the protector's axis of rotation which magnifies sounds arriving from a particular angular direction and directs the sound through a plurality of holes axially penetrating through the protector from an outer to an inner surface. A user manipulable actuator nib extends axially outwardly from a peripheral portion of the outer surface of the protector allowing user control of swiveling movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventor: Lester Broersma
-
Patent number: 6508203Abstract: An animal ear holder apparatus capable of being easily, comfortably and securely placed on the head of an animal, wherein the ears of the animal are comfortably restrained in a forward position, thereby preventing undesirable animal behaviors, such as for exemplary purposes only, kicking, biting or bucking.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Inventor: Darla Williams
-
Publication number: 20020170106Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventor: Eugenia Fripp Ducker Lebherz
-
Publication number: 20020157167Abstract: The fencing mask comprises a steel mesh or plastic face piece 10, for protecting the face of a wearer. A fabric bib 15, for protecting the neck of the wearer, is detachably secured to the mask by means of an elongate channel member 16 connected to the lower edge thereof and extending from one side of the mask to the other from positions adjacent the ears of the wearer and passing under the chin of the wearer when worn and a co-operating elongate bead provided on or adjacent the upper edge of the bib 15.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2002Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Barry Rene Paul, Lance Gordon Rake
-
Publication number: 20020104152Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2002Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventors: Robert Schmitt, Richard Kinsey
-
Publication number: 20020083512Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventor: Kanzo Tsujino
-
Patent number: 6347412Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Inventor: Mark Dorman
-
Patent number: 6324703Abstract: Novel gels and gel composites for direct contact with the body and capable of substantially preventing the generation moisture from said body in extreme cold weather use.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1997Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Inventor: John Y. Chen
-
Patent number: 6305029Abstract: Protective headwear including a cover and a liner permanently attached to a hard hat. The cover and liner members provide protection against inclement weather conditions. In particular side, front, and rear flaps can be pivoted between folded and unfolded positions such that the protective headwear can be used in both bad and good weather conditions. The liner, being formed of fur, is both decorative and utilitarian in providing protection against cold weather.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Inventor: R. Brent Reynolds
-
Patent number: 6289522Abstract: A wrestling headgear is disclosed. In an embodiment for a wrestling headgear ear protector of the present invention, the ear protector includes an ear protection member and a variably adjustable support member disposed on an inner portion of the ear protection member. In an embodiment for a method of the present invention, a method of defining an ear receiving cavity included in an ear protector of a wrestling headgear includes configuring a variably adjustable support member, the variably adjustable support member disposed on an inner portion of an ear protection member.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventors: Deanna M. Jones, Michael Nagro
-
Patent number: 6286149Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: Kevin D. Whitaker
-
Patent number: 6220386Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: James B. Tichy
-
Patent number: 6154890Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: John R. Deopuria, Charles A. Westgate
-
Patent number: 6091832Abstract: A wearable personal audio apparatus includes one or more wearable U-shaped loop members adapted to fit an individual in a plurality of positions on the individual's body, particularly around the head and neck. The plurality of positions can include positions across the forehead, top or back of the head of the individual, and around the front or back of the neck of the individual. The loop member can have an eyewear receiving member which selectively receives an eyewear insert to provide protective or corrective eyewear when the loop member is worn on the front of the head of the wearer. In one embodiment, a plurality of sets of quick-connect interface ports are disposed around the loop member to selectively receive a plurality of external audio transducer modules. The quick-connect interface ports provide a respective communication path between each of the external audio transducer modules and an audio circuit which can be either external to the loop member or contained within the loop member.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Interval Research CorporationInventors: Daniel Shurman, Wayne A. Burdick
-
Patent number: 6073272Abstract: A helmet designed for use in winter sports, particularly the sport of snowboarding, having a flexible ear protection member including a hearing enhancement feature disposed therein is disclosed. The hearing enhancement feature may preferably be formed as an aperture disposed through at least a portion of the ear protection member, and preferably includes a deflection element to deflect objects away from the aperture, thereby preventing objects from passing through the aperture and penetrating the ear protection member in order to protect portions of the user's ear underlying the aperture from injury. The ear protection member may be configured as a ear flap including an abrasion-resistant outer layer to provide protection against branches and the like. In one embodiment, the ear flap may be formed as part of a comfort ring supported by the helmet.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Red Corp.Inventor: Roger M. Ball
-
Patent number: 6029282Abstract: A wind noise limiting device (10) selectively reducing wind noise while allowing ambient sounds to reach a wearer's ear (18). A sound-permeable body (20), is optionally shaped to surround an outer ear of the wearer, and includes an open-weave mesh (24) of a plastic material which permits air movement through holes in the mesh. Fibers (28) are attached to the mesh. The fibers alter the air flow passing through the device to reduce noise created by air movement across the mesh. The device is attached to a chin strap (12) of a helmet (14). In an alternate embodiment, the body is positioned in front of the ear, and interrupts moving air approaching the ear from the front.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Inventor: Thomas W. Buschman
-
Patent number: 6029769Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1997Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Inventor: James B. Tichy
-
Patent number: 5920911Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Poiesis Research, Inc.Inventor: William Bradford Cushman
-
Patent number: 5911314Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1998Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: David Clark Company Inc.Inventors: Richard M. Urella, Robert E. Dalbec, Louis J. Kiwak
-
Patent number: 5860166Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1996Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Inventor: Graham Douglas Ritts
-
Patent number: 5765229Abstract: A sun visor headgear includes a band for fitting around the head of a wearer and defining an opening for receiving the top of the head of the wearer, a front bill connected to the band and extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom for shielding the face of the wearer, and a chin strap attached to opposite side portions of the band rearwardly of the front bill and defining a loop for extending over the ears and under the chin of the wearer. The band and front bill are made integral with one another in a one-piece structure or, alternatively, the band can be a separate linear strip attached to the front bill. The band has a pair of rear edge portions defining the only location at it is attached to itself. The chin strap is made from a blank having a bow tie shaped configuration with opposite end portions attached to inner opposite portions of an upper edge of the band and interconnected by a middle portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Inventors: Jody E. McLeod, Brock J. Rosenthal
-
Patent number: 5718002Abstract: Eye and ear protective eyewear comprising a standard pair of conventional reading glasses, prescription glasses, safety glasses or sunglasses to which a pair of wind-deflecting deflectors are attached to the lenses and/or frame and extend rearward from the lenses towards the ear. The deflectors are configured and arranged to deflect air flow away from the ear while terminating prior to the auditory meatus of the ear in order to avoid interfering with the hearing of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1997Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Inventor: Ronald M. Pavlak
-
Patent number: 5696356Abstract: A head worn sound gathering apparatus having a pair of sound gathering horns with rearward facing apertures. Each sound gathering horn includes a tapered sound channeling tube portion which communicates with an ear covering. Sound received through the rearward facing apertures is amplified and directed to the ear coverings wherein the sounds reach the ears of a wearer. The sound gathering horns and ear covers are preferably worn in association with a helmet such as a cyclist helmet.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Op-D-Op, Inc.Inventors: James P. Dudley, Kyle D. Fields, Timothy J. Landis
-
Patent number: 5691514Abstract: A head-worn acoustic receiver apparatus for use by cyclists and the like wherein an acoustic receiver cup is coupled to a cyclist helmet in a rearward facing direction. A microphone within the acoustic receiver cup receives sound reflected by the cup and directs the sound to earphones wherein the sound is reproduced and amplified for the wearer of the invention. Ear housings, which contain the earphones, are positioned over the wearer's ears to reduce the ambient wind noise associated with cycle travel.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: OP-D-OP, Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. Landis
-
Patent number: 5632048Abstract: A helmet for use by riders of bicycles, motorcycles or other vehicles. Left and right hearing assemblies are mounted inside of the helmet. Each of the assemblies has an enclosed ear cup positioned to fit snugly over a respective one of the user's ears. Respective hearing conduits extend from the ear cups through the interior of the helmet to respective openings. Thereby while the ear cups block substantial wind noises, the hearing conduits direct desirable sounds, such as emergency sirens, other traffic noises and voices, to the user's ears. User operable actuators for closing and opening the hearing conduits as desired can be provided. Optional ventilation tubes direct cooling and drying air through openings in the ear cups to the user's ears. Gates or shutters supported by the helmet shell allow the user to open and dose the ventilation tubes as desired.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1995Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Protector DevelopmentInventors: David Mortell, Mark Andersen, Lawrence A. Bernstein
-
Patent number: 5615419Abstract: A protective helmet for use by children is provided, with a top portion formed as a hollow dome, containing a plurality of ventilation openings. The top portion includes a stretch panel which extends from the top of the dome to a rim of the top portion. The protective helmet also includes a padded brim which is formed as a band mounted to and encircling an outer circumference of the top portion at the rim, and includes a stretch panel adjacent to the stretch panel of the top portion. The protective helmet further includes a first strap and a second strap mounted to the padded brim that are attachable to and detachable from each other. Each strap has an ear protection portion at the point of attachment to the padded brim that is configured to provide protection to the ears of the child, with a plurality of ventilation openings therein for the passage of air and sound.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Inventor: Jerry Williams
-
Patent number: 5603117Abstract: A protective helmet assembly to be worn on the head of a person includes a rotective shell and a removable, adjustable suspension system mounted on the inner surface of the shell. The suspension system includes an impact liner mounted on the inner surface of the protective shell, a plurality of sizing pads removably mounted on the impact liner, and a plurality of spare sizing pads. The plurality of sizing pads and spare sizing pads are sized and shaped of varying thickness so as to enable the protective helmet assembly to accommodate a broad range of head sizes and shapes. The protective helmet assembly further includes a pair of earcups pivotally mounted on opposite sides of the shell. Each of the earcups are pivotally adjustable by a pair of ratchet buckles mounted on the protective shell, and a pair of retainer straps. Each retainer strap is attached to the outer surface of one of the earcups and to one of the ratchet buckles.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1995Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Philip B. Hudner, Jr., Mathew M. Correa
-
Patent number: 5581821Abstract: A construction helmet is disclosed having a housing detachably mounted thereon which supports a ratcheted take-up reel having a pair of ear plugs attached to a hub by flexible cords wound about the hub. The reel is rotatably carried on the housing and a manually operable plunger releases the reel for automatic withdrawal of the ear plugs into a storage receptacle on the housing. Strain relief elements are attached to each cord and the receptacle includes shoulder straps engageable with the strain relief elements. The plunger is releasably connected to ratchet teeth carried on the reel hub.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Inventor: Steven A. Nakano
-
Patent number: 5546610Abstract: The proposed fastening system for adjustably holding a face-protection shield and/or hearing-protection caps is distinguished by the use of efficiently producible and mountable plastics parts. The carrying straps (110) are latched onto coupling cams, whereby at least two positions--face-protection shield lowered or raised--can be stably set. The holding straps (150) bearing the hearing-protection caps can be clamped and unclamped. The locked adjustment positions are made possible by a combination of a crook (152) located at the end of the holding strap (150) and a counteracting spring bar having a boss profile (149), which combination acts as a switch. If no use of the hearing-protection caps is to be made for some time, the holding straps (150) can be swivelled towards the rear. The system is well protected against dirt contamination, loose parts are avoided and, as a result of the sole use of plastic, the system is also suitable for the electrical field.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1994Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Assignee: Artilux Herzig AGInventors: Kurt Herzig, Hugo Herzig
-
Patent number: 5493733Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1994Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Inventor: Robert L. Pospisil
-
Patent number: 5477565Abstract: A baseball batter's helmet has a face guard mounted thereonto by ferrules extending through ear holes in the ear flaps of the helmet body. The face guard portion has an upper bar that engages the bill to hold the face guard in place on the helmet.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1994Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Wilson Hunt InternationalInventor: Wilson F. Hunt, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5477564Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1994Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Inventor: James B. Tichy
-
Patent number: 5361420Abstract: A protective head gear for both male and female amateur wrestlers that is light in weight, easy to put on and take off, and provides excellent protection against ear damage during a match by providing resilient ring-shaped foam ear protectors. The head gear is formed of a nylon netting material and covers substantially the entire scalp. Pockets on either side have resilient oval ring-shaped foam pads that cover and protect the ears. A very secure chin strap is provided by a bifurcated strap having hook and loop material on either inside surface that mates with and pinches a double sided hook and loop strap between the bifurcated straps. Portions of the head gear covering the top of the head can be left open to provide further ventilation. An optional protective foam pad at the front of the head gear provides protection against head butts.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1993Date of Patent: November 8, 1994Assignee: C & P ProductsInventors: Patrick E. Dobbs, Christopher A. Empero
-
Patent number: 5361419Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1991Date of Patent: November 8, 1994Assignee: Protector DevelopmentInventor: Lawrence A. Bernstein
-
Patent number: 5351343Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1992Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Inventor: Brian P. Harbison
-
Patent number: 5323493Abstract: A helmet includes a band member mounted integrally to the helmet, with the band member having first and second end portions extending below the helmet, with each end portion including a generally U-shaped deflector structure arranged for positioning in adjacency relative to each ear of an individual bicyclist.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1993Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Inventor: Frank M. Ogiba
-
Patent number: 5257420Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1992Date of Patent: November 2, 1993Assignee: Hearz, Inc.Inventor: Richard J. Byrne, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5243709Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1991Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: Natus Medical, Inc.Inventors: Neil J. Sheehan, William M. Moore, William New, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5231704Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1992Date of Patent: August 3, 1993Inventor: Francis J. Hildenbrand
-
Patent number: 5173721Abstract: An optical aid for use by competitors in target shooting comprises a flexible metallic tube attached at one end to a pair of ear defenders worn by the competitor and having at the other end a monocular device that can be positioned in front of the competitor's non-sighting eye for viewing the target between shots.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1990Date of Patent: December 22, 1992Inventor: Graham Green
-
Patent number: 5109549Abstract: There is disclosed an anti-flash hood of the kind referred to comprising a cover of heat resistant material having at least one area therein adapted to overlie an area of skin of the wearer and of relatively light weight to enable a wearer to have more rapid awareness of temperature changes in the environment than without such area.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1990Date of Patent: May 5, 1992Inventor: Beverley I. Mattinson
-
Patent number: 5090061Abstract: A helmet has ear pads each secured to the inner surface of a supporting plate in a cap body. Between the cap body and the supporting plate, first and second retaining devices are provided. The first device provides separation and engagement between the cap body and the supporting plate in response to relative sliding movement of these two members in a first direction between a separating position and an engaged position. The second device provides separation and engagement of the two members in response to movement of an operating member between its separating and engaging positions in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The attaching and detaching operations of the ear pads are facilitated thereby, and deviation of the ear pads at the time of wearing the helmet can be eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1990Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: Shoei Kako Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Eitaro Kamata
-
Patent number: 5068923Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1990Date of Patent: December 3, 1991Assignee: Milmas ABInventor: Ingvar Sjoqvist
-
Patent number: 5062163Abstract: This structure includes a head protection assembly to be attached to a hard hat structure including a brim support section mounted about a tapered brim section of the hard hat structure; a mid-body cover section integral with the brim support section; a chin protection and anchor assembly integral with a lower portion of the mid-body cover section; and a nose and cheek cover attachment which can be readily attached to the mid-body cover section. The chin protection and anchor assembly and the nose and cheek cover attachment are provided with readily adjustable connector and anchor assemblies to achieve the maximum fit about a person's head utilizing this invention. Another embodiment is a similar head protection assembly connected to the hard hat structure constructed of a spaceage sunscreen material for summertime usage. A third embodiment is a cap head protection assembly which can be readily attached to a baseball type cap member or other head protection covers through use of a cap connector assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1987Date of Patent: November 5, 1991Inventor: I. D. Jean Avey
-
Patent number: 5046193Abstract: An aquatic thermal head covering providing conservation of body heat when worn in or on water, constructed of flexible closed-cell rubber in water-resistant fabric conforming to curvature of wearer's head, with an adjustable brim, chin straps, and component ear flaps of same materials, all secured by cement adhesive bonding, secure stitching, and use of hook and loop material. Head covering affords high visibility in or on water through colors of material and fabric used in construction of cap as well as through application of solas grade reflective tape. Head covering contains a grommet and washer threaded with a cord suitable for attaching cap to a personal flotation device, a wetsuit, or other gear.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1990Date of Patent: September 10, 1991Inventors: Timothy W. Foresman, Joyce L. Foresman