U.S. patent application number 10/383020 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-09 for ear protector.
Invention is credited to Caine, Erene, Cerniglia, Philip J., Nair, Rajan.
Application Number | 20040172738 10/383020 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32927002 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040172738 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Caine, Erene ; et
al. |
September 9, 2004 |
Ear protector
Abstract
An adjustable ear protector comprising, a U-shaped band having
first and second ends wherein the first and second ends are
positioned opposite each other on the band; a pair of ear covers;
respectively mounted on the first and second ends; and a means for
providing tension to the band to secure said ear covers on the ears
of a user.
Inventors: |
Caine, Erene; (Elmsford,
NY) ; Nair, Rajan; (Eastchester, NY) ;
Cerniglia, Philip J.; (Eastchester, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ONOFRIO LAW
Suite 1600
1133 Broadway
New York
NY
10010
US
|
Family ID: |
32927002 |
Appl. No.: |
10/383020 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/209 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 11/14 20130101;
A45D 44/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/209 |
International
Class: |
A42B 001/06 |
Claims
1. An adjustable ear protector comprising: a U-shaped band having
first and second ends wherein said first and second ends are
positioned opposite each other on said band; a pair of ear covers;
each ear cover being respectively mounted on said first and second
ends, and a means for providing tension to said band to secure said
ear covers on the ears of a user.
2. The ear protector of claim 1 wherein said band is bendable.
3. The ear protector of claim 1 wherein said band is comprised of a
material selected from the group consisting of plastic, stainless
steel, aramid, carbon fiber composite, graphite fiber composite,
other waterproof material, and a combination of at least two of the
above.
4. The ear protector claim 3 wherein the plastic is a thermoplastic
material.
5. The ear protector of claim 1 wherein said means for providing
tension to said band is a threaded screw in the center of said
band.
6. The ear protector of claim 5 wherein the tension is adjusted by
turning said screw.
7. The ear protector of claim 1 further comprising a concave shaped
cover resting on top of said band and containing an aperture.
8. The ear protector of claim 7 further comprising a threaded
elongated member which is affixed to the center of said band and
fits within said aperture of said concave shaped cover; wherein a
knob fits over said threaded elongated member such that tension to
the band is adjusted by turning said knob over said threaded
elongated member.
9. The ear protector of claim 1 wherein said ear covers are
detachable from said band.
10. The ear protector of claim 1 wherein the size of said ear
covers varies according to the size of the ears of the user.
11. The ear protector of claim 1 wherein said band is positioned
behind the user's neck or in the back of the user's head.
12. The ear protector of claim 1 wherein said band is positioned
below the user's chin or in front of the user's head.
13. The ear protector of claim 1 wherein each ear cover is
comprised of an outer member and inner member, wherein said inner
member fits within said outer member.
14. The ear protector of claim 13 wherein said outer member is a
rigid shell or a semi-rigid shell.
15. The ear protector of claim 14 wherein said outer member is
comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of
plastic, stainless steel, aramid, carbon fiber composite, graphite
fiber composite, other waterproof material and a combination of at
least two of the above.
16. The ear protector of claim 13, wherein said inner member is a
flexible material selected from the group consisting of rubber,
elastomer and vinyl.
17. The ear protector of claim 16 wherein said flexible material is
plastic rubber.
18. The ear protector of claim 13 wherein said inner member is
detachable from said outer member.
19. The ear protector of claim 13 wherein said inner member
conforms to the user's ears and protects the ears from coming in
contact with a substance outside of said ear covers.
20. The ear protector of claim 13 wherein the ear covers further
comprise an insert within said inner member comprised of foam,
cotton or a combination of foam and cotton.
21. The ear protector of claim 1 further comprising means for
lengthening or shortening said band to fit the user.
22. The ear protector of claim 21 wherein said means comprises a
plurality of grooves on said first and second ends of said band and
an additional member for each end, wherein said ear covers are
attached to each of said additional members and said additional
members slide along said plurality of grooves to adjust said band
to fit the user.
23. The ear protector of claim 13 wherein an antibiotic ointment is
applied to said inner member to protect the ears of said user from
infection.
24. An adjustable ear protector comprising: a bendable
thermoplastic U-shaped band having first and second ends wherein
said first and second ends are positioned opposite each other on
said band; a pair of detachable ear covers, each ear cover being
respectively mounted on said first and second ends; and a threaded
screw in the center of the band to provide tension to said band to
secure said ear covers on the ears of a user, wherein the tension
is adjusted by turning said screw.
25. A process for making an ear protector comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a thermoplastic material which is heated to a melted
state; (b) providing a mold for producing the thermoplastic
components of the ear protector including a U-shaped band and two
outer members for two ear covers; (c) injection molding said
thermoplastic material into said mold to produce said thermoplastic
components; (d) providing a rubber material which is heated to a
melted state; (e) providing a mold for producing the rubber
components of the ear protector including two inner members for two
ear covers; (f) injection molding said rubber material into said
mold to produce said rubber components; and (g) cooling said
thermoplastic and rubber components and assembling said components
to make the ear protector.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an ear protector that is
easily adjusted and secured without relying on any part of the
user's head, neck or chin for support. The ear protector protects
the ears of the user from coming in contact with moisture or water
and/or other liquid or chemicals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In general, devices for protecting the ears are known in the
prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,812,517 to Bogart et al.
discloses an ear covering device comprising a U-shaped spring and
two ear covers. The ear covers are made of a flexible waterproof
fabric. A wire running through the fabric of the ear covers is
pulled or drawn over each ear and the ends of the spring slip into
pockets on the ear covers. The spring exerts pressure on the tragus
portion of the ears to block liquid from entering the ears. This
ear covering device is inconvenient in that it requires attaching
the ear covers on the ears and then attaching the spring to the ear
covers. Furthermore, because the device functions by depressing the
tragus portion of the ear, in addition to the ear protector being
uncomfortable to wear, if the spring were to lose its tension it
would not properly depress the tragus and the ears of the user
would not be protected.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,806 to Campbell discloses a device to
protect ears while applying heat during hair treatments. The ear
protector utilizes ear covers containing an ear engagager to urge
the earlobes away from the person's scalp. The ear covers are held
in position using a U-shaped yoke made of a springy material and
the ear protector is supported by the ears of the person. This
device thus requires that the lobes of the ears be folded over
during operation of the ear protector. The device does not protect
the entry of moisture, water or other foreign materials from
entering the ears.
[0004] Neither of these patents illustrates an ear protector that
can be easily adjusted and secured to the ears while protecting the
ears from coming in contact with moisture or water and/or other
liquids or chemicals.
[0005] Accordingly, it is the broad object of the present invention
to provide an ear protector to prevent accumulation and penetration
of moisture or water and/or other liquids or chemicals, into and
around the user's ears, which can often cause discomfort and
increase the risk of infection and/or pain. The ear protector is
completely safe and well suited for hair treatments such as
shampooing or hair coloring, but may also be used for bathing,
relaxed swimming and other non stressful water sports, or to
protect ears from weather conditions.
[0006] A further object of this invention is to provide an ear
protector which is easily adjusted to fit the user, i.e. the ear
covers and band can vary in size and the band is adjustable.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
ear protector which can be easily secured. The present invention is
comprised of a band that pivots into a desired position within an
arc from under the user's chin to behind the user's back. By
turning a threaded screw located on the band, tension is provided
to the band. In this way, the ear protector locks into the desired
position and is secured to the ears of the user during use. Thus,
the ear protector is secured without relying on any part of the
user's head, neck or chin for support, making the ear protector of
the present invention advantageous over known devices which are
neither as secure nor as comfortable to wear.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is an ear protector which is
adjustable to fit the user. The ear protector of the present
invention protects the ears of the user from making contact with
moisture or water and/or other liquids or chemicals. More
particularly, the ear protector comprises a U-shaped band having
first and second ends. The ends are positioned opposite each other
on the band. Mounted on the first and second opposite ends,
respectively, is a pair of ear covers. The ear covers are secured
on the ears of a user with a means for providing tension to the
band.
[0009] Preferably, the U-shaped band is bendable and comprised of a
thermoplastic material. The band is positioned behind the user's
neck or in the back of the user's head. Alternatively, the band is
positioned below the user's chin or in front of the user's
head.
[0010] The size of said ear covers vary according to the size of
the ears of the user and the ear covers are detachable from the
band. In a preferred embodiment, each ear cover is comprised of an
outer member which is a rigid or semi-rigid shell and an inner
member which is composed of a flexible material, such as a rubber,
elastomer, and vinyl, including plastic rubber. The inner member
fits within the outer member, conforms to the user's ears, and
protects the ears from coming in contact with a substance outside
of the ear covers. The inner member is detachable from the outer
member. The ear covers may further comprise foam and/or cotton.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the means for providing tension
to the band is a threaded screw in the center of the band, whereby
tension is adjusted by turning the screw. Alternatively, the band
can further comprise a concave shaped cover that rests on top of
the band and a threaded elongated member that is affixed to the
center of the band. The threaded elongated member fits within an
aperture on the cover and a knob fits over the threaded elongated
member. Tension to the band is adjusted by turning the knob over
the threaded elongated member.
[0012] The ear protector of the present invention further comprises
means for lengthening and shortening the band to fit the user.
Preferably, the means comprises a plurality of grooves on the first
and second ends of the band and an additional member for each end.
The ear covers are attached to the additional members and the
additional members slide along the plurality of grooves to adjust
the band to fit the user. In another embodiment that band is in the
shape of a wave and the band length is adjustable and
rotatable.
[0013] In further embodiment, an antibiotic ointment is applied to
the inner member of the ear cover to further protect the ears of
the user from infection.
[0014] The invention is also directed to a process for making the
ear protector of the present invention by providing a thermoplastic
material which is heated to a melted state; providing a mold for
producing the thermoplastic components of the ear protector
including a U-shaped band and two outer members for two ear covers;
injection molding the thermoplastic material into the mold to
produce the thermoplastic components; providing a rubber material
which is heated to a melted state; providing a mold for producing
the rubber components of the ear protector including two inner
members for two ear covers; injection molding rubber material into
the mold to produce the rubber components; cooling the
thermoplastic and rubber components and assembling the components
to make the ear protector.
[0015] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent when the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments of the invention are considered with
reference to the drawings, which should be construed in an
illustrative and not limiting sense as follows:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates the various component parts of the ear
protector of the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the U-shaped band.
[0018] FIG. 2C is a top view of the U-shaped band.
[0019] FIGS. 3A is a top view of the additional member of one end
of the band.
[0020] FIGS. 3B and 3C are side views of the additional member of
one end of the band.
[0021] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the additional member
of FIG. 3A along the line A-A.
[0022] FIG. 3E further details a portion of the additional
member.
[0023] FIG. 4A is a top view of the outer member of the ear
cover.
[0024] FIGS. 4B, 4C, and 4D are side views of the outer member of
the ear cover.
[0025] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the outer member in
FIG. 4A along the line A-A.
[0026] FIG. 5A is a top view of the inner member of the ear
cover.
[0027] FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5D are side views of the inner member of
ear cover.
[0028] FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of the inner member in
FIG. 5A along the line A-A.
[0029] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate the ear protector with
securing means and component parts.
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates the ear protector in a compressed
position.
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates the ear protector in a position extended
from the position shown in FIG. 7.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a front view of the ear protector of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ear protector in
FIG. 9 along the line A-A.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a side view of another embodiment of the U-shaped
band.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The present invention is an adjustable ear protector
comprising, a U-shaped band having first and second ends wherein
said first and second ends are positioned opposite each other on
said band; a pair of ear covers; each ear cover being respectively
mounted on said first and second opposite ends, and a means for
providing tension to said band to secure said ear covers on the
ears of a user. The ear protector is well suited for hair
treatments such as shampooing or hair coloring, but may also be
used for bathing, swimming and other water sports.
[0036] With further reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 discloses the
various parts of the adjustable ear protector including U-shaped
band 10, having first an second ends 12 and 14, which are further
comprised of plurality of groves 16 and additional member 24, a
pair of ear covers 34, and a means 52 for providing tension to the
band which shall be further described herein.
[0037] U-shaped band 10, having first and second ends 12 and 14, is
shown in FIGS. 1-3. During operation of the ear protector, ends 12
and 14, of band 10 provides a natural. tension, i.e., the band
naturally springs towards the ears of the user. Using a slight
amount of force will cause the ends 12 and 14 to spread further
apart than when the band is at its resting state, allowing for an
increased pressure to assist in holding the ear protector on the
ears of the user and to allow the ear protector to fit various head
sizes.
[0038] Band 10 is preferably bendable and/or compressible, i.e. it
is sufficiently flexible to permit the ear covers to be worn
parallel to the user's head. Suitable materials for band 10
include, but are not limited to, plastics, including thermoplastic
materials; stainless steel, including heavy gauge stainless steel
wire or plastic coated stainless steel, preferably 18/10 stainless
steel; aramid, e.g. Kevlar.RTM.; carbon fiber composite; graphite
fiber composite; other waterproof materials; or a combination of at
least two of the above. Most preferably band 10 is comprised of a
thermoplastic material. The width and size of the band varies
according to the size of the user head e.g. male or female, adult
or child, and small, medium, and large head and ear sizes.
[0039] Band 10 does not contact or require support from any part of
the head, neck or chin, but rather is free-floating and
self-supporting. Band 10 pivots into a desired position within an
arc from under the user's chin to behind the user's back. Thus band
10 is positioned behind the user's neck or in the back of the
user's head. Alternatively band 10 is positioned below the user's
chin or in front of the user's head. In another embodiment, the
band is positioned over the top of the user's head. Preferably, the
position of the band is based on the user's preference as to
comfort, but can also be selected based on the activity of the user
or on the user's hair length.
[0040] The ear protector further comprises means for adjusting the
ear protector to fit the user. Preferably, as seen in FIGS. 1-3,
first and second ends 12 and 14 of band 10, which, as described
above, are positioned opposite each other, and are further
comprised of a plurality of grooves 16 and additional member 24.
Plurality of grooves 16, fits into additional member 24 and
additional member 24 slides back and forth along the grooves 16 to
adjust the ear protector to the user. Lip 20 on the tip of the
distal part 22 of end 12 or 14 catches a first bar 26 on additional
member 24 to prevent end 12 or 14 from completely sliding out and
detaching from additional member 24. Catch 30 also assists in
keeping additional member 24 from detaching from end 12 or 14. A
second bar 28 on additional member 24 is spaced apart from first
bar 26. First and second bars, 26 and 28 of additional member 24
rest in the plurality of grooves 16.
[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates the ear protector in a compressed
position and FIG. 8 illustrates the ear protector in a position
extended from the position in FIG. 7.
[0042] Additional member 24 further comprises plug 32 to which an
ear cover is attachable and detachable. The ear protector of the
present invention is thus further comprised of a pair of ear covers
34, each being respectively mounted on the first and second ends 12
and 14 (See FIG. 1). The ear covers are waterproof and cover the
entire ear. The ear covers are detachable from band 10, thus one or
both of the ear covers can be changed, as appropriate, to fit the
ears of the user. The ear covers should be of a shape to fit the
general shape of the user's ear, namely, round, elliptical shaped,
or most preferably, rectangular with rounded ends.
[0043] In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the band is
in the shape of a wave which has an ergonomic or apex contour
and/or roll which conforms to the anatomical shape behind the
user's neck or under the user's chin and can be used in combination
with foam padding. The band is adjustable and rotatable.
[0044] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the preferred embodiment, wherein
each ear cover 34 further comprises an outer and inner member, 36
and 40. FIG. 4 illustrates outer member 36 which is preferably a
rigid or semi-rigid shell of plastic, including thermoplastic
materials. Suitable materials also include, but are not limited to
stainless steel, including heavy gauge stainless steel wire or
plastic coated stainless steel, preferably 18/10 stainless steel;
aramid, e.g. Kevlar.RTM.; carbon fiber composite; graphite fiber
composite; other waterproof materials, or a combination of at least
two of the above. Plug 32 of additional member 24 fits into
aperture 38 of outer member 36 to secure the ear covers on band 10.
In this manner, the ear covers are detachable and can be varied,
depending the size of the user's ears.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 5, inner member 40 is of
substantially the same shape as outer member 36 and fits within
outer member 36 (see also FIG. 1). Inner member 40 is preferably
detachable from outer member 36 and can be changed to accommodate
different users. Inner member 40 may optionally further comprise of
at least one ridge 42 which overlaps over the edge of the entire
circumference of outer member 36 and keeps inner member 40 in
place. This creates a very tight seal to prevent moisture or water
and/or other liquid or chemicals form making contact with the ears
of the user. A greaseless sealer may also be applied to the
perimeter of inner member 40. Raised indentation 44 at the bottom
center of inner member 40 covers aperture 38 of outer member 36 and
assists in keeping plug 32 in place.
[0046] Inner member 40 is composed of a flexible material such as a
synthetic rubber, natural rubber, elastomer, or vinyl, including
plastic rubber and latex, and preferably plastic rubber. Inner
member 40 conforms to the user's ears to protect the outer and
inner ears from coming in contact with a substance outside the ear
covers. For further absorption, foam and/or cotton can be inserted
into the ear covers. The foam and/or cotton can be either molded to
the inner member at the time of manufacture or manually inserted
into the inner member at the time of use. It is preferable to use
highly absorbent foam that has the capability of absorbing and
wicking away water and/or other substances. In another embodiment,
the foam and/or cotton is the inner member.
[0047] Inner member 40 should be sterile and can be packaged in
sterilized paper or plastic. An antibiotic ointment can also be
applied to inner member 40 at the time of use to protect the user
from infection, e.g. using a pump spray or aerosol. Alternatively,
it can be incorporated into the inner member at the time of
manufacture to slowly release onto the user's ears when the ear
protector is in use. In a similar manner, waterproofing gel or
cream can also be applied at the time of use or at the time of
manufacture. After using the ear protector, inner member 40 can be
washed and re-used or disposed.
[0048] When the ear protector of the present invention is used for
swimming, a small section, e.g. one-half inch, of the inner member
may be replaced with a different material with excellent mechanical
acoustics for sound transmission, e.g. silicon, plastic or
Teflon.RTM.. This will ensure safety while using the ear protector
by allowing the user to have complete contact with the
environment.
[0049] The ear protector of the present invention is also comprised
of a means 52 for providing tension to the band to secure the ear
covers to the ears of the user (See FIG. 1). Various means for
providing tension to the band, such as a screw, pop rivet, snap,
Velcro.RTM., or banded perimeter can be used. Preferably, the means
for providing tension to the band is a threaded screw in the center
of the band wherein the tension is adjusted by turning the screw.
Most preferably, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the means 52 is a
concave shaped cover 54 resting on top of band 10 and containing
aperture 56. Attached to center of band 10 is a threaded elongated
member 58 which slides through and fits within aperture 56. Knob
60, preferably with internal threads, is placed over threaded
elongated member 58. Turning knob 60 over the threaded elongated
member 58 exerts a force on concave shaped cover 54 and provides
tension to band 10. In this way, the ear protector locks into the
desire position and is secured during use.
[0050] FIGS. 7 through 10 illustrate different views of the ear
protector of the present invention. Different combinations of ear
cover and band size can be selected to create the perfect fit for
the user, i.e., the ear protector of the present invention can be
used for the complete range of head and ear sizes. The ear
protector can also be used for pets, for example, when bathing a
dog.
[0051] The process for making an ear protector of the present
invention comprises providing a thermoplastic material which is
heated to a melted state; providing a mold for producing the
thermoplastic components of the ear protector including a U-shaped
band and two outer members for two ear covers; injection molding
said thermoplastic material into said mold to produce said
thermoplastic components; providing a rubber material which is
heated to a melted state; providing a mold for producing the rubber
components of the ear protector including two inner members for two
ear covers; injection molding said rubber material into said mold
to produce said rubber components; cooling said thermoplastic and
rubber components and assembling said thermoplastic and said rubber
components to make the ear protector.
[0052] The invention now being fully described, it will be apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art that many variations and
modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit
or scope of the invention as set forth herein.
* * * * *