U.S. patent application number 12/633729 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-17 for ear muff.
Invention is credited to Kathy Lancaster.
Application Number | 20100146682 12/633729 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42238832 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100146682 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lancaster; Kathy |
June 17, 2010 |
EAR MUFF
Abstract
An ear muff is disclosed having an inner layer having a first
elongated oval opening to insert the ear therethrough; an outer
layer coupled to the inner layer; a flexible core to support the
inner layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer
and having a second elongated oval opening consistent with the
first elongated oval opening of the inner layer to insert the ear
therethrough; a pocket defined by an area between the inner layer
and the outer layer in which the flexible core is disposed and in
which the ear is inserted; and a plurality of hair layers disposed
upon the outer layer; wherein the ear muff is self supported on the
ear.
Inventors: |
Lancaster; Kathy; (West
Babylon, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GEORGE R. REARDON
3356 STATION COURT
LAWRENCVILLE
GA
30044
US
|
Family ID: |
42238832 |
Appl. No.: |
12/633729 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61121608 |
Dec 11, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/209 ;
112/475.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 11/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/209 ;
112/475.11 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/06 20060101
A42B001/06; D05B 23/00 20060101 D05B023/00 |
Claims
1. An ear muff comprising: an inner layer having a first elongated
oval opening to insert the ear therethrough; an outer layer coupled
to the inner layer; a flexible core to support the inner layer
disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer and having a
second elongated oval opening consistent with the first elongated
oval opening of the inner layer to insert the ear therethrough; a
pocket defined by an area between the inner layer and the outer
layer in which the flexible core is disposed and in which the ear
is inserted; and a plurality of hair layers disposed upon the outer
layer; wherein the ear muff is self supported on the ear.
2. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the inner layer is comprised of
a synthetic material for insulation against cold temperature and
adverse weather elements.
3. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the inner layer is comprised of
a natural fiber material for insulation against cold temperature
and adverse weather elements.
4. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the first elongated oval
opening of the inner layer is further defined by an inner surface
and lip surrounding the inner surface of the first elongated oval
opening by which the flexible core is secured.
5. The ear muff of claim 4, wherein the lip further comprises an
adhesive to secure the flexible core to the inner layer.
6. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is comprised of
a synthetic material for insulation against cold temperature and
adverse weather elements.
7. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is comprised of
a natural fiber material for insulation against cold temperature
and adverse weather elements.
8. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is attached to
the inner layer around a periphery of each layer.
9. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the outer layer, flexible core,
and inner layer are layered and attached around a periphery of each
layer.
10. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the flexible core is comprised
of a plastic material that is flexible and stretch-resistant.
11. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the flexible core is comprised
of a cardboard material that is flexible and stretch-resistant.
12. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the flexible core is minimally
larger than the inner layer such that the flexible core thereby
provides two stable at-rest positions of the ear muff: a convex
position and a concave position.
13. The ear muff of claim 12, wherein the flexible core biases the
inner layer inwardly such that the pocket between the inner layer
and the outer layer is at a minimum to form a convex position.
14. The ear muff of claim 12, wherein the flexible core biases the
inner layer outwardly such that pocket between the inner layer and
the outer layer is at a maximum to form a concave position.
15. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair layers
disposed upon the outer layer comprises synthetic hair.
16. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair layers
disposed upon the outer layer comprises hair of natural color.
17. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair layers
disposed upon the outer layer are configured to be blended in with
the natural hair of the wearer of the ear muff.
18. A method of manufacturing an ear muff, the method comprising:
securing an inner layer having a first elongated oval opening to
insert the ear therethrough to an outer layer; securing a flexible
core to support the inner layer, and having a second elongated oval
opening consistent with the first elongated oval opening of the
inner layer, to insert the ear therethrough between the inner layer
and the outer layer; defining a pocket by an area between the inner
layer and the outer layer in which the flexible core is disposed
and in which the ear is inserted; and attaching a plurality of hair
layers to the outer layer; wherein the ear muff is self supported
on the ear.
19. The ear muff of claim 1, further comprising: stitching two or
more of the inner layer, outer layer, and flexible core to one
another with stitches.
20. The ear muff of claim 1, adhering two or more of the inner
layer, outer layer, and flexible core to one another with adhesive.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] The present non-provisional patent application claims the
benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/121,608, which is entitled "EAR MUFF", which was filed on Dec.
11, 2008, and which is incorporated in full by reference
herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The technology described herein relates generally to ear
protection devices, such as ear muffs. More specifically, the
technology relates and a self-supporting ear protection device
which is employed to protect the ear from wind, cold, rain, snow
and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Ear protection devices are known in the prior art. Related
patents known in the background art include the following:
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,835,609, issued to LeGette et al. on Nov.
10, 1998, discloses an ear covering device having two ear cups on
either end which are to be worn over each of the individual's ears.
A flexible band attaches to each of the ear cups and extends around
the back of the individual's head or neck. The spring force of the
flexible band wrapping around the individual's head or neck holds
the ear cups in place over each of the individual's ears.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,146, issued to Bavetta et al. on Dec.
31, 2002, discloses an adjustable ear protection device having a
head band portion and an ear portion at either end of the head band
portion. Instead of a flexible, spring force hold, the head band
portion is adjustable, so that the individual can secure the head
band on his/her head.
[0006] Self-supported, or ear-held, ear protection devices are also
known in the prior art. In the prior art, there are several
different mechanisms for holding the self-supported earmuffs on the
ears of the wearer. U.S. Pat. No. 3,112,493, issued to Greenberg on
Dec. 1, 1961, discloses an earmuff which is snappably engageable
with the ear of the wearer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,684, issued to
Schwartz on Dec. 20, 1988, teaches an ear-held earmuff including an
inner securement member placed over the helix of the outer ear, for
retaining the earmuff on the ear. U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,055, issued
to Hwang on Jul. 25, 1989, discloses an earmuff having a
spring-based butterfly clip which is used to hold the earmuff on
the ear. U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,467, issued to Brinkley on Aug. 23,
1994, discloses an earmuff which hangs on the ear of the user. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,055,672, issued to Natvig on May 2, 2000, discloses a
protective ear covering having a flexible cup-shaped insert which
is used to attach the earmuff to the ear. Finally, U.S. Pat. No.
4,713,843, issued to Duncan on Dec. 22, 1987, discloses an ear
protecting device having a flexible core member formed in the
general configuration of an ear and having an oval-shaped opening
through which the ear is flexed and bent to fit through.
Furthermore, many of the above-mentioned prior art earmuffs are not
visually attractive and do not blend in with a person's hair,
creating a hesitation of the general public to wear them.
Accordingly, more visually attractive ear muffs would overcome the
hesitation to wear them if they can be blended into a person's hair
but still maintain a secure fit on the ear.
[0007] The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state
of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a
view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor
in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the
patentability of the technology described herein. It is
respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and
other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when
considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described
herein provides a self-supporting ear protection device which is
employed to protect the ear from wind, cold, rain, snow and the
like.
[0009] In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein
provides an ear muff. The ear muff includes: an inner layer having
a first elongated oval opening to insert the ear therethrough; an
outer layer coupled to the inner layer; a flexible core to support
the inner layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer
layer and having a second elongated oval opening consistent with
the first elongated oval opening of the inner layer to insert the
ear therethrough; a pocket defined by an area between the inner
layer and the outer layer in which the flexible core is disposed
and in which the ear is inserted; and a plurality of hair layers
disposed upon the outer layer. The ear muff is self supported on
the ear.
[0010] The inner layer can include a synthetic material for
insulation against cold temperature and adverse weather elements.
The inner layer can include a natural fiber material for insulation
against cold temperature and adverse weather elements.
[0011] The first elongated oval opening of the inner layer can be
further defined by an inner surface and lip surrounding the inner
surface of the first elongated oval opening by which the flexible
core is secured. The lip can further include an adhesive to secure
the flexible core to the inner layer.
[0012] The outer layer can include a synthetic material for
insulation against cold temperature and adverse weather elements.
The outer layer can include a natural fiber material for insulation
against cold temperature and adverse weather elements. The outer
layer can be attached to the inner layer around a periphery of each
layer. The outer layer, flexible core, and inner layer can be
layered and can be attached around a periphery of each layer.
[0013] The flexible core can be made from a plastic material that
is flexible and stretch-resistant. The flexible core can be made
from a cardboard material that is flexible and
stretch-resistant.
[0014] The flexible core can be made minimally larger than the
inner layer such that the flexible core thereby provides two stable
at-rest positions of the ear muff: a convex position and a concave
position. The flexible core can bias the inner layer inwardly such
that the pocket between the inner layer and the outer layer is at a
minimum to form a convex position. The flexible core can bias the
inner layer outwardly such that pocket between the inner layer and
the outer layer is at a maximum to form a concave position.
[0015] The plurality of hair layers disposed upon the outer layer
can include synthetic hair. The plurality of hair layers disposed
upon the outer layer can include hair of natural color. The
plurality of hair layers disposed upon the outer layer can be
configured to be blended in with the natural hair of the wearer of
the ear muff.
[0016] In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described
herein provides a method of manufacturing an ear muff. The method
includes securing an inner layer having a first elongated oval
opening to insert the ear therethrough to an outer layer; securing
a flexible core to support the inner layer, and having a second
elongated oval opening consistent with the first elongated oval
opening of the inner layer, to insert the ear therethrough between
the inner layer and the outer layer; defining a pocket by an area
between the inner layer and the outer layer in which the flexible
core is disposed and in which the ear is inserted; and attaching a
plurality of hair layers to the outer layer. The ear muff is self
supported on the ear.
[0017] The method can further include stitching two or more of the
inner layer, outer layer, and flexible core to one another with
stitches. The method can include adhering two or more of the inner
layer, outer layer, and flexible core to one another with
adhesive.
[0018] Advantageously, the ear muff provides a self-supporting ear
protection device which is employed to protect the ear from wind,
cold, rain, snow and the like. Also advantageously, the ear muff
provides the wearer with a visually attractive natural look that
blends in with the wearer's hair, combining the hair of the outer
layer of the ear muff within the natural hair of the wearer of the
ear muff.
[0019] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the technology in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before
explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it
is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and to the arrangements
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0020] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the technology
described herein. It is important, therefore, that the claims be
regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they
do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described
herein.
[0021] Further objects and advantages of the technology described
herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of
a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically
in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The technology described herein is illustrated with
reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers
denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively,
and in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a side view of an ear muff shown in use on the
left ear of a wearer, illustrating, in particular, the blending of
the ear muff with the hair of the wearer, according to an
embodiment of the technology described herein;
[0024] FIG. 2 is an outer side view of the ear muff depicted in
FIG. 1 illustrating, in particular, an outer layer of hair such as
synthetic hair, according to an embodiment of the technology
described herein;
[0025] FIG. 3 is an inner side view of the ear muff depicted in
FIG. 1 illustrating, in particular, an inner layer having an
elongated opening for inserting the ear therethrough, according to
an embodiment of the technology described herein; and
[0026] FIG. 4 is an expanded view of the layers of the ear muff
depicted in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the technology
described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this
technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is
not limited in its application to the details of the particular
arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of
other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of description and not of limitation.
[0028] In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described
herein provides a self-supporting ear protection device, such as a
bandless ear muff 10, which is employed to protect the ear from
wind, cold, rain, snow and the like. The ear muff 10 has the
characteristic of being hidden, or not easily seen or detected by
others, when worn by the wearer. The ear muff 10 seamlessly blends
in with the natural hair color of the wearer. The ear muff 10 can
be manufactured in various sizes to accommodate varied ear sizes of
the wearer.
[0029] The ear muff 10 includes an inner layer 18 having a first
elongated oval opening 20b to insert the ear therethrough; an outer
layer 14 coupled to the inner layer 18. The ear muff 10 includes a
flexible core 16 to support the inner layer 18 disposed between the
inner layer 18 and the outer layer 14 and having a second elongated
oval opening 20a consistent with the first elongated oval opening
20b of the inner layer 18 to insert the ear therethrough. The ear
muff 10 includes a pocket 28 defined by an area between the inner
layer 18 and the outer layer 14 in which the flexible core 16 is
disposed and in which the ear is inserted. The ear muff 10 includes
a plurality of hair layers 12 disposed upon the outer layer 14. The
ear muff 10 is self supported on the ear.
[0030] The inner layer 18 and outer layer 14 are connected around
the periphery 26c, 26a, respectively, of each, creating a pocket 28
between the two layers 18, 14. The pocket 28 is the area in which
the ear of the wearer is placed to provide comfort, warmth, and
protection from adverse weather.
[0031] The flexible core 16 is positioned on an inner surface 22b
of the inner layer 18, such that the flexible core 16 is disposed
within the pocket 28. In various embodiments, the flexible core 16
and the inner layer 18 can both have complementary elongated oval
openings 20a, 20b, respectively, to allow the ear to be inserted at
least partially therethrough. Although the ear may need to be bent
slightly, no significant bending or deforming of the ear is
necessary to insert the ear through the oval openings 20a, 20b and
into the ear muff 10.
[0032] The inner layer 18 has an elongated oval opening 20b for
inserting the ear therethrough. The inner layer 18 may be made from
any material which is comfortable on and around the ear. It may be
advantageous to form the inner layer 18 from a synthetic material
which is cold or heat insulating. By way of example, fleece is a
synthetic material which is insulating. However, other synthetic
materials with similar characteristics can be used. It is also
contemplated that the inner layer 18 may be formed from any woven
or knitted material of synthetic or natural fibers. Furthermore,
the use of plush, fur, wool, or the like is also contemplated; the
softness of these materials providing more comfort to the user.
[0033] The inner layer 18 can further include a lip 24b surrounding
the inner surface 22b of the elongated oval opening 20b for
securing the flexible core 16 therein, the flexible core also
having an inner surface 22a and lip 24a. To further hold the
flexible core 16, the lip 24b may be coated with an adhesive,
thereby securing the flexible core 16 therein.
[0034] In at least one embodiment, the flexible core 16 can be
slightly larger than the inner layer 18 which surrounds it, such
that the flexible core 16 creates two stable, at-rest, positions: a
convex position and a concave position. In the convex position, the
flexible core 16 biases the inner layer 18 inwardly, such that the
pocket 28 between the inner layer 18 and outer layer 14 is at a
minimum. In the concave position, the flexible core 16 biases the
inner layer 18 to protrude outwardly, such that the pocket 28
between the inner layer 18 and the outer layer 14 is at a
maximum.
[0035] The flexible core 16 can be made from a plastic material
which is both flexible and stretch-resistant. Alternatively, the
flexible core 16 can be made from a suitable cardboard or other
synthetic material which is both flexible and stretch
resistant.
[0036] In at least one embodiment, the flexible core 16 can be
disposed in the pocket 28 between the inner and outer layers 18, 14
and further can be confined to the inner surface 22b of the inner
layer 18 by a lip 24b surrounding the inner surface 22b of the
elongated oval opening 20b.
[0037] The periphery 26b of the flexible core 16 further can be
connected to the periphery 26c, 26a, respectively, of the inner and
outer layers 18, 14, respectively, such that the periphery 26c,
26a, 26b, respectively, of the inner layer 18, outer layer 14, and
flexible core 16 are all held together on the edge to form the
pocket 28 therein.
[0038] The outer layer 14 is designed to protect the ear from cold,
wind, rain, snow and the like. Like the inner layer 18, the outer
later 14 can be made from a synthetic material which is cold or
heat insulating such as, by way of example, fleece, or any woven or
knitted material of synthetic or natural fibers. The use of plush,
fur, wool, or the like is also contemplated.
[0039] In various embodiments, the outer layer 14 and inner layer
18 can be attached via a stitching, the use of an adhesive, or
other means whereby the outer and inner layers 14, 18 are securely
attached and such that the seam does not allow moisture, cold or
heat to pass into the pocket 28. If the outer and inner layers 14,
18 are attached by a stitching, adhesive or other like means, the
flexible core 16 can be included in the stitching, adhering, or the
like, such that the inner and outer layers 18, 14 and flexible core
16 are all attached to one another to form the periphery 26a, 26b,
26c, collectively, of the earmuff 10. Furthermore, the outer layer
14 can be a liquid-repellant, or water-resistant, material, such
that rain and snow are prevented from penetrating the earmuff 10
and contacting the ear.
[0040] The plurality of hair layers 12 can be attached to the outer
layer 14 of the ear muff 10 by various means, such as stitching,
adhesion, etc. Multiple layers of overlapping hair 12 can be
utilized to provide a natural look. Various layer placement
configurations and various numbers of layers are contemplated.
[0041] In various embodiments, the hair layers 12 can be any type
of synthetic hair or the like and may be any color. It is
contemplated that the hair layers 12 may be any type of natural
hair. It is envisioned that the hair layers 12 may be those colors
which are natural hair colors, e.g., black, brown, blonde, and red.
The hair layers 12 can also take on different properties to further
make the hair appear to be natural and blend in with the wearer's
hair color.
[0042] Attachment of the ear muff 10 to the ear of the wearer is
facilitated by inverting the flexible core 16 so that the outer
surface 14 becomes convex and the earmuff readily slipped over the
ear of the wearer. The flexible core 16 is then reinverted so that
the ear muff 10 lies against the side of the head of the wearer
comfortably.
[0043] A method of manufacturing an ear muff 10 is contemplated.
The method includes securing an inner layer 18 having a first
elongated oval opening 20b to insert the ear therethrough to an
outer layer 14; securing a flexible core 16 to support the inner
layer 18, and having a second elongated oval opening 20a consistent
with the first elongated oval opening 20b of the inner layer 18, to
insert the ear therethrough between the inner layer 18 and the
outer layer 14; defining a pocket 28 by an area between the inner
layer 18 and the outer layer 14 in which the flexible core 16 is
disposed and in which the ear is inserted; and attaching a
plurality of hair layers 12 to the outer layer 14. The ear muff 10
is self supported on the ear.
[0044] The method can further include stitching two or more of the
inner layer 18, outer layer 14, and flexible core 16 to one another
with stitches. The method can include adhering two or more of the
inner layer 18, outer layer 14, and flexible core 16 to one another
with adhesive.
[0045] Although this technology has been illustrated and described
herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific
examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform
similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent
embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the
technology described herein and are intended to be covered by the
following claims.
* * * * *