Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02551195 1996-06-03
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EAR PROTECTION DEVICE
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a divisional application of Canadian application serial
5. no. 2,178,014 filed on June 3, 1996, which claims priority to United States
application serial no. 08/460,587 filed on June 2, 1995.
Field of 'tfie Invention
The present invention relates to a covering to be worn over and
to protect the ears of an individual. The covering is intended to extend
around
the back of the head or neck of the individual when being worn. The present
invention also relates to an ear protection device that may incorporate audio
a
earphones or similar type elements.
Backgrround of the Invention
There are a dumber of prior devices which cover an individual's
ears for warmth or the like. These devices, generally known as "ear muffs" ,
are represented in part by U.S. Pat. No. 3,249,949 to Rosenberg et al. and
U.S. Pat. No. 3,509,580 to Rubenstein et al. These prior ear muffs generally
include a band which wraps around the tog of the, head and includes an
enlarged
end which engages and covers the ears for warmth and protection.
An alternate method for securing ear protection type structures
is shown in Rosenberg U.S. Pat. No. 2,070,216 which is in the form of a
headband. Edwards U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,856 shows a device which wraps
around the side of an individual's head and attaches at the front end to the
arms
of eyeglasses. Brinkley U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,467 shows an ear protection type
device which attaches to the rim of the ear and maintains its position without
a
securing strap or the like.
Ballard U.S. Pat. No. 548,738 shows an ear and neck protecting
device which wraps around the back of the individual's head and covers the
neck to a position below the collar. Triplett U.S. Pat. No. 2,671,221 shows an
CA 02551195 1996-06-03
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ear protection device that wraps around the back of an individual's head and
includes a hinge at its center.
It has previously been contemplated that audio speakers may be
incorporated into ear muff or headband type devices. Krawangna U.S. Pat. No.
3,787,899 shows an ear muff that includes audio speakers therein. Spates U.S.
Pat. No. 4,864,619 shows a stereo head set within a headband. A wrap for a
standard headphone is shown in Byrne, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,420.
Despite the existence of various types of ear muffs and
headbands, there remains a need for an ear protection device having the
advantages of the present invention.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention relates to a covering device to be worn
over the ears of an individual. Preferably, the covering device extends
between
the opposite ears around the back of the ipdividual's head or neck.
One embodiment of the covering device of'the present invention
includes a flexible band which is positioned between two ear cups. The band
includes a central curved portion and two end portions. The ear cups are
attached to the end portions of the band and project therefrom. At _least one
portion of the ear cups includes a frusto conical frame member having a
central
opening therein. A fabric is used to cover at least the frusto conical portion
and
central opening of the ear cups so as to form a covering for the ears.
The fabric which covers the ear covering device may cover both
the ear cups and the band. The fabric may include an opening within the
portion covering the ear cups so that a earphone or the like may be inserted
into
the pocket or cavity formed by the frusto conical frame portion and the fabric
covering. The ear cups may also be hingedly connected to the ends of the band
and the band may be collapsible.
Another embodiment of the covering device of the present
invention includes a band having two curved portions with one end of each
curved band portion overlapping and sIideably attached to the other curved
band
CA 02551195 1996-06-03
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portion such that the relative overall length of the band may be adjusted. Two
ear cup portions are attached to the free ends of the curved portions. The ear
cups may include V-shaped support flanges. A semi-circular frame extends
between the projections of the V-shaped portion. A curved ear cup extension
portion extends from each of the projections of the V-shape in a direction
opposite of the semi-circular portion. These portions of the ear cup form an
ear
cavity. The semi-circular portion and the support flanges also define a
central
opening in the ear cavity. An attachment flange projects from the vertex of
the
V-shaped support flanges. The attachment flange including means thereon for
rotatably attaching the ear cups to the free ends of the curved band portions.
Fabric means covers the band and the ear cups on both sides and forms a pocket
or cavity adjacent the central opening in the ear cups.
The invention further contemplates the use of specific dimensional
relationships between the ear cups and the band, as well as specific materials
for the construction of the covering device, so as to form a comfortable and
functional ear covering device which may be worn by almost any individual for
protection of the ears.
Brief Description of the Drawings
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the
drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however,
that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and
instrumentalities shown.
Figure 1 shows one form of the covering device contemplated by
the present invention as being worn by an individual.
Figure 2 shows a top elevational view of an ear covering device
contemplated by the present invention.
Figure 3 shows a side plan view of the frame of the covering
device of the present invention.
. Figure 4 shows a front plan view of the frame of the covering
device of the present invention.
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Figure 5 shows a bottom elevational view of the frame of the
covering device of the present invention.
Figure 6 shows the covering device incorporating a headphone
type speaker arrangement therein.
Figures 7A and 7B show the component parts of the covering
device and headphone speakers as contemplated by Figure 6.
Figures 8A through 8F show a series of covering panels which
form the fabric covering for the present invention.
Figures 9 through 15 show various embodiments of a hinged
connection for use with the ear covering device of the present invention.
Figures 16 through 24 show side elevational views of various
embodiments of a "living hinge" for use within the covering device of present
invention.
Figure 25 shows a collapsible frame for an ear covering device.
' Figure 26 shows the collapsible frame of Figure 25 illustrated in
an opened position.
Figure 27 shows an ear covering device in accordance with the
present invention, illustrated in the collapsed position.
Figure 28 is a top plane view of a portion of analternate
embodiment of an ear covering device as contemplated by the present invention.
Figure 29 is a side elevation of the alternate embodiment of the
ear covering device as shown in Figure 28.
Figure 30 shows a side elevation of the alternate frame
embodiment as contemplated by Figures 28 and 29.
Detailed Description of the Invention
In the Figures, where like numerals indicate like elements, there
is shown multiple forms of an ear covering device as contemplated by the
present invention. The ear covering device as illustrated in Figure 1 is
generally designated by the numeral 10. The ear covering device 10 is adapted
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to be worn over the ears of an individual 12. When worn, the device 10
extends around the back of the head and/or neck of the wearer.
The ear covering device 10 generally includes a band portion 14
and two ear protecting portions 16. One side of the ear covering device 10 is
illustrated in Figure 1. The opposite side of device 10 is contemplated to be
a
mirror image of that illustrated in Figure 1. As illustrated in Figure 1 , the
band
portion 14 is relatively narrower than the ear covering portions 16. It is
contemplated that variations on this dimensional relationship may be made
without departing from the essence of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a top plan view of the ear covering device 10
illustrated in Figure 1. In position "A" in Figure 2, the ear covering device
10
is illustrated in its normal rest position with the ear covering portions 16
positioned closely adjacent to one another. The rest positioning of the
covering
portions is created by the curvature of band portion 14 and the form of the
frame for the ear covering portions 16 (shown in detail in other figures).
Position "B", as illustrated in Figure 2, shows the ear' covering portions 16
deflected outwardly due primarily to a flexing of band 14. The enlargement of
the distance between opposite ear covering portions 16 permits the ear
covering
device 10 to be placed on the head of the individual 12, as illustrated-in
Figure
1. The spring force created by the flexible band 14 of the ear covering device
10 causes the ear covering portions 16 to engage against the side of the head
of
the individual 12. The spring force of the band is contemplated to be
sufficient
to engage the head 12 so that the ear covering device 10 does not fall off.
However, the spring force is desired to be limited so that the ear covering
device is not uncomfortable to wear.
Figures 3-5 generally illustrate the framework of covering device
10. The frame generally comprises a flexible band 18 and two ear cup frame
members 20. The ear cup frame members 20 include an attachment portion or
flange 22 and a frusto conical frame portion 24. The attachment portion 22 in
the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3-S is integrally formed with the frusto
conical portion 24. The attachment portion 22 is formed at an oblique angle
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with respect to the plane of the frusto conical portion 24. This angle
creates,
in part, the inward positioning of the ear covering portions 16 as illus
trated in
Figure 2, i.e., position "A". The angle between the attachment flange 22 and
the frusto conical portion 24 is contemplated to be in the range of about 90
to
160 ° and is preferably approximately 145 ° . The flexible band
18 includes end
portions 26 which are engaged within the attachment portions 22 of the ear cup
frame members 20. As illustrated in Figure 3, the end portion 26 is engaged
within a slot 28 within attachment portion 22 and is secured therein by ribs
30.
A detent (not shown) may be provided on the end portion 26 of the flexible
band 18 so as to resist the removal of the ear cup frame member 20 from
between the opposing ribs 30 on the end portion 26.
The flexible band 18 as illustrated includes a curved portion 32
and two end portions 26. Preferably, the curved portion 32 has a radius of
curvature of approximately 2 1/4 inches. The end portions are formed by bends
at the end of the curved portion 32 and are separated by a distance X, as
illustrated in Figure 4. Preferably, distance X is in the range of about 3.5
to
4.5 inches and specifically about 3.9 inches. The end portions 26 are straight
and are formed integral with the curved portion 32. Preferably, the band 18 is
made of a stainless steel type material; however, other materials are
contemplated, including polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene, etc. The band 18
should be sufficiently flexible such that the relative distance X between the
two
end portions 26 may be enlarged and the ear cup frame members 20 may be
separated prior to placing ear covering device 10 on the individual 12 (Figure
- 1).
The ear cup frame members 20 are preferably made of a plastic
material, such as nylon. The frusto conical portions 24 at each end of the
frame
include a central opening 34. The diameter of the frusto conical portion at
its
base is contemplated to be in the range of about 2.7 to 4 inches and
preferably
in the neighborhood of 3 inches. The preferred height of the frusto conical
portion is in the range of about 0.2 to 0.5 inches. The preferred height
dimension if approximately 0.25 inches with the side wall being at an angle of
CA 02551195 1996-06-03
_ 7 _
about 4S ° . The frusto conical portion 24 is contemplated to fit
around the ear
when wearing of the ear covering device 10.
In Figure 6, the ear covering device 10 is shown having a pair
of speakers or earphones 36 and a speaker wire 38 incorporated therein. The
S earphones 36 and speaker wire 38 are also illustrated in Figure 7B, separate
from the ear covering device 10. The speaker wire 38 terminates in a standard
male jack 39 for connection to a personal radio, tape player or the like (not
shown).
In Figures 6 and 7A, the ear covering device 10 includes band
18 and ear cup frame members 20 as shown in Figures 3-S. The band 18 and
ear cups 20 are covered by a fabric material 40. As illustrated, the band
portion 14 and the ear covering portions 16 are each covered with fabric 40.
The fabric covering 40 includes a series of bands 42 which engage the speaker
wire 38 and retain it within the ear covering device 10. In addition, a pocket
1S or cavity is formed within the ear cups 20 which retains the earphones 36.
The
earphones 36 may be inserted into the pocket or cavity' by means of slot 44
within the fabric 40. As illustrated, the slot 40 is positioned adjacent to
each
ear covering portion 16.
As generally illustrated in Figures 8A-8F, the fabric 40 includes
multiple layers. In Figure 8A, there is shown a top plan view of the ear
covering device 10 in the open position. The fabric 40 completely covers the
outside surfaces of the band 18 and the ear cup frame members 20. As shown
in Figure 8B, the fabric 40 also covers the inside surfaces of the band 18 and
-ear cups 20.
2S Multiple layers of fabric are utilized to form the fabric covering
40 for the ear covering device 10. These layers are generally illustrated in
Figures 8C-8F. In Figure 8C, there is shown an outer shell 46 which includes
a central tapered portion 48. In Figure 8D there is shown an inner fabric
covering S2 which when assembled is exposed between bands 42, as shown in
Figure 6. The inner fabric S2 generally covers the inner surfaces of band 18.
The inner fabric S2 is overlapped by a central portion S6 which is shown in
CA 02551195 1996-06-03
_ g _
Figure 8E. The central portion 56 includes a series of alternating bands 42
and
openings 60 in its center and two circular portions 58 at each end. A central
opening 62 is provided within the circular portions 58. The central portion 56
is contemplated to be provided on the inside of the ear covering device 10 and
at least partially covering the inner fabric 52. Covering the circular
portions 58
of the band fabric 56 are inner ear members 64. The inner ear members 64 as
shown in Figure 8F have a generally circular configuration. The inner ear
members 64 are positioned over top of the circular portions 58 and the
corresponding central opening 62 in central fabric 56. Adjacent one end of the
inner ear members 64 is a curved border 66 which in the final constructions
forms the slot 44 for insertion of the earphones 36 as contemplated by Figures
6and7.
The various layers of the fabric material 40 are combined by
sewing or the like. The fabric covering may include an outer piping 68. Piping
68 may be formed as part of one of the layers of the fabric material 40 or may
be a separate element attached thereto. '
Any number of materials are contemplated for the fabric 40.
Piping 68 as illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B may be a wear-resistant cotton
blend or an entirely synthetic material. The exposed outer shell 46 -may be a
nylon-covered close cell neoprene or other moisture-resistant fabric. The band
fabric 54 may also be made of neoprene. Inner central tapered fabric 52 and
inner ear members 64 are preferably made of a synthetic fleece type lining
material, so as to provide warmth and comfort. The inner ear members 64 will
be in direct contact with the individual 12. It is noted that the exposed
outer
shell 46 may alternatively be made of a fleece material. It has been
determined
that the fleece material provides sufficient protection from the elements
while
also permitting sound to pass therethrough.
In Figures 9-23, there is illustrated a number of hinge
embodiments which may be used to form the connection between the attachment
portion 22 and the frusto conical portion 24 of the ear cup frame members 20.
Each of these embodiments will be discussed separately below. A number of
CA 02551195 1996-06-03
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these embodiments include a living hinge type arrangement. A living hinge as
contemplated by the present invention generally includes a continuous plastic
formation having a reduced cross-section between a base flange and an
attachment flange, wherein flexing is permitted between the two flanges. The
form of each of the hinges will be discussed in further detail below.
In Figure 9, there is illustrated an embodiment of the attachment
portion 22' for the ear cup frame member 20' . The frusto conical portion 24
as illustrated in this Figure 9 is generally contemplated to be the same as
that
illustrated previously. However, the communication between the frusto conical
portion 24 and the attachment portion is not contemplated to be rigid. The
living hinge 70 is provided between an attachment flange 72 and a base flange
74. The living hinge 70 permits the ear cup 20 to pivot such that the ear
covering portion 16 may collapse into the band portion 14 to reduce the size
of
the ear covering device 10 when not in use. A rivet hole 76 is provided in the
attachment flange 72. The engagement between engagement portion 22' and the
flexible band 18 (not shown in Figure 9) may be made by means of a rivet (not
shown). It is contemplated that rotation of the ear cup frame member 20' about
the rivet or opening 76 further permits collapsing the ear covering portions
16
into band 14.
In Figure 10 there is illustrated a further embodiment of the ear
cup frame member 20" which includes a frusto conical portion 24 and a
modified living hinge 70'. The attachment portion 22" generally includes an
inverted T-shaped attachment flange 72' and an L-shaped base flange 74' . The
connection between the T-shaped flange 72' and the L-shaped flange 74' forms
the living hinge 70' and limits the amount of outward rotation of the frusto
conical portion 24 with respect to the attachment portion 22" . The hinge 70'
permits the inward rotation of the frusto conical portion 24 towards the
attachment portion 22" when collapsing the ear covering device 10. Again, a
rivet hole 76 is provided in the attachment flange 72' for securing the
attachment portion 22" to the end portion of the flexible band 18 (above).
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-10-
In Figure 11, there is shown a further embodiment of an ear cup .
frame member 20"'. In this embodiment, the attachment flange 72" is
generally planar with the base flange 74" and includes the hinge 70"
positioned
therebetween. A slot or groove is provided as part of the living hinge 70"
such
that a limited amount of inward rotation of the frusto conical portion 24 is
permitted with respect to the attachment flange 72" . Again, the attachment
flange 72" may be secured to band 18 (above) by means of rivet hole 76 and
a rivet (not shown).
In Figure 12 there is illustrated a still further embodiment of an
ear cup frame member 20"" including a hinge 70"' formed as part of the
attachment portion 22"". The base flange 74"' in this embodiment generally
includes an L-shaped member wish one leg of the L-shape being generally
planar with the attachment flange 72"'. The living hinge 70"' is provided
between the L-shaped flange 74"' and the attachment flange 72"' with the
projection of L-shaped flange 74"' serving to prevent full rotation of the
frusto
conical portion 24 with respect to the attachment flange 72"' .
In Figures 13-15, there are illustrated further hinge embodiments
for the ear cup frame members. These hinged arrangements are generally
contemplated to include a press fit relationship and/or a pin secured within
adjacent elements.
In Figure 13, the frusto conical portion 24 includes a projecting
tab 78. Tab 78 includes a rounded end and forms the axis for the hinge 82.
Tab 78 is formed integral with the frusto conical portion 24. The securing
portion 80 of hinge 82 includes a planar base 81 and a curved projection 84.
The curved projection 84 generally encapsulates the end of the projecting tab
78 such as a hinge is formed. The planar base 81 of the securing portion 80
generally limits outward rotation of the frusto conical portion 24. The curve
portion 84 may also limit inward rotation about the hinge 82.
In Figure 14, the frusto conical portion generally includes a
projecting tab 78' which includes a central slot. A tab 86 on the securing
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portion 88 is engaged within the slot in tab 78. A pin 90 forms an axis for
the
hinge and extends through the ends of tabs 78 and 86.
In Figure 1S there is shown a further embodiment of a hinge
construction for the ear cup frame. The frusto conical portion 24 includes two
projections 92 which are formed on the inside surface of the cane 24. The base
members 92 engage on opposite sides of a projecting tab 86' which is formed
as part of the securing portion 88. A pin (not shown) forms the axis for the
hinge and extends through the projections 92 and the tab 86' on securing
portion
88. _
In Figure 16 there is illustrated a living hinge in the form similar
to that shown in Figure 11. The hinge 94 generally includes a V-shaped notch
95 within a planar body portion 96. Projecting from the left hand element of
the planar body portion 96 is an attachment head 98 which may be inserted into
an opening in the end portion 26 of band 18 (not shown). It is contemplated
that the press fit relationship between the opening in end portion 26 and the
attachment head 98 will form a pivot similar to the rivet attachment
contemplated for the embodiments in Figures 9-15. In phantom, there is
illustrated the flexing of the living hinge 94.
In Figure 17, a further embodiment of the living hinge is shown.
The hinge 100 is formed between a first base member 102 and a second base
member 104. The second base member 104 includes an attachment head 98,
similar to that contemplated by Figure 16. However, in this embodiment, the
first base member is not planar with the second base member 104. The flexing
of-the hinge r00 is shown in phantom.
In Figure 18, there is illustrated a living hinge having a form
similar to that shown in Figure 10 above. A first base member 106 forms an
inverted T-shaped element and is provided along with an L-shaped base member
108. The hinge 110 is formed between the first and second base numbers 106,
108. Because of the projecting portion on the right hand side of the first
base
member 106 (as illustrated in Figure 18) the downward rotation of the second
CA 02551195 1996-06-03
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base member I08 is limited. The movement of the second base member 108
is shown in phantom.
In Figure I9, there is a shown a still further embodiment of a
living hinge type attachment for the ear cup member. The hinge 112 is formed
between a first base member 114 and a second base member 116. The first and
second base members 114, 116 each include a bend at their respective ends
which permit the formation of the hinge 112. The bent ends engage one another
so as to limit rotation of second base member 116 in the downward direction
(as
shown). The rotation of member 116 in the upward direction is shown in
phantom.
In Figure 20, there is a further embodiment of a living hinge type
structure. In this embodiment, the hinge 118 is formed between two L-shaped
members 120 and 122. The L-shaped members are positioned opposite one
another, such that their elongated projections are not planar. This
arrangement
again limits downward rotation of the right hand L-shaped member 122. The
upward rotation of member 122 is shown in phantom in this Figure 20.
In Figure 21, there is illustrated a hinge arrangement similar to
that contemplated by Figure 13 above. The hinge 124 is formed by a tab 126
having a circular end 128 which is engaged within a curved projection 130
formed on a planar member 132. The tab I26 engages the upward surface of
planar 132 so as to limit rotation thereof downwardly about the hinge 124. In
addition, the upward rotation of tab 126 about the hinge 124 is limited as
illustrated in phantom. The upper surface of tab 126 engages the end the of
curved portion 13D. The hinge 124 is contemplated to be formed by a press fit
relationship between the rounded end 128 of tab 126 and the inside surfaces of
curved projection 130.
In Figure 22, there is illustrated a further embodiment of a hinge
which is generally similar to that shown in Figure 14. The hinge 134 is formed
between a first member 136 and a second member 138. It is contemplated that
the first and second member include engaging projections which are formed
CA 02551195 1996-06-03
-13-
around a central pin 140. The upward rotation of second member 138 about the
hinge 134 is shown in phantom.
In Figure 23, there is illustrated a further embodiment of a hinge
connection. The hinge 142 is formed between a first planar member 144 and
an L-shaped second member 146. The L-shaped second member 146 permits
the upper surface of the second member 146 to engage the lower surface of the
first planar member 144 when the hinge 142 is collapsed. The opening of hinge
142 is shown in phantom.
In Figure 24, there is illustrated a further hinge embodiment.
The hinge 148 is formed between a first planar member 150 and a T-shaped
second member 152. The hinge is formed on the central portion of the T-shape
in a manner similar to that contemplated by the hinge 134 in Figure 22 and the
hinge 142 in Figure 23. Again, the upper portion of the T-shaped member 152,
when in inverted position, engages the lower surface of the planar member 150
to limit rotation about the hinge 148. The rotation of hinge 150 is
illustrated
in phantom.
In Figures 25, 26 and 27, there is illustrated a collapsible ear
protection device 10' which is shown in the open position (Figure 26) and in
the
closed position (Figures 25 and 27). For illustrative purposes, only the frame
portion of the ear protection device 10' has been shown in Figures 25 and 26.
However, a fabric covering similar to the embodiment shown in the figures
discussed above is contemplated to be included and is shown in Figure 27.
The band 18' of device 10' generally includes a semi-circular first
portion 154 and a semi-circular second portion 156 which engage one another
to form a continuous arc. Engagement is formed by wrapping a portion of each
member 156 and 154 around the other. The wrapping portion of the first semi-
circular portion 154 is identified by the numeral 158. The wrapping portion of
the second semi-circular member 156 is identified by the numeral 160. As an
alternative to wrapping the two portions around one another, separate rings or
bands may be wrapped around one end of the first member 154 (for example)
and attached thereto. The rings will also be wrapped around the central
portion
CA 02551195 1996-06-03
-14-
of the second member 156. In final assembly, as illustrated in Figure 26, the
end of the band I8' , identified by the numeral 160, includes a single layer
whereas the central portion 162 of the band 18' includes an overlapped double
layer. The double layer portion may be shortened or elongated by sliding the
two members 154 and 156 with respect to one another so as to move the
wrapping portions I58 and 159 closer together. To shorten the overall length
of the band 18', the two wrap portions 158 and 159 are moved further apart
from one another (elongating the overlap 162 of the two portions, but
shortening
the overall length of the band 18'). w
IO In Figures 25 and 26, the frusto conical portion 24' forms the
entirety of the ear cup 164. The connection between the ends 160 of the band
18' is preferably formed by an attachment head I66, similar to that
specifically
illustrated in Figure 16 (element 98; also illustrated in Figures 19-22), and
a
socket or opening in the ends 160 of the band 18' . As illustrated, the
attachment head is inserted in the opening in a press fit type relationship.
Alternatively, the ends 160 could include an inverted ~-shaped notch with a
rounded opening at the top. The shaft of the attachment head in this
contemplated embodiment would be slid into the notch and retained within the
rounded opening, again in a press fit type relationship. Another possibility
is
a "figure 8" type opening with one side thereof being larger than the other.
In
this form, the enlarged diameter of the head portion can be inserted into the
larger opening and then the shaft portion slid into the smaller portion of the
opening (again in a press fit relationship). Other forms of detachable
fastening
and non-detachable Tastening (such as a rivet) are contemplated. The intent of
this type attachment is to permit the frusto conical portion 24' to rotate
about
the attachment head 166 and the end of the band 18' .
As is more particularly illustrated in Figure 27, one frusto conical
portion 24' formed within the ear covering portion 16' may be rotated so as to
flatten against the opposite ear covering portion I6' (which is also rotated)
with
the central portion 14 (which covers band 18') forming a circular (or at least
semi-circular) side wall between the parallel ear covering portions. In this
CA 02551195 1996-06-03
- 15 -
manner, the collapsed ear covering device 10' can retain the speaker wire 38
and male jack 39 (each shown in phantom). The speakers 36 (also shown in
phantom) are retained within the ear covering device within the pocket or
cavity
formed by the central opening 62 within the central fabric portion (Figure 8E)
and the respective outer shell 46 (Figure 8C) and inner ear members 64 (Figure
8F).
In Figures 28-30, there is shown an alternate embodiment of a
frame for an ear protection device. The frame of this embodiment is generally
labeled with the numeral 210. In Figures 28 and 29, there is particularly
illustrated an ear cup frame member 212. The ear cup frame 212 includes a
modif ed ear cavity having a semi-circular frame 214 at one end, two support
flanges 216, 218 formed as a central V-shaped portion, an attachment portion
or flange 220, and two cup extension portions 222 and 224. The modified ear
cavity is generally shown in Figure 28. The semi-circular portion 214 defines,
along with the support flanges 216, 218, a central opening 226. The atxachment
flange 220 extends outwardly from the vertex of the V=shape of the support
flanges 216, 2I8.
As illustrated more particularly in Figures 29 and 30, the outline
of the cavity of ear cup 212 is generally formed by the cup extensions 222,
224,
along with the semi-circular frame portion 212. The support flanges 216, 218
project above the ear cup to further define the cavity for receiving an ear.
Thus, the frame member 212 forms a open area defined by the height of the
semi-circular portion 214 and the cup extensions 222 and 224, as well as the
projection of fhe support flanges 216, 218 thereabove.
As shown in Figure 30, the frame 210 includes a band 230 which
is comprised of a first curved portion 232 and a second curved portion 234.
The two band portions 232, 234 overlap and engage one another by means of
passageways 236, 238. Passageway 236 is positioned at one end of band
portion 234, which is opposite band end 228. Passageway 238, formed as part
of the band portion 232, is positioned at the opposite end of band 234 from
attachment end 226. Band portion 232 on its inside surface includes a series
of
CA 02551195 1996-06-03
-16-
raised bumps or ratchet teeth 240 which form a resistance to the sliding
movement of passageway 236 of band portion 234 when the expansion of the
overall length of the band 230 is desired. The passageways 236 and 238
include a tower portion in which the opposing band slides. As can be seen, the
thickness of the band ends 226, 228 increases in the area of the openings 246,
248. An upper portion is included in the passageways which permits the
passage of the passageway 236 over the end 226 of band portion 232 and,
similarly, the passage of passageway 238 over the band end 228 of band portion
234. Each band end 226 and 228 includes a projecting tab 242- and 244,
respectively, which extends beyond the openings 246 and 248, respectively,
which receive the attachment head 250 of the two ear cup frame members 212.
The connection between the attachment head 250 and the
openings 246 and 248 in the band portions 232 and 234, respectively, permits
the rotation of the ear cup around the axis of the attachment head 250. When
the band ends 226, 228 are aligned with the attachment flange 220, the tabs
242, 244 form a moment arm which translates the spring~force, created by the
curvature of the band 230, to the ear cup frame members. This permits the ear
cup frame member to flex and engage around the ear of the wearer. The semi-
circular portion 214 flexes with respect to the more rigid structure of the
support flanges 216, 218 due to the "twist" tine created by the relief area
252
on opposite sides of the ear cup frame 212. In addition, the attachment flange
220 is provided with raised bumps 254 on the outside surface thereof. The
raised bumps define a slot therebetween in which is engaged a bump 256 on the
inside surface ~f band eud 242 of band portion 232 or a bump 258 on end 228
of band portion 234. The engagement of bumps 256, 258 within the slot
formed by the raised portions 254 on attachment flange 220 secures the ear cup
frame member 212 in alignment with band 230. This engagement can be
overcome by a slight rotation of the ear cup 212 with respect to the band 230.
The overall structure of the embodiment shown in Figures 28-30
is contemplated to be generally larger than those shown in the earlier
embodiments. In addition, the cavity of the ear cup frame member 212 is
CA 02551195 1996-06-03
-17-
contemplated to have a more semi-circular interior due to the inclusion of the
support flanges 216 and 218 and due to their relationship with the attachment
flange 220.
The frame embodiment 210 shown in Figures 28-30 is
contemplated to include a fabric covering similar to those discussed above. In
addition, speakers, such as those shown in Figures 6, 7b and 27, may be
included within the interior of the ear covering device 210.
The frame of this or any embodiment may be made of a Crastin~
material which is manufactured by the DuPont Company. The Crastiri material
is considered less suspectable to changes in moisture than a typical nylon
material and is not severely effected by changes in temperature. It is
contemplated that the characteristics of this material and its higher flex
modulus
will enable the frame to be relatively thinner than would be possible by a the
use of nylon material, while still accomplishing the desired characteristics
of the
present invention.
The present invention may be embodied iti other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and,
accordingly,
reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing
specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.
