US20090249832A1

US20090249832A1 - Ear Protection Device

Info

Publication number: US20090249832A1
Application number: US12/098,565
Authority: US
Inventors: Christine Masciovecchio; Ralph Masciovecchio
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-04-07
Filing date: 2008-04-07
Publication date: 2009-10-08

Abstract

Disclosed is a device for protecting a portion of an ear of a user. The device includes a pair of casings, a clamping mechanism and a pad. Each casing of the pair of casings includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an inner surface and an outer surface extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. The clamping mechanism is adapted to pivotally couple the pair of casings at the first end portion of the each casing of the pair of casings such that the pair of casings pivotally moves to assume an open position and a closed position. The pair of casings is adapted to receive the portion of the ear therebetween in the closed potion of the pair of casings. Moreover, the pad is disposed on the inner surface of the each casing of the pair of casings.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to protection devices used during sports or other physical activities, and, more particularly, to a device capable of protecting an earlobe or other parts of an ear of a user while the user participates in sports or any other physical activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During sports and any other physical activity there is always a possibility of occurrence of a physical injury to the person involved in the sports or the physical activity. More particularly, a person wearing jewelry articles, such as an earring, an armlet, a necklace and the like, is more prone to physical injury caused by entanglement of such jewelry articles with other players' clothes or accessories. For example, an earring worn by the person at a portion of his/her ear, such as an earlobe or any other part of the ear, may cause an injury to the person when the earring is entangled with the other players' clothes or accessories. Accordingly, players are always recommended to remove such jewelry articles while they are participating in sports or any other physical activity. Similarly, most schools do not allow their students to wear earrings during their physical education or sports class. Moreover, it is a problem, especially for young children, to remove and store the earring regularly during the physical education class, since the removal of the earring may lead to misplacement, damage, or theft thereof.
As an alternative to the removal of the earring from the ear for avoiding an injury to the earlobe or other parts of the ear, the earring is generally fastened with a tape to the earlobe or the other parts of the ear. However, the removal of the tape after conclusion of the physical activity is painful and difficult.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a device, which is capable of protecting a portion of an ear, such as an earlobe or other parts of the ear, of a person from an injury caused by an earring during sports or other physical activities. Further, there exists a need for a device, which is capable of being removably secured to an earlobe or other parts of an ear without inflicting pain to a user thereof during a removal of the device from the earlobe or other parts of the ear. There is also a need for a device capable of precluding a requirement for removal of an earring during sports or other physical activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a device capable of protecting an earlobe or other parts of an ear, configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a device for protecting a portion of an ear of a user from an injury caused by an earring during sports or any other physical activity.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for protecting a portion of an ear of a user such that the device is adapted to be removably secured to the portion of the ear without inflicting pain to the user during a removal of the device from the portion of the ear.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device for protecting a portion of an ear of a user such that the device precludes a requirement for removal of an earring worn by the user during sports or any other physical activity.
Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a device for protecting a portion of an ear of a user. The device includes a pair of casings, a clamping mechanism and a pad. Each casing of the pair of casings includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an inner surface and an outer surface extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. The pad is disposed on the inner surface of the each casing of the pair of casings. Moreover, the clamping mechanism is adapted to pivotally couple the pair of casings at the first end portion of the each casing of the pair of casings. More specifically, the clamping mechanism is adapted to enable the pair of casings to assume at least one of an open position and a closed position. Furthermore, the pair of casings is adapted to receive the portion of the ear of therebetween in the closed position of the pair of casings for protecting the portion of the ear.
In another aspect of the present invention, each casing of the plurality of casings of the device may be configured to have a variety of shapes, such as a shape of a geometrical figure, an alphabet, a cartoon character, and the like.
In another aspect of the present invention, each casing of the plurality of casings of the device may be configured to have a variety of images disposed on each casing, such as an image of a geometrical figure, an alphabet, a cartoon character, and the like.
These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional view of a device for protecting a portion of an ear of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates the device of FIG. 1 in a closed position of a pair of casings of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates the device of FIG. 1 in an open position of the pair of casings of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 removably secured to a portion of an ear of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 3 depicting an image of a cartoon character disposed on an outer surface of each casing of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 3 depicting an image of a letter of an alphabet disposed on an outer surface of each casing of the device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 3 depicting an image of a geometrical figure disposed on an outer surface of each casing of the device, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a device for protecting a portion of an ear of a user configured to have a shape of a geometrical figure, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a device for protecting a portion of an ear of a user configured to have a shape of an alphabet, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a device for protecting a portion of an ear of a user configured to have a shape of a cartoon character, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular device for protecting a portion of an ear of a user, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
The present invention provides a device for protecting a portion of an ear of a user. More specifically, the device is adapted to be removably secured to a portion of the ear, such as an earlobe, for protecting the earlobe from injury during a physical activity. More specifically, the device is adapted to protect the earlobe from injury caused due to entanglement of an earring worn in the earlobe while participating in the physical activity. The device also precludes a requirement for removing the earring prior to participating in the physical activity.
Referring to FIG. 1, a device 100 adapted to protect a portion of an ear, such as an earlobe or other parts of an ear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. More specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional view of the device 100. The device 100 includes a pair of casings 102 a and 102 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “pair of casings 102”), a clamping mechanism 104 and a pair of pads 106.
Each casing of the pair of casings 102 includes a first end portion 108, a second end portion 110, and an inner surface 112 and an outer surface 114. The inner surface 112 and the outer surface 114 of the each casing of the pair of casings 102 extend between the first end portion 108 and the second end portion 110. In an embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface 112 may have a concave shape and the outer surface 114 may have a convex shape. More specifically, each casing of the pair of casings 102 configures a hollow shell like structure having the inner surface 112 and the outer surface 114. It will be, however, evident to a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the described structural configuration of the pair of casings 102 only. In an embodiment of the present invention, the each casing of the pair of casings 102 may be configured to have a shape of a geometrical figure, an alphabet, a cartoon character, and the like (as explained in conjunction with FIGS. 5A-5C). In another embodiment of the present invention, the each casing of the pair of casings 102 may be configured to have a shape representing various themes reflecting latest fashion styles and trends. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the each casing of the pair of casings 102 may be configured to have a circular shape with a diameter less than about one inch.
Moreover, each casing of the pair of casings 102 may be composed of a material, which is tough and light in weight. In an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of casings 102 may be composed of a plastic material. In another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of casings 102 may be composed of a rubber material.
Furthermore, the pair of casings 102 is pivotally coupled to each other with the help of the clamping mechanism 104. More particularly, the pair of casings 102 is pivotally coupled at a bottom end 108 a (illustrated in an enlarged view of an encircled portion of FIG. 1) of the first end portion 108 of the each casing of the pair of casings 102 by means of the clamping mechanism 104. The clamping mechanism 104 enables the pair of casings 102 to have a pivotal motion to assume at least one of an open position and a closed position. The open position and the closed position of the pair of casings 102 have been illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A illustrates the device 100 in a closed position of the pair of casings 102 and FIG. 2B illustrates the device 100 in an open position of the pair of casings 102. More specifically, the pair of casings 102 of the device 100 may be moved away from each other to enable the pair of casings 102 to assume the open position thereof, as shown in FIG. 2B. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2A, the pair of casings 102 may be moved towards each other to enable the pair of casings 102 to assume the closed position thereof. The closed position of the pair of casings 102 may be advantageously utilized by a user for protecting his/her earlobe from an injury during a physical activity by securing the earlobe between the pair of casings 102 in the closed position thereof.
Referring back to FIG. 1, the clamping mechanism 104 may be configured to predispose the inner surface 112 of the each casing of the pair of casings 102 to move towards each other to enable the closed position of the pair of casings 102. Accordingly, the pair of casings 102 has a tendency to generally assume the closed position thereof. In an embodiment of the present invention, the clamping mechanism 104 comprises a spring 116 having a coiled portion (not shown) and a pair of elongated arm portions 118 a and 118 b extending from the coiled portion. More particularly, the pair of elongated arm portions 118 a and 118 b extend outwardly from the coiled portion in a direction towards the inner surface 112 of the pair of casings 102. Moreover, the coiled portion of the spring 116 is interposed between the first end portion 108 of the each casing of the pair of casings 102 to configure the pivotal coupling between the pair of casings 102.
Moreover, the pad 106 is disposed on the inner surface 112 of the each casing of the pair of casings 102. The pad 106 may be composed of a soft material and is designed to provide protective cushioning to the earlobe of the user received between the pair of casings 102 in the closed position thereof. More specifically, the pad 106 is designed for providing cushioning between the inner surface 112 of the each casing of the pair of casings 102 and the earlobe received therebetween so that the earlobe is pinched gently by the inner surface 112 of the each casing of the pair of casings 102.
In use, the pair of casings 102 is moved away from each other to enable the open position (shown in FIG. 2B) thereof. Thereafter, the earlobe of the user is received between the pair of casings 102. More specifically, the earlobe of the user is received on the pad 106 between the pair of casings 102. Subsequently, the pair of casings 102 is released such that the clamping mechanism 104 moves the pair of casings 102 towards each other to assume the closed position (shown in FIG. 2A) of the pair of casings 102. Accordingly, the pair of casings 102 is adapted to receive the earlobe of the user therebetween, thereby preventing any injury to the earlobe of the user while the user is participating in sports or any other physical activity. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the casings 102 may be configured to receive the upper portions of a user's ears (as opposed to the earlobes) to protect such upper portions of a user's ears during sports participation or participation in other activities. The device 100 may also provide protection to a user's neck, given the proximity of the neck to ears that to which the device attaches.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the device 100 removably secured to a portion, such as an earlobe (not shown), of an ear 200 of a user (not shown). As shown in FIG. 3, the device 100 is adapted to position the earlobe of the user between the pair of casings 102. Moreover, the pad 106 provides protective cushioning to the earlobe received between the pair of casings 102.
The device 100 as explained hereinabove in conjunction with FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 may be subjected to many variations. In one embodiment of the present invention, the each casing of the pair of casings 102 is configured to have an image of a cartoon character, such as a “Mickey Mouse”, disposed on the outer surface 114 of the each casing of the pair of casings 102, as shown in FIG. 4A. In another embodiment of the present invention, the each casing of the pair of casings 102 is configured to have an image of a letter of the alphabet, such as a letter “D”, disposed on the outer surface 114 of the each casing of the pair of casings 102, as shown in FIG. 4B. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4C, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the each casing of the pair of casings 102 is configured to have an image of a geometrical figure, such as a circle, on the outer surface 114 of the each casing of the pair of casings 102.
Furthermore, FIG. 5A illustrates a device 300 adapted to protect a portion of an ear, such as the ear 200, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The device 300 is similar to the device 100. The device 300 includes a pair of casings, such as a casing 302 a and a casing 302 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “pair of casings 302”). The pair of casing 302 is similar to the pair of casings 102. Each casing of the pair of casings 302 is configured to have a shape of a geometrical figure, such as a circle. Similarly FIG. 5B illustrates a device 400, which is similar to the device 100, and is configured to protect a portion of an ear, such as the ear 200, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The device 400 includes a pair of casings, such as a casing 402 a and a casing 402 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “pair of casings 402”). The pair of casing 402 is similar to the pair of casing 102. Each casing of the pair of casing 402 is configured to have a shape of a letter of an alphabet, such as a letter “D”. Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, a device 500 is configured to protect a portion of an ear, such as the ear 200, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The device 500 is similar to the device 100. The device 500 includes a pair of casings, such as a casing 502 a and a casing 502 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “pair of casings 502”). The pair of casings 502 is similar to the pair of casings 102. Each casing of the pair of casing 502 is configured to have a shape of a cartoon character, such as a “Mickey Mouse”.
The device for protecting a portion of an ear of a user, as described herein, may be utilized by the user while participating in sports or any other physical activity. Moreover, the device may be configured in a variety of sizes to fit to a portion on an ear of a child or an adult person.
Various embodiments of the present invention offer following advantages. The device of the present invention is capable of being received on a portion of an ear of a user, thereby preventing an injury to the portion of the ear while the user is participating in sports or any other physical activity. Moreover, the device is capable of being secured and removed easily from the portion of the ear without inflicting any pain to the user during removal of the device. Furthermore, the device, as described herein, precludes a requirement for the user to remove his/her earrings while the user is participating in sports or any other physical activity.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for protecting a portion of an ear of a user, the device comprising:

a pair of casings, each casing of the pair of casings comprising a first end portion, a second end portion, and an inner surface and an outer surface extending between the first end portion and the second end portion;

a clamping mechanism adapted to pivotally couple the pair of casings at a bottom end of the first end portion of the each casing of the pair of casings; and

a pad disposed on the inner surface of the each casing of the pair of casings,

wherein the clamping mechanism is adapted to enable the pair of casings to assume at least one of an open position and a closed position, and

wherein the pair of casings is adapted to receive the portion of the ear therebetween in the closed position of the pair of casings for protecting the portion of the ear.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the clamping mechanism is configured to predispose the inner surface of the each casing of the pair of casings to move towards each other to assume the closed position of the pair of casings.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one casing of the pair of casings is composed of a plastic material.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one casing of the pair of casings is composed of a rubber material.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the each casing of the pair of casings is configured to have a shape of a geometrical figure.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the each casing of the pair of casings is configured to have a shape of a letter of the alphabet.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the each casing of the pair of casings is configured to have a shape of a cartoon character.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the each casing of the pair of casings is configured to have an image of a cartoon character disposed on the outer surface of each casing.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the each casing of the pair of casings is configured to have an image of a letter of the alphabet on the outer surface of each casing.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the each casing of the pair of casings is configured to have an image of a geometrical figure on the outer surface of each casing.