WO2016024269A1

WO2016024269A1 - Ear protection device

Info

Publication number: WO2016024269A1
Application number: PCT/IL2015/050806
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gil KOREN; Amir Koren
Original assignee: Koren Gil; Amir Koren
Priority date: 2014-08-11
Filing date: 2015-08-06
Publication date: 2016-02-18

Abstract

A device for protecting an ear of a user includes a base member. The base member includes an aperture. The base member moves between a first state, in which the aperture is enlarged to allow the passage of the ear there through, and a second state, in which the aperture is contracted such that at least a portion of the base member is fixedly interposed between the ear of the user and the head of the user. A flap member is operatively coupled to the base member. The flap member assumes a first position, such that, when the base member is in the second state, at least a portion of the ear is interposed between the base member and the flap member.

Description

APPLICATION FOR PATENT

TITLE Ear Protection Device

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to ear protectors and ear covers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIO

Hair treatment operations often include the use of liquids such as water and dyes. While hair dyes are intended to alter hair color, hair dye materials can stain the ears or surrounding areas if allowed to come into contact with surfaces of the skin. A variety of devices nave been presented to protect the ears during hair treatment. However, many of the presented devices fall out of position during hair treatment forcing the user to periodically readjust the device. Other such devices use adhesives for securing the devices to the skin. However, the use of adhesives can cause discomfort and skin irritation to the user. Other such devices rely on covering the entire ear including the opening to the ear canal. However, covering the ear canal makes difficult the use of electronic devices while receiving hair treatment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIO

The present- invention is a device for providing a functionality lor ear protection.

According to an embodiment of the teachings of the present invention there is provided, a device for protecting an ear of a user comprising: (a) a base member including an aperture, the base member moveable between a first state, in which the aperture is enlarged to allow the passage of the ear there through, and a second state, in which the aperture is contracted such that at least a portion of the base member is fixedly interposed between the ^'ear of the user and the head of the user.

Optionally, the device further comprises: (b) a flap member operatively coupled to the base member, the fla member operative to assume a first position, such that, when the base member is in t e second state, at least a portion of the ear is interposed between the base member and the flap member.

Optionally, the flap member is moveable between a second position, in which the flap member is divergent from the base member, and the first position.

Optionally, at least a portion of the flap member is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the base member ,

Optionally, the device further comprises: (c) a pocket formed in part by each of the base member and the flap member, the pocket configured to retain at least a second portion of the ear of the user within the pocket.

Optionally, the second portion of the ear of the user retained within the pocket includes at least a porti on of the Helix .

Optionally, the flap member includes a plurality of apertures.

Optionally, the flap member is made of a recyclable material.

Optionally, the flap member is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of: Ethylene- vinyl acetate (EVA), EVA Poiyetliylene (EVA PE), Poh-propylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and

Polyurethane (PU).

Optionally, each of the base member and the flap member are substantially elliptical in shape.

Optionally, the minor diameter of the flap member is less than the minor diameter of the base member, and the major diameter of the flap member is less than the major diameter of the base member.

Optionally, each of the base member and the flap member includes an inner surface, and the flap member is operatively coupled to the base member by an attachment of at least a portion of the flap member inner surface to at least a portion of the base member inner surface.

Optionally, each of the base member and the flap member further includes a peripheral edge portion, and the at least portion of the flap member inner surface is disposed proximate to the peripheral edge portion of the flap member, and the at least portion of the base member inner surface is disposed proximate to the peripheral edge portion of the base member.

Optionally, when the base member is in the first state, at least a porti on of the base member is at a direct abutment with at least a portion o f the flap member.

Optionally, the aperture is resiliently biased.

Optionally, the base member is made of a recyclable material. Optionally, the base member is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of: Ethylene- vinyl acetate (EVA), EVA Polyethylene (EVA PE). Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE). Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Thermoplastic^' polyurethane (TPU), and

Polyurethane (PU).

There is also provided according to an embodiment of the teachings of the present invention, a device for protecting an ear of a user comprising: (a) a base member including an inner surface, an outer surface, and a resiliency biased aperture permeating between the inner and outer surfaces, the base member moveable between a first, state, in which the aperture is enlarged to allow the passage of the ear there through, and a second state, in which the aperture is contracted such that at least a portion of the base member is fixedly interposed between the ear of the user and the head of the user; and (b) a flap member operatively coupled to the base member, the flap member operative to assume a first position, such that, when the base member is in the second state, at least a portion of the ear is interposed between the base member and the flap member.

Optionally, the flap member is moveable between a second position, in which the fla member is divergent from the base member, and the first position.

Optionally, the inner and outer surfaces are substantially oppositely disposed when the base member is in ei ther of the first or second state.

Optionally, the device further comprises: (c) a pocket formed in part by each of the base member and the flap member, the pocket confi gured to retain at least a second portion of the ear of the user within the pocket.

Optionally, the flap member includes a plurality of apertures.

There is also provided according to an embodiment of the teachings of the present invention, a method for protecting an ear of a user comprising: (a) providing a first barrier, the first ^'barrier including an inner surface, an outer surface substantially oppositely di sposed of the inner sur face, and a resiliently biased aperture permeating between the inner and outer surfaces; and (b) affixing the first barrier to the ear of the user, such that the first barrier has at least one portion fixedly interposed between the ear of the user and the head of the user, the affixing comprising: (i) enlarging the aperture; (ii) passing the ear- of the user through the aperture; and (iii) contracting the aperture substantially around the base of the ear.

Optionally, the method further comprises (c) providing a second barrier, the second barrier operatively coupled to the first barrier; and (d) positioning the second barrier such that at least a portion of the ear of the user is interposed between the firs barrier and the second barrier. Optionally, the affixing further comprises: (iv) inserting at least a portion of the ear of user in a pocket, the pocket formed in part by each of the first and second barriers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1C are isometric views of a device, constructed and operative according to an embodiment of the invention, with a flap member and a base member having an aperture, the flap member being shown in a second position, the base member being shown in a first state, and the flap member being shown in a first position, respectively;

FIGS, 2A and 2B are front views of the device corresponding to FIGS. I A and 1C, respectively;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views of the device corresponding to FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view similar to FIG. i A, showing a pocket of the device;

FIG, 5 is an isometric view corresponding to FIG, 1 C, taken from below the device;

FIG, 6A is an isometric view of the device similar to FIG. 1 A, showing an ear fully passed through the aperture, and the flap member being shown in the second position;

FIG, 6B is a isometric view of the devi ce similar to FIG. 6A, showing the flap member in the first position;

FIGS, 7A and 7B are front views of the -device corresponding tb FIGS. 6A and 6B-, respectively;

FIG, 8 is a side view of the device corresponding to FIGS, 6B and 7B;

FIG, 9 is a data sheet of an exemplary material, Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer resin, for making the device corresponding to FIGS. 1 A-8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFER RED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a device for providing a functionality for ear protection.

The principles and operation of a device according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

The present embodiments are applicable to the protection of ears. Although the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are described with reference to human ears, the embodiments may be appropriatel y shaped and dimensioned tor ase wi th the ears of other animals of for use with inanimate objects, such as, for example, door knobs fixedly -attached to doors. As such, in the context, of this document, the -term "ear" generall refers to the visible portion of a human ear that resides outside of the head. The term "ear" may be used

interchangeably with the terms "auricle" or "pinna^", which scientifically define the visible portions of the ear thai reside outside of the head. In the context of this document, the. term "base of the ear^" or "ear base" generally refers to the portion of the ear which attaches to the head.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways, initially, throughout this document, references are made to directions such as, for example, upper and lower, top and bottom, inner and outer, and the like. These directional references are exemplary only to illustrate the invention and embodiments thereof

Referring collectively to FIGS. 1 A-8, there is shown a device 1 for protecting and/or covering, or otherwise shielding an ear of a user from foreign materials, particularly liquid materials and dye materials. The device 1 includes a base member 10 and a flap member 20 which are operatively coupled to each other. The base member 10 and the flap member 20 are preferably made from a material with elastic properties, as will be discussed in more detail below. The elasticity of the base member 10 and the flap member 20 facilitates stretching and contracting of the device 1 to allow affixing to the ear. The elasticity also allows for flexibility and pliability of the device 1.

The base member 10 includes an aperture 12. As shown in FIG. .1 A, the aperture 12 is of an initial size and shape, preferably circular or elliptical. The initial size and shape of the aperture 12 is preferably maintained by the base member 10 when the base member 10 is unstretched. The elasticity of the base member 10 allows enlargement of the aperture 12 to accommodate the passage of the ear through the aperture 12. The state of the base member 10 when the aperture- 12 is enlarged to allow to the passage of the ear is referred to hereinafter as a first state of the base member 10. An example of the aperture 12 when the base member 10 is in the first state i shown in FIG. ί B.

The base member 10 further includes an inner surface 14, an outer surface 1.8, a peripheral edge portion 1.6a, and a inner edge portion 16b. Preferably, the inner surface 14 and the outer surface 18 are oppositely disposed when the base member 10 is in a flattened

configuration. The aperture 12 permeates the base member 10 between the inner surface 14 and the outer surface 18, allowing for passage from the inner surface 14 to the outer surface 18, and vice versa. The peripheral edge portion 16a is preferably disposed about the circumference of the base member 10.. The aperture 12 is defined in part by the inner edge portion 16b. With reference to FIGS, 1 B and 8, the ear is passed through the enlarged aperture 12 from the outer surface 18 to the nner surface 14,

The flap member 20 includes an inner surface 24, an outer surface 28, and a peripheral edge portion 26. The peripheral edge portion 26 is preferably disposed about the circumference of the flap member 20.

The aperture 12 ma be enlarged in a variety of ways. For example, the aperture 12 may be enlarged by a user stretching the base member 10 by pulling portions of the inner surface 14 and/or outer surface 18 towards the peripheral edge portion 16a, or by a use]- inserting two (or more) fingers through the aperture 12 and pulling the fingers away from each other, toward the peripheral edge portion 16a. Note that enlarging the aperture 12 by stretching or other methods may also change the shape of the aperture 12. FIG. IB depicts an enlarged and reshaped aperture 12. Accordingly, the size and shape of the aperture 12 may be adjusted o ver a range of sizes and shapes which accommodate the passage of the ear.

Preferably, the aperture 12 is resilient! y biased. Accordingly, when enlarged, the aperture 12 has a tendency towards the initial aperture size and shape. Thus, subsequent to enlarging and reshaping by stretching, pulling, or other suitable dimensioning techniques, the aperture 12 naturally tends towards the initial size and shape depicted in. FIG. 1A. The elastic properties of the material from which the base member 10 is constructed contribute, at least in part, to the resilient biasing of the aperture 12, As such, once the ear is passed through the enlarged aperture 12, the natural tendency of the aperture 12 facilitates the contraction of the aperture 12 around the base of the ear. Accordingly, the contraction of the aperture 12 allows for the base member 10 to completely encircle the ear at or near the base of the ear, As a result, portions of the base member 10 are interposed between the ear and the head. The tendency of the aperture 12 towards the initial size and shape keeps the base member 10 fixedly in the above mentioned interposed position, The state of the base member 10 when fixedly interposed between the ear and the head is referred to hereinafter as a second state of the base member 1 . An example of the base member 10 in the second state is shown in FIGS. 6A₅ 6B, 7 A, 7B and 8.

As previously mentioned, portions of the base member 10 are interposed. between the ear and the head of the user when the base member 10 is in the second state. As should be .apparent, the- interposition of portions of the base member 10 between the ear and the head of the user results in the head of the use and portions of the ear enveloping the portions of the base member 10, Accordingly, for such interposition, portions of the ear include, but are not limited to, the Helix, Scapha, Fossa, and Lobule,

Preferably, the base member 10 and the flap member 20 are operativeiy coupled to each other via attachment of an attachment portion 17 of the base member inner surface 14 to an attachment portion 27 of the flap member inner surface 24. Most preferably, the attachment portions 17 and 27 are portions of the inner surfaces 14 and 24 proximate to the peripheral edge portions 16a and 26, respectively. In an exemplary non-limiting implementation, the attachment portion 17 of the base member 0 is of arcuate shape proximate the peri pheral edge portion I6a. Similarly, the attachment portion 27 is of arcuate shape proximate the peripheral edge 26. As should be apparent, the attachment portions 17 and 27 are preferably of equal size and shape. Note that in the accompanying drawings, the attachment portions 17 and 27 are shown in phantom and may he considered as a single attachment portion subsequent to attachment, .Also note that alternatively each of the base member 10 and the flap member 20 may include multiple attachment portions.

The attachment of the base member 10 and the flap member 20 to each other may be via any suitable technique. In a _.preferred but. non-limiting implementation, the base member 10 and the flap member 20 are attached to each other by stitching. The attachment may be .made along the entirety of the attachment, portions 17 and 27, resulting in a single contiguous attachment, or along portions of the attachment portions 17 and 27 resulting in a non-contiguous attachment. Note that alternatively, the base member 10 and the flap member 20 may be forged from a single double-layered body, in which subsequent to forging, the flap member 20 is partially cut out and separated from the base member 10 leaving only the resulting attachment portions 17 and 27 uncut.

As shown in FIGS. 1Α-Ί C, 2A-2B, 3A-3B, 6A-6B and 7A-7B, the attachment of the base member 10 and the flap member 20, allows for portions of the flap member 20 to be alternately lifted away from and lowered towards the base member 10. Accordingly, when the flap member 20 is lifted away from the base member 10, the flap member 20 and the base member 10 are divergent from each other and portions of the aperture 12, or the entire aperture 12, is exposed. When the flap member 20 is lowered onto the base member 10, the base member 10, including the aperture 12, is effectively covered by the flap member 20. The position of the flap member 20 when the aperture 12 is covered by the flap member 20 is referred to hereinafter as a first position of the flap member 20. The position of the flap member 20 in which the aperture 12 is at least partially exposed is referred to hereinafter as a second position of the fla member 20. As should be apparent, the flap member 20 is moveable over a range of positions between the first and second positions. When the flap member 20 is in the first position, the inner surfaces 14 and 24 face to wards each other with portions of the inner surfaces 14 and 24 at a direct, abutment. Furthermore, the outer surfaces 18 and 28 face away from each other when the flap member 20 is in the first position. Accordingly, the base member 10 and the flap member 20 are parallel to each other when the flap member 20 is in the first position. When the flap member 20 is in the second position, portions of the inner surface 24 face away from the inner surface 14. The flap member 20 is shown in the second position in FIGS. 1 A-1 B, 2A. 3 A, 4. 6A and 7 A. Similarly, the flap member 20 is shown in the first position ion FIGS. IC, 2B, 3B, 5, 6B, 7B and 8,

Note that the first and second positions of the flap member 20 may be interpreted in other words as first and second states of the flap member 20, .first and second orientations of the flap member 20, orientations of the flap member 20, or states of the flap member 20.

As previously mentioned, any suitable attachment technique may be used for attaching the base member 10 and the fla member 20 to each, other. Note mat the suitable attachment technique should maintain the aforementioned attachment during all movement of the base member 10 between the first and second states, and all movement of the flap member 20 between the first and second positions,

Preferably, the attachment portions 17 and 27 used for the above mentioned attachment are of size such that the aperture f 2 is fully exposed when the flap member 20 is in the second position. Accordingly, it is preferred that for any given attachment portion used for the above mentioned attachment, a line 19 formed by any two points along the attachment portion will refrain from intersecting or crossing, any portio of the aperture 12.

Refer now to FIG. 4, a pocket 30 formed by the attachment, of the base member 10 and the flap member 20. The pocket 30 is preferably dimensioned to accommodate receiving portions of the ear when the base member 10 is in the second state. Most preferably, the pocket 30 is of appropriate dimension to receive portions of the upper ear, including, but not limited to, the Helix, Scapha, and Fossa. Referring also to FIGS. 6B and 8, an example is depicted in which portions of the Helix, and portions of the Scapha and Fossa are positioned in the pocket 30 when the base member !O is in the second state.

The pocket 30 provides protection for the portions of the ear positioned within the pocket 30. Furthermore, when portions of the ear are positioned in the pocket 30, the protected ear portions are effectively retained in the pocket 30 which increases the stability of the device 1 when affixed to the ear, making it more difficult for the device 1 fall off of the ear, Note that most typical human, ears axe of a size and shape in which the vertical, ear length (i.e. the distance between the upper portion of the Helix and the Lobule) is greater than the horizontal ear length (i.e. the distance between the Tragus and the lateral porti on of the Helix). Accordingly, certain embodiments are directed to the base member 10 and the flap member 20 being elliptical in shape, such that the pocket 30 provides better accommodation of the ear.

According to embodiments in which the base member 10 and the flap member 20 are elliptical in shape, the attachment portions 17 and 27 are arcuate and are proximate to the peripheral edge portions 1 a and 26, respectively. In such embodiments, preferably the line 19 formed by connecting the endpoints of the arcuate attachment portion 17 is parallel to the minor diameter of the elliptical base member 10. As previously mentioned, in addition to being parallel to the minor diameter, the line 19 formed by the endpoints preferably refrains from crossing or intersecting the aperture 12. An example of such a line 19 is depicted in FIG. 233. Note that alternatively, the line formed by the endpoints may be non-parallel to the minor diameter, so long as the line refrains from crossing or intersecting the aperture 12.

Note that in the context of this document, the to of the base member 10 is defined to be the intersecting point between the peripheral edge portion 1 a and the base member major diameter which is closest in proximity to the attachment portion 17, Similarly, the to of the flap member 20 is defined to be the intersecting point between the peripheral edge portion 26 and the flap member major diameter which is closest in proximity to the attachment portion 27,

Similarly, the bottom of the base member 10 is defined to be the intersecting point between the peripheral edge portion. 16a and the base member major diameter which is furthest in proximity to the attachment portion 17. In other words, the bottom of the base member 10 is on the opposite side of the base member major diameter as the top of the base member 10. As should be apparent, the bottom of the flap member 20 is defined to be the intersecting point between the peripheral edge portion. 26 and the flap membe major diameter which is furthest in proximity to the attachment portion 27. In other words, the bottom of the flap member 20 is on the opposite side of the flap member major diameter as the top of the flap member 20.

As should be apparent, the lack of attachment of the base member 10 to the flap member 20 in regions proximate to the respective bottom portions of the base member 10 and the flap member 20 results in a user having access to the opening to the ear canal when the device 1 is affixed to the user (FIGS. 6A-6.B, 7A-7B and 8). As such, the device 1 is conducive to the use of audio speaker devices, such as, for example, in- ear monitors and the like, while the base member 10 is in the second state. For example, the wires connecting in-ear monitors to an. audio signal source can pass through the opening between the bottom portions of the base member 3 and the flap member 20.

As previously mentioned, the pocket 30 is preferably formed in part by each of the base member 1 and. the flap member 20. The pocket 30 is thus formed proximate to the top of the base member 10 and top of the flap member 20. Accordingly, the size and shape of the pocket 30 may be a function of the size and shape of the base member 10 and the flap member 20.

Additionally, the size and shape of the pocket 30 may be a function of the size of the attachment portions 17 and 27. For example, the pocket 30 may be made shallower by decreasing the size of the arcuate attachment portion 17. such that the line formed by connecting the endpoints of the arcuate attachment portion 17 is moved parallel to the maj r diameter of the elliptical base member 10 towards the top of the base member 10, Conversely, the pocket 30 may be made deeper by increasing the size of the arcuate attachment portion 17, such that the line formed by connecting the endpoints of the arcuate -attachment portion 17 is moved parallel to the major diameter of the elliptical base member 10 towards the cen ter of the base member 10.

Preferred dimensions of the base member 10 are given with respect to the initial size and shape of the aperture 12, Preferably, the minor diameter of the elliptical base member 10 is in the range of 7-10 centimeters (cm), and most preferably in the range of 8-9 cm. The major diameter of the elliptical base member 10 is preferably in the range of 8-12 cm, and most preferably in the range of 10- 1 cm. The intersection of the line formed by the endpoints of the arcuate attachment portion 17 and the major diameter is preferably 2-4 cm from the top of the base member 10. The aperture 12 is preferably elliptical with a major diameter in the range of 2.5-4 cm and a minor diameter in the range of 2-3 cm.

According to certain embodiments, the base member 10 and the flap member 20 are of approximately the same size. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the minor diameter of the elliptical flap member 20 is approximately equal to the minor diameter of the elliptical base member 10, and the major diameter of the elliptical flap member 20 is approximately equal to the major diameter of the elliptical base member 10.

In alternative embodiments, the fla member 20 is slightly .smaller than the base member 10, Accordingly, in such embodiments, the minor diameter of the elliptical flap member 20 is less than the minor -diameter of the elliptical base member 10, and the major diameter of the elliptical fla member 20 is less than the major diameter of the elliptical base member 10. The relatively smaller size of the fla member 20 helps to promote simpler separation of the flap member 20 from the base member 10, allowing for easier movement of the flap member 20 towards the first position. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the minor diameter of the flap member 20 is preferably 1-5 millimeters (mm) less than the minor diameter of the base member 10, and the major diameter of the fla member 20 is preferably 1 -5 ram less than the major diameter of the base member 10.

Preferably, the thickness of the base member 10 is in the range of 500 micrometers (urn) - 2 mm. As such, the base member 10 is thick enough to provide protection, such as. for example, in the form of a barrier, when the base member 1 is in the second state, yet thin enough to be worn by a user without causing discomfort to the user. In other words, when the aperture 12 is unstretched, the base .member 10 is considerably flat in one dimension.

Preferably, the thickness of the flap member 20 is in the range of 100 pm - 2 mm. As such, the relatively thin flap member 20 allows tor the flap member 20 to be in the first position without significant obstructions to the hearin of the user. In order to further reduce potential obstructions to the hearing of the user, preferably the flap member 20 includes at least one aperture, and most preferably a plurality of apertures 22, The apertures 22 are of significantly smaller size than the aperture 12 of the base member 10. Each of the apertures 22 permeates the flap member 20 between the inner surface 24 and the outer surface 28, allowing for passage from the inner surface 24 to the outer surface 28, and vice versa . Note that each of the apertures of the. plurality of apertures 22 may be of various sizes.

The apertures 22 may be arranged in any suitable pattern, which may provide art aesthetically pleasing design of the flap member 20 in addition to the ^'functionality of reducing obstructions to the hearing of the user. In the accompanying drawings, the apertures 22 are arranged in an exemplary sun pattern. Note that the outer surface 28 of the flap member 20 may provide a surface for aesthetic designs and/or advertisements in the form of graphic designs and the like.

As previously mentioned, the preferred structure of the device 1 is conducive to the simultaneous use of audio speaker devices and the like while the base member .1 is in the second state. Furthermore, the relatively thin structure of the flap member 20, as well as the apertures 22 in the flap member 20, make the device I conducive for simultaneous use with various other electronic devices, including, but not limited to, land line telephones, cellular and/or mobile telephones, and the like. Accordingly, a user having the device 1 affixed to the ear by the base member 10 being in the second state and the flap member 20 being in the first position, may have unobstructed phone conversations while using the device 1.

As previously mentioned, the base member 10 ma be made from any suitable material ha ving the elastic properties to allow for the stretching and manipulation of the aperture 12 as previously described. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, latex, Ethylene- vinyl acetate (EVA), EVA Polyethylene (EVA PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene ^'(PE), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Thermoplastic polyurethane- (TPU), and Polyutethane (PU). An advantageous property of such exemplary materials is the recyclability of such materials.

Therefore, it is preferred that the flap- member 20 is made from a recyclable material, and most preferably the same material as the base member 10. Accordingly, after the use of the device 1 by a user, the device 1 may be discarded i a. recycling repository or the like. The device 1 may also be used multiple times before being discarded, and the above mentioned suitable materials are conducive to the device 1 being washed between uses.

in a preferred but non-limiting implementation of the device !, the base member ID is made from a specific form of EVA, referred to as EVA copolyrner.resin. A corresponding data sheet -of such EVA copolymer resin is shown in FIG. 9. The EVA copolymer resin aims to reduce the amount of irritation to the skin of. a user, as compared with other materials having elastic properties suitable for constructing the device I, such as, for example, latex, which may significantly irritate the skin, particularly in users having allergic reactions to latex. As previously mentioned, it is preierred that the flap member 20 is made from the same material as the base member 10. Accordingly, in the above described non-limiting implementation, the flap member 20 is also made of such EVA copolymer resin.

Note that many of the above mentioned materials which can be used for making the device 1 can be made considerably transparent. As such, in the depictions of the device 1 when affixed to the user, as show in FIGS, 6A-7B, the ear of the user is visible through the flap member 20, Furthermore, the portions of the inner edge portion 16b which are obstructed by any of the base member 10, the flap member 20, and the ear, are shown in phantom in FIGS. 6A-7B. Also note that alternatively, the device 1 may be considerably non-transparent or opaque by coloring or dying -the flap member 20 and/or base member 10 with a non-translucent substance.

As previously mentioned, the base member 10 and the flap member 20 may be attached: to each other by using any suitable technique, preferably via stitching. Note that in alternative implementations, adhesive techniques, such as, for example, epoxy adhesives, may be used for the attachment of the base member 10 and the flap member 20. Al so note that certain types of materials facilitate attachment via adhesive techniques. As such, the type of material used for constructing the base member 10 and the flap member 20 may be a factor in the use of adhesi ve techniques in such above mentioned alternative implementations.

A non-limiting example of the operation of the device 1 will now be given in the context of use for protection of an ear during hai treatment. Note that the device ! may be affixed to the ear b the user or by another person, such as, for example, a hair stylist, or other hair professional. The aperture 12 is stretched from an initial size and shape to an enlarged size and shape (FIG. 1 B), thus placing the base member 10 in the first state. The ear of the user is passed through the enlarged aperture. After the ear passes through the aperture 12, the inner edge portion 16b naturally contracts around the base of the ear (FIG. 6A), thus placing the base member J 0 in the second state. As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 8, portions of the base member 10 are fixedly interposed between the ear and the head of the user, thus forming a barrier between the ear and the head.

The upper portion of the ear, including portions of the Helix, Scapha, and Fossa, are received in the pocket 30. Subsequently, the flap member 20 is moved from the second position to the first position (FIGS. 6B, 7B and 8). Accordingly, when the device 1 is^' affixed to the ear and the flap member 20 is in the first position, portions of the ear are interposed between the base member 10 and the flap member 20, Such portions of the ear include, but are not limited to, the Helix, Lobule, Tragus, Scapha, Fossa, and Concha. As such, the flap member 20 forms a second barrier which protects interior portions of the ear, such as, for exampl e, the Concha and the opening to the ear canal. Note that although the flap member 20 is depicted as being in the second position when the device 1 is affixed to the ear, the flap member 20 may alternatively be in the first position, or in a position in which the flap member 20 is slightly separated from the base member 10 to allow the ear to pass through the aperture 12. Note that, pulling on portions of the device 1 proximate to the bottom of the base member 10 and/or the flap member 20 may aid in the pocket 30 receiving the upper portion of the ear.

in the context of hair treatment, a hair professional may apply hair treatment materials, such as, for example, dye materials to the hair of the user. The contraction of the inner edge portion 16b around the base of the ear aims to reduce the amount of such dye materials from passing through the aperture 12 and contacting the areas of the ear- roximate to the base of the ear.

The flexibility and elastic properties of the device 1 allows for the base member 10 to be folded and manipulated coincident with the folding and manipulation of the ear of the user, During such manipulations, portions of the base member 1.0 remain interposed between portions of the ear and the head. T he aperture 12 remains contracted around the base of the ear while the ear is folded, preventing the ear from becoming dislodged from the base member 10, This allows for portions of the hair to be treated with materials that would otherwise be difficult to reach, while maintaining the protection provided by the device 1.

Although the device described thus far has pertained to an eliiptiealSy shaped base member attached to an el!iptically shaped flap member, other embodiments are possible in which the base member and the flap member are of non-elliptical shapes, For example, the base member and the flap member may be of circular, triangular, or any polygonal shape which effectively provides the ear protection functionality previously described. Note that the base member and the flap member may be of di fferent shapes from each other. For example, the base member may be elliptical in shape, while the flap member is circular in shape. Corresponding definitions of the top and bottom of such alternatively shaped base members and flap members should, be understood by analogy.

Although the device described thus far has pertained to a device having operatively coupled elastic base and flap members, other embodiments are possible in which the base member and/or flap member is/are coated in a layer or layers of materia!. For example, the base member maybe positioned between two layers of material, each layer having an ^'aperture aligned with the aperture of the base member. The base member may be subsequently secured between the two layers of material by attaching the two layers of material to each other vi a any suitable technique, including, but not limited to, stitching, adhesive techniques, and the like. Examples of types of layers of material include, but are not limited to, fabric and paper. Such materials may facilitate the multiple use .of the device 1 while maintaining the recyclability of the device I. it will be appreciated that, the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examp and that many other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A device for protecting an ear of a user comprising;

(a) a base member including an aperture, the base member mo veable between a first state, in which the aperture is enlarged to allow the passage of the ear there •through,_, and a second state, in which the aperture is contracted such that at least a portion of the base member is fixedly interposed between the ear of the user and the head of the user,

2. The device of claim I . further comprising:.

{b) a flap member operatively coupled to the base member, the flap member operative to assume a first position, such that, when the base member is in the second state, at .least a portion of the ear is interposed between the base member and the flap member.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the flap member is moveable between a second position, in which the flap member is divergent from the base member, and the first position,

4. The device of claim. 2, wherein at least a portion of the flap member is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the base member,

5. The device of claim 2, further comprising:

(c) a pocket formed in part by each of the base member and the flap member, the pocket configured to retai at least a second portion of the ear of the user within the pocket.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the second portion of the ear of the user retained within the- ocket includes at least a portion of the Helix.

7. The device of claim 2, wherein the flap member includes a plurality of apertures,

8. The device of claim 2, wherein the flap member is made of a recyclable material.

9. The device of claim 2, wherein the flap member is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of: Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), EVA Polyethylene (EVA PE). Polypropylene (PP)_S Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Tlietraoplastk

polyurethane (ΤΡΌ), and Polyurethane (PU).

10. The device of claim 2, wherein each of the base member and the flap member are substantially elliptical in shape.

1 1 . The device of claim 10, wherein the minor diameter of the flap .member is less than the minor diameter of the base member, and the major diameter of the flap member is less than the major diameter of the base member.

12. The device of claim 2, wherein each of the base member and the flap member includes an inner surface, and the flap member is operative]}' coupled to the base member by an attachment of at least a portion of the flap member inner surface to at least a portion of the base member inner surface.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein each of the base member and the flap member further includes a peripheral edge portion, and the at least portion of the flap member inner surface is disposed proximate to the peripheral edge portion of the flap member, and the at least portion of the base member inner surface is disposed proximate to the peripheral edge portion of the base member.

14. The device of claim 2, wherein when the base member is in the first state, at least a portion of the base member is at a direct abutment, with at least a portion of the flap member,

1 5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the aperture is resiliently biased.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the base member is made of a recyclable material.

17. The device of claim 1 , wherein the base member is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of: Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), EVA Polyethylene (EVA PE), Polypropylene (PP). Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and Polyurethane (PIT).

18. A device for protecting an ear of a user comprising:

(a) a base member including an inner surface, an outer surface, and a resiliency biased aperture permeating between the inner and outer surfaces, the base member moveable between a first state, in which the aperture is enlarged to allow the passage of the ear there through., and a second state, in which the aperture is contracted such that at least a portion of the base member is fixedly interposed between the ear of the user and the head of the user; and

(b) a fla member operatively coupled to the base member, the flap member operative to assume a first position, such that, when the base member is in the second state, at least a portion of the ear is interposed between the base member and the flap member,

19. The device of claim 1 , wherein the flap membe is mo veable between a. second position, in which the flap member is divergent from the base member, and the first position.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the inner and outer surfaces are substantially oppositely disposed when the base member is in either of the first or second state.

21. The device of claim 19, further comprising:

(c) a pocket formed in part by each of the base member and the f ap member, the pocket configured to retain at least a second portion of the ear of the user within the pocket.

22. The device of claim 19, wherein the flap member includes a plurality of apertures.

23. A method for protecting an ear of a user comprising:

(a) providing a first harrier, the first barrier including an inner surface, a outer surface substantially oppositely disposed of the inner surface, and a resilientiy biased aperture permeating between the inner and outer surfaces; and (b) affixing the first barrier to the ear of the user, such that the first barrier lias at least one portion fixedly interposed between the ear of the user and the head of the user, the affixing comprising:

(I) enlarging the aperture;

(ii) passing the ear of the user through the aperture; and

(iii) contracting the aperture substantially around the base of the ear,

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

(c) providin a second barrier, the second barrier operatively coupled to the first barrier and

(d) positioning the. second barrier such that at least a portion of the ear of the user is interposed between the first hairier and the second barrier.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the affixing further comprises:

(iv) inserting at least a portion of the ear of the user in a pocket, the pocket •formed, in part by each of the first and second barriers.

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