Ear Cover and Method

Abstract

A protective barrier device, and method of using same, including a sheet of material less than 10 mm in thickness and having a height and a width that are at least as great as an average-sized human ear. The sheet of material may define at least one opening therein, and the device includes at least one mechanism to releasably secure the sheet of material to a human ear without obstructing access to hair around the ear.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to temporary protection for human ears and more particularly to low cost barrier devices to restrict items such as hair fragments from entering ears.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common difficulty during trimming hair on a person's head is that cut hair fragments inadvertently enter into one or both of the ears of the customer. Extra time is then spent attempting to remove the stray hair fragments from the ears. This is especially difficult if the hair fragments enter the ear canal.

There are other situations where dirt, cement dust, sawdust, and other debris may become airborne. Respiratory masks typically cover the nose and mouth, but not the ears. If a person is not wearing full headphone-type ear covers for noise protection, then the airborne debris can enter into the ears.

It is therefore desirable to have a simple, easy-to-use device and technique which minimizes entry of debris including hair fragments into human ears.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is easily reduce entry of debris such as hair fragments into human ears.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost, easy-to-use ear cover which encourages use without obstructing access to hair around the ear.

This invention features a protective barrier device, and method of using same, including a sheet of material less than 10 mm in thickness, preferably less than 5 mm in thickness, more preferably 3 mm or less in thickness, and having a height and a width that are at least as great as an average-sized human ear. The sheet of material preferably defines at least one opening therein, and the device includes at least one mechanism to releasably secure the sheet of material to a human ear.

In some embodiments, the device is less than two millimeters in thickness, is sufficiently flexible to be bent at least ninety degrees, and at least one edge of the device is curved. In a number of embodiments, the height is less than 8 centimeters and the width is less than 5 centimeters, and the device has a shape that is less than a full circle. In certain embodiments, the device has a shape that is similar to an upper case “D”. In a number of embodiments, the sheet of material defines a plurality of openings, and each opening is less than 5 mm in width and less than 5 mm in length. In some embodiments, the material is polymeric.

In certain embodiments, the securing mechanism includes at least one type of adhesive that enables the sheet of material to be placed against an ear, retains the sheet of material against the ear without additional assistance, and further enables the sheet of material to be peeled away from the ear after a pulling force is applied to the sheet of material without damaging skin of the ear. In one embodiment, the securing mechanism includes at least one slit in the sheet of material to establish as least one tab suitable for bending around a portion of the ear of the user. In some embodiments, a carrier material covers the adhesive prior to use and supports the device prior to use until the device is pulled from the carrier material. In one embodiment, a plurality of such devices are supported on the carrier material prior to removal.

This invention also features a combination of an elongated sheet of a carrier material, such as a roll of the carrier material, and a plurality of protective devices, each device comprising a sheet of polymeric material less than 5 mm in thickness and having a height and a width that are at least as great as the respective height and width of an average-sized human ear, the height being less than 10 centimeters and the width being less than 8 centimeters. The sheet of material is sufficiently flexible to be bent at least ninety degrees and defines at least one opening therein. Each device includes at least one mechanism to releasably secure the sheet of material to a human ear. In certain embodiments, the combination further includes a dispenser structure configured to receive the carrier material and enable a user to withdraw at least one protective device sequentially, e.g., peeling off one or two devices at a time.

This invention further features a method of restricting debris from entering an ear on the head of a human, including selecting a protective device including a sheet of material less than 5 mm in thickness and having a height and a width that are at least as great as the respective height and width of an average-sized human ear. The method further includes securing the device to the ear while protection is desired, and then removing the device from the ear when protection is no longer desired.

In certain embodiments, the device has a thickness of 3 mm or less and has a shape that is similar to an upper case “D” with a curved edge on one side and a substantially straight edge on the other side, and securing the device includes placing the device on the ear such that the substantially straight edge is oriented toward the front of the human. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism includes at least one type of adhesive that enables the sheet of material to be placed against an ear, retains the sheet of material against the ear without additional assistance, and further enables the sheet of material to be peeled away from the ear after a pulling force is applied to the sheet of material without damaging skin of the ear. In one embodiment, the device is secured to the ear while hair is cut in the vicinity of the ear without obstructing access to hair around the ear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In what follows, preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a human wearing a protective barrier device according to the present invention on his right ear without obstructing access to hair around the ear;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a barrier device according to the present invention with a single hole;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side and perspective views, respectively, of the barrier device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a portion of a roll of carrier material and a plurality of barrier devices according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of an alternative carrier system for barrier devices according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of an alternative hole pattern on a barrier device according to the present invention;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic side views of alternative shapes and hole patterns on barrier devices according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of yet another embodiment of a protective barrier device according to the present invention having a plurality of folding tabs;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic top views of a dispensing structure configured to receive roll assemblies similar to FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, and enable a user to withdraw at least one protective device sequentially;

FIG. 10C is a schematic side view of the dispenser of FIG. 10B;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic side views of a protective barrier device according to the present invention, with and without holes, respectively, positioned on an ear of a user; and

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic side views of yet another protective barrier device according to the present invention, with and without holes, respectively, initially positioned on an ear of a user prior to folding portions of the device behind the ear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention may be accomplished by a protective bather device, and method of using same, including a sheet of material less than 10 mm in thickness, preferably less than 5 mm in thickness, and having a height and a width that are at least as great as an average-sized human ear. The sheet of material preferably defines at least one opening therein, more preferably a plurality of openings, and the device includes at least one mechanism to releasably secure the sheet of material to a human ear without obstructing access to hair around the ear.

Protective barrier device 10 according to one construction of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 after placement on the right ear ER of a human customer HM having a head HD and hair HR. Device 10 is comprised of a flexible sheet of material 12 with a leading, substantially straight edge 14, a trailing, curved edge 16 and a securing mechanism 18 which is described in relation to FIGS. 3A and 3B below. A plurality of holes 20 are positioned over ear canal EC of ear ER to provide ventilation and to augment hearing through device 10 for the human customer HM. Device 10 preferably does not obstruct access to hair HR, which enables a hair-dresser to freely cut hair around the ear ER. As indicated in FIG. 1, device 10 is sufficiently translucent in some constructions to enable the ear ER to be at least partially visible through the device 10. The ability to see the ear ER through the device 10, especially during placement of device 10 on the ear ER, may assist some users in positioning the device 10 on the ear ER.

Alternative barrier device 10a according to another construction of the present invention has a single hole 20a. Device 10a includes a flexible sheet of material 12a with a leading, substantially straight edge 14a and a trailing, curved edge 16a. In one construction, device 10a is substantially “D”-shaped, although can also be expressed as “C”-shaped with an edge bridging the arms of the “C”. Other shapes are within the scope of the present invention such as illustrated in FIGS. 7-8 and described in more detail below. At least one hole 20a is positioned over ear canal EC of ear ER to provide ventilation and to augment hearing through device 10. Securing mechanisms suitable for mechanism 18a are described in more detail below.

Barrier device 10, FIG. 1, is shown in more detail in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In this construction, holes 20 are an array of 8 holes by 8 holes, for a total of 64 holes. Each hole is approximately 1 mm in diameter. The center of each hole is spaced approximately 3 mm from the center of each neighboring hole. Sheet 12 has a length L of 7 cm (2.75 inches) and a width W of 3.5 cm (1 and ⅜ inch). Edge 14 has a thickness of approximately 1 mil to 3 mil in this construction, preferably 1.5 mil to 2.5 mil, more preferably about 2 mil. In other constructions, edge 14 has a thickness up to approximately ⅛ inch, that is, up to 0.125 inch, which is referred to herein as up to 3 mm.

The securing mechanism 18 in one construction is a continuous coating of a silicone adhesive approximately 0.5 mil to 2 mil in thickness, with a good bond to low-energy surfaces, and preferably with a peel strength of 30-40 ounces per square inch. Different patterns of adhesive and/or types of adhesives may be utilized in other constructions, such as disclosed by Dr. Zurovcik in US Patent Publication No. 2016/0095756 for solid coatings or in a pattern such as a grid or concentric circles. In other constructions, this adhesive is acrylic-based and, in yet other constructions, it is rubber-based.

One technique of manufacturing and packaging barrier devices according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 4. A portion 101 of a roll assembly 100 of carrier material 102 and a plurality of barrier devices 110 according to the present invention, of which devices 112, 114, 116, 118 and 120 are illustrated. In one construction, the carrier material 102 is a polyester liner-type material such as polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) and devices 110 are formed of polymeric barrier material 111 which is the same as the carrier material in some constructions and, in other constructions, is a different material.

During one technique of manufacture, a continuous sheet or web of barrier material 111 is coated with an adhesive and is laid on top of carrier material 102, and then excess barrier material is removed from the carrier material 102. In one construction, the barrier material 111 is a contrasting color such as a green-tinted polymer while the carrier material 102 is clear (substantially transparent, substantially free of pigment) or has a contrasting color. In other constructions, the carrier material 102 and/or the barrier material 111 includes cellulose such as one or more types of paper; in certain constructions, a release layer or low-friction material such as a wax is applied to the carrier material 102 and/or the barrier material 111. Other suitable “environmentally friendly” materials such as corn starch or other biodegradable material are utilized in other constructions of the carrier material 102 and/or the barrier material 111. It is within the ordinary skill of converting companies to select and combine suitable raw materials such as polyesters, adhesives, silicone, tapes, foams, and/or other materials to manufacture suitable protective barrier devices according to the present invention after studying the present disclosure.

After placement of the barrier material 111 on the carrier material 102, a die or other tool stamps the outline of each device 110 through the barrier material 111, and then the “unused” or “extra” material surrounding the devices 110 and the carrier material 102 are lifted away from each other. In some constructions, the unused bather material is discarded or recycled. In certain constructions, one or more holes 130 are cut, punched or pressed at the same time that the outline of devices 110 are formed and, in other constructions, the holes 130 are formed separately. In one construction, the outline of at least a majority of the holes 130 is formed sufficient to enable barrier materials within the holes to remain behind on the carrier material 102; in other words, a sufficient portion of the carrier material 102 remains beneath at least a majority of the holes 130 to retain the unwanted bather material when the devices 110 are later lifted away from the carrier material 102 during use on a human. In other constructions, jets of water, optical radiation from a laser, or other physical or chemical action punches, cuts, vaporizes or otherwise removes both the barrier material within at least a majority of the holes 130 as well as underlying carrier material 102.

Another carrier and device assembly 200, FIG. 5, has an alternative carrier system 102a for barrier devices 110a according to the present invention, such as pairs 240, 242 and 244 of barrier devices 109a, 112a and 114a, 116a and 118a, 120a, respectively. In one construction, carrier sections 241, 243 and 245 support device pairs, 240, 242 and 244, respectively. Dashed lines 247 and 249 indicate that, in some constructions, the carrier sections 241, 243 and 245 are physically separated from each other prior to removal of one or more of the barrier devices 110a from the carrier material 102a; in other constructions, no physical separation is made between the pairs of barrier devices on a continuous roll or other elongated sheet of carrier material 102a.

Device 300, FIG. 6, is comprised of a flexible sheet of material 312 with a leading, substantially straight edge 314, a trailing, curved edge 316 and a securing mechanism 318. A plurality of holes 320 are formed with an alternative, generally circular hole pattern

Devices 410, FIG. 7, and 510, FIG. 8, are respectively comprised of a flexible sheet of material 412 and 512 with symmetrical leading edges 414 and 513 and trailing edges 416 and 516 to establish an overall two-dimensional lozenge-type shape for devices 400 and 500, respectively, in these constructions. Each device 400, 500 has a securing mechanism 418, 518. A plurality of holes 420 and 520 are formed in alternative patterns such as generally square or rectangular (FIG. 7) or generally circular (FIG. 8).

In yet other constructions, non-circular openings are formed in the barrier devices, at least some of the openings having a length greater than a width, but still less than 5 mm in length for each opening to restrict passage of hair fragments and other debris.

In some constructions, the barrier material is an open- or closed-cell foam, which does not significantly restrict sound waves passing therethrough, and preferably provides some ventilation, with or without additional holes or other manufactured openings through the foam. In general, it is preferable to reduce ambient noise by less than ten percent, and more preferably by less than five percent, to enable conversations between the customer wearing the barrier devices and the hair-dresser or other service provider. In other words, it is preferable to minimize sound attenuation or reduction.

In alternative constructions, the securing mechanism is a tab with or without a bendable reinforcing element, a skirt with or without an elastic or resilient material, a loop of fabric and/or elastic material. Device 600, FIG. 9, is comprised of a flexible sheet of material 612 with a leading, substantially straight edge 614, a trailing, curved edge 616 and a plurality of holes 620 and 622. A securing mechanism 618 includes slits 630, 632 and 634 through material 612 which establish tabs 631, 633, 635 and 637. Dashed line 640 designates the outline of an average-sized human ear. In certain preferred constructions, slits 630, 632 and 634 extend inwardly beyond the outline 640 to enable more universal sizing of the device 600 when one or more of the tabs 631, 633, 635 and 637 are bent by a hair stylist or other user around the back of the ear.

As described above for other constructions, adhesive can be present on some or all of the back of the tabs 631, 633, 635 and 637. In certain constructions, one or more release liners overlie at least some of the adhesive, and is selectively removed by a user as desired. In other constructions, material 612 is sufficiently stiff yet bendable from a first, flat, planar condition to be wrapped around the edge of the ear yet remain in a bent condition to assist securing the device 600 to the ear. In some constructions, one or more bendable reinforcing elements such as wires are added to assist retention of a bent shape.

One technique of supplying barrier devices according to the present invention to service providers or other users utilizes a combination assembly with dispensing structure such as assembly 700, FIG. 10A, or assembly 700′, FIGS. 10B-10C. Combination assemblies 700, 700′ include dispensing structures 701, 701′ configured to receive roll assemblies similar to roll assemblies 100 and 200, FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, and enable a user to withdraw at least one protective device sequentially. Roll assembly 100′, FIG. 10A, is shown with a portion of device 120′ extending from carrier material 102′. A device 118a′ is sequentially positioned for subsequent deployment. Similarly, a roll assembly 200′, FIGS. 10B-10C, includes a portion of device 120a′ extending from carrier material 102a′, with devices 118a′ and 116″ sequentially positioned for subsequent deployment.

Roll assembly 200′ is shown in FIG. 10C disposed on a rotatable hub 730, with a portion of carrier material 102a′ and device 120a′ extending through opening 740 in dispensing structure 701′. In other constructions, used carrier material is stored within structure 701′ by a take-up reel or other collection mechanism, such as found in many conventional correction tape dispensers.

Protective barrier devices 800a and 800b according to the present invention, illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B with and without holes 802, respectively, are shown positioned on an ear ER of a user. In one construction, holes 802, FIG. 11A, are arranged in three rows of three columns, which may also be expressed as a 3×3 matrix. In one construction, devices 800a, 800b each have a thickness up to approximately ⅛ inch, that is, up to 0.125 inch, which is referred to herein as up to 3 mm and may also be expressed as less than or equal to 3 mm. In one construction, the entire inner surface of devices 800a, 800b is coated with an adhesive and, in other constructions, only some or all of the outer portions of the inner surfaces are coated, particularly where contact with ear ER is expected.

Protective barrier devices 900a and 900b according to the present invention, with and without holes 902, respectively, are shown initially positioned on an ear ER of a user prior to folding tab portions 914, 916 and 918 of the devices 900a, 900b behind the ear ER. In this construction, three tab portions 914, 916 and 918 are defined between curved outer edge 909 and a dashed boundary line 908 representing an average ear border of expected human customers (either adult customers or children customers, according to expected clientele of a particular establishment or according to a particular production run during manufacture) or representing a pre-selected border to be utilized during manufacture according to another design parameter. A width 906 is established between outer edge 909 and dashed boundary 908, which may also represent adhesive distribution as described below. Cut-outs 910 and 912 are generated through outer edge 909 to boundary 908 in this construction. In some constructions, perforations or other weakening features are generated along boundary 908 to lessen the force needed to bend the tabs 914, 916 and 918 behind ear ER.

In one construction, holes 902, FIG. 12A, are arranged in four rows of four columns, which may also be expressed as a 4×4 matrix. In one construction, devices 900a, 900b each have a thickness up to 3 mm and may also be expressed as less than or equal to 3 mm. In one construction, the entire inner surface of devices 900a, 900b is coated with an adhesive and, in other constructions, only some or all of the inner surfaces of tab portions 914, 916, 918 having width 906 are coated to promote adhesive contact with corresponding portions of the back of ear ER.

Although specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only, as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention. While there have been shown, described, and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or steps that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to achieve the same results be within the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. It is also to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but that they are merely conceptual in nature.

It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims.

Claims

1. A barrier device comprising a sheet of material less than 10 mm in thickness and having a height and a width that are at least as great as the respective height and width of an average-sized human ear, the height being less than 10 centimeters and the width being less than 8 centimeters, the sheet of material defining at least one opening therein, and including at least one mechanism to releasably secure the sheet of material to a human ear.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is less than two millimeters in thickness, is sufficiently flexible to be bent at least ninety degrees, and at least one edge of the device is curved.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the height is less than 8 centimeters and the width is less than 5 centimeters, and the device has a shape that is less than a full circle.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein the device has a shape that is similar to an upper case “D”.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the sheet of material defines a plurality of openings, and each opening is less than 5 mm in width and less than 5 mm in length.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the material is polymeric.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the mechanism includes at least one type of adhesive that enables the sheet of material to be placed against an ear, retains the sheet of material against the ear without additional assistance, and further enables the sheet of material to be peeled away from the ear after a pulling force is applied to the sheet of material without damaging skin of the ear.

8. The device of claim 7 further including a carrier material which covers the adhesive prior to use and supports the device prior to use until the device is pulled from the carrier material.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein a plurality of such devices are supported on the carrier material prior to removal.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the securing mechanism includes at least one slit in the sheet of material to establish as least one tab suitable for bending around a portion of the human ear.

11. A combination of an elongated sheet of a carrier material and a plurality of protective devices, each device comprising a barrier sheet of polymeric material that is less than 5 mm in thickness, is sufficiently flexible to be bent at least ninety degrees, and has a height and a width that are at least as great as the respective height and width of an average-sized human ear, the height being less than 10 centimeters and the width being less than 8 centimeters, the barrier sheet of material defining at least one opening therein, and including at least one mechanism to releasably secure the barrier sheet of material to a human ear without obstructing access to hair around the ear.

12. The combination of claim 11 further including a dispenser structure configured to receive the carrier material and enable a user to withdraw at least one protective device sequentially.

13. A method of restricting debris from entering an ear on the head of a human, comprising; selecting a protective device including a barrier sheet of material that is less than 5 mm in thickness, is sufficiently flexible to be bent at least ninety degrees, and has a height and a width that are at least as great as the respective height and width of an average-sized human ear;securing the device to the ear while protection is desired; andremoving the device from the ear when protection is no longer desired.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the device is 3 mm or less in thickness and has a shape that is similar to an upper case “D” with a curved edge on one side and a substantially straight edge on the other side, and securing the device includes placing the device on the ear such that the substantially straight edge is oriented toward the front of the human.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein the sheet of material defines a plurality of openings, and each opening is less than 5 mm in width and less than 5 mm in length.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein the material is polymeric.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein the mechanism includes at least one type of adhesive that enables the barrier sheet of material to be placed against an ear, retains the barrier sheet of material against the ear without additional assistance, and further enables the barrier sheet of material to be peeled away from the ear after a pulling force is applied to the sheet of material without damaging skin of the ear.

18. The method of claim 17 further including a carrier material which covers the adhesive prior to use and supports the device prior to use until the device is pulled from the carrier material.

19. The method of claim 13 wherein the device is secured to the ear while hair is cut in the vicinity of the ear without obstructing access to hair around the ear.

20. The method of claim 13 wherein the securing mechanism includes at least one slit in the sheet of material to establish as least one tab suitable for bending around a portion of the human ear, and the step of securing includes bending at least the one tab around the human ear.