Abstract:
A hanging sound suppression device consists of a sound suppression device coupled via a connector to a wearable object. In one embodiment, the wearable object is an earring. In another, it is an eyeglass frame. When not in use, the sound suppression device is permitted to dangle from the wearable object.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates generally to sound suppression and, more particularly, to a hanging sound suppression device, in which a sound suppression device such as an earplug is coupled to an earring or eyeglass frame and thereby located in proximity to a user&#39;s ear and available for use.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The need for sound suppression devices, including particularly ear plugs, arises in a variety of contexts. For example, persons observing a NASCAR® race, drag race, or the like often desire to use earplugs, for protection against the loud sound produced by the car engines. Those engaged in recreational shooting activities have a similar need for sound protection. Myriad other circumstances call for the use of sound protection devices.  
         [0003]     It is often the case that persons who need sound protection find that they have either forgotten to bring ear plugs and/or that they cannot purchase them when they need them. Moreover, even where available, typical prior art earplugs are relatively unattractive.  
         [0004]     A need therefore existed for an earplug that would be more easily carried by a user, and therefore more available when needed. Preferably, such an earplug should also be more attractive in appearance than prior art devices. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related, advantages.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a hanging sound suppression device is disclosed. The device comprises, in combination: an object worn by a user; a sound suppression device; and a connector coupled at a first end thereof to the object and at a second end thereof to the sound suppression device. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hanging sound suppression device, consistent with the present invention, in which the sound suppression device is coupled to an earring that is in position on the ear of a wearer.  
         [0007]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hanging sound suppression device and earring, consistent with the present invention, in which the sound suppression device is coupled to an earring.  
         [0008]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hanging sound suppression device, consistent with the present invention, in which the sound suppression device is coupled to an earring.  
         [0009]      FIG. 4  is a front view of the sound suppression device portion of an embodiment of a hanging sound suppression device consistent with the present invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a hanging sound suppression device, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, coupled to an eyeglass frame.  
         [0011]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , illustrating placement of the sound suppression device in the ear of a user. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0012]     Referring first to  FIGS. 1-3 , an embodiment of a hanging sound suppression device  10  (hereinafter “device  10 ”) consistent with the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the device  10  comprises an earring  12 , a sound suppression device  14 , and a connector  16  connecting the suppression device  14  to the earring  12 .  
         [0013]     Referring first to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the earring  12  is a post type of earring, having a post  18  secured in position through an ear  20  (see  FIG. 1 ) with a backing  22 .  FIG. 2  is an example of an earring  12  that is hook-type. It should be noted that the earring  12  could also be of a clip-on variety.  
         [0014]     With respect to the sound suppression device  14 , this may be constructed of any suitable sound suppression material, such as foam. It is preferred to provide a sound suppression device  14  having an aesthetically pleasing shape. In this fashion, the device  10  optimally has an appearance of a dangling earring, without the sound suppression function being unduly apparent. The shape of the sound suppression device  14  may be thematically connected to the event at which the sound suppression device  14  is to be used. For example, where it is to be used at a NASCAR® race, it may be desired to provide a sound suppression device  14  having the shape of a race car.  
         [0015]     The connector  16  couples the sound suppression device  14  to the earring  12 . It is preferably chain type, as shown by way of example in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , though other forms of connectors may also be utilized. The purpose of the connector  16  is to permit the sound suppression device  14  to dangle outside of the ear  20  until it is desired to be used. When needed, the user can grasp the sound suppression device  14  and insert it into its proximate ear  20 . The ends of the connector  16  may be secured to the earring  12  and sound suppression device  14  in any desired manner. For example, the end of the connector  16  proximate the earring  12  may be welded thereto. The end of the connector  16  proximate the sound suppression device  14  may be inserted therein (as shown by way of example in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), glued thereto, or otherwise affixed.  
         [0016]     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-6 , another embodiment of a hanging sound suppression device (hereinafter “device  100 ”) consistent with the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the device  100  comprises an eyeglass frame clasp  112  (“clasp  112 ”), a sound suppression device  114 , and a connector  116  connecting the suppression device  114  to the clasp  112 .  
         [0017]     The clasp  112  should be adapted to couple to a portion of the frame of a pair of eyeglasses  118 . By way of example, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , coupling of each clasp  112  could be to the temple  120  portion. The clasp  112  should be dimensioned so as to facilitate such coupling. It may have a loop shape, as shown by way of example in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , so that it may be slid over an end of the ear piece  122  portion of the eyeglasses  118 . Other configurations may also be desired.  
         [0018]     With respect to the sound suppression device  114 , reference is made to the description provided above concerning the sound suppression device  14 . With respect to the connector  116 , reference is made to the description provided above concerning the connector  16 .  
         [0019]     The embodiment of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , it should be noted, may be particularly desired for users engaged in shooting activities, where the eyeglasses  118  serve as eye protection and the sound suppression devices  114  provide hearing protection.  
         [0020]     It should be noted that eyeglasses  118  and earrings  12  represent examples of objects that are wearable by a user and to which a sound suppression device may be coupled. Other objects may be utilized as well, including for example a hat.  
         [0021]     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4 , it may be desired to provide a combination earring and sound suppression device in which the sound suppression device is removably coupled directly to the earring. In such a configuration, the sound suppression device could be grasped, removed from the earring when needed, and inserted into the ear. After use, the sound suppression device could be removed and re-attached to the earring. Other variations on the basic concept may also be possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.