Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/209,603, filed Aug. 15, 2011, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/317,237, filed Dec. 27, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,996,923, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/820,707, filed Apr. 9, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,483, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/056,093, filed on Jan. 28, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,735,784, the entire content of each of the applications identified above is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0002]    This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/986,103, entitled “Apparatus and Method for Making an Ear Warmer and an Ear Warmer Frame,” filed Nov. 7, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,502,248; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/978,591, entitled “Apparatus and Method for Making an Ear Warmer Having Interior Seams,” filed Oct. 18, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,502,247; International Application Serial No. PCT/US01/11041, entitled “Apparatus and Method for Making an Ear Warmer and an Ear Warmer Frame,” filed Apr. 5, 2001, and published as International Publication No. W001/76402A1 on Oct. 18, 2001; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/521,241, entitled “Apparatus and Method for Making an Ear Warmer Having Interior Seams,” filed Apr. 5, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,223 B1. The disclosures of each of these applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to an ear warmer device. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making ear warmers and ear warmer frames. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In one embodiment, an ear warmer comprises a set of membranes and a frame. The membranes are coupled together to form a shell into which the frame is inserted. In an alternative embodiment, an ear warmer comprises a single membrane and a frame. The single membrane is folded or configured to define a shell into which the frame is inserted. In one embodiment, the frame is a single frame member. In alternative embodiments, the frame includes multiple components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  illustrates a set of membranes for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  illustrates an arrangement of the ear warmer shell of  FIG. 1  during an interim step in an assembly process. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the ear warmer shell of  FIG. 2  taken along the lines “ 3 - 3 ” in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  illustrates an arrangement of an ear warmer shell according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the ear warmer shell of  FIG. 4  taken along the lines “ 5 - 5 ” in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  illustrates a set of membranes for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  illustrates a membrane for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  illustrates a membrane for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exploded top view of a frame for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  illustrates an assembled top view of a frame of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  illustrates perspective view of a frame, in an extended configuration, for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the frame of  FIG. 11  taken along the lines “ 12 - 12 ” in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  illustrates the frame of  FIG. 11  in a collapsed configuration, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a frame for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a frame for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 16  illustrates an assembled side view of a frame for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 17  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 18  illustrates an assembled side view of a frame for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 19  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 18 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 20  illustrates a frame set for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective view of a frame for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 22  illustrates a perspective view of a frame member of the frame of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 23  illustrates a perspective view of an ear frame member of a frame for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    In one embodiment, an ear warmer comprises a set of membranes and a frame. The membranes are coupled together to form a shell into which the frame is inserted. In an alternative embodiment, an ear warmer comprises a single membrane and a frame. The single membrane is folded or configured to define a shell into which the frame is inserted. In one embodiment, the frame is a single frame member. In alternative embodiments, the frame includes multiple components. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  illustrates a set of membranes for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , an ear warmer shell  10  can be constructed from a first ear membrane  100 , a second ear membrane  110 , a middle membrane  120 , and an outer membrane  130 . Membranes  100  through  130  can be made of various types of material appropriate for providing warmth while also being comfortable on the wearer&#39;s skin. For example, membranes  100  through  130  can be made of such materials as fleece, wool, cotton, foam and/or neoprene. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  illustrates an arrangement of the ear warmer shell of  FIG. 1  during an interim step in one assembly process. Ear warmer shell  10  includes an arrangement of membranes  100  through  130 . In this arrangement, membranes  100  through  130  are disposed proximate to each other. 
         [0031]    In the illustrated embodiment, ear warmer shell  10  can be constructed by first disposing first ear membrane  100  and second ear membrane  110  on top of outer membrane  130 . Middle membrane  120  can then be placed on top of the set of outer membrane  130 , ear membrane  100  and ear membrane  110  in the arrangement shown in  FIG. 2 . Ear membranes  100  and  110 , and middle membrane  120  are on top of each other and outer membrane  130  in the sense that they are ordered in a particular way; the particular orientation of the collection of membranes as shown in the figures herein are not important. The arrangement of membranes  100  through  130  can then be coupled or attached along the perimeter of ear warmer shell  10  via attachment  141 . 
         [0032]    This arrangement of membranes  100  through  130  can thus be coupled or attached along the perimeter of ear warmer shell  10  and covered with a binding (not shown). In an alternative embodiment for assembling the membranes illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the middle membrane  120  can be placed on the outer membrane  130  and the ear membranes  100  and  110  can be placed on the middle membrane  120  and the outer membrane  130 . 
         [0033]    A variety of couplings or processes can be used to secure the membranes together. For example, returning to the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , portions of the ear membranes  100  and  110  and middle membrane  120  can be bound to outer membrane  130 . The membranes  100 ,  110 ,  120 , and  130  can be coupled together. Any combination of sewn, bound, or any other couplings can be used. Exemplary methods of assembling the membranes are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/521,241, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the ear warmer shell of  FIG. 2 . In the illustrated embodiment, each membrane includes a side along a portion of the perimeter of that particular membrane. For example, ear membrane  100  includes side  102 , ear membrane  110  includes side  112 , middle membrane  120  includes sides  122  and  124 , and outer membrane  130  includes sides  132  and  134 . The middle membrane  120  and the outer membrane  130  are disposed proximate to each other so that the middle membrane sides  122  and  124  are proximate to corresponding sides  132  and  134  of the outer membrane  130 . Side  122  of the middle membrane  120  is aligned with side  132  of the outer membrane  130 . Similarly, side  124  of the middle membrane  120  is aligned with side  134  of the outer membrane  130 . The corresponding sides of the other membranes or membrane portions are placed proximate to each other as well. 
         [0035]    In the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the membranes are coupled together and the membranes are turned inside out as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/521,241. 
         [0036]    A top view of an embodiment of an inverted ear warmer shell is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . As illustrated, the sides of the membranes and any coupling of the membranes are not apparent from the exterior of the ear warmer shell and are located in the interior of the ear warmer shell. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the ear warmer shell of  FIG. 4 . In the illustrated embodiment, the corresponding sides of the membranes adjacent to each other are fixedly coupled together prior to the membranes being inverted to the positions illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . For example, sides  122  and  132  are coupled or bound together to form a fixedly coupled portion  146 . Similarly, sides  124  and  134  are coupled together to form a fixedly coupled portion  148 . The term “fixedly coupled portion” includes any type of connection or attachment that if pulled apart would result in damage to the membranes. The ear membranes  100  and  110  are similarly coupled to the middle membrane  120  and the outer membrane  130 . 
         [0038]    In alternative embodiments, the corresponding sides of the membranes adjacent to each other are removably coupled together. For example, the sides can be coupled together using mating connectors, such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, etc. 
         [0039]    In the illustrated embodiment, the membranes  100 ,  110 ,  120 , and  130  are coupled together to form fixedly coupled portions  146  and  148  using radio frequency welding. As a result, the fixedly coupled portion  146  includes a weld that couples the middle membrane side  122  and the outer membrane side  132 . Similarly, the fixedly coupled portion  148  includes a weld that couples the middle membrane side  124  and the outer membrane side  134 . In alternative embodiments, the membranes  100 ,  110 ,  120 , and  130  may be coupled together using any type of welding or any other process that couples the membranes together. 
         [0040]    Once the membranes have been coupled together, the membranes are turned inside out, as described above and as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . As illustrated, the fixedly coupled portions  146  and  148  are disposed within the interior  140  of the ear warmer shell. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative shell for use in constructing an ear warmer according to another embodiment of the present invention. Inner membrane  150  includes ear portions  152  and  154  and a middle portion  156 . Outer membrane  160  includes ear portions  162  and  164  and a middle portion  166 . Inner membrane  150  and outer membrane  160  may be coupled using any technology, including, for example, radio frequency welding. 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  illustrates a membrane for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the outer membrane  130  and the middle membrane  120  shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 7  illustrates a membrane  170  having multiple portions, including an outer portion  172  and a middle portion  178 . An ear warmer shell can be arranged as follows. First, the ear membranes (e.g., ear membranes  100  and  110 , not shown in  FIG. 7 ) can be placed on the corresponding portions  174  and  176 , respectively, of outer portion  172 . Middle portion  178  can then be folded on to outer portion  172  and the ear membranes along the line  177 . The collective perimeter can then be bound, welded, or sewn and the membranes can be turned inside out as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/521,241. 
         [0043]    In an alternative embodiment for assembling the membranes shown in  FIG. 7 , the membranes are not turned inside out. For example, the middle portion  178  can be folded onto the outer portion  172  and the ear membranes subsequently placed on the outer portion  172  and the middle portion  178 . The collective perimeter can then be bound, welded, or sewn. 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  illustrates a membrane for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention Similar to ear membrane  100 , ear membrane  110 , middle membrane  120  and outer membrane  130  shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 8  illustrates a membrane  180  having an ear portion  190 , an ear portion  192 , a middle portion  188 , and an outer portion  182 . 
         [0045]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the membrane portions can be arranged as follows. First, ear portion  190  can be folded on to the corresponding portion  184  of the outer portion  182  along line  187 . Similarly, ear portion  192  can be folded on to the corresponding portion  186  of the outer portion  182  along line  189 . Middle portion  188  can then be folded on to outer portion  182  and ear portions  190 ,  192  along the line  185 . The collective perimeter can then be bound, welded, or sewn and the membranes can be turned inside out. 
         [0046]    In an alternative embodiment for assembling the membranes of  FIG. 8 , the membranes are not turned inside out. For example, the middle portion  188  can be folded onto the outer portion  182  along the line  185 . The ear portions  190  and  192  can be folded on to the outer portion corresponding portions  184  and  186 , respectively. The collective perimeter can then be bound, welded, or sewn. 
         [0047]    Rather than the separate membranes shown in  FIG. 1 , variations to  FIGS. 7 and 8  are possible where certain membranes are integrally formed together and folded over. For example, in other embodiments, only one ear membrane is integrally formed with the outer membrane, only two ear membranes are integrally formed with the outer membrane, or only one ear membrane and the middle membrane are integrally formed with the outer membrane. 
         [0048]    In an alternative embodiment, the membranes can be integrally formed together at various locations (e.g., discontinuous locations) rather than along the entire fold (such as line  177  shown in  FIG. 7 ). In another embodiment, the membranes can be integrally formed at various locations relative to the outer portion of the membrane. For example, rather than the ear portions being integrally formed at the lower location of the outer portion (as shown in  FIG. 8 ), the ear portions can be integrally formed with the outer portion at other locations, such as the side locations  182 A and  182 B of the outer portion  182 . The various locations that are possible are those where the portions of the membrane (i.e., the middle portion, and/or the ear portions) fold on to the outer portion of the membrane to appropriately form the ear warmer shell. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate a frame for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Frame  200  includes a band  210  and ear frame members  220  and  230 . Band  210  can be coupled to ear frame members  220  and  230  using any conventional technique to form a frame for an ear warmer. 
         [0050]    In the illustrated embodiment, band  210  is an elongate member with ends  212  and  214 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , ear frame member  220  defines an opening  222  and includes an end  224 . Similarly, ear frame member  230  defines an opening  232  and includes an end  234 . 
         [0051]    As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , end  224  of ear frame member  220  is coupled to end  212  of the band  210  at connection  240 . Similarly, end  234  of ear frame member  230  is coupled to end  214  of the band  210  at connection  242 . While the band and the ear frame members are made of a resilient material, such as plastic, any suitable material may be used. Connections  240  and  242  may be formed using any conventional method, such as welding, stamping or heating. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 11-13  illustrate a frame for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Frame  300  is selectively disposable in multiple configurations. Frame  300  has a curved shape, as discussed in more detail below, that facilitates the disposing of the frame  300  in particular configurations. 
         [0053]    Frame  300  may be disposed in an expanded or extended configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . As illustrated, frame  300  maintains an extended or linear shape along its longitudinal axis while in its extended configuration. Frame  300  may also be disposed in a collapsed configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Frame  300  may be easily stored and/or transported while in the collapsed configuration. Frame  300  may be disposed in multiple intermediate configurations (not illustrated) when the user is wearing the ear warmer. 
         [0054]    In the illustrated embodiment, frame  300  includes a middle portion  310  and ear portions  320  and  330  coupled to the middle portion  310 . In this embodiment, ear portions  320  and  330  are integrally formed with the middle portion  310 . 
         [0055]    Ear portion  320  defines an opening or ear-hole aperture  322  and includes an outer surface  324  that defines the perimeter of the ear portion  320 . Ear portion  330  defines an opening or ear-hole aperture  332  and includes an outer surface  334  that defines the perimeter of the ear portion  330 . 
         [0056]    In the illustrated embodiment, frame  300  has a curved shape. The frame  300  is curved about an axis  340  extending along the length of the frame  300  as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Frame  300  is curved about axis  340  for a sufficient distance to enable the frame  300  to snap into either its extended configuration or its collapsed configuration depending on the applied force. When the frame  300  is in its collapsed configuration, the ear portions  320  and  330  can be disposed proximate to each other as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 14  illustrates a frame for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Frame  400  is conceptually similar to frame  300  in that frame  400  is selectively disposable in multiple configurations. Each component of frame  400  has a curved shape that facilitates the disposing of the frame  400  in particular configurations. Frame  400  may be disposed in extended, intermediate, and collapsed configurations similar to frame  300 . 
         [0058]    In the illustrated embodiment, frame  400  includes two frame members  410  and  420 . In this embodiment, frame members  410  and  420  are structurally similar. 
         [0059]    Frame member  410  includes a band or frame portion  412  and an ear portion  416  coupled to the band portion  412 . In this embodiment, band portion  412  is integrally formed with the ear portion  416 . Band portion  412  includes a connection hole  414  through which a conventional fastener (not shown) is inserted to couple frame members  410  and  420  together. Ear portion  416  defines an opening or ear-hole aperture  418 . Frame member  410  is curved about an axis  430  extending along the length of the frame member  410 . Axis  430  is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame member  410 . 
         [0060]    Frame member  420  includes a band or frame portion  422  and an ear portion  426  coupled to the band portion  422 . In this embodiment, band portion  422  is integrally formed with the ear portion  426 . Band portion  422  includes a connection hole  424  through which a conventional fastener (not shown) is inserted to couple frame members  410  and  420  together. 
         [0061]    In an alternative embodiment, any of the band portion and the frame members can include an integral or built-in snap connector or rivet. In that arrangement, the other of the band portion and the frame members can include an opening to receive the connector or rivet. 
         [0062]    Returning to  FIG. 14 , ear portion  426  defines an opening or ear-hole aperture  428 . Frame member  420  is curved about an axis  432  extending along the length of the frame member  420 . Axis  432  is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame member  420 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 15  illustrates a frame for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Frame  500  is conceptually similar to frames  300  and  400  in that frame  500  is selectively disposable in multiple configurations. Each component of frame  500  has a curved shape that facilitates the disposing of the frame  500  in particular configurations. Frame  500  may be disposed in extended, intermediate, and collapsed configurations similar to frames  300  and  400 . 
         [0064]    In the illustrated embodiment, frame  500  includes a band  510  and ear frame members or portions  520  and  530 . Band  510  is coupled to the ear frame members  520  and  530  to form frame  500  for an ear warmer. 
         [0065]    Band  510  includes ends  512  and  516  and connection holes  514  and  518  proximate to ends  512  and  516 , respectively. Conventional fasteners are inserted through connection holes  514  and  518  to couple the band  510  to the ear frame members  520  and  530 . Band  510  is curved about an axis that extends along the length of the band  510 . 
         [0066]    Ear frame member  520  defines an opening or ear-hole aperture  522  and includes an end  524  with a connection hole  526 . Ear frame member  520  can be curved about an axis extending along the length of the ear frame member  520 . Similarly, ear frame member  530  defines an opening or ear-hole aperture  532  and includes an end  534  with a connection hole  536 . Ear frame member  530  can be curved about an axis extending along the length of the ear frame member  530 . 
         [0067]    While one, two and three piece ear warmer frames are illustrated in  FIGS. 11-15 , ear warmer frames may have any number of components connected together. While the components in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 11-15  are described as being curved, it is not necessary that all of the components in an ear warmer frame be curved. To create a collapsible ear warmer frame, only the band areas need to be curved. For example, in the frame  500  illustrated in  FIG. 15 , ear frame members  520  and  530  do not need to be curved if band  510  is curved, as previously described. Various modifications and combinations of curved and straight frame components may be assembled to make an ear warmer frame. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 16-17  illustrate a frame for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Frame  600  includes several components that move relative to each other to adjust the overall length of the frame  600 . In the illustrated embodiment, frame  600  includes a band  610  and ear frame members  620  and  630  that are slidably coupleable to the band  610 . 
         [0069]    Band  610  with an outer surface  612  and an inner surface  614  and ends  616  and  618 . In the illustrated embodiment, band  610  includes ridges or projections  615  formed on the inner surface  614 . In an alternative embodiment, the inner surface of the band does not include any ridges or projections. In that embodiment, the band and the ear frame members are retained together by friction. 
         [0070]    Returning to  FIGS. 16-17 , in the illustrated embodiment, ear frame member  620  includes an ear frame portion  623  that defines an opening  621  and a band portion  625  that includes an end  622 . A protrusion  624  is disposed proximate to end  622 . The ear frame member  620  includes a passageway  626  that forms an opening  628 . To couple band  610  to ear frame member  620 , end  618  is inserted into opening  628  of passageway  626 . Protrusion  624  engages the ridges  614  on the band  610  to retain the ear frame member  620  in a particular position along the band  610 . 
         [0071]    In the illustrated embodiment, ear frame member  630  includes an ear frame portion  633  that defines an opening  631  and a band portion  635  that includes an end  632 . A protrusion  634  is disposed proximate to end  632 . The ear frame member  630  includes a passageway  636  that forms an opening  638 . To couple band  610  to ear frame member  630 , end  616  is inserted into opening  638  of passageway  636 . Protrusion  634  engages the ridges  614  on the band  610  to retain the ear frame member  630  in a particular position along the band  610 . 
         [0072]    In an alternative embodiment, band may include one or more passageways into which ear frame members are inserted. In that embodiment, the ear frame members would not have passageways, respectively. In alternative embodiments, any passageways formed on or coupled to band or ear frame members may be located on the inner surface or outer surface of the band or ear frame members. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 18-19  illustrate a frame for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Frame  700  includes several components that move relative to each other to adjust the overall length of the frame  700 . In the illustrated embodiment, frame  700  includes a band  710 , connector bands  720  and  730 , and ear frame members  760  and  770 . Connector bands  720  and  730  are slidably coupleable to the band  710 . 
         [0074]    Band  710  with an outer surface  712 , an inner surface  714 , and ends  716  and  718 . In the illustrated embodiment, band  710  includes ridges  715  formed on the inner surface  714 . In alternative embodiments, the inner surface of the band is a smooth surface without any ridges. In that embodiment, the band and the connector bands are retained together by friction. 
         [0075]    Returning to  FIGS. 18-19 , in the illustrated embodiment, connector band or band portion  720  includes an inner surface  726 , an outer surface  728 , and ends  722  and  724 . Connector band  720  includes ridges  730  formed on the outer surface  728 . Connector band  720  also includes a passageway  732  that defines an opening  734 . A connection opening  736  is located proximate to end  722 . A conventional fastener  782  may be inserted into connection opening  736  to couple the connector band  720  and the ear frame member  760 . To couple the band  710  to the connection band  720 , end  716  is inserted into opening  734  of passageway  732 . Ridges  730  on the connection band  720  engage the ridges  715  on the band  710  to retain the connection band  720  in a particular position along the band  710 . 
         [0076]    In the illustrated embodiment, connector band or band portion  740  includes an inner surface  746 , an outer surface  748 , and ends  742  and  744 . Connector band  740  includes ridges  750  formed on the outer surface  748 . Connector band  740  also includes a passageway  752  that defines an opening  754 . A connection opening  756  is located proximate to end  742 . A conventional fastener  784  may be inserted into connection opening  756  to couple the connector band  740  and the ear frame member  770 . To couple the band  710  to the connection band  740 , end  718  is inserted into opening  754  of passageway  752 . Ridges  750  on the connection band  740  engage the ridges  715  on the band  710  to retain the connection band  740  in a particular position along the band  710 . 
         [0077]    In an alternative embodiment, band may include one or more passageways into which connector bands are inserted. In that embodiment, the connector bands would not have passageways, respectively. In alternative embodiments, any passageways formed on or coupled to band or connector bands may be located on the inner surface or outer surface of the band or connector bands. 
         [0078]    Ear frame member  760  defines an opening  761  and includes an end  762 . The ear frame member  760  includes a connection opening  764  located proximate to end  762 . A conventional fastener  782  can be inserted into connection openings  736  and  764  to couple the connection band  720  and the ear frame portion  760  together. 
         [0079]    Ear frame member  770  defines an opening  771  and includes an end  772 . The ear frame member  770  includes a connection opening  774  located proximate to end  772 . A conventional fastener  784  can be inserted into connection openings  756  and  774  to couple the connection band  740  and the ear frame portion  770  together. 
         [0080]    While frame members  760  and  770  are coupled to the connection bands  720  and  740  using fasteners, any conventional coupling method or technique can be used. 
         [0081]      FIG. 20  includes a frame set or combination for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Frame set  800  includes several bands  810 ,  820  and  830  and ear frames or ear frame members  840  and  850 . Each band  810 ,  820 , and  830  is coupleable to ear frame members  840  and  850 . 
         [0082]    In the illustrated embodiment, bands  810 ,  820  and  830  have different lengths and are interchangeable to construct an ear warmer frame for insertion into an ear warmer shell to form an ear warmer. The different lengths of bands  810 ,  820  and  830  enable a user to change the overall length of the ear warmer. Similarly, multiple users with different sized heads can use the same ear warmer by interchanging the different length bands  810 - 830 . 
         [0083]    In one arrangement, band  810  includes ends  812  and  814  that can be coupled to ends  842  and  852  of ear frame members  840  and  850 , respectively. In an alternative arrangement, band  820  includes ends  822  and  824  that can be coupled to the ear frame member ends  842  and  852 , respectively. In another arrangement, band  830  includes ends  832  and  834  that can be coupled to the ear frame member ends  842  and  852 , respectively. The ends may be coupled using any conventional fastener or other method. For example, the ends may be coupled using a release-type mechanism that facilitates the disconnection of a band and reconnection of another band to the ear frame members. 
         [0084]      FIGS. 21-22  illustrate a frame for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Frame  900  includes several bands  910  and  920  and ear frame members  930  and  940 . Ear frame member  930  is coupled to band  910  and ear frame member  940  is coupled to band  920 . Bands  910  and  920  are slidably coupled to each other. 
         [0085]    In the illustrated embodiment, band  910  includes ends  912  and  914  and a passageway  916  located proximate to end  914  (see  FIG. 22 ). Passageway  916  includes an opening  918  through which band  920  is inserted. Band  920  includes ends  922  and  924  and a passageway  926  located proximate to end  924 . Passageway  926  includes an opening  928  through which band  910  is inserted. 
         [0086]    Ear frame member  930  includes an end  932  and defines an opening  934 . End  932  is coupled to end  912  of the band  910  using any conventional technique, such as a fastener (not shown). Similarly, ear frame member  940  includes an end  942  and defines an opening  944 . End  942  is coupled to end  922  of the band  920  using any conventional technique, such as a fastener. 
         [0087]    A variety of methods may be used to assemble the frame  900 . For example, end  912  of band  910  is inserted into opening  928  of the passageway  926  at the same time that end  922  of band  920  is inserted into opening  918  of the passageway  916 . Ear frame members  930  and  940  are connected to ends  912  and  922  of bands  910  and  920 , respectively. The openings  918  and  928  are sized so that the bands  910  and  920  are frictionally retained therein after moved by the user. 
         [0088]    As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , each of the bands  910  and  920  has a substantially square cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, the bands  910  and  920  have the same structure. The width (w), the height (h), and the length (l) dimensions of the band  910  are illustrated in  FIG. 22 . The size and shape of the band  910  may vary. In this embodiment, the width (w) of each band is approximately the same as the height (h) of each band. In alternative embodiments, the width (w) of each band may be greater than the height (h) of each band. Also, in another embodiment, band  910  may have different dimensions than band  920 . 
         [0089]    Many conventional bands for ear warmers have rectangular cross-sections. The bands  910  and  920  are shorter in height and narrower in width than conventional bands, thereby reducing the amount of material and the overall weight of the ear warmer frame  900 . Frame  900  is a light-weight and low-cost frame that can be used to construct an ear warmer. 
         [0090]    The size and shape of the frame and the particular frame material used are relevant factors relating to characteristics of an ear warmer frame, such as strength, elasticity, and durability. The strength of an ear warmer frame affects the ability of the frame to maintain a configuration that supports the ear warmer on a wearer&#39;s head. If the size of an ear warmer frame is reduced such that the frame cannot stay on the wearer, then other characteristics of the frame can be changed. For example, the shape of the frame may be changed to a configuration with increased strength. Alternatively, the material may be changed to a material with increased stiffness and rigidity. 
         [0091]      FIG. 23  illustrates an ear warmer member for use in constructing an ear warmer, according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the ear frame member  1000  has an arcuate configuration, as opposed to a complete circular or oval configuration. The ear frame member  1000  includes ends  1002  and  1004 . End  1004  includes an extension  1006  that defines a connection opening  1008  that can be used to couple the ear warmer member  1000  to a band or other portion of a frame. 
         [0092]    In one embodiment, one or two ear frame members  1000  can be used with the frame  900  illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 22 . Because ear frame members  1000  have less material than ear frame members  930  and  940 , the weight of a frame  900  is further reduced. 
         [0093]    While the components of the ear warmer frames disclosed herein are made from plastic, any suitable material that has sufficient stiffness or rigidity to support the ear warmer on a wearer&#39;s head may be used. 
         [0094]    In alternative embodiments, the components of the ear warmer frames, including the frames, frame members, frame portions, bands, connector bands, band portions, and band members, can have any cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-section of any of the ear warmer frame components may resemble a square, rectangle, circle, oval, an arc, or other geometric shape. 
         [0095]    While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Technology Category: a