Ear guard assembly

Abstract

An improved ear guard that may be incorporated into an ear guard assembly, particularly for amateur wrestlers, comprising two symmetrically opposite ear guards having features that engage with a plurality of straps. Internal reinforcement members having ventilation apertures are enveloped by an energy-absorbing cover assembly. The outer surface of the cover assembly having apertures of appropriate size and shape to provide clearance for the straps aligned with the engagement and ventilation features of the structural reinforcement and not requiring ventilation holes, increasing the suitability of the surface for the display of custom graphics and the inner surface of the cover assembly is formed in such a manner as to simplify the adjustment of the straps. The geometries of the assembly provide multiple ventilation paths for comfort and natural hearing.

1 . An ear guard assembly for wrestling and other activities, comprising a plurality of straps and a pair of right and left ear covers, each ear cover including:
 an outer member, an inner member, and a structural member disposed between the inner and outer members;   the outer member including a plurality of peripheral notches and a central, uninterrupted outer surface to receive textural and/or graphical material;   the structural member including a plurality of strap retention areas, each strap retention area being aligned with a respective one of the peripheral notches, enabling the right and left ear covers to be interconnected with a plurality of head straps through the notches to the retention areas;   the inner member including a plurality of peripheral apertures and a central opening to receive a wearer's ear;   wherein each peripheral aperture is aligned with a respective one of the peripheral notches in the outer member, enabling the strap to be removed or adjusted without stretching the inner member; and   wherein the shape of the structural member creates a peripheral gap around a wearer's ears such that the peripheral apertures are spaced apart from a wearer's head, enabling sound and ventilation to flow through the apertures and into and out of the central opening.   
     
     
         2 . The ear guard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each structural member is composed of a thin, rigid or semi-rigid structural material. 
     
     
         3 . The ear guard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each structural member has a concave inner surface so as to provide space for a wearer's ear. 
     
     
         4 . The ear guard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each outer member is composed of closed cell foam or another flexible material. 
     
     
         5 . The ear guard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each inner member is composed of closed cell foam or another flexible material. 
     
     
         6 . The ear guard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each inner member includes an aperture sufficient to provide ear clearance. 
     
     
         7 . The ear guard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the inner and outer members are peripherally fused to create a pocket for the structural member.