Investigator Martin Gardiner alerts us to a newly patented (US patent #7,020,902, granted April 4, 2006) appurtenance. Its nature and value, as described by the inventor, Paul Tyler, are subtle:
A heated ear guard, for use by a user, having a head having ears.
The ears are especially vulnerable to cold temperature. Because they are substantially situated external to the body. Various garments are used in an attempt to keep the ears warm and to shield them from the elements. Hats, hoods, and scarves, and other garments are intended for keeping the head warm?and incidentally have some effectiveness in keeping the ears warm.