TITLE
REVERSI3LE - U~IVERSAL EARPLUG
The present invention relates generally to earplug cons~ruction and more particularly to earplug construction adapted for insertion into the ear canal.
Many earplug devices are known. Unfortunately, the size and shape of the human ear canal is quite variable amongst persons. Indeed, many peo~le find heir right ear canal a different size from their left ear canai.
Accordingly, there appears to be an established range of eight earplug sizes, from Smm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, lOmm,llmm, and 12mm. Most present earplug construction necessitates fitting assistance and an inventory of different sizes.
Self-molding cotton-wax earplugs, foam and sponge ea-rplugs are available.
However, unfortunately this type requires hand molding (and in tne case of industrial application, by workers' hands), and being porous or sticky, may pick up foreign matter and transfer it to the ear cznal.
In accordance with the present invention, however, there are provided earplug structures, which substantially overcome the afore-mentioned problems, and fortunately it is now possible to manufacture molded earplu~s of a universally useful size and shape.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
. _ It is the principal obiect of the invention to provide novel earplugs.
It is another object of the invention to provide earplugs adapted for insertion into the ear canal with substantially complete obturation therof.
It is another object of the invention to provide earplugs having excellent sound barrier properties.
It is another object of the invention to provide earplugs with a seriesof "dead-air" chambers between the flanges and the ear canal, which substantially trap and absorb noise-energy from bone construction and outer ear.
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3L~4~ a3~' It is another object of the invention to provide earplugs which may be self-fitted, especially in the case where the left ear canal is a different size from the right ear canal.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious, and will in part appear hereinafter.
THE DM,WINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodi,ment of an earplug of the -~
invention. ~-DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Fig. 1, it will be seen that the earplug of the In-vention is a series of eight flanges (or discs) spaced along a center shaft, having a small diameter, approximately 5,Tm, flange at the small end with the next flange of a slightly larger diameter, each flange increasing in diameter, the center flange, number five and six (from the small end) being the largest diameter. Flange number seven has a smaller diameter than flange number six, with flange number eight having a smaller diameter than flange number seven.
The dtameter of the middle flanges is designed to fit large ear canals in the 12mm range. The diameter of the small-end flanges is designed to fit 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, and 8mm ear canals, while the ~;
large-end flanges are designed to fit the 9mm, lOmm, ll,m ear canals.
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;, The length of the earplug can generally be between 3t4 inch and 1 ', inch. The earplug is designed for the wearer to snip off flanges to achieve a perfect fit.
l Any rubber or plastic material which can be molded so as to result ;~ in an ultimately formed earplug, allowing either end to be used, :~ the small-end flanges or the large-end flanges, to insert into the ~ ear canal to attenuate noiseD meeting the safety and health regu-;~ lations, constitute a satisfactory material ~f constr,uction in the earplugs of the invention.
While there are above-described a number of specific embodiments of the present invention, it is obviously possible to produce other embodiments and various equivalent modifications thereof, without departing from the spirit of the invention.
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i Having set forth the general nature and several preferred embodi-ments of the present invention the true scope thereof is now par-; ticularly pointed out in the following claims.
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