Abstract: A multi-flanged earplug is provided, comprising a stem, a rounded flange positioned at a first end of the stem, and at least a second flange positioned between the first end portion of the stem and an opposing second end portion of the stem. In one embodiment, the first flange is generally hemispherical in shape and has a curvature that is generally is generally convex with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem, while the second flange has a shape that is generally concave with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem. In another embodiment, an outer circumference portion of the second flange has an increased thickness relative to an inner, annular portion of the second flange. In another embodiment, an outer circumference portion of the second flange is provided with a protruding ridge.

Abstract: An acoustical hearing device is presented, comprising a foam and at least one component which is mechanically bonded to the foam. The mechanical bonding of the component arises during manufacture, wherein the component is placed into a mold cavity as an insert and a foam is formed within the mold so as to allow controlled penetration of the component during foaming. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one component comprises a stem having a tip at one end, wherein the tip includes at least one opening at least partially extending therethrough. The mechanical bond resulting when the foam extends through the at least one opening.

Abstract: The present invention presents a selective nonlinear attenuating earplug. The earplug is tunable by the wearer and permits the wearer to select the performance of the earplug. The earplug of the present invention can function either in a selective attenuation mode or a maximum attenuation mode. The selective capability of the earplug permits a wearer to select the degree of desired sound attenuation depending upon the particular environment surrounding the wearer. In the selective attenuation mode, sound attenuation is low for a specific range of intensities and increases for sounds with intensity above those in the specified range. Selective attenuation is especially effective for the loudest noises. The advantage of a selective attenuation mode is especially realized when the wearer wishes to receive an intelligible speech transmission while being situated in a noisy environment while still protecting the wearer from dangerous noises.

Abstract: A hearing protection device. The hearing protection device includes a band and legs that are rotatable relative to the band. Each leg includes a first leg end and a second leg end. The first leg end is rotatably coupled to the band to allow the leg to rotate relative to the band. The second leg end includes a hole for receiving a stem of a hearing protector. Alternatively, the second leg end includes a socket for receiving a ball formed on a hearing protector shaft. The hearing protection device can accommodate head sizes ranging from the 5th percentile of women to the 95th percentile of men.

Abstract: A hearing protection device. The hearing protection device includes a band and legs that are rotatable relative to the band. Each leg includes a first leg end and a second leg end. The first leg end is rotatably coupled to the band to allow the leg to rotate relative to the band. The second leg end includes a hole for receiving a stem of a hearing protector. Alternatively, the second leg end includes a socket for receiving a ball formed on a hearing protector shaft. The hearing protection device can accommodate head sizes ranging from the 5th percentile of women to the 95th percentile of men.

Abstract: A hearing protection device. The hearing protection device includes a band and legs that are rotatable relative to the band. Each leg includes a first leg end and a second leg end. The first leg end is rotatably coupled to the band to allow the leg to rotate relative to the band. The second leg end includes a hole for receiving a stem of a hearing protector. Alternatively, the second leg end includes a socket for receiving a ball formed on a hearing protector shaft. The hearing protection device can accommodate head sizes ranging from the 5th percentile of women to the 95th percentile of men.

Abstract: An eyewear assembly comprising a set of eyewear having a lens piece, two temple pieces, and an attachment member securely connected to each temple piece. The attachment member has a first predetermined length and upon extension to a second length, retains the second length.

Abstract: A hearing protection device. The hearing protection device includes a band and legs that are rotatable relative to the band. Each leg includes a first leg end and a second leg end. The first leg end is rotatably coupled to the band to allow the leg to rotate relative to the band. The second leg end includes a hole for receiving a stem of a hearing protector. Alternatively, the second leg end includes a socket for receiving a ball formed on a hearing protector shaft. The hearing protection device can accommodate head sizes ranging from the 5th percentile of women to the 95th percentile of men.

Abstract: An acoustical hearing device is presented, including a foam and at least one porous component which is mechanically bonded to the foam. The mechanical bonding of the porous component arises during manufacture, wherein the porous component is placed into a mold cavity as an insert and a foam is formed within the mold so as to allow controlled penetration of the porous component during foaming. Importantly, entrapped air in the closed cavity may pass through the porous component during manufacture, thereby allowing the porous component to act as a mold vent. A method of manufacture of the hearing protective device of the present invention is also presented.

Abstract: An earplug assembly. The assembly includes a pair of earplugs adapted for insertion into the ear canal of an individual and an attachment member securely connected to each plug. The attachment member has a first predetermined length and is capable of being extended to a second length. Once extended, the attachment member retains its extended second length.

Abstract: A seal plate attachment for earmuffs. The seal plate attachment has a first and second portion including substantially flat surfaces, outer perimeters, and inner perimeters defining central openings. The first portion of the seal plate attachment includes a first channel extending around a section of the outer perimeter. The seal plate attachment second portion includes a rim, projecting inwardly from and extending around a section of the outer perimeter. The rim of the seal plate attachment second portion forms a second channel to oppose the first channel on the seal plate attachment first portion, allowing the second portion to be slidable relative to the first portion. An improved earmuff design includes rigid earcup elements, a connecting band, and soft sealing elements in combination with the seal plate attachments for earmuffs.

Abstract: An improved handle grip cover formed of a knitted, braided, or woven tubular shaped material impregnated with a synthetic or natural elastomer. The grip cover is fabricated by placing a tubular shaped material, preferably elastic, over a form with a non-stick surface, and impregnating the tubular shaped material with a synthetic or natural elastomer. The tubular material is then cured, and peeled off of the form and trimmed to the desired length. The grip cover may be applied to a handle of a manual tool, a power tool, a piece of athletic equipment, or other article generally gripped by the hand.