Abstract: An earplug insertion device can include a housing that is configured to hold a first earplug and a second earplug. The device can also include an ejection mechanism that can be configured to respond to a first user force by ejecting the first earplug from the device in a first ejection motion. The ejection mechanism can also being configured to respond to a second user force by ejecting the second earplug from the device in a second ejection motion.

Abstract: A user-disposable member for placement and retention within the auditory anatomy, such as an ear canal. The user-disposable member includes a polymeric foam material, wherein the user-disposable member has a first portion having a peripheral outer surface having a first coefficient of friction, and a second portion having a peripheral outer surface having a second coefficient of friction different from the first coefficient of friction.

Abstract: An earplug includes a body, a post and a magnet. The body is made of a pliable material and includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is shaped to be positioned proximal to the user's middle ear and a distal end is shaped to be exposed to the external environment of the user's outer ear when the body is inserted into the user's ear canal. The post is at least partially embedded within the body and includes a first end, a second end and a socket located at one of the first and the second ends. The magnet is positioned in the socket of the post and is capable of producing a permanent magnetic field.

Abstract: A topical product including but not limited to a feminine hygiene product or incontinence shield which contains at least two kinds of particulate metals distributed throughout which, when in contact with moisture, form a galvanic current (virtually if not completely imperceptible to the user) that has antimicrobial effect on all pathogens. Galvanic current virtually or completely imperceptible to the user facilitates antimicrobial effect.

Abstract: An ultra thin ear plug enables sound protection to be conveniently carried inside a wallet. The ear plug is made of a slow-recovery thin foam strip. The user rolls the strip into a cylinder, compresses the cylinder and inserts the compressed foam cylinder into the ear canal. The foam strip can incorporate a pressure sensitive adhesive on one surface so that the ear plug retains the cylindrical shape after being rolled up. Tapered ends can assist sealing by minimizing the existence of an air gap at the center of the cylinder and on the ear canal. A flexible envelope about 0.008 inch thick and of credit card dimensions can provide packaging for two or more ear plugs and can provide a large surface area for promotional advertising. Total thickness of the packaged ear plugs can be thinner than 0.050 inch or the thickness of a credit card.

Abstract: An earplug is provided including an elongated stem including opposite first and second ends, a flange element disposed circumferentially on the stem and extending from the first end toward the second end delimiting a space between the flange element and the stem, a rib support element formed on an inner surface of the flange element in the space between the flange element and the stem, and a stem component disposed in a cavity formed in the stem, wherein the elongated stem, the flange element, and the rib support element are integrally formed of a resilient polymeric material and wherein the stem component is formed of a semi-rigid material and is bonded with the resilient polymeric material at the cavity.

Abstract: An earplug for a hearing aid adapted for engagement with earpieces made of materials with a comparatively high hardness. The earplug comprises a resilient sleeve and a shell, the shell having an outer portion adapted to fit within a user's ear canal and a central bore, the central bore having a first abutment shoulder adapted for retaining the resilient sleeve inside the shell and a second abutment shoulder adapted for providing a stop for the resilient sleeve and for the earpiece. Hereby the resilient sleeve is able to combine relatively relaxed manufacturing tolerances with precise positioning of the earpiece inside the earplug.

Abstract: An animal ear protection apparatus includes a substantially solid plug that is comprised of a resiliently compressible material. The plug has a first end, a second end and a peripheral surface extending between the first and second ends. The first end is substantially planar. The second end is convexly arcuate. The first end has a substantially annular perimeter edge. A grip is attached to the plug and extends away from the second end. The first end of the plug is insertable into an ear canal of a canine and retrievable therefrom with the grip.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a deformable sealing section that can be inserted into an orifice causing sealing of the orifice.

Abstract: An earplug of the type that includes a shell (12) that fits tightly in a human ear canal and a stem (20) that lies in the shell and can be pushed forward to push the shell into an ear canal, which reduces the possibility of loss of the stem, and provides better blocking of noise. The shell and stem have front ends that are integrally molded and that merge to avoid loss of the stem, although the molding leaves gaps between the shell and stem. The stem has a passage (62), and an insert (60) is inserted into the passage and expands the stem to cause the stem to closely slidably fit in a guide flange (44) of the shell and to press the stem into contact with an inside flange (46) of the shell to form a seal thereat to better block sound. An additional inside front flange (62) is formed in a front portion of the shell, so when the shell front portion is compressed by the walls of the ear canal the front flange engages the stem to provide another sealed chamber that blocks sound.

Abstract: A unique safety device used as an Earplug for Domestic Animals. Particularly this new Special earplug device for Pets is related to devices and methods to protect the ears during grooming from exposure to liquids and high sound levels. This Special earplug device for Pets is a new combination of existing materials configured with unique features that provide an effective, practical and economical way to protect the ear canals of animals.

Abstract: An earplug comprising a foam composition containing a polyvinyl chloride resin and less than about 5 wt % monomeric phthalate, based on the total weight of the foam composition, is described. The foam composition may include a plasticizer containing less than or equal to about 2 wt % monomeric phthalate, based on the total weight of the plasticizer. The earplugs have slow recovery times from 60 percent compression to 10 percent compression of about 10 to about 60 seconds.

Abstract: An earplug has an earplug body (12) with a front sealing portion (20) that seals to a person's ear canal, a body rear portion (22) that lies out of the ear canal, and a passage (26) that extends along the body axis and that allows environmental sound to flow into the ear canal when the passage is not blocked. The body rear portion has a lateral slot (30), and the earplug includes a blocking element (14) that is laterally (L) slidable along the slot. The blocking element can slide between a first position (14A) wherein a hole (32) in the element is not aligned with the passage to prevent sound from reaching the ear canal, and a second position (14B) wherein the hole is aligned with the passage to allow sound to reach the passage.

Abstract: Self-fitting device for location in ear canal and related method, including a body having a shaft, a resilient bladder joined with the body and an elongate plunger located in the shaft. The elongate plunger actuates between an at-rest position and an insertion position to cause the resilient bladder to be deformed from the at-rest position to the insertion position before the device is located in the ear canal.

Abstract: A hearing protection device and method for a human ear. A plug member caps or enters ear canal, and may be shaped to conform to the external auditory meatus. The device is biased at least in part by a pressure pad to provide some force against the plug member. An optional handle may be provided to assist with temporarily pulling the plug member away from the ear canal or providing adjustment. An optional bow member clips about the pinna. The device may be adapted for use as an ear phone.

Abstract: A reusable foam ear insert is disclosed. The ear insert can comprise a foam body and a non-foam covering. The foam body can, for example, comprise foam rubber. The covering can, for example, comprise vinyl. The body is configured to be at least partially received within the ear canal and can be generally bullet shaped. The combination of the body and the covering can provide hearing protection. An optional bore can facilitate use in communications. The covering is resistant to soiling and is easily cleaned, thus facilitating reuse of the ear insert.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to Shape Memory Polymers (SMP's) comprising function groups that allow the polymers to be elastically deformed, utilized in the elastically deformed state, and subsequently returned to the original polymorphic shape.

Abstract: An earplug is provided including an elongated stem including opposite first and second ends, a flange element disposed circumferentially on the stem and extending from the first end toward the second end delimiting a space between the flange element and the stem, a rib support element formed on an inner surface of the flange element in the space between the flange element and the stem, and a stem component disposed in a cavity formed in the stem, wherein the elongated stem, the flange element, and the rib support element are integrally formed of a resilient polymeric material and wherein the stem component is formed of a semi-rigid material and is bonded with the resilient polymeric material at the cavity.

Abstract: A method of forming an earplug is provided including removing a material of the earplug by laser ablation. An earplug is positioned proximate a laser, a portion of the earplug to be ablated is identified, the laser is activated so as to direct an emitted laser light toward the portion to be ablated, and the portion to be ablated is removed by laser ablation. The invention is also directed to an earplug including a feature formed by laser ablation.

Abstract: A comfortable, less rigid, reverse fitting earplug having at least the equivalent sound blocking surface area contact and seal of conventional push-in earplugs without uncomfortable counter forces on the ear canal from rigidity in the constructive material is disclosed. The reverse fitting earplug comprises concave flanges constructed of soft memory plastic materials, which reverse direction from generally concave forward to generally convex forward upon insertion into the ear canal. Surface contact and seal are maintained by the tendency of the flange material to return to its originally molded concave shape. Pressure forces from rigid structural material are not necessary to hold the reverse fitting earplug in place. The reverse fitting earplug can be comfortably worn for extended periods that cannot be achieved with conventional pressure force reliant designs. When a user removes the reverse fitting earplug the flanges automatically return to their originally molded concave shape.

Abstract: An earplug is provided including an elongate stem component having a first end and an opposite second end, a first flange disposed on the stem proximate the first end, a second flange disposed on the stem adjacent the first flange, a third flange disposed on the stem adjacent the second flange, opposite the first flange, and proximate the second end, a rib support element formed on the first, second, and third flanges, wherein, the first, second, and third flanges comprise generally hemispherical flange elements extending from the stem in a direction toward the second end such that a generally annular space is formed between inner surfaces of the first, second, and third flanges and the stem, and wherein the rib support element is formed on the inner surfaces.

Abstract: An acoustically permeative intracanal cap is adapted to be worn semi-permanently deep in the ear canal for shielding a hearing device positioned deeper within the ear canal against moisture and debris infiltration. The intracanal cap conforms circumferentially to the walls of the ear canal for occlusion thereof, and comprises a porous membrane with pores sized to prevent water and solid debris from entering the ear canal while allowing air-conducted sounds to freely reach the microphone of the shielded hearing device. The intracanal cap may be entirely separate from the hearing device for independent insertion and removal, or attached to a lateral section of the hearing device for concurrent insertion and removal therewith into and from the ear canal.

Abstract: An earplug of the type that has a stem (12) and a plurality of flanges (21–23), is constructed to be stiff enough to be easily inserted into the ear canal, and to thereafter press with minimal force against the walls of the ear canal for comfort. The earplug is molded of an elastomeric material whose stiffness decreases considerably, such as at least 4%, when it is warmed from room temperature (about 72° F.) to ear canal temperature (about 100° F.). Each flange has a radially inner portion (52) that extends straight at an angle (B) that is within 15° of a radial direction (62) (a direction perpendicular to the stem axis), and has a radially outer portion (54) that extends straight and at an angle (C) that is within 20° of an axial direction (66).

Abstract: An earplug (10) of the type that is molded of elastomeric material and that has a flange (14) that seals to the walls of a person's ear canal as a stem (12) is pushed forward into the ear canal. Instead of using three or four flanges, applicant's earplug has a single very long main flange (14) with a maximum diameter (D) that is at least 80% of the length (L) of the main flange, and at least 55% of the entire length (B) of the earplug except for the stem. This allows the outside of the long flange to extend at a very small angle (C) to the axial direction, and apply a constant force against the walls of the ear canal, for good and comfortable sealing to the ear canal.

Abstract: An earplug (10) with a body front portion (22) for insertion into a person's ear canal, has a pocket (30) to increase comfort and is constructed to enhance noise attenuation. The pocket, which allows easier compression of the body front portion for increased comfort, has a plurality of baffles (50) that attenuate sound better than a pocket without baffles. The pocket with baffles is formed by a core pin (80) that lies in an injection mold (82) and that forms the pocket, the core pin having a plurality of slots (81) that form the baffles. The pocket includes a rear portion (36) that forms a wide passage, and the earplug includes a blocker portion (90) that partially or completely closes off the rear pocket passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prophylactic for the ear during activities in and around water or other liquid medium where the ear is subject to infection and barotraumas. It has an outer ear section that fits tight in a user's outer ear and a watertight downwardly extending flexible protrusion that extends into the outer part of the ear canal. A non-collapsing, flexible sleeve with a hollow interior is concentrically positioned within the outer ear section and flexible protrusion. A diaphragm with elastic and water-resistant properties is attached across one end of the sleeve with watertight sealing means. An optional protuberance and/or lanyard may be attached to the outer ear section to assist in prompt invention removal after use, and an external barrier is optional where sudden impact can occur. For water depths below thirty-three feet, the diaphragm should be positioned near or within the flexible protrusion portion of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing protection earplug, comprising a shell for being worn at least in part in the ear canal of a user and a faceplate (12) at the outer end of the shell or within a cavity of the shell having an outer opening, wherein the faceplate is provided with adapter means (22) for acoustically connecting, in a detachable manner, a measuring hole (14) extending into the interior of the shell with an external measuring tube (26). The adapter means (22) are adapted to detachably connect to a removable multi-function plug (28, 40) comprising means (30) for closing the measurement hole (14). The invention also relates to a use of such an earplug, a method for manufacturing such an earplug and to a multi-function plug to be used with such an earplug.

Abstract: The present invention is a dual position hearing protection device. In one position, the device provides substantial sound attenuation and hearing protection. In the second position, an opening in the device permits sounds to enter the ear of the user relatively unobstructed. In the preferred embodiment of this invention the position of the device is changed simply by compressing the exposed end of the earplug.

Abstract: An earplug composed of an injected molded resilient polymeric material for insertion into an ear canal by a fingertip of a user, including an elongated member having a nose portion formed as a curved front end. An open cup shaped rearward extending flange located at the end of the elongated member opposite to the nose portion and with the open cup shaped rearward extending flange configured to receive the fingertip of the user. The elongated member including at least one flange element located intermediate the nose portion and the open cup shape flange. The nose portion and the flange element having a generally curved shape to extend into and conform to the wall of the ear canal.

Abstract: A process for forming a foamed thermoplastic earplug, comprising the steps of extruding a foamed body of thermoplastic material; shaping the foamed thermoplastic material; and at least partially separating the resulting shaped material for forming individual earplugs.

Abstract: A device for non-invasively correcting a human external ear is disclosed. The device comprises a flat fixture with an adhesive for sticking the fixture together with two fold parts on an ear which is folded about a folding line along a zone which is to be corrected with a permanent deformation. The fixture can be fixed on the ear easily and conveniently. In attached state, it is hardly visible, and the patient does not feel the fixture as something unpleasant and irritating to wear. The fixture can advantageously be used for correcting a small child's jug-ear which particularly easily can be given a permanent shape within the first few weeks after birth where the concentration of oestradiol is highest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passive hearing protection earplug for being worn at least in part in the ear canal (12) of a user, comprising a hard shell (20) having an elasticity of from shore D 85 to shore D 65 and pulling means (26) which are adapted for being manually operated by the user and which are provided at the outer end of said shell, said shell having an outer surface individually shaped according to the measured inner shape of the user's ear canal and outer ear (18). The shell has a size and an outer shape which are adapted to enable said shell to be manually moved, by seizing the pulling means, from a sound attenuation position into a communication position from which it is automatically returned into the attenuation position by elastic forces exerted by deformed parts of the user's ear canal and concha upon release of the pulling means. The invention also relates to a use of such an earplug and a method for manufacturing such an earplug.

Abstract: A proximity warning system is disposed in a sound protecting earmuff-type headset or other means of providing acoustic ear protection. The ear protector prevents the user from hearing damage from high levels of ambient sound and would otherwise generally make the user unable to hear the sounds of approaching objects like vehicles and machinery. However, an audio transducer is provided in each ear shell of the headset and is connected to a ranging device, which in the illustrated embodiment is an infrared ranging device which generates an alarm signal upon the approach of an object within a predetermined critical alarm limit. A plurality of variable alarm signals can be provided to distinguish the direction, size and speed of the approaching object. In general, the ranging device may be optical, acoustic, thermal or electromagnetic.

Abstract: An earplug of the type that includes a soft foam body (14) and a more rigid core (16) that stiffens the body during its insertion into the ear canal, is mass produced so the front end (30) of the stiff core cannot rub along the surface of the ear canal during insertion. The core is elongated and bonded to the body, and the core has a front end (30) that is recessed from the front end (36) of the body, so the soft foam material of the body prevents the front end of the core from contacting the ear canal. The earplug can be mass produced by extruding the soft foam through an extrusion head (42), around the cores, with a long core device having been cut into the cores and with the extrusion (52) cut at locations to leave foam material forward of each core front end.

Abstract: A disposable plug has a mask with an orifice aligned at the entry into the ear canal when the plug is inserted into the ear. A sealed envelope has a leading elastic tip that extends forward of the orifice into the ear canal and a trailing reservoir that extends rearward of the orifice. A super-cooled liquid salt substantially fills the envelope. The envelope is sized to contain a sufficient quantity of the liquid salt to deliver heat to the inner ear at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time period. A convex disk in the reservoir can be manually popped to concave after the tip of the envelope has been inserted into the ear canal to shrink the reservoir and expand the tip into deeper extension into and compliance with the ear canal and to activate solidification of the liquid salt to generate heat into the ear canal.

Abstract: An earplug has an open inserting end, an open inlet end, a cover, a hollow body, a soft sheath, a tube and a sound-processing unit. The sound passes through the open inlet end, is processed by the sound-processing unit and then passes into an ear canal. Alternatively, RF (Radio Frequency) signals pass through the open inlet end and are processed by the sound-processing unit, and then radio signals pass into the ear canal. The soft sheath has a through hole. The tube is mounted through the through hole in the soft sheath and allows the open inserting end to communicate with the ambient air. Furthermore, the soft sheath and the tube are replaceable to conform to sanitary standards.

Abstract: Tool for injection-molding a hearing protection cup which includes a curved shell with an opening for receiving an ear, and a washer which extends around the opening and is connected to the edge thereof. The washer projects inward across the opening along at least two opposite sides thereof and is intended to support a sealing and comfort ring which is intended to rest against the head. The tool includes a common mold cavity intended to produce the shell and the washer in one piece, and an insert which can be introduced into this mold cavity for forming the inner surfaces of the shell and of the washer. The insert is divided into at least three portions by means of dividing planes which extend in the same principal direction as the opposite sides of the opening. The invention also relates to a method for producing a hearing protection cup, and to a hearing protection cup produced using the method.

Abstract: An ear plug includes a first shelter for extending into an ear canal thereby preventing water from flowing into an inner ear a second shelter for accommodating with the ear canal thereby preventing water from flowing into the ear canal, and a connection portion is narrower than those of the first and second shelters connected between the first and second shelters. The first shelter has a flexible and thin peripheral flange. The second shelter has first and second walls that defines a hollow cylindrical. The first wall of the second shelter is connected with the connection portion. The second shelter and the connection portion are also hollow.

Abstract: An earplug of the type that has a stem (12) and a plurality of flanges (21-23), is constructed to be stiff enough to be easily inserted into the ear canal, and to thereafter press with minimal force against the walls of the ear canal for comfort. The earplug is molded of an elastomeric material whose stiffness decreases considerably, such as at least 4%, when it is warmed from room temperature (about 72° F.) to ear canal temperature (about 100° F.). Each flange has a radially inner portion (52) that extends straight at an angle (B) that is within 15° of a radial direction (62) (a direction perpendicular to the stem axis), and has a radially outer portion (54) that extends straight and at an angle (C) that is within 20° of an axial direction (66).

Abstract: A method of forming an earplug is provided including removing a material of the earplug by laser ablation. An earplug is positioned proximate a laser, a portion of the earplug to be ablated is identified, the laser is activated so as to direct an emitted laser light toward the portion to be ablated, and the portion to be ablated is removed by laser ablation. The invention is also directed to an earplug including a feature formed by laser ablation.

Abstract: An ear plug to be inserted into the external auditory canal, having a compressible sleeve member and a core member attached therein, the improvement in which plural projections or a single projection are formed intermittently or continuously on an exterior of the core member, and vent is formed through or along the projection to make the external auditory canal communicate with the external atmosphere when inserted into the external auditory canal. A communicating passage or vent to an effective degree for remarkably decreasing the pressure difference between the inside of the external auditory canal and the external atmosphere as well as preventing leakage of sound causing so-called howling.

Abstract: An ear plug to be inserted into the external auditory canal, having a compressible sleeve member and a core member attached therein, the improvement in which plural projections or a single projection are formed intermittently or continuously on an exterior of the core member, and vent is formed through or along the projection to make the external auditory canal communicate with the external atmosphere when inserted into the external auditory canal. A communicating passage or vent to an effective degree for remarkably decreasing the pressure difference between the inside of the external auditory canal and the external atmosphere as well as preventing leakage of sound causing so-called howling.

Abstract: An eyes and ears protection device provides a forehead beam supporting a depending goggle-like eyes shield and laterally opposed depending side shields. The lateral portions of the forehead beam pivotally support rearwardly extending temple beams, the rearward portions of which each movably interconnect a rearwardly extending ear beam by a ball and socket joint. The rearward portion of each ear beam movably interconnects an earplug structure by a ball and socket joint. Each earplug structure movably supports an earplug positionable for use in a user's auditory canal and for storage in a cavity or space defined by the ear beam.

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, at least a portion of the first flange has a shape that is generally is generally convex with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem, while at least a portion of 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: Tool for injection-molding a hearing protection cup which includes a curved shell with an opening for receiving an ear, and a washer which extends around the opening and is connected to the edge thereof. The washer projects inward across the opening along at least two opposite sides thereof and is intended to support a sealing and comfort ring which is intended to rest against the head. The tool includes a common mold cavity intended to produce the shell and the washer in one piece, and an insert which can be introduced into this mold cavity for forming the inner surfaces of the shell and of the washer. The insert is divided into at least three portions by means of dividing planes which extend in the same principal direction as the opposite sides of the opening. The invention also relates to a method for producing a hearing protection cup, and to a hearing protection cup produced using the method.

Abstract: A process for forming a foamed thermoplastic earplug, comprising the steps of extruding a foamed body of thermoplastic material; shaping the foamed thermoplastic material; and at least partially separating the resulting shaped material for forming individual earplugs.

Abstract: An earplug and a method of manufacture thereof is provided, the earplug includes a foam having an insertion portion for being inserted into an ear canal of a user and a skirt extending from the insertion portion. The skirt includes a receptacle formed at an interior thereof. The earplug further includes a molded stem having a bonding portion which is received in the receptacle and a handle portion which extends from the receptacle. The handle portion facilitates handling of the earplug during manufacture and use thereof. The skirt extends around the bonding portion of the stem and the bonding portion and the foam are adhesively bonded in the receptacle.

Abstract: An earplug includes a body of soft elastomeric material such as a soft resilient foam for insertion in the ear canal, and a stiffener of more rigid material than the body. The stiffener is in the form of a tube rather than a solid rod, so while the stiffener is resistant to column-like collapse, it is easily radially compressed to facilitate compression of the body as it enters the ear canal. The stiffener tube can be filled with soft resilient foam material, to block the passage of sound through the tube. The tubular stiffener can have a slot extending parallel to the length of the stiffener, to allow soft foam material to flow into the tube to fill it, as the foam material that surrounds the tube is molded. Such molding can be accomplished by extruding foam material while the tubular stiffener passes with the extruded foam through the extrusion head.

Abstract: An earplug is provided including an elongate stem component having a first end and an opposite second end, a first flange disposed on the stem proximate the first end, a second flange disposed on the stem adjacent the first flange, a third flange disposed on the stem adjacent the second flange, opposite the first flange, and proximate the second end, a rib support element formed on the first, second, and third flanges, wherein, the first, second, and third flanges comprise generally hemispherical flange elements extending from the stem in a direction toward the second end such that a generally annular space is formed between inner surfaces of the first, second, and third flanges and the stem, and wherein the rib support element is formed on the inner surfaces.

Abstract: An earpiece having a hollow cylindrical earpiece body and a diaphragm suspended at one end of the hollow cylindrical earpiece body for protecting the ear against outside water and for enabling the ear to hear a certain volume of sound.