Ear Patents (Class 181/129)
  • Publication number: 20130188819
    Abstract: In an ear tip and an ear phone including the same, the ear tip includes a cylindrical hollow shaft having a sound conduit through which audio signals are transferred into a user's ear, an external sheet extending from an end portion of the hollow shaft and enclosing the hollow shaft such that a gap space is provided between the hollow shaft and the external sheet, and a reinforce member protruded from the external sheet toward the hollow shaft in the gap space and reinforcing a strength of the external sheet to thereby resist against an axial external force applied along the hollow shaft. Accordingly, the external sheet is prevented from being turned inside out by the axial external force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: ALPHA PRECISION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoon Young-Mun
  • Patent number: 8474571
    Abstract: An ear piece assembly (10, 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) designed for a stethoscope or other headpiece, and configured to allow rotation of an ear tip (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620) of the assembly about a central axis (relative to the rest of the assembly) and to allow limited off axis movement of the ear tip (relative to the rest of the assembly). In typical embodiments, the ear piece assembly is designed to fit a user's ear canal and stay in place during typical use without rotational or off axis movement of the ear tip relative to the ear canal, and to provide substantially more comfort to the user than would a headpiece with a conventional ear tip assembly, particularly for prolonged wearing by the user. Other aspects of the invention are a headpiece (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Stethoscope Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Albert Bilan
  • Patent number: 8472660
    Abstract: An adaptation device that removably attaches to earbud style headphone/s and provides security and retention of the earbud to a wearer's ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Innovelis, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric John Wengreen
  • Publication number: 20130153328
    Abstract: A sound absorbing device of the type adapted to cover the ears of a user and comprising a sound absorbing material, wherein the sound absorbing material comprises of a thixotropic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: RESTORED HEARING LIMITED
    Inventors: Anthony Carolan, Rhona Togher, Eimear O'Carroll
  • Patent number: 8434493
    Abstract: The adjustable mouth shield device provides an adjustably fitted mouth shield with adjustable headband for secure fit. The adjustable headband is fastened to the padded earpiece. The straight first extension from the earpiece is angled downwardly and forwardly to terminate in a swivel joint providing almost 360 degrees of swivel. The second extension is arced both downwardly and forwardly. The u-shaped mouthpiece is fitted to the adjustable spring mount for horizontal pivot of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may, by virtue of the swivel joint and the spring mount, be moved completely away from a user's mouth and, in turn, pivoted and swiveled to be directly in front of the user's mouth. The inward curves at the distal end of the mouthpiece aid in sliding on the disposable pads that shield a user from objects, foods and other materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventors: Eric McGhie, Darrell Harvey
  • Patent number: 8424634
    Abstract: A device structured to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. One embodiment includes an elongated base, which may be disposable, and has a sufficient length to be disposed in an operative position behind the user's ear. Opposite ends of the base include an adhesive material secured to a common side thereof, wherein different ones of said opposite ends are respectively disposed and maintained in confronting engagement with a rear surface of the ear and adjacently disposed portion of the user's head. The base further includes biasing capabilities disposed and structured to exert a sufficient, forwardly and outwardly directed force on the user's ear to dispose and maintain it in the enhanced hearing orientation, when the base is in the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventors: Jo Ann Lederman, Agustin Arrieta
  • Patent number: 8428289
    Abstract: An adaptation device that removably attaches to earbud style headphone/s and provides improved security and retention of the earbud to a wearer's ear yet positions the speaker in substantially the same distance relative to the concha and/or ear canal of a wearer as a wearer would ordinarily wear an earbud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Innovelis, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric John Wengreen
  • Publication number: 20130092470
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for wearing audio products are disclosed. In one example, an apparatus for delivering sound to an ear includes a flexible material shaped to fit within an outer ear. The apparatus includes a movable member in contact with an inner surface of the flexible material, the flexible material configured to expand or retract responsive to movement of the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Johnston, Jacob Meyberg, Eric Bradford
  • Patent number: 8422717
    Abstract: Provided is an adjustable audio headphone, including a headphone body, a damping object and a pressing mechanism. The headphone body includes a headphone shell, which forms a sound cavity in inside thereof and a receiving chamber on one end thereof. A bottom surface of the receiving chamber forms a through hole communicated with the sound cavity. The damping object is made of compressible material such as sponge, elastic plastic, textile and so on and. The damping object is placed into the receiving chamber of the headphone shell. The pressing mechanism is mounted on the headphone shell and is capable of pressing the damping object. The adjustable audio headphone of the present invention can compress the damping object to change the density of the damping object by employing the pressing mechanism, thereby varying the pressure of the sound cavity and realizing the object of adjusting the audio thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: You-ruei Lin, Chun-hung Chen, Meng-ching Cho, Mu-tsun Tseng
  • Publication number: 20130087404
    Abstract: A composite foam cushion for a sound control device. The cushion includes a core formed of a polymeric foam material and a polymeric coating overlying at least a portion of the core of polymeric foam material. The polymeric coating includes an outer coating layer and an inner polymeric coating layer bonded to the core of polymeric foam material. The inner coating layer may provide the cushion with strength, while providing a high degree of flexibility and suppleness to closely conform around contours and obstructions. The outer coating layer may provide the cushion with enhanced abrasion resistance and/or chemical resistance while having an aesthetically pleasing feel and appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Hearing Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Hearing Components, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8416974
    Abstract: A hearing aid device has a shell that fits into the upper part of the concha of the outer ear of a hearing-impaired person, and connecting element that is held in the concha of the outer ear and terminates in an ear piece in the ear canal. The combination of the shell and the connecting element in the concha retain the hearing aid in the outer ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Knud Ammitzboll, Mark Balke, Uwe Rass
  • Patent number: 8401218
    Abstract: An earphone comprises an inner shell, a stem and a pivot connection. The inner shell has a generally circular periphery shaped to at least partially fit in a user's concha. The stem is mounted to the inner shell at a position spaced from a rotational center of the inner shell and supports a wire leading to the inner shell. The inner shell and the stem are rotatable relative to each other by the pivot connection to configure the earphone to fit the user's ear with the shell member positioned at least partially in the user's concha and the stem positioned exteriorly along an intertragic notch of the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Sung Ho Son, Gregory G. Jones
  • Patent number: 8401215
    Abstract: A receiver is provided having a balanced armature motor mechanically interconnected to a displaceable diaphragm component. A front volume changes as the displaceable diaphragm component moves. The front volume is connected to a port. A rear volume changes oppositely to the front volume as the displaceable diaphragm moves. An acoustic channel connects to the port and is also connected to a sound outlet. The sound outlet allows acoustic energy to exit from the acoustic channel. A first acoustic pressure is generated in the front volume as the balanced armature motor moves the diaphragm. The acoustic channel and the internal volume are divided by a common wall section, wherein the common wall section is defined by at least one of the walls of the housing which also provides a portion of at least one wall for the acoustic channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Max Warren, Thomas J. Jalava, Brad Olson, Michael J. Abry, Earl E. Houcek, Mark F. Halla, Charles B. King
  • Patent number: 8371417
    Abstract: In a headphone set, a speaker is enclosed in a housing. A cord is connected to the speaker at one end and running to the outside of the housing at another end through a pulling-out portion of the housing. The cord is inserted into a bushing at the pulling-out portion. An outer-shape expansion portion is fixed to the cord and located between the speaker and the bushing. The outer-shape expansion portion expands the outer shape of the cord. A concavity is provided to the bushing at one end of the bushing closer to the speaker. At least a portion of the outer-shape expansion portion is put in the concavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: JVC Kenwood Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 8371418
    Abstract: A device structured to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. One embodiment includes an elongated base, structured to be disposed in an operative position behind the user's ear. Opposite ends of the base include an adhesive material secured thereto, wherein different ones of said opposite ends are respectively disposed and maintained in confronting engagement with a rear surface of the ear and adjacently disposed portion of the user's head. The base further includes biasing capabilities disposed and structured to exert a sufficient, forwardly and outwardly directed positioning force on the user's ear to dispose and maintain it in the enhanced hearing orientation, when the base is in the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Jo Ann Lederman, Agustin Arrieta
  • Patent number: 8374373
    Abstract: A headset including an earcup having a front opening adapted to be adjacent to the ear of the user, a baffle disposed within the earcup to define front and rear cavities, a cushion extending around the periphery of the front opening of the earcup and constructed and arranged to accommodate the ear of the user, the cushion having a first density, an inner radial portion, and an outer radial portion opposite the inner radial portion, a cushion cover substantially surrounding the cushion to form a headphone cushion assembly, and a high impedance component having a second density and located near the outer radial portion to increase the transmission loss of the cushion along a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Roman Sapiejewski, Kevin P. Annunziato, Ian M. Collier, Jason Harlow
  • Patent number: 8360198
    Abstract: A device structured to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. One embodiment includes an elongated base, which may be disposable, and has a sufficient length to be disposed in an operative position behind the user's ear. Opposite ends of the base include an adhesive material secured to a common side thereof, wherein different ones of said opposite ends are respectively disposed and maintained in confronting engagement with a rear surface of the ear and adjacently disposed portion of the user's head. The base further includes biasing capabilities disposed and structured to exert a sufficient, forwardly and outwardly directed force on the user's ear to dispose and maintain it in the enhanced hearing orientation, when the base is in the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Jo Ann Lederman, Agustin Arrieta
  • Patent number: 8355522
    Abstract: A cushion includes a first material and a second material and is formed into a first region and a second region. The first region defines an exterior surface shaped to fit the concha of a human ear. The second region defines an exterior surface shaped to fit the ear canal of a human ear. The first and second regions together define an interior surface shaped to couple the cushion to acoustic elements of an earphone. The first material occupies a first volume adjacent to the interior surface. The second material occupies a second volume between the first material and the first and second outer surfaces. The first and second materials are of different hardnesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin P. Annunziato, Ian M. Collier, Michael Monahan, Roman Sapiejewski, William Tice
  • Patent number: 8351637
    Abstract: An earhook (1), for example for a headset, to be worn around the root of the auricle (14) in the postauricular sulcus. The earhook (1) extends between a first end (5) and a second end (6) and has at least a first (2) and a second (3) curved element interconnected at the first end (5). Each curved element (2, 3) has a concave first side pointing forward towards the root of the auricle (14) and a convex second side pointing away from the root of the auricle (14) when worn. The curved elements (2, 3) are arranged with lateral distance (w) seen in a direction essentially perpendicular to the side of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventors: Marcus Hoggarth, Raun Forsyth, Stephen De Saulles
  • Patent number: 8351640
    Abstract: A multi-directional sound emission means and a system having same are disclosed. The system comprises a speaker body and sound emission devices coupled to both ends of the speaker body. The sound emission devices each include a sound emission means for directionally emitting sound towards multiple directions. The sound emission means includes a base, a loudspeaker disposed on the base, and a plurality of hollow mechanical sound conducting elements. The loudspeaker has an opening where the sound is emitted. Each hollow mechanical sound conducting element has an inner opening end and an exterior opening end opposite to the inner opening end. The exterior opening ends are directed towards desired multiple directions, respectively. The inner opening ends are in sound communication with the opening of the loudspeaker such that sound from the loudspeaker is emitted along the desired multiple directions through the sound conducting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: IAG Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwangwu Chang
  • Patent number: 8351639
    Abstract: A multi-directional sound emission system comprises a speaker body and sound emission devices coupled to both ends of the speaker body. The sound emission devices each include a sound emission means for directionally emitting sound towards multiple directions. The sound emission means includes a plurality of hollow mechanical sound conducting elements. Each hollow mechanical sound conducting element has an inner opening end and an exterior opening end opposite to the inner opening end. The exterior opening ends of the sound conducting elements are directed towards desired multiple directions, respectively. The sound emission means is configured for receiving sound signals from the speaker body and emitting sound along the desired multiple directions through the sound conducting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: IAG Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwangwu Chang
  • Publication number: 20130001008
    Abstract: A configurable hearing protection device capable of attachment to a temple support bar of any pair of eye or safety glasses. The device is a single elongated shaft having a securement loop at one end, an earplug attachment means at a second end, and a plurality of securing nubs disposed in between. The elongated shaft is wrapped around the frame of a pair of glasses and cinched tightly to prevent it from moving around while in use. The securement nubs hold the end of the securement loop in place so that it does not loosen and slip off of the glasses frame. Any suitable earplug may be removably secured to the earplug attachment means. The device is flexible and can be manipulated into a position of the user's choosing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: KPR CONCEPTS, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Corona, Jeffrey Merriman
  • Publication number: 20120312628
    Abstract: A removable component for use with an earphone is disclosed. As an example, the removable component can be an ear tip. According to one aspect, an improved ear tip can be provided for use with a headphone. The ear tip is suitable for in-ear operation and can have a cosmetic deformable outer member. The deformable outer member can enable the ear tip to readily conform to a user's ear. The ear tip can also include an inner member to structurally support the outer member and to facilitate attachment to a headphone. Methods for forming such ear tips are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Edward Siahaan, Kurt Stiehl, Victor Tiscareno, Wej-Jiun Lin, Cameron Frazier, Christopher Prest, Jeffrey Hayashida
  • Patent number: 8327973
    Abstract: Disclosed are foam compositions with enhanced sound attenuation characteristics for use in earpieces, for example, user-disposable foam members such as foam tips for sound control devices including sound transmission devices and earplugs in which a relationship between the size of the pores and the volume of the cells of the polymeric may be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hearing Components, Inc.
    Inventors: William Parish, Vasant V. Kolpe
  • Patent number: 8328731
    Abstract: The method for reconstructing the three-dimensional shape of the surface (14) of at least a portion of an ear canal (18) and/or of a concha comprises—for each of a multitude of points (12) on said surface (14)—the step of using a chromatic coded distance measurement technique for determining a distance value (40) representative of a distance to said point (12); and further comprises the step of reconstructing said three-dimensional shape based on said multitude of distance values (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Hans Hessel, Gregory Bleiker, Stefan Launer, Martin Roth, Bruno Knobel, Charles Findeisen
  • Patent number: 8322485
    Abstract: A noise reduction system for attachment to a pillow having a top surface is disclosed, wherein a head of a user can be configured to be placed on the top surface of the pillow. The system includes a plurality of support bands, each having a distal end and a proximate end, wherein the distal end of each of the plurality of support bands is configured to be coupled to the pillow and a pad configured to be coupled to each proximate end of each of the plurality of support bands. Upon coupling of the distal end of each of the plurality of support bands to the pillow, the pad is configured to be disposed above the top surface of the pillow at a predetermined height. The head of the user is configured to be placed between the top surface of the pillow and the pad, wherein the pad is configured to cover an ear of the user to reduce noise perceived by the ear of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Eric Gold
  • Patent number: 8311253
    Abstract: An earpiece. The earpiece includes an electronics module for wirelessly receiving incoming audio signals from an external source. The earpiece further includes a positioning and retaining structure comprising at least an outer leg and an inner leg, each of the outer leg and inner leg being attached at an attachment end to the body and attached at a joined end to each other. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure is substantially stiffer in one direction than in another. In its intended position, one of the two legs contacts the anti-helix at the rear of the concha, the joined end is under the anti-helix; a planar portion of the body contacts the concha; and a portion of the body is under the anti-tragus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan C. Silvestri, Eric M. Wallace, Kevin P. Annunziato, Ian M. Collier, Michael Monahan
  • Patent number: 8302731
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hearing protector comprising two ear cups which are designed to cover the ears of the wearer of the hearing protector, and sealing rings (2) which are secured along the peripheries of the ear cups, the sealing rings each displaying at least one circumferential lamella (5, 6, 7), being manufactured from a resilient, possibly elastic material, and being formed to sealingly abut, around the wearer's ears, against the wearer's head, wherein the lamella (5,6, 7), at least along its edge regions located most proximal the wearer's head, display portions (13, 14, 15) which, in a direction towards the wearer, are arched from a central region (3) in the sealing ring (2) out towards its periphery (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Sigvard Nilsson, Henrik Nordin
  • Patent number: 8270647
    Abstract: A cochlear implant system includes: an electrode array implanted within a cochlea; an internal processor in communication with the electrode array; an implanted antenna which is electrically coupled to the internal processor; and a modular external headpiece which is removably positioned over the implanted antenna, the modular external headpiece including a core containing a sound processor for processing sound and providing a corresponding signal to the implanted antenna; and a modular component configured to releasably engage the core and supply electrical power to the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLC
    Inventors: Scott A. Crawford, Douglas P. Lynch, Carla Mann Woods
  • Publication number: 20120205189
    Abstract: A device structured to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. One embodiment includes an elongated base, which may be disposable, and has a sufficient length to be disposed in an operative position behind the user's ear. Opposite ends of the base include an adhesive material secured to a common side thereof, wherein different ones of said opposite ends are respectively disposed and maintained in confronting engagement with a rear surface of the ear and adjacently disposed portion of the user's head. The base further includes biasing capabilities disposed and structured to exert a sufficient, forwardly and outwardly directed force on the user's ear to dispose and maintain it in the enhanced hearing orientation, when the base is in the operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Joann Lederman, Agustin Arrieta
  • Patent number: 8230965
    Abstract: A device structured to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. One embodiment includes an elongated base, which may be disposable in an operative position behind the user's ear. Opposite ends of the base include an adhesive material secured to a common side thereof, wherein different ones of said opposite ends are respectively disposed and maintained in confronting engagement with a rear surface of the ear and adjacently disposed portion of the user's head. The base further includes biasing capabilities disposed and structured to exert a sufficient, forwardly and outwardly directed force on the user's ear to dispose and maintain it in the enhanced hearing orientation, when the base is in the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventors: Joann Lederman, Agustin Arrieta
  • Publication number: 20120186898
    Abstract: A device structured to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. The device includes an elongated base, which may be disposable, and has a sufficient length to be disposed in an operative position behind the user's ear. Opposite ends of the base include an adhesive material secured to a common side thereof, wherein different ones of said opposite ends are respectively disposed and maintained in confronting engagement with a rear surface of the ear and adjacently disposed portion of the user's head. The base further includes biasing capabilities disposed and structured to exert a sufficient, forwardly and outwardly directed force on the user's ear to dispose and maintain it in the enhanced hearing orientation, when the base is in the operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Joann Lederman, Agustin Arrieta
  • Publication number: 20120186899
    Abstract: A device structured to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. One embodiment includes an elongated base, structured to be disposed in an operative position behind the user's ear. Opposite ends of the base include an adhesive material secured thereto, wherein different ones of said opposite ends are respectively disposed and maintained in confronting engagement with a rear surface of the ear and adjacently disposed portion of the user's head. The base further includes biasing capabilities disposed and structured to exert a sufficient, forwardly and outwardly directed positioning force on the user's ear to dispose and maintain it in the enhanced hearing orientation, when the base is in the operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Jo Ann Lederman, Agustin Arrieta
  • Publication number: 20120186901
    Abstract: A device structured to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. One embodiment includes an elongated base, which may be disposable, and has a sufficient length to be disposed in an operative position behind the user's ear. Opposite ends of the base include an adhesive material secured to a common side thereof, wherein different ones of said opposite ends are respectively disposed and maintained in confronting engagement with a rear surface of the ear and adjacently disposed portion of the user's head. The base further includes biasing capabilities disposed and structured to exert a sufficient, forwardly and outwardly directed force on the user's ear to dispose and maintain it in the enhanced hearing orientation, when the base is in the operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Jo Ann Lederman, Agustin Arrieta
  • Publication number: 20120186900
    Abstract: A device structured to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. One embodiment includes an elongated base, which may be disposable, and has a sufficient length to be disposed in an operative position behind the user's ear. Opposite ends of the base include an adhesive material secured to a common side thereof, wherein different ones of said opposite ends are respectively disposed and maintained in confronting engagement with a rear surface of the ear and adjacently disposed portion of the user's head. The base further includes biasing capabilities disposed and structured to exert a sufficient, forwardly and outwardly directed force on the user's ear to dispose and maintain it in the enhanced hearing orientation, when the base is in the operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Jo Ann Lederman, Agustin Arrieta
  • Patent number: 8218803
    Abstract: In the case of a receiver facility to be fixed in the auditory canal, particularly for hearing devices with an external receiver, the receiver is to be mounted in the earmold in an acoustically advantageous fashion which guards against contaminations and is also easily exchangeable. Provision is thus made for a receiver facility with a longish receiver and a earmold, which has a borehole, into which the receiver is inserted. A tubular connector, which is more elastic than the receiver and the earmold, is used to accommodate for the most part the longitudinal extension of the receiver in a friction-locking fashion. The connector is for its part force-fitted into a borehole of the earmold in a friction-locking fashion. The receiver is thus elastically mounted and can be easily removed from the earmold together with the connector with the aid of a pin-like tool for replacement purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Werner Fickweiler, Uli Gommel
  • Patent number: 8213654
    Abstract: An in-the-ear audio device includes a custom made shell part which fits into the ear canal of a user and a pre-fabricated module part, the custom made part having a cavity with an opening for receiving the module. The cavity is partially bounded by two opposed, substantially parallel internal walls of the shell part which are spaced a distance which will allow two external, substantially parallel sides of the module to slide into the space between the two walls. Recesses and projections which extend in an arc on the walls and on the sides are provided such that the module may be inserted into the cavity between the two walls by a pivotal movement, with the projections at each side sliding in respective recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventors: Bjarke D. Jørgensen, Mads G. Andersen
  • Patent number: 8201561
    Abstract: An improved ear tip for earphones and hearing protection is provided where comfort and occlusion of the ear are of most importance. The ear tip comprises an elastomer polymer resin material molded to form the material to the shape of the ear canal. A chamber is defined having a proximal and distal end, the distal end engages the acoustic exit of the transducer, sound source or sound attenuator and the proximal end of the bore is adapted to be disposed adjacent an eardrum. The inner body attaches to a nozzle, or audio playback orifice to naturally transition the acoustics from the transducer or sound attenuator to the eardrum via the ear canal. The ear tip can have a plurality of flexible annular flanges disposed at spaced intervals of the body with decreasing circumference as the flanges transition to the proximal end. Each flange tapers in a radius or curvilinear geometry as it progresses to the end of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Klipsch Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 8194909
    Abstract: There is provided an earphone comprising a hoop (1) with a first and a second pivot point (A0, B0) at least one end of the hoop (1). The earphone has at least one earpiece (3) for receiving at least one electroacoustic transducer. The earpiece (3) has a first and a second pivot point (A, B). The earphone further has a first coupling element (2) for coupling the first pivot point (A0) of the hoop (1) to the first pivot point (A) of the earpiece (3) and a second coupling element (4) for coupling the second pivot point (B0) of the hoop (1) to the second pivot point (B) of the earpiece (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jan Peter Kuhtz, Olav Nisse
  • Patent number: 8186478
    Abstract: The present embodiment represents a dynamic Multi-Functional Dual Filtered Hearing Protector that will allow the wearer to hear intelligible speech or warning sounds, while the wearer is present in an environment surrounded by loud noise or impact sounds. The automatic attenuation provided by this hearing protector will increase, as the sound pressure levels increase, thus requiring no human intervention. This hearing protector is especially useful in situations where sounds may be produced from unexpected spikes in sound intensity, while still enabling the wearer to hear warning buzzers, or approaching vehicles without compromising safety. By not requiring human adjustment the wearer will be protected from such sounds. In addition to being able to be connected to acoustic transducers, the invention also relates to a custom hearing protector incorporating features of the embodiment, and a method for manufacturing such a custom hearing protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Rufus Leroy Grason
  • Patent number: 8184842
    Abstract: Methods, tools, and methods of manufacturing said tools are provided for inserting a hearing device deeply into the ear canal of a user and adjusting its medial-lateral position therein. The provided tools comprise a shaft. A distal end of the shaft can be coupled to the hearing device. The shaft is flexible to facilitate its insertion into the tortuous ear canal and minimize injurious contact with the ear canal. The length of the shaft can be adjusted to adjust the depth of insertion of the shaft into the ear canal, customizing the tool for an individual user. Medial advancement of the shaft into the ear canal is limited by a base, side extension, or mold coupled to a proximal portion of the shaft or other proximal part of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Howard, Evelyne Chaubert, Gretchen Anderson, Jonathan Paul Downing, Nicholas Hausman, Janet Karen Hwu, Ricardo Penate
  • Patent number: 8161974
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing hearing protection to a wearer includes an incorporated set of eyewear having an eyewear frame. In one version, a pair of ear muffler tubes are coupled to the supporting members of the frame or made integral therewith, the muffler tubes each extending to the entrance of the ear canal of a person to reduce the level of ambient noise in the ear canal and includes at least one muffler tube of appropriate dimensions sufficient to isolate the ear canal from ambient air that substantially reduces the acoustic impedance at the entrance of the ear canal over a wide range of audible sound frequencies. A connecting tube for attachment to the ear canal is coupled to the ear muffler tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Syracuse University
    Inventors: Gregory D. Post, Jozef J. Zwislocki, Robert J. DiNardo
  • Patent number: 8122995
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an ear-mountable, paraboloid-shaped reflective acoustic lens which can be used to enhance a user's perception of the sounds from a source the user faces. The lens mechanically collects and naturally amplifies the airborne acoustic information from the sound source. The lens uses both the wearer's external ear as well as the interior face of an acoustic lens to coherently reflect increased amounts of sound from the source into the ear canal of a user who wears the lightweight, deformable lens. All sections of the lens meet the head of the user at an obtuse angle. The lens is held in place around the user's ear by the inward pressure of the lens pushing against the outside of the user's pinna. Adherence of the device to the ear of the wearer can be increased by an adhesive strip on the interior face of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Michael D. Riley
  • Patent number: 8118031
    Abstract: The invention provides a hearing protection device having an attenuating body composed of an elastomer with an increased glass transition temperature and a reduced glass-to-rubber transition temperature such that the damping factor of the material peaks at a higher temperature and, resultantly, the damping factor is increased over a range of temperatures and frequencies typically experienced by the device during usage. The increased damping results in higher sound attenuation provided by the hearing protection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Alan Seville
  • Patent number: 8091680
    Abstract: An acoustic resistor or damper and method of manufacturing the same is disclosed. The damper has mesh material and mounting material attached to the mesh material. The mounting material defines an open region for transmission of sound through the mesh material, and has a mounting surface for mounting the damper on a surface surrounding an acoustic port or tube. The mounting surface is located on a plane different from the mesh material, thereby shielding the mesh material from adhesive applied between the mounting surface and the surface surrounding the acoustic port or tube. The method of manufacturing an acoustic damper comprises a sheet of double-sided tape having at least one perforation applied to a mesh material. The double-sided tape and mesh material is cut in the shape surrounding the at least one perforation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Etymotic Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Mead C. Killion, Andrew J. Haapapuro
  • Patent number: 8068633
    Abstract: A flat, ribbon-like headphone cable having a unitary cable section, a splitter, and two split cable sections for connection to earpieces. The unitary and split cable sections each have substantially flat cross-sections wherein the width is substantially greater than the thickness. The split cable sections are oriented such that their widths are substantially perpendicular to the width of the unitary cable section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Monster Cable Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel Lee, Kevin Lee, Jacky Hsiung
  • Patent number: 8047207
    Abstract: Methods and devices for sealing an orifice are provided. A sealing element is inserted into an orifice. A fluid is transferred into the sealing element. Fluid transfer into the sealing element is restricted when a pressure in the sealing element is greater than a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Personics Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Moises Perez, John Patrick Keady
  • Patent number: 8020563
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: John Pfanstiehl
  • Publication number: 20110150258
    Abstract: A simple hearing enhancement device that takes the normally adequately loud sound levels and optimizes selective frequency gain of the patient's ear passage to improve speech comprehension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Carl L.C. Kah, JR.
  • Patent number: 7931027
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: WIDEX A/S
    Inventors: Jan Topholm, Casper Hojstad Hansen