Inflatable earplug system
Inventors
DIETZ, Anthony • RAMSEY, Marc C.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11723807-B2
Publication Date
2023-08-15
Expiration Date
2042-01-15
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Abstract
A deep insert, inflatable hearing protection earplug is provided that is easy for an untrained user to insert correctly, reliably providing high acoustic attenuation and remaining both secure and comfortable for long durations in a human ear. The earplug comprises a soft elastomer shell that forms a sealed volume filled with an inert fluid. The earplug can comprise a slender, flexible stem that is easily insertable into the ear canal when deflated. The proximal end of the earplug can be situated outside the ear canal, within the concha of the ear, and incorporates a bulb with a hemispherical, bistable cap. After inserting the shaft of the earplug into the ear canal, the wearer applies force with a finger to invert the cap, which transitions elastically from a convex to a concave external geometry, displacing a fixed volume of fluid to inflate a sheath that forms the outer covering of the stem, filling and sealing the ear canal. The sheath can be deflated by pulling on or otherwise engaging a release tab or other feature attached to the cap.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an inflatable hearing protection earplug that is easy for an untrained user to insert correctly, ensures reliable high acoustic attenuation, and remains secure and comfortable for long durations in a human ear. The device consists of a soft elastomer shell forming a sealed volume filled with an inert fluid, with a slender, flexible stem that is easily insertable into the ear canal when deflated. At the proximal end, located in the concha of the ear, is a bulb with a hemispherical bistable cap. After insertion, pressing the cap by finger inverts it from a convex to a concave geometry, displacing a fixed volume of fluid into an outer sheath to inflate and seal the ear canal.
The core problem addressed by the invention is the need for effective hearing protection that is easy to fit and comfortable, especially for untrained users. Conventional devices either provide high attenuation but are bulky and uncomfortable (like large earmuffs), or are deeply inserted earplugs that are difficult and painful to insert correctly. Many existing solutions fail to provide a reliable seal, especially deep in the ear canal, resulting in low attenuation and inadequate protection. The disclosed earplug aims to solve these issues by delivering an easily fitted, comfortable device that forms a reliable deep seal and remains effective for prolonged active use.
The earplug further incorporates design features such as a tapered sheath thickness, ensuring that sealing initiates deep in the ear canal and adapts to a variety of ear anatomies. An internal core stabilizes inflation and optionally provides a pass-through sound channel for desirable acoustics, which can be modified by inserting different filters. The sheath's inflation is controlled by the bistable bulb, and deflation is enabled via a release tab. Materials and assembly processes are chosen for biocompatibility, manufacturability, and durability, supporting periodic and long-term use.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims, each emphasizing key inventive features related to an inflatable hearing protection device.
Expandable sheath anchored to a central core element
The device includes an expandable sheath that shrouds and is anchored to a longitudinal central core element. The sheath has a proximal end portion in fluid communication with a distal inflatable end portion. This allows for controlled, secure inflation and acoustic sealing within the ear canal.
Bistable cap with elastic hinge for fluid displacement
A bistable cap element with an elastic hinge region is attached to the proximal end portion of the expandable sheath, forming a fluid-fillable cavity. The cap is configured to invert from a convex shape to a concave shape, displacing fluid to the inflatable sheath and enabling inflation for an acoustic ear canal seal. Manual manipulation of the cap achieves this inversion.
Expandable sheath with tapered wall thickness
The expandable sheath is constructed of an elastomer and features a wall thickness that increases from the distal inflatable end to the proximal end. This tapered design ensures proper inflation behavior, allowing initial deep sealing and accommodation of varying ear canal sizes.
Bistable hemispherical cap construction
An independent claim covers the use of a bistable hemispherical cap, comprising an elastic hinge region and configured to invert and displace fluid. The cap's geometry and material properties, including durometer hardness, are tailored for maintaining stable inflation and release of pressure when needed.
These inventive features collectively define an inflatable earplug device with controlled inflation, deep acoustic sealing, ease of manual insertion and removal, and adaptability to user ear canals.
Stated Advantages
Forms a high-attenuating acoustic seal deep in the ear canal, providing high levels of hearing protection.
Comfortable and easy for an untrained user to fit, use, and remove.
Intrinsically adaptable to a broad variety of human ear canal anatomies.
Secure for long-term wear in active environments.
Easily removable when desired.
Readily manufacturable and durable for many uses over extended periods, leading to low overall costs.
Provides a reliable acoustic seal past the second bend of the ear canal.
Sheath expansion provides a comfortable and uniform seal without pressure points that can cause discomfort.
Large contact surface securely anchors the earplug within the ear.
Documented Applications
Hearing protection for users engaged in occupations or activities involving loud intermittent or sustained noise.
Use by musicians for sound attenuation without sacrificing acoustic fidelity, particularly with gas-filled embodiments.
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