Inflatable earplug system
Inventors
DIETZ, Anthony • RAMSEY, Marc C.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11986375-B2
Publication Date
2024-05-21
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 is a deep insert, inflatable hearing protection earplug that is easy for untrained users to insert correctly. It reliably provides high acoustic attenuation and remains secure and comfortable for long durations in the human ear by using a soft elastomer shell forming a sealed volume filled with an inert fluid. The earplug comprises a slender, flexible stem that can be easily inserted into the ear canal when deflated, and a proximal bulb with a hemispherical, bistable cap that enables inflation.
After insertion, the wearer applies finger pressure to invert the bistable cap, which transitions from convex to concave, displacing a fixed volume of fluid and inflating an outer sheath covering the stem. This sheath fills and seals the ear canal for high sound attenuation. The sheath can be deflated by engaging a release tab on the cap, allowing for easy removal. The bulb serves both as a reservoir for the inflation fluid when not in use and as a mechanical actuator for controlled inflation and deflation.
The problem being solved is that existing hearing protection devices, such as large earmuffs and deep-insert earplugs, are often uncomfortable, difficult for untrained users to fit properly, and can provide insufficient attenuation if not sealed correctly. Conventional designs struggle to achieve a deep and effective seal, especially across varying ear canal anatomies, leading to improper usage and risk of hearing damage. This invention aims to offer a solution that forms a reliable, comfortable, and easily achieved high-attenuation seal deep in the ear canal while ensuring adaptability, security, and simplicity of use.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims providing the main inventive features of the inflatable earplug system.
Expandable sheath and bistable element forming an invertible, fluid-connected cavity for inflation
The earplug device comprises: - An expandable sheath with proximal and distal portions in fluid communication. - A bistable element having an elastic hinge region, connected to the proximal portion to create a fluid-fillable cavity. - The bistable element is configured to invert from a first shape to a second shape, displacing fluid from the cavity to inflate the distal sheath portion. This facilitates an acoustic ear canal seal.
Tapered wall thickness expandable sheath with a bistable cap for controlled inflation
The inflatable earplug device consists of: - An expandable sheath made of elastomer, with a proximal portion and inflatable portion connected, and a wall thickness that tapers and increases from the inflatable portion to the proximal portion. - A bistable cap including an elastic hinge region, connected to the proximal portion to form a fluid-fillable cavity. - The bistable cap is configured to invert and displace fluid for inflating the sheath, facilitating an acoustic ear canal seal.
The inventive features protect an inflatable earplug system utilizing an invertible bistable element and an expandable sheath with tapered wall thickness for reliable, user-actuated inflation and sealing in the ear canal.
Stated Advantages
Provides a high-attenuating acoustic seal deep in the ear canal, ensuring effective hearing protection.
Comfortable and easy for untrained users to fit, intrinsically adaptable to various ear canal anatomies.
Remains secure for long-term wear in active environments while still being easily removable.
Readily manufacturable and durable for many uses, resulting in low overall costs.
Documented Applications
Hearing protection for users engaged in occupations or activities involving loud intermittent or sustained noise, preventing hearing damage such as hearing loss or tinnitus.
Providing musicians with some level of hearing protection without sacrificing acoustic fidelity by using a gas-filled version that offers a flat frequency response.
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