Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
181130000 | Auditory canal insert | 68 |
20100326764 | Ergonomic Earpiece - An earpiece that substantially lacks a lower lobe is disclosed. The earpiece has a generally arcuate rib having upper and lower ends. A generally vertical rib extends substantially between the upper and lower ends of the generally arcuate rib. A lobe is formed at the upper end of the arcuate rib. No lobe is similarly formed at the lower end of the arcuate rib. Eliminating the lower lobe mitigates discomfort during use and also reduces the likelihood of tissue damage and infection. | 12-30-2010 |
20120217087 | Audio Device, System and Method - An ear device, system and method which through use of at least one vented opening, helps protect against the potentially damaging condition of temporary and even permanent hearing loss as a result of oscillating static pressure in a sealed ear canal. Embodiments include venting for earbuds, headphones, hearing aids, balanced armature transducers and the like. | 08-30-2012 |
20130118829 | INVERTIBLE EAR TIPS FOR AN EAR PIECE - An ear piece for providing audio (e.g., from an electronic device) to the user is provided. The ear piece may include a compliant element operative to be inserted in the user's ear such that the compliant element deforms to retain the ear piece in the user's ear. The compliant element may include a connector portion coupling the compliant element to the ear piece housing, and an outer portion folded over the ear piece housing. To improve the user's comfort, the compliant element may be manufactured inverted, such that parting lines or other defects due to the manufacturing process are located on the outer surface of the inverted outer portion. Then, when the compliant element is inverted post-manufacturing, the parting lines and other manufacturing defects may be hidden from view and from touch (e.g., the parting lines are then on the inner surface of the outer portion). | 05-16-2013 |
181131000 | Stethoscope | 36 |
20080230303 | STETHOSCOPE SHIELD SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SHIELDING STETHOSCOPE USING THE SAME - A stethoscope shield system comprising a plurality of substantially planar shield stacked one upon the other with an adhesive disposed therebetween, each of the shields including a first surface having the adhesive applied thereto and a second surface such that adjacent shields adhere to one another with the first surface of each of these shields adhering to the second surface of an adjacent shield with a first shield of the plurality of shields being adhered to the diaphragm of the stethoscope for supporting the stacked shields, wherein the adhesive disposed between the stacked shields has at least one of a consecutively increasing bonding area and a consecutively increasing adhesive bonding strength, and an exposed shield of the stacked shields is removed after contacting the body of a patient. A method for preventing contamination of an instrument, particularly a stethoscope includes the steps of applying a plurality of substantially planar shields stacked one upon another with an adhesive disposed therebetween to the surface of the stethoscope, each of the shields including a first surface having an adhesive pad applied thereto and a second surface such that adjacent shields adhere to one another with the first surface of each of the shields being adhered to the second surface of an adjacent shield and the first surface of a first shield in the stacked shields adjacent the instrument surface is adhered to the instrument surface and subsequently removing an outermost shield of the stacked shields after application of the instrument to each sequential patient such that the adhesive disposed between said stacked shields has at least one of a consecutively increasing bonding area and a consecutively increasing adhesive bonding strength. | 09-25-2008 |
20080245602 | Stethoscope Head - A stethoscope is provided with two head portions for fitting two diaphragms different in caliber on a head main portion, having diverse design properties and functions. | 10-09-2008 |
20080251313 | Disposable cover for stethoscope head - A disposable cover is provided for a stethoscope head, the stethoscope stem and the tubing immediately adjacent to the stem to help provide a barrier to prevent the transmission of harmful organisms or matter from the stethoscope head to a patient, or to the medical practioner, or to the general public and vice versa. The cover has an opening which is stretched to receive the stethoscope head and a loose casing capable of enveloping the stethoscope head. The loose casing does not need to stretch during insertion or while enveloping the stethoscope head. The loose casing allows the stethoscope head to simply drop down into the cover to the closed end. | 10-16-2008 |
20080257637 | Disposable Stethoscope Head Cover and Automated Dispensing Apparatus Therefor - A method and apparatus for the prevention of carryover infection due to surface contamination on a stethoscope features a disposable stethoscope head cover implemented with hypoallergenic materials and a dispensing apparatus that automatically places a disposable stethoscope head cover in an attachment station, allowing a simple single handed attachment of the disposable stethoscope head cover to the stethoscope. | 10-23-2008 |
20090014232 | Multi-layered, peelable hygienic cover for a stethoscope - A disposable stethoscope cover that covers at least the surface of the diaphragm is disclosed. The cover contacts a patient during use and reduces transmittal of microorganisms. The cover is in the form of a flexible sheet having a top and a bottom surface. The sheet has an adhesive material on a portion of the surface thereof that secures the sheet to the surface of the diaphragm. The sheet further includes at least one wing extending from the sheet. The wing has an adhesive on at least one surface thereof for securing the wing to the sheet when the wing is folded over at least a portion of a tube section of the stethoscope. | 01-15-2009 |
20090020357 | Articles suitable for use as a medical device cover and methods of making and using the same - Article suitable for use as a medical device cover are disclosed. Methods of making and using the articles are also disclosed. | 01-22-2009 |
20090026005 | Stethoscope warming device with slidable and grip means - The present invention describes means for maintaining position of a slidable object on an elongated object such as a flexible tube. The slidable means is provided through paired, generally flattened flexible tension-strips. Likewise, the fixation means is provided through the gripping action of the paired flexible tension-strips. | 01-29-2009 |
20090145685 | Stethoscope cover and dispenser therefor - A protective cover for a stethoscope head and an apparatus for quickly and easily interconnecting the protective cover with the stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a cover-positioning device that positions the protective cover so that it can be quickly and easily interconnected with the stethoscope head. The cover positioning device includes a base having a planar portion and an upstanding rim connected to the planar portion, the upstanding rim defining an opening for receiving the stethoscope head therethrough. Following examination of the patient using the stethoscope with the protective head covering, the protective covering can be quickly and easily removed from the stethoscope head and suitably disposed of so as to prevent skin bacteria and like contaminants that may have contaminated the protective cover during patient examination, from undesirably being transmitted to the next patient. | 06-11-2009 |
20090211838 | Floating Ballast Mass Active Stethoscope or Sound Pickup Device - An active stethoscope or other sound detection device, including a diaphragm, at least one floating mass mounted to the diaphragm (at at least one coupling point of the diaphragm), and an acoustic transducer mounted to the floating mass. Preferably, each floating mass is configured and mounted so that as each floating mass and each coupling point of the diaphragm move in sympathy with acoustic waves (to be detected) that impinge on the diaphragm, the acoustic transducer rides with and is stabilized by the floating mass to which it is mounted and the diaphragm is stabilized by each floating mass. The acoustic transducer can be of any of many different types. For example, it can be a microphone, or an optical, capacitive, or inductive transducer. The diaphragm can have an isolating portion which absorbs acoustic surface wave energy incident thereon, or otherwise prevents or reduces transmission of acoustic surface waves through the isolating portion between regions of the diaphragm. | 08-27-2009 |
20090242318 | STETHOSCOPE COVER - A cover for a stethoscope to prevent microbes from transferring from a patient to a stethoscope is disclosed. In one embodiment, a stethoscope cover comprises an antimicrobial barrier having a first and second surface, image forming material disposed on the antimicrobial barrier first surface, and an adhesive layer disposed on the second surface of the antimicrobial barrier to attach the antimicrobial layer to a stethoscope. In some embodiments, the image forming material is configured to depict an image of a product. In some embodiments, the image forming material is configured to depict an image of an animal or character to evoke feelings of happiness in a young patient. | 10-01-2009 |
20090288908 | Protective-sleeve cartridge and stethoscope incorporating same - A stethoscope protective-sleeve cartridge system of the invention includes a cartridge for mounting to a stethoscope, and for dispensing a protective sleeve into which a head of a stethoscope is placed. The cartridge includes a housing and a plurality of protective sleeves positioned in the housing. The housing defines an interior space and includes an opening through which the protective sleeves are drawn. Each sleeve includes a leading end, a trailing end, an interior, and an opening at a location between the leading and trailing ends. The stethoscope head is passed through the sleeve opening and into a portion of the interior of the sleeve. | 11-26-2009 |
20090321176 | Conformable Ear Piece and Method of Using and Making Same - An ear piece device made of pliable material dimensioned for fitting the ear canal of a user. In one embodiment, one canal extends through a portion of the ear piece to provide an opening for communication between a person's inner ear and an environment outside the person's ear. The ear piece has at least two fold lines to facilitate the reversible collapsing of the device into a star-like configuration. | 12-31-2009 |
20100032231 | STETHOSCOPE PROTECTIVE DEVICE - A stethoscope protective device is for easily and hygienically covering the head and at least a portion of the connector tube of a stethoscope. The device can be quickly applied to the stethoscope while eliminating or minimizing the need for contact by a patient of the head and connector tube during examination. In a single-handed operation, the stethoscope head and connector tube can be readily slipped into and secured within the protective device. The device is constructed at least in part of a material that is acoustically transmissive and provides a barrier for reducing the transmission of microorganisms. | 02-11-2010 |
20100078257 | STETHOSCOPE WITH ONE-HANDED OPERATION - A stethoscope with a figure-eight configuration designed for one-handed operation and further comprising improvement to the headpiece resonance chamber. The ear tubes of the stethoscope are roughly S-shaped and together form a figure eight design. The lower portion of each ear tube is connected by a resistant force mechanism that maintains the stethoscope in the closed configuration. By applying one-handed compressive force to the resistant force mechanism attached to the lower portion of the stethoscope's figure-eight construction, the earpieces are separated and the stethoscope adopts the open configuration. Both the headpiece and the diaphragm are interchangeable to allow a variety of different shapes and sizes. | 04-01-2010 |
20100089688 | Stethoscope cover and dispenser therefor - A protective cover for a stethoscope head and an apparatus for quickly and easily interconnecting the protective cover with the stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a cover-positioning device that positions the protective cover so that it can be quickly and easily interconnected with the stethoscope head. The cover positioning device includes a base having a planar portion and an upstanding rim connected to the planar portion, the upstanding rim defining an opening for receiving the stethoscope head therethrough. Following examination of the patient using the stethoscope with the protective head covering, the protective covering can be quickly and easily removed from the stethoscope head and suitably disposed of so as to prevent skin bacteria and like contaminants that may have contaminated the protective cover during patient examination, from undesirably being transmitted to the next patient. | 04-15-2010 |
20100122866 | Method to personalize a stethoscope - A method for personalizing a stethoscope, wherein the personalization permanently identifies the owner of the stethoscope and also decorates the stethoscope. The personalization does not deter from the normal operation of the stethoscope, and allows for full sterilization of the stethoscope. The diaphragm of the stethoscope, includes an exterior side that is adapted to come into contact with the patient and, an interior side that is not exposed to the outside. A design selected by the owner is applied, in reverse, to the interior surface of the diaphragm. The design is preferably painted on the diaphragm in stages, or layers. Using the present reverse application technique, images painted on the right-half of the interior surface, appear on the left-half, when viewed from the exterior of the stethoscope. Further, in the present application technique, the foreground is painted on, or applied, first, and the background of the personalization is applied last. | 05-20-2010 |
20100155173 | Stethoscope with built-in light - A stethoscope comprises a pair of binaurals, an acoustical tubing and a chestpiece. There may be a light source within the chestpiece suitable for medical examination purposes. The electrical supply means for operating the light source may comprise one or more batteries. The chestpiece comprises an upper member and a lower member, which may be releasably attached. The chestpiece may have a contoured gripping surface. The light source may have switching means that may be pushed and held to activate the light, and released to deactivate the light, or may be pushed to activate the light, and pushed again to deactivate the light. The acoustical tubing may have measuring indicia that may comprise a pupil dilation measuring scale or a scaled ruler. | 06-24-2010 |
20100212995 | Stethoscope cover and dispenser therefor - A protective cover for a stethoscope head and an apparatus for quickly and easily interconnecting the protective cover with the stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a cover-positioning device that positions the protective cover so that it can be quickly and easily interconnected with the stethoscope head. The cover positioning device includes a base having a planar portion and an upstanding rim connected to the planar portion. Following examination of the patient using the stethoscope with the protective head covering, the protective covering can be quickly and easily removed from the stethoscope head and suitably disposed of so as to prevent skin bacteria and like contaminants that may have contaminated the protective cover during patient examination, from undesirably being transmitted to the next patient. | 08-26-2010 |
20100307860 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DONNING A STETHOSCOPE WITH ONE HAND - Systems and methods for donning a stethoscope with a single hand. Generally, the systems include a stethoscope having two binaurals and a one-handed, binaural spreading mechanism, which allows a user to force the binaurals apart with a single hand. In some cases, the spreading mechanism includes a first contact member that is attached to a first binaural. In such cases, the spreading mechanism can force the binaurals apart as the first contact member is forced in a binaural spreading direction, which can include forcing the first contact: towards a second contact member that is connected to a second binaural, away from the second contact member, towards a binaural fulcrum that connects the binaurals, away from the fulcrum, and towards the second binaural. Although in some instances, the mechanism retrofits to the stethoscope, in other instances, the mechanism is formed on the stethoscope. | 12-09-2010 |
20100326765 | STETHOSCOPE AND ANTIMICROBIAL COVER - An anti-infective stethoscope is described that comprises a tube member; a head member operably connected to the tube member; and first and second earpieces operably connected to the tube member, wherein the tube member and head member include an antimicrobial barrier mechanism. The earpieces may also include an antimicrobial barrier mechanism. According to one embodiment, the antimicrobial barrier mechanism may be provided in the form of a cover comprising an antimicrobial substance wherein the cover operably covers the tube member and head member of the stethoscope. In a preferred form, the antimicrobial barrier mechanism is an antimicrobial substance applied to the tube member, head member, and optionally the earpieces. | 12-30-2010 |
20110048841 | INTEGRATED STETHOSCOPE AND REFLEX HAMMER AND A METHOD FOR USE - A combined diagnostic device for use by medical professionals, which can function as both a stethoscope and a reflex hammer. The combined diagnostic device can function as a stethoscope and a reflex hammer. The diaphragm housing of the stethoscope can be modified so as to act as the head of the reflex hammer and a telescoping handle can connect to and be extend from the diaphragm housing. This design would allow for two instruments to be available to the medical professional without the inconvenience of needing to carry two instruments. The combined diagnostic device would have approximately the same mass and dimensions as a typical stethoscope allowing it to be stored and transported as if it were a typical stethoscope. | 03-03-2011 |
20110088964 | Stethoscope Having An Elliptical Headpiece And Amplified Earpieces - A stethoscope having a headpiece with a conical body extending uniformly along an oblique axis from a first circular opening of a first diameter to a second opening of a second diameter and having an elliptical cross-section perpendicular to said oblique axis, where the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter and the axis intersects the first opening at an acute angle. The stethoscope also includes first and second sound amplifiers removably interconnected to the ends of the ear tubes to allow a user to amplify sounds or listen normally as desired. | 04-21-2011 |
20120103718 | STETHOSCOPE COVER - A cover for a stethoscope to prevent microbes from transferring from a patient to a stethoscope is disclosed. In one embodiment, a stethoscope cover comprises an antimicrobial barrier having a first and second surface, image forming material disposed on the antimicrobial barrier first surface, and an adhesive layer disposed on the second surface of the antimicrobial barrier to attach the antimicrobial barrier to a stethoscope. In some embodiments, the image forming material is configured to depict an image of a product. In some embodiments, the image forming material is configured to depict an image of an animal or character, to evoke feelings of happiness in a young patient. | 05-03-2012 |
20120318606 | Device for stethoscopes - A single use and disposable device which can consist of thin material that can be applied to and be removed from the auscultation portion of stethoscopes in order to prevent transmissions of potential pathogens. | 12-20-2012 |
20130180795 | Limited Movement Ear Piece for Stethoscopes and Other Headpieces - An ear piece assembly ( | 07-18-2013 |
20130341117 | STETHESCOPE DISPOSABLE COVERS - A cover for a stethoscope having a head and a diaphragm is provided. The cover includes a first region having first and second sides, and a second region configured to be continuous with the first region and including a crimpable material to form-fit around at least the head of the stethoscope so as to cover the head of the stethoscope from contamination. The first side includes adherent material for removably adhering the first region to the diaphragm of the stethoscope and the second side includes an antimicrobial layer including an antimicrobial substance that can neutralize or destroy microbes disposed thereon. | 12-26-2013 |
20140124287 | STETHESCOPE DISPOSABLE COVERS - A cover for a stethoscope having a head and a diaphragm is provided. The cover includes a first region having first and second sides, and a second region configured to be continuous with the first region and including a crimpable material to form-fit around at least the head of the stethoscope so as to cover the head of the stethoscope from contamination. The first side includes adherent material for removably adhering the first region to the diaphragm of the stethoscope and the second side includes an antimicrobial layer including an antimicrobial substance that can neutralize or destroy microbes disposed thereon. | 05-08-2014 |
20150101880 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A STETHOSCOPE - A stethoscope including stethoscope tubing, and a device for covering the stethoscope tubing. The device for covering the stethoscope tubing may be made of a flexible and elastic material. The device for covering the stethoscope tubing may have a water proof outer shell. The water proof outer shell of the device for covering the stethoscope tubing may be made of polyurethane. The device for covering the stethoscope tubing may have U-shaped portion, and a straight portion connected to a bottom of the U-shaped portion. The device for covering the stethoscope tubing may be comprised of a first device and a second device. The first device and the second device may be configured to be attached together with the stethoscope tubing in between the first device and the second device and thereby covered by a combination of the first device and the second device. | 04-16-2015 |
20150101881 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A STETHOSCOPE - A covering device having first, second, and third bores in which first, second, and third portions of tubing, respectively, of a stethoscope can be inserted when the covering device is attached to the stethoscope in a first state. Each of the first, second, and third bores may have a length and a width, wherein the length of each of the first, second, and third bores is greater than its width, and wherein the width of each of the first, second and third bores is less than the outer diameter of a diaphragm device of the stethoscope. The covering device may have first, second, and third slits, each of which can be pried open to allow the first, second, and third portions of tubing to be inserted into the first, second, and third bores of the covering device, respectively. | 04-16-2015 |
20150129350 | Chestpiece of a Stethoscope - A chestpiece of a stethoscope is disclosed herein. The stethoscope chestpiece includes a chestpiece body portion with an elongate recess disposed therein; a rotatable acoustic valve assembly rotatably disposed in the elongate recess of the chestpiece body portion, the rotatable acoustic valve assembly being selectively positionable between a first operative position and a second operative position and configured to regulate the transmission of sound waves through the chestpiece of the stethoscope, the rotatable acoustic valve assembly including a rotatable body portion with a circumferential groove formed therein; and a pin positioned within the chestpiece body portion, the pin configured to prevent an axial movement of the rotatable acoustic valve assembly within the chestpiece body portion by engaging with the circumferential groove of the rotatable body portion. In one or more embodiments, the stethoscope chestpiece includes a substantially transparent non-chill ring disposed on a diaphragm or bell thereof. | 05-14-2015 |
20150327933 | NO-CONTACT COVER FOR STETHOSCOPES AND OTHER DEVICES - Disposable covers for articles including stethoscopes are configured in such a way as to reduce the likelihood of the transmission of microbes among the patient; the stethoscope, medical device or other article; and the user/care-provider. | 11-19-2015 |
20160113619 | STETHOSCOPE EARPIECE - Conically-shaped earpieces with flexible covers for a stethoscope are described, which sit on the outside of the user's ears and are particularly useful for users with hearing aids. A stethoscope structure with conically-shaped earpieces is also disclosed. The stethoscope structure has a branched elongated tube, ear tubes, a connector, a chest piece, at least one conically-shaped earpiece, and flexible cover for each earpiece. | 04-28-2016 |
20160184024 | CleanSteth Disposable Stethoscope Cover - A stethoscope covers for protecting the patient from cross contamination between users. The cover includes a flexible thin plastic ring with a one inch opening, a top edge of 0.25″ with adhesive for the non-woven material to be attached. | 06-30-2016 |
20160192897 | Stethoscope Chest Piece Finger Guard | 07-07-2016 |
20160199021 | DISPOSABLE STETHOSCOPE COVER | 07-14-2016 |
20190142361 | DIAPHRAGM SET FOR STETHOSCOPE AND DISPOSABLE CAPSULE HAVING THE SAME | 05-16-2019 |
181135000 | Ear insert | 29 |
20080264715 | Bandless hearing protector and method - 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. | 10-30-2008 |
20090095566 | Bandless hearing protector and method - A hearing protection device and method of use intended for a human ear. A plug member caps or enters ear canal, and may be shaped to conform to the external auditory meatus. The plug member may be part of a replacement assembly. 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. | 04-16-2009 |
20090321177 | ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENT TIP - A tip for coupling sound between a medical instrument and an ear includes a sealing surface configured to substantially conform the tip to an auditory canal of the ear. The tip includes an acoustic tube acoustically coupled to at least one of the plurality of openings and defining a first acoustic path. The tip also includes a second acoustic path acoustically coupled to at least another one of the plurality of openings in the sealing surface. The acoustic tube of the first acoustic path is configured to substantially acoustically isolate the first acoustic path from the second acoustic path. A tympanometric instrument is configured to use the tip and to provide an acoustic measurement of the ear of a patient. | 12-31-2009 |
20100012420 | OCCLUSION EFFECT MITIGATION AND SOUND ISOLATION DEVICE FOR ORIFICE INSERTED SYSTEMS - At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a sound isolation device comprising: an expandable element; and an insertion element, where the expandable element is operatively attached to the insertion element, where the expandable element includes an expanding medium, where the pressure of the expanding medium is varied to vary sound isolation across the expandable element. | 01-21-2010 |
20100084217 | Ear tip - 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. | 04-08-2010 |
20100307861 | NON-ROLL FOAM EARTIP - Embodiments disclose a non-roll foam EarTip that may provide for fingertip press-in insertion, improved comfort, simplicity of use, flatter attenuation and/or improved hygienic properties, by way of non-exclusive example. A hollow foam body typically encompasses a shorter stem of more rigid material, and in some embodiments the foam body has a tighter skin on the inner and outer surfaces. In some embodiment, the EarTip is an earplug formed of polyurethane foam with a dense skin on the inner and outer surfaces of the hollow body, and having a plurality of splines in the cavity. | 12-09-2010 |
20110031060 | Earpiece - There is provided an earpiece having at least one housing ( | 02-10-2011 |
20110036661 | Earpiece Member - An ear tip or ear plug ( | 02-17-2011 |
20110094822 | FLAT EARPLUG AND PACKAGE - A flat earplug and flat earplug package assembly is provided and a method of forming a flat earplug. The flat earplug includes a flat, rectangular foam sheet having a first surface and second surface, and adapted to be rolled up upon itself to form a coiled earplug for insertion into a user's ear. An inner coil is compressed to form a rigid coil when rolled up upon itself and an outer coil expands after the coiled earplug is inserted into the user's ear. The flat earplug package assembly includes a tray container for retaining the foam sheet therein and a wrapping for enclosing the flat earplug and tray container therein. | 04-28-2011 |
20120097475 | HEARING AID TIP HAVING MULTIPLE SOUND PORTS - A tip for use in a hearing assistance device has multiple sound ports and is dimensioned for placement in the ear canal of a user. The tip includes a channel portion for conducting acoustic energy which includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a central channel that extends between the proximal end and distal end. The tip further includes a tip portion having at least two sound ports in direct communication with the central channel of the channel portion to receive the acoustic energy therefrom. Each of the sound ports conducts acoustic energy from the central channel of the channel portion into the ear canal of the user. | 04-26-2012 |
20120305329 | METHOD AND STRUCTURE FOR ACHIEVING SPECTRUM-TUNABLE AND UNIFORM ATTENUATION - The present invention relates hearing protection devices for the human ear. More particularly, embodiments of the invention provide hearing protection devices capable of tunable acoustic attenuation. The invention relates further to ear plugs comprising a fluid-containing balloon for occlusion of the ear canal, which are capable of being adjusted for example by modifying fluid composition and/or fluid pressure within the balloon to vary attenuation at different frequencies of the audible sound spectrum. Other embodiments provide an earplug with fixed attenuation comprising: a body of compressible/expandable-recovery material shaped and sized to fit in an ear canal; and at least one chamber disposed within the body and comprising a filler material chosen from at least one of water, aphrons, water with solid or gelatinous particles suspended, and oil with particles suspended. | 12-06-2012 |
20130056295 | EAR TIP PIECE FOR ATTENUATING SOUND - An ear tip piece device made of resilient material dimensioned for fitting the ear canal of a wearer, having a solid portion, a reversibly compressible portion, a channel and a sound attenuating element positioned inside the channel for attenuating sound being transmitted to the ear. In one embodiment, the ear tip piece is asymmetrical due to a bend. | 03-07-2013 |
20130098706 | OCCLUSION EFFECT MITIGATION AND SOUND ISOLATION DEVICE FOR ORIFICE INSERTED SYSTEMS - Methods and devices for sound isolation are provided. A sound isolation device includes an expandable element and an insertion element. The expandable element is operatively attached to the insertion element. The expandable element includes an expanding medium, where the pressure of the expanding medium is varied to vary a sound isolation across the expandable element. | 04-25-2013 |
20130126262 | EAR PROTECTOR WITH A SOUND DAMPING FILTER, SOUND DAMPING FILTER FOR SUCH AN EAR PROTECTOR AS WELL AS METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SOUND DAMPING FILTER FOR SUCH AN EAR PROTECTOR - An ear protector ( | 05-23-2013 |
20130161119 | LONG-WEARING DEEP-INSERTION EAR TIP - Embodiments typically relate to ear tips for sound transmission devices, designed to fit snuggly in the user's ear canal and block external noise from the environment while being sufficiently comfortable for long-wearing and/or deep insertion. Embodiments may comprise a stem and a foam body, with the hollow stem lying on the centerline of the foam body. The foam body may comprise a concave opening in its nose, a rear extension flange projecting rearward to extend its length without significantly impacting perceived comfort, and/or a plurality of indentations about the periphery of the nose of the foam body. The foam body may be formed of polyurethane foam, and the stem may be formed of elastomeric polyurethane. | 06-27-2013 |
20130161120 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR REVERSIBLY REDUCING THE AURAL SENSITIVITY OF HUMANS AND ANIMALS - The invention relates to an acoustic dampening fluid composition for reversibly, reducing the sensitivity of humans and animals to sounds such as fireworks to alleviate phobias in animals and to protect the hearing of humans exposed to sounds which would otherwise damage their hearing. | 06-27-2013 |
20130161121 | DEVICE FOR HEARING PROTECTION | 06-27-2013 |
20140076657 | INVERTIBLE EAR TIPS FOR AN EAR PIECE - An ear piece for providing audio (e.g., from an electronic device) to the user is provided. The ear piece may include a compliant element operative to be inserted in the user's ear such that the compliant element deforms to retain the ear piece in the user's ear. The compliant element may include a connector portion coupling the compliant element to the ear piece housing, and an outer portion folded over the ear piece housing. To improve the user's comfort, the parting lines and other manufacturing defects may be hidden from view and from touch (e.g., the parting lines are then on the inner surface of the outer portion). | 03-20-2014 |
20140097033 | EARPHONE DEVICE - An earphone device comprises an inner casing enclosing one or more miniature drive units, and a movable cap or outer casing that moves relative to the inner casing. The inner casing has an extension member, such as a hollow post, terminating in an acoustic output port. A compressible foam bulb at least partially surrounds the extension member, and is decompressed and compressed by actuation of an adjustable member. The adjustable member may take the form, for example, of a pivoting lever, a helical cam, or a push-rod mechanism, among other things. A flange may be disposed around the periphery of the movable cap, in order to provide a seal surrounding the ear canal region. The compressible material may be gripped by the hollow extension member, and abut the movable cap or flange. Through actuation of the adjustable member, the compressible material may be decompressed and thus elongated for insertion into the wearer's ear, and may be compressed and thus widened or expanded to form an adequate seal with the wearer's ear canal region. | 04-10-2014 |
20140138179 | EARBUDS AND IN-EAR ADAPTER FOR EARBUDS - An earphone or adapter for attaching to an earphone includes an ear portion including a tubular sidewall. In one embodiment, the tubular sidewall includes an inner surface defining an air channel extending through the sidewall. The air channel redirects sound at an angle to the speaker axis, and may have a smooth contour to maintain sound quality. In one embodiment, the inner surface has a twin cone shape including a converging cone portion extending from the first end and a diverging cone portion extending from the converging cone portion to the second end. The outer surface of the tubular portion may include a plurality of outwardly extending fins In one embodiment, the tubular portion includes both a plurality of fins, and a twin cone air channel. | 05-22-2014 |
20140166388 | EAR TIP - An ear tip including a tube portion and an outer-umbrella portion is provided. The tube portion has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, so that a sound output tube of an insert-type earphone may be inserted into the tube portion from the first end of the tube portion. Besides, when the ear tip is placed into an ear canal of a user, the second end of the tube portion enters the ear canal at first. The outer-umbrella portion extends from an outer surface of the tube portion and surrounds an axial direction of the tube portion. The second end of the tube portion protrudes from a top of the outer-umbrella portion. | 06-19-2014 |
20140166389 | EAR TIP AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME AND EAR PHONE INCLUDING THE SAME - In an ear tip and a method of manufacturing the same, the ear tip includes a sound transfer part including a hollow shaft and an external sheet and an acoustic absorbent making contact with the external sheet and the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft has a cylindrical shape of which a circumferential surface is flat and provides a sound conduit for transferring audio signals. The external sheet is extended from an end portion of the hollow shaft in such a way that the hollow shaft is enclosed with the external sheet and a gap space is provided between the external sheet and the hollow shaft. The acoustic absorbent is positioned in the gap space and has a plurality of pores, thereby absorbing surrounding noises and preventing the surrounding noises from transferring into user's ear. | 06-19-2014 |
20140238774 | VALVE APPARATUS, HEARING DEVICE WITH THE VALVE APPARATUS, AND METHOD - When volume-changeable elements are used in earpiece apparatus, a valve apparatus for expanding and contracting purposes is provided. A valve apparatus is provided with a discharge opening for the outlet of air from the volume-changeable element. The discharge opening can be closed directly by the volume-changeable element itself. | 08-28-2014 |
20140251716 | Conformable Dome Ear Canal Tip for a Hearing Instrument - An ear canal tip for a hearing instrument comprises a series of slits in the ear canal tip surface to allow the ear canal tip to conform to the shape of the ear canal when the ear canal tip is inserted into the ear canal. | 09-11-2014 |
20140305733 | PULL OUT EARPLUG - An earplug for blocking sound can be installed uniformly deep in a person's ear canal and can be easily withdrawn. The earplug includes a foam cylinder ( | 10-16-2014 |
20150060189 | COMFORMABLE EARTIP - Certain embodiments provide a conformable eartip. The conformable eartip includes a round flange and a core. The round flange includes a sealing surface for mating with walls of an ear canal. The round flange extends from an insertion end to an opposite end of the conformable eartip. The sealing surface is tapered from the opposite end toward the insertion end of the conformable eartip. The core is joined to the round flange at the insertion end of the conformable eartip. The core extends from the insertion end to a base of the core toward the opposite end of the conformable eartip. The core includes a channel extending through the core from the insertion end of the conformable eartip to the base of the core. In various embodiments, the conformable eartip provides an elongation ratio of at least 1.4 and/or a compression ratio of at least 2.0. | 03-05-2015 |
20160022499 | ADJUSTABLY ATTENUATING EAR PLUG - An adjustably attenuating ear plug adapted for use in an ear canal, includes a flexible body, and a valve assembly further comprising a disk and knob translatable relative to the disk, wherein the knob defines at least one inlet, the disk alternately defines at least one shield and hole, and the inlet is alternatively aligned with the hole and shield to varying degrees, so as to selectively and variably expose the canal to the environment. | 01-28-2016 |
20160029112 | CONFORMABLE EARTIP - Certain embodiments provide a conformable eartip. The conformable eartip includes a round flange and a core. The round flange includes a sealing surface for mating with walls of an ear canal. The round flange extends from an insertion end to an opposite end of the conformable eartip. The sealing surface is tapered from the opposite end toward the insertion end of the conformable eartip. The core is joined to the round flange at the insertion end of the conformable eartip. The core extends from the insertion end to a base of the core toward the opposite end of the conformable eartip. The core includes a channel extending through the core from the insertion end of the conformable eartip to the base of the core. In various embodiments, the conformable eartip provides an elongation ratio of at least 1.4 and/or a compression ratio of at least 2.0. | 01-28-2016 |
20160045373 | EAR PLUG WITH CONTAINER - An ear protection system may include an ear plug and a storage container. The ear plug may include an elastic component and an inelastic component. The ear plug may be heated, for instance, by filling the storage container with water, at least partially submerging the ear plug in the water filled container, and microwaving the container and the ear plug. The elastic component may then become compressible in order to form to the anatomy of the user's ear. A plurality of indentations may be provided on the elastic component to facilitate the compression. The ear plug may also accommodate electronic features, such as a speaker, as well as a lanyard for holding the ear plugs. The ear plug may be attached to, and used in conjunction with, an electronic device, which may be a communication system such as a wireless headset or speaker. | 02-18-2016 |