Push-to-fit earplug with tip cavity
US11304851B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 2018 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2240/001
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An earplug comprises a core and a sound-attenuating body attached to the core, the sound-attenuating body comprising a tip cavity extending proximally from the tip of the sound-attenuating body and comprising a distal opening. The tip cavity side wall includes a plurality of protrusions extending inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the core. The plurality of protrusions may include from 2 to 12 protrusions. A method of making an earplug includes covering at least a portion of a core with a material including unactivated foaming agent; inserting an end of the core and at least a portion of the material into a mold cavity; and activating the foaming agent to create a sound-attenuating body. The sound-attenuating body has a base, tip, and tip cavity with a plurality of protrusions. The mold cavity may include a boss with a cup and plurality of cut-outs on the cup for forming the protrusions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.