Custom-fitting earplug formed in situ using foaming action
US5131411A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jul 21, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R25/659
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A custom-fitting earplug (18) for hearing protection or other ear applications, or in-ear communications device mounting (40) is fabricated in situ by depositing a foaming material (14 or 24) within the person's ear (10 or 42, respectively) and allowing the foaming material (14 or 24) to expand therein to form foam (16 or 44, respectively). By applying slight pressure from outside the person's ear (10 or 42) through the stem (13) and/or keeper (11) during expansion, the foam (16 or 44, respectively) will be tightly packed in and conform to the ear canal. An optional sheath (15 or 36) positioned over the foaming material (14 or 24, respectively) serves to provide a smooth outer surface for the earplug (18) or communications device (40) produced and can aid in defining and limiting the expansion of the foam (14 or 24, respectively).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.