Ergonomic earpiece and attachments
AssigneeSureFire, LLC
InventorsRichard C. Smith, Diann Y. Smith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An earpiece that substantially lacks a lower lobe is disclosed. In one example, the earpiece can have a generally arcuate rib having upper and lower ends. A lobe can be formed at the upper end of the arcuate rib. No lobe is formed at the lower end of the arcuate rib. An extension can extend from the earpiece and can be configured to extend into the ear canal. Eliminating the lower lobe mitigates discomfort during use and also reduces the likelihood of tissue damage and infection. The extension can enhance communication of desired sound, e.g., from a two-way radio, to an eardrum while mitigating communication of undesirable ambient noise to the eardrum. Other implementations and related methods are also disclosed.
Claims20
A device comprising:
- an earpiece configured to fit within a concha, the earpiece comprising:
- a generally arcuate rib having upper and lower ends;
- a lobe formed at the upper end of the rib;
- wherein no lobe is formed at the lower end of the rib;
- and
- an extension that extends from the earpiece and is configured to fit in an ear canal.
A method comprising:
- providing an earpiece configured to fit in a concha, the earpiece comprising:
- a generally arcuate rib having upper and lower ends;
- a lobe formed at the upper end of the rib;
- wherein no lobe is formed at the lower end of the rib;
- and
- attaching an extension configured to fit in an ear canal to the earpiece such that the extension extends from the earpiece.
A method comprising:
- placing an earpiece in a concha, the earpiece comprising:
- a generally arcuate rib having upper and lower ends;
- a lobe formed at the upper end of the rib;
- wherein no lobe is formed at the lower end of the rib;
- and
- placing an extension attached to the earpiece into an ear canal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.