Flanged earplug
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorRobert N. Falco
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-flanged earplug is provided, comprising a stem, a rounded flange positioned at a first end of the stem, and at least a second flange positioned between the first end portion of the stem and an opposing second end portion of the stem. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first flange has a shape that is generally is generally convex with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem, while at least a portion of the second flange has a shape that is generally concave with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem. In another embodiment, an outer circumference portion of the second flange has an increased thickness relative to an inner, annular portion of the second flange. In another embodiment, an outer circumference portion of the second flange is provided with a protruding ridge.
Claims35
A multi-flange earplug, comprising:
- a stem;
- a first flange positioned at a first end portion of the stem, at least a portion of the first flange having a shape on a side of the first flange facing a tip of the first end portion of the stem that is generally convex with respect to a tip of the first end portion of the stem, the first flange having a shape on a second side of the first flange facing away from the tip of the first end portion of the stem that defines a skirt cavity extending from a perpendicular plane relative to the longitudinal axis of said stem, the longitudinal axis referring to a line between the rear end of the stem and the tip, between a portion of said flange skirt and said stem;
- and
- a second flange positioned between the first flange and a second end portion of the stem, at least a portion of the second flange having a shape on a side of the second flange facing a tip of the first end portion of the stem that is generally concave with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem, the second flange having a shape on a second side of the second flange facing away from the tip of the first end portion of the stem that defines a skirt cavity extending from a perpendicular plane relative to the longitudinal axis of said stem, the longitudinal axis referring to a line between the rear end of the stem and the tip, between a portion of said flange skirt and said stem.
A multi-flange earplug, comprising:
- a stem having a first end portion configured for insertion into a user's ear;
- a first flange having a rounded shape, the first flange positioned at a first end portion of the stem;
- and
- a second flange positioned between the first flange and a second end portion of the stem, the second flange having an outer, circumferential portion that has an increased thickness relative to an inner annular portion of the second flange and the second flange having a shape on a side of the second flange facing a tip of the first end portion of the stem that is generally concave with respect to a tip of the first end portion of the stem.
A multi-flange earplug, comprising:
- a stem;
- a first flange positioned at a first end portion of the stem, at least a portion of the first flange having a shape on a side of the first flange facing a tip of the first end portion of the stem that is generally convex with respect to a tip of the first end portion of the stem, the first flange having a shape on a second side of the first flange facing away from the tip of the first end portion of the stem that defines a free space between the second side of the first flange and a surface of the stem;
- and
- a second flange positioned between the first flange and a second end portion of the stem, at least a portion of the second flange having a shape on a side of the second flange facing a tip of the first end portion of the stem that is generally concave with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem, the second flange having a shape on a second side of the second flange facing away from the tip of the first end portion of the stem that defines a free space between the second side of the second flange and a surface of the stem.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.