U.S. patent application number 17/688658 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-16 for device for protecting the human sensory hearing system while retaining quality sound.
This patent application is currently assigned to Earos, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Earos, Inc.. Invention is credited to John G. ACETI, Ron Andre MADRAMOTOO, Peter T. RAGONETTI, Wayne J. STAAB.
Application Number | 20220183892 17/688658 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006181309 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220183892 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ACETI; John G. ; et
al. |
June 16, 2022 |
DEVICE FOR PROTECTING THE HUMAN SENSORY HEARING SYSTEM WHILE
RETAINING QUALITY SOUND
Abstract
The present disclosure describes a cost-effective earplug device
that delivers minimally distorted sound, offers sound protection,
can fit most users, and can protect human hearing from
dangerously-high acoustic levels without the cost or inconvenience
of a custom earplug.
Inventors: |
ACETI; John G.; (New Hope,
PA) ; STAAB; Wayne J.; (Dammeron Valley, UT) ;
RAGONETTI; Peter T.; (Brooklyn, NY) ; MADRAMOTOO; Ron
Andre; (New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Earos, Inc. |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Earos, Inc.
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
1000006181309 |
Appl. No.: |
17/688658 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15282371 |
Sep 30, 2016 |
11266531 |
|
|
17688658 |
|
|
|
|
62284496 |
Oct 2, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 11/085 20220101;
A61F 2250/0019 20130101; A61F 2250/0015 20130101; A61F 11/08
20130101; A61F 2250/0039 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 11/08 20060101
A61F011/08 |
Claims
1. A device for attenuating a sound entering an ear of a subject,
the device comprising: a) a first portion, wherein the first
portion comprises: i) a sound inlet; ii) a face that faces an ear
canal of the subject; and iii) a face that faces away from the ear
canal of the subject, wherein the first portion is configured to be
situated in a concha of the ear of the subject, and the sound inlet
is positioned to face away from the ear canal of the subject when
the device is inserted in the concha of the ear of the subject,
wherein the first portion comprises a tab that curves away from the
ear canal of the subject when the device is inserted in the concha
of the ear of the subject; b) a hollow tube, wherein the hollow
tube is attached to the face of the first portion that faces the
ear canal of the subject, wherein the hollow tube is positioned to
protrude into the ear canal of the subject when the device is
inserted in the concha of the ear of the subject; c) a first seal,
wherein the first seal has a body that has a wide end and a narrow
end, and the body of the first seal tapers in size from the wide
end to the narrow end, wherein the first seal contains an aperture
that is about circular through which the hollow tube protrudes, and
wherein the first seal fits over the hollow tube at a point that is
proximal to the face of the first portion that faces the ear canal,
wherein the first seal is situated at about the opening of the ear
canal of the subject when the device is inserted in the concha in
the ear of the subject; and d) a second seal, wherein the second
seal fits over the hollow tube at a point that is more distal from
the first portion than the point at which the first seal fits over
the hollow tube, wherein the second seal comprises an open terminus
that is situated inside of the ear canal of the subject when the
device is inserted in the concha of the ear of the subject, wherein
the hollow tube is flexible and is positioned to fit inside the ear
canal of the subject, and the hollow tube houses a sound bore, and
wherein the sound bore, the sound inlet, and the open terminus
together form a continuous passage that carries sound from outside
the ear to inside the ear when the device is inserted in the concha
of the ear of the subject.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a
sound attenuating filter, wherein the sound attenuating filter is
situated in the hollow tube at a point that is more proximal to the
second seal than to the first seal.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the hollow tube is connected to
the face of the first portion that faces the ear canal of the
subject at an angle of at least 45 degrees.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the hollow tube is connected to
the face of the first portion that faces the ear canal of the
subject at an angle that is within 25 degrees of perpendicularity
to the face of the first portion that faces the ear canal of the
subject.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the second seal has a body that
has a wide end a narrow end, the body of the second seal tapers in
size from the wide end to the narrow end, and the open terminus is
at the narrow end.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the second seal has a rim at the
open terminus, wherein a diameter of the rim is not parallel to the
face of the first portion that faces the ear canal of the
subject.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein the device further comprises a
third seal, wherein the third seal has a body that has a wide end
and a narrow end, and the body of the third seal tapers in size
from the wide end to the narrow end, wherein the wide end of the
body of the third seal is attached over the narrow end of the body
of the first seal, and wherein the wide end of the body of the
second seal is attached over the narrow end of the body of the
third seal.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the first seal has a greatest
diameter that is larger than the greatest diameter of the second
seal.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first seal has a hardness
that is greater than that of the second seal.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the first seal has a density
that is greater than that of the second seal.
11. A method of attenuating a sound entering an ear of a subject,
the method comprising inserting into the ear of the subject a
device, the device comprising: a) a first portion, wherein the
first portion comprises: i) a sound inlet; ii) a face that faces an
ear canal of the subject; and iii) a face that faces away from the
ear canal of the subject, wherein the first portion is inserted in
a concha of the ear of the subject, and the sound inlet is
positioned to face away from the ear canal of the subject, wherein
the first portion comprises a tab that curves away from the ear
canal of the subject; b) a hollow tube, wherein the hollow tube is
attached to the face of the first portion that faces the ear canal
of the subject, wherein the hollow tube is positioned to protrude
into the ear canal of the subject; c) a first seal, wherein the
first seal has a body that has a wide end and a narrow end, and the
body of the first seal tapers in size from the wide end to the
narrow end, wherein the first seal contains an aperture that is
about circular through which the hollow tube protrudes, and wherein
the first seal fits over the hollow tube at a point that is
proximal to the face of the first portion that faces the ear canal,
wherein the first seal is situated at about the opening of the ear
canal of the subject; and d) a second seal, wherein the second seal
fits over the hollow tube at a point that is more distal from the
first portion than the point at which the first seal fits over the
hollow tube, wherein the second seal comprises an open terminus
that is situated inside of the ear canal of the subject, wherein
the hollow tube is flexible and is positioned inside the ear canal
of the subject, and the hollow tube houses a sound bore, and
wherein the sound bore, the sound inlet, and the open terminus
together form a continuous passage that carries sound from outside
the ear to inside the ear of the subject.
12. The method of claim 11, where the device attenuates a sound
within a frequency range of about 120 Hz to about 8000 Hz.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the device attenuates a sound
within a frequency range of about 1000 Hz to about 3000 Hz.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the device attenuates a sound
by about 15 dB to about 30 dB.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the device attenuates a sound
by about 25 dB.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the attenuation of sound by the
device is constant through a frequency range of about 125 Hz to
about 8000 Hz.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein the device attenuates a sound
by about 10 dB to about 30 dB through a frequency range of about
125 Hz to about 8000 Hz.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/284,496, filed Oct. 2, 2015, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Hearing protection devices can provide hearing protection
and deliver minimally distorted sounds of music and speech to a
user. However, custom devices are cost prohibitive, and
one-size-fits-most devices that attempt to deliver minimally
distorted sound at an affordable price are often improperly used
and thus do not achieve suitable levels of protection or sound
quality. A one-size-fits-most hearing-protecting device that
delivers minimally distorted sound, achieves optimal sound
protection, is cosmetically appealing, and ensures a proper fit
could offer users with a more affordable alternative to custom made
products.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0003] Each patent, publication, and non-patent literature cited in
the application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety
as if each was incorporated by reference individually.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In some embodiments, the invention provides a device for
attenuating a sound entering an ear of a subject, the device
comprising: [0005] a) a first portion, wherein the first portion
comprises: [0006] i) a sound inlet; [0007] ii) a face that faces an
ear canal of the subject; and [0008] iii) a face that faces away
from the ear canal of the subject, wherein the first portion is
configured to be situated in a concha of the ear of the subject,
and the sound inlet is positioned to face away from the ear canal
of the subject when the device is inserted in the concha of the ear
of the subject, wherein the first portion comprises a tab that
curves away from the ear canal of the subject when the device is
inserted in the concha of the ear of the subject; [0009] b) a
hollow tube, wherein the hollow tube is attached to the face of the
first portion that faces the ear canal of the subject, wherein the
hollow tube is positioned to protrude into the ear canal of the
subject when the device is inserted in the concha of the ear of the
subject; [0010] c) a first seal, wherein the first seal has a body
that has a wide end and a narrow end, and the body of the first
seal tapers in size from the wide end to the narrow end, wherein
the first seal contains an aperture that is about circular through
which the hollow tube protrudes, and wherein the first seal fits
over the hollow tube at a point that is proximal to the face of the
first portion that faces the ear canal, wherein the first seal is
situated at about the opening of the ear canal of the subject when
the device is inserted in the concha in the ear of the subject; and
[0011] d) a second seal, wherein the second seal fits over the
hollow tube at a point that is more distal from the first portion
than the point at which the first seal fits over the hollow tube,
wherein the second seal comprises an open terminus that is situated
inside of the ear canal of the subject when the device is inserted
in the concha of the ear of the subject, [0012] wherein the hollow
tube is flexible and is positioned to fit inside the ear canal of
the subject, and the hollow tube houses a sound bore, and [0013]
wherein the sound bore, the sound inlet, and the open terminus
together form a continuous passage that carries sound from outside
the ear to inside the ear when the device is inserted in the concha
of the ear of the subject.
[0014] In some embodiments, the invention provides a method of
attenuating a sound entering an ear of a subject, the method
comprising inserting into the ear of the subject a device, the
device comprising: [0015] a) a first portion, wherein the first
portion comprises: [0016] i) a sound inlet; [0017] ii) a face that
faces an ear canal of the subject; and [0018] iii) a face that
faces away from the ear canal of the subject, wherein the first
portion is inserted in a concha of the ear of the subject, and the
sound inlet is positioned to face away from the ear canal of the
subject, wherein the first portion comprises a tab that curves away
from the ear canal of the subject; [0019] b) a hollow tube, wherein
the hollow tube is attached to the face of the first portion that
faces the ear canal of the subject, wherein the hollow tube is
positioned to protrude into the ear canal of the subject; [0020] c)
a first seal, wherein the first seal has a body that has a wide end
and a narrow end, and the body of the first seal tapers in size
from the wide end to the narrow end, wherein the first seal
contains an aperture that is about circular through which the
hollow tube protrudes, and wherein the first seal fits over the
hollow tube at a point that is proximal to the face of the first
portion that faces the ear canal, wherein the first seal is
situated at about the opening of the ear canal of the subject; and
[0021] d) a second seal, wherein the second seal fits over the
hollow tube at a point that is more distal from the first portion
than the point at which the first seal fits over the hollow tube,
wherein the second seal comprises an open terminus that is situated
inside of the ear canal of the subject, [0022] wherein the hollow
tube is flexible and is positioned inside the ear canal of the
subject, and the hollow tube houses a sound bore, and [0023]
wherein the sound bore, the sound inlet, and the open terminus
together form a continuous passage that carries sound from outside
the ear to inside the ear of the subject.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention in the human
ear.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the present invention
inserted into the human ear canal.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a top-down view of the present invention with
integrated sound bore.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the inner seal portion
and attenuation filter of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the present invention at
panels A and B.
[0030] FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates cross sectional views of the main unit of
an embodiment of the present invention at panels A-E.
[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates cross sectional views of a small version
of the inner, middle, and outer seal of an embodiment of the
present invention at panels A-C.
[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates cross sectional views of a large version
of the inner, middle, and outer seal of an embodiment of the
present invention at panels A-C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Many types of foam and elastic materials are used to produce
pre-molded and custom hearing protection devices. High quality
earplugs are comfortable, but are expensive because custom molding
is required. One-size-fits-most earplugs that are cosmetically
appealing and attempt to deliver minimally-distorted sound at an
affordable price are often improperly used and thus fail to achieve
suitable levels of protection or deliver minimally distorted
sound.
[0035] The disclosed invention describes a cost-effective earplug
device that delivers minimally-distorted sound, offers sound
protection, can fit most users, is cosmetically appealing, and can
protect human hearing from dangerously high acoustic levels without
the cost or inconvenience of a custom earplug. In some embodiments,
the invention can attenuate environmental sounds to a safe level,
for example, typically less than 85 dB sound pressure levels in the
ear.
[0036] The invention is a device comprising an intracanal sealing
system and an integral external concha tab that can achieve a
desired level of attenuation at a regulated depth of insertion. The
sealing system described herein provides enhanced attenuation of
sound and minimizes acoustical distortion caused by the presence of
the device in the ear compared to other designs. The invention
further comprises an acoustic resonance channel tube, which allows
sound to reach the tympanic membrane and maintain sound quality
appropriate for listening to music and speech. The invention
further comprises the use of elastomeric materials to achieve
proper fit, retention, and comfort.
[0037] The disclosed invention comprises a main body piece that is
positioned to fit in the concha of the human ear. In some
embodiments, the external hardware piece is used to move the
internal portion of the device into the ear canal, allowing for
proper placement of the device and sound inlet. Once inserted, the
internal portion of the device contacts the canal and holds the
device in place. In some embodiments, the main body piece can also
prevent the user from intentionally or unintentionally inserting
the device too deeply. In some embodiments, the external hardware
piece is used to remove the entire device from the ear. In some
embodiments, the invention fits a concha that is about 15 mm, about
16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19, or about 20 mm wide. In
some embodiments, the invention fits a concha that is about 15 mm
wide. In some embodiments, the invention fits a concha that is
about 17.5 mm wide. In some embodiments, the invention fits a
concha that is about 20 mm wide.
[0038] In some embodiments, the invention fits a concha that is
about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, or
about 15 mm deep. In some embodiments, the invention fits a concha
that is about 11 mm deep. In some embodiments, the invention fits a
concha that is about 13 mm deep. In some embodiments, the invention
is modified to fit conchas of different sizes, for example, the
device can be modified to fit the average size of a child's
concha.
[0039] In some embodiments, the main body of the device is made of
a hard plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
plastic. In some embodiments, the main body is made of a soft
material, such as silicone overmolding, soft silicone, or a
thermoplastic elastomer. In some embodiments, the main body is made
of only hard plastic. In some embodiments, the main body is made of
only soft silicone. In some embodiments, the main body is made of a
combination of hard plastic and soft silicone. In some embodiments,
the main body comprises a stamped metal or alloy logo, such as a
stamped copper logo. In some embodiments, the main body comprises a
stamped indication of fit to the right ("R") or left ("L") ear.
[0040] In some embodiments, the main body piece is about 10 mm,
about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm,
about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, or about 20 mm
long. In some embodiments the main body piece is about 13 mm, about
14 mm, about 15 mm, or about 16 mm long. In some embodiments, the
main body piece is about 15.86 mm long. In some embodiments, the
main body piece is about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11
mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, or about 15 mm tall. In
some embodiments, the main body piece is about 11 mm, about 12 mm,
or about 13 mm tall. In some embodiments, the main body piece is
about 11.70 mm tall. In some embodiments, the main body piece is
modified to different sizes, for example, the device can be
modified to fit the average size of a child's concha and ear
canal.
[0041] The invention also comprises a sound inlet that receives
environmental sounds. The sound inlet, which is contiguous with a
sound bore, is larger in diameter than the diameter of the sound
bore. The sound inlet transmits sound to the tympanic membrane. In
some embodiments, the sound bore is about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4
mm, or about 5 mm wide. In some embodiments, the sound inlet is
about 3 mm or about 4 mm wide. In some embodiments, the sound bore
is about 3.04 mm wide.
[0042] The sound bore is an acoustic resonantor for resonant sounds
of about 2 kHz, about 3 kHz, about 4 kHz, about 5 kHz, about 6 kHz,
about 7 kHz, or about 8 kHz. In some embodiments, the sound bore is
designed to be an acoustic resonator for resonant sounds that are
about 2 kHz. In some embodiments, the sound bore is designed to be
an acoustic resonator for resonant sounds that are about 3 kHz. In
some embodiments, the sound bore is designed to be an acoustic
resonator for resonant sounds that are about 4 kHz. In some
embodiments, the sound bore is designed to achieve acoustic
resonance from about 2.5 kHz to about 2.8 kHz. In some embodiments,
the sound bore is designed to achieve acoustic resonance from about
2.6 kHz to about 2.7 kHz. In some embodiments, the sound bore is
designed to achieve acoustic resonance at about 2.7 kHz.
[0043] In some embodiments, the sound bore is about 25 mm, about 26
mm, about 27 mm, about 28 mm, about 29 mm, about 30 mm, about 31
mm, about 32 mm, about 33 mm, about 34 mm, or about 35 mm long. In
some embodiments, the sound bore is about 25 mm long. In some
embodiments, the sound bore is about 30 mm long. In some
embodiments, the sound bore is about 33 mm long. In some
embodiments, the sound bore is about 35 mm long. In some
embodiments, the sound bore is made of a polyvinyl chloride-type
plastic. In some embodiments, the sound bore is molded into the
main body piece.
[0044] The sound bore of the device can be bent or kinked such that
the device does not protrude from the ear. In some embodiments, the
sound bore has a kink that is about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm,
about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm,
about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm,
about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm,
about 23 mm, about 24 mm, or about 25 mm from the sound inlet. In
some embodiments, the sound bore has a kink that is about 16 mm or
about 17 mm from the sound inlet. In some embodiments, the sound
bore has a kink that is about 16.5 mm from the sound inlet.
[0045] In some embodiments, the sound bore is cased in a flexible
hollow tube. In some embodiments, the flexible hollow tube is
straight. In some embodiments, the flexible hollow tube is curved.
In some embodiments, the flexible hollow tube is curved and assures
proper depth placement of the device. In some embodiments, the
flexible hollow tube is held by the main body piece and is tucked
under the antitragus, which assures a cosmetic appeal, proper depth
placement, and secure placement of the earpiece. In some
embodiments, the flexible hollow tube is positioned by the external
hardware to orient toward the direction of incoming sound. In some
embodiments, the flexible hollow tube is about 10 mm, about 11 mm,
about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, or about 15 mm long. In some
embodiments, the flexible hollow tube is about 10 mm, about 11 mm,
or about 12 mm long. In some embodiments, the flexible hollow tube
is about 11.42 mm long.
[0046] The hollow tube can connect to a face of the external
portion of the device that is directed toward the ear canal when in
use. The hollow tube can be disposed to the face at an angle that
is, for example, at least 45 degrees, at least 50 degrees, at least
55 degrees, at least 60 degrees, at least 65 degrees, at least 70
degrees, at least 75 degrees, at least 80 degrees, at least 85
degrees, about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees,
about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75
degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, or about 90 degrees.
For example, the hollow tube can be about perpendicular to the
face, or within about 5 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 15
degrees, about 20 degrees, or about 25 degrees of
perpendicularity.
[0047] The disclosed invention further comprises an outer seal that
is sized and shaped to fit the entry portion of most human ear
canals. The outer seal is sized to fit an average-sized ear canal
that is about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about
24 mm, about 25 mm, about 26 mm, about 27 mm, about 28 mm, about 29
mm, or about 30 mm in length. In some embodiments, the outer seal
is sized to fit an ear canal that is about 20 mm in length. In some
embodiments, the outer seal is sized to fit an ear canal that is
about 25 mm in length. In some embodiments, the outer seal is sized
to fit an ear canal that is about 30 mm in length.
[0048] In some embodiments, the outer seal is sized and shaped to
fit the oval opening of an ear canal that is about 12
mm.times.about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the outer seal is sized
and shaped to fit the oval opening of an ear canal that is about 9
mm.times.about 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, the outer seal is about
15 mm.times.about 15 mm in size and is compressible such that the
concha can prevent over-insertion of the device into the ear canal.
In some embodiments, the outer seal is about 13 mm.times.about 10
mm in size and is compressible to prevent over insertion into the
ear canal. In some embodiments, the outer seal is about 12.4
mm.times.about 9.2 mm in size and is compressible to prevent over
insertion into the ear canal.
[0049] The disclosed invention further comprises an inner seal that
is connected to the outer seal by the flexible tube, which also
encloses the sound bore. The inner seal provides additional sound
attenuation and seals the deeper portion of the ear canal to
minimize the occlusion effect. The occlusion effect occurs when an
object fills the outer portion of a person's ear canal, and that
person perceives booming echo-sounds of their own voice.
[0050] The inner seal can be positioned at the end of the sound
bore and allows sound to enter the volume between the inner seal
and the tympanic membrane. In some embodiments, the seal is made
from very pliable and soft elastomeric material. In some
embodiments, the seal is made from soft silicone. In some
embodiments, the seal is made from a thermoplastic polymer. In some
embodiments, the seal of made from a thermoplastic polymer such as
solid or open foam (i.e., open cell or closed cell polymers).
[0051] The disclosed invention can utilize a dual-sealing
mechanism. The outer seal of the device described herein can be
denser and harder than the inner seal of the device. The denser
more rigid outer seal of the device can provide superior sound
attenuation of foam or pre-molded elastomer semicircular features.
The inner seal can be made of a softer material that can sit
comfortably in the ear canal. In some embodiments, the ratio of the
hardness or density of the outer seal to the density of the inner
seal is about 1:1, about 2:1, about 3:1, about 4:1, about 5:1,
about 6:1, about 7:1, about 8:1, about 9:1, about 10:1, about 11:1,
about 12:1, about 13:1, about 14:1, about 15:1, about 16:1, about
17:1, about 18:1, about 19:1, or about 20:1. In some embodiments,
the ratio of the density of the outer seal to the density of the
inner seal is about 4:1.
[0052] In some embodiments, the described invention can comprise
friction fit silicone tips that act as additional seals. In some
embodiments, the invention comprises friction fit silicone tips
with 1, 2, or 3 seals. In some embodiments, the invention comprises
a friction fit silicone tip with one seal. In some embodiments, the
invention comprises a friction fit silicone tip with two seals. In
some embodiments, the invention comprises a friction fit silicone
tip with three seals.
[0053] In some embodiments, the friction fit silicone tip is about
10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15
mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, or about 20
mm long. In some embodiments, the friction fit silicone tip is
about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, or about 18 mm long. In some
embodiments, the friction fit silicone tip is about 17.39 mm long.
In some embodiments, the friction fit silicone tip that acts as the
inner seal is about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about
9 mm, or about 10 mm deep. In some embodiments, the friction fit
silicone tip that acts as the inner seal is about 5 mm, about 6 mm,
or about 7 mm deep. In some embodiments, the friction fit silicone
tip is about 6.21 mm deep.
[0054] The invention also comprises an attenuating filter that is
located near the inner seal of the device. The attenuating filter
is made of a semi-permeable material that can reflect some portion
of the sound, and allows some sound to pass through the filter. The
reflected sound provides via the sound bore a quarter wave resonant
cavity. The attenuating filter further tunes the acoustic
frequencies and achieves a more realistic sound quality. The
attenuating filter also provides acoustic resistance and thus
provides a secondary feature to the sound bore. The distance from
the sound inlet to the tympanic membrane provides one resonant
peak, and the distance from the sound inlet to the attenuating
filter provides a second resonant peak. In some embodiments, the
second resonant peak is the dominant peak.
[0055] An attenuating filter made of acoustically-resistant
material can allow the user to fine tune the overall sound quality
of the device. In some embodiments, the attenuating filter is made
of fine wool, fine beads of metal or polymer material fused to form
a plug, or a polymer strand weaved material. In some embodiments,
the attenuating filter is made from another material that is
intended to filter the acoustic sound.
[0056] The attenuating filter of the disclosed invention can be
large enough to cover the entire opening of the sound bore. In some
embodiments, the attenuating filter is about 1 mm, about 2 mm, or
about 3 mm in diameter and about 1 mm, about 2 mm, or about 3 mm
tall. In some embodiments, the attenuating filter is about 1 or
about 2 mm in diameter and about 1 mm or about 2 mm tall. In some
embodiments, the attenuating filter is about 1.53 mm in diameter
and about 1.88 mm tall.
[0057] In some embodiments, the described device can be about 20
mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, about 25
mm, about 26 mm, about 27 mm, about 28 mm, about 29 mm, or about 30
mm long. In some embodiments, the described device can be about 24
mm, about 25 mm, about 26 mm, about 27 mm, or about 28 mm long. In
some embodiments, the described device can be about 26.55 mm long.
In some embodiments, the described device can be about 20 mm, about
21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, or about 25 mm wide.
In some embodiments, the described device can be about 22 mm, about
23 mm, or about 24 mm wide. In some embodiments, the described
device can be about 23.79 mm wide. In some embodiments, the
described device can be about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm,
about 18 mm, about 19 mm, or about 20 mm deep. In some embodiments,
the described device can be about 15 mm, about 16 mm, or about 17
mm deep. In some embodiments, the described device can be about
16.24 mm deep.
[0058] The disclosed invention can attenuate environmental sound
levels to safe levels. In some embodiments, the device can be used
to attenuate environmental sounds that are up to about 200 dB, up
to about 190 dB, up to about 180 dB, up to about 170 dB, up to
about 160 dB, up to about 150 dB, up to about 140 dB, up to about
130 dB, up to about 125 dB, up to about 120 dB, up to about 115 dB,
up to about 110 dB, up to about 105 dB, up to about 100 dB, up to
about 95 dB, up to about 90 dB, up to about 85 dB, up to about 80
dB, up to about 75 dB, up to about 70 dB, up to about 65 dB, up to
about 60 dB, up to about 55 dB, or up to about 50 dB. In some
embodiments, the device can attenuate the environmental sound by
about 50%, about 45%, about 40%, about 35%, about 30%, about 25%,
about 20%, about 15%, about 10%, or about 5%. In some embodiments,
the device can attenuate the environmental sound by about 1 dB,
about 2 dB, about 3 dB, about 4 dB, about 5 dB, about 10 dB, about
15 dB, about 20 dB, about 25 dB, about 26 dB, about 27 dB, about 28
dB, about 29 dB, about 30 dB, about 35 dB, about 40 dB, about 45
dB, or about 50 dB. In some embodiments, the frequency of the sound
being attenuated is about 100 Hz, about 125 Hz, about 150 Hz, about
175 Hz, about 200 Hz, about 300 Hz, about 400 Hz, about 500 Hz,
about 600 Hz, about 700 Hz, about 800 Hz, about 900 Hz, about 1000
Hz, about 1250 Hz, about 1500 Hz, about 1750 Hz, about 2000 Hz,
about 2250 Hz, about 2500 Hz, about 2750 Hz, about 3000 Hz, about
3250 Hz, about 3500 Hz, about 3750 Hz, about 4000 Hz, about 4250
Hz, about 4500 Hz, about 4750 Hz, about 5000 Hz, about 5250 Hz,
about 5500 Hz, about 5750 Hz, about 6000 Hz, about 6250 Hz, about
6500 Hz, about 6750 Hz, about 7000 Hz, about 7250 Hz, about 7500
Hz, about 7750 Hz, or about 8000 Hz.
[0059] In some embodiments, the disclosed invention can attenuate
the environmental sound by about 25 dB across frequencies from
about 125 to 8000 Hz. In some embodiments, the disclosed invention
can attenuate the environmental sound by about 15 dB across
frequencies from about 125 to 8000 Hz. In some embodiments, the
disclosed invention can attenuate the environmental sound by about
25 dB across frequencies from about 500 to 3000 Hz. In some
embodiments, the disclosed invention can attenuate the
environmental sound by about 15 dB across frequencies from about
500 to 3000 Hz. In some embodiments, the disclosed invention can
attenuate the environmental sound by about 25 dB across frequencies
from about 1000 to 3000 Hz. In some embodiments, the disclosed
invention can attenuate the environmental sound by about 15 dB
across frequencies from about 1000 to 3000 Hz.
EXAMPLES
Features of the Invention
[0060] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of the present invention in the
human ear. The tragus and antitragus of the pinna 100 of the human
ear partially occlude the invention. The tragus is a small
cartilaginous flap that covers the ear canal. The device is
positioned in the concha of the human ear by feature 101. The
concha is a bowl-shaped feature within the pinna 100 and adjacent
to the ear canal. The dimensions of the concha can vary from user
to user, but the average diameter of the concha is about 15 mm to
about 20 mm (0.6 in to 0.8 in) and the average depth is
approximately 13 mm (0.5 in). The user can press the device into
the ear without regard for over insertion by feature 101. The sound
inlet 102 receives environmental sounds and is contiguous with the
path of the acoustical sound bore 107, depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4,
which transmits sound to the tympanic membrane.
[0061] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of the outer ear
canal and pinna of the human ear and the present invention. The ear
canal (auditory canal; external auditory meatus) is an "S" shaped
duct, which provides an access route for acoustic waves to travel
to the tympanic membrane. The average length of an adult ear canal
is approximately 25 mm (1.0 in) with a standard deviation of
approximately 2 mm (0.2 in), and is approximately 5% longer in
males than in females. The shape and cross sectional dimensions of
the ear canal change along the length. The oval opening of the
canal has average dimensions of about 9 mm (0.4 in) by about 6.5 mm
(0.3 in), and the canal becomes narrower along the length. The
outer seal 103 is sized and shaped to fit in most human canals. The
outer seal 103 is limited in length and is conical to generally
match the contour of the ear canal prior to the second bend. The
shape (ovoid), size (major axis 12.4 mm by minor axis 9.2 mm), and
compressibility of 103 prevents over-insertion in most human ear
canals. Additional sizes, shapes, and compressibility can be used
to fit various users depending on size and preferences. A flexible
tube 104 joins the inner seal 105 to the outer seal 103. 104 is a
hollow member that is a part of the sound bore 107 (FIGS. 3 and 4).
The inner seal 105 provides additional sound attenuation and seals
the deeper portion, also referred to as the bony section of the ear
canal, to minimize the occlusion effect. Because 105 is positioned
deep in the ear, 105 is made from a very pliable and soft
elastomeric material. 105 also is the termination for acoustical
sound bore 107 (FIGS. 3 and 4), allowing sound to enter the volume
between 105 and the tympanic membrane. 106 is a portion of 101 that
is designed to incorporate the sound inlet port 102, and to orient
the port forward in the direction of incoming sound. 102 can be
located and oriented in other aspects of 101 or 106 to desired
shape or to tune incoming sound.
[0062] FIG. 3 illustrates the path of the sound bore 107 (dotted
line) through the present invention. 107 is designed to be an
acoustical resonator, and more specifically, of resonant sound in
the 2-4 kHz range. For example, a channel length of 33 mm can
achieve acoustical resonance at 2700 Hz. If 107 were instead a
straight tube, the tube could protrude from the ear canal in an
awkward manner, but more importantly, a straight tube can be
dangerous in that any blow to the head could drive the earpiece too
deep into the ear canal. By incorporating sound bore 107 into 101,
the present invention achieves both the appropriate length in an
aesthetically-appealing manner with the additional benefit of
providing features that assure proper depth placement of the
inventive device. Features 106 and 101 have the additional benefit
that for most user's ears, 106 is tucked under the antitragus and
101 is tucked under the tragus. This configuration provides
additional assurance that the earpiece will not dislodge and fall
out of the user's ear.
[0063] In more detail, 106 is a portion of the 101 tab. Portion 106
is designed to curve along the inferior portion of the concha such
that it presents the sound inlet 102 in the direction of incoming
sound. Preferably, sound directly in front of the person is usually
of greatest interest. 106 is also mechanically-integrated with 101,
103, 104, and 105 such that 106 can be used by the user to remove
the entire device from the ear. A user can easily grip and withdraw
the entire ear plug by displacing the antitragus slightly to gain
access to 106 and then grasping 106 between thumb and index
finger.
[0064] The sound bore 107 prevents acoustical normal resonance.
This feature can be beneficial for any ear plug that resides in the
ear canal. 107 provides a key feature in achieving attenuated but
unadulterated sound perception. 107 can be molded into the earpiece
or can be formed by molding an extruded or injection molded tube
into the housing that incorporates 101, 103, 104, and 105. 107 can
be a singular channel as shown, or as multiple channels. For
example, the channel bore, or multiple channels, can have an
effective cross sectional area of 2.5 mm.sup.2. The cross sectional
area can be increased to allow greater mid-frequencies, or can be
decreased to allow fewer mid-frequencies, through to the ear.
[0065] FIG. 4 shows the incorporation of an attenuating filter 108
located near or in the inner seal 105. The attenuating filter 108
further tunes the acoustical frequencies to achieve a flatter, more
realistic quality of sound. 108 also provides acoustical resistance
and thus, provides a secondary feature to the sound bore 107 so
that the distance from the sound inlet 102 to the tympanic membrane
provides one resonant peak, and the distance from the sound inlet
102 to the attenuating filter 108 provides a second resonant peak.
Judicious use of an acoustically resistant material in 108 allows
tuning of the overall sound quality of the device. 108 can be made
from fine wool, fine beads of metal or polymer material fused to
form a plug, or a polymer strand weaved material, or other
materials intended to filter the acoustic signal.
[0066] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the
present invention, which includes a main unit 501A, a sound bore
501B, sound inlet 502, an inner seal 503A, a middle seal 503B, an
outer seal 503C, and an attenuating filter 504. The sound inlet 502
attaches to the outer frame of the main unit 501A, which then
allows environmental sounds to travel to the device via main unit
501A and sound bore 501B. The attenuating filter 504 is located
within the sound bore 501B and is configured to filter the incoming
sound. The inner seal 503A, the middle seal 503B, and the outer
seal 503C attach to the main unit by encapsulating the sound bore
501B. The seal can be made of flexible plastic material to fit the
contour of the ear canal and to minimize or prevent environmental
sounds from directly entering the ear canal.
[0067] FIG. 6 at panel A depicts an exploded view of an embodiment
of the present invention, which includes a main unit 601 comprising
a sound inlet 601A and a sound bore 601B, sound bore 602, an inner
seal 603A, a middle seal 603B, an outer seal 603C, and an
attenuating filter 604. The sound bore 602 is internally attached
to the main unit 601A and controls the frequency of the
environmental sounds that enter the device via main unit 601A and
sound bore 601B. The cross sectional area of 602 can be increased
to allow greater mid-frequencies, or can be decreased to allow
fewer mid-frequencies, through to the ear. The attenuating filter
604 is located within the sound bore 601B and is configured to
filter the incoming sound. The inner seal 603A, the middle seal
603B, and the outer seal 603C attach to the main unit by
encapsulating the sound bore 601B. FIG. 6 at panel B depicts an
overlay of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0068] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the
present invention, which includes a main unit 701 comprising a
sound inlet 701A and a sound bore 701B, an inner seal 702A, a
middle seal 702B, an outer seal 702C, and an attenuating filter
703. The attenuating filter 703 is located within the sound bore
701B and is configured to filter the incoming sound. The inner seal
703A, the middle seal 703B, and the outer seal 703C attach to the
main unit by encapsulating the sound bore 701B.
[0069] FIG. 8 at panels A-E illustrates cross sectional views of
the main unit 801 of an embodiment of the present invention, which
comprises a sound inlet 801A and a sound bore 801B. The length of
the sound bore 801B is 11.42 mm and the width of the sound inlet
801A is 3.04 mm.
[0070] FIG. 9 at panels A-C illustrates cross sectional views of
the small version of the inner seal 901A, middle seal 901B, and
outer seal 901C, which position the present invention onto the ear
canal of the user.
[0071] FIG. 10 at panels A-C illustrates cross sectional views of
the large version of the inner seal 1001A, middle seal 1001B, and
outer seal 1001C, which position the present invention onto the ear
canal of the user.
* * * * *