as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2008/0181441 Al
`
` Smith (43) Pub. Date: Jul. 31, 2008
`
`
`US 20080181441A1
`
`(54) ADJUSTABLE LENGTH EAR INSERT
`
`Publication Classification
`
`76)
`(76)
`
`Richard C. Smith, Costa Mesa,CA
`Inventor:
`(Us)
`Inventor
`TR OSTA
`CSA
`Correspondence Address:
`MACPHERSON KWOK CHEN & HEID LLP
`2033 GATEWAY PLACE, SUITE 400
`SAN JOSE, CA 95110
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`.
`Filed:
`
`(22)
`
`11/872,324
`
`Oct. 15, 2007
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 11/411,314,
`filed on Apr. 26, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part
`filed on Oct. 11, 2005.
`of application No. 11/247,105,
`
`1) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`HOAR 25/00
`(52) US. CD. veces creseneeeseceneees 381/328; 181/135
`
`ABSTRACT
`67)
`ry
`y
`YP
`rp
`police, fire and milita
`for use by
`An earpiece assembly
`personal is disclosed. The earpiece assembly can have an
`earpiece configuredto fit substantially within the conchae of
`an ear and an ear insert adjustable attached to the earpiece.
`Theear insert extends into the ear canal and can bring sound
`from a two-wayradio close to the eardrum soasto facilitate
`better hearing. The distance that the stem extends into an ear
`canal can be varied so as to enhance sounddelivery to the
`eardrum. An earplug embodimentis also disclosed.
`
`TOP
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`18
`
`" O
`
`UTWARD
`
`INWARD
`
`
`
`17
`BOTTOM
`
`13
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1085
`Apple v. GUI
`IPR2021-00472
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1085
`Apple v. GUI
`IPR2021-00472
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 31,2008 Sheet 1 of 5
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`US 2008/0181441 Al
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`TOP
`
`“ O
`
`UTWARD
`
`INWARD
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`18
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`
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`17
`BOTTOM
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`13
`
`~
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`nme
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`DISTAL
`
`FIG. 2
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`2
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`US 2008/0181441 Al
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`15
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`24
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`4 15
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`19
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`FIG. 3
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`45
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`4‘
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`18
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`15
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`19
`FIG. 4
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`24
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`23
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`42
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`24
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`23
`
`Kg
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`3
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`US 2008/0181441 Al
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`13
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`FIG. 6
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`16
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`61
`
`a
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`17
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`FIG. 7
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`4
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`16
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`13
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`FIG. 9
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`5
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`Patent Application Publication
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`6
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`US 2008/0181441 Al
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`Jul. 31, 2008
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`ADJUSTABLE LENGTH EAR INSERT
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part
`(CIP) patent application of U.S. Ser. No. 11/411,314 filed
`Apr. 26, 2006, and entitled EARPIECE WITH EXTENSION
`(docket no. M-15744-1P US) whichis a continuation-in-part
`(CIP) patent application of U.S. Ser. No. 11/247,105filed on
`Oct. 11, 2005, and entitled EARPIECE WITH FLANGED
`EXTENSION,theentire contents ofboth ofwhich are hereby
`expressly incorporated by reference.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0002] The present invention relates generally to audiol-
`ogy. The present invention relates more particularly to ear-
`pieces such as those worn bypolice officers, firefighters and
`soldiers for communications (such as with a two-wayradio)
`and for hearing protection, wherein the earpiece has an ear
`insert that extends into the ear canal by a distance that can be
`adjusted.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0003] Law enforcement, firefighters, and military person-
`nel frequently wear earpiecesthatfit into the conchae bowlof
`the ear soas to facilitate listening to two-wayradios and the
`like. Such earpieces are different from earplugs in that they
`are intended to allow some sound (the sound from the two-
`way radio) to enter the ear. The earpieces can also be config-
`ured to allow ambient soundto enter the ear. The earpieces are
`attached via acoustic tubing to a small speaker. Communica-
`tions received by the two-way radio are reproduced by the
`speaker. Soundthentravels through the acoustic tubing from
`the speaker to the user’s ear, where the end of the acoustic
`tubing is attached to the earpiece so that the sound can be
`heard.
`
`[0004] The sound output port or opening of such contem-
`porary earpieces is generally further away from the eardrum
`than is sometimesdesirable. In any event, the position of the
`sound output port with respect to the eardrum is fixed for
`contemporary earpieces.
`[0005]
`Positioning ofthe sound outputport too far from the
`eardrum necessitates that
`the volume of the speaker be
`increased more than would be required if the sound output
`port were closer to the eardrum. When the volume of the
`speakeris increased, the likelihood of another person hearing
`a communication is undesirably increased. In some situa-
`tions, such as covert operations, it is undesirable for another
`person to hear a communication. Indeed, allowing another
`person to hear a communication can jeopardize the life of a
`user.
`
`[0006] Hearing protection for use in noisy environmentsis
`well known. Hearing protection is commonly used in such
`noisy environments as manufacturing facilities, warehouses,
`construction sites, shooting ranges, battlefields, and airports.
`Typically, any time that loud machinery is being operated,
`gunsare being fired, or any other source of excessive noise is
`present, hearing protection is desirable so as to reduce dis-
`comfort and so as to conserve hearing. Contemporary hearing
`protection typically compriseseither a noise reducing headset
`or earplugs.
`[0007] Although headsets are generally effective in reduc-
`ing noise exposure, they suffer from deficiencies that tend to
`make them unsuitable for some applications. Headsets are
`
`bulky. They cannot be worn in environments where they may
`get in the way, and they cannot be worn under helmets.
`[0008] Additionally, headsets tend to become uncomfort-
`able after being worn for an extended period oftime. Because
`of this, wearers may discontinue their use while they remain
`within a noisy environment. Wearers may alternatively
`stretch the earpieces (cups) of the headset apart from one
`another, so that they do not apply as much pressureto the sides
`of the head. However, when the pressure is reduced in this
`manner, then the earpieces may not seal properly and thus
`may permit the introduction of excessive sound. In either
`instance, noise exposure is undesirably increased.
`[0009] Earplugs can also be effective. However, they can
`similarly become uncomfortable when worn for extended
`periods of time. Further, earplugs tend to work loose during
`usage, thus reducing their effectiveness. They may evenfall
`out.
`
`[0010] The effectiveness and comfort of earpieces for both
`communications and hearing protection is determined, at
`least in part, by the fit thereof. Therefore, it is desirable to
`improvethe fit of earpieces.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY
`
`[0011] An earpiece assembly for use by police, fire and
`military personnel is disclosed. Both communications and
`hearing protection embodiments ofthe earpiece assembly are
`disclosed. Combined embodiments that both facilitate com-
`
`munications and provide hearing protection are also dis-
`closed.
`
`In both communications, hearing protection, and
`[0012]
`combined embodiments, enhancedfit, comfort, and effective-
`ness are provided. The earpiece assembly can comprise an
`earpiece and an ear insert attached to the earpiece. Flanges
`can be formed upon a stem ofthe ear insert. The position of
`the ear insert within the ear canal can be varied so as to
`enhancefit, comfort, and effectiveness.
`[0013]
`In communications embodiments, the position of
`the distal endof an earinsert (as well as ofthe flanges thereof)
`can be adjusted so as to enhance thefit of the earpiece assem-
`bly andso as to enhance sound delivery to the eardrum. The
`distal end of the ear insert can be movedcloserto or farther
`away from the eardrum.In this manner, a desired intensity of
`sound can be provided to the eardrum for a given volume ofa
`speaker of an audio device such as a two-way radio. Enhanc-
`ing sound delivery to the eardrum, as well as enhancingfit,
`enhances the effectiveness of earpiece assemblies used for
`communications.
`
`[0014] Moreparticularly, an ear insert can comprise a stem
`configured to extend into an ear canal, wherein the stem is
`configured to attach to an earpiece such that a length of the
`stem of the ear insert within the ear canal is variable. Varying
`the length of the ear insert allowsthe distal end or sound port
`thereof to be positioned as desired. Varying the length of the
`ear insert allows flanges formed upon the stem to be posi-
`tioned as desired.
`
`[0015] Various different means can be usedto attach the ear
`insert to the earpiece in a mannerthatfacilitates adjustment of
`the length ofthe stem ofthe ear insert within the ear canal. For
`example, the ear insert can be slidably or frictionally attach-
`able to the earpiece such that the ear insert can be slid within
`the earpiece to obtain the desire length of the ear insert that
`extends inwardly (toward the eardrum) away from the ear-
`piece. Friction between the ear insert and the earpiece can
`
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`Jul. 31, 2008
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`inhibit further (undesirable) movementofthe ear insert with
`respectto the earpiece after the length ofthe earpiece has been
`set.
`
`[0024] This invention will be more fully understoodin con-
`junction with the following detailed description taken
`together with the following drawings.
`
`[0016] A plurality of detents can be formed upon the ear
`insert so as to engage the earpiece andbetter inhibit undesir-
`able movementofthe ear insert with respect to the earpiece
`after the lengthofthe ear insert has been set. Such detents can
`be used in addition to a friction fit or other means for inhib-
`
`iting undesirable movementof the ear insert with respect to
`the earpiece.
`[0017] The ear insert can threadedly engage the earpiece
`such that turning the ear insert with respect to the earpiece
`results in varying the length of the ear insert that extends
`inwardly away from the earpiece. Such threads can be used in
`addition to a friction fit or other means for inhibiting unde-
`sirable movement of the ear insert with respect to the ear-
`piece.
`[0018] An earpiece assembly can comprise an earpiece that
`is configured to fit substantially within the conchae of an ear
`and an ear insert that is configured to fit within the ear canal.
`The ear insert comprises a stem configured to extend into an
`ear canal. The stem is attached to the earpiece such that a
`length of the insert within ear canalis variable.
`[0019] According to a communications embodiment, the
`stem ofthe ear insert can be substantially hollow,e.g., have a
`bore formed therethrough,so as to facilitate the transmission
`of sound (such as from a two-wayradio) therethrough.A filter
`or other structure can be formedin the boreso as to modify the
`sound passing therethrough. This embodimentcan also pro-
`vide a substantial amount of hearing protection.
`[0020] According to a hearing protection embodiment, the
`stem of the earpiece can be substantially solid such that the
`earpiece assembly functions as an earplug and mitigates the
`transmission of ambient sound to the eardrum. According to
`ahearing protection embodiment, the stem ofthe earpiece can
`have a bore passing substantially therethrough. The bore can
`be configuredso as to facilitate the transmission of desirable
`sound while mitigating the transmission of undesirable
`sound. For example, a Hoch’s filter can be disposed within the
`bore to mitigate the transmission of higher intensity sounds
`while facilitating the transmission of lower intensity sounds.
`[0021] By facilitating adjustment of the length of the ear
`insert within the ear canalof a user, the configuration of the
`earpiece assembly can be optimized so as to provide
`enhanced sounddelivery to the users. In this manner, speech
`received via a two-way radio, for example, can be more
`intelligible. Speech can be moreintelligible at lower speaker
`volumes.
`
`[0022] By facilitating adjustment of the length of the ear
`insert within the ear canalof a user, the configuration of the
`earpiece assembly can be optimized to provide a better and
`more comfortable fit for either a communications earpiece or
`a hearing protection earpiece (earplug).
`[0023] Also, the volume of the two-way radio or other
`audio device can be decreased because of the enhanced effi-
`
`ciency of sound delivery to the ear drum. Such reduction in
`the sound volumecanincrease the length ofthe batteries’ life,
`thereby enhancing the utility of the audio device.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an earpiece having a
`[0025]
`flanged ear insert according to an embodimentofthe present
`invention;
`[0026]
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view ofthe ear insert of FIG.
`1, wherein the ear insert is removed from the earpiece;
`[0027] FIG.3isa perspective view of an embodiment ofthe
`ear insert of FIG. 2 wherein a plurality of rings are formed
`upon a portion of the stem oftheear insert to facilitate adjust-
`ment ofthe length thereofthat extends into a user’s ear canal;
`[0028]
`FIG. 4is a perspective view of another embodiment
`of the ear insert of FIG. 2 wherein threads are formed upon a
`portion of the stem ofthe ear insert to facilitate adjustment of
`the length thereof that extends into a user’s ear canal;
`[0029]
`FIG. 5is a perspective view of another embodiment
`of the earinsert of FIG. 2, wherein bumpsare formed upon a
`portion of the stem ofthe ear insert to facilitate adjustment of
`the length thereof that extends into a user’s ear canal and also
`showing a Hoch’sfilter inserted into a bore ofthe ear insert to
`inhibit loud noises from reaching the eardrum;
`[0030]
`FIG. 6 is a side view of the earpiece of FIG. 1,
`wherein the ear insert is removed therefrom;
`[0031]
`FIG. 7 is a bottom view ofthe earpiece of FIG.6,
`showing the opening therein with dashedlines;
`[0032]
`FIG. 8 isa perspective view of an earpiece having an
`ear insert with one flange, according to an embodimentofthe
`present invention;
`[0033]
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view ofthe ear insert of FIG.
`8, wherein theear insert is removed from the earpiece and has
`bumps formed upon a stem thereof; and
`[0034]
`FIG. 10 isa perspective view ofthe earpiece of FIG.
`1 having acoustic tubing attached thereto.
`[0035] Embodiments of the present invention and their
`advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed
`description that follows. It should be appreciated that like
`reference numerals are used to identify like elements illus-
`trated in one or moreofthe figures.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0036] An earpiece assembly for use by police, fire and
`military personnel is disclosed. The earpiece assembly can
`have an earpiece that is configuredto fit substantially within
`the conchae of an ear and can have an ear insert that is
`
`adjustably attached to the earpiece. Thus, the earpiece assem-
`bly can be adjusted so as to vary the length of the ear insert
`within a user’s ear canal. The length of the ear insert that
`extendsinto the ear canal can be adjusted soas to bring sound
`from an audio device, such as two-wayradio, a music player
`(an MP3® playeror an iPod®)or a cellular telephone, closer
`to the eardrum ofthe user so as to provide better hearing.
`[0037] Bringing the sound closerto the eardrum also allows
`the audio device to be used at lower volumes. Operation of
`some audio devices at lower volumes can be advantageousin
`somesituations, such as covert operations. Operation of an
`audio device at lower volumescan also conserve battery life,
`which can provide longer use in somesituations where longer
`use is beneficial, such as in the battlefield.
`[0038] Adjustmentof the length of ear insert within the ear
`canal can also accommodate a wider range of ear canal con-
`
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`US 2008/0181441 Al
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`
`figurations and thusfacilitate better hearing and/or hearing
`protection. A wider range of ear canal configurations can be
`accommodated both by positioning the distal end of the ear
`insert a desired distance from the eardrum andbypositioning
`flangesor other structures ofthe ear insert at desired positions
`within the ear canal.
`
`[0039] An earplug embodimentis also disclosed. Thus, an
`embodiment can comprise an earpiece with a flanged ear
`insert that is suitable for use as hearing protection,is suitable
`for facilitating listening to a two-wayradio orthe like, oris
`suitable for providing a combination of hearing protection
`and such listening. The present invention may comprise a
`solid ear insert so as to substantially attenuate ambient sound.
`Alternatively, the present invention may comprise a hollow or
`partially hollow earinsert to allow desired ambient sound or
`sound from a radio to pass therethrough.
`[0040] Moreparticularly, an ear insert can comprise a stem
`that is configured to extend into an ear canal. The stem can be
`configured to attach to an earpiece such that a length of the
`insert within an ear canalis variable. For hearing protection,
`the stem can be substantially solid so as to inhibit the trans-
`mission of ambient sound therethrough. Alternatively, the
`stem can have a bore formed substantially therethrough so as
`to facilitate the transmission of sound therethrough for use
`with a two-wayradioorthelike.
`[0041] The stem of the ear insert can have one or more
`flanges formed thereon. Theflanges can provide an enhanced
`seal so as to better mitigate the transmission of ambient sound
`through the ear canal. The position of the flanges within the
`ear canal can be varied so as to tend to optimizethe seal and,
`consequently, enhance ambient sound attenuation. Ambient
`sound attenuation tends to be optimized whenthe size of the
`flanges is matchedto thesize ofthe ear canalat the position of
`the flanges within the ear canal. The size of the flanges is
`matchedto the size of the ear canal whenflangesfit comfort-
`ably within the ear canal while adequately sealing the ear
`canal. The flanges can also enhancethe fit of the earpiece
`assembly so as to allow the earpiece assembly to fit more
`securely within a user’s ear.
`[0042] Whether used for communications (such as having a
`hollow stem for sound transmission) orfor hearing protection
`(such as having a solid stem for sound attenuation), the ability
`to position the stem and/or flanges within the ear canal facili-
`tates better fitting of the earpiece assembly to a particular
`user’s ear anatomy. As those skilled in the art will appreciate,
`the diameter of the ear canal of an individual can vary sub-
`stantially at different positions along the length of the ear
`canal. Thus, the ability to movethe ear insert, particularly the
`flanges thereof, within the ear canal can substantially enhance
`the fit of the earpiece assembly by better matching the diam-
`eter of the flanges to the diameter of the ear canal at the
`locations where the flanges are disposed.
`[0043] As discussed in detail below, the stem of the ear
`insert can be attachedto the earpiece in a variety of different
`waysthat facilitate adjustmentof the length of the ear insert
`within the ear canalofa user. For example, the stem ofthe ear
`insert can be slidably attachable to the earpiece such that the
`length of the ear insert that extends inwardly (into the ear
`canal) from the earpiece can be adjusted by sliding the ear
`insert within the earpiece.
`[0044] One or more detents can be formed upon the ear
`insert and/or the earpiece so as to inhibit undesirable move-
`ment of the ear insert with respect to the earpiece once the
`length ofthe ear insert has been set. The detents can comprise
`
`bumps, rings, or any otherdesired structures. The detents can
`inhibit movement of the stem of the ear insert through the
`earpieces so as to tend to causetheear insert to remain in place
`with respect to the earpiece and thereby maintain a desired
`length adjustmentofthe ear insert.
`[0045] Alternatively, friction can maintain a desired length
`adjustmentofthe ear insert with or withoutthe use of detents.
`For example, the outer diameter of the stem ofthe ear insert
`can be sized with respect to the diameter ofthe opening within
`the earpiece through which the ear insert moves so as to
`provide the desire amount offriction and thus the desired
`ability of the ear insert to resist movement with respect to the
`earpiece.
`[0046] The ear insert and/or the earpiece can have threads
`formed thereon such that adjustment of the length of the ear
`insert extending inwardly away from the earpiece can be
`adjusted by turning theear insert with respect to the earpieces.
`Thus, the ear insert can threadedly engage the earpiece.
`[0047] One or more flanges can be formed uponthe stem of
`the ear insert. For example, one, two, three, or more flanges
`can be formed uponthe stem oftheearinsert. The flanges can
`help hold the ear insert in place within the ear canal and can
`inhibit the transmission of ambient sound through the ear
`canal.
`
`[0048] The ear insert can be formed of rubber, such as
`silicone rubber. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
`otherresilient, biocompatible materials can also be used. The
`ear insert can be formedofa resilient material having Shore A
`durometer of between approximately 35 and approximately
`45. For example, the insert can be formedofa resilient mate-
`rial having Shore A durometer of approximately 40.
`[0049] Various combinations of attenuation and transmis-
`sion may be provided. For example, a hollow or partially
`hollow ear insert may be configured so as to substantially
`attenuate some ambient sound (such as potentially harmful
`loud noise), while allowing some ambient sound (such as
`voices) to be heard. Optionally, the ear insert can comprise
`one or more openings that allow a substantial portion of
`ambient sound to be heard, while also allowing radio com-
`munications to be heard. Optionally, a filter may be used to
`selectively allow soundsto be heard.
`[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7, one embodi-
`ment of the present invention comprises an earpiece 11 to
`which an earinsert 12 is attached. Earpiece 11 is configured
`to be disposed in the conchae of the outer ear. Ear insert 12 is
`configured to be disposed within the ear canal.
`[0051] Earpiece 11 can comprise a generally arcuate rib 13
`that has upper and lower ends. Arcuate rib 13 can be attached
`to a straight rib 14 at the upper and lowerendsof arcuate rib
`13. An upper lobe 16 can be formed proximate where arcuate
`rib 13 and straight rib 14 join at the top of earpiece 11.
`Sunilarly, a lower lobe 17 can be formed proximate where
`arcuate rib 13 andstraightrib 14 join at the bottom ofearpiece
`11. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, other configu-
`rations of the earpiece are likewise suitable.
`[0052] Earpiece 11 is configured to be disposed and held in
`place within the conchae of a human ear. Moreparticularly,
`the crus and the antihelix of a wearer’s ear cooperate to
`capture upperlobe 16 andthe tragus and antitragus cooperate
`to capture lower lobe 17. The antihelix and the antitragus
`cooperate to capture arcuate rib 13. Thus, earpiece 11 is
`configured to be captured by protrusions of the conchae. In
`
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`this manner, earpiece 11 is held firmly in place within the
`conchae and can therefore maintain ear insert 12 in a desired
`
`position within the ear canal.
`[0053] The proximal end of ear insert 12 passes through
`opening 61 (FIG. 6) of earpiece 11 to facilitate adjustable
`attachment to earpiece 11. Ear insert 12 can be adjustably
`attached to earpiece 11 byfrictionfit, by detents, by threads,
`or by any other desired means. For example, ear insert 12 can
`befrictionfit to earpiece 11 by sizing a proximal portion 21
`(FIG.2)of ear insert 12 so as fit tightly within an opening 61
`of earpiece 11.
`[0054] The length ofthe ear insert 12 that extends inwardly
`away from the earpiece 11 can be adjusted so as to vary the
`distance between the distal end of the ear insert 12 and the
`
`user’s eardrum. As those skilled in the art will appreciate,
`there is wide variation in the configuration of ear canals
`among individuals. There is also wide variation in the dis-
`tance to a user’s eardrum (the depth of the ear canal) among
`individuals.
`
`[0055] Generally, it is desirable to position the distal end of
`the ear insert between approximately two and approximately
`four millimeters from the eardrum. In someinstances, it may
`be desirable to position the distal end of the ear insert closer
`to the eardrum (such as approximately 1 millimeter there-
`from) and in someinstancesit may be desirable to position the
`distal end of the earinsert farther from the eardrum.
`
`[0056] Once the length adjustmentofthe ear insert 12 has
`been performed, then the ear insert 12 can be permanently
`attached to earpiece 11 such as by adhesive bonding,ultra-
`sonic welding,or by any other desired means. In this manner,
`inadvertent changes to the adjustment ofthe ear insert 12 can
`be mitigated. Alternatively, no such permanent attachment
`can be performed.In this manner, subsequent re-adjustment
`of the length of the ear insert can be performedif desired.
`[0057] Earpiece 11 and ear insert 12 can be formedofa soft,
`resilient material to enhance comfort during use. Both ear-
`piece 11 andearinsert 12 can be formed ofthe same material.
`Asdiscussed above, both the earpiece 11 andthe earinsert 12
`can be formedofa resilient polymer, such as silicon rubber.
`Earpiece 11 and ear insert 12 can be formed of a material
`having a Shore A durometer of between 35 and 45, such as a
`Shore A durometer of approximately 40.
`[0058] Earpiece 11 functions as a stop to preventear insert
`12 from being inserted too far into the ear. This is particularly
`important since theear insert 12 can be positioned close to the
`eardrum.
`
`[0059] Earpiece 11 also prevents ear insert 12 from being
`inadvertently removed or loosened from the ear. That is,
`earpiece 11 can be held firmly in place by the anatomical
`structures ofthe ear.
`
`[0060] With particular reference to FIG. 2, according to one
`embodimentofthe present invention ear insert 12 comprises
`a stem 15 and two flanges, 18 and 19. Ear insert 12 can
`comprise any desired numberofflanges, including no flanges
`at all, as discussed in further detail below. Stem 15 can either
`be solid (so as to substantially block sound) or hollow (so as
`to substantially transmit sound). Stem 15 can also be partially
`hollow (so as to selectively transmit sound).
`[0061]
`Stem 15 can bend such that it angles upwardly to
`conform to the upward angle of the human ear canal. For
`example, stem 15 can bend suchthat it angles upwardly at an
`angle, Angle A, of approximately 30°. The distance between
`the proximalend of ear insert 12 and the distal end of outer
`flange 19, Dimension B, can be approximately 0.545 inch.
`
`The distance between the proximalend ofear insert 12 and
`the point wherea filter (such as a Hoch filter) ends, Dimension
`C, can be approximately 0.304 inch. The distance between the
`proximalendof ear insert 12 and the bend in stem 15, Dimen-
`sion D, can be approximately 0.680 inch. The distance
`between the proximal endof ear insert 12 and a distal end of
`inner flange 18, Dimension E, can be approximately 0.743
`inch. The distance between the proximal endofear insert 12
`and the distal end of inner flange 18, Dimension F, can be
`approximately 0.870 inch.
`[0062] The diameter of stem 15 can be approximately 0.189
`inch. Stem 15 can optionally have a bore 22 formed there-
`through. Bore 22 can have a diameter of approximately 0.094
`inch. Outer flange 19 can have a radius of approximately
`0.241 inch. Similarly, inner flange 18 can have a radius of
`approximately 0.193 inch. Thus, the radius of inner flange 18
`can be substantially less than the radius of outer flange 19, so
`as to better accommodate the manner in which the human ear
`
`canal becomes narrowerasit gets deeper.
`[0063] The exemplary angle and dimensions discussed
`above providea single ear insert that is suitable for use by a
`large numberindividuals. Thoseskilledin the art will appre-
`ciate that other dimensionsare likewise suitable.
`
`[0064] The distal end ofbore 22 defines a sound outputport
`26 (FIGS. 2 and9). Ear insert 12 is configured such that sound
`output port 26 is positioned proximate the wearer’s eardrum.
`That is, ear insert 12 can be configured so as to position a
`distal end 25 thereof proximate the eardrum.In this manner,
`sound transmitted through bore 22 (such as sound from a
`two-wayradio), is brought close to the eardrum such that the
`volumeof the sound required can be substantially reduced.
`[0065] The distance between the output port 26 and the
`eardrum can be varied. For example, the ear insert can posi-
`tion sound outputport 26 within one, two, or three millimeters
`of the eardrum. The ear insert can have a length of approxi-
`mately 4 inch. Theearinsert can have a length of % inch or
`more.
`
`[0066] A head 23 can be formed upon the proximal end of
`stem 15 so as to enhancefriction with respect to opening 61 of
`earpiece 11 and/orso as to define a detent that tends to keep
`ear insert 12 attached to earpiece 11. Bevels 24 can optionally
`be formed upon head 23to betterfacilitate insertion of head
`23 through opening 61. The head 24 can be positioned within
`the opening 61 (FIGS. 6 and 7) of the earpiece or can be
`pushed entirely therethrough and thus be position on the
`outward side of earpiece 11.
`[0067] The ear insert 12 may compriseeither a flanged ear
`insert or a non-flanged ear insert. The flanges generally fill
`(close off) the ear canal and tend to block ambient sound.
`Although sometimesit is desirable to block ambient sound,
`other times, it is desirable for the user to hear ambient sound.
`Theflanges need notbe identical, but rather may vary in size,
`shape, orientation and/or positions of attachmentto the stem,
`for example.
`[0068] The ear insert can have a bore formed therethrough
`to facilitate the transmission of sound from a speaker (such as
`via acoustic tubing connected to the speaker) to the user’s
`eardrum. Alternatively, the ear insert can lack such a bore, so
`as to define an earplug, such asfor attenuating ambient sound.
`Indeed, the bore and/or openings in the stem and/or flanges
`can be configured so as to selectively transmit and block
`desired sounds. Such selectivity can be based upon the fre-
`quency and/or intensity of the sound.
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`US 2008/0181441 Al
`
`Jul. 31, 2008
`
`[0069] A user can wear one earpiece assembly having an
`ear insert with a bore and one earpiece assembly lacking a
`bore. The earpiece assembly having an ear insert with a bore
`can facilitate listening to a two-wayradioor the like, while the
`earpiece assembly having an ear insert without a bore can at
`least partially block distracting and/or potentially harmful
`ambient sound.
`
`[0070] Referring now to FIG.3, one or morerings 31 can be
`formed upon the stem 15 to define detents. The earpiece 11
`can have similar rings formed in the opening 61 thereof. The
`earpiece 11 can have groovesthat are complimentary to rings
`31 formed in the opening thereof. The grooves can thus
`receive rings 31 so as to retain the stem 15 in a desired
`position with respect to the earpiece 11.
`[0071] Referring now to FIG. 4, the stem 15 can have
`threads 41 formed thereon. The threads 41 can engage com-
`plimentary threads formed within opening 61 to facilitate
`adjustmentof the length of stem 15 within a user’s ear canal.
`[0072] Referring now to FIG. 5, one or more bumps 51 can
`be formed uponthe stem 15 to define detents. The earpiece 11
`can have similar bumps formedin the opening 61 thereof. The
`earpiece 11 can have depressions that are complimentary to
`bumps 51 formedin the opening thereof. The depressions can
`thus receive bumps 51 so asto retain the stem 15 in a desired
`position with respect to the earpiece 11.
`[0073] A filter 55 can be inserted into bore 22 to selectively
`mitigate sound exposure. For example, a Hoch’s filter can be
`used to mitigate exposure to louder sounds, while still allow-
`ing a wearer to hear quieter sounds, such as speech.
`[0074] Any desired combination of detents, e.g., rings,
`threads, and bumps, can be used on the stem and/or the
`earpiece to facilitate adjustment of the length of the stem 15
`within a user’s ear canal and/or to help maintain the position
`(such as the adjusted position) ofthe ear insert 12 with respect
`to the earpiece 11.
`[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and7, an earpiece 11 that
`is configuredfor use in theleft ear is shown withthe ear insert
`removed therefrom Arcuate rib 13 andstraight rib 14 define a
`D shape. When a mirror image arcuate rib and straightrib are
`configured for use in the right ear, a reverse (mirror image) D
`is similarly defined.
`[0076]
`For a medium size earpiece, the height, Dimension
`G, can be approximately 1.087 inch and the width, Dimension
`H, can be approximately 0.802 inch. Fora large size earpiece,
`the height, Dimension G, can be approximately 1.150 inch
`and the width, Dimension H, is approximately 0.850 inch.
`The medium sizefits a large percentage of people.
`[0077] The medium size earpiece can be configuredto fit
`mostadult ears. More particularly, the medium size earpiece
`can be configuredtofit at least 70% of ears ofmen between 19
`and 40 years old. Arcuate rib 13 tends to deform or bends