The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 24, 2004
Filed:
Jan. 13, 2000
Robert Falco, Indianapolis, IN (US);
Aearo Company, Sturbridge, MA (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides an earplug formed of a body and a stem member. The body has an insertion end and an opposing second end and further includes a stem channel formed therein. The stem member is disposed within the stem channel of the body so, as to securely couple the stem member to the body for easy insertion of the earplug into an ear of the wearer. According to the present invention, the stem member is formed of a material such that insertion of the earplug into the ear results in the stiffness of the stem member decreasing such that the stem member becomes less stiff upon being inserted and positioned within the ear. Advantageously, the design and/or material of the stem member permits the earplug to be stiff for insertion thereof into the ear; however, the preferred material used to form the stem member exhibits a softening characteristic such that upon insertion into the ear, the stem member softens. In other words, the stem member relaxes and relieves any excess pressure caused by the insertion of the earplug into the ear.