Patent ID: 7107993
Filing Date: 2006-09-19
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An earplug composed of an injected molded resilient polymeric material for insertion into an ear canal by a fingertip of a user, including an elongated member having a nose portion formed as a curved front end, an open cup shaped rearward extending flange located at the end of the elongated member opposite to the nose portion and with the open cup shaped rearward extending flange configured to receive the fingertip of the user, the elongated member also including at least one hollow rearward extending flange element located intermediate the nose portion and the open cup shape flange, both the nose portion and the at least one flange element having a generally curved shape to extend into and conform to the wall of the ear canal, and with the diameter of the curved shape of the front end increasing progressively from the nose end to a maximum diameter and with the diameter of the at least one hollow rearward extending flange element also increasing progressively to a maximum diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the nose end, and the earplug composed of a resilient polymer material having a relatively low Shore A Durometer hardness value and the cup shape flange portion with the inserted fingertip of the user forming a handle of greater stiffness to enable the earplug with the relatively low Shore A Durometer hardness value to be more easily inserted into the ear canal.