Abstract:
User disposable sleeves for use with sound controlling structures having a non-constant radial profile can include an inner portion adapted to releasably attach to the sound controlling structure and an outer portion adapted to fit within a user&#39;s ear canal. The user disposable sleeve can include holding means configured to releasably secure the sleeve to the elongate sound controlling structure and fitment means configured to conform to an inner surface of an ear. The fitment means can be fixedly disposed over the holding means.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/729,715, filed Dec. 5, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to sound controlling devices and more specifically to user disposable sleeves configured to be releasably secured to sound controlling devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Several user disposable sleeves are known that have outer surfaces adapted to conform to the inner surface of an ear after a foam outer portion is compressed, inserted into the ear canal, and allowed to expand. These sleeves are adapted for releasable attachment to sound controlling devices or structures and are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,880,076; 5,002,151; 5,920,636; and 6,310,961, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. These patents show user disposable sleeves that are adapted for releasable attachment to sound controlling devices or structures having truncated conical outer surfaces diverging in cross-sectional size from their distal ends and having abutment surfaces spaced predetermined distances from their distal ends. 
     While such sleeves, when engaged with the sound controlling structures, can provide suitable interfaces between the sound controlling structures and the inner surface of an ear in which the sleeves are positioned, those sleeves may either be more expensive to manufacture and/or more difficult to remove from the sound controlling structures than may be desired for some applications. A need remains for improved user disposable sleeves. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention is directed to user disposable sleeves for use with sound controlling structures. The user disposable sleeves include an inner portion adapted to releasably attach to the sound controlling structure and an outer portion adapted to fit within a user&#39;s ear canal. 
     Accordingly, an example embodiment of the invention can be found in a user disposable sleeve that is adapted for use with an elongate sound controlling structure having an outer surface having a non-constant radial profile. The user disposable sleeve includes holding means configured to releasably secure the sleeve to the elongate sound controlling structure and fitment means configured to conform to an inner surface of an ear. The fitment means is fixedly disposed over the holding means and the holding means is configured to permit placement of the sleeve on the elongate sound controlling structure by axially sliding the sleeve onto the elongate sound controlling structure. 
     Another example embodiment of the invention can be found in a method of using an elongate sound controlling device having a non-constant radial profile. A disposable sleeve is provided, the sleeve including holding means to releasably secure the sleeve to the elongate controlling structure. Resiliently compressible foam configured to conform to an inner surface of a user&#39;s ear is secured to the holding means. The disposable sleeve is axially slid onto the elongate sound controlling device. The foam is compressed and the elongate sound controlling device is inserted into the user&#39;s ear canal, and the foam is then allowed to expand. 
     Another example embodiment of the invention can be found in a sound controlling structure that includes an elongate sound tube and a disposable sleeve disposed over the elongate sound tube. The disposable sleeve includes holding means configured to releasably secure the sleeve to the elongate sound controlling structure and fitment means configured to conform to an inner surface of an ear. The fitment means is secured to the holding means. The holding means is configured to permit placement of the sleeve on the elongate sound tube by axially sliding the sleeve onto the elongate sound controlling structure. 
     Another example embodiment of the invention can be found in a sleeve that includes an outer portion of resiliently compressible polymeric foam having an outer surface adapted to conform to the inner surface of an ear after the foam outer portion is compressed, inserted into the ear canal, and allowed to expand, said outer portion having opposite first and second ends, and an inner surface extending through the outer portion between said first and second ends. The sleeve also includes a tube of relatively stiff flexible material having an axis and opposite axially spaced first and second ends, an outer surface adhered to said inner surface of said outer portion, and an inner surface defining a through passageway, the outer and inner surfaces of said tube having cross sections of generally uniform shape and size along said axes. The tube has a continuous generally annular portion adjacent said first end, and a plurality of axially extending circumferentially spaced slits between the inner and outer surfaces of said tube extending from said annular portion to the second end of said tube and defining axially extending portions of said tube that can flex radially outwardly of the axis of the tube. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts in the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a foam outer portion and a tube in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sleeve of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sleeve of  FIGS. 1 and 2  engaged on a sound controlling structure; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of a removal assisting tab that is attached to the sound controlling structure shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sleeve in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a foam outer portion and a tube for a sleeve in accordance with an embodiment of invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a spiral cut tube in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a perforated tube in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another perforated tube in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a grooved tube in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another grooved tube in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a fluted tube in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an internally tapered tube having a relatively more elastic portion in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a tube including multiple longitudinal V-shaped projections in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a portion of an elongate sound controlling device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a portion of another elongate sound controlling device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a portion of another elongate sound controlling device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. 
     All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the terms “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. 
     The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
     The following description should be read with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments of the claimed invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 4  of the drawing, there is illustrated a first embodiment of a sleeve  10 . The sleeve  10  is useful on various types of sound controlling structures, including (but not limited to) sound controlling structures that house speakers and/or microphones adjacent their distal ends such as are used in some audio testing equipment, sound controlling structures with through passageways communicating with a hearing aid, or sound controlling structures used with devices that allow or facilitate communication in noisy environments. 
     As illustrated, the sleeve  10  includes an outer member  12  having an outer surface  11  that is adapted to conform to the inner surface of an ear after the outer member  12  has been compressed, inserted into the ear canal, and allowed to expand. In some embodiments, the outer member  12  can be formed of a resiliently compressible polymeric foam. The foam outer member  12  has a distal end  13  and a proximal end  14 , and an inner surface  16  that extends through the outer member  12  between the distal end  13  and the proximal end  14 . 
     The resiliently compressible polymeric foam from which the outer member  12  is formed should be easily compressible so that it can be compressed and inserted into the ear canal where it undergoes a substantial portion of its recovery, after which it should recover sufficiently to closely conform to the surface of the ear canal. The outer member  12  including its inner surface  16  can be molded and the mold surface, release agents and/or the material used may provide it with a smooth skin. 
     Alternatively, the outer member  12  except for its inner surface  16  can be molded, after which the inner surface  16  in the outer member  12  can be formed by a punching operation which forms the inner surface  16  extending through the outer member  12  between its opposite ends  13  and  14 , with the inner surface  16  having a cross section of generally uniform shape and size along its axis. Suitable foam for the outer member  12  is a visco-elastic polyurethane commercially available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn., similar to the foam sold by 3M under the trademark ATTENUTECH. Another suitable foam would be the plasticized polyvinyl chloride foam commercially available from Aero, Indianapolis, Ind. 
     The sleeve  10  also includes an inner member  20  that has an axis  18 , a distal end  22 , a proximal end  23 , an outer surface  24  that corresponds in shape to the inner surface  16  of the outer member  12 , and an inner surface  28  defining a through passageway. In some embodiments, the inner member  20  can be adhesively secured to the outer member  12  using any suitable adhesive represented as adhesive layer  26 . An exemplary adhesive includes CHEMLOCK 459 bonding adhesive available from Lord Corporation, Erie, Pa. 
     In some embodiments, the inner member  20  and the outer member  12  can be formed separately and then secured together. In other embodiments, the outer member  12  and the inner member  20  can be co-extruded. In particular embodiments, as illustrated, the inner member  20  can be an extruded tube formed of a relatively stiff but flexible polymeric material such as polyurethane. 
     The inner member  20  can be configured to provide longitudinal support to the foam outer member  12  to restrict changing the length of the foam outer member  12  when the sleeve  10  is engaged with the sound controlling structure  34 . In some embodiments, the continuous generally annular portion  30  of the inner member  20  can firmly and frictionally engage over the outer surface  35  of the sound controlling structure  34  adjacent its distal end  36  when the sleeve  10  is engaged with the sound controlling structure  34 . The axially extending portions  32  of the inner member  20  can easily flex radially away from the longitudinal axis of inner member  20  to conform to the outer surface  35  of the sound controlling structure  34 . 
     In embodiments in which the sound controlling structure  34  includes abutment  38 , the axially extending portions  32  can be sufficiently stiff so that their proximal ends engage the abutment  38  upon such engagement to help position the sleeve  10  along the outer surface  35  of the sound controlling structure  34 . 
     The characteristics of the inner member  20 , including the material from which it is made, the durometer of that material, the wall thickness of the inner member  20 , and the number of axially extending portions  32  provided on the inner member  20 , can be selected to provide a desired combination of those features for a given application. Suitable characteristics for the inner member materials include (but are not limited to) using elastomer (e.g., urethane) materials having Shore A readings in the range of about 40 to about 100 (preferably about 60 to about 80) with a wall thickness of from about 0.03 to about 1.0 mm (e.g., 0.75 mm). The number of axially extending portions  32  used can be in the range of 3 to 12. In some embodiments, the inner member  20  can include about 6 to 8 axially extending portions. 
     The outer surface  24  and the inner surface  28  of the inner member  20  can have cross sections of generally uniform shape and size along their axes, those surfaces  24  and  28  being generally cylindrical as illustrated. In other embodiments, the inner surface  16  of the foam outer member  12 , the outer surface  24  and the inner surface  28  of the inner member  20  can have other profiles such as triangular, square, star shaped, or ribbed. 
     In some embodiments, the inner member  20  can have a continuous generally annular portion  30  adjacent its distal end  22 , and a plurality of axially extending circumferentially spaced slits  37  between its inner and outer surfaces  28  and  24  and extending from its annular portion  30  to the proximal end  23  of the inner member  20 . In some embodiments, the inner member  20  can include about 8 slits  37 . The slits  37  define axially extending portions  32  of the inner member  20  that can flex radially outwardly of its axis, thus slightly stretching and/or compressing the foam of the outer member  12  along its inner surface  16 . 
     In some embodiments, the inner surface  16  of the foam outer member  12  can have a cross section of generally uniform shape and size along its axis (generally cylindrical as illustrated) that corresponds in size and shape to the outer surface of the inner member  20  both when the foam outer member  12  is adhered to the inner member  20  and when the foam outer member  12  is fully expanded and its inner surface  16  is not attached to or compressed by any structure. Thus, adhering inner surface  16  of the foam outer member  12  to the inner member  20  will not cause any compressive or tensile stresses in the foam outer member  12  that, during storage of the sleeve  10  before it is used, could, under some conditions, lead to stress cracking or other failure of the foam outer member  12 . 
     As is seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the sleeve  10  is adapted for releasable attachment to an elongate sound controlling structure  34  having a non-constant radial profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface  35  diverges in cross-sectional size or area from a distal end  36  (i.e., a frusta conical outer surface, as illustrated). In other embodiments (described in greater detail hereinafter), the sound controlling structure  34  can have different non-constant radial profiles. In some embodiments, the sound controlling structure  34  can have an abutment  38  spaced a predetermined distance from its distal end  36 . 
     The inner surface  28  of the inner member  20  is sized so that when the sound controlling structure  34  is engaged in the through passageway of the inner member  20  with the proximal end  23  of the inner member  20  adjacent the abutment  38 , the continuous generally annular portion  30  of the inner member  20  can frictionally engage over the outer surface  35  of the sound controlling structure  34  adjacent its distal end  36 , while the axially extending portions  32  of the inner member  20  will flex radially outwardly of the axis of the inner member  20  (see  FIG. 4 ) to conform to the outer surface  35  of the sound controlling structure  34 . Also, the proximal ends of the axially extending portions  32  that are at and generally aligned with the proximal end  23  of the inner member  20  will engage the abutment  38  to help properly position the sleeve  10  along the diverging outer surface  35  of the sound controlling structure  34 . 
     In some embodiments, a tab  40  can be provided to facilitate separating the sleeve  10  from the elongate sound controlling structure  34 . The tab  40 , shown attached to the sound control structure  34  in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and shown separated from the sound control structure  34  in  FIG. 5 , can be a thin sheet of tough flexible material such as a 0.0063 inch or 0.016 mm thick sheet of polyester. The tab  40  can have a transverse base portion  42  having on one surface a layer  41  of pressure sensitive adhesive such as No. 8412 tape commercially available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn. 
     The base portion  42  of the tab  40  can be adapted to be wrapped around and adhered to the sound control structure  34  by that layer  41  of adhesive at a location spaced toward the abutment  38  from the portion of the control structure  34  that will be engaged by the annular portion  30  of the inner member  20 . The tab  40  can have an elongate portion  43  that has no adhesive coating. The base portion  42  is adhered to the sound control structure  34  so that the elongate portion  43  extends from the base portion  42  axially along the sound control structure  34  and radially outwardly along the abutment  38  so that an enlarged end part  44  of the elongate portion  43  opposite the base portion  42  projects radially outwardly from the abutment  38 . 
     When the sleeve  10  is engaged with the sound control structure  34 , the base portion  42  and a major part of the elongate portion  43  will be positioned between the sleeve  10  and the sound control structure  34 . Subsequent removal of the sleeve  10  from the sound control structure  34  can then be facilitated by grasping the end part  44  and pulling it toward the distal end  36  of the sound control structure  34  to pull part of the sleeve  10  over the tab  40  away from the outer surface of the sound control structure  34 , thereby rupturing and/or stretching the sleeve  10  so that it can easily be removed from the sound control structure  34 . 
     Instead of affixing the base portion  42  to the sound control structure  34  by wrapping it around and adhering it to the sound control structure  34  by the layer  41  of adhesive, the opposite ends of the base portion  42  can be bonded together (e.g., by heat sealing) to form a collar sized to frictionally engage the outer surface of the sound control structure  34 , which frictional engagement may or may not be supplemented by a layer of adhesive on the inner surface of the collar. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6  of the drawings, there is illustrated a second embodiment of a sleeve  50 . The sleeve  50  includes an outer member  52  of resiliently compressible polymeric foam having the same shape and characteristics as the sleeve  10  described above including an outer surface  51  adapted to conform to the inner surface of an ear after the foam outer member  52  is compressed, inserted into the ear canal, and allowed to expand. The outer member  52  includes a distal end  53  and a proximal end  54 , and an inner surface  56  extending therebetween. 
     The sleeve  50  also includes an inner member  60  of a relatively stiff but flexible polymeric material such as a urethane. The inner member  60  has an axis  58 , a distal end  62  and a proximal end  63 , and an outer surface  64  corresponding in shape to and adhered to the inner surface  56  of the outer member  52  by a layer  66  of suitable adhesive such as previously discussed, and an inner surface  68  defining a through passageway. The outer and inner surfaces  64  and  68  of the inner member  60  can have cross sections of generally uniform shape and size along their axes, those surfaces  64  and  68  being generally cylindrical as illustrated. 
     The inner member  60  has a continuous generally annular portion  70  adjacent its distal end  62 , and has a plurality of (i.e., 8 as illustrated) axially extending circumferentially spaced slits  77  between its inner and outer surfaces  68  and  64  and extending from its annular portion  70  to the proximal end  63  of the inner member  60 . The slits  77  define axially extending portions  72  of the inner member  60  that can flex radially outwardly of its axis by slightly stretching and/or compressing the foam of the outer member  52  along its inner surface  56 . The inner member  60  has essentially the same structure as the inner member  20  described above, including distal and proximal ends  62  and  63 . 
     The inner surface  56  of the foam outer member  52  has an axis and has a cross section of generally uniform shape and size along its axis (generally cylindrical as illustrated) that corresponds in size and shape to the outer surface of the inner member  60  both when the foam outer member  52  is adhered to the inner member  60  and when the foam outer member  52  is fully expanded and its inner surface  56  is not attached to or compressed by any structure. Thus, adhering the foam outer member  52  to the inner member  60  will not cause any compressive or tension stresses in the foam outer member  52  that, during storage of the sleeve  50  before it is used, could, under some conditions, lead to stress cracking or other failure of the foam outer member  52 . 
     As is seen in  FIG. 6 , the sleeve  50  is adapted for releasable attachment to an elongate sound controlling structure  74  having an outer surface  75  that diverges in cross-sectional size or area from a distal end  76  (i.e., a frusta conical outer surface, as illustrated). The inner surface  68  of the inner member  60  is sized so that when the sound controlling structure  74  is engaged in the through passageway of the inner member  60  with the distal end  62  of the inner member  60  adjacent the distal end  76  of the sound controlling structure  74 , the continuous generally annular portion  70  of the inner member  60  will frictionally engage over the outer surface  75  of the sound controlling structure  74  adjacent its distal end  76 , while the axially extending portions  72  of the inner member  60  will flex radially outwardly of the axis of the inner member  60  to conform to the outer surface  75  of the sound controlling structure  74 . One or more of the parts of the axially extending portions  72  that project past the second end  54  of the outer portion  52  can be grasped and pulled on to help remove the sleeve  50  from the sound controlling structure  74 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is illustrated a third embodiment of a sleeve  80 . The sleeve  80  includes an outer member  82  that has essentially the same shape and characteristics as the outer member  12  described above in that it is of resiliently compressible polymeric foam having an outer surface  81  adapted to conform to the inner surface of an ear after the foam outer member  82  is compressed, inserted into the ear canal, and allowed to expand. The outer member  82  has a distal end  83  and a proximal end  84  and an inner surface  86  extending therebetween. 
     The sleeve  80  also includes an inner member  90 , such as a tubular member, that has been injection molded of a relatively stiff but flexible polymeric material such as SANTOPRENE™, which is commercially available from Advanced Elastomer Systems. The inner member  90  has an axis  88 , a first or distal end  92 , a second or proximal end  93  and an outer surface  94  corresponding in shape to and adhered to the inner surface  86  of the outer portion by a layer (not shown) of suitable adhesive (e.g., the CHEMLOCK 459 urethane bonding adhesive noted above), and an inner surface  98  defining a through passageway. The outer and inner surfaces  94  and  98  of the inner member  90  have cross sections of generally uniform shape and size along their axes, those surfaces  94  and  98  being generally cylindrical as illustrated. 
     The inner member  90  has a continuous generally annular portion  100  adjacent its first end  92 , and has a plurality of (i.e., 8 as illustrated) axially extending circumferentially spaced slits  107  between its inner and outer surfaces  98  and  94  and extending from its annular portion  100  to the second end  93  of the inner member  90 . The slits  107  define axially extending portions  102  of the inner member  90  that can flex radially outwardly of its axis by slightly stretching and/or compressing the foam of the outer portion  82  along its inner surface  86 . 
     The inner surface  86  of the foam outer member  82  has an axis and has a cross section of generally uniform shape and size along its axis (generally cylindrical as illustrated) that corresponds in size and shape to the outer surface of the inner member  90  both when the foam outer member  82  is adhered to the inner member  90  and when the foam outer member  82  is fully expanded and its inner surface  86  is not attached to or compressed by any structure. Thus, adhering the foam outer member  82  to the inner member  90  will not cause any compressive or tensile stresses in the foam outer member  82  that, during storage of the sleeve  80  before it is used, could, under some conditions, lead to stress cracking or other failure of the foam outer member  82 . 
     The sleeve  80  is adapted for releasable attachment to an elongate sound controlling structure having an outer surface that diverges in cross-sectional size or area from a distal end such as the sound controlling structure  74  with a frusta conical outer surface  75  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     Optionally, as illustrated, a projection  104  can be provided at the end of at least one of the axially extending portions  102  to facilitate separating the sleeve  80  from an elongate sound controlling structure with which it is engaged. Removing the sleeve  80  from the sound control structure can be facilitated by grasping the projection  104  and pulling it toward the distal end of the sound control structure and distal end  92  of the inner member  90  to pull the sleeve  80  away from the outer surface of the sound control structure. If required for such removal, the axially extending portion  102  from which the projection  104  projects can be pulled to tear through the foam outer member  82 , and the annular portion  100  of the inner member  90  can optionally be molded with score lines  106  (i.e., axially extending notches in the annular portion  100  that do not extend to its inner surface  98 ) aligned with the slits that form that axially extending portion  102  so that the annular portion  100  also can be ruptured by pulling on the projection  104 . 
     In the embodiments shown thus far, the inner member  20  of  FIGS. 1-4 , the inner member  60  of  FIG. 6 , and the inner member  90  of  FIG. 7  have each included a plurality of slits  37 ,  77 ,  107  that have been cut into the inner member  20 ,  60  and  90 . However, the invention encompasses additional embodiments.  FIGS. 8 through 14  illustrate additional inner members that can be used with a sound controlling device in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 8  shows an inner member  120  having a distal region  122 , a distal end  124 , a proximal region  126  and a proximal end  128 . In some embodiments, a spiral cut  130  can extend from the distal region  122  to the proximal region  126 . In particular embodiments, the spiral cut  130  can extend from the distal end  124  to the proximal end  128 . Alternatively, the spiral cut can extend over only a portion of the length with the distal portion including an annular region as described in previous embodiments. As the inner member  120  is placed onto a sound controlling device such as a device including an elongate sound tube having a non-constant radial profile, the inner member  120  can expand radially as a result of the distal region  122  twisting with respect to the proximal region  126 . 
     The inner member  120  can be biased into a non-expanded configuration such that the inner member  120  remains in contact with the sound controlling device upon which it is deployed. A foam outer member (such as outer member  12  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 ) can also, in some embodiments, exert an inward force to counter the outward movement of portions of the inner member  120 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show an inner member  132  having a distal region  134 , a distal end  136 , a proximal region  138  and a proximal end  140 . In the illustrated embodiment, the inner member  132  includes a plurality of preferential tear lines  142 . In some embodiments, the preferential tear lines  142  can include perforations. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the tear lines  142  can extend from the distal region  134  to the proximal end  140  of the inner member  132 , providing an annular section  144  that is free of tear lines  142  and that can frictionally engage the distal end of an elongate sound tube. In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the tear lines  142  can extend from the distal end  136  to the proximal end  140  of the inner member  132 . 
     As the inner member  132  is placed onto a sound controlling device including an elongate sound tube having a non-constant radial profile, the inner member  132  can split or tear along the tear lines  142  as necessary to accommodate the profile of the elongate sound tube. 
     The inner member  132  can be biased into a non-expanded configuration such that the inner member  132  remains in contact with the sound controlling device upon which it is deployed. A foam outer member (such as outer member  12  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 ) can also, in some embodiments, exert an inward force to counter the outward movement of portions of the inner member  132 . 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  show an inner member  146  that has a distal region  148 , a distal end  150 , a proximal region  152  and a proximal end  154 . The inner member  146  has an inner surface  162  and an outer surface  164 . A plurality of grooves  156  extend from the distal region  148  to the proximal end  154  of the inner member  146 , providing an annular section  158  that is free of grooves  156  and that can frictionally engage the distal end of an elongate sound tube. In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the grooves  156  can extend from the distal end  150  to the proximal end  154 . 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated, the grooves  156  can have a V-shape and can extend outwardly from an apex  166  that is positioned at or near the inner surface  162  towards an outermost point  168  of the V-shape. In other embodiments, the grooves  156  can be configured such that the apex  166  is positioned at or near the outer surface  164 . 
     As the inner member  146  is placed onto a sound controlling device including an elongate sound tube having a non-constant radial profile, the inner member  146  can split, tear or stretch along the grooves  156  as necessary to accommodate the profile of the elongate sound tube. The inner member  146  can be biased into a non-expanded configuration such that the inner member  146  remains in contact with the sound controlling device upon which it is deployed. A foam outer member (such as outer member  12  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 ) can also, in some embodiments, exert an inward force to counter the outward movement of portions of the inner member  146 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a fluted inner member  170  that has a distal region  172 , a distal end  174 , a proximal region  176  and a proximal end  178 . The fluted inner member  170  includes a plurality of axially aligned thinned portions  180  that can extend from the distal region  172  to the proximal region  176 . In some embodiments, as illustrated, the thinned portions  180  can extend from the distal end  174  to the proximal end  178 . 
     As the fluted inner member  170  is placed onto a sound controlling device such as a device having an elongate sound tube with a non-constant radial profile, the fluted inner member can stretch to accommodate diameter changes in the elongate sound tube. In some embodiments, the thinned portions  180  will preferentially stretch more than the rest of the fluted inner member  170 . 
     The fluted inner member  170  can be biased into a non-expanded configuration such that the fluted inner member  170  remains in contact with the sound controlling device upon which it is deployed. A foam outer member (such as outer member  12  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 ) can also, in some embodiments, exert an inward force to counter the outward movement of portions of the fluted inner member  170 . 
       FIG. 14  shows an alternative inner member  182  having a distal region  184  and a proximal region  186 . In this embodiment, no grooves, tear lines or other cuts or indentations are necessary, as the inner member  182  includes a proximal region of tapering wall thickness. The thinner wall, due to material selection, allows the distal portion to radially expand in an elastic manner to conform to the sound control device. 
     The positioned elastic inner member  182  preferably remains biased toward a non-expanded configuration such that the more elastic portion of the inner member  182  remains in contact with the sound controlling device upon which it is deployed. A foam outer member (such as outer member  12  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 ) can also, in some embodiments, exert an inward force to counter the outward movement of portions of the elastic inner member  182 . 
       FIG. 15  depicts another alternative inner member  181  having a generally annular distal region  183  and a proximal region  185  incorporating means for allowing radial expansion of that portion in response to engagement with the sound control device. The expandable portion includes multiple axially extending fingers  187  formed by cutting generally V-shaped longitudinal axial slits over a portion of the length of the inner member  181 . The changing radial width of the fingers  187  provides for variation in flexibility from the proximal to the annular distal region. 
     The inner members  120 ,  132 ,  146 ,  170 ,  181  and  182  illustrated in  FIGS. 8-15  can be used with an outer member  12  such as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 . The outer member  12  can be adhesively secured to the inner members  120 ,  132 ,  146 ,  170 ,  181  and  182  or, in some embodiments, the inner member  120 ,  132 ,  146 ,  170 ,  181  and  182  and the outer member  12  can be co-extruded, as discussed previously. 
     Once the inner member  120 ,  132 ,  146 ,  170 ,  181  and  182  and the outer member  12  have been assembled or formed into a user disposable sleeve, the sleeve can be employed on a variety of sound controlling devices. In some embodiments, the sleeve can be positioned over an elongate sound tube or other structure attached to or formed as a sound controlling device. The sleeve can be deployed over a sound controlling device having a frusta conical shape, such as the sound controlling device  34  having an outer surface  35 , as illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In other embodiments, the sleeve can be deployed over a sound controlling device having other geometries as well.  FIGS. 16-18  illustrate portions of exemplary sound controlling devices over which the aforementioned sleeve can be deployed. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a portion of a sound controlling device  188 , which can include or be an elongate sound tube or other similar structure. The sound controlling device  188  has a distal region  190 , a distal end  192  and a proximal region  194 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sound controlling device  188  includes an annular portion  196  and a conical portion  200 . The profile of the sound controlling device  188  changes from annular to conical at a transition point  198 . In some embodiments, the transition point  198  can be a sharp change in profile, while in other embodiments, the transition between annular and conical can be more gradual. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a portion of a sound controlling device  202  having a distal region  204 , a distal end  206  and a proximal region  208 . The sound controlling device  202  includes a distal annular portion  210  and a more proximal annular portion  212 , separated by a bulbous portion  214 . As illustrated, there are sharp transition points  216  and  218  between the bulbous portion  214  and the two annular portions  210  and  212 . In other embodiments, the transitions can be more gradual. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a portion of a sound controlling device  220  having a distal region  222 , a distal end  224  and a proximal region  226 . As illustrated, the sound controlling device  220  includes a total of three bulbous portions  228  separated by two annular portions  230 . A distal annular portion  232  is located within the distal region  222  while a more proximal annular portion  234  extends proximally from the proximal-most bulbous portion  228 . As discussed above with respect to  FIG. 17 , the transitions between annular and bulbous portions can be distinct or gradual. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 
     As a non-limiting example, a sleeve  10  such as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4  was made for use on a sound controlling structure or probe tip  34  made by Etymotic Research, Inc., Elk Grove, Ill., for use on audio testing equipment such as the EROSCAN™ OAE test instrument. The probe tip  34  had a frusta conical surface with a diameter at its distal end  36  of about 0.125 inch (0.318 cm), a diameter at its abutment  38  of about 0.222 inch (0.564 cm), and an axial length between its distal end  36  and abutment of about 0.58 inch (1.47 cm). The probe tip  34  had two loud speakers and a microphone positioned at openings through its distal end  36 . The sleeve  10  made for this probe tip  34  had an outer diameter for its foam outer member  12  of about 0.57 inch (1.54 cm), and a length between its ends  13  and  14  of about 0.6 inch (1.52 cm). 
     The foam used in the outer portion was the previously described visco-elastic polyurethane commercially available from 3M Company. The inner surface  16  of the outer member  12  and outer surface  24  of the inner member  20  were both cylindrical with diameters of about 0.2 inch (0.51 cm) and were adhered together with a layer  26  of the CHEMLOCK 459 bonding adhesive noted above. The inner member  20  had a cylindrical inner surface  28  that was about 0.12 inch (0.30 cm) in diameter, was made of urethane with a Shore A durometer of about 80, and had an axial length of about 0.6 inch (1.52 cm) between its ends  22  and  23 , with the continuous generally annular portion  30  having an axial length of about 0.15 inch (0.38 cm). The inner member  20  had 8 axially extending portions  32  of about equal size. 
     It was found that the sleeve  10  could be repeatedly firmly engaged with the probe tip  34  with the first end  22  of the inner member  20  positioned at locations with respect to the distal end  36  of the probe tip  34  that varied in a range of only about 1 mm. Thus, for example, by appropriately adjusting the dimensions of the inner member  20  the sleeve  10  could be made so that the first end  22  of the inner member  20  could be repeatedly firmly engaged with the probe tip  34  with the first end of the inner member  20  spaced in a desired small range of locations with respect to the distal end  36  of the probe tip  34 , such as projecting in the range of 2 to 3 millimeters past the distal end  36 , spaced 2 to 3 millimeters along the probe tip  34  from the distal end  36 , or aligned within 0.5 millimeter with the distal end  36 . 
     It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of the invention. The invention&#39;s scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.