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WO2006009545A1 - Clip d'oreille - Google Patents

Clip d'oreille Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006009545A1
WO2006009545A1 PCT/US2004/019904 US2004019904W WO2006009545A1 WO 2006009545 A1 WO2006009545 A1 WO 2006009545A1 US 2004019904 W US2004019904 W US 2004019904W WO 2006009545 A1 WO2006009545 A1 WO 2006009545A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ear
protection device
hearing protection
elements
auricle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2004/019904
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Paul J. Stilp
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to PCT/US2004/019904 priority Critical patent/WO2006009545A1/fr
Publication of WO2006009545A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006009545A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F11/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the ears or hearing sense; Non-electric hearing aids; Methods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing sense; Protective devices for the ears, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F11/06—Protective devices for the ears

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a hearing protection device and, more particularly, to an ear clip and natural sealing concept.
  • Ear plugs are inserted into the ear sometimes requiring adjustment for proper functioning. If the adjustment is ineffective, the wear's safety may be compromised. Ear muffs cover the ears to filter out excessive noise passively. Ear muffs require less adjustment than plugs, but may be cumbersome or uncomfortable. It is desirable to have a method and solution for hearing protection that does not compromise the wearer's safety and/or well-being and is convenient to use. Many times safety may be inadvertently compromised without thought or concern of an individual resulting in mishap and damage which could have been avoided.
  • the present invention provides a form of hearing protection that will not damage the wearer's hearing canal caused by adjustment of "in the ear canal" plugged activity.
  • the device covers the ear canal with the auricle flap to minimize or prevent water from accessing the canal.
  • the present invention provides a passive aural noise or hearing protector device and method for natural sealing concept. There are periods when noise levels are high and also periods where the levels are low or at an normal ambient level.
  • the hearing protector device is designed to affix about a user's ear to provide sufficient pressure to the auricle flap so that it covers the ear canal to filter out or block exposure to noise. It is for any duration of wear or for wear during exposure to long periods of noise levels, such as over an eight hour period.
  • An embodiment is anticipated to filter noise levels above that recommended by the Occupation Health Safety Association which sets a standard noise level limit exposure of 90 dBA. In an example, the invention minimizes or prevents water from accessing the ear canal.
  • An embodiment of the device comprises a first and second elongated leg or element each having a first end and a second end, and an inner side.
  • a tension mechanism or tensioner connects to the ends of both elements or an area of the inner side of each element to moveably attach the elements.
  • the tensioner affixes to at least a part of an area of each inner side that is located closer to the first end than the second end of each element.
  • the tensioner affixes to an area of each inner side located about equidistant between the first and second end of each element. The area is selected in conjunction with the type of tensioner employed so that the elements open and close relative to each other. Tensioner is sufficiently tensioned so that elements force toward each other or have a grasp.
  • tensioner is a hinge, breakover snap, spring, coil, spring loaded lock; or an elastic bow or bent article; or cushioning article or material of some resilience.
  • the tension mechanism comprises a pivot upon design compression of the first and second elements creating an inward collapse of the second ends towards each other.
  • two rivets fasten to auricle leg end which has two female holes on each side of rivets. Both accept the opposite element via outboard metal design that protrudes through the holes of the element completing the fastening connections at each which is mounted parallel with leg (tang).
  • one or both of the first ends connect with tensioner to provide a combination or a single unit.
  • the tension mechanism adjusts the first ends of the elements towards each other opening the second ends apart. It applies minimal yet sufficient pressure to allow auricle skin flap to close the canal opening.
  • the second ends of both elements contain a more flexible part or are comprised of a resilient material, such as plastic or a flexible metal for contacting the wearer.
  • a pad, cushion or the like is attached to the second ends or inner side of each element. The flexible part or cushion ends of the elements contact the wearer, one behind the lower ear and the other at the auricle skin flap gently pressing the flap to cover the ear canal.
  • the contact pad on one element contacts the auricle or auricle skin near to or at the entrance of the wearer's ear canal and the contact pad of the other element contacts the area near to or at the cavity of the neck and ear intersection.
  • the pads are made of any flexible or elastic material such as, for example, rubber, foam, fabric, gel, and are attached to the second ends with adhesive, stitching, stapling, hook and latch, or other attachment means.
  • contact pad are pressed through a hole at the end of each element so that the attachment is sufficiently secure and stabile, yet cushion pads remain flexible for a user's comfort.
  • contact pads flexibly attach to the elements to allow for some give or swivel for enhanced comfort of the wearer.
  • the more flexible part contacts the wearer and pads are not used.
  • the device is worn so that auricle skin flap folds forming a natural essentially air, water-tight seal of the ear canal.
  • contact pads and tension mechanism are selected to provide flexibility and comfort.
  • Clip elements, pads, and locking feature are designed in a variety of lengths, widths, heights and depth which are selected advantageously to fit dimensions of desired embodiment.
  • An embodiment of the present invention provides a means and method of utilizing the auricle flap natural sealing process.
  • Clip elements are separated or opened relative to each other to slip over and around the wearer's ear. Once around, the elements are allowed to close having the auricle ear side covering the ear channel while the neck side is placed under the ear providing tension to keep the auricle flap closed.
  • One clip is used with each other.
  • the invention is used with animals exposed to noise environments.
  • the invention provides a self motivating solution and a better means for safety as applied to hearing protection by offering a device that covers the opening of the exposed inner ear canal more safely and without penetrating the ear with foreign objects such as: plugs, foam, etc. and the like. Such objects possibly cause hearing injury rather than protection. Wax may be pushed downstream further into the canal.
  • Prior art designs to protect a human's hearing can also be flawed by lack of instruction or improper fit to attain optimum fit for protecting hearing. In an example this natural sealing process overcomes these shortcomings by utilizing the ear's own seal.
  • Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2a shows a side view of another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2b shows a top view of an embodiment.
  • Figure 2c shows an example of a tension mechanism used in an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3 shows a side view of another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4a shows a side view of another embodiment of the invention with interlocking features.
  • Figure 4b shows another view of an embodiment of the invention with interlocking features.
  • Figures 5a-5e show various embodiments of a tension mechanism in examples of the invention.
  • hearing protection device or ear clip 10 having two clip elements 11 and 12 each with a first end, 11a and 12a; a second end, l ib and 12b; and inner sides, l ie and 12c.
  • Tension mechanism 15 connects clip elements 11 and 12 together. In this example, it attaches to an area of inner sides l ie and 12c and at the second ends l ib and 12b to moveably attach first element 11 to second element 12.
  • Cushion pads 17 and 18 are provided near second ends lib and 12b. Pads 17 and 18 contact the wearer, one behind the lower ear and the other at the auricle skin flap gently pressing the flap to cover the ear canal.
  • Tension mechanism 15 adjusts the elements relative to each other under tension so that pads 17 and 18, align and rest against a wearer's ear and ear-neck cavity, respectively.
  • auricle pad 18 is designed to cover a wearer's auricle flap.
  • Neck-ear lobe cavity pad 17 fits under the ear of the wearer, in an example, in the ear-neck lobe cavity.
  • Pads are designed to both fit securely on the second ends and be flexible to comfort to the wearer.
  • Tensioner 15 can include a variety of mechanisms.
  • tension mechanism 15 is a spring assembly.
  • the top view shows the base as the spring(double circle) having two legs with offset pads at the ends.
  • the spring is wound metal.
  • it is covered in rubber.
  • the legs may also be covered in rubber.
  • Wire ends 15a and 15b each protrude forward offsetting each other: wire leg end folding down forward from high to low then folding inward to attach to an inner area of a clip element while the other is opposite in nature but attaches to the other clip element.
  • the clip is donned by separating the elements and element 11 to contact the auricle flap portion of the exterior ear while the other element contacts the ear-neck cavity aft and inboard of the ear lobe (exterior ear).
  • element 11 is longer than element 12.
  • the spring feature is designed to be out of the contact zone of the ear lobe just below so as to not cause harm to the wearer. It provides sufficient tension to compress the auricle flap due to the wind and offsetting leg wire of the spring whereby the wire/metal leg end tangs facing inboard toward each other provide the tension as positioned on the clip.
  • Various dimensions for the elements, tensioner and pads such as length, width, height, and depth, are employed depending on populace demand.
  • Figure 2b shows a top view of another example of the invention in an alternative design setting.
  • This example resembles the example above except a rounded base top leg is added so the wearer presses and releases the clip via the extension.
  • Figures 4a and 4b provide another example of an embodiment of the invention having a different clip design.
  • This example provides an interlocking feature comprising an arm angled off at the ear-neck clip leg that protrudes through the leg for the auricle flap mating which has several "shark teeth" tangs 20 arranged as slots and cut-out of the arm.
  • the top view shows a new clip design with a base with optional wound metal completing 360 degrees and two appendages spun out forming the legs.
  • 360 degree wound metal can be a 180 degree base forming two legs ending each with their own pad and function.
  • an interlocking feature has an arm from the ear-neck leg protruding through the auricle flap leg. This interlocking feature spinning off of the legs with double continuous offsetting 90 degree angles is mounted as required.
  • the metal is covered with rubber for protection and safety for wearer from the sharp metal end insuring convenience and safety in use.
  • the legs move (such as in Figures 2 and 3) to flow away from circled base ending in two offsetting pads with individual functions for hearing protection.
  • the tensioner feature gives tension, lock and release. It is designed to fit below the ear lobe for securing and releasing the clip element.
  • Figures 5a-5e show various embodiments of a tension mechanism in examples of the invention.
  • An example, as provided in Figure 5a is similar to design of Figure 4b but also offers leg pads that overlap about the center, one above the other designed as a closer fit for populace demand.
  • the tensioner is designed to function with an overlapping leg configuration or straight leg configuration, wherein the legs are of same or different lengths.
  • tensioner is a spring mounted with rivets, such as steel or other metal.
  • it features an onto the ear-neck leg that accepts upon locking/mating a teat base and head whereby the head presses into the cavity of the spring section completing the locking feature sufficient to secure a comfortable sealing effect.
  • the teat base and head is constructed of solid material such as plastic or metal, including steel, aluminum, for example. The user operates the tensioner to don the clip element for performance.
  • Another example shown in Figure 5b is designed with a double angled approximately
  • FIG. 5c another example provides a tensioner having two pieces, such as square elements or rolled circled balls of ferrous(iron), one of which is magnetized. The attraction of the magnet to the non magnetic ferrous ball acts as a lock feature completing the interlocking effect. Release is performed by the wearer as required.
  • Figure 5d provides two zippered tanged toothed metal/plastic connect that interlock when squeezed together. Both are mounted to existing legs and fastened with rivets.
  • an example of the present invention uses a similar approximately 90 degree rivet mounted arm mounted off of the ear-neck leg with an additional approximately 90 degree arm from same arm that connects to a 360 degree mounted ring mounted onto the auricle flap leg thereby an interlocking effect takes place.
  • the rivet and ring are metal or another durable material such as plastic.
  • Donning and releasing functions are performed by wearer.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Psychology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de protection auditive et un procédé de fermeture de canal auditif hermétique et naturel. Ledit dispositif de protection auditive comprend un clip d'oreille (10) comprenant deux éléments allongés (11, 12), ces éléments étant formés chacun d'une partie souple ou des parties rembourrées ( 17, 18) disposées au niveau d'une extrémité et étant fixés au moyen d'un mécanisme exerçant une tension (15) qui applique une pression forçant les extrémités l'une vers l'autre. La partie souple ou les extrémités rembourrées sont en contact avec l'utilisateur, une partie se trouvant en-dessous l'oreille inférieure et l'autre partie située au niveau d'une partie de peau du pavillon de l'oreille pressant ladite partie de peau afin de recouvrir le canal auditif.
PCT/US2004/019904 2004-06-22 2004-06-22 Clip d'oreille Ceased WO2006009545A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2004/019904 WO2006009545A1 (fr) 2004-06-22 2004-06-22 Clip d'oreille

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2004/019904 WO2006009545A1 (fr) 2004-06-22 2004-06-22 Clip d'oreille

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006009545A1 true WO2006009545A1 (fr) 2006-01-26

Family

ID=34958137

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2004/019904 Ceased WO2006009545A1 (fr) 2004-06-22 2004-06-22 Clip d'oreille

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2006009545A1 (fr)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2407513B (en) * 2003-10-28 2008-04-16 Rosemary Jones An ear protector holding device
US9039639B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2015-05-26 Gbs Ventures Llc External ear canal pressure regulation system
US9375218B2 (en) 2006-05-03 2016-06-28 Datascope Corp. Systems and methods of tissue closure
US10251790B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2019-04-09 Nocira, Llc Method for external ear canal pressure regulation to alleviate disorder symptoms
US10485545B2 (en) 2013-11-19 2019-11-26 Datascope Corp. Fastener applicator with interlock
US10760566B2 (en) 2016-07-22 2020-09-01 Nocira, Llc Magnetically driven pressure generator
US11246793B2 (en) 2017-02-27 2022-02-15 Nocira, Llc Ear pumps
US11653928B2 (en) 2018-03-28 2023-05-23 Datascope Corp. Device for atrial appendage exclusion
US12178966B2 (en) 2018-06-22 2024-12-31 Nocira, Llc Systems and methods for treating neurological disorders
US12396892B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2025-08-26 Nocira, Llc External ear canal pressure regulation device

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4231360A (en) * 1978-06-19 1980-11-04 Auergesellschaft Gmbh Nose clip for respirators
EP1222945A1 (fr) * 2001-01-04 2002-07-17 Hermam Chiang Pince-nez
GB2375967A (en) * 2001-06-01 2002-12-04 Rosemary Jones Noise reducing external ear clip

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4231360A (en) * 1978-06-19 1980-11-04 Auergesellschaft Gmbh Nose clip for respirators
EP1222945A1 (fr) * 2001-01-04 2002-07-17 Hermam Chiang Pince-nez
GB2375967A (en) * 2001-06-01 2002-12-04 Rosemary Jones Noise reducing external ear clip

Cited By (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2407513B (en) * 2003-10-28 2008-04-16 Rosemary Jones An ear protector holding device
US11992211B2 (en) 2006-05-03 2024-05-28 Datascope Corp. Systems and methods of tissue closure
US11369374B2 (en) 2006-05-03 2022-06-28 Datascope Corp. Systems and methods of tissue closure
US9375218B2 (en) 2006-05-03 2016-06-28 Datascope Corp. Systems and methods of tissue closure
US10595861B2 (en) 2006-05-03 2020-03-24 Datascope Corp. Systems and methods of tissue closure
US10278868B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2019-05-07 Nocira, Llc External ear canal pressure regulation system
US9186277B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2015-11-17 Gbs Ventures Llc External ear canal pressure regulation system
US12419786B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2025-09-23 Nocira, Llc External ear canal pressure regulation system
US10076464B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2018-09-18 Nocira, Llc External ear canal pressure regulation system
US12396892B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2025-08-26 Nocira, Llc External ear canal pressure regulation device
US10772766B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2020-09-15 Nocira, Llc Method for external ear canal pressure regulation to alleviate disorder symptoms
US11090194B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2021-08-17 Nocira, Llc External ear canal pressure regulation device
US11096828B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2021-08-24 Nocira, Llc System for alleviating symptoms of a neurological disorder
US12102506B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2024-10-01 Nocira, Llc Method for external ear canal pressure regulation to alleviate disorder symptoms
US10251790B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2019-04-09 Nocira, Llc Method for external ear canal pressure regulation to alleviate disorder symptoms
US9039639B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2015-05-26 Gbs Ventures Llc External ear canal pressure regulation system
US11564689B2 (en) 2013-11-19 2023-01-31 Datascope Corp. Fastener applicator with interlock
US12396729B2 (en) 2013-11-19 2025-08-26 Datascope Corporation Fastener applicator with interlock
US10485545B2 (en) 2013-11-19 2019-11-26 Datascope Corp. Fastener applicator with interlock
US11859606B2 (en) 2016-07-22 2024-01-02 Nocira, Llc Magnetically driven pressure generator
US10760566B2 (en) 2016-07-22 2020-09-01 Nocira, Llc Magnetically driven pressure generator
US12016816B2 (en) 2017-02-27 2024-06-25 Nocira, Llc Ear pumps
US11246793B2 (en) 2017-02-27 2022-02-15 Nocira, Llc Ear pumps
US11653928B2 (en) 2018-03-28 2023-05-23 Datascope Corp. Device for atrial appendage exclusion
US12178966B2 (en) 2018-06-22 2024-12-31 Nocira, Llc Systems and methods for treating neurological disorders

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