US4564009A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Universal ear plug
Assignee: MSA Safety Inc
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Filing: 1983-08-24
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Granted: 1986-01-14
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Expires: 2003-08-24
Abstract
Abstract A universal ear plug that fits any size of ear, which may be worn for extended lengths of time without experiencing discomfort, comprising; an integral molded frustum-shaped, semi-rigid, solid body having an axial cavity in the tip end; a flexible flange around the hollow tip which extends outwardly from the tip towards the back; a second, larger, cup-shaped, semi-spherical flange positioned at the other end of the body; an axial mounted extraction and insertion stem attached along the outer rim of the second flange, which provides greater ease of insertion and removal.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl H. Brinkhoff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 04:56
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F11/00; A61F11/06; A61F11/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
An integral molded ear plug comprising: a frustum-shaped, non-deformable in use, semirigid main body which increases in diameter from its tip end to its back end and having an axial cavity in the tip end; a flexible front flange of circular cross section extending outwardly from the tip end and rearwardly over a portion of the distance of the main body and terminating in a rim spaced from the back end, and having a diameter that is greater than the major diameter of the main body; a second, cup-shaped, semi-spherical flange extending radially outwardly from the back end and rearwardly of the main body and terminating in a rim, and having a diameter greater than the diameter of the front flange; and an extraction tab extending rearwardly from the rim of the second flange.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
An integral molded ear plug comprising: a frustum-shaped, non-deformable in use, semirigid main body which increases in diameter from its tip end to its back end and having an axial cavity in the tip end; a flexible front flange of circular cross section extending outwardly from the tip end and rearwardly over a portion of the distance of the main body and terminating in a rim spaced from the back end, and having a diameter that is greater than the major diameter of the main body; a second, cup-shaped, semi-spherical flange extending radially outwardly from the back end and rearwardly of the main body and terminating in a rim, and having a diameter greater than the diameter of the front flange; and an extraction tab extending rearwardly from the rim of the second flange.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
76 words
An ear plug according to claim 1 where: the axial cavity is about 0.13 inches in diameter; the frustum-shaped body of the plug increases in diameter from about 0.19 inches at the tip to about 0.31 inches at the back; the length from the tip to the edge of the first flange is about 0.17 inches; and the distance from the tip of the plug to the rim of the second flange is about 0.41 inches.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-01-13 | 1989-07-15 | 1990-01-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-01-13 | 1993-07-15 | 1994-01-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-01-13 | 1997-07-15 | 1998-01-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |