Surgery – Body protecting or restraining devices for patients or infants – Head or face protector
Reexamination Certificate
2001-10-16
2003-05-27
Brown, Michael A. (Department: 3764)
Surgery
Body protecting or restraining devices for patients or infants
Head or face protector
C002S209000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06568394
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
Multiple flanged earplugs are well known in the art. For example, a three flanged earplug composed of a resilient, soft polymeric material is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,149 to Falco, which is assigned to the assignee hereof and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
However, substantial room for improvement exists in the art, specifically with regard to fit, comfort and efficiency of hearing protection. Accordingly, a novel and improved multi-flange earplug is provided as described below.
SUMMARY
The drawbacks and deficiencies of the prior art are overcome or alleviated by the present improved multi-flanged earplug, comprising a stem, a rounded flange positioned at a first end of the stem, and at least a second flange positioned between the first end portion of the stem and an opposing second end portion of the stem. In one embodiment, the first flange is generally hemispherical in shape and has a curvature that is generally is generally convex with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem, while the second flange has a shape that is generally concave with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem. In another embodiment, an outer circumference portion of the second flange has an increased thickness relative to an inner, annular portion of the second flange. In another embodiment, an outer circumference portion of the second flange is provided with a protruding ridge.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2246737 (1941-06-01), Knudsen
patent: 2427664 (1947-09-01), Dunbar et al.
patent: 2487038 (1949-11-01), Baum
patent: 3800791 (1974-04-01), Visor
patent: D298356 (1988-11-01), Falco
patent: 4867149 (1989-09-01), Falco
patent: 28 08 525 (1979-10-01), None
patent: 75 518 (1961-07-01), None
patent: 2000 201964 (2000-07-01), None
patent: WO 99 36016 (1999-10-01), None
PCT Search Report, filed Oct. 16, 2001.
Brown Michael A.
Cabot Safety Intermediate Corporation
Cantor & Colburn LLP
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