US3915166A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Earplug attached to an elastic band
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-04-23
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Granted: 1975-10-28
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Expires: 1994-04-23
Abstract
Abstract An earplug selectively insertable into an ear canal for protection of the ear is attached to an elastic band that can be looped around the ear to retain the earplug immediately adjacent the ear even when the plug is removed from the ear canal. The elastic band may be an endless band or a strap having end portions adjustably connected together as desired to form a band of the desired size.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank P Mccrink
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:59
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F11/00; A61F11/06; A61F11/08; A61F11/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
66 words
An earplug comprising a plug portion of a size and configuration suitable for being inserted into an ear canal for protecting the same; and an elastic band for completely encircling the wearer''s ear adjacent the wearer''s head, the band being elastically but flexibly attached to the plug portion for retaining the plug portion adjacent the ear when the plug portion is removed from the ear canal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
66 words
An earplug comprising a plug portion of a size and configuration suitable for being inserted into an ear canal for protecting the same; and an elastic band for completely encircling the wearer''s ear adjacent the wearer''s head, the band being elastically but flexibly attached to the plug portion for retaining the plug portion adjacent the ear when the plug portion is removed from the ear canal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
A structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the elastic band comprises: a strap having a pair of spaced ends, one of the ends having an aperture to receive the other of the ends adjustably inserted in the aperture to form an endless band to fit around the wearer''s ear, a central part of the elastic band being connected to the plug portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
74 words
A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the other of the ends of the strap is provided with a plurality of serially arranged pairs of barbs for engaging opposite edges of the aperture to hold the one end of the band relative to a selected one of the pairs of barbs, the extremity of the other of the ends of the strap having a pointed tip to facilitate its insertion into the aperture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A structure as defined in claim 3, wherein the plug portion and the elastic band are molded in one piece.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the elastic band is an endless band connected to the plug portion, and capable of being looped around the wearer''s ear to hold onto the ear snugly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A structure as defined in claim 5, wherein the plug portion and the endless elastic band are molded in one piece.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the plug portion and the elastic band are molded in one piece.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
A structure as defined in claim 5, wherein the endless elastic band is formed in the shape of a half-oval conforming to the shape of the wearer''s ear immediately adjacent the wearer''s head for permitting a secure, comfortable fit of the band on the wearer''s ear.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
A structure as defined in claim 5, further comprising a projection provided on the earplug and arranged to facilitate removal of the plug portion from the wearer''s ear.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
136 words
A molded, elastic earplug comprising an elongated plug portion having one end of a size and configuration suitable for being inserted into an ear canal to protect the same, a flange on said end, and a base at the other end; a freely flexible band integrally molded with the plug portion and attached to the base and of a size to be looped around the wearer''s ear to hold the plug portion adjacenT the wearer''s ear even when the plug is not inserted into the wearer''s ear canal; and a projection extending from the base portion on the surface thereof that faces outwardly when the plug portion is inserted into the wearer''s ear canal, the projection forming a convenient lever to flip the plug portion out of the wearer''s ear canal when the wearer so desires.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
136 words
A molded, elastic earplug comprising an elongated plug portion having one end of a size and configuration suitable for being inserted into an ear canal to protect the same, a flange on said end, and a base at the other end; a freely flexible band integrally molded with the plug portion and attached to the base and of a size to be looped around the wearer''s ear to hold the plug portion adjacenT the wearer''s ear even when the plug is not inserted into the wearer''s ear canal; and a projection extending from the base portion on the surface thereof that faces outwardly when the plug portion is inserted into the wearer''s ear canal, the projection forming a convenient lever to flip the plug portion out of the wearer''s ear canal when the wearer so desires.
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) | 1978-10-27 | 1979-04-28 | 1979-10-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-27 | 1983-04-28 | 1983-10-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-27 | 1987-04-28 | 1987-10-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |