AU2005209264A1 - High attenuating earmuff device - Google Patents
High attenuating earmuff device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2005209264A1 AU2005209264A1 AU2005209264A AU2005209264A AU2005209264A1 AU 2005209264 A1 AU2005209264 A1 AU 2005209264A1 AU 2005209264 A AU2005209264 A AU 2005209264A AU 2005209264 A AU2005209264 A AU 2005209264A AU 2005209264 A1 AU2005209264 A1 AU 2005209264A1
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- foam
- earmuff
- cushion
- values
- liner
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims description 28
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 20
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004619 high density foam Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 101001010782 Drosophila melanogaster Fez family zinc finger protein erm Proteins 0.000 description 49
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 9
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl urethane Chemical compound CCOC(N)=O JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003027 ear inner Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- A61F11/14—Protective devices for the ears external, e.g. earcaps or earmuffs
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Psychology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Soundproofing, Sound Blocking, And Sound Damping (AREA)
- Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
- Headphones And Earphones (AREA)
- Bedding Items (AREA)
Description
WO 2005/072668 PCT/US2005/002159 HIGH ATTENUATING EARMUFF DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention: [00011 This invention relates generally to acoustic hearing protective devices and, more particularly, to an earmuff device comprising foam materials for providing a wearer with a high sound attenuation. 2. Brief Discussion of the Prior Art: [00021 Earmuff devices are commonly used to protect against hearing damage in environments where noise levels are not able to be controlled within safe limits. Such devices generally include a pair of rigid cups connected by a head band, each cup having an interior lined with an acoustical material and a cushion extending from the cup toward the head of a wearer to seal the respective cup to the wearer's head around the ear. [0003] Such, eannuff devices are recognized as having certain advantages over other forms of hearing protection devices, such as earplugs. For example, earmuffs are preferred for intermittent use where continuous insertion and removal of earplugs would be annoying or impractical. Additionally, earmuffs provide superior comfort properties over earplugs and other hearing protection devices particularly due to the soft cushion which contacts the head of a wearer and due to the absence of items inserted into the ear. [0004] As with other hearing protection devices, maximum sound attenuating capabilities are desired for earmuffs in order to provide the necessary protection against sound exposure. In certain environments, such as at extremely loud industrial or manufacturing plants, at construction or demolition sites, etc., a very high sound attenuation is desired from earmuff WO 2005/072668 PCT/US2005/002159 2 devices. Thus far, however, an earmuff has not been achieved which can provided a suitably high sound attenuation while still providing the comfort and practicability features so desired by the wearer. [0005] Many attempts have been made at increasing the sound attenuation of known earmuffs. These attempts have included reducing acoustic leaks through or around muff cups, increasing the mass and/or volume of the cups, increasing head band tension to tighten the fit of the muff cups on the head of a wearer, minimizing resonating surfaces such as flat surfaces, etc. While these attempts may have resulted in increases in attenuation, the resulting earmuff is often found to be bulkier, heavier, more difficult to put on, and generally less comfortable than typical earmuff assemblies. [00061 Thus, an earmuff is desired which provides a high level of sound attenuation but is comfortable when worn, practical to use, and simple and economical to manufacture. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [00071 An earmuff device is provided, including a connecting band having opposing first and second ends, a pair of earmuff cup assemblies connected to the opposing first and second ends of the connecting band, a first foam disposed at the earmuff cup assemblies, and a second foam disposed at the earmuff cup assemblies, where the first foam comprises a moderately high density foam having highly engineered polymer transition properties with precise loss factor values, modulus values, and polymer transition values and maximum damping at prescribed temperature and frequency conditions, and where the second foam comprises a moderately high density hydrophilic foam particularly employed for optimal property convergence in cell size, air flow, density, and static stiffness. An eannuff cup, an earmuff cushion, and an earmuff liner including the respective first and/or second foams, are also provided.
WO 2005/072668 PCT/US2005/002159 3 [00081 The above-discussed and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several FIGURES: [0010] FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a earmuff assembly of the invention; and [00111 FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of an earmuff cup of FIGURE 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [00121 An earmuff device 10 is shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The earmuff device 10 broadly comprises a generally U-shaped, resilient connecting band 12 and a pair of earmuff cup assemblies 14 and 16 connected to opposite ends of connecting band 12. [0013] The ear muff cup assemblies 14 and 16 are affixed to the connecting band 12 in any desired manner. Most preferably, earmuff cup assemblies 14 and 16 may be connected to an adapter which, in turn, is connected to the band 12. The adapter may be configured to allow the ear muff cup assemblies 14 and 16 to pivot or rotate relative the band 12 or, alternatively, the adapter may hold the assemblies 14 and 16 fixedly on the band 12, etc. 100141 Each of the earmuff cup assemblies 14 and 16 comprises a rigid earmuff cup 18, a cushion 20, and an earmuff cup liner 22. Rigid cup 18 is generally formed of two pieces, a cup shaped portion 24 and a cushion seal plate 26, which are fixed together at an interface, for example, by sonic welding, etc. The cushion 20 is fixed to the cushion seal plate 26 and extends from the rigid earmuff cup 18. The earmuff liner 22 is disposed at an interior of the rigid WO 2005/072668 PCT/US2005/002159 4 earmuff cup 18. The cushion 20 and earmuff cup liner 22 are shaped as desired to appropriately fit on the rigid earmuff cup 18 and to provide adequate fit and comfort to the wearer. For example, the cushion 20 and the liner 22 may be substantial round in shape or square, etc. [00151 The earmuff device 10 is intended to be applied over the head of a wearer with the ear muff cup assemblies 14 and 16 fitted over the ears so that the ears extend entirely into the interior of the rigid earmuff cups 18 and the cushions 20 seal around the ears. The resilient connecting band 12 is worn around the head to hold the earmuff device 10 thereon. For example, the band 12 may extend over the crown or around the back of the head, or under the chin, etc. Further, the connecting band 12 possesses a tension which fits the ear muff cup assemblies 14 and 16 tightly, but comfortably over the ears. [0016] When the earmuff device 10 is properly worn as described, the ear muff cup assemblies 14 and 16 effectively seal the ears from the outer environment. That is, the earmuff cup assemblies 14 and 16 act as a barrier between the inner ear of the wearer and sounds emanating in the outer environment. In particular, the cushions 20 and the earmuff cup liner 22 attenuate the passage of sound from the outer environment into the ears. [00171 The cushions 20 and the earmuff cup liner 22 are formed any material(s) sufficient to provide high sound attenuation to the wearer. In a preferred embodiment, materials are used to compose the cushions 20 and the earmuff cup liner 22 such that the earmuff device 10 provides a sound attenuation having a Noise Reduction Rating (hereinafter, "NRR") of 30db or greater. [0018] In a preferred embodiment, the cushion 20 comprises a moderately high density foam having highly engineered polymer transition properties with precise loss factor values, modulus values, and polymer transition values and maximum damping at prescribed temperature and frequency conditions. For example, the cushion 20 may be composed of a urethane foam having the above-mentioned properties, such as a foam available under the trade name, CONFOR. The foam of the cushion 20 may be of a homogenous construction or may be formed as laminate WO 2005/072668 PCT/US2005/002159 5 sheets adhered together to form the cushion 20. The cushion 20 may further include an outer liner of a vinyl material, etc., essentially covering the inner urethane foam. [0019] The shape of cushion 20 may be cylindrical, round, or rectangular to fit the generally matching earmuff cup 14 and 16 design in a reasonable manner. Cushion 20 is quite flexible and may also be made to a shape requiring deformation to fit earmuff cup assemblies 14 and 16. Cushion 20 defines a central opening 21 which generally has a shape which matches the shape of cushion 20. Opening 21 is generally aligned with the internal portions of an ear such that the ear may be received within the rigid earmuff cup 18, as described above. An exemplary cushion 20 is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,420,381 to Gardner Jr. et al., which is hereby incorporated in its entirety. 10020] The earmuff cup liner 22 generally comprises an open cell foam or other material containing open pores of size and shape sufficient to absorb sound and provide high attenuation, as discussed above. The earmuff cup liner 22 is preferably formed of a moderately high density hydrophilic foam which is particularly employed for optimal property convergence in cell size, air flow, density, and static stiffness. For example, the liner 22 may be composed of a relatively soft urethane foam possessing the above-mentioned properties, such as a urethane foam currently produced by Lendell Manufacturing, Inc (LMI). [00211 The invention, as set forth in exemplary embodiments herein, provides an earmuff device which is lightweight and comfortable when worn and which provides a high sound attenuation, preferably, an attenuation having an NRR of 30 or more. More particularly, the earmuff device of the invention comprises acoustic foams specifically designed and utilized to provided the wearer with this high sound attenuation, while maintaining comfort and practicality properties of the eannuff device. [0022] While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In WO 2005/072668 PCT/US2005/002159 6 addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. [0023] What is claimed is:
Claims (6)
1. An earmuff device, comprising: a connecting band having opposing first and second ends; a pair of earmuff cup assemblies connected to the opposing first and second ends of the connecting band; a first foam disposed at the earmuff cup assemblies; and a second foam disposed at the earmuff cup assemblies; wherein the first foam comprises a moderately high density foam having highly engineered polymer transition properties with precise loss factor values, modulus values, and polymer transition values and maximum damping at prescribed temperature and frequency conditions; and wherein the second foam comprises a moderately high density hydrophilic foam particularly employed for optimal property convergence in cell size, air flow, density, and static stiffness.
2. The earmuff device of claim 1, wherein the pair of earmuff cup assemblies each comprise a cushion for contacting the wearer, the cushion comprising the first foam.
3. The earmuff device of claim 1, wherein the pair of earmuff cup assemblies each comprise a liner disposed at an interior thereof, the liner comprising the second foam.
4. A cushion for an earmuff assembly, comprising: a moderately high density foam having highly engineered polymer transition properties with precise loss factor values, modulus values, and polymer transition values and maximum damping at prescribed temperature and frequency conditions. WO 2005/072668 PCT/US2005/002159 8
5. A liner for an earmuff cup, comprising: a moderately high density hydrophilic foam particularly employed for optimal property convergence in cell size, air flow, density, and static stiffness.
6. An earmuff cup, comprising: a body portion; a cushion extending from the body portion for contacting a wearer; and a liner disposed at an interior of the body portion; a first foam disposed at the cushion, the first foam comprising a moderately high density foam having highly engineered polymer transition properties with precise loss factor values, modulus values, and polymer transition values and maximum damping at prescribed temperature and frequency conditions; and a second foam disposed at the liner, the second foam comprising a moderately high density hydrophilic foam particularly employed for optimal property convergence in cell size, air flow, density, and static stiffness.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US53861204P | 2004-01-23 | 2004-01-23 | |
US60/538,612 | 2004-01-23 | ||
PCT/US2005/002159 WO2005072668A1 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2005-01-24 | High attenuating earmuff device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
AU2005209264A1 true AU2005209264A1 (en) | 2005-08-11 |
Family
ID=34825995
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
AU2005209264A Abandoned AU2005209264A1 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2005-01-24 | High attenuating earmuff device |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050283882A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1706082A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1909862A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005209264A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0506978A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2552653A1 (en) |
NO (1) | NO20062893L (en) |
RU (1) | RU2006130376A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005072668A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6332223B1 (en) | 2000-04-05 | 2001-12-25 | Gray Matter Holdings, Llc | Apparatus and method for making an ear warmer having interior seams |
CN1482872A (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2004-03-17 | �������ѿع�����˾ | Ear protection device |
US6735784B2 (en) | 2002-01-28 | 2004-05-18 | 180S, Inc. | Apparatus and method for making an ear warmer and an ear warmer frame |
US7650649B2 (en) | 2003-08-12 | 2010-01-26 | 180S, Inc. | Ear warmer having an external frame |
US7962970B2 (en) | 2003-08-12 | 2011-06-21 | 180S, Inc. | Ear warmer having a curved ear portion |
US7212645B2 (en) | 2003-08-12 | 2007-05-01 | 180S, Inc. | Ear warmer with a speaker system |
US7444687B2 (en) * | 2005-08-29 | 2008-11-04 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Hearing protective device that includes cellular earmuffs |
US8443466B2 (en) * | 2007-01-22 | 2013-05-21 | 180S, Inc. | Ear protection device |
US7717226B2 (en) * | 2008-02-20 | 2010-05-18 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Hearing protection cap |
WO2010075128A2 (en) * | 2008-12-23 | 2010-07-01 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Hearing protection process and device |
JP5819731B2 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2015-11-24 | スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー | Sound insulation method and apparatus for transportation vehicles |
US8590539B2 (en) * | 2009-06-23 | 2013-11-26 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Headgear-earwear assembly and a method of assembling same |
US8727071B2 (en) | 2009-06-25 | 2014-05-20 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Sound barrier for audible acoustic frequency management |
US20110225705A1 (en) * | 2010-03-16 | 2011-09-22 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Hearing protective device with moisture resistant earmuff sound absorbers |
EP2763638B1 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2019-02-20 | Hearing Components, Inc. | Foam cushion for headphones |
USD780378S1 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2017-02-28 | Julia Chow | Ear muff |
EP3582730A1 (en) | 2017-02-16 | 2019-12-25 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Earmuff hearing-protection device comprising sound-attenuating members |
USD968365S1 (en) * | 2019-10-18 | 2022-11-01 | Jsp Limited | Ear defender |
CN111698598B (en) * | 2020-03-17 | 2021-11-09 | 苏州力耘智能科技有限公司 | Design method of passive noise reduction earmuffs |
US20240115425A1 (en) * | 2022-10-06 | 2024-04-11 | Wade David Pye | Ear covering device |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2883672A (en) * | 1957-09-06 | 1959-04-28 | Mine Safety Appliances Co | Device for protecting ears from noise |
US3637040A (en) * | 1968-08-01 | 1972-01-25 | Amplivox Ltd | Ear defenders |
US3644939A (en) * | 1970-10-12 | 1972-02-29 | American Optical Corp | Air damped hearing protector earseal |
SE450337B (en) * | 1985-03-25 | 1987-06-22 | Bilsom Ab | ORONKAPA INCLUDING SEALING RINGS WITH LIQUID LAYERS |
US4905322A (en) * | 1988-04-18 | 1990-03-06 | Gentex Corporation | Energy-absorbing earcup assembly |
US5023955A (en) * | 1989-04-13 | 1991-06-18 | Gentex Corporation | Impact-absorbing sound-attenuating earcup |
NL8901482A (en) * | 1989-06-12 | 1991-01-02 | Focus Veilig Bv | HEARING PROTECTOR. |
US5020163A (en) * | 1989-06-29 | 1991-06-04 | Gentex Corporation | Earseal for sound-attenuating earcup assembly |
US5243709A (en) * | 1991-09-04 | 1993-09-14 | Natus Medical, Inc. | Acoustically sealing earmuff for an infant |
SE510032E (en) * | 1993-02-11 | 2003-02-04 | Dalloz Safety Ab | Surface cladding for an earcup sealing ring and device for moisture absorption and use of such cladding |
US5420381A (en) * | 1993-04-19 | 1995-05-30 | Cabot Safety Corporation | Acoustical earmuff |
US5996123A (en) * | 1998-10-16 | 1999-12-07 | Bacon Usa Safety, Inc. | Earmuff for noise blocking |
-
2005
- 2005-01-24 CN CNA2005800023680A patent/CN1909862A/en active Pending
- 2005-01-24 RU RU2006130376/14A patent/RU2006130376A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-01-24 WO PCT/US2005/002159 patent/WO2005072668A1/en active Application Filing
- 2005-01-24 US US11/041,383 patent/US20050283882A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-01-24 CA CA002552653A patent/CA2552653A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-01-24 AU AU2005209264A patent/AU2005209264A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-01-24 BR BRPI0506978-5A patent/BRPI0506978A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-01-24 EP EP05706047A patent/EP1706082A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2006
- 2006-06-20 NO NO20062893A patent/NO20062893L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1706082A1 (en) | 2006-10-04 |
NO20062893L (en) | 2006-09-29 |
CA2552653A1 (en) | 2005-08-11 |
US20050283882A1 (en) | 2005-12-29 |
WO2005072668A1 (en) | 2005-08-11 |
CN1909862A (en) | 2007-02-07 |
RU2006130376A (en) | 2008-02-27 |
BRPI0506978A (en) | 2007-07-03 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
MK1 | Application lapsed section 142(2)(a) - no request for examination in relevant period |