US4803853A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ornamental ear insert and hearing aid
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1987-07-08
•
Granted: 1989-02-14
•
Expires: 2007-07-08
Abstract
Abstract An ornamental ear insert is provided which comprises a mesh screen, which particularly consists of metal and is formed with pleats, which are preferably curved. The ornamental ear insert in accordance with the invention is adapted to be inserted into an external ear and is adapted to be resiliently retained behind projecting portions of the external ear and/or may be provided at one end or at both ends with hooks for insertion into folds between the external ear and the skull of the wearer. Such an ornamental insert may be used merely as an ornament or as an ornamental covering for a hearing aid or a component thereof and may be designed to leave free the ear lobe for an attachment of conventional ear ornament.
Inventors
- 👤 Reiner Hoerkens
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 15:07
CPC Classifications
A; A44; A44C; A44C7/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
An ornamental ear insert comprising a flexible mesh screen formed to possess at least one pleat, said mesh screen being configured to the wearer's external ear to engage the inner portion of the ear adjoining the ear canal, said mesh screen having predetermined curvilinear portions for engaging projecting portions of said external ear, thereby securing said ear insert to said external ear.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
62 words
An ornamental ear insert comprising a flexible mesh screen formed to possess at least one pleat, said mesh screen being configured to the wearer's external ear to engage the inner portion of the ear adjoining the ear canal, said mesh screen having predetermined curvilinear portions for engaging projecting portions of said external ear, thereby securing said ear insert to said external ear.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
An ornamental ear insert according to claim 1, wherein the mesh screen consists of metal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
An ornamental ear insert according to claim 1, wherein said pleats are curved.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
An ornamental ear insert according to claim 1, wherein said pleats are curved like the flutes of a mussel shell.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
An ornamental ear insert according to claim 1, wherein said mesh screen is formed with radiating pleats.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
An ornamental ear insert according to claim 1, wherein said mesh screen is formed with beadlike arches between said pleats.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
An ornamental ear insert according to claim 1, wherein said mesh screen is resilient and adapted to be retained behind inwardly projecting portions of an external ear.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
An ornamental ear insert according to claim 1, wherein mesh lugs for insertion behind projecting portions of the external ear are provided on said mesh screen.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
An ornamental ear insert according to claim 1, wherein said mesh screen has a welded rim.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
An ornamental ear insert according to claim 1 wherein said mesh screen is provided with a plastic rim.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
An ornamental ear insert according to claim 1, wherein said mesh screen consists of metallized plastic.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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US2477046A
Cited
US2410914A
Cited
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-02-14 | 1992-08-15 | 1993-02-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-02-14 | 1996-08-15 | 1997-02-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-02-14 | 2000-08-15 | 2001-02-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |