BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years with the advent of urban living, noise pollution has become an increasingly significant problem. Loud noise is also a problem in the workplace where high levels of machinery noise can cause damage to the ears.

Indeed, to protect workers there exists in many countries legislation requiring employers to provide ear protection for their employees.

Noise pollution, whilst being an irritation, is also a cause of hearing loss when the ears are either subjected to a single loud noise or are repeatedly subjected to levels of noise above a safe maximum.

Ear protection has traditionally taken the form of earplugs constructed of plastic, foam, silicone or wax. All of these tend to have disadvantages and are of varying effectiveness in attenuating noise. For example, hard plastic plugs tend to be particularly uncomfortable as they press on the ear canal and concha when in place whereas wax plugs can end up being irretrievably pushed into the ear, requiring removal by a physician. All earplugs currently suffer from the drawback of causing a pressure differential between the atmosphere and the inner ear which leads to discomfort due to the sealing or substantial sealing effect that they have on the ear canal.

Discomfort and inability to hear conversation cause persons to remove their earplugs or neglect to wear them at all with consequences such as irritation, deafness and liability to employers. Further, constant removal and re-insertion of the ear-plug is a cause of contamination, especially in the work place, causing such problems as ear infections.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1A where there is shown a diagram of a prior art earplug, as described in U. S patent 3,872,559 to Leight. The earplug consists of a generally cylindrical member, 10, having a body portion 12, a conical end portion 14 at one end of the body and a hollow, flared section 16 at the other end of the body 12. The plug is filled with material 18, for reducing the noise level. Apertures in the end portion 14 and in hollow, flared section 16 allow the foam to breathe. Earplug 10 is designed to fit snugly into the ear canal, its flared end forming a seal over the entrance hole to the ear.

Fig. 1B shows a further example of a prior art earplug as described in U. S patent 4,094,315 to Leight, comprising an earplug which substantially seals the ear canal. The latter earplug is semi-rigid and is inserted relatively deeply into the ear canal in order to produce a maximum deadening and sound-absorbing effect on the incoming sound.

The above-mentioned prior art plugs suffer from the drawbacks of causing discomfort due to the substantial sealing effect that they have on the ear canal. They are also rigid or semi-rigid causing discomfort due to pressure on the ear-canal or the concha of the ear. Furthermore, the earplugs tend to reduce all sounds and prevent conversation from being heard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an earplug which overcomes the limitations and disadvantages of prior earplugs.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an earplug which blocks noise without substantially sealing the ear canal and causing discomfort to the wearer; A further object of the present invention is to provide an earplug which allows conversation to be conducted whilst inserted in the ear while at the same time blocking out'loud'noise and uncomfortable sounds.

There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an earplug which has a first cylindrical element made of a first material and a second element which fits over the first cylindrical element made of a second material. The first element is inserted into an ear canal and is substantially convex in shape. The second element is open at one end and closed at its other end. The first element has at least one aperture. The second element has at least one aperture in the center of its closed end.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the aperture in the first cylindrical element is approximately in the center of its closed end.

Further. in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the aperture in the first cylindrical element is on the cylindrical surface of the first cylindrical element. The aperture is adjacent to the connection between the two elements. in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an earplug, which has a first cylindrical element and a second element which fits into the first element. The first cylindrical element is constructed of a first material and is open at one end. It is substantially convex in shape at one end which is inserted into an ear canal. The first cylindrical element has air circulation means. The second element is made of a second material and is tapered, the narrower end fitting into the first cylindrical element.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the air circulation means consists of two apertures. The first aperture is approximately in the center of the closed convex end of the cylindrical element and the second aperture is formed in the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical element adjacent to the connecting juncture between the two elements.

In a-further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air circulation means consists of an aperture and a conduit. The aperture is approximately in the center of the closed convex end of the cylindrical element and the conduit is formed approximately through the center of the second element.

The second element includes a generally annular element having a projecting annular nib integrally formed thereto, the nib being substantially located at the center of the annular element. The second element may further have at least one aperture formed within the projecting annular nib. Alternatively, the second element includes a generally annular element having an annular groove formed therein or a part of the ring removed.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the second material is softer than the first material. Alternatively, the same materials may be used. The thickness of the material may also vary.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an earplug consisting of a first cylindrical element which is open at both ends to which is attached a second and third element. The first cylindrical element has a narrow lip around the outer surface of one open end, no such lip at its second end and is constructed of a first material. The second element is constructed of a second material and is open at one narrow end and closed at the other wide end for insertion into an ear canal. The second element is tapered from a first wide end to a second narrow end. The third element is constructed of a third material and is open at one end and closed at its other convex end. The diameter of the open ends of the second and third elements is greater than the diameter of the lip-bearing open end of the first cylindrical element and the converse end of the first cylindrical element respectively to allow both to respectively fit tightly over the open ends of the first cylindrical element to form connecting junctures. The second

element contains an aperture approximately in the center of its wide end. The third element contains an aperture approximately in the center of its closed convex end.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the aperture in the third element is replaced by an aperture on the cylindrical surface of the first cylindrical element adjacent to the join between the first and third elements.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the second and third materials are softer than the first material.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an earplug which consists of a cylindrical element. The cylindrical element is constructed of a rigid material and has a proximate and distal end each having a substantially convex shape. The proximate end is for insertion into an ear canal.

The cylindrical element has an aperture or apertures in its proximate end and a second aperture on the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical element distal from the first aperture or apertures.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the second aperture is formed approximately in the center of the distal end of the cylindrical element.

Furthermore in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the element includes sound absorbing material proximate to the convex end inserted into the ear.

In addition, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the earplug may contain protruding elements integrally formed with the element distal from the ear to allow for easier grasp of the earplug when being inserted and removed from the ear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which : Figs. 1A and 1 B are schematic illustrations of prior art earplugs; Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of an earplug inserted into an ear according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention ; Figs. 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations of bi-elemental earplugs according to preferred embodiments of the present invention ; Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C. 4D, 4E and 4F are schematic illustrations of bi-elemental earplugs according to further preferred embodiments of the present invention ; Figs. 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of tri-elemental earplugs according to preferred embodiments of the present invention ; and Figs. 6A and 6B are schematic illustrations of unitary earplugs according to preferred embodiments of the present invention ;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Reference is now made to Fig. 2 which schematically illustrates an earplug, 20, constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, inserted into the ear-canal 22 of the outer ear (or concha) of a user.

Earplug 20 is positioned in ear-canal 22, to prevent sound from reaching eardrum, 26.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3A which schematically illustrates earplug 20 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Earplug 20 comprises a hollow cylindrical member 28, open at one end 30 over which is sealably fitted a second member 32. Earplug 20 is closed at its other end 34 which has substantially convex shape in order to fit into a user's ear.

Hollow cylindrical member 28 is constructed of a non-flexible material such as plastic, polyvinyl chloride, or other similar material. An aperture 36 is formed in the center of the convex end 34 of hollow cylindrical member 28.

Second member 32 is preferably constructed of a soft, pliable material such as latex or silicone. Second member 32 is teat-like having an open end 38 and a closed end 40 which has a substantially convex shape. An aperture 42 is formed in the center of the convex end 40 of second member 32. The diameter of end 38 is such that it can sealably be fitted over open end 30 of member 28 to form a substantially air tight seal.

It will be appreciated by persons knowledgeable in the art that hollow cylindrical member 28 and second member 32 may be constructed from similar materials, and that it is not essential that different materials, as described hereinabove, be used. Thus, for example, in an alternative embodiment, both cylindrical member 28 and second member 32 may be formed from the same material, such as a silicone or other soft, pliable materials.

The combination of aperture 36 in convex end 34 of hollow cylindrical member 28 and aperture 42 in convex end 40 of second member 32 allows for air to circulate within the hollow cylindrical member 28 and thus allows the ear to "breathe"when earplug 20 is inserted therein increasing the comfort of the user.

Thus, though the apertures are relatively small, they allow air to enter the earplug 20 and consequently there is an effective equalization of air pressure between the ear, the earplug and the outside environment.

Earplug 20 is inserted into the ear as described hereinabove (Fig. 2) to reduce the noise reaching the user's inner ear. However, the unique construction of earplug 20 also facilitates the discernment of and the engagement in conversation whilst earplug 20 is in place and functioning to block a loud noise.

This feature prevents the necessity for frequent removal, stopping of work and soiling due to removal. Further, earplug 20 allows the wearer to hear soft noises such as the ring of a telephone from the general background.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3B, which schematically illustrates an earplug 44, constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Elements of this embodiment of the invention which are similar to elements which have been previously described with respect to the preferred embodiment hereinabove, are similarly designated and will not be further described.

Earplug 44 is similar to earplug 20 described hereinabove with respect to Fig. 3A. except that, in the preferred embodiment of Fig. 3B, aperture 36 in convex end 34 of hollow cylindrical element 28 (Fig. 3A) is replaced by an aperture 46 on the surface of hollow cylindrical member 28, adjacent to the connecting juncture of hollow cylindrical member 28 and second member 32.

The combination of aperture 46 on the surface of hollow cylindrical member 28 and aperture 42 in convex end 40 of second member 32 allows for air to circulate within the hollow cylindrical member 28 and thus allows the ear to "breathe"when earplug 20 is inserted therein increasing the comfort of the user.

Reference is now made to Figs. 4A and 4B which schematically illustrate earplugs 46 and 54, respectively, constructed in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention. Similar elements are similarly numbered.

Earplug 46 comprises a hollow cylindrical member 28, open at one end 30 into which is sealingly fitted a second member 48. Earplug 46 is closed at its other end 34 which has a substantially convex shape in order to fit into a user's ear.

Hollow cylindrical member 28 is constructed of a material such as plastic, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, silicone or other similar material. An aperture 36 is formed in the center of the convex end 34 of hollow cylindrical member 28.

Second member 48 is preferably constructed of a soft pliable sound absorbent material, such as rubber, latex or silicone. Second member 48 is preferably tapered from a first wide end 50 to a second narrower end 52. The diameter of element 48 at end 52 is such that it can sealably be inserted into the open end 30 of member 28 to form a substantially air tight seal. A conduit 53 is formed through the center of second member 48.

The combination of aperture 36 in convex end 34 of hollow cylindrical member 28 and the conduit 53 through second member 48 allows for air to circulate within the hollow cylindrical member 28 and thus allows the ear to"breathe", when earplug 46 is inserted therein.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4B, which is similar to Fig. 4A except that conduit 53 through second member 48 (Fig. 4A) is replaced by an aperture 56 on the surface of hollow cylindrical member 28. Aperture 56 is adjacent to the connecting juncture of hollow cylindrical member 28 and second member 48 to allow for air to circulate within the hollow cylindrical member 28 Earplugs 54 and 46 are inserted into the ear as described hereinabove (Fig. 2).

Reference is now made to Fig. 4C, which schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of an earplug, generally designated 47. Elements of this embodiment of the invention which are similar to elements which have been previously described with respect to the preferred embodiment hereinabove, are similarly designated and will not further be described. Fig. 4C is similar to Fig. 4A comprises a hollow cylindrical member 28, open at one end 30 into which is sealingly fitted a second member 59.

Cylindrical member 28 has a curved shape for ease of insertion into the ear canal and second member 59 having a plurality of winglets 57 integrally molded thereto. Winglets 57 allow for an easier grasp of the earplug and the ease of removal of earplug 47 from the ear-canal. A conduit 61 through second member 59

allows for air to circulate within the hollow cylindrical member 28 and allows the ear to"breathe". Second member 59 comprises a generally annular element having a nib integrally formed and projecting from the middle of the annular element.

Second member 59 has a"L"-shaped configuration when viewed in section.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4F, the projecting nib extends into the air space of cylindrical member 28. A plurality of apertures may be formed within the projecting nib.

As described hereinabove, hollow cylindrical member 28 may be formed from any suitable material, such as silicone or other soft, pliable material. The second member 59 (having three winglets 57) may also be formed of the same material as hollow cylindrical member 28. Alternatively, second member 59 may be constructed from any other suitable material.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4D, which schematically illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the earplug 47, of Fig. 4C. Fig. 4D is similar to Fig. 4C, described hereinabove, comprising a hollow cylindrical member 28, open at one end 30 into which is sealingly fitted a second member 59. Cylindrical member 28 has a curved shape for ease of insertion into the ear canal and second member 59'having a plurality of winglets 57, integrally molded thereto.

The second member 59'is similar to second member 59 of Fig. 3C except for its shape. Thus, second member 59' (Fig. 3D) comprises a generally annular element having a central portion removed. Conduit 61'is thus smaller than conduit 61 of second member 59 (Fig. 3C).

Reference is now made to Fig. 4E which schematically illustrates a further preferred embodiment of an earplug generally designated 49. Elements of this embodiment of the invention which are similar to elements which have been previously described with respect to the preferred embodiment hereinabove, are similarly designated and will not further be described. Fig. 4E is similar to Fig. 4A comprises a hollow cylindrical member 28, open at one end 30 into which is sealingly fitted a second member 48.

Cylindrical member 28 further contains a plug of material 63 constructed of a material such as plastic, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride silicone or other similar

material. A conduit 65 is formed through the center of second member 63, to allow air to circulate therewithin.. Plug 65 may take the form of a separate cap which forms convex end 34 of earplug 49. Aperture 36 (of Fig. 4A) is replaced by a conduit 65, similar to conduit 53 to facilitate the circulation of air as described hereinabove.

Preferably, cylindrical member 28 is constructed of silicone and second member 48 is constructed of rubber or silicone.

It will be appreciated that any of the embodiments described herein may also contain sound absorbing materials in their ends. The amount and type of sound absorbing materials may be varied to suit different sound-absorbing requirements or applications of earplugs.

Reference is now made to Figs. 5A and 5B which schematically illustrate earplugs 58 and 84, respectively, constructed in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention. Similar elements are similarly numbered.

Earplug 58 comprises a hollow cylindrical element 60 open at both ends 62 and 64. Hollow cylindrical element 60 has a lip 66, formed around the outer surface of element 60, at end 64. Sealingly fitted into end 64 is a second member 68 and sealingly fitted over end 62 is a third member 70.

Hollow cylindrical member 60 is constructed of a non-flexible material such as plastic, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride or other similar material.

Second member 68 is manufactured from a material which is softer than that of hollow cylindrical member 60 and preferably constructed of a soft pliable material such as rubber or latex. Second member 68 is hollow and tapered from a first wide end 72 to a second narrower end 74. The diameter of element 68 at end 74 is such that it can be sealably inserted into the open end 64 of member 60 to form a substantially air tight seal. An aperture 76 is formed in the center of the wide end 72 of second member 68. Earplug 58 is inserted into the ear, second member 68 first, as shown hereinabove (Fig. 2).

Third member 70 is manufactured from a material which is softer than that of hollow cylindrical member 60 and preferably constructed of a soft, pliable material such as latex. Third member 70 is teat-like having an open end 78 and a

closed end 80 which has a substantially convex shape. An aperture 82 is formed in the center of the convex end 80 of third member 70.

The diameter of end 78 is such that it can sealably be fitted over open end 62 of member 60 to form a substantially airtight seal.

The combination of aperture 76 in wide end 72 of second member 68 and aperture 82 in the center of convex end 80 of third member 70 allows for air to circulate within the hollow cylindrical member 60 and thus allows the ear to "breathe"when earplug 58 is inserted therein.

It will be appreciated by persons knowledgeable in the art that hollow cylindrical member 60, second member 68 and third member 70 may be constructed from similar materials, and that it is not essential that different materials, as described hereinabove, be used. Thus, for example, in an alternative embodiment, the three members (cylindrical member 60, second member 68 and third member 70) may be formed from the same material, such as a silicone or other soft, pliable materials. In the preferred embodiment of Fig. 5B, aperture 76 in wide end 72 of second member 68 (Fig. 5A) is replaced by an aperture 86, on the surface of hollow cylindrical member 60, approximately two thirds of the distance from wide end 72 to convex end 80 to allow for air to circulate within the hollow cylindrical member 60.

Reference is now made to Figs. 6A and 6B, which schematically illustrate earplugs 88 and 100, respectively, constructed in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments of Figs. 6A and 6B are similar (Similar elements are similarly numbered) comprising a single element, referenced 90.

Earplug 88 comprises a hollow cylindrical member 90, closed at both ends 92 and 94 which are substantially convex in shape in order to fit into a user's ear. Hollow cylindrical member 90 is constructed of a non-flexible material such as plastic, polyvinyl chloride or other similar material. Apertures 96 and 98 are formed in the center of ends 92 and 94. Apertures 96 and 98 allow for air to circulate within the hollow cylindrical member 90 and thus allows the ear to breathe when earplug

88 is inserted therein. Earplug 88 is inserted into the ear as described hereinabove (Fig. 2).

The preferred embodiment of Fig. 6B, comprises a hollow cylindrical member 90 with an aperture 102 on the surface of hollow cylindrical member 90, approximately two thirds of the distance from end 92 to end 94 (in place of aperture 96 in Fig. 6A)-and an aperture 98 at end 94 of hollow cylindrical member 90.

An experiment to measure the effectiveness of the embodiments of the present invention has been formulated. An experimenter actuates a source of sound in a closed area and measures the sound level with a decibel meter. The experimenter then blocks his ears with an embodiment of the earplug to be evaluated. For each blocking in accordance with the test procedure for the embodiment the experimenter then unblocks his ears and walks to a distance from the source of the noise where the sound level is the same as it was within the closed area with the earplug in situ. The results of such an experiment performed for the embodiment of Fig. 4C of the earplug are shown in the table below: Without Earplug With Earp % Improvement 105 dB 75 dB 28% 120 dB 80dB 33% As can be seen from the above, the percentage improvement is significant. Moreover, the actual level of noise is reduced to 80dB level at highest levels.

As will be appreciated by persons knowledgeable in the art, the various embodiments hereinbefore referred to are given by way of example only and do not in any way limit the present invention. For example, though the above embodiments have been described with respect to a hollow cylindrical element, the invention is also applicable to elements having other shapes and configurations, such as a generally tapered configuration to suit the shape of the outer ear.

Further, the element need not be entirely hollow provided that air can circulate

within it to prevent pressure build-up and discomfort to the user. As long as there is a passage of air from the outside via the earplug to the ear, there is an effective equalization of air pressure which prevents the discomfort of conventional earplugs.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that though the above embodiments have been described with respect to hollow cylindrical members having an aperture therein, it is possible to achieve sound reduction using a hollow cylindrical member without the aperture, albeit at a lower comfort level.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes, modifications and variations may be applied to the preferred embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in and by the appended claims.