Earplug system and methods
An earplug system includes a pair of earplugs connected by a cord, with each earplug having a body that holds a magnet of opposite polarity to permit selective coupling and uncoupling. When not being used for hearing protection, the earplugs can be magnetically coupled together to form an aesthetically pleasing pendant that hangs around the user's neck via the cord. Each earplug includes a removable tip for insertion into the ear and a body constructed from compliant materials. Optional features include indexing systems for proper alignment, removable cord attachments, and passive acoustic filters for frequency-specific attenuation.
1 . An earplug system for a human, comprising:
(a) a pair of earplugs; each of the earplugs being constructed and arranged to reduce volume of external noise for the human, when inserted into ears of the human;
(b) a pair of magnets of oriented with opposing poles facing each other; each of the magnets embedded within by one of the earplugs to permit the earplugs to be selectively coupled and uncoupled from each other; and
(c) a cord extending between the earplugs; the cord having a length between the earplugs of at least 14 inches.
2 . The earplug system of claim 1 , wherein each of the earplugs includes:
(a) a body holding one of the magnets and being attached to the cord; and
(b) a tip constructed and arranged to be insertable into the human ear;
(i) the tip comprising rubber or foam;
(ii) the tip being removably attached to the body.
3 . The earplug system of claim 2 , wherein the cord includes:
(a) a pair of cord end constructions on opposite ends of the cord;
(b) each cord end construction being attached to the body of one of the earplugs.
4 . The earplug system of claim 3 , wherein each body includes:
(a) a magnet pocket holding one of the magnets; and
(b) a cord-receiving cavity.
5 . The earplug system of claim 4 wherein each one of the cord end constructions is non-removably attached to a respective one of the earplug bodies in the cord-receiving cavity.
6 . The earplug system of claim 4 wherein each one of the cord end constructions is removably attached to a respective one of the earplug bodies in the cord-receiving cavity.
7 . The earplug system of claim 6 , wherein each body includes a cord slot in communication with the cord-receiving cavity.
8 . The earplug system of claim 3 , further including a pair of passive acoustic filters for each earplug.
9 . The earplug system of claim 8 , wherein each of the passive acoustic filters is held by a respective one of the cord end constructions.
10 . The earplug system of claim 3 , wherein:
(a) each body comprises silicone or urethane rubber;
(b) each of the magnets comprises neodymium embedded or insert-molded into one of the bodies;
(c) each cord end construction comprises rigid plastic; and
(d) each cord comprises one of tubing, filament, or braided fiber.
11 . The earplug system of claim 2 , wherein each body includes an indexing protrusion and recess arrangement to assist with alignment between the magnets.
12 . The earplug system of claim 2 , wherein each body includes a plurality of ribs to enhance friction with one of the tips.
13 . The earplug system of claim 2 , wherein each body is shaped such that when magnetically coupled together, the bodies form a pendant; the pendant having opposite front and rear surfaces each being contained within parallel planes.
14 . A method of using an earplug system; the method comprising:
(a) removing an earplug from each ear of a user; each earplug being constructed and arranged to reduce volume of external noise; each earplug having a body embedding a magnet; a tip removably attached to the body; and a cord secured to the body and securing the earplugs to each other at opposite ends of the cord;
(b) magnetically coupling the earplugs to each other to form a pendant; and
(c) allowing the pendant to hang from a neck of the user, with the cord extending around the neck of the user.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the step of removing the earplug from each ear includes pulling on the cord to remove the tip of each earplug from one of the ears.
16 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the step of magnetically coupling the earplugs includes inserting a first projection from a first of the earplugs into a second recess of a second of the earplugs; and inserting a second projection from the second of the earplugs into a first recess of the first earplug.
17 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the step of magnetically coupling the earplugs includes the pendant having opposite front and rear surfaces each being contained within parallel planes.
18 . The method of claim 14 , further including:
(a) removing the cord from the earplugs; and
(b) providing a different cord and removably attaching the different cord to the bodies of the earplugs.
19 . The method of claim 14 , further including before the step of removing the earplug from each ear of a user, filtering out sound using a passive acoustic filter in each earplug.