Receptacle for hearing protection

Abstract

Disclosed is a housing capable of storing and providing quick and easy access to hearing protection devices, without the need for complicated mechanical retention devices to prevent the hearing protection from falling out. "Ready Ears" products use a specifically designed tapered hole to store hearing protection in.

Description

RECEPTACLE FOR HEARING PROTECTIONRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 611,090, filed December 15, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to storage of “bud” style hearing protection devices and, more particularly, to a storage device that is an accessory for firearms, firearm users, and any use for a person desiring the ability to protect their ears from excessive noise.BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0003] Noise exposure is a significant concern for all humans, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines hearing protection requirements and recommendations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that hearing loss is twice as common as diabetes or cancer, ranking as the third most prevalent chronic health condition in the United States.

[0004] Hearing loss often results from overexposure to sounds / noises capable of damaging the human ear. It's not only a concern for military and police personnel or firearm users.

[0005] Hearing loss can be prevented or minimized by using hearing protection devices. Current hearing protection storage devices are bulky, unreliable in physically demanding environments, and require fine motor skills, often necessitating two-handed operation for deploying the protection. Present storage methods for bud-style hearing protection include placement in clothing pockets, plastic tubs with folding lids, zippered pouches, and strings connecting the buds. Additionally, various storage cases for hearing protection devices are available on the market.

[0006] Existing hearing protection cases are often bulky, structurally weak, easily misplaced, unattractive, and challenging to use. This difficulty includes accessing the storage case, opening it, retrieving the devices, and deploying them quickly and easily. Current market options demand fine-motor skills, typically suited for two-handed operation. For instance, a thin plastic case storing two devices may require the user to locate two opposing tabs, pry them apart to open the case, and then retrieve the devices. This process demands significant mental and possibly visual focus for successful deployment.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] This disclosure describes an improved hearing protection storage device, “Ready Ears,” allowing users to store hearing protection on their equipment without zippers, flaps, buttons, detents, hinges, or superfluous elements. Friction and negative air pressure from tapered holes are the primary retention forces, enabling one-handed access using just two fingers, knuckles, or another pinch point. This provides quick and easy access through the use of gross motor skills for deployment, demanding less mental and visual focus than fine motor skills.

[0008] Ready Ears offer quick and easy hearing protection access while protecting the devices from dirt, dust, and debris. The tapered hole design prevents dust and debris accumulation on the surfaces to be inserted into the ear canal. The device is versatile, with options for storing hearing protection on firearms, tactical vests, belts, or other gear. Ready Ears allow users to quickly access hearing protection, reducing the risk of firing a firearm without it. This is particularly beneficial for military and law enforcement personnel who might need to use firearms where returning to a storage location (like a patrol car) is impractical.

[0009] In one aspect, the hearing protection storage device includes a rigid body with a gear-attachment interface configured for mounting to various equipment, such as firearms, tactical vests, helmets, belts, backpacks, or construction tools. A receptacle is formed within the rigid body, featuring a tapered conical section and a canal-tip seating section. The tapered conical section includes an accessible opening to accommodate the widest insertable portion of the hearing protection, a narrowed apex for engaging the leading canal tip, and an interior sidewall surface tapering at less than about 10 degrees to facilitate frictional and pressure-assisted retention. The canal-tip seating section extends into a cavity, creating a vacuum-assisted retention force to resist removal of the hearing protection.

[0010] The device offers rotational mounting capabilities via a set of fastener apertures, compatibility with multiple types of hearing protection devices (e.g., foam plugs, silicone plugs, flanged earplugs), and the ability to incorporate multiple receptacles for dual storage. Ergonomic enhancements include angled openings for easy access and a streamlined, non- coplanar exterior to minimize snag points during operation. The rigid body is constructed from durable materials like aluminum, titanium, or polymer-based substances and coated with finishes such as hard coat anodizing or CERAKOTE® for enhanced environmental resistance. A gloss finish on the interior sidewall surface of the tapered conical section ensures a smooth seal, while a V-notch on the top surface of the rigid body reduces heightabove mounting surfaces, preserving the user’s field of view. The V-notch is dimensioned for compatibility with standard-height iron sights, red-dot sights, and co-witness setups, and it includes angled surfaces to minimize light reflection for tactical environments.

[0011] The design provides flexibility, durability, and functionality, ensuring secure storage and quick deployment of hearing protection in demanding environments. Additional aspects and advantages will be evident from the following detailed description of embodiments, referencing the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a tapered conical receptacle, according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a side elevation cross section view of the tapered conical receptacle shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a pictorial view showing a collection of hearing protection devices.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an M-LOK Single Unit housing shown with transparent outer sides to reveal the receptacle shown in FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the M-LOK Single Unit housing shown in FIG. 4.

[0018] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a Body Worn Double Unit housing, according to another embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the Body Worn Double Unit housing bolt hole pattern.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of the Body Worn Double Unit housing with Velcro mounting system on a duty belt.

[0021] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the Body Worn Double Unit housing with a MOLLE clip design.

[0022] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a Rail Mount Single Unit.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a side elevation exploded view of the Rail Mount Single Unit of FIG. 10.

[0024] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a Rail Mount Double Unit, according to one embodiment

[0025] FIG. 13 is a side elevation exploded view of the Rail Mount Double Unit of FIG. 12.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a pictorial view of the Rail Mount Double Unit of FIG. 12 shown mounted on AR- 15 Picatinny rail with no ear protection stored.

[0027] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a Rail Mount Double Unit, according to another embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the Rail Mount Double Unit shown in FIG. 15.

[0029] FIG. 17 is a section view of the Rail Mount Double Unit of FIG. 15.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a section view of the Rail Mount Double Unit of FIG. 15.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0031] In this disclosure, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 initially provides an example of a “Ready Ears” tapered conical receptacle, which is designed to support various types of bud-style hearing protection devices (see, e.g., FIG. 3). Next, this disclosure describes five examples of different Ready Ears embodiments, as follows.

[0032] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 shows an M-LOK Single Unit (MSU) A housing which mounts to an M-LOK rail system and contains one tapered conical receptacle oriented along the long axis of the M-LOK rail system and allows a user to have access to one hearing protection device. These figures also show the same exterior design of a KeyMod Single Unit (KSU) with the same capabilities as an M-Lok Single Unit, with the only variation being small extensions off the bottom which allow the unit to be mounted to a KeyMod style rail system.

[0033] FIG. 6-FIG. 9 shows Body Worn Double Unit (BWDU) - A housing which mounts to a variety of objects. The unit contains two tapered conical receptacles which are oriented side-by-side and allow a user to store two hearing protection devices. The primary application is intended to be mounted on a belt using a heavy-duty Velcro strap, or a MOLLE gear system using a metal or plastic clip. This unit is the most versatile and can be mounted on a variety of objects using a variety of straps / clips / other mounting solutions.

[0034] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 shows Rail Mount Single Unit (RMSU) - A housing which mounts to a Picatinny Rail and contains one tapered conical receptacle oriented in a manner which allows a user to have access to one hearing protection device on whichever side of a rifle or similar platform the user chooses.

[0035] FIG. 12-FIG. 14 shows a Rail Mount Double Unit (RMDU) - A housing which mounts to a Picatinny Rail and contains two tapered conical receptacle oriented in a mannerwhich allows a user to have access to one hearing protection device on the left side of a rifle or similar platform, and access to one hearing protection device on the right (opposing) side of a rifle or similar platform.

[0036] FIG. 15-FIG. 18 shows a variation of the Rail Mount Double Unit (RMDU) which has a lower height above rail along the centerline of the firearm or similar platform with a “Picatinny” style rail. The variation Rail Mount Double Unit (RMDU) has a larger footprint across the rail as it is wider in the left and right sides of the housing.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows a receptacle 100 of a hearing protection storage device (shown and described later) used for storing hearing protection (see e.g., FIG. 3) that is insertable into an ear canal. As shown and described later with reference to FIG. 3, hearing protection has, along its central longitudinal axis, a leading canal tip and a trailing deformable portion. The deformable aspect encompasses the full range of current and potential future ear plug designs and any material that changes shape under force and then returns to its original form, e.g., encompassing both the compression-expansion behavior of foam and the flexibility of silicone components.

[0038] Although not shown in FIG. 1, receptacle 100 is formed in a rigid body (e.g., machined into a dense material such as aluminum or molded polymer, such as Grivory) with a gear-attachment interface configured for mounting the rigid body to equipment.Receptacle 100 has an internal longitudinal axis 102 that aligns with the central longitudinal axis of the hearing protection when it is inserted therein. The shape of receptacle 100 is generally defined by its a tapered conical section 104 and a canal -tip seating section 106.

[0039] Tapered conical section 104 includes an accessible opening 108 at a first (e.g., distal) end of receptacle 100, a narrowed apex 110 located between the first end and an aperture 112 of canal-tip seating section 106, and interior sidewall surface 114 extending from accessible opening 108 to narrowed apex 110.

[0040] Interior sidewall surface 114 tapers at an angle 116 of approximately 10 degrees relative to internal longitudinal axis 102. For instance, accessible opening 108 is sized to receive the widest outside diameter of the trailing deformable portion. Accessible opening 108 is open to atmosphere and is oriented perpendicular to an exterior surface of a rigid body (not shown) that houses receptacle 100, while narrowed apex 110 is dimensioned to frictionally engage the leading canal tip. For instance, a diameter of accessible opening 108 is approximately 0.500 inches in some embodiments. Tapered conical section 104 narrows in diameter at angle 116 of approximately 10 degrees until it reaches a diameter of approximately 0.250 inches at its narrowed apex 110. The length along internal longitudinalaxis 102 of tapered conical section 104 from narrowed apex 110 to accessible opening 108 is approximately 0.750 inches.

[0041] Canal -tip seating section 106 extends from narrowed apex 110 into a cavity 118 terminating at a second (e.g., proximal) end opposite the first end. In this example, canal-tip seating section 106 is a cylindrical bore that maintains a consistent diameter of approximately 0.250 inches, with a straight depth of 0.150 inches, and ends in a bottom surface 120 (the solid surface material is not shown) to retain a vacuum force. Canal-tip seating section 106 is sized to receive the leading canal tip such that, when the hearing protection is inserted into receptacle 100, the leading canal tip is nested within cavity 118 while the trailing deformable portion is frictionally engaged with interior sidewall surface 114 of tapered conical section 104.

[0042] A lack of air reentry pathway into cavity 118 creates a pressure-assisted retention force that resists removal of the hearing protection. For instance, in some embodiments, interior sidewall surface 114 of tapered conical section 104 is finished with a surface finish rating of approximately 3.2 pm Ra, similar to that of a glass window. More generally, the surface finish is one that would be acceptable for successfully mounting a suction cup.

[0043] FIG. 2 shows receptacle 100 with a representative earbud style hearing protection device 202 inserted into accessible opening 108. In this example, canal-tip seating section 106 is not filled with earbud style hearing protection device 202 itself, but the depth of canal -tip seating section 106 allows for bud style hearing protection devices with smaller diameters to be inserted into receptacle 100 deep enough to allow for a largest diameter 204 of earbud style hearing protection device 202 to mate with interior sidewall surface 114. As indicated previously, contact between interior sidewall surface 114 and an outer surface 206 of earbud style hearing protection device 202 creates two physical forces which serve the purpose of creating retention of earbud style hearing protection device 202.

[0044] The first form of retention is when earbud style hearing protection device 202 is inserted fully into receptacle 100, static friction exists between interior sidewall surface 114 and outer surface 206 of earbud style hearing protection device 202. This static friction mechanical value is dependent on the material of earbud style hearing protection device 202. Factors of the static friction value include cleanliness of earbud style hearing protection device 202, its material composition (silicone versus foam), and the cleanliness of interior sidewall surface 114. Largest diameter 204 mates with the smooth inner interior sidewall surface 114, and keeps dust, dirt, debris, fluids, and other contaminants from entering further into receptacle 100. This keeps the earbud style hearing protection deviceclean so the end user can avoid introducing unnecessary dust, dirt, debris, fluids, and other contaminants into their ear canal.

[0045] The second form of retention which keeps earbud style hearing protection device 202 from falling out of receptacle 100 is a negative pressure vacuum which is created when earbud style hearing protection device 202 is inserted into receptacle 100. As earbud style hearing protection device 202 is inserted into receptacle 100, air is pushed out of accessible opening 108 and slips past the barrier formed by outer surface 206 and interior sidewall surface 114. When earbud style hearing protection device 202 is pulled by its stem 208 by the user to be removed from receptacle 100, air cannot easily fill the void inside receptacle 100 due to the negative vacuum being created in the area below earbud style hearing protection device 202.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates the compatibility of receptacle 100 with various bud-style hearing protection devices 300. Typically, in-ear devices use either a conical silicone plug or a reexpanding foam plug to block sound when inserted into the ear canal. Silicone buds are shaped to fit the average ear canal, while foam buds are designed to be compressed into a smaller diameter, inserted into the ear canal, and then expanded to match its shape. Triple flange, reusable earplugs share a similar taper. Inserting one into the tapered hole creates sufficient surface friction between the earplug and the smooth interior of the hole for retention. Additionally, inserting a triple flange earplug displaces air from the hole, forming a negative vacuum when the earplug is removed. This vacuum, combined with surface friction, must be overcome to extract the earplug.

[0047] The tapered hole design accommodates most plug or bud-style hearing protection devices. Mimicking the average ear canal, it allows for storage of the majority of in-ear devices. Compatible hearing protection includes “bud” style units, those inserted into the ear canal. Common types of these devices are foam ear plugs, flanged ear plugs, triple flange ear plugs, digital earbuds, and electronic earbuds.

[0048] Within FIG. 3, are photographs of three kinds of silicone flanged ear plugs. A first set 302 is an ear plug with a hard hollow plastic stem which allows air flow into the ear canal and is intended for musicians and concert goers. A second set 304 is a generic reusable pair of flanged ear plugs, as is a third set 306 which has a single silicone string attached to the stem of each ear plug, allowing the user to drape the ear plugs around their neck for storage when not in use. A flanged ear plug set 308 designed specifically by a firearm accessory company has a silicone retention device attached to the stem of the ear plug which is designed to hold the ear plug into the contours of the outer ear as it leads intothe ear canal. A variety of compressible foam ear plugs 310 are shown, displaying a large variety of colors and slight shape differences. Electronic ear buds 312 designed by a firearm user centric company have expanding foam plugs attached to a digital device, while electronic ear buds 314 designed by a different company use a flanged ear plug attached to a digital device.

[0049] Extensive analysis of various shapes and interactions of hearing protection devices led to the tapered hole design being deemed optimal for receiving and retaining a wide range of devices. Testing confirmed that the taper effectively retains in-ear devices during dynamic activities like running, jumping, and shaking. An external force is necessary to overcome the friction and negative air pressure when removing a device from the tapered hole.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a housing 400 having receptacle 100 with the capacity for storing one hearing protection device. There are two variations of housing 400 which vary only in tabs 402 on a bottom flat surface 404 of housing 400. The variations are the M-Lok Single Unit (MSU) and KeyMod Single Unit (KSU). Portions of the exterior surfaces of housing 400 are transparent for the purpose of illustrating angle of internal longitudinal axis 102 with respect to bottom flat surface 404 of housing 400. Outer top surface 406 of housing 400 generally follows the contour of receptacle 100. This contour serves the purpose of removing unnecessary material and overall weight of housing 400 and creates a higher level of comfort to the hand of the user if housing 400 becomes touched or held while manipulating the firearm it is mounted to. Additionally, the taper of outer top surface 406 of housing 400 reduces potential for this accessory to become a snag point for clothing, slings, other gear, and other objects found in a close quarter combat situation. Housing 400 is mounted to either an M-Lok handguard or KeyMod handguard, the two most common types of rifle handguard styles. Slight variations on the bottom of housing 400 (not shown in this figure) allow alignment to either an M-Lok handguard or KeyMod handguard. Regardless of handguard type, housing 400 is bolted in place using two fasteners 408 which screw into a tee-nut designed specifically for the M-Lok platform or the KeyMod platform. Fasteners 408 are inserted through tab 402 on either side of the bottom of housing 400, and tightened to create a compression force on the respective handguard. The M-Lok Single Unit is installed on any M-Lok handguard or M-Lok accessory by placing housing 400 on the M- Lok opening per M-Lok instructions, and then tightening fasteners 408 into the M-Lok tee- nut, per M-Lok instructions. The KeyMod Single Unit is installed on any KeyMod handguard or KeyMod accessory by placing housing 400 on the KeyMod opening per KeyMod instructions, and then tightening fasteners 408 into the KeyMod tee-nut.

[0051] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of the M-Lok Single Unit / KeyMod Single housing 400 with all exterior surfaces shown. Fasteners 408 are more easily viewed in this figure.

[0052] FIG. 5 also shows that the exterior of housing 400 is shaped with a variety of nonparallel and non-coplanar surfaces 502, which are specifically designed to relieve the potential concern for reflection of light. Reflected light by firearm mounted equipment poses two threats: (1) The threat of reflecting an outside light source into the user’s eyesight, thus degrading the user’s performance. (2) The threat of reflecting an outside light source in a direction away from the user which would negatively impact a tactical operation by broadcasting the user’s location. The combination of non-parallel and non-coplanar surfaces on the exterior of housing 400 minimizes surface area of any one flat surface, effectively minimizing reflectivity. The exterior surface design makes housing 400 appear smaller, and more difficult to see.

[0053] The exterior design of housing 400 also serves a functional purpose. First and foremost, housing 400 is finished with a matte coating. Matte surface finishes are light absorbent, while gloss surface finishes are light reflective. Housing 400 is designed to have a matte surface finish, comparable to most finishes found on a common metal rifle. Housing 400 is designed to distribute the overall exterior surface area amongst a variety of planes, so as to eliminate any single large flat surface area on one plane. This effectively makes housing 400 appear more small, and more difficult to see. This can be explained using simple geometry. For example, when shining a light at a flat mirror at a 45 degree angle, nearly all of the light input to the mirror will be output at an opposing 45 degree angle trajectory. If the same amount of light is shined at the same mirror, but the mirror is split with 50 percent of the surface still on the same plane while 50 percent of the mirror surface is angled 10 degrees up along one of the diagonals, 50 percent of the light will be reflected in the same opposing 45 degree trajectory, while 50 percent of the light will reflect in a different direction. This is the driving principal behind the exterior surface design of housing 400. It is designed so any light that is reflected by housing 400 is reflected upon a variety of angles, effectively dispersing as much light as possible.

[0054] The “Ready Ears” line of hearing protection storage units all have physical contours / angles which are purpose driven, beyond just style. The combination of angles, non-parallel, and non-coplanar surfaces serve the function of reducing the potential for visible light reflectance. The reduction of reflected light from the “Ready Ears” units is important for the following reasons: (1) Reducing potential reflected light minimizes the concern of the unit reflecting light into the user’s field of view, which could negatively impact the user’s mission. (2) Reducing potential reflected light minimizes the concern ofthe unit reflecting light in the direction of any person, animal, or other detection device, which could negatively impact the tactical advantage of the user.

[0055] Housing 400 is designed to be finished with a matte coating. Matte coating, versus glossy coating, serves the purpose of absorbing light rather than reflecting light. The embodiments may be coated with a durable coating which can be custom painted by the user if desired.

[0056] The embodiments are designed to be manufactured out of 6061 aluminum. 7075 aluminum is stronger than 6061 and could be an alternative material. The design is made with 6061 aluminum in order to save cost. The embodiments are not a primary critical function device of any firearm, and therefore any mechanically induced deformation to the embodiments will not negatively impact the function of the firearm. For this reason, a stronger 7075 aluminum is not worth the added cost.

[0057] The embodiments may also be made of other materials such as titanium, magnesium, steel, stainless steel, Acetal (polyoxymethylene), or other impact resistant materials.

[0058] The intended manufacturing process for the embodiments is Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) milling, or any comparable manufacturing process. The embodiments may also be manufactured with the following processes: (1) Plastic Injection Molding (PIM), (2) Metal Injection Molding (MIM), (3) 3D Printing.

[0059] The primary coating intended for the embodiments is hard coat anodizing. To maintain a matte finish on the exterior surfaces, the exterior surfaces are mechanically or chemically abraded prior to the anodizing process. Hard coat anodizing the unit strengthens the exterior to prevent denting and scratching under mechanical load. The inside surface area of the tapered holes should be finished smoothly to increase the surface friction value between the hole and the hearing protection device. This is similar to how a suction cup is more effective on a smooth glass window, while ineffective on a rough tile surface. A second alternative to coating the embodiments is with CERAKOTE®, a ceramic coating which is commonly used on firearms. Spray painting or hand painting is an acceptable coating method, but least preferred as it is least durable.

[0060] FIG. 6 shows the Body Worn Double Unit (BWDU) version that suits various industries, including airline workers, musicians, concert-goers, automotive racing, factory environments, waste management, bartending, private security, and sports events. In this version, a housing 600 capable of storing two earbud style hearing protection devices. A top surface 602 is machined with two receptacles 100 oriented with their accessible opening 108flush with top surface 602. Internal longitudinal axis 102 of each receptacle 100 are parallel to each other, and perpendicular to top surface 602 of housing 600. Receptacles 100 are spaced apart laterally with a minimum material thickness of 0.100 inches between accessible openings 108. Additionally, a largest diameter at accessible opening 108 of each receptacle 100 never has any less than 0.100 inches of material thickness surrounding them along top surface 602 and side exterior surfaces 604 of housing 600.

[0061] Exterior surfaces 604 are a combination of non-parallel and non-coplanar surfaces which provide the same functional purpose as described in FIG. 5. Housing 600 can be attached to a variety of objects via a variety of straps or clips.

[0062] FIG. 7 shows a back side 702 of the Body Worn Double Unit housing 600. Machined into back side 702 of housing 600 are five threaded flat bottom holes. A first center located threaded hole 704 is tapped for an 8-32 sized fastener with a bottom depth of 0.350 inches. Four remaining threaded holes 706 are tapped for a 6-32 sized fastener with a bottom depth of either 0.200 inches or 0.170 inches, as annotated on the figure. Four threaded holes 706 are oriented with their center point located on a 0.800 inch radius circle with a center point located at the center point of 8-32 center located threaded hole 704. This allows the unit to be rotated in 90 degree increments while allowing for the fastener hole patterns to line up.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a photograph of the Body Worn Double Unit housing 600 mounted onto a hook-and-loop Velcro band 802 by orienting housing 600 vertically or horizontally, then installing a center located fastener (not shown) in center located threaded hole 704 (FIG. 7), followed by four outer located fasteners (not shown). Thread lock compound should be used to prevent backout of the fasteners. Velcro band 802 is wrapped around a 1.75 inch standard police duty belt 804 in this figure. Inserted into the housing 600 are two earbud style hearing protection devices 202.

[0064] FIG. 9 shows a Body Worn Double Unit housing 600 mounted to a metal clip 902 (e.g., for a MOLLE system) approximately 1 inch in width. Body Worn Double Unit housing 600 can be attached to metal clip 902 in the same fashion as the Velcro strap, with the exception of using only two of the four outer located fasteners. MOLLE is a Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment product commonly used in military and police equipment, particularly on the exterior of ballistic rated vests (not shown).

[0065] FIG. 10 shows a housing 1000, which mounts to a Picatinny rail and contains one receptacle 100 oriented in a manner which allows a user to have access to one hearing protection device on whichever side of a rifle or similar platform the user chooses.

[0066] The Picatinny rail is the most common design incorporated into the carbine platform, as well as many other firearm platforms including bolt-action rifles, a variety of handguns, and supplementary firearm stabilizer housings. The top surface of most carbine rifle upper receivers and handguards incorporate the Picatinny rail design. Optics such as “red dots” and “variable power optic” scopes often mount to a Picatinny rail. Additionally, standard rifle-height iron sights are often attached to the fore and aft ends of a Picatinny rail.

[0067] FIG. 11 shows an expanded view of the three components involved in housing 1000. First is a main body 1102, which mates with a back plate 1104, and the two components are clamped together with an exact-grip-length flanged socket head screw 1106. Variations of this fastener may be used.

[0068] FIG. 12 shows a Rail Mount Double Unit (RMDU) with a small-footprint housing 1200 designed specifically to be attached to any MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail. Housing 1200 is built around two receptacles 100, one of which opens outward to the right side (not shown) of housing 1200, and one of which opens outward to the left side of housing 1200. This design allows the user to retrieve the left-side hearing protection device with the left hand and then insert the hearing protection device into their left ear, allowing the right hand to remain free. This design allows the user to retrieve the right-side hearing protection device with the right hand, and then insert the hearing protection device into their right ear, allowing the left hand to remain free.

[0069] Receptacles 100 longitudinal axes 1204 are aligned parallel to each other and perpendicular to the left and right side (not shown) exterior surfaces 1206. Receptacles 100 are separated laterally along a long axis 1202 of housing 1200, as close to each other to reduce the overall footprint of the housing 1200 while maintaining structural integrity.

[0070] FIG. 13 shows an expanded view of the three components involved in housing 1200, similar to FIG. 11. Housing 1200 is installed on a Picatinny Rail by placing a main body 1304 on a top surface of the rail with the bolt hole centered over the desired slot in the rail. Place a back plate 1306 on the opposing side of the rail with the bolt holes aligned. Insert a fastener 1302 through main body 1304 hole and screw fastener 1302 into the center located threaded hole in back plate 1306. Tighten fastener 1302 to the appropriate torque value. Thread lock compound can be used to prevent backout of the fastener.

[0071] The RMDU embodiment also include a V-notch 1308 on the top surface of housing 1200. The shallow angles contribute to reduction in the potential for reflected light, as well as reducing the overall height of the unit along the center of the unit. Reducing the height ofthe unit allows the unit to be mounted on the top surface of a firearm without interfering with the field of view of the optics and / or standard height iron rifle sights. This embodiment, when installed properly, will not affect the functionality nor usability of the firearm.

[0072] The field of view with respect to firearms, specifically rifles in this case, refers to that which the operator is able to view when in a firing sequence (when the firearm is being fired). When firing a rifle (with some exceptions), the operator will place their cheek on the tail stock in order to position their dominant eye close to the long axis of the firearm. The long axis of the firearm refers to the axis the barrel of the firearm runs parallel to. The field of view is what the operator is able to view downrange. Inherently, the handguard or stock of the firearm will block a portion of the field of view as they create a physical obstruction to anything downrange that is blocked due to basic geometric principles.

[0073] Any component attached to the top surface Picatinny rail of a firearm which is higher than standard height iron sights will disrupt the field of view to an unacceptable level. Standard height iron sights on a rifle are set with the center aim point of the front and rear sights both aligned at 1.42 inches center height over rail. V-notch 1308 in housing 1200 ensures they can be mounted without interfering with the standard height iron sights. V- notch 1308 will therefore also not interfere with any red dot sight mounted in alignment (true co-witness) with standard height iron sights, or higher.

[0074] FIG. 14 shows housing 1200 and its associated V-notch 1308 is designed to be low enough above the rail to ensure it will not occlude the field of view of an optic device 1402 or iron sight device.

[0075] FIG. 15 shows a variant of a RMDU with a housing 1500 in a side-by-side comparison with the aforementioned housing 1200. The XYZ axes are labeled, with the X axis down and to the left at an approximate 30 degree angle, the Y axis up and to the left at an approximate 30 degree angle, and the Z axis pointing upwards on the page. A main body 1506 is wider than that of housing 1200 across the Y axis. The added width to main body 1506 allows for receptacles 100 (only one shown) to be tilted down within housing 1500, allowing for a deeper V-notch 1502, while not reducing the width between peaks 1504 of V- notch 1502. This ensures housing 1500 further decreases any potential impedance of the field of view of the operator.

[0076] The same exterior design considerations as described in FIG. 5 are implemented into the physical design of housing 1000, housing 1200, and housing 1500. The same finish,material, manufacturing process, and coating considerations as described in FIG. 5 are implemented into the design of housing 1000, housing 1200, and housing 1500.

[0077] The height above rail at V-notch 1308 and V-notch 1502 are no greater than 0.610 inches and 0.553 inches, respectively. The highest height above rail of peaks 1504 of the V- notch 1502 is no more than 0.728 inches, and no more than 0.710 inches on housing 1200. These geometrical considerations validate the ability to mount housing 1200 and housing 1500 at any location along the Picatinny rail on the top surface of the firearm without ever interfering with the user’s ability to see the target which the sights are fixed on.

[0078] FIG. 16 shows an isometric view of housing 1500. The XYZ axes are labeled on the drawing, with the X axis up and to the left at an approximate 45 degree angle, the Y axis up and to the right at an approximate 45 degree angle, and the Z axis pointing upwards on the page. While housing 1500 contains two receptacles 100, only one is visible with accessible opening 108 visible from the XZ plane when facing the positive Y axis.

[0079] FIG. 17 shows a cross section view of housing 1500. The figure is from nearly the same isometric perspective as FIG. 16. The XYZ axes are labeled on the drawing, with the X axis up and to the left at an approximate 45 degree angle, the Y axis up and to the right at an approximate 45 degree angle, and the Z axis pointing upwards on the page. The cross section view cuts housing 1500 approximately one-third the width of housing 1500 in the direction of the X axis. The view of the cross section is seen from the YZ plane, looking in the direction of the positive X axis. The cross section shows receptacles 100 with their internal longitudinal axes 102 tilted down 10 degrees relative to the XY plane of housing 1500. Internal longitudinal axes 102 of receptacles 100 are parallel to each other along the Y axis, and do not converge. Internal longitudinal axes 102 of receptacles 100 are oriented down at an angle of approximately 10 degrees with respect to the Z axis, along the YZ plane. Accessible openings 108 of receptacles 100 are on opposing sides of the housing 1500. This results in internal longitudinal axes 102 of receptacles 100 mimicking the shape of V-notch 1502 located directly above in housing 1500. The sides of housing 1500 corresponding to accessible openings 108 are angled above the height of the rail at an approximate 10 degree angle, making the exterior surface perpendicular to internal longitudinal axes 102.

[0080] FIG. 18 shows a top side section plane of housing 1500. The cross section view cuts the housing 1500 on the XY plane at a location approximately one-third up the positive Z axis from the base of the housing 1500. The cross section shows the orientation ofreceptacles 100 is parallel to each other along the Y axis, while their internal longitudinal axes 102 are tilted down at opposing 10 degree angles as described in FIG. 17.

[0081] In light of this disclosure, skilled persons will appreciate that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined only by claims and equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hearing protection storage device for storing hearing protection that is insertable into an ear canal, the hearing protection having, along its central longitudinal axis, a leading canal tip and a trailing deformable portion, the hearing protection storage device comprising: a rigid body having a gear-attachment interface configured for mounting the rigid body to a piece of gear; and a receptacle formed within the rigid body, the receptacle having an internal longitudinal axis that aligns with the central longitudinal axis of the hearing protection when inserted into the receptacle, the receptacle comprising a tapered conical section and a canaltip seating section, in which: the tapered conical section includes an accessible opening at a first end of the receptacle, a narrowed apex located between the first end and an aperture of the canal-tip seating section, and an interior sidewall surface extending from the accessible opening to the narrowed apex, the interior sidewall surface tapering at an angle less than about 10 degrees relative to the internal longitudinal axis, the accessible opening being sized to receive the widest outside diameter of the trailing deformable portion, and the narrowed apex sized to engage the leading canal tip, and the canal-tip seating section extending from the narrowed apex into a cavity terminating at a second end of the receptacle opposite the first end, the canal-tip seating section being sized to receive the leading canal tip such that, when the hearing protection is inserted into the receptacle, the leading canal tip is nestable within the cavity while the trailing deformable portion is frictionally engaged with the interior sidewall surface of the tapered conical section, and while a lack of air reentry pathway into the cavity establishes a pressure-assisted retention force that resists removal of the hearing protection.

2. The hearing protection storage device of claim 1, in which the rigid body includes a set of fastener apertures configured to allow rotational mounting of the device in multiple orientations relative to an attachment surface.

3. The hearing protection storage device of claim 1, in which the gear-attachment interface is configured to attach the rigid body to a firearm, tactical vest, helmet, belt, backpack, tool, or manufacturing or construction equipment.

4. The hearing protection storage device of claim 1, in which the interior sidewall surface of the tapered conical section includes a gloss finish.

5. The hearing protection storage device of claim 4, in which the gloss finish is rated at approximately 3.2 pm Ra to facilitate a seal.

6. The hearing protection storage device of claim 1, in which the cavity of the canal -tip seating section is cylindrical and sized to maintain a vacuum-assisted retention force when the hearing protection device is inserted.

7. The hearing protection storage device of claim 1, in which the narrowed apex of the tapered conical section is sized to accommodate a variety of earbud-style hearing protection devices, including foam plugs, silicone plugs, and flanged earplugs.

8. The hearing protection storage device of claim 1, further comprising a housing that incorporates multiple receptacles, each having a tapered conical section and canal-tip seating section, to store two or more hearing protection devices.

9. The hearing protection storage device of claim 8, in which the longitudinal axes of the multiple receptacles are parallel and spaced apart by a wall thickness sized to maintain structural integrity of the housing.

10. The hearing protection storage device of claim 1, in which the accessible opening of the tapered conical section is angled relative to the rigid body to facilitate ergonomic access to the hearing protection device.

11. The hearing protection storage device of claim 1, further comprising a non-coplanar exterior design to minimize snag points.

12. The hearing protection storage device of claim 1, in which the rigid body is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, titanium, steel, magnesium, or polymer-based materials.

13. The hearing protection storage device of claim 1, in which an exterior of the rigid body includes a coating selected from the group consisting of hard coat anodizing, CERAKOTE®, or polymer-based coatings, to improve durability and environmental resistance.

14. The hearing protection storage device of claim 1, in which the rigid body includes a V- notch formed on its top surface, the V-notch reducing a height of the rigid body above a mounting surface to avoid obstruction of the user’s field of view.

15. The hearing protection storage device of claim 14, in which the V-notch has a height of no more than 0.610 inches above the mounting surface to ensure compatibility with standard-height iron sights.

16. The hearing protection storage device of claim 14, in which the V-notch is configured with angled surfaces to minimize reflected light, reducing visibility of the device in tactical environments.

17. The hearing protection storage device of claim 14, further comprising a second receptacle, the receptacles being symmetrically positioned on either side of the V-notch to allow simultaneous access to multiple hearing protection devices.

18. The hearing protection storage device of claim 14, in which the V-notch is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the rigid body to maintain a streamlined profile and reduce snag points during operation.

19. The hearing protection storage device of claim 14, in which the V-notch is shaped to ensure compatibility with red-dot sights and co-witness setups on Picatinny rails.

20. The hearing protection storage device of claim 14, in which the V-notch is dimensioned to align with the standard Picatinny rail profile to allow mounting without modifying existing firearm setups.

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