WO2014138735A1

WO2014138735A1 - Selective ambient sound pass-through device for a user's ear canal and method of use therefore

Info

Publication number: WO2014138735A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/022671
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gideon Duvall
Original assignee: Gideon Duvall
Priority date: 2013-03-08
Filing date: 2014-03-10
Publication date: 2014-09-12

Abstract

A selective ambient sound pass-through device adapted to engage an ear canal of a user that includes an ear canal interface surface operably configured to engage with an ear canal of a user, an ambient atmosphere sealing member defining an interface ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere, and a device body coupled to the ear canal interface surface and the ambient atmosphere sealing member, and defining an ear canal conduit encapsulated within the device body and a body ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with the ear canal conduit. The device includes a closed position such that the ear canal conduit is not in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere and an open position along the translation path with the body ambient fluid conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit aligned, placing the ear canal conduit in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere.

Description

SELECTIVE AMBIENT SOUND PASS-THROUGH DEVICE FOR A USER'S EAR CANAL AND METHOD OF USE THEREFORE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/851 ,512 filed March 8, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to ear canal inserted devices, and more particularly relates to ear canal inserted devices that are configurable to offer a fluidic seal or no fluidic seal with the ear canal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A multitude of ear canal inserted devices which produce a sound are currently on the market and, with respect to fit, can be classified into two general groups: Those that are designed to create and operate with, or without, a pneumatic or fluidic seal with the ear canal. With respect to sound quality, this distinction is important as the presence of a fluidic seal changes the acoustical impedance between a user's tympanic membrane and a sound producing transducer. Thus, the transducer is typically configured to provide the user with an optimal acoustical experience based on the acoustical impedance anticipated in use.

With respect to ambient sound perception in use, a device configured to operate in the ear canal without a fluidic seal does not provide an appreciable level of ambient sound attenuation when in use. A device achieving a fluidic seal attenuates external, ambient, fluid or sound pressure waves inside the ear canal thus decreasing the amplitude of the ambient sound environment perceived by the user. In some instances this attribute is highly desirable as it enables the user to listen to sound or music generated by the sound producing transducer with a lower ambient sound level. Depending on the user's situation, however, it may also be advantageous for attenuate or pass ambient sounds while listening to musing. An exemplary instance is when the user desires to listen to music while running on a street. In this instance, the safety of the user may be negatively impacted by the diminished amplitude of their ambient noises such as car horns or passing cars while listening to music. Alternately, a user may find it advantageous to attenuate the ambient environment when the ambient sound is considered undesirable or detrimental such as when riding a noisy subway.

Several devices known devices are configured to provide a fluidic seal with the ear canal— also referred to as "ear bud(s)," passively attenuate ambient sound, and enable the user to selectively increase the amplitude of the ambient environment through the use of active electronics. Additionally, some known devices that are configured to operate without a pneumatic seal also utilize active electronics to cancel ambient sounds thereby decreasing the amplitude of the ambient environment. However, both systems disadvantageously suffer from increased power consumption and complexity in their construction.

Other known devices are available which enable the user to change the state of the fluidic seal by changing the ear canal interface fitted to the device. This solution requires the user to physically change the parts on their device in order to achieve the desired state of pneumatic seal, thus requiring the user to carry both ear canal interfaces making the solution cumbersome and impractical.

An alternate device is claimed in US application 13/253,768 which enables a user to change the sealing state of the device without modifying device fit or changing device components. Disclosed is a device that utilizes a fluidic conduit which traverses through the device connecting the sealed ear canal with the ambient atmosphere and is selectively sealed by a valve actuated by the user. This configuration requires additional parts and complexity to form the valve and vent conduit and also requires the fluidic vent conduit to traverse past the transducer making it complex to build and possess a high aspect ratio thereby decreasing vent conduit performance and efficiency.

Therefore, there is currently an unmet need for a device and method that affords the user the ability to utilize an ear canal inserted device with or without a fluidic seal with the ear canal when desired without changing the fit of the device and with minimal or no increase in mechanical complexity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention provides an ear canal inserted device composed of a device body and ear canal interface element with an integrated fluidic vent conduit in operable connection with the ear canal and ambient atmosphere configured such that opening and closing the fluidic vent conduit is accomplished through the rotation of the canal interface element with respect to the device body thereby enabling the user to modify the sealing ability of the device without appreciably changing the external shape and /or the fit of the device or the incorporation of additional parts with the pneumatic vent port having a minimal length.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a selective ambient sound pass-through device adapted to engage an ear canal of a user, the device including an ear canal interface surface operably configured to engage with an ear canal of a user; an ambient atmosphere sealing member defining an interface ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere; and a device body coupled to the ear canal interface surface and the ambient atmosphere sealing member, the device body defining an ear canal conduit encapsulated within the device body and the device body defining a body ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with the ear canal conduit. The selective ambient sound pass-through device further includes a closed position along a translation path with the body ambient fluid conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit are misaligned, such that the ear canal conduit is not in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere; and an open position along the translation path with the body ambient fluid conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit aligned, placing the ear canal conduit in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the ambient atmosphere sealing member further includes the ear canal interface surface attached thereto; and a flange defining the interface ambient fluid conduit, the flange operably configured to translate from the closed position to the open position. In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the flange is concentrically disposed on, and rotatable about, an axis of the device body.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the ambient atmosphere sealing member is concentrically disposed on, and rotatable about, an axis of the device body.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the device further includes a first alignment indicia disposed on the ambient atmosphere sealing member and a second alignment indicia disposed on the device body, wherein the alignment of the first and second alignment indicia corresponds to at least one of the open and closed position. In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the body ambient fluid conduit includes a proximal opening; and the interface ambient fluid conduit includes a proximal opening and, when in the open position, is disposed adjacent to the proximal opening of the body ambient fluid conduit, at least one of the proximal opening of the body ambient fluid conduit and the proximal opening of the interface ambient fluid conduit is of an oblong shape.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the device further includes a transducer coupled to the device body and in fluid communication with the ear canal conduit; a body vent conduit defined by the device body and in fluid communication with a cavity disposed behind a rear surface of the transducer; and a valve vent conduit defined by the ambient atmosphere sealing member, wherein the open position places the body vent conduit in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the valve vent conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit operably translate simultaneously along the translation path. In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method of selectively enabling an ear inserted sound pass-through device including providing an ear-bud like device having an ear canal interface surface operably configured to engage with a user's ear canal, the ear-bud like device including an ambient atmosphere sealing member defining an interface ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere, an encapsulated ear canal conduit, and a device body coupled to the ambient atmosphere sealing member and defining a body ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with the ear canal conduit. The method further includes selectively translating at least one of the ambient atmosphere sealing member and the device body to align the body ambient fluid conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit to place the ear canal conduit in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere; and selectively translating the at least one of the ambient atmosphere sealing member and the device body to misalign the body ambient fluid conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit such that the ear canal conduit is not in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere. In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the ambient atmosphere sealing member is concentrically disposed on, and rotatable about, an axis of the device body.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the method further includes providing a first alignment indicia coupled to the ambient atmosphere sealing member and a second alignment indicia coupled to the device body, the alignment of the first and second alignment indicia corresponding to the alignment of the body ambient fluid conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit; and selectively rotating the at least one of the ambient atmosphere sealing member and the device body to where the first and second alignment indicia are aligned.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method further includes providing a transducer coupled to the device body and in fluid communication with the ear canal conduit; providing a body vent conduit defined by the device body, the body vent conduit in fluid communication with a cavity disposed behind a rear surface of the transducer; providing a valve vent conduit defined by the ambient atmosphere sealing member and in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere; and selectively translating the at least one of the ambient atmosphere sealing member and the device body to align the body vent conduit and the valve vent conduit to place the body vent conduit in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere.

In accordance with yet a further feature of the present invention, the method further includes simultaneously translating the valve vent conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit. In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a selective ambient sound pass-through device adapted to engage an ear canal of a user having an ear-bud like device including a device body having a transducer and an ear canal conduit encapsulated therein, the device body defining a body ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with the ear canal conduit; and defining a body vent conduit in fluid communication with a cavity disposed behind a rear surface of the transducer. The selective ambient sound pass-through device further includes an ear canal interface surface coupled to the device body and operably configured to engage with a user's ear canal; and an ambient atmosphere sealing member: coupled to the device body; defining an interface ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere; and defining a valve vent conduit in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere. At least one of the device body and the ambient atmosphere sealing member is operably configured to translate to an open position to align the interface ambient fluid conduit and the body ambient fluid conduit to place the ear canal conduit in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere and to align the valve vent conduit and the body vent conduit to place the cavity in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the ambient atmosphere sealing member further includes the ear canal interface surface attached thereto; and a flange defining the interface ambient fluid conduit, the flange operably configured to translate to the open position and a closed position, the closed position misaligning the interface ambient fluid conduit and the body ambient fluid conduit to seal the ear canal conduit from the ambient atmosphere.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the flange is concentrically disposed on, and rotatable about, an axis of the device body. In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the ambient atmosphere sealing member is concentrically disposed on, and rotatable about, an axis of the device body.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the selective ambient sound pass-through device further includes a first alignment indicia disposed on the ambient atmosphere sealing member and a second alignment indicia disposed on the device body, wherein the alignment of the first and second alignment indicia corresponds to the open position.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the body ambient fluid conduit includes a proximal opening; and the interface ambient fluid conduit includes a proximal opening and, when in the open position, is disposed adjacent to the proximal opening of the body ambient fluid conduit, at least one of the proximal opening of the body ambient fluid conduit and the proximal opening of the interface ambient fluid conduit is of an oblong shape.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the valve vent conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit operably translate simultaneously.

In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides an ear canal inserted device with an integrated pneumatic port in operable connection with the ear canal and ambient atmosphere configured such that it is selectively opened or closed by the user through the movement of a member in operable connection with the region of the device not configured to create a fluidic seal with the ear canal. Additionally included in this embodiment is a fluidic vent conduit which selectively makes the backside of the transducer contained within the device in operable fluidic connection with the ambient atmosphere to modify the performance of said transducer. Both aforementioned fluidic ports are preferably configured such that they are operable in a fashion that provides a consistent acoustical experience provided by the transducer to the user with the ambient fluidic vent conduit open or closed.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a selective ambient sound pass-through device for a user's ear canal and method of use thereof, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality," as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term "another," as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

As used herein, the terms "about" or "approximately" apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term "longitudinal" should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the device extending from the distal end of the surface inserted into the user's ear canal and the outer surface of the main body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a selective ambient sound pass-through device in accordance with an embodiment of the described invention;

FIG. la is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1 while in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1 while in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a selective ambient sound pass-through device in accordance with the described invention;

FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 3 while in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the device shown in FIG. 3 while in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram depicting a method of selectively enabling an ear inserted sound pass-through device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

FIGS. l-2a depict a first embodiment of a selective ambient sound pass-through device 100 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of said device 100, also referred to herein as an ear canal inserted music playing device (ECIMPD) 100. FIG. 1 also depicts an ear-bud like device 100. Said another way, an ear-bud like device is any device that is configured to be inserted into adjacent to a user's ear canal. Most common examples include those devices shown in FIG. 1. Other known examples of an ear-bud like device include those devices that utilize the user's ear lobe for support and have an earphone portion that is placed adjacent to or in the user's ear canal. Another example of an ear-bud like device includes those devices classified as "canal phones," or earphones that are directly into the wearer's ear canal. FIG. la depicts a cross-sectional view of the device 100.

The ECIMPD 100 is composed of a main body 102 (also referred to herein as a device body), and ear canal interface 104. Main body 102 contains a transducer 106, e.g., a speaker, which receives electrical signals through an electrical conduit 108 spanning from one end of the body 102 to lower distal end of the body 102. The transducer 106 may be fully encapsulated within the body 102 or may be positioned at least partially outside of the body 102. In the case of a speaker 106, power is supplied via wiring in the electrical conduit 108 and then converted to sound pressure waves (music) that travel through ear canal conduit 116, which is in operable connection with the user's ear canal. Integrated into main body 102, in the region where ear canal interface 104 attaches to main body 102, is main body ambient fluid conduit 114. Ear canal interface 104 is in physical connection with main body 102 and includes ear canal interface flange 110, having an ear canal interface surface 120, which is configured to create a pneumatic seal with the walls of the ear canal when in use. In one embodiment, integrated into ear canal interface 104 is an ear canal interface (or simply "interface") ambient fluid conduit 112. The interface ambient fluid conduit 112 can be seen in fluid communication with the ambient environment 122.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, in practice, prior to insertion of the ECIMPD 100 into their ear canal, the user chooses if they want to listen to the ambient field or if they would like the ambient field attenuated. When the user desires to not have the ambient sound field attenuated, they rotate ear canal interface 104 such that the main body ambient fluid conduit 114 and ear canal interface ambient fluid conduit 112 are aligned forming ambient sound conduit 118, or an open pathway fluidly connecting the ambient atmosphere 122 (or environment) and the ear canal conduit 116. Preferably, this pathway has an aspect ratio of less than 1 :4 with a cross sectional area of between 0.25 to 4.0 mm . In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the main body ambient fluid conduit 114 and ear canal interface ambient fluid conduit 112 are both circular.

Alternately, they may be of different geometries and dimensions insure optimal performance. For instance, ear canal interface ambient fluid conduit 112 may be configured with a circular cross section and the main body ambient fluid conduit 114 may be configured with an oblong, e.g., ovular, cross section oriented with the long axis parallel to the direction motion required to open or close the ambient sound conduit 118 and a short axis equal to or greater than the diameter of ear canal interface ambient fluid conduit 112. Such a configuration enables ear canal interface ambient fluid conduit 112 to be in an un obstructed state when shifted along the long axis of the main body ambient fluid conduit 114. Therefore, the degree of precision required to fully open the ambient sound conduit 118 is advantageously reduced. In one embodiment, the ear canal interface 104 is an ambient atmosphere sealing member, or a structure and/or multiple structures, utilized to align or misalign the interface ambient fluid conduit 112 and the ambient sound conduit 118, as described herein. Therefore, in one embodiment, the device 100 includes a closed position (FIG. 2a) along a translation path (depicted with an arrow 124) with the body ambient fluid conduit 114 and the interface ambient fluid conduit 112 are misaligned. When misaligned, the ear canal conduit 116 is not in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere 122. As discussed below, the translation path 124 may be curvilinear, linear, or other shape. The device 100 has an open position (FIG. la) along the translation path 124 with the body ambient fluid conduit 114 and the interface ambient fluid conduit 112 aligned. When aligned, the ear canal conduit 116 is then placed in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere 122.

Once the ear canal interface ambient fluid conduit 112 has been adjusted to achieve the desired open or closed state and/or position, the user then inserts the ECIMPD 100 into their ear such that ear canal interface 104 is in physical connection with the ear canal preferably creating a substantially fluidic seal with the walls of the ear canal. Said another way, the seal results in a air leak rate of no more than lcc/sec at 0.05 bar pressure differential. While it will be obvious to those skilled in the art, a substantially fluidic seal is not required in the instance when the user does not desire ambient sound attenuation; however, ECIMPD 100 may be designed such that its stability in the ear relies on contact between ear canal interface 104 and the user's ear canal or the "fit" of main body 102 within the user's ear. Thus, attempting to modify the fit of the device 100 and/or modifying the interface between ear canal interface 104 and the ear canal such that it no longer is a fluidic seal in an attempt to enable ambient sound to pass may diminish the stability of the device and prove impractical and non-ideal. Referring to FIG. 2a, in the instance when the user wishes to utilize ECIMPD 100 in a configuration which attenuates the ambient sound field, prior to insertion, the user modifies the positioning of ear canal interface 104 moving it to sealed position ear canal interface 104a, making the main body ambient fluid conduit 114 and ear canal interface ambient fluid conduit 112a out of alignment such that ambient sound conduit 118 enters into a closed state ambient sound conduit 118a. The closed state ambient sound conduit 118a inhibits the passage of fluid from the ambient sound field into ear canal conduit 116 such that the device 100 is transformed into a sealed state ear canal conduit 116a, thereby affording ambient sound attenuation to the user when ECIMPD 100 is reinserted in the user's ear canal. As will be obvious in light of the illustrations and previous descriptions, there are a multitude of ways to configure main body ambient fluid conduit 114 and ear canal interface ambient fluid conduit 112 such that ambient sound conduit 118 may be selectively opened and closed. The depicted embodiment utilizes a methodology whereby ear canal interface 104 enables selective operation of ambient sound conduit 118 through rotation of ear canal interface 104 around its interface with main body 102. Regardless the methodology utilized, it is preferable to utilize a means which affords the user the ability to modify ECIMPD 100 into an ambient sound passing state or ambient sound attenuating state without effecting device fit and stability or requiring the user to add or replace components on the device to achieve the desired mode of ambient sound passage. As such, in other embodiments, instead of rotating the ear canal interface 104 about the main body 102 while the device 100 is not inserted in the user's ear canal the user may rotate the main body 102 about the ear canal interface while the device 100 is inserted within the user's ear canal.

In order to aid the user in achieving the desired ambient sound pass through state of the ECIMPD 100, ear canal interface 104 and main body 102 may be marked with a physical means, coloration, or other physical indicia such that the user may align said markings to readily achieve the desired state of ambient sound passage. Additionally, the ECIMPD 100 may be provided with an associated method of equalizing electrical signals sent to speaker 106 via electrical conduit 108 to account for the change in acoustical impedance and/or device resonances when the ambient sound conduit 118 is in the open or closed position. This minimizes the perceived differential in sound when ECIMPD 100 is used in the ambient passing or ambient blocking state. Such a methodology may be the use of a software program installed on the device driving ECIMPD 100 which modifies electrical signals sent to speaker 106. For example, said software program may cause the device driving ECIMPD 100 to decrease the amplitude of the low frequencies when the ambient sound conduit 118 is closed and increase the amplitude of low frequencies when open. An alternate methodology for accomplishing said equalization may be through the use of an electrical circuit integrated into ECIMPD 100. Said electrical circuit may be independently activated or may be activated by a switch, or operable equivalent, that responds to the transition of ear canal interface 104 actuation into sealed position ear canal interface 104a. A mechanical means of device equalization may be offered through a multitude of techniques including the integration of a means for modifying a portion of the main body 102 located behind a back portion of speaker 106. This may be accomplished independently from or automatically when the user modifies the state of ear canal interface 104 into the sealed position ear canal interface 104 (closed position) or the ambient sound conduit 118 (open position).

With reference now to FIGS. 3-4, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown depicting various states of operation when utilizing one of the above-described mechanical means for device equalization. FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of an ear canal inserted music playing device (ECIMPD) 300 and FIG 3 a depicts a cross-sectional view of the ECIMPD 300. The ECIMPD 300 is composed of main body 302, ear canal interface 304, and valve member 306. Main body 302 is preferably composed of a hard plastic such as ABS or the like and is configured to contain speaker 308 which may be a dynamic speaker, balanced armature or a combination therein. Main body 302 also possesses an interface region for the connection of ear canal interface 304 which includes ear canal interface flange 310 that is preferably composed of silicone or an alternate elastomeric material of an appropriate durometer and is configured such that it creates a substantially fluidic seal with the user's ear canal when in use. Facilitating a substantially fluidic seal connection between the speaker 308 and the user's tympanic membrane is advantageously accomplished via the ear canal conduit 312. The ear canal conduit 312 is preferably in fluid connection with the ambient sound conduit 314, which makes it in fluid connection with the ambient atmosphere such that ambient sound is enabled to pass un-attenuated to the user's tympanic membrane. Preferably, the ambient sound conduit 314 includes a mechanism for closure, which in the depicted embodiment, is composed of two ports, a main body ambient fluid conduit 316 incorporated into the main body 302 and a valve ambient fluid conduit 318 of valve member 306.

As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, said ports, are preferably configured such that when aligned, they facilitate substantially unimpeded flow of fluid, e.g., ambient sound, and when misaligned, prevent flow of fluid. In the depicted embodiment, valve member 306 is formed as a ring concentric with the main body 302 and facilitates actuation of ambient sound conduit 314 through rotation about the main body axis. Said another way, the valve member 306— or the flange 126 depicted in FIG. la— is concentrically disposed on, and rotatable about, an axis of the device body 302. A discussed above, the valve member 306 is also an ambient atmosphere sealing member for the purposes of the instant application. As will be obvious, there are a multitude of alternate equivalent mechanical mechanisms that may be utilized to accomplish selective actuation of ambient sound conduit 314. Alternate actuation methodologies may utilize the application of linear forces rather than rotary or a combination therein and have actuation surfaces on the distal end of ECIMPD 300 rather than on its curved surface as depicted.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, when ambient sound conduit 314 is open, the user will experience less low frequency energy due to the change in acoustical impedance of ear canal conduit 312. As this will alter the sound experienced by the user, it may be found advantageous to physically modify speaker 308 and/or electrical signals sent to speaker 308, via electrical wiring contained within an electrical conduit 320, from an external device. Depending on the transducer(s), for example in the case of a dynamic speaker, advantageous mechanical modification may be performed by incorporating pneumatic vent conduit 322 positioned behind the backside of the speaker 308. As such, the vent conduit 322 places the backside of the speaker 308 in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere decreasing back pressure on the diaphragm enabling the production of more low frequency energy. Said another way, the body vent conduit 324, defined by the device body 302, is in fluid communication with a cavity 332 disposed behind a rear surface of the transducer 308. The valve vent conduit 326 is defined by the ambient atmosphere sealing member 306. When the device 100 is placed in the open position (FIG. 3a), the body vent conduit 324 and cavity 332 are placed in fluid communication with the ambient environment 334.

In FIG. 3a, the depicted embodiment, pneumatic vent conduit 322 is formed by main body vent conduit 324 contiguous with main body 302 and valve vent conduit 326 contiguous with valve member 306. Pneumatic vent conduit 322 is opened and closed through the alignment and misalignment of said ports 324, 326. As depicted, preferably, ambient sound conduit 314 and pneumatic vent conduit 322 are opened and closed simultaneously with the movement of a single actuator. In order to aid the user in achieving the desired state of ambient sound pass through, alignment aids such as a first alignment indicia disposed on the ambient atmosphere sealing member 306, e.g., a valve member alignment protrusion 328, and a second alignment indicia disposed on the device body 302, e.g., a main body alignment protrusion 330 or operable equivalents, are preferably included on their respective components. Advantageously, the alignment of the first and second alignment indicia 328, 330 corresponds to at least one of the open and closed position. The alignment indicia may be the protrusions, 328, 330 shown in FIG. 3a, or, in other embodiments, may be line discolorations, notches on a tongue-and-grove system, or any other distinctive mark(s).

FIGS. 4 and 4a depict the device 300 in FIGS. 3 and 3a in its ambient sound attenuating and closed state. As will be obvious in light of the illustrations and previous descriptions, the user modifies the ECIMPD 300 into via the actuation of valve member 310 such that valve member alignment protrusion 328 and main body alignment protrusion 330 are unaligned rendering ambient sound conduit 314 into a closed state ambient sound conduit 314a. Likewise, pneumatic vent conduit 322 simultaneously enters into closed state pneumatic vent conduit 322a preferably adjusting performance of the speaker 308 such that when installed by the user with ear canal interface 304, forming a substantially fluidic seal with the ear canal, it is matched to the impedance offered by sealed state ear canal conduit 312a. Therefore, an improved, consistent audio experience is provided that offers ambient sound attenuation.

An alternate embodiment of the device, not depicted, is formed through the mechanical combination or coupling of the ear canal interface 304 and valve member 306. As such, the parts required to produce the device is reduced. Further, the user is enabled to change the state of ambient sound conduit 314 and pneumatic vent conduit 322 through the selective actuation of alignment protrusion 328 and/or ear canal interface 304. FIG. 5 depicts a novel method of selectively enabling an ear inserted sound pass-through device. The process starts at step 500 and immediately proceeds to step 502 of providing an ear-bud like device. This ear-bud like device may include or encompass all or some of the above-described features, but generally includes (1) an ear canal interface surface operably configured to engage with a user's ear canal, (2) an ambient atmosphere sealing member defining an interface ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere, (3) an encapsulated ear canal conduit, and (4) a device body coupled to the ambient atmosphere sealing member and defining a body ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with the ear canal conduit.

The process continues from step 502 to the step 504 of selectively translating either the ambient atmosphere sealing member and/or the device body to align the body ambient fluid conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit. This results in a positioning of said conduits that places the ear canal conduit in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere. In an alternative embodiment, the process then proceeds to providing a first alignment indicia coupled to the ambient atmosphere sealing member and a second alignment indicia coupled to the device body. The alignment indicia is described above, but includes the alignment of the first and second alignment indicia that corresponds to the alignment of the body ambient fluid conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit.

Step 506 includes said embodiment where a user selectively rotates either the ambient atmosphere sealing member and/or the device body to where the first and second alignment indicia are aligned. This indicates that body ambient fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the ambient environment. In step 508, the process includes selectively translating either the ambient atmosphere sealing member and/or the device body to misalign the body ambient fluid conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit such that the ear canal conduit is not in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere. The process terminates in step 510.

Claims

What is claimed is: CLAIMS

1. A selective ambient sound pass-through device adapted to engage an ear canal of a user comprising: an ear canal interface surface operably configured to engage with an ear canal of a user; an ambient atmosphere sealing member defining an interface ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere; a device body coupled to the ear canal interface surface and the ambient atmosphere sealing member, the device body: defining an ear canal conduit encapsulated within the device body; and defining a body ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with the ear canal conduit; a closed position along a translation path with the body ambient fluid conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit are misaligned, such that the ear canal conduit is not in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere; and an open position along the translation path with the body ambient fluid conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit aligned, placing the ear canal conduit in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the ambient atmosphere sealing member further comprises: the ear canal interface surface attached thereto; and a flange defining the interface ambient fluid conduit, the flange operably configured to translate from the closed position to the open position.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the flange is concentrically disposed on, and rotatable about, an axis of the device body.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the ambient atmosphere sealing member is concentrically disposed on, and rotatable about, an axis of the device body.

5. The device according to claim 4, further comprising a first alignment indicia disposed on the ambient atmosphere sealing member and a second alignment indicia disposed on the device body, wherein the alignment of the first and second alignment indicia corresponds to at least one of the open and closed position.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the body ambient f uid conduit includes a proximal opening; and the interface ambient fluid conduit includes a proximal opening and, when in the open position, is disposed adjacent to the proximal opening of the body ambient fluid conduit, at least one of the proximal opening of the body ambient fluid conduit and the proximal opening of the interface ambient fluid conduit is of an oblong shape.

7. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a transducer coupled to the device body and in fluid communication with the ear canal conduit; a body vent conduit defined by the device body and in fluid communication with a cavity disposed behind a rear surface of the transducer; and a valve vent conduit defined by the ambient atmosphere sealing member, wherein the open position places the body vent conduit in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the valve vent conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit operably translate simultaneously along the translation path.

9. A method of selectively enabling an ear inserted sound pass-through device comprising: providing an ear-bud like device having an ear canal interface surface operably configured to engage with a user's ear canal, the ear-bud like device including an ambient atmosphere sealing member defining an interface ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere, an encapsulated ear canal conduit, and a device body coupled to the ambient atmosphere sealing member and defining a body ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with the ear canal conduit; selectively translating at least one of the ambient atmosphere sealing member and the device body to align the body ambient fluid conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit to place the ear canal conduit in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere; and selectively translating the at least one of the ambient atmosphere sealing member and the device body to misalign the body ambient fluid conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit such that the ear canal conduit is not in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: the ambient atmosphere sealing member is concentrically disposed on, and rotatable about, an axis of the device body.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: providing a first alignment indicia coupled to the ambient atmosphere sealing member and a second alignment indicia coupled to the device body, the alignment of the first and second alignment indicia corresponding to the alignment of the body ambient fluid conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit; and selectively rotating the at least one of the ambient atmosphere sealing member and the device body to where the first and second alignment indicia are aligned.

The method according to claim 9, further comprising: providing a transducer coupled to the device body and in fluid communication with the ear canal conduit; providing a body vent conduit defined by the device body, the body vent conduit in fluid communication with a cavity disposed behind a rear surface of the transducer; providing a valve vent conduit defined by the ambient atmosphere sealing member and in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere; and selectively translating the at least one of the ambient atmosphere sealing member and the device body to align the body vent conduit and the valve vent conduit to place the body vent conduit in f uid communication with the ambient atmosphere.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: simultaneously translate the valve vent conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit.

14. A selective ambient sound pass-through device adapted to engage an ear canal of a user comprising: an ear-bud like device including: a device body having a transducer and an ear canal conduit encapsulated therein, the device body: defining a body ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with the ear canal conduit; and defining a body vent conduit in fluid communication with a cavity disposed behind a rear surface of the transducer; an ear canal interface surface coupled to the device body and operably configured to engage with a user's ear canal; and an ambient atmosphere sealing member: coupled to the device body; defining an interface ambient fluid conduit in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere; and defining a valve vent conduit in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere, wherein at least one of the device body and the ambient atmosphere sealing member is operably configured to translate to an open position to align the interface ambient fluid conduit and the body ambient fluid conduit to place the ear canal conduit in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere and to align the valve vent conduit and the body vent conduit to place the cavity in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the ambient atmosphere sealing member further comprises: the ear canal interface surface attached thereto; and a flange defining the interface ambient fluid conduit, the flange operably configured to translate to the open position and a closed position, the closed position misaligning the interface ambient fluid conduit and the body ambient fluid conduit to seal the ear canal conduit from the ambient atmosphere.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the flange is concentrically disposed on, and rotatable about, an axis of the device body.

17. The device according to claim 14, wherein the ambient atmosphere sealing member is concentrically disposed on, and rotatable about, an axis of the device body.

18. The device according to claim 17, further comprising a first alignment indicia disposed on the ambient atmosphere sealing member and a second alignment indicia disposed on the device body, wherein the alignment of the first and second alignment indicia corresponds to the open position.

19. The device according to claim 14, wherein: the body ambient fluid conduit includes a proximal opening; and the interface ambient fluid conduit includes a proximal opening and, when in the open position, is disposed adjacent to the proximal opening of the body ambient fluid conduit, at least one of the proximal opening of the body ambient fluid conduit and the proximal opening of the interface ambient fluid conduit is of an oblong shape.

20. The device according to claim 14, wherein the valve vent conduit and the interface ambient fluid conduit operably translate simultaneously.