CA2078328A1 - Multipurpose headwear - Google Patents
Multipurpose headwearInfo
- Publication number
- CA2078328A1 CA2078328A1 CA 2078328 CA2078328A CA2078328A1 CA 2078328 A1 CA2078328 A1 CA 2078328A1 CA 2078328 CA2078328 CA 2078328 CA 2078328 A CA2078328 A CA 2078328A CA 2078328 A1 CA2078328 A1 CA 2078328A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flexible body
- sheet
- visor
- attached
- eye shield
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000011241 protective layer Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 42
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 claims description 30
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 claims description 28
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920004142 LEXAN™ Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004418 Lexan Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920002799 BoPET Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000005041 Mylar™ Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 2
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- BQCIDUSAKPWEOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1-Difluoroethene Chemical compound FC(F)=C BQCIDUSAKPWEOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920006370 Kynar Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 241000353097 Molva molva Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000018734 Sambucus australis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000180577 Sambucus australis Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920002334 Spandex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 241001415395 Spea Species 0.000 description 1
- JXASPPWQHFOWPL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tamarixin Natural products C1=C(O)C(OC)=CC=C1C1=C(OC2C(C(O)C(O)C(CO)O2)O)C(=O)C2=C(O)C=C(O)C=C2O1 JXASPPWQHFOWPL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 210000000613 ear canal Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- XUCNUKMRBVNAPB-UHFFFAOYSA-N fluoroethene Chemical compound FC=C XUCNUKMRBVNAPB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009958 sewing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004759 spandex Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009466 transformation Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
- H04R1/1058—Manufacture or assembly
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting in contact-lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
- A61F9/04—Eye-masks ; Devices to be worn on the face, not intended for looking through; Eye-pads for sunbathing
- A61F9/045—Eye-shades or visors; Shields beside, between or below the eyes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R5/00—Stereophonic arrangements
- H04R5/033—Headphones for stereophonic communication
- H04R5/0335—Earpiece support, e.g. headbands or neckrests
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
- H04R1/1008—Earpieces of the supra-aural or circum-aural type
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
Abstract
Headwear that produces sound from a signal is provided by an audio device in addition to the normal features of the headwear. The audio headwear of the present invention may be configured as a visor, goggles or a headband. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is an audio visor (20) comprising a flexible body (22), a protective layer (26) and two speaker elements (30, 32). The speaker elements are attached between the flexible body and the protective layer attached to cover the bottom side of the flexible body. Thus, the speaker elements do not interfere with the operation of flexible body as a visor. The preferred embodiment also comprises conductor leads (34) and an amplifier to adapt the output of the audio device for the speaker elements. In the second embodiment, the audio headwear further comprises a lens attached to the flexible body to form goggles or sunglasses.
Description
2D7~32~
WO91/143~ PCT/US91/01760 ~nLTIpDRpns~ EEADWEAR
B-ackqround of the_Invention The present invention relates generally to wearing apparel and particularly to headwear, such as visors, headbands or glasses that perfor~ several functions. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to headwear that contains aarphones or headphones,.
: ~eadphon~s are ~nown or converting electrical signals produced by an AM/FM radio or cassette tape player into ~ound waves. Their use has dra~atically increased wi~h the advent o~ portable AM/FM radios and c:assette tape players o~
reduced si~e. Typically, headphones include a pair of earphones or speaker el~ents. The earphones are placed directly over -the opening of the ear or inserted into the ear canal of the user~ Such placement of the earphones tends to block other bac~ground or warning sounds, such that they are di~ficult to hear over the sound produced by the earphones. This is particularly undesirable ~or persons engag~d in sports activities like skiing, biking or jogging where conversation or other background sounds can provide warning of potentially hazardous situations.
The headphones known in the art are also uncomfortable for ~any users to wear because of the positioning of the earphones. The earphones can beco~e particularly uncom~ortable when wedged inside the user~s ear as required for proper operation of some earphones. The pressure on the ears from headphones that cover the ear opening can also cause discomfort for the user, particularly when used ~or exte~ded periods of time. If used during sports activities, the headphones can also be easily dislodged from the ears, causing the user's attention to be directed ~ ~rom ~he sports activity and creating a potentially .: hazardous situation.
Using headphones while wearing other h~adwear such as a hat, visor, headband. or glasses can also create other problems. For example, headphones can be awkward and ' ' ` .
3 ~ ~
` W~gl/14351 ~2- PCT/US91/017~
unmanageable when used simultan~ously with headwear.
: Removing and putting on headphones and headwear are hampered when the two are used together. ~oreover, headwear can interfere with the proper operation of the headphones and vice versa. For example, headwear often fits improperly when used with headphones.
A~ a result there is a need for headphones that comfortably ~it the user and operat~ properly without interfering with the useful ~e~ur~s of hea~w~arO
Similarly, even sunglasses can i~ter~ere ~ith the proper operation of o~her headwear suc~ as a ~at, visor or headhand. The application and removal is ~spec~ally a problem when sunglasses and other headwear are used together. Thus, a need exists for a device that has ~oth the features of sunglasses and a visor.
- Summ_~y_Qf the_Invention The present invention comprises an item of wearing apparel capable of performing several ~unctio~s. In the praferred embodiments the wearing apparel is capable of producing sound from an electrical ~ignal, and includes a sheet of a first material, a sheet of a seco~d electrically responsive material and a pair of electrical leads. The first ~aterial forms wearing apparel and has a surface in proximity to an ear of a user. The second ~aterial is mounted in juxtaposition to the ~irst material with at least a portion of the second material free to acoustically vibrate. The leads are connected to the second material and conduct a signal which drives the second material to vibrate so as to produce sound.
Preferred e~lbodiments of the present in~ention are in the form of audio headwear. In the first embodiment, an audio visor comprises a flexible body, a protecti~e layer . and two speaker elements that use piezoelectric ~ilm. A
- brim and a pair of straps are integrally formed from the flexible body. ~he speaker elements are attached on a : b~ttom side of the flexible body. The speaker elements and the bottom side of the flexible body are then covered with ' . , .
~ u ( ~
.
WO91/143~1 3 PCT~US91/0l~0 the prote¢tive layer for a comfortable fit on the user' 8 head. ~he sp~aker ele~ents advantageously utilize piezoele~ric fil~ for producing sound because o~ its ligh~
- weight, d~rability and high quality sound reproduction.
In a second e~odi~ent, the audio visor includes a lens and a nosepiece to form goggles. The lens is preferably tinted and unctions as sunglasses to provide prote~tioD from the sun. The second e~bodi~ent ~ay also be formed wi~hout speaker elements and still operate; as a visor ~nd ~nglasses.
In t~e third embodi~ent, a pair o~ ear pods ar~
attached ~ the audio visor. Each ear pod includes an acoustic reflection me~ber and a comfort strip. The ear pods are attached on opposite ~ides o~ the visor below the - 15 - speaker elements to~ enhance the ~uality of the sound pr~duced.
In the fourth embodiment, the present in~ention is configured as a head band. The head band includes a flexible body in ~he ~hape of a strip with two enlarged portions to cover the ears of the user and to place the speaker elements near the ears. A protective layer of the same shape is attached on the bottom side of the flexible body to give the head band a comfortable fit.
Brief Description o~ th~ Drawi~s Figure 1 is a perspectiYe ~iew of a first embodiment of the present invention as an audio visor:
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of audio visor of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a block diagram of the coupling of the audio visor of Figure 1 to a prior art audio device;
Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the forward converter portion of the amplifier of the present invention;
Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the amplifier of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second e~bodiment : of the present invention as goggles;
, W~91/143~1 4 PCT/US~1/01760 ~ igure 6 is a rear elevation view of the goggles of Figure 5:
Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention as goggles with an alternat~ odiment of the speaker elements;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment ~: of the present invention as an audio vis~r with ear pods;
. Figure 9 is a perspective vi~w o~ a four~h e~bodiment of the present invention as a h~ad band:
10Figure lO is a bottom perspective ~iew o~ the g~ggles of Figure 5 i~ a flat unused position;
. Figure ll is a cross-sectional view o~ the goggles taken along line ll-ll of Figure 10; and `: Figure 12 is a perspective view of the goggles of Figure lO with the lens ~olded up when not in use.
Description of the_Preferred Embodiments : The present invention comprises wearing apparel that includes ~arphones for producing sound ~rom an audio device~ The earphones are prefarably positioned within the wearing apparel and do not interfere with normal use and operation o~ the wearing apparel. 5everal preferred embodiments of the wearing apparel illustrating different types of headwear such as a visor, goggles or a headband are described below.
: 25Referring to Figure 1, a first embodiment of the present invention as an audio visor 20 i~ illustrated. The visor 20 is adapted for attachment to the human head and provides shade from the sun. The audio visor 20 comprises a flcxible body 22, a fastener 24 and a protective layer 26.
:30 The outer surface of the visor 20 is ~ormed by the flexible body 22 on the top and the protective layer 26 on the ;bottom. As shown in Figure 2, the audio visor 20 further includes two speaker elements 30, 32. Conductor leads 34 are connected to the speaker elements 30, 32, and a connector 36 is connected to the conduc~or leads 3~. The speaker elements 30, 32 and a portion of the leads 34 are mounted between the protective layer 26 and the flexible :
.: .
~ '~J i U ~J S~
, . .
WO91/143~1 -5- PC~/US91/01760 ~uy 22, to hide the~ ~rom view and pre~eDt ~hem from interfering with ~he wearing of ~he visor 20.
In the first embodiment, the flexible body 22 is comprised of a flat sheet with a generally parabolic shape, and includes a brim portion 40, a5 illustrated in Figure 2.
A pair of s~rap~ or side port:ions 42, 44 ~xtend from opposite sides of the brim portion 40 to per~it ~ounting of the visor 20 on the user's head. T~e bri~ 40 has a generally crescent shape so as to provide a ~hield to : 10 protect the user's ~ac from the sun. The ~t~aps ~2, 44 ~re generally rectangular strips and co~prise the legs o~
the parabola formed by the flexibl~ body 22.
As shown in ~igure l, when the visor 20 is i~ use, the straps ~2, 4~ and an upper portion 54 of the brim ~O form a i5 ..generally circular periphery 48 which corresponds to the periphery of the user's head. The straps 42, 44 and the upper portion 54 o~ the brim 40 are in contact with the : user's head, while the remaining portion of th~ brim 40 extends in a generally horizontal direction which is substantially radially outward ~ro~ the circular periphery 48.
The flexible body 22 is made of a material ; sufficiently flexible to allow the straps 42, 44 to be twisted and the brim 40 to be curved for a co~fortable fit on the human head. However, the flexible body Z2 also h~s : sufficient rigidity for ~he brim 40 to project in a generally horizontal direction to provide shade from the sun. Preferably, the Xlexible body 22 is made of wetsuit material approximately 3.O mm thick. Wetsuit material is advantageous because of its light weight and comfortable fit. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible body 22 is constructed of neoprene with lycra fabric on the top side.
While wetsuit material is preferred, it should be understood tha~ the present invention may be made using other materials.
As mentioned above, the visor 20 includes two speaker elements 30, 32. Thc speaker elements 30, 32 function as , ,.
.
, 2~3~2~
WO91/14351 -6- PCT/US~1t~176~
earphones to convert electrical signals into sound wav~s.
As best illustrated in Figure 2, ~he ~peaker el~ments 30, 32 are ~ade up of layers and have a shape that generally corresponds to ~he shape of the flexible body 22 in the mounting areas where the brim 40 ~eets the straps 42, 44.
The speaker elements 30, 32 ~re positioned on the botto~
side 46 of the flexible body 22. one ~peaker element 30, 32 is positioned in each of the two mounti~g areas so that there is a cpeaker on each side of the ~i~or 20. The positioning of the speaker elements 30, 32 advantageously - provides high quality sound when the visor 20 is worn by ~he user.
~s bes~ illustrated in Figure 2, ~he protective layer 26 has parabolic shape corresponding to that of the ~lexible body 22. The protective layer 26 is ~ounted on a bottom side 46 o~ the flexibie body 22, ~o that the speaker elements 30, 32 are between the protective layer 26 and body 22. In the ~irst e~bodiment, the protective layer 26 is mounted to the bottom side 46 of the flexible body 22 using an adhesive, however, other comparable fasteniny method~ such as ~ewing or bonding may be used. The protective layer 26 is advantageously sized to cover the entire bottom side 46 of the flexible body 22. The layer 26 protects the speaker elements 30, 32 and also hides them ~rom view. The protective layer 26 is preferably ~ade from a comfortable ~abric since it is in direct contact with the user's head when visor 20 is worn. The fabric also allows the sound produced by the speaker elements 30, 32 to pass therethrough relatively unchanged to the user's ears.
A fastener 24 is attached on the flexible body 22 and the protective layer 26 to connect the straps 42, 44 and mount the visor 20 on the user's head. The fastener 24 connects the straps 42, 44 together to form the generally circular periphery 48 that fits against the user's head.
In the first embodiment, the fastener 24 is preferably a hook and loop fastener. The hook por~ion 50 of the fastener 24 is attached on the distal end of the protective ' ' ' .
. ' ' ~ .
:
.
~0gl/14351 _7_ P~T/US91/01760 ayer 26 below the stxap 44. The loop portion 52 o~ the fastener 24 is attached to the top side o~ the flexible body 22 at the distal end of the other strap 42~ The hook portion 50 couples with the loop portion S2 to co~nect the bottom side o~ the distal end of the protective layer 26 to the top side of the distal end of the strap 44. 5ince the distal end of the protective layer 26 is attached on the bot~om of the distal end of the str~p 42, ~he ~astener 24 e~fectively connects the bottom side of the ~trap 42 ,to the top side o~ the other strap 44.
~ he ~ook 50 and loop 52 po:rtions are advantageously sized to securely fasten the two straps 42, 44 together.
The portions 50, 52 have the same ~ize with a width slightly less than that o~ the straps ~2, ~4. Pre~erably, the length of the portions 50, 52 is severàl inches which a~vantageously allows for adjustment in the circumference ;~ of the circular periphery 48 created when the straps 42, 44 are attached together. Since both portions 50, 52 are ~everal centimeters i~ leng~h, the a~ount which the ~traps ao 42, 44 overlap can be varie~ to fit the visor 20 to ~he size of the user's head while securely fastening the straps 42, ~4 together.
: Re~erring to Fi~ure 2, the speaker element 30 will he : described with particularity. It shoul~ be understood that the speaker e}ements 30, 32 are identical except that the left speaker 32 is the ~irror image of the right speaker 30~
: Accordingly, only one of the speakers 30, 32 will be described in detail.
In the first embodiment, each speaker ele~ent 30, 32 .~ 30 comprises a film 60, a backing sheet 62, and layers of trans~er tape 64, 66 and 68. The film 60, the backing ; sheet 62, and the layers of trans~er tape 64, 66 and 68 are all configured with the same outer shape and size so that : they may be placed in the speaker mounting areas betwaen the ~5 flexible body 22 and the protective layer 26. The ilm 60 acts like ~ ~iaphragm to ~ranslate electrical signals into sound waves. In response to the electrical signals applied, , .', ' ~ .: ' ,:
. ' , .
2~7832~ .
WO 91/14351 -8- pCr/l~S91/01760 ~:ne film 60 deflects in proportio~ to the v~ltage appllecl ~o produce sound waves. The ~Eil~ 60 is preferably a piezoelectric film. In an exemplary embodiment, the film 60 is a sheet of aluminized Kynar piezo film or high density vinyl fluoride approximately 28 ~1~ thick that is sized to cover an area of the flexible body 22 approxi~ tely ~. 0 inches in length where the straps 42, 44 and bri~D 40 meel:.
Additionally, it l~as been discovered that the t~ualit~ o~ ~he ~ound produced by the film 60 is dramatically i~proved i~ a series of holes 78 are Inade in the film 60. The number of holes 78 and the precise positioning o~ the hol~es 78 i~ not;
critical, but the film 60 furlctions opti~ally when the holes 78 are displaced from the edges of the film 60, ~uch that they are loc:ated in an area which acoustically vibrates during operation of the speaker. In an exemplary~
e~bodlment, there are three holes 78, approxi~ately .125 inches in diameter, spaced along the center of the film 60.
The film 60 is attached to the backing sheet 62 and then both are mounted inside the visor 20.
On the forward end of the film 60 proxi~ate the brim 40 of the visor 20, the film 60 forms a tab 70. The tab 70 provides an area for the leads 34 to be attached to apply the signal to the film 60. One lead 74 i5 attached on the : top o~ the tab 70 and another lead 76 is attached on the bottom of the tab 70. Conductive connector strips 72 are provided to electrically connect each lead 74, 76 to the - ~ilm 60. Although only one strip 72 is visible in Figure 2, it will be understood that there is a second strip 72 on the bottom of the tab 70. In the first embodiment, the bottom leads 7~ of the left and right speaker elements 30, 32 are preferably coupled together and provide a negative return, while the top leads 74 of the left and right speaker elemen~s 30, 32 provide stereo input channels.
The backing sheet 62 is preferably a layer of stiff plastic that provides rigid support for the film 60. In an exemplary embodiment, the backing sheet 62 is a die cut layer of plas~ic approximately .01 inches thick that is .:
'. ' : ,:
2~7~32~
WO91~14351 _9_ PC~U591/~17~
also ~ized for a~tachment to the flexible body 22. ~he backing sheet 62 and the film 60 have an identical area and shape.
The layers of transfer tape 64, 66 and 68 have adhesive o~ both sides for attaching the film 60 and the backing sheet 62. The top layer o~ trans~er tape 64 attaches the bottom side 46 of the flexible body 22 to the :top ~ide of the backing sheet ~520 The top l~yer 64 i5 preferably a solid sheet of transfer tape w~th ~e sa~e area and shape as the backing sheet 62 to securely fasten the bacXi~g sheet 62 to ~he ~lexible body 22.
The middle layer 66 of transfer tape is used to attac~
the bottom side of the backing sheet 62 to th~ top side of the fil~ 60. However, the middle layer 66 is; not a ~olid sheet liXe the top layer 64. Since the ~iddle layer 66 only extends about the periphery of ~he backing sheet 62, the film 60 is only attached to the backing ;heet 62 near the peripheral edges of the film 60. Thus, the backing sheet 62 and the middle layer 66 effecti~ely act a~ a frame and rigidly attach the film 60 about its periphery which allows those portions of the ~ilm 60 interior to its peripheral edges to vibrate and produce good quality sound.
; Finally, the bottom layer 68 of transfer tape, which' is identical in shape to the middle lay~r 66, attaches the , 25 bottom side of the film 60 to the top side of the protective layer 26. The film 60 i5 attached to the ;protective layer 26 in the same manner as it is attached to the backing sheet 62 to ~nsure that the interior of the film 60 is able to vibrate in response to audio signals.
The middle and bottom layers 66, 68 are prefera~ly made of electrically con~uctive transfer tape which conducts the audio signal such that it is applied about the entire periphery of the film 60. Such application of the .' audio signal improves the audio response of the film 60 and : 35 generally enhances the sound quality. In an exemplary ` embodiment, the middle and bo.~om layers 66, 68 are die cut layers of conductive 3M~ trar~sfer tape. When the layers , :
. .
, WO~1/143~1 1o 2 ~ ~ 8 3 2 8 PC~/VS91/017~
oa, 68 are attached on the film ~o, they contact the : connector strips 72 attacA~d to the tab 70 o~ the fil~ 60.
~ hile the speaker elements 30, 32 have been described as being attached together using layers of triansfer tape 64, ~6 and 68, it should be understood that the speaker ele~ents 30, 32 may ~e assembled using other types o~
bonding techniques. Moreover, it ~hould be recognized that the speaker elements 30, 32 may be adapted to any variety o~ ~hapes that allow the speaker e~.ements 30, 32 to be positioned in between the flexible body 22 and t~e protective cover 26.
. 'rhe audio ~isor 20 of the present invention alæo include-~ an amplifier 38 to produce high quality ~ound fxom the .ignals output by an audio device 80 such as an AM/FM
stereo or cassette tape player. As best illustrated by thP
block diagram in Figure 3, the output of the audio device is coupled through the a~plifier 38 to the speaker elements 30, 32 in the audio visor 20. The audio device 80 outputs signals along lead lines 82 to the ampli~ier 38.
The audio device ~0 typically outputs signals to provide stereo sound. A right channel signal is provided to drive the ri~ht speaker element 30 and a left channel signal for the left speaker element 32. The amplifier 38 modifies the signals received, and outputs signals adapted to drive the speaker elements 30, 32 on lead lines 84. The lead lines 84 are electrically connected to the appropriate speaker element 30, 32 through the connector 36 and the lead lines 34.
The output signals from the audio device 80 are received by the amplifier 3~ and modified to a form that will provide enhanced sound quality when the signal is applied to the speaker elements 30, 32. In particular, the amplifier 38 amplifies the signal and performs an impedance matching function. Unlike speakers known in the art, the speaker elements 30, 32 are not inductive but capacitive : because of the electrical characteristics of the film 60.
~ hus, the signal output by the audio device 80, which is . ~ ' ~' ' ,.
W091~14351 ~ PC~ 91/01760 designed for inductive speakers, will not produce high quality sound when coupled directly to the speaker elements 30t 32. The signals output by the audio device 80 must be trans~ormed into a signal that will better deflect tha film 60 and produce sound.
A circuit diagram for the preferred emb~diment of the amplifier 38 is illustrated in ~igures 4A and 4B. TAe amplifier 38 co~prises a battery 8Q t a forward converter 90, two integrators 92, 94, two Otltput ~tages 961 9? and - 10 other passive components. The battery 88 and forward converter 90 provide the vol~age required to a~plify the : signal provided by the audio device ~0. The two integrators 92, 94, and two output stages 96, 97 receive - and ~odify the signals output from the au~io device 80.
With stereo sound, a different signal is provided for each ' speaker element 30, 32. Thus, the one integrator 92 and ; the output stage 96 are used to amplify the ri~ht channel signal provided to one speaker element 30 and another integrator 94 and output stage 97 are us~d to amplify the le~t channel signal provided to the other speaker element 32.
In a preferred embodiment, the forward converter 90 further includes a standard 555 timer lOO, a tr~ns~ormer 102 and an electric switch 104. As illustrated in Figure ; 25 4A, the battery 88 supplies a voltage of 9~0 DC volts to the forward converter 90. The f~rward co~verter 90 transforms the input voltage into an output voltage of :' approximately 260 DC volts. The battery 88 i~ coupled : across the series connection of the center tap of a pri~ary i 30 winding 106 of the transformer 102 and the elect.~c switch 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the electric switch 104 is a MOSFET. The output of the 555 timer lOO is connected to control the opening and closing of ~he electric switch 104. The 555 timer lOO is coupled with passive components for a stable operation as an oscillator as w~ll known to one skilled in the art. The electric swi~ch lO~ is made to open and close because the output of ~he timer lOO
, ' ' ' : ' -~ u ~
WO91/143~ PCT/US91/01760 ~nLTIpDRpns~ EEADWEAR
B-ackqround of the_Invention The present invention relates generally to wearing apparel and particularly to headwear, such as visors, headbands or glasses that perfor~ several functions. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to headwear that contains aarphones or headphones,.
: ~eadphon~s are ~nown or converting electrical signals produced by an AM/FM radio or cassette tape player into ~ound waves. Their use has dra~atically increased wi~h the advent o~ portable AM/FM radios and c:assette tape players o~
reduced si~e. Typically, headphones include a pair of earphones or speaker el~ents. The earphones are placed directly over -the opening of the ear or inserted into the ear canal of the user~ Such placement of the earphones tends to block other bac~ground or warning sounds, such that they are di~ficult to hear over the sound produced by the earphones. This is particularly undesirable ~or persons engag~d in sports activities like skiing, biking or jogging where conversation or other background sounds can provide warning of potentially hazardous situations.
The headphones known in the art are also uncomfortable for ~any users to wear because of the positioning of the earphones. The earphones can beco~e particularly uncom~ortable when wedged inside the user~s ear as required for proper operation of some earphones. The pressure on the ears from headphones that cover the ear opening can also cause discomfort for the user, particularly when used ~or exte~ded periods of time. If used during sports activities, the headphones can also be easily dislodged from the ears, causing the user's attention to be directed ~ ~rom ~he sports activity and creating a potentially .: hazardous situation.
Using headphones while wearing other h~adwear such as a hat, visor, headband. or glasses can also create other problems. For example, headphones can be awkward and ' ' ` .
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` W~gl/14351 ~2- PCT/US91/017~
unmanageable when used simultan~ously with headwear.
: Removing and putting on headphones and headwear are hampered when the two are used together. ~oreover, headwear can interfere with the proper operation of the headphones and vice versa. For example, headwear often fits improperly when used with headphones.
A~ a result there is a need for headphones that comfortably ~it the user and operat~ properly without interfering with the useful ~e~ur~s of hea~w~arO
Similarly, even sunglasses can i~ter~ere ~ith the proper operation of o~her headwear suc~ as a ~at, visor or headhand. The application and removal is ~spec~ally a problem when sunglasses and other headwear are used together. Thus, a need exists for a device that has ~oth the features of sunglasses and a visor.
- Summ_~y_Qf the_Invention The present invention comprises an item of wearing apparel capable of performing several ~unctio~s. In the praferred embodiments the wearing apparel is capable of producing sound from an electrical ~ignal, and includes a sheet of a first material, a sheet of a seco~d electrically responsive material and a pair of electrical leads. The first ~aterial forms wearing apparel and has a surface in proximity to an ear of a user. The second ~aterial is mounted in juxtaposition to the ~irst material with at least a portion of the second material free to acoustically vibrate. The leads are connected to the second material and conduct a signal which drives the second material to vibrate so as to produce sound.
Preferred e~lbodiments of the present in~ention are in the form of audio headwear. In the first embodiment, an audio visor comprises a flexible body, a protecti~e layer . and two speaker elements that use piezoelectric ~ilm. A
- brim and a pair of straps are integrally formed from the flexible body. ~he speaker elements are attached on a : b~ttom side of the flexible body. The speaker elements and the bottom side of the flexible body are then covered with ' . , .
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WO91/143~1 3 PCT~US91/0l~0 the prote¢tive layer for a comfortable fit on the user' 8 head. ~he sp~aker ele~ents advantageously utilize piezoele~ric fil~ for producing sound because o~ its ligh~
- weight, d~rability and high quality sound reproduction.
In a second e~odi~ent, the audio visor includes a lens and a nosepiece to form goggles. The lens is preferably tinted and unctions as sunglasses to provide prote~tioD from the sun. The second e~bodi~ent ~ay also be formed wi~hout speaker elements and still operate; as a visor ~nd ~nglasses.
In t~e third embodi~ent, a pair o~ ear pods ar~
attached ~ the audio visor. Each ear pod includes an acoustic reflection me~ber and a comfort strip. The ear pods are attached on opposite ~ides o~ the visor below the - 15 - speaker elements to~ enhance the ~uality of the sound pr~duced.
In the fourth embodiment, the present in~ention is configured as a head band. The head band includes a flexible body in ~he ~hape of a strip with two enlarged portions to cover the ears of the user and to place the speaker elements near the ears. A protective layer of the same shape is attached on the bottom side of the flexible body to give the head band a comfortable fit.
Brief Description o~ th~ Drawi~s Figure 1 is a perspectiYe ~iew of a first embodiment of the present invention as an audio visor:
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of audio visor of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a block diagram of the coupling of the audio visor of Figure 1 to a prior art audio device;
Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the forward converter portion of the amplifier of the present invention;
Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the amplifier of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second e~bodiment : of the present invention as goggles;
, W~91/143~1 4 PCT/US~1/01760 ~ igure 6 is a rear elevation view of the goggles of Figure 5:
Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention as goggles with an alternat~ odiment of the speaker elements;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment ~: of the present invention as an audio vis~r with ear pods;
. Figure 9 is a perspective vi~w o~ a four~h e~bodiment of the present invention as a h~ad band:
10Figure lO is a bottom perspective ~iew o~ the g~ggles of Figure 5 i~ a flat unused position;
. Figure ll is a cross-sectional view o~ the goggles taken along line ll-ll of Figure 10; and `: Figure 12 is a perspective view of the goggles of Figure lO with the lens ~olded up when not in use.
Description of the_Preferred Embodiments : The present invention comprises wearing apparel that includes ~arphones for producing sound ~rom an audio device~ The earphones are prefarably positioned within the wearing apparel and do not interfere with normal use and operation o~ the wearing apparel. 5everal preferred embodiments of the wearing apparel illustrating different types of headwear such as a visor, goggles or a headband are described below.
: 25Referring to Figure 1, a first embodiment of the present invention as an audio visor 20 i~ illustrated. The visor 20 is adapted for attachment to the human head and provides shade from the sun. The audio visor 20 comprises a flcxible body 22, a fastener 24 and a protective layer 26.
:30 The outer surface of the visor 20 is ~ormed by the flexible body 22 on the top and the protective layer 26 on the ;bottom. As shown in Figure 2, the audio visor 20 further includes two speaker elements 30, 32. Conductor leads 34 are connected to the speaker elements 30, 32, and a connector 36 is connected to the conduc~or leads 3~. The speaker elements 30, 32 and a portion of the leads 34 are mounted between the protective layer 26 and the flexible :
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WO91/143~1 -5- PC~/US91/01760 ~uy 22, to hide the~ ~rom view and pre~eDt ~hem from interfering with ~he wearing of ~he visor 20.
In the first embodiment, the flexible body 22 is comprised of a flat sheet with a generally parabolic shape, and includes a brim portion 40, a5 illustrated in Figure 2.
A pair of s~rap~ or side port:ions 42, 44 ~xtend from opposite sides of the brim portion 40 to per~it ~ounting of the visor 20 on the user's head. T~e bri~ 40 has a generally crescent shape so as to provide a ~hield to : 10 protect the user's ~ac from the sun. The ~t~aps ~2, 44 ~re generally rectangular strips and co~prise the legs o~
the parabola formed by the flexibl~ body 22.
As shown in ~igure l, when the visor 20 is i~ use, the straps ~2, 4~ and an upper portion 54 of the brim ~O form a i5 ..generally circular periphery 48 which corresponds to the periphery of the user's head. The straps 42, 44 and the upper portion 54 o~ the brim 40 are in contact with the : user's head, while the remaining portion of th~ brim 40 extends in a generally horizontal direction which is substantially radially outward ~ro~ the circular periphery 48.
The flexible body 22 is made of a material ; sufficiently flexible to allow the straps 42, 44 to be twisted and the brim 40 to be curved for a co~fortable fit on the human head. However, the flexible body Z2 also h~s : sufficient rigidity for ~he brim 40 to project in a generally horizontal direction to provide shade from the sun. Preferably, the Xlexible body 22 is made of wetsuit material approximately 3.O mm thick. Wetsuit material is advantageous because of its light weight and comfortable fit. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible body 22 is constructed of neoprene with lycra fabric on the top side.
While wetsuit material is preferred, it should be understood tha~ the present invention may be made using other materials.
As mentioned above, the visor 20 includes two speaker elements 30, 32. Thc speaker elements 30, 32 function as , ,.
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WO91/14351 -6- PCT/US~1t~176~
earphones to convert electrical signals into sound wav~s.
As best illustrated in Figure 2, ~he ~peaker el~ments 30, 32 are ~ade up of layers and have a shape that generally corresponds to ~he shape of the flexible body 22 in the mounting areas where the brim 40 ~eets the straps 42, 44.
The speaker elements 30, 32 ~re positioned on the botto~
side 46 of the flexible body 22. one ~peaker element 30, 32 is positioned in each of the two mounti~g areas so that there is a cpeaker on each side of the ~i~or 20. The positioning of the speaker elements 30, 32 advantageously - provides high quality sound when the visor 20 is worn by ~he user.
~s bes~ illustrated in Figure 2, ~he protective layer 26 has parabolic shape corresponding to that of the ~lexible body 22. The protective layer 26 is ~ounted on a bottom side 46 o~ the flexibie body 22, ~o that the speaker elements 30, 32 are between the protective layer 26 and body 22. In the ~irst e~bodiment, the protective layer 26 is mounted to the bottom side 46 of the flexible body 22 using an adhesive, however, other comparable fasteniny method~ such as ~ewing or bonding may be used. The protective layer 26 is advantageously sized to cover the entire bottom side 46 of the flexible body 22. The layer 26 protects the speaker elements 30, 32 and also hides them ~rom view. The protective layer 26 is preferably ~ade from a comfortable ~abric since it is in direct contact with the user's head when visor 20 is worn. The fabric also allows the sound produced by the speaker elements 30, 32 to pass therethrough relatively unchanged to the user's ears.
A fastener 24 is attached on the flexible body 22 and the protective layer 26 to connect the straps 42, 44 and mount the visor 20 on the user's head. The fastener 24 connects the straps 42, 44 together to form the generally circular periphery 48 that fits against the user's head.
In the first embodiment, the fastener 24 is preferably a hook and loop fastener. The hook por~ion 50 of the fastener 24 is attached on the distal end of the protective ' ' ' .
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~0gl/14351 _7_ P~T/US91/01760 ayer 26 below the stxap 44. The loop portion 52 o~ the fastener 24 is attached to the top side o~ the flexible body 22 at the distal end of the other strap 42~ The hook portion 50 couples with the loop portion S2 to co~nect the bottom side o~ the distal end of the protective layer 26 to the top side of the distal end of the strap 44. 5ince the distal end of the protective layer 26 is attached on the bot~om of the distal end of the str~p 42, ~he ~astener 24 e~fectively connects the bottom side of the ~trap 42 ,to the top side o~ the other strap 44.
~ he ~ook 50 and loop 52 po:rtions are advantageously sized to securely fasten the two straps 42, 44 together.
The portions 50, 52 have the same ~ize with a width slightly less than that o~ the straps ~2, ~4. Pre~erably, the length of the portions 50, 52 is severàl inches which a~vantageously allows for adjustment in the circumference ;~ of the circular periphery 48 created when the straps 42, 44 are attached together. Since both portions 50, 52 are ~everal centimeters i~ leng~h, the a~ount which the ~traps ao 42, 44 overlap can be varie~ to fit the visor 20 to ~he size of the user's head while securely fastening the straps 42, ~4 together.
: Re~erring to Fi~ure 2, the speaker element 30 will he : described with particularity. It shoul~ be understood that the speaker e}ements 30, 32 are identical except that the left speaker 32 is the ~irror image of the right speaker 30~
: Accordingly, only one of the speakers 30, 32 will be described in detail.
In the first embodiment, each speaker ele~ent 30, 32 .~ 30 comprises a film 60, a backing sheet 62, and layers of trans~er tape 64, 66 and 68. The film 60, the backing ; sheet 62, and the layers of trans~er tape 64, 66 and 68 are all configured with the same outer shape and size so that : they may be placed in the speaker mounting areas betwaen the ~5 flexible body 22 and the protective layer 26. The ilm 60 acts like ~ ~iaphragm to ~ranslate electrical signals into sound waves. In response to the electrical signals applied, , .', ' ~ .: ' ,:
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WO 91/14351 -8- pCr/l~S91/01760 ~:ne film 60 deflects in proportio~ to the v~ltage appllecl ~o produce sound waves. The ~Eil~ 60 is preferably a piezoelectric film. In an exemplary embodiment, the film 60 is a sheet of aluminized Kynar piezo film or high density vinyl fluoride approximately 28 ~1~ thick that is sized to cover an area of the flexible body 22 approxi~ tely ~. 0 inches in length where the straps 42, 44 and bri~D 40 meel:.
Additionally, it l~as been discovered that the t~ualit~ o~ ~he ~ound produced by the film 60 is dramatically i~proved i~ a series of holes 78 are Inade in the film 60. The number of holes 78 and the precise positioning o~ the hol~es 78 i~ not;
critical, but the film 60 furlctions opti~ally when the holes 78 are displaced from the edges of the film 60, ~uch that they are loc:ated in an area which acoustically vibrates during operation of the speaker. In an exemplary~
e~bodlment, there are three holes 78, approxi~ately .125 inches in diameter, spaced along the center of the film 60.
The film 60 is attached to the backing sheet 62 and then both are mounted inside the visor 20.
On the forward end of the film 60 proxi~ate the brim 40 of the visor 20, the film 60 forms a tab 70. The tab 70 provides an area for the leads 34 to be attached to apply the signal to the film 60. One lead 74 i5 attached on the : top o~ the tab 70 and another lead 76 is attached on the bottom of the tab 70. Conductive connector strips 72 are provided to electrically connect each lead 74, 76 to the - ~ilm 60. Although only one strip 72 is visible in Figure 2, it will be understood that there is a second strip 72 on the bottom of the tab 70. In the first embodiment, the bottom leads 7~ of the left and right speaker elements 30, 32 are preferably coupled together and provide a negative return, while the top leads 74 of the left and right speaker elemen~s 30, 32 provide stereo input channels.
The backing sheet 62 is preferably a layer of stiff plastic that provides rigid support for the film 60. In an exemplary embodiment, the backing sheet 62 is a die cut layer of plas~ic approximately .01 inches thick that is .:
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WO91~14351 _9_ PC~U591/~17~
also ~ized for a~tachment to the flexible body 22. ~he backing sheet 62 and the film 60 have an identical area and shape.
The layers of transfer tape 64, 66 and 68 have adhesive o~ both sides for attaching the film 60 and the backing sheet 62. The top layer o~ trans~er tape 64 attaches the bottom side 46 of the flexible body 22 to the :top ~ide of the backing sheet ~520 The top l~yer 64 i5 preferably a solid sheet of transfer tape w~th ~e sa~e area and shape as the backing sheet 62 to securely fasten the bacXi~g sheet 62 to ~he ~lexible body 22.
The middle layer 66 of transfer tape is used to attac~
the bottom side of the backing sheet 62 to th~ top side of the fil~ 60. However, the middle layer 66 is; not a ~olid sheet liXe the top layer 64. Since the ~iddle layer 66 only extends about the periphery of ~he backing sheet 62, the film 60 is only attached to the backing ;heet 62 near the peripheral edges of the film 60. Thus, the backing sheet 62 and the middle layer 66 effecti~ely act a~ a frame and rigidly attach the film 60 about its periphery which allows those portions of the ~ilm 60 interior to its peripheral edges to vibrate and produce good quality sound.
; Finally, the bottom layer 68 of transfer tape, which' is identical in shape to the middle lay~r 66, attaches the , 25 bottom side of the film 60 to the top side of the protective layer 26. The film 60 i5 attached to the ;protective layer 26 in the same manner as it is attached to the backing sheet 62 to ~nsure that the interior of the film 60 is able to vibrate in response to audio signals.
The middle and bottom layers 66, 68 are prefera~ly made of electrically con~uctive transfer tape which conducts the audio signal such that it is applied about the entire periphery of the film 60. Such application of the .' audio signal improves the audio response of the film 60 and : 35 generally enhances the sound quality. In an exemplary ` embodiment, the middle and bo.~om layers 66, 68 are die cut layers of conductive 3M~ trar~sfer tape. When the layers , :
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oa, 68 are attached on the film ~o, they contact the : connector strips 72 attacA~d to the tab 70 o~ the fil~ 60.
~ hile the speaker elements 30, 32 have been described as being attached together using layers of triansfer tape 64, ~6 and 68, it should be understood that the speaker ele~ents 30, 32 may ~e assembled using other types o~
bonding techniques. Moreover, it ~hould be recognized that the speaker elements 30, 32 may be adapted to any variety o~ ~hapes that allow the speaker e~.ements 30, 32 to be positioned in between the flexible body 22 and t~e protective cover 26.
. 'rhe audio ~isor 20 of the present invention alæo include-~ an amplifier 38 to produce high quality ~ound fxom the .ignals output by an audio device 80 such as an AM/FM
stereo or cassette tape player. As best illustrated by thP
block diagram in Figure 3, the output of the audio device is coupled through the a~plifier 38 to the speaker elements 30, 32 in the audio visor 20. The audio device 80 outputs signals along lead lines 82 to the ampli~ier 38.
The audio device ~0 typically outputs signals to provide stereo sound. A right channel signal is provided to drive the ri~ht speaker element 30 and a left channel signal for the left speaker element 32. The amplifier 38 modifies the signals received, and outputs signals adapted to drive the speaker elements 30, 32 on lead lines 84. The lead lines 84 are electrically connected to the appropriate speaker element 30, 32 through the connector 36 and the lead lines 34.
The output signals from the audio device 80 are received by the amplifier 3~ and modified to a form that will provide enhanced sound quality when the signal is applied to the speaker elements 30, 32. In particular, the amplifier 38 amplifies the signal and performs an impedance matching function. Unlike speakers known in the art, the speaker elements 30, 32 are not inductive but capacitive : because of the electrical characteristics of the film 60.
~ hus, the signal output by the audio device 80, which is . ~ ' ~' ' ,.
W091~14351 ~ PC~ 91/01760 designed for inductive speakers, will not produce high quality sound when coupled directly to the speaker elements 30t 32. The signals output by the audio device 80 must be trans~ormed into a signal that will better deflect tha film 60 and produce sound.
A circuit diagram for the preferred emb~diment of the amplifier 38 is illustrated in ~igures 4A and 4B. TAe amplifier 38 co~prises a battery 8Q t a forward converter 90, two integrators 92, 94, two Otltput ~tages 961 9? and - 10 other passive components. The battery 88 and forward converter 90 provide the vol~age required to a~plify the : signal provided by the audio device ~0. The two integrators 92, 94, and two output stages 96, 97 receive - and ~odify the signals output from the au~io device 80.
With stereo sound, a different signal is provided for each ' speaker element 30, 32. Thus, the one integrator 92 and ; the output stage 96 are used to amplify the ri~ht channel signal provided to one speaker element 30 and another integrator 94 and output stage 97 are us~d to amplify the le~t channel signal provided to the other speaker element 32.
In a preferred embodiment, the forward converter 90 further includes a standard 555 timer lOO, a tr~ns~ormer 102 and an electric switch 104. As illustrated in Figure ; 25 4A, the battery 88 supplies a voltage of 9~0 DC volts to the forward converter 90. The f~rward co~verter 90 transforms the input voltage into an output voltage of :' approximately 260 DC volts. The battery 88 i~ coupled : across the series connection of the center tap of a pri~ary i 30 winding 106 of the transformer 102 and the elect.~c switch 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the electric switch 104 is a MOSFET. The output of the 555 timer lOO is connected to control the opening and closing of ~he electric switch 104. The 555 timer lOO is coupled with passive components for a stable operation as an oscillator as w~ll known to one skilled in the art. The electric swi~ch lO~ is made to open and close because the output of ~he timer lOO
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3~1 12- PCT~US91/01760 osclllates between high and low, thus, causing alterna~lng currsnt to pass through the pri~ary of the transfoxmer 102.
The transformer 102 is used to step up the 9.0 volts applied to the primary winding to 260 volts output by the S secondary winding 108. A capacitor llO i~ conne~ted in parallel with the secondary winding 108 to remove any AC
components, thus, ~he forward converter 90 provides a 260 DC volt output.
As shown in Figure 4B, the 260 volt potential created by the ~orward conver~er 9O is used by two output stages - 96, 97 and the two integrators 92~ 94 to convert the signals from the ~udio device 80 in~o a usable form.
Preferably, the integrators 92, 94 are identical and output stages 96, 97 are identicalO Thus, only the integrator 92 and the output stage 96 for the right channel will be described for simplicity. As illustrated in Fisure 4B, the signal from the audio device 80 is input to the i~tegrator 92. The integrator 92 is formed by an operational amplifier 112, a capacitor 114 and other passive components 3S known to one skilled in the art. The signal from the audio device 80 is input to through passive components to the positive input of the operational amplifier 112. The output of the integrator 92 is coupled to the input of the output stage 96. The output stage 96 is preferably a Class B output stage formed ~rom four transistors 116-119 as understood by one skilled in the art. In the pr~ferred embodiment, the current source typical in a Class B output stage, is provided by the transistor 119 coupled with other passive components. It sho-tld also be noted that the transistors 118, 119 of the output stage are coupled to the output of the ~orward converter 90, thereby applying a potential of 260 volts to the output stage 96. The signal output by the output stage 96 is then dif~erentiated by the RC differentiator 98 formed by a capacitor 120 and a resistor 122. The output of the differentia~or 98 is then coupled to the speaker element 30.
The integra~or 92 receives the signal output by the .
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WO91/1435~ ~13-- PCT/US91~0~760 aualo device 80 which has a high ~oltage output capablllty for use on inductive speakers. The signal ls then integrated by the integrator 92. The output stage 96 then modifies the signal to produce a sizable output current capabili y or high voltage at low frequency to drive the speaker elements 30, 32. The signal is then dif~erentiated by the RC differentiator 98 to complete the transformation of t~e signal to one that is equivalent o~ a current source. Thus, the ampli~ier 38 basically converts the signal output by the audio device 80 which provides a high ; voltage output capability for inductive speaker elements to a signal with high current output capability or high voltage at low frequency for capacitive speaker el~ments.
The present invention will now be discussed with reference to several other embodiments. These other embodiments are often similar to the first e~bodiment.
Thus, where possible, like reference numbers with an "a"
suffix have be used to indicate like parts for ease of ; understanding.
Referring-now to ~igures 5 and 6, a second preferred embodiment for the audio headwear 130 is illustrated. The second embodiment 139 is similar to the first embodiment and forms a visor comprising a flexible body 22a, a ~astener 24a and a protective layer 26a. The e~bodiment 130 also includes two speaker elements (not shown), a series of leads 34a and a connector 36a to produce sound frnm electrical signals. The speaker elements are identical t~ the speaker elements 30, 32 of the first embodiment described above with reference to Figure 2. The second embodiment has the same shape as the first embodiment and is formed by attaching the protective layer 26a and the flexible body 22a together, with the speaker elements therebetween.
The visor of second embodimen~ additionally provides goggles formed by a wrap-around eye shield having a lens 132, a connecting strip 134 and a nosepiece 136. The lens 132 advantageously shades the user's eyes from sunlight.
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WO91/~43gl -14- P~/VS~1/0~760 Preferably, the lens 132 is a substantially U-~haped heet of transparent material which is tinted to reduce the inten~ity of sunlight, and thereby function as sunglasses.
For example, the lens 132 may be cut from a sheet o~ tinted lexan~ or laminated mylar which advantageously makes the lens 132 flexible, light weight and durable~ An upper edge 138 of he U-shaped lens 132 is adapted for attachment to the protecti~e layer 26a. A lowex edge 140 of ~he U-shaped len~ 132 parallels the upper edge 138~ Near the ~iddle o~
the lens 132, the lower edge 140 e~ends in towaFd the upper edge 138 to provide a triangular ~otch in the lens 132 for receiving the bridge of the user'~ nose~ ~he : nosapiece 136 is attached along the edge 140 o~ the triangular area. The nosepiece 136 is prPferably made from a piece of wetsuit material sized to cover the edge ~ormed by the triangular area. The lens 132 with the nosepiece ~36 attached is adapted to rest upon the bridge of the user~s nose for a comfortable fit when the second embodiment 130 is worn.
As best seen in Figure 5-7, the lens 132 is attached to the second embodiment 130 using the connecting strip 134. The strip 134 is attached along the upper edge 138 of the lens 132. In a preferred embodiment, the strip 134 extends about .25 inches from the upper edge 138 toward the lower edge 140 and covers a s~all portion of the lens 132.
The remaining portion of the strip 134 not attached ko the lens 132 is attached on the bottom side of t~e protective cover 26a as shown in Figure 6. As best shown in the bottom perspective view of Figure lO, the strip 134 extends along the entire upper edge 138 of the lens 132 from the strap 42a, across the brim 40a, to the o~her strap 44a.
Thus, the strip 134 has a curved or U-shape similar to the lens 132 and forms an arcuate hinge line.
The connecting strip 134 is preferably made of a fabric material which advantageously creates a flexible hinge. While the connec~ing strip 134 is described as fabric, it should be understood that the strip 134 may be '' " ~' ' ' ' , :
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'. ' 2~783.~?~3 WO91/143~1 -15- PCT/US91/01760 maae of other flexible materials like ~llicon or polyurethane. ~s illustrated in the cross sectional view of Figure ll, the hinge is created by the strip 134 which is folded about the upper edge 138 and attached to the S exterior side of the lens 132 and the exterior side of the cover 26a. Since the strip 134 is fabric, it ~ay be attached to the cover 26a and tl1e lens 132 by sewing or adhesive. The hinge allows the lower edge 140 of the lens l32 to swing away from the flexi~le body 22a and the cover 26a as shown by the phantom lines :in Figure ll.
The hinge advantageously al:Lows the lens 132 to be con~igured in several different positions. For exa~ple, if the lens 132 is in use, the hinge permits the lens 132 to project away from the cover 26a and form a wrap around eye ~hied in an-open--position as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. The hinge also allows the lens 132 to be contoured to the us~r's head and lie flat against the cover 26a when the visor is being worn, but the lens 132 is not in use as shown in Figure 12. When nei~her the visor nor the lens 132 are used, the visor may be collapsed to lie fiat with the lens 132 adjacent to the brim 40a, as in Fig11re lO.
The speaker elements are attached in between the protective layer 26a and the flexible body 22a in the same manner as ~the first embodiment. The lens 132 advantageously i~proves the sound ~uality because the lens 132 extends directly beneath the speakers elements~ The ~ n~ 132 covers and partially encloses the user's ears in : an acoustic chamber formed by (i) the flexible body 22a, (ii) the lens 132 and (iii) the user's head when the second embodiment 130 is worn. The sound produced by the speakers is directed down and re~lects off the lens 132. Thus, the lens 132 advantageously amplifies and improves sound quality while allowing ~ackground noise to enter the acoustic cham~er.
35In the second embodiment 130, ~he speakers 30a, 32a may also take an alternate form. The speaker elements 30a, 32a may be mounted directly on the lens 132 as illustrated ~; .
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ln Figure 7. This increases the sound that is provided to the user's ear since the ends 142 of the lens 132 proxi~ate :~ the straps 42a, 44a cover the ears when the second - embodiment 130 is worn. The ~ilm 60a that ~orms ~he : 5 speakers 30a, 32a ~ay be placed in very close proximity to the ears by positioning the ~ilm 60a directly on the ends ~: 142 of the lens 132. In this alte.rnate form, the fil~ 60a is advantageously shaped to cover an area proximate ~he ends 142 of the lPns 132. This area extends approximat~ly four inches along the upper 138 and lower l40 ~dges!of the ~: lens 132. Pla~ement of the film 60a upon the lens 132 eliminates the need for a backing sheet and the top layer of transfer tape. However, the alte~nate ~orm of the speakers 30a, 32a utilizes similar assembly techniques as described above with reference to Figure 2.. In particular, a layer of transfer tape (not shown) which forms a strip about ~he periphery of the film 60a is used to ~ount the . film 60a to the le~s 132. The lens 132 and layer of transfer tap~ cooperate to form a fram~ for the film 60a in the same ~anner as the backing sheet 62 and ~iddle layer 66 described above with reference to Figure 2. The alternate form of the speakers 30a, 32a also retains similar : electrical connections, as shown in Figure 7, to couple the output of the ampli~ier 38 to the speakers 30a, 32a. This embodiment for the speaker elements 30a, 32a additionally requires a pair of speaker covers 144, l46. As illustrated in Figure 7, the speaker covers 144, 146 are each place above a respective layer of film 60a. The speaker covers 144, 146 are attached to the film 60a to protect it and the electrical connections as well as provide a com~ortable ~it.
While the speaker elements for the second em~odiment 130 have been described above in great detail, it should be understood that the goggles of the second embodiment may. be ; constructed without the speaker elements and cov r 26a and 3~ still form multipurpose headwear. The lens 132 would - simply be attached direc~ly to the flexible body 22.
Without speaker elements, the second embodiment continues ''' ' ' . ' .:
3 ~ 8 WO91/14351 -17- PCT/~S91/01760 ~o operate as both sunglasses and a visor. 1l snoula De ~oted that the exterior appearance a~ld form of tha goggles without speakers elements could be the same as the second embodiment disclosed above.
S Referring now to Figure 8, a third e~bodiment 150 o~
the audio visor is illustrated. The third embodiment 150 of the visor has the sa~e basic structure as the first embodimen~ wi~h the speaker eleme.nts (not shown) attached between the flexible body 22a and the protective layer 26a.
However, the third embodiment lSO of the audio visor additionally comprises a pair of sar pods 152, 154 for . directing .the sound produced by the speakers toward the : user~s ears when the visor is worn.
Each of the ear pods 152, lS4 pref~rably comprises a comfort strip 156, 158 and-a reflecting member 160, 162.
one comfort strip 156 and reflecting ~ember 160 are located : below the right spea~er and the other comfort strip 158 and reflecting member 162 are located below the le~t speaker.
Together each comfort strip 156, 158 and its respective reflecting me~ber 160, 162 form an enclosure or ear pod 152, 154 that enhances sound quality while allowing some background noise to be heard.
The reflecting members 160, 162 are shallow cup ~tructures molded from a sheet of plastic, preferably ` clear lexan~. The reflecting me~bers 160, 162 are tear drop shaped t~ cover the user's ears. Because of ~he physical properties of the plastic and its cup shape, the reflecting members 150, lS2 advantageously absorb little sound and reflect the sound toward the user's ear. Each reflecting member 160, 162 is attached to its respective side of the visor beneath the speaker elements. The reflecting members 160, 162 extend down from the visor and over the user's ears in substantially vertical direction when the vi~or is worn.
one comfort strip 156, 158 is attached on ~he bottom edge of each refle~ing member 160, 162. The comfort strips 156, 158 are s-litable pieces o~ material adapted for contact with the human head ~elow the user~s ears. The ;
.
.
WOgl~l43~1 -18 2 ~ ~ 8 3 2 8 P~T/VS91/01760 com~ort strips 156, 158 are advantageously ~u~ u. ~
wetsuit ~at~rial like the flexible body 22a. Thu~, the user is not irritated if the pods 152, 154 contact the area below the ears. The comfort strips 156, 158 have substantially rectangular shape that is tapered and narrows near one end. ~ longitudinal edge of the strips 156, 158 i5 attached ~o bottom edge of the reflecting ~embers 160, 162 and the reflecting members 110, 112 ~xtend in towards the user's head when the vi~or is positioned on the head.
In this manner, the co~fort strips 15~, 158 in combination with the reflecting ~embers create a chamber ~hat e~hances the sound guality since the sound is dir~cted d~wn ~rom the ; bottom of ~he vi~or toward the ears.
Finally, referring to Figure 9, a fourt.h e~bodiment 170 of the present invention as a headband is illustrated.
Tha headband preferably comprises a flexi~l~~body 172, a fastener 24a, a protective layer 26a, and two speaker elements (not shown). A series of leads 34a, and a connector 36a are also included to couple the speaker elements to the audio device 80.
The ~ourth embodiment 170 is different from previous embodiments primarily because of its shape and function.
The flexible body 172, the protective layer 26a and the speaker elements form a strip adapted to be worn about the head a~d cover the ears. For example, the flexible body 172 is shaped as a slightly curved strip. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexi~le body 172 is a strip of wetsuit material approximately two inches wide. The flexible body 172 is the same in composition and construction as in other embodiments except that it has a di~erent shape. A~ ~wo intermediate positions along its length, the flexible body 172 has enlarged portions 174, 176 with a substantially circular shape. The enlarged portions 174, 176 are adapted to cover the ears when the headband 172 is worn. In an exemplary embodiment, the enlarged portions 174, 176 are integrally formed as part of the flexible body 172 and have - a diameter of approximately 4.0 inches. Near the center of , . .
- .
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,' . ' . ' . :
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WO91/14351 -l9- P~T/U~91/0~7S~
~ enlarged portion l74, l76, an aperture 178 is provided to permit external sounds to enter ~he ear.
The prot~ctive layer 26a is adapted to conform and cov~r the bottom of the flexihle body l72. Thus, the protective layer 26a has the same shape as the flexible body 172 to cover all of bottom side o the flexible body 172. As in previous embodiments, t:he protectiYe layer 26a is advantageously ~ade of a~ appropriate fabric for a comfortable ~it on the user's head.
The speaker ele~ents of the fourth embodi~ent 170 have a m~di~ied shape. In particular, the speaker ele~ents used : in the gorth embodiment have a generally circular shape . adapted ~or placement of the sp~aker elements on the ! enlarged portions 174, 176 respectively. Additionally, rather than the holes 78 used in the film 60 as described above with reference to Figure 2, the fourth embodi~ent 170 has a single hole in the film o~ the speaker elements corresponding in position to the aperture 178 in the enlarged portions 174, 176 of the flexible body 172.
However, the speaker elements have the same layered construction as described with reference to Figure 2 above with the only distinction being the shape of the elements.
Having described the invention in connection with certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that many modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope o this invention. In paxticular, the present invention has been discussed primarily as headwear, but it should be understood that the present invention may be adapted for many different types of wearing apparel. For example, the present invention may be utilized in a jacket with a collar having film and ~leads attached t~erein to produce sound.
The transformer 102 is used to step up the 9.0 volts applied to the primary winding to 260 volts output by the S secondary winding 108. A capacitor llO i~ conne~ted in parallel with the secondary winding 108 to remove any AC
components, thus, ~he forward converter 90 provides a 260 DC volt output.
As shown in Figure 4B, the 260 volt potential created by the ~orward conver~er 9O is used by two output stages - 96, 97 and the two integrators 92~ 94 to convert the signals from the ~udio device 80 in~o a usable form.
Preferably, the integrators 92, 94 are identical and output stages 96, 97 are identicalO Thus, only the integrator 92 and the output stage 96 for the right channel will be described for simplicity. As illustrated in Fisure 4B, the signal from the audio device 80 is input to the i~tegrator 92. The integrator 92 is formed by an operational amplifier 112, a capacitor 114 and other passive components 3S known to one skilled in the art. The signal from the audio device 80 is input to through passive components to the positive input of the operational amplifier 112. The output of the integrator 92 is coupled to the input of the output stage 96. The output stage 96 is preferably a Class B output stage formed ~rom four transistors 116-119 as understood by one skilled in the art. In the pr~ferred embodiment, the current source typical in a Class B output stage, is provided by the transistor 119 coupled with other passive components. It sho-tld also be noted that the transistors 118, 119 of the output stage are coupled to the output of the ~orward converter 90, thereby applying a potential of 260 volts to the output stage 96. The signal output by the output stage 96 is then dif~erentiated by the RC differentiator 98 formed by a capacitor 120 and a resistor 122. The output of the differentia~or 98 is then coupled to the speaker element 30.
The integra~or 92 receives the signal output by the .
~ .
WO91/1435~ ~13-- PCT/US91~0~760 aualo device 80 which has a high ~oltage output capablllty for use on inductive speakers. The signal ls then integrated by the integrator 92. The output stage 96 then modifies the signal to produce a sizable output current capabili y or high voltage at low frequency to drive the speaker elements 30, 32. The signal is then dif~erentiated by the RC differentiator 98 to complete the transformation of t~e signal to one that is equivalent o~ a current source. Thus, the ampli~ier 38 basically converts the signal output by the audio device 80 which provides a high ; voltage output capability for inductive speaker elements to a signal with high current output capability or high voltage at low frequency for capacitive speaker el~ments.
The present invention will now be discussed with reference to several other embodiments. These other embodiments are often similar to the first e~bodiment.
Thus, where possible, like reference numbers with an "a"
suffix have be used to indicate like parts for ease of ; understanding.
Referring-now to ~igures 5 and 6, a second preferred embodiment for the audio headwear 130 is illustrated. The second embodiment 139 is similar to the first embodiment and forms a visor comprising a flexible body 22a, a ~astener 24a and a protective layer 26a. The e~bodiment 130 also includes two speaker elements (not shown), a series of leads 34a and a connector 36a to produce sound frnm electrical signals. The speaker elements are identical t~ the speaker elements 30, 32 of the first embodiment described above with reference to Figure 2. The second embodiment has the same shape as the first embodiment and is formed by attaching the protective layer 26a and the flexible body 22a together, with the speaker elements therebetween.
The visor of second embodimen~ additionally provides goggles formed by a wrap-around eye shield having a lens 132, a connecting strip 134 and a nosepiece 136. The lens 132 advantageously shades the user's eyes from sunlight.
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.:
2~83''~
WO91/~43gl -14- P~/VS~1/0~760 Preferably, the lens 132 is a substantially U-~haped heet of transparent material which is tinted to reduce the inten~ity of sunlight, and thereby function as sunglasses.
For example, the lens 132 may be cut from a sheet o~ tinted lexan~ or laminated mylar which advantageously makes the lens 132 flexible, light weight and durable~ An upper edge 138 of he U-shaped lens 132 is adapted for attachment to the protecti~e layer 26a. A lowex edge 140 of ~he U-shaped len~ 132 parallels the upper edge 138~ Near the ~iddle o~
the lens 132, the lower edge 140 e~ends in towaFd the upper edge 138 to provide a triangular ~otch in the lens 132 for receiving the bridge of the user'~ nose~ ~he : nosapiece 136 is attached along the edge 140 o~ the triangular area. The nosepiece 136 is prPferably made from a piece of wetsuit material sized to cover the edge ~ormed by the triangular area. The lens 132 with the nosepiece ~36 attached is adapted to rest upon the bridge of the user~s nose for a comfortable fit when the second embodiment 130 is worn.
As best seen in Figure 5-7, the lens 132 is attached to the second embodiment 130 using the connecting strip 134. The strip 134 is attached along the upper edge 138 of the lens 132. In a preferred embodiment, the strip 134 extends about .25 inches from the upper edge 138 toward the lower edge 140 and covers a s~all portion of the lens 132.
The remaining portion of the strip 134 not attached ko the lens 132 is attached on the bottom side of t~e protective cover 26a as shown in Figure 6. As best shown in the bottom perspective view of Figure lO, the strip 134 extends along the entire upper edge 138 of the lens 132 from the strap 42a, across the brim 40a, to the o~her strap 44a.
Thus, the strip 134 has a curved or U-shape similar to the lens 132 and forms an arcuate hinge line.
The connecting strip 134 is preferably made of a fabric material which advantageously creates a flexible hinge. While the connec~ing strip 134 is described as fabric, it should be understood that the strip 134 may be '' " ~' ' ' ' , :
: .
'. ' 2~783.~?~3 WO91/143~1 -15- PCT/US91/01760 maae of other flexible materials like ~llicon or polyurethane. ~s illustrated in the cross sectional view of Figure ll, the hinge is created by the strip 134 which is folded about the upper edge 138 and attached to the S exterior side of the lens 132 and the exterior side of the cover 26a. Since the strip 134 is fabric, it ~ay be attached to the cover 26a and tl1e lens 132 by sewing or adhesive. The hinge allows the lower edge 140 of the lens l32 to swing away from the flexi~le body 22a and the cover 26a as shown by the phantom lines :in Figure ll.
The hinge advantageously al:Lows the lens 132 to be con~igured in several different positions. For exa~ple, if the lens 132 is in use, the hinge permits the lens 132 to project away from the cover 26a and form a wrap around eye ~hied in an-open--position as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. The hinge also allows the lens 132 to be contoured to the us~r's head and lie flat against the cover 26a when the visor is being worn, but the lens 132 is not in use as shown in Figure 12. When nei~her the visor nor the lens 132 are used, the visor may be collapsed to lie fiat with the lens 132 adjacent to the brim 40a, as in Fig11re lO.
The speaker elements are attached in between the protective layer 26a and the flexible body 22a in the same manner as ~the first embodiment. The lens 132 advantageously i~proves the sound ~uality because the lens 132 extends directly beneath the speakers elements~ The ~ n~ 132 covers and partially encloses the user's ears in : an acoustic chamber formed by (i) the flexible body 22a, (ii) the lens 132 and (iii) the user's head when the second embodiment 130 is worn. The sound produced by the speakers is directed down and re~lects off the lens 132. Thus, the lens 132 advantageously amplifies and improves sound quality while allowing ~ackground noise to enter the acoustic cham~er.
35In the second embodiment 130, ~he speakers 30a, 32a may also take an alternate form. The speaker elements 30a, 32a may be mounted directly on the lens 132 as illustrated ~; .
.. . ~
:, 2~o3%8 W0~1t143~1 -16- PCT~US91/017~
ln Figure 7. This increases the sound that is provided to the user's ear since the ends 142 of the lens 132 proxi~ate :~ the straps 42a, 44a cover the ears when the second - embodiment 130 is worn. The ~ilm 60a that ~orms ~he : 5 speakers 30a, 32a ~ay be placed in very close proximity to the ears by positioning the ~ilm 60a directly on the ends ~: 142 of the lens 132. In this alte.rnate form, the fil~ 60a is advantageously shaped to cover an area proximate ~he ends 142 of the lPns 132. This area extends approximat~ly four inches along the upper 138 and lower l40 ~dges!of the ~: lens 132. Pla~ement of the film 60a upon the lens 132 eliminates the need for a backing sheet and the top layer of transfer tape. However, the alte~nate ~orm of the speakers 30a, 32a utilizes similar assembly techniques as described above with reference to Figure 2.. In particular, a layer of transfer tape (not shown) which forms a strip about ~he periphery of the film 60a is used to ~ount the . film 60a to the le~s 132. The lens 132 and layer of transfer tap~ cooperate to form a fram~ for the film 60a in the same ~anner as the backing sheet 62 and ~iddle layer 66 described above with reference to Figure 2. The alternate form of the speakers 30a, 32a also retains similar : electrical connections, as shown in Figure 7, to couple the output of the ampli~ier 38 to the speakers 30a, 32a. This embodiment for the speaker elements 30a, 32a additionally requires a pair of speaker covers 144, l46. As illustrated in Figure 7, the speaker covers 144, 146 are each place above a respective layer of film 60a. The speaker covers 144, 146 are attached to the film 60a to protect it and the electrical connections as well as provide a com~ortable ~it.
While the speaker elements for the second em~odiment 130 have been described above in great detail, it should be understood that the goggles of the second embodiment may. be ; constructed without the speaker elements and cov r 26a and 3~ still form multipurpose headwear. The lens 132 would - simply be attached direc~ly to the flexible body 22.
Without speaker elements, the second embodiment continues ''' ' ' . ' .:
3 ~ 8 WO91/14351 -17- PCT/~S91/01760 ~o operate as both sunglasses and a visor. 1l snoula De ~oted that the exterior appearance a~ld form of tha goggles without speakers elements could be the same as the second embodiment disclosed above.
S Referring now to Figure 8, a third e~bodiment 150 o~
the audio visor is illustrated. The third embodiment 150 of the visor has the sa~e basic structure as the first embodimen~ wi~h the speaker eleme.nts (not shown) attached between the flexible body 22a and the protective layer 26a.
However, the third embodiment lSO of the audio visor additionally comprises a pair of sar pods 152, 154 for . directing .the sound produced by the speakers toward the : user~s ears when the visor is worn.
Each of the ear pods 152, lS4 pref~rably comprises a comfort strip 156, 158 and-a reflecting member 160, 162.
one comfort strip 156 and reflecting ~ember 160 are located : below the right spea~er and the other comfort strip 158 and reflecting member 162 are located below the le~t speaker.
Together each comfort strip 156, 158 and its respective reflecting me~ber 160, 162 form an enclosure or ear pod 152, 154 that enhances sound quality while allowing some background noise to be heard.
The reflecting members 160, 162 are shallow cup ~tructures molded from a sheet of plastic, preferably ` clear lexan~. The reflecting me~bers 160, 162 are tear drop shaped t~ cover the user's ears. Because of ~he physical properties of the plastic and its cup shape, the reflecting members 150, lS2 advantageously absorb little sound and reflect the sound toward the user's ear. Each reflecting member 160, 162 is attached to its respective side of the visor beneath the speaker elements. The reflecting members 160, 162 extend down from the visor and over the user's ears in substantially vertical direction when the vi~or is worn.
one comfort strip 156, 158 is attached on ~he bottom edge of each refle~ing member 160, 162. The comfort strips 156, 158 are s-litable pieces o~ material adapted for contact with the human head ~elow the user~s ears. The ;
.
.
WOgl~l43~1 -18 2 ~ ~ 8 3 2 8 P~T/VS91/01760 com~ort strips 156, 158 are advantageously ~u~ u. ~
wetsuit ~at~rial like the flexible body 22a. Thu~, the user is not irritated if the pods 152, 154 contact the area below the ears. The comfort strips 156, 158 have substantially rectangular shape that is tapered and narrows near one end. ~ longitudinal edge of the strips 156, 158 i5 attached ~o bottom edge of the reflecting ~embers 160, 162 and the reflecting members 110, 112 ~xtend in towards the user's head when the vi~or is positioned on the head.
In this manner, the co~fort strips 15~, 158 in combination with the reflecting ~embers create a chamber ~hat e~hances the sound guality since the sound is dir~cted d~wn ~rom the ; bottom of ~he vi~or toward the ears.
Finally, referring to Figure 9, a fourt.h e~bodiment 170 of the present invention as a headband is illustrated.
Tha headband preferably comprises a flexi~l~~body 172, a fastener 24a, a protective layer 26a, and two speaker elements (not shown). A series of leads 34a, and a connector 36a are also included to couple the speaker elements to the audio device 80.
The ~ourth embodiment 170 is different from previous embodiments primarily because of its shape and function.
The flexible body 172, the protective layer 26a and the speaker elements form a strip adapted to be worn about the head a~d cover the ears. For example, the flexible body 172 is shaped as a slightly curved strip. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexi~le body 172 is a strip of wetsuit material approximately two inches wide. The flexible body 172 is the same in composition and construction as in other embodiments except that it has a di~erent shape. A~ ~wo intermediate positions along its length, the flexible body 172 has enlarged portions 174, 176 with a substantially circular shape. The enlarged portions 174, 176 are adapted to cover the ears when the headband 172 is worn. In an exemplary embodiment, the enlarged portions 174, 176 are integrally formed as part of the flexible body 172 and have - a diameter of approximately 4.0 inches. Near the center of , . .
- .
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,' . ' . ' . :
' ~
WO91/14351 -l9- P~T/U~91/0~7S~
~ enlarged portion l74, l76, an aperture 178 is provided to permit external sounds to enter ~he ear.
The prot~ctive layer 26a is adapted to conform and cov~r the bottom of the flexihle body l72. Thus, the protective layer 26a has the same shape as the flexible body 172 to cover all of bottom side o the flexible body 172. As in previous embodiments, t:he protectiYe layer 26a is advantageously ~ade of a~ appropriate fabric for a comfortable ~it on the user's head.
The speaker ele~ents of the fourth embodi~ent 170 have a m~di~ied shape. In particular, the speaker ele~ents used : in the gorth embodiment have a generally circular shape . adapted ~or placement of the sp~aker elements on the ! enlarged portions 174, 176 respectively. Additionally, rather than the holes 78 used in the film 60 as described above with reference to Figure 2, the fourth embodi~ent 170 has a single hole in the film o~ the speaker elements corresponding in position to the aperture 178 in the enlarged portions 174, 176 of the flexible body 172.
However, the speaker elements have the same layered construction as described with reference to Figure 2 above with the only distinction being the shape of the elements.
Having described the invention in connection with certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that many modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope o this invention. In paxticular, the present invention has been discussed primarily as headwear, but it should be understood that the present invention may be adapted for many different types of wearing apparel. For example, the present invention may be utilized in a jacket with a collar having film and ~leads attached t~erein to produce sound.
Claims (53)
1. An apparatus, comprising:
an item of wearing apparel comprising a sheet of a first material having a surface in proximity to an ear of a user;
a sheet of a second electrically responsive material mounted in juxtaposition to said sheet of first material such that at least a portion of said second electrically responsive material is free to acoustically vibrate; and an electrical lead connected to said second material for conducting a signal which drives said second material to vibrate in accordance with said signal to produce sound.
an item of wearing apparel comprising a sheet of a first material having a surface in proximity to an ear of a user;
a sheet of a second electrically responsive material mounted in juxtaposition to said sheet of first material such that at least a portion of said second electrically responsive material is free to acoustically vibrate; and an electrical lead connected to said second material for conducting a signal which drives said second material to vibrate in accordance with said signal to produce sound.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said item of wearing apparel comprises headwear.
3. The apparatus of Claim 2, wherein said headwear comprises a visor.
4. The apparatus of Claim 3, wherein said visor comprises a brim portion and a pair of side portions.
5. The apparatus of Claim 4, wherein said visor is comprised of neoprene.
6. The apparatus of Claim 3, wherein said headwear additionally comprises an eye shield attached to said visor, said eye shield being comprised of transparent material.
7. The apparatus of Claim 6, wherein said eye shield is attached to said brim portion and said side portions, such that said eye shield covers the user's eyes and wraps around the sides of the user's head to form goggles.
8. The apparatus of Claim 7, wherein said eye shield is mechanically hinged to said visor such that said eye shield has a first position in which said transparent material lies flat against said brim and a second position in which said transparent material is bent to form said goggles.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said goggles are frameless.
10. The apparatus of Claim 9, wherein said goggles at least partially extend over the ears of the user.
11. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said second material comprises a piezoelectric film.
12. The apparatus of Claim 11, wherein said film is rigidly mounted on said sheet of first material only along peripheral edges of said film to allow portions of said film interior to said edges to vibrationally move.
13. The apparatus of Claim 12, wherein said sheet of first material comprises neoprene.
14. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said item of wearing apparel comprises a headband.
15. The apparatus of Claim 3, wherein said surface in proximity to an ear of a user comprises a surface of said visor, and wherein said sheet of second material comprises a piezoelectric film mounted on the surface of the visor.
16. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said sheet of second material has at least one aperture therethrough.
17. The apparatus of Claim 11, additionally comprising a conductor which distributes said signal along a periphery of said film.
18. An apparatus comprising:
a flexible body adapted for mounting on the head, said flexible body forming a piece of headwear;
an eye shield attached to said flexible body, said eye shield being comprised of transparent material;
a sheet of a second electrically responsive material mounted in juxtaposition to said eye shield such that at least a portion of said second electrically responsive material is free to acoustically vibrate; and a pair of electrical leads connected to said second material for conducting a signal which drives said second material to vibrate in accordance with said signal to produce sound.
a flexible body adapted for mounting on the head, said flexible body forming a piece of headwear;
an eye shield attached to said flexible body, said eye shield being comprised of transparent material;
a sheet of a second electrically responsive material mounted in juxtaposition to said eye shield such that at least a portion of said second electrically responsive material is free to acoustically vibrate; and a pair of electrical leads connected to said second material for conducting a signal which drives said second material to vibrate in accordance with said signal to produce sound.
19. The apparatus of Claim 18 wherein said flexible body comprises neoprene.
20. The apparatus of Claim 18 wherein said eye shield is transparent plastic.
21. An apparatus worn on the head for producing sound from an audio device, said apparatus comprising:
a flexible body adapted for mounting on the head, said flexible body forming a piece of headwear;
a piezoelectric speaker element attached to said flexible body; and means for coupling said speaker element to the audio device;
a flexible body adapted for mounting on the head, said flexible body forming a piece of headwear;
a piezoelectric speaker element attached to said flexible body; and means for coupling said speaker element to the audio device;
22. The apparatus of Claim 21, further comprising:
a protective layer sized to cover a bottom side of said flexible body, said protective layer attached over the bottom side of said flexible body and said speaker element; and wherein said piezoelectric speaker element is sized for placement between said flexible body and said protective layer.
a protective layer sized to cover a bottom side of said flexible body, said protective layer attached over the bottom side of said flexible body and said speaker element; and wherein said piezoelectric speaker element is sized for placement between said flexible body and said protective layer.
23. The apparatus of Claim 22, wherein said protective layer is fabric suitable for contact with the head.
24. The apparatus of Claim 21, further comprising:
a second piezoelectric speaker element attached to said flexible body, said second piezoelectric speaker element coupled to produce sound from a right channel signal; and wherein said piezoelectric speaker element is coupled to produce sound from a left channel signal, said piezoelectric speaker element and second piezoelectric speaker element thereby producing stereo sound.
a second piezoelectric speaker element attached to said flexible body, said second piezoelectric speaker element coupled to produce sound from a right channel signal; and wherein said piezoelectric speaker element is coupled to produce sound from a left channel signal, said piezoelectric speaker element and second piezoelectric speaker element thereby producing stereo sound.
25. The apparatus of Claim 21, wherein said piezoelectric speaker element has a layered construction including a sheet of piezoelectric film, a plurality of layers of conductive transfer tape and a backing sheet.
26. The apparatus of Claim 21, further comprising a fastener attached to said flexible body, said fastener providing adjustability for mounting the apparatus on heads of different size.
27. The apparatus of Claim 26, wherein said fastener is a hook and loop fastener, with a hook portion and a loop portion attached on opposite ends of the flexible body.
28. The apparatus of Claim 21, wherein said coupling means comprises conductor leads and an electrical connector.
29. The apparatus of Claim 28, wherein said coupling means further comprises an amplifier to convert the signal output by the audio device for application to said piezoelectric speaker element, the input to said amplifier coupled to the output of said audio device and the output from said amplifier coupled to said connector.
30. The apparatus of Claim 21, wherein said flexible body is substantially parabolic in shape and forms a visor.
31. The apparatus of Claim 30, wherein said flexible body is a sheet of wetsuit material approximately 3.0 mm thick.
32. The apparatus of Claim 21, further comprising:
a lens adapted to improve the sound produced by said speaker element and partially block out sunlight, said lens attached to said flexible body; and a nosepiece attached along an edge of said lens, said nosepiece shaped to conform to the bridge of the nose for a comfortable fit.
a lens adapted to improve the sound produced by said speaker element and partially block out sunlight, said lens attached to said flexible body; and a nosepiece attached along an edge of said lens, said nosepiece shaped to conform to the bridge of the nose for a comfortable fit.
33. The apparatus of Claim 32, wherein said flexible body has a substantially parabolic shape, said flexible body with said lens attached thereon forming sunglasses.
34. The apparatus of Claim 33, wherein said lens has a generally U-shape.
35. The apparatus of Claim 34, wherein said lens is made from a curved strip of tinted Lexan??.
36. The apparatus of Claim 35, wherein said nosepiece is a V-shaped strip of wetsuit material.
37. The apparatus of Claim 23, further comprising a pair of ear pods, said ear pods attached and extending beneath said flexible body, said ear pods enhancing the sound produced by said speaker element.
38. The apparatus of Claim 37, wherein each said ear pod comprises a reflecting member and a comfort strip, an upper edge of said reflecting member connected beneath the flexible body and a lower edge of said reflecting member connected to the comfort strip, said comfort strip and reflecting member forming an enclosure to direct the sound produced by said speaker element to the ears.
39. The apparatus of Claim 38, wherein said reflecting members are a cupped sheet portion of Lexan?? and said comfort strips are wetsuit material.
40. The apparatus of Claim 21, wherein said flexible body is a curved strip forming a headband, said flexible body having enlarged portions intermediate the distal ends of said flexible body, said enlarged portions adapted to cover the ears.
41. The apparatus of Claim 40, wherein said flexible body is strip about 2 inches wide and said enlarged portions have a substantially circular shape about 4 inches in diameter.
42. An audio visor for producing sound from an audio device comprising:
a flexible body adapted for mounting on the head, said flexible body forming visor;
a first and second speaker elements attached on a bottom side of said flexible body, said speaker elements formed from a sheet of piezoelectric film;
a protective layer sized to cover the bottom side of said flexible body, said protective layer attached over the bottom side of said flexible body and said speaker elements;
means for coupling said speaker elements to the audio device;
a fastener adapted to adjust the flexible body for mounting on heads of different size, said fastener connecting ends of said flexible body; and a generally U-shaped lens for protecting the eyes from sunlight and improving the sound produced by said speaker elements, said lens attached to said flexible body.
a flexible body adapted for mounting on the head, said flexible body forming visor;
a first and second speaker elements attached on a bottom side of said flexible body, said speaker elements formed from a sheet of piezoelectric film;
a protective layer sized to cover the bottom side of said flexible body, said protective layer attached over the bottom side of said flexible body and said speaker elements;
means for coupling said speaker elements to the audio device;
a fastener adapted to adjust the flexible body for mounting on heads of different size, said fastener connecting ends of said flexible body; and a generally U-shaped lens for protecting the eyes from sunlight and improving the sound produced by said speaker elements, said lens attached to said flexible body.
43. A method of manufacturing an audio device, comprising:
providing an item of wearing apparel having a surface which is in proximity to at least one ear of a user when said apparel is worn by said user; and mounting a sheet of electrically responsive material on said surface such that a porion of said sheet is free to acoustically vibrate when driven by electrical signals.
providing an item of wearing apparel having a surface which is in proximity to at least one ear of a user when said apparel is worn by said user; and mounting a sheet of electrically responsive material on said surface such that a porion of said sheet is free to acoustically vibrate when driven by electrical signals.
44. The method of Claim 43, wherein said mounting step comprises affixing said sheet to said surface at peripheral edges of said sheet such that portions of said sheet interior to said peripheral edges are free to acoustically vibrate.
45. The method of Claim 43 additionally comprising the step of forming at least one aperture in said sheet.
46. The method of Claim 45, wherein said aperture is spaced by a significant distance from said peripheral edges, such that said aperture is in a central area of said sheet.
47. An apparatus forming an item of wearing apparel, comprising:
a visor, formed from a sheet of a first material, having first and second side portions and a brim portion therebetween;
an eye shield, formed from a sheet of a second material; and a flexible hinge for connecting said eye shield to said visor along an arcuate hinge line which extends from said first side portion through said brim portion to said second side portion, said hinge mounting said eye shield such that said eye shield has first and second positions, said first position orienting said eye shield to project from said brim so as to shield the eyes of a user, said second position orienting said eye shield against a surface of said visor to store said shield when not shielding the user's eyes.
a visor, formed from a sheet of a first material, having first and second side portions and a brim portion therebetween;
an eye shield, formed from a sheet of a second material; and a flexible hinge for connecting said eye shield to said visor along an arcuate hinge line which extends from said first side portion through said brim portion to said second side portion, said hinge mounting said eye shield such that said eye shield has first and second positions, said first position orienting said eye shield to project from said brim so as to shield the eyes of a user, said second position orienting said eye shield against a surface of said visor to store said shield when not shielding the user's eyes.
48. The apparatus of Claim 47, wherein said eye shield comprises tinting to reduce the light intensity reaching the user's eyes.
49. The apparatus of Claim 47, wherein said visor is formed of a generally crescent shaped sheet of said first material and said eye shield is formed of a generally crescent shaped sheet of said second material.
50. The apparatus of Claim 47, wherein said second material is lexan?? or mylar.
51. The apparatus of Claim 47, wherein said first material is wetsuit material.
52. The apparatus of Claim 47, wherein said eye shield is connected to said hinge along an arcuate edge of said eye shield, said arcuate edge being coextensive with said arcuate hinge line.
53. The apparatus of Claim 47, wherein said hinge is formed by fabric attached to said visor and said eye shield.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US49569090A | 1990-03-16 | 1990-03-16 | |
| US465,690 | 1990-03-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2078328A1 true CA2078328A1 (en) | 1991-09-17 |
Family
ID=23969626
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2078328 Abandoned CA2078328A1 (en) | 1990-03-16 | 1991-03-15 | Multipurpose headwear |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0520017A4 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU7570391A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2078328A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1991014351A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2692097A1 (en) * | 1992-06-09 | 1993-12-10 | Girard Pinon Cie | Support for miniature microphone using headband e.g. for sports person - uses fine rod or stem mounted on reinforced elastic material on headband and which has microphone on end, locatable in front of user's mouth |
| DE4406860C2 (en) * | 1993-03-17 | 1995-08-31 | Lux Wellenhof Gabriele | Device for preventing or interrupting snoring |
| AU2002951326A0 (en) * | 2002-09-11 | 2002-09-26 | Innotech Pty Ltd | Communication apparatus and helmet |
Family Cites Families (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2385405A (en) * | 1943-07-14 | 1945-09-25 | Bachmann Brothers Inc | Combination goggles and eyeshade |
| US2638593A (en) * | 1951-04-19 | 1953-05-19 | Polaroid Corp | Sunshield with depending visor |
| US3696357A (en) * | 1970-04-15 | 1972-10-03 | Bernard W Kilgore | Enuresis prevention training device |
| US4323925A (en) * | 1980-07-07 | 1982-04-06 | Avco Everett Research Laboratory, Inc. | Method and apparatus for arraying image sensor modules |
| US4565258A (en) * | 1984-08-07 | 1986-01-21 | Butler Donald F | Stereo headset system for use in a wet environment |
| US4682363A (en) * | 1985-05-23 | 1987-07-21 | Jerry Goldfarb | Amphibious personal audio system |
| US4727599A (en) * | 1985-10-02 | 1988-02-23 | Rappaport Richard M | Waterproof radio headband |
| US4638207A (en) * | 1986-03-19 | 1987-01-20 | Pennwalt Corporation | Piezoelectric polymeric film balloon speaker |
| US4837628A (en) * | 1986-07-14 | 1989-06-06 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Electronic still camera for recording still picture on memory card with mode selecting shutter release |
| US4856089A (en) * | 1986-07-28 | 1989-08-08 | Horton Lee A | Combined eye covering and ear covering assembly |
| US4797942A (en) * | 1987-03-02 | 1989-01-10 | General Electric | Pyramid processor for building large-area, high-resolution image by parts |
| US4864619A (en) * | 1987-04-15 | 1989-09-05 | Spates G Michael | Stereo headset-headband assemblies for headphones |
| US4914513A (en) * | 1988-08-02 | 1990-04-03 | Srtechnologies, Inc. | Multi-vision component alignment system |
-
1991
- 1991-03-15 CA CA 2078328 patent/CA2078328A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-03-15 EP EP19910906785 patent/EP0520017A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1991-03-15 WO PCT/US1991/001760 patent/WO1991014351A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1991-03-15 AU AU75703/91A patent/AU7570391A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0520017A4 (en) | 1993-07-07 |
| AU7570391A (en) | 1991-10-10 |
| WO1991014351A1 (en) | 1991-09-19 |
| EP0520017A1 (en) | 1992-12-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |