EP1474874A1

EP1474874A1 - Wearable device for mobile communications equipment and/or audio equipment

Info

Publication number: EP1474874A1
Application number: EP02806656A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Charles Richard Colin Parmley; Stephen David John Jupp; Graham George Markham Adcock
Original assignee: Hosiden Besson Ltd
Current assignee: Hosiden Besson Ltd
Priority date: 2002-01-30
Filing date: 2002-10-07
Publication date: 2004-11-10
Also published as: WO2003065601A1; GB2384696A; GB0202097D0; GB2384696B

Abstract

A wearable device for mobile communications equipment and/or audio equipment, comprising support means (A, B, C, D) for supporting the equipment, and a loudspeaker (25) for radiating sound from the equipment, the loudspeaker comprising a resonant surface (27) of the wearable device and an electromechanical transducer (31) attached thereto.

Description

WEARABLE DEVICE FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT AND/OR AUDIO EQUIPMENT

The present invention relates to a wearable device for mobile communications equipment, e.g. a mobile telephone, and/or audio equipment. In particular, the invention relates to such a wearable device incorporating a loudspeaker.

With the increased use of mobile telephones for business and leisure, there is an increased need for "hands free" use of such telephones, for example while driving a car, for conference-call operation, and while carrying out leisure pursuits such as running, climbing and cycling. There are also more specialist needs such as those of motorcycle or bicycle couriers, and maintenance engineers working in the field, for example.

Additionally, the use of portable audio equipment, for example radios, cassette players, compact disc players, mini disc players, MP3 players, palm-top computers, and the like is very widespread. There is a continual demand for portable loudspeaker systems for such audio equipment. Furthermore, there is a trend for convergence of mobile telecommunications and audio technologies, for example in the form of equipment having combined telecommunications and audio functionalities.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a wearable device for carrying mobile communications equipment and/or audio equipment, comprising support means for supporting the equipment, and one or more loudspeakers for radiating sound from the equipment, the loudspeaker(s) comprising a resonant surface which is integral with the wearable device and an electromechanical transducer attached to the resonant surface. The invention has the advantage that by incorporating a loudspeaker in the form of a resonant surface and an electromechanical transducer into a wearable device for mobile communications and/or audio equipment, the wearable device is provided with a potentially lightweight and/or compact loudspeaker. In contrast, the weight and bulk of conventional moving cone loudspeakers (for example) has hindered their portability. A resonant surface/electromechanical transducer loudspeaker incorporated into such a wearable device need not add significantly to the weight and/or bulk of the device, thereby enabling truly practicable "hands-free" use of a mobile telephone and/or audio equipment, with a loudspeaker.

In a relatively simple form of the invention, the wearable device is in the form of a case or bag to be worn by a user. The bag may be in any known form for example, but not strictly limited to; shoulder bags, rucksacks, wash bags, sports bags, bum bags, briefcases, attache cases, belt clip bags, laptop cases and the like.

In more complex embodiments the invention is provided in the form of a wearable item of clothing, for example, but not strictly limited to a jacket, or a shirt. Other clothing accessories such as ties, hats, helmets, scarves or belts may also embody the invention.

Preferred and optional features of the invention are described below and in the claims appended hereto.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 shows several views of an embodiment of a wearable device according to the invention; Figure 2 shows several further views of the Figure 1 embodiment of a wearable device according to the invention containing a mobile telephone and audio equipment;

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a wearable device according to the invention; and

Figure 4 shows, in detail, an embodiment of an electromechanical transducer contained with a housing, as used in the embodiments of the invention shown in figures 2 and 3.

Figure 5 shows several views of a third embodiment of a wearable device according to the invention;

Figure 6 shows features of the embodiment of figure 5 in more detail.

Figure 7 shows several views of a fourth embodiment of a wearable device according to the invention;

Figure 8 shows features of the embodiment of figure 7 in more detail.

Figure 9 shows several views of a fifth embodiment of a wearable device according to the invention;

Figure 10 shows features of the embodiment of figure 9 in more detail.

Figure 1 shows a wearable device according to the invention in the form of a flexible case 1. The case 1 comprises two parts 3 and 5 of substantially equal size and shape, which are hingedly joined together along a longitudinal edge of the case. The case 1 may be closed by bringing the parts 3 and 5 together and joining them by means of a zip-fastener 7 which extends along the periphery of the open side of each part. The case 1 includes support means in the form of internal pockets A, B, C and D for containing mobile communications equipment and/or audio equipment. As drawn, pockets A and D are formed from a fine denier Nylon mesh edged with elasticated strips. Pockets A and D are arranged to contain, respectively, a mobile telephone and audio equipment (e.g. an audio player, such as a mini disc player). Consequently, pockets A and D include apertures 9

(edged with elasticated strips) to allow access for cables/plugs etc.

Pocket B is elongate in shape and is specifically arranged to contain control equipment (not shown) for controlling a loudspeaker (also not shown) incorporated in the case. A detail of pocket B shows a strip of a "loop-and-hook" fastener (e.g. VELCRO (trade mark)) for retaining the control equipment in the pocket. A major external surface 10 of the case 1 includes a loop 11 for attaching the case to a belt worn by a user (for example). Pocket C is suitably dimensioned for carrying a microphone for hands-free use of a mobile telephone transported in the case.

Figure 2 shows another embodiment of wearable device according to the invention, in the form of a soft case 1 which is very similar to that shown in Figure 1. The only significant differences between the case of Figure 2 and that shown in Figure 1 are that in Figure 2 pocket C has been removed, and the exterior of the case includes a loop 13 for receiving a clip 15 of a microphone 17, for attaching the microphone to the exterior of the case. Pocket C is removable, and is attachable to the interior of the case by means of "loop-and-hook" fastener 19 (e.g. VELCRO - trade mark).

In Figure 2, a mobile telephone 21 and a piece of audio equipment 23 (e.g. a mini disc player) are contained in pockets A and D respectively. Figure 2 also includes an exploded view showing a loudspeaker 25 incorporated in the case 1. The loudspeaker 25 comprises a resonant surface 27 and an electromechanical transducer capsule 29 attached thereto. The resonant surface 27 is a surface of a generally flat panel 31 incorporated in the case 1. The flat panel 31 preferably is formed from a stiff, lightweight material and is located between an external wall 33 of the case (which preferably is made from a very lightweight, acoustically substantially transparent material, e.g. LYCRA (trade mark)) and an internal component 35 which carries pocket D. In use, the panel 31 and transducer capsule 29 are inaccessible. The case will typically also incorporate supporting electronics (or control equipment) for the speaker (not shown), for example; a power source (which may be a battery), an amplifier and/or a facility for switching the speaker to operate "in-car", for example by using the cigar lighter as a power source or battery charger.

The case 1 of figures 1 and 2 preferably is intended primarily for use with a mobile telephone, and its use with audio equipment preferably is optional. (However, the case can be used only with audio equipment, and its use with a mobile telephone can be optional). The loudspeaker 25 is connected to the output of the mobile telephone 21 via the control equipment (not shown) normally contained in pocket B. The connection between the loudspeaker 25 and the mobile telephone 21 may be via an acoustic coupler 37 attached to the built-in speaker of the telephone (as shown), or it may be via an output socket of the telephone, for example. The microphone 17 is also connected to the telephone 21 via the control equipment. Additionally, the audio equipment 23 is connected to the loudspeaker 25 via the control equipment.

The case functions as follows. Sound from the audio equipment 23 is radiated by the loudspeaker 25 so that a person carrying, wearing, or otherwise using the case can hear it. If there is an incoming call on the telephone 21, the control equipment (which is conventional, and known to the skilled person) mutes the audio output from the loudspeaker 25. The incoming call may be answered by an auto-answer function of the telephone 21 (this function being common to mobile telephones); alternatively the user may open the case 1 to answer the call. When the telephone call is answered, the caller's voice is heard by the user via the loudspeaker 25, and the user's voice is communicated to the caller via the microphone 17. The control equipment operates in a half-duplex mode, i.e. it sends and receives signals but not simultaneously, such that when the user is speaking into the microphone the loudspeaker does not operate, and vice versa.

However when the user speaks into the microphone the control equipment cuts the operation of the loudspeaker. When the telephone call is terminated, the loudspeaker resumes radiating the audio output from the audio equipment 23.

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of wearable device 41 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the electromechanical transducer capsule(s) 29 is/are attached to an internal surface 43 of an external wall 45 of the wearable device and concealed by a lining 46. The external wall 45 preferably is made from a tough, non-porous material, for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The wearable device 41 shown in Figure 3 is of a more simple construction than that shown in figures 1 and 2, in which the support means for the equipment comprises a pocket 47 formed in a simple manner from a single sheet 48 (which may be a composite, as shown) of material. The sheet of material is folded generally in a U-shape (in cross-section), thereby forming the external wall 45 of the wearable device 41. An upper portion 49 of the sheet 48 may be folded downwardly (as indicated by the arrow) to close the device, the device being securable in its closed configuration by interlocking fastening devices 51 and 53. Control equipment 55 for the communications and/or audio equipment is stored in a zip-fastened pocket 57.

The transducer capsule 29 used in the invention preferably comprises an electromechanical transducer contained within a protective housing. Preferably, the transducer capsule comprises an exciter capsule substantially as disclosed in UK patent applications GB 0126602.2 or GB 0126603.0 (Hosiden Besson Limited) the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference

The capsule housing may conveniently be of a durable plastics material. The capsule may be adapted for attachment to the resonant surface by any suitable means including but not limited to peelable adhesive, clips, pins, bayonets, screws, velcro, magnetism, suction etc. Preferably, the perimeter of the housing is used to fix the capsule to the resonant surface, permitting the transducer to excite the surface without obstruction. The capsule may be any shape suitable for housing the transducer including novelty moulded shapes. A preferred option is one which is substantially dome shaped. Any known type of electromechanical transducer may be incorporated including but not limited to, electromagnetic, dynamic or bender transducers and/or piezo-ceramic transducers.

A particularly preferred form of transducer capsule is shown in Figure 4. A transducer comprises a magnet assembly 61 and a voice coil 62 carried in a robust, lightweight plastic housing 63. The housing 63 has a top surface 63a and a base 63b with a central aperture 64. The base may be attached to the resonant surface to provide amplification of sound vibrations transmitted by the transducer. The magnet assembly 61 is suspended in the housing 63. The voice coil 62 is enlarged and housing 63 is secured thereto, such that the housing moves in sympathy with the voice coil 62. The magnet assembly 61 moves to provide a reactional force within the housing 63 which in turn vibrates the resonant surface (not shown) to which the capsule is attached. The top face 63a of the housing 63 has a substantially cruciform shape having four substantially triangular spaces to permit good airflow through the capsule. Protrusions 66 extend from the bottom surface of the cruciform to maintain the magnetic assembly 61 in a suspended position away from the sides of the housing 63. The base of the housing 63b is provided with an electrical connector tab 67 with connectors 67a and 67b to which electrical wiring (not shown) can be attached. The voice coil ring 62 is seated in supporting structure 68 provided around the periphery of the aperture 64 in the base 63b.

The material for the housing 63 is selected to be lightweight, yet robust so as to minimise weight whilst still providing protection against damage to the transducer. Typically, the capsule comprises a thermosetting plastics material. The venting in the top surface 63a of the housing 63 is to provide good airflow within the capsule and thereby minimise resistance against motion of the assembly.

Figures 5 and 6 show an alternative embodiment of the invention. In common with the embodiments of figures 1 to 3, the case 51 comprises two parts 53 and 55 of substantially equal size and shape, which are hingedly joined together along a longitudinal edge of the case. The case 51 may be closed by bringing the parts 53 and 55 together and joining them by means of a zip-fastener 57 which extends along the periphery of the open side of each part. One part 55 is provided with two pockets 5A and 5B for storing personal items. Pocket 5B is made from an elasticated mesh has an opening 52 which may be used accommodate cabling for an electrical article stored in the pocket. Both pockets 5A and 5B have elasticated openings for ease of inserting and removing items.

The inner portions of the two parts 55 and 53 are connected by an elasticated spine 58, typically made of a fabric with high LYCP V (trade mark) content . The other side of the case 53 is provided with a recess 5C for receiving support electronics/control equipment for the speaker (not shown). A cable routing hole 59 is also provided, eg to allow a jack cable from the hidden speaker to be easily inserted into the electronic device. Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the inside of the embodiment of figure 5. As can be seen each part 53, 55 has an inner pocket 513, 515 into which a speaker assembly (not shown) similar to that shown in figure 2 can be inserted. The insert comprising the pockets 5A, 5B, the insert 5C and the elasticated spine 58 are removably secured into the main body of the case by means of

VELCRO (trade mark) strips 514. As can be seen, a panel of acoustically transparent material (eg a foam sheet) is inserted in the lining of the case. This acts as to transmit vibrations in a speaker inserted into the inner pocket 515.

Figures 7and 8 show a fourth embodiment of the invention, particularly suited to a mini disc player. As can be seen the case 71 is again formed of two parts 73, 75 connected by a flexible spine 78 and fastenable together by means of zip fastener 77. The embodiment is distinguished by the replacement of the pockets with a single VELCRO (trade mark) secured webbing strap 7D configured to fit around a minidisc player. Recess 7C and hole 79 correspond with recess 5C and hole 59 of Figure 5. A further distinguishing feature of the embodiment is provision in the spine of a storage area for a microphone associated with the speaker in the spine 715 which sits beneath the elasticated spine 78 of the removable inner surface of the case, also, the webbing strap 7D is removably attached to the inner surface of the case by means of VELCRO (trade mark) patches.

Figures 9 and 10 show a fifth embodiment of the invention. As can be seen the case 91 is again formed of two parts 93, 95 connected by a flexible spine 98 and fastenable together by means of zip fastener 97. The embodiment is distinguished by the pockets 9A, configured for receiving memory cards, 9B configured for receiving a mobile "phone and 9D configured for receiving a stereo headset. Recess 9C and hole 99 correspond with recesses 5C and 7C and holes 59 and 79 respectively of Figures 5 and 7. Also, this embodiment includes a speaker unit in each of parts 93 and 95 to allow stereo transmission of sound from an audio device.

In each of the embodiments shown, the outer surface of either part of the case may be decorated, for example with a brand name of the company marketing the product, in another alternative not shown in the figures, the two parts of the case may be completely separable by means of a zip fastener which can be unfastened to allow separation of the two parts (in such embodiments, the elasticated spine may be absent or detachable from the main body of the case). This variation is particularly applicable where speakers are provided in both parts of the case, for improved stereo effect.

It is to be understood that dimensions and shapes shown in the foregoing figures are merely for guidance and are not essential to the invention. Furthermore it is to be understood that certain features of the embodiments described are optional and do not materially affect the way in which the invention works, and the invention encompasses embodiments with and without these features.

Other forms of embodiment are now briefly described without figures. It is to be understood that the function of such embodiments is broadly similar to that of the embodiments shown in the figures, the distinguishing features are simply in the positioning of the speaker and support electronics in the different wearable articles.

The speaker may be embodied in a shirt, the speaker and supporting electronics each being located in the collars of the shirt. A cable connection may pass through the collar to complete electrical circuitry. An acoustic or electrical connection with the audio output of the wearer's mobile phone or other audio device can be clipped to the collar or plugged into a small jack plug provided in the collar. Sound emitted by the audio device is amplified and transmitted by the shirt collar. A jacket embodying the invention may also be formed in a similar manner to the shirt. In the jacket embodiment, part of the speaker system e.g., the panel, may be located in a pocket of the jacket. The phone or other audio device may conveniently be carried in the same pocket. In such arrangements used as a "hands free" kit for a mobile telephone, the telephone is desirably set to answer automatically. A microphone may be incorporated in to the collar of the jacket so that the wearer can respond to and be heard easily by a caller on the phone.

A tie may incorporate a speaker panel. Again an acoustic or electrical connection to the audio output of the audio device may be clipped or plugged in to the tie. Where the tie is used as a "hands free" telephone kit, a microphone may also be clipped to the tie.

A speaker may be incorporated into a hat or helmet, the shell of the hat or helmet transmitting the audio output of an audio device. Again couplings to the audio output of the audio device can be clipped or plugged in to the hat or helmet.

Other embodiments will no doubt occur to the skilled addressee without departing from the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A wearable device for carrying mobile communications equipment and/or audio equipment, comprising support means for supporting the equipment, and one or more loudspeakers for radiating sound from the equipment, the loudspeaker(s) comprising a resonant surface which is integral with the wearable device and an electromechanical transducer attached to the resonant surface.

2. A wearable device according to Claim 1, wherein the device comprises a bag, or case, or other portable container for the equipment

3. A wearable device according to claim 2 wherein the bag, case, or other portable equipment is selected from; a shoulder bag, a rucksack, a wash bag, a sports bag, a bum bag, a briefcase, an attache case, a belt clip bag and a laptop case.

4. A wearable device according to Claim 1, 2 or 3 in which the resonant surface comprises a surface of a generally flat panel portion of the wearable device.

5. A wearable device according to any preceding claim, in which the resonant surface is flexible.

6. A wearable device according to any preceding claim, in which the resonant surface comprises a surface of a panel contained within the wearable device.

7. A wearable device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the resonant surface comprises an internal surface of an external wall of the wearable device.

8. A wearable device according to any preceding claim, in which the electromechanical transducer is contained within a housing, the housing and transducer together comprising an exciter capsule.

9. A wearable device according to any preceding claim, in which the support means comprises one or more pockets and/or one or more straps for holding the equipment.

10. A wearable device according to any preceding claim, configured for carrying and radiating the audio output of a mobile telephone.

11. A wearable device according to any preceding claim, configured for carrying and radiating the audio output of a radio and/or a cassette player and/or a compact disc player and/or a mini disc player and/or an MP3 player and/or a PDA and/or a computer.

12. A wearable device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a microphone electrically connectable to the equipment to allow a user to speak into the equipment.

13. A wearable device according to any preceding claim, in which the one or more loudspeaker(s) is connectable to the audio output of the equipment by means of an acoustic coupler and/or an electrical connection to an output port of the equipment.

14. A wearable device according to any preceding claim, comprising support means to enable more than one item of mobile communications equipment and/or audio equipment to be carried by the device simultaneously.

15. A wearable device according to Claim 13, comprising two parts which may be brought together to close the device, each part including support means for mobile communications equipment, and audio equipment, respectively.

16. A wearable device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the two parts each contain a loudspeaker, are separable and can be positioned apart from each other for improved stereo effect.

17. A wearable device according to any preceding claim, further comprising support means for supporting control equipment which, in use, controls the loudspeaker, and optionally controls a microphone forming part of the equipment or according to Claim 12.

18. A wearable device according to any preceding claim, further comprising attachment means for attaching the device to a belt or other appendage, or a user's wrist. .

19. A wearable device as claimed in any of claims 1 or 4 to 14 or 17 wherein the device comprises a jacket or shirt and the resonant surface is incorporated in the collar of the jacket or shirt.

20. A wearable device as claimed in any of claims 1 or 4 to 14 or 17 wherein the device comprises a jacket or shirt and the resonant surface is incorporated in a pocket of the jacket or shirt.

21. A wearable device as claimed in claim 19 or 20 wherein a microphone is provided in the collar of the shirt or jacket to enable the wearer to speak into the equipment.

22. A wearable device as claimed in any of claims 18 to 21 wherein the collar of the shirt or jacket incorporates a jack plug for receiving an electrical connection to the audio output of the equipment.

23. A wearable device as claimed in any of claims 1 or 4 to 14 or 17 wherein the device comprises a tie and the resonant surface is incorporated in an end of the tie which, in use, hangs from the neck of the wearer.

24. A wearable device as claimed in claim 23 wherein the tie incorporates a jack plug for receiving an electrical connection to the audio output of the equipment.

25. A wearable device as claimed in claim 23 or 24 further comprising a microphone to enable the wearer to speak into the equipment.

26. A wearable device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device comprises a hat, helmet or other head gear and the shell of the hat, helmet or other head gear forms the resonant surface.

27. A wearable device as claimed in claim 26 wherein the hat, helmet or headgear further comprises a microphone to enable the wearer to speak into the equipment.

8. A wearable device as claimed in claim 26 or 27 wherein the device incorporates a jack plug for receiving an electrical connection to the audio output of the equipment.