EP2820865B1 - Mécanisme de fixation réglable pour un dispositif d'accès d'espace - Google Patents

Mécanisme de fixation réglable pour un dispositif d'accès d'espace Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2820865B1
EP2820865B1 EP13751960.9A EP13751960A EP2820865B1 EP 2820865 B1 EP2820865 B1 EP 2820865B1 EP 13751960 A EP13751960 A EP 13751960A EP 2820865 B1 EP2820865 B1 EP 2820865B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
access device
securing mechanism
space access
ear canal
projecting members
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.)
Revoked
Application number
EP13751960.9A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2820865A4 (fr
EP2820865A2 (fr
Inventor
Florent Michel
Raphael Michel
Danny Shen
Michael Perry
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eargo Inc
Original Assignee
Eargo Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=53031394&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP2820865(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Eargo Inc filed Critical Eargo Inc
Priority to EP18196292.9A priority Critical patent/EP3442242B1/fr
Priority to EP21169117.5A priority patent/EP3917156A3/fr
Publication of EP2820865A2 publication Critical patent/EP2820865A2/fr
Publication of EP2820865A4 publication Critical patent/EP2820865A4/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2820865B1 publication Critical patent/EP2820865B1/fr
Revoked legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • H04R1/1016—Earpieces of the intra-aural type
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/658—Manufacture of housing parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/025—In the ear hearing aids [ITE] hearing aids
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • H04R25/656—Non-customized, universal ear tips, i.e. ear tips which are not specifically adapted to the size or shape of the ear or ear canal
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to systems and methods for securing devices in internal openings, in particular ear canals. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods for securing devices and systems in biological and non-biological spaces and openings.
  • space access devices and systems are designed and configured to be inserted in one or more biological spaces or openings, such as an ear canal, nasal opening, etc.
  • Such devices include hearing aids, ear phones or buds, and oxygen nasal cannula.
  • Various space access devices and systems are also designed and configured to be inserted in non-biological spaces or openings, such a fluid flow lines and conduits.
  • Such devices include conduit inspection and energy, e.g. heat, generating and/or dissipating systems.
  • the noted devices and systems often include means of securing the devices and/or systems in internal spaces or openings for a desired period of time, e.g. 1-2 minutes, 24 hours, 1 month, 1 year, etc.
  • securing means include, for example, securing rings disposed on the outer surface of the devices, compliant outer layers, and/or conical fins that are adapted to removably secure the device(s) to an interior surface of a space or opening, e.g., an ear canal.
  • a major disadvantage of conventional securing means is that the securing means, e.g., securing rings and compliant outer surfaces, do not include any means for fluid flow through the device or between the device and the internal space or opening when the device is inserted therein.
  • Another drawback is that most of the devices employing the conventional securing means are easily dislodged.
  • a further drawback is that most of the conventional securing means do not include any means for adjusting the force applied to the surface of the space or opening to secure the device therein. Indeed, virtually all known securing means are designed and adapted to apply a predetermined narrow range of force to a space or opening.
  • US 5,572,594 describes an ear canal device holder for devices other than speaker/microphone amplification systems that are to be inserted into the canal of the human ear.
  • the device holder is made of a flexible silicone material comprising a body and structural support element(s) such that the device is held within the body of the holder and the body and device are secured in the ear by the structural element(s).
  • the device holder minimizes the attenuation of sound waves that pass through the ear canal to the tempanic membrane, while maximizing comfort and secure fit.
  • US 2011/019851 describes systems and methods for providing hearing aid.
  • An open ear canal hearing aid may be provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • the hearing aid may include a part that contains electronic components, a passive amplifier, and a securing mechanism.
  • the securing mechanism may include bristles or balloons.
  • the securing mechanism may have various configurations and be adjustable.
  • the hearing aid may transmit sound via bone conduction and air conduction.
  • space access devices and systems having securing means that (i) securely engage a surface of an internal space or opening for an extended period of time, (ii) include means to self-conform or self-adjust to the shape of an internal space or opening, (iii) include means for adjusting the force applied to a surface of an internal space or opening, and (iv) include means for fluid flow through the device and/or between the device and a space or opening when the device is inserted therein.
  • the present invention is defined by the claims, and is directed to securing mechanisms that can be readily employed with devices and systems that are configured to be inserted into an ear canal of a subject.
  • the present invention is also directed to space access devices and systems having a securing mechanism that (i) engages a surface of an ear canal for an extended period of time, (ii), include means to self-conform or self-adjust to the shape and size of an ear canal, (iii) includes means for adjusting the force (i.e. securing force) applied to a surface of an ear canal, and (iv) includes means for fluid flow through the device and/or between the device and the ear canal when the device is inserted therein.
  • a securing mechanism that (i) engages a surface of an ear canal for an extended period of time, (ii), include means to self-conform or self-adjust to the shape and size of an ear canal, (iii) includes means for adjusting the force (i.e. securing force) applied to a surface of an ear canal, and (iv) includes means for fluid flow through the device and/or between the device and the ear canal when the device is inserted
  • the space access device includes a housing and a securing mechanism disposed on at least an outer portion of the housing, the securing mechanism being configured to contact a surface of an ear canal and secure the device in said ear canal when the device is inserted therein.
  • the securing mechanism is further configured to provide at least one path for fluid flow therethrough.
  • the securing mechanism is configured to provide at least one path for fluid flow through the securing mechanism and a contact surface.
  • the securing mechanism has at least one, more preferably, a plurality of contact points that are configured to contact a surface of an ear canal.
  • the securing mechanism is configured to apply a pressure to a contact surface within a space or opening less than approximately 10000 kPa, more preferably, less than approximately 500 kPa when an access device having a securing mechanism disposed on an outer surface thereof is inserted in the ear canal.
  • the contact pressure is preferably in the range of approximately 0.01 kPa - 10 kPa.
  • the space access device comprises an anatomical space access device.
  • the space access device comprises an in-ear head set or in-ear head-phone.
  • the space access device comprises a hearing instrument, such as a hearing aid or personal sound amplification product.
  • a hearing instrument such as a hearing aid or personal sound amplification product.
  • Advantages of the invention include the provision of biological and non-biological space access devices and systems that are capable of engaging a surface of an ear canal for an extended period of time, and include means for self-conforming or self-adjusting to the shape of the ear canal, means for adjusting the force applied to the surface of the ear canal, means for more evenly distributing the force applied to the surface of the ear canal, and means for fluid flow through and/or between the device and the ear canal when the device is inserted therein.
  • the securing mechanism structures and systems of the invention are illustrated and described in connection with anatomical space access devices and systems, the securing mechanism structures and systems of the invention are not limited to anatomical space access devices and systems. According to the invention, the securing mechanism structures and systems of the invention can be employed on any anatomical, i.e. biological, space access device or system, e.g. an in-ear head set, and non- biological space access device or system, e.g., inspection systems for fluid flow pipes and/or conduits, etc.
  • anatomical i.e. biological, space access device or system
  • non- biological space access device or system e.g., inspection systems for fluid flow pipes and/or conduits, etc.
  • outwardly projecting member means and includes any projection extending from a base member, including, without limitation, fins, bristles, protrusions, ridges, grooves, bubbles, balloons, hooks, looped structure and/or tubes.
  • space access device means and includes anatomical or biological and non-biological devices that are designed and adapted to be inserted into a space or opening, such as an ear canal, nasal conduit, esophagus, airway, gastro-intestinal tract, blood vessel, pipe, or conduit.
  • headphone and headset are used interchangeably herein and mean and include a listening device that is adapted to receive transmitted sound via wireless or wired communication means.
  • conventional headphones and headsets typically include one or more speakers and/or sound production components, which can be in the form of one or two earpieces (often referred to as “ear plugs” or “ear buds”).
  • the present invention substantially reduces or eliminates the disadvantages and drawbacks associated with conventional securing means for space access devices.
  • the present invention is directed to securing mechanisms that can be readily employed with devices and systems that are configured to be inserted in one or more biological spaces or openings, such as an ear canal.
  • the present invention is directed to anatomical, i.e. biological, and non-biological space access devices and systems having securing mechanisms that (i) securely engages a surface of an internal space or opening for an extended period of time, (ii) include means to self-conform or self-adjust to the shape and size of an internal space or opening, (iii) includes means for adjusting the force applied to a surface of an internal space or opening, (iv) includes means for more evenly distributing the force applied to the surface of the internal space or opening, and (iv) includes means for fluid flow between the device and biological space when the device is inserted therein.
  • securing mechanisms that (i) securely engages a surface of an internal space or opening for an extended period of time, (ii) include means to self-conform or self-adjust to the shape and size of an internal space or opening, (iii) includes means for adjusting the force applied to a surface of an internal space or opening, (iv) includes means for more evenly distributing the force applied to
  • the securing mechanisms of the invention preferably include at least one, more preferably, a plurality of outwardly projecting members, which, according to the invention, can comprise, without limitation, fms, bristles, protrusions, ridges, grooves, balloons, bubbles, hooks, looped structures and/or tubes.
  • the outwardly projecting members can comprise separate members, i.e. engaged to a base component or, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 , integral members 20 projecting from a base 16.
  • the securing mechanisms and/or projecting members thereof can comprise various conventional compliant and flexible materials, including, without limitation, silicone, rubber, latex, polyurethane, polyamide, polyimide, nylon, paper, cotton, polyester, polyurethane, hydrogel, plastic, feather, leather, wood, and Nitinol®.
  • the securing mechanisms and/or projecting members comprise a polymeric material.
  • the securing mechanisms and/or projecting members comprise a coated, preferably, compliant and flexible material.
  • the base material can be coated with various materials and compositions to enhance the lubricity, alter the friction, adjust the hydrophobicity, or increase the stability in the chemical, environmental, and physical conditions of the target space or opening of the projecting members.
  • the base material can also be coated with or contain various materials to allow for administration of a pharmacological agent or composition to biological tissue.
  • the coating material can thus comprise, without limitation, active agents or drugs, such as anti-inflammatory coatings, and drug eluting materials.
  • the coating material can also include non-pharmacological agents.
  • the securing mechanisms of the invention are designed and adapted to self-conform or self-adjust to the shape of the interior surface of an opening (or interior space) of a member (biological or non-biological) when an access device of the invention and, thereby, the projecting members are inserted in the opening and in a constrained state.
  • each projecting member is adapted to flex and/or deform to conform to the shape and/or size of the interior surface.
  • one or more member(s) is adapted to flex and/or deform to conform to the shape and/or size of the interior surface.
  • the projecting members 20 are designed and adapted to flex and deform, whereby the securing mechanism 12 self-conforms to the shape of the interior surface 32 of the opening 31 of member 30 when the access device 10A is inserted in the opening 31 and the projecting members 20 are in a constrained state (see, e.g., Figs. 3A and 3B ).
  • each of the projecting members 40 are similarly designed and adapted to flex and deform, whereby the securing mechanism 42 self-conforms to the shape of the interior surface of a member opening when the access device 10B is inserted in the opening and the projecting members 40 are in a constrained state.
  • each projecting member of the invention is also configured and adapted to provide at least one contact point with the ear canal when an access device of the invention is inserted in the opening or space.
  • the contact point(s) can be provided by design or by application.
  • the access device is configured and adapted such that one or more projecting members or a majority of the members provide at least one contact point with the ear canal.
  • each of the projecting members 20 accordingly includes or provides a contact point 21 at the interface 31 of each projecting member 20 and the interior surface 32 of the member 30.
  • each of the projecting members 40 similarly includes or provides a contact point 41 that is configured and adapted to contact the interior surface of an opening when the access device 12 is inserted therein.
  • the securing mechanisms of the invention are also preferably designed and adapted to apply a pressure (denoted by Arrows "p 1 " in Fig. 4A ) to the interior surface of a member opening or interior space (biological or non-biological) when an access device of the invention, e.g. 10A, 10B and/or 10C, is inserted in the opening and the projecting members are in a constrained state (see, e.g., Figs. 3A and 3B ).
  • each projecting member e.g., projecting member(s) 20 and/or 40, is adapted to apply a pressure (or force) to the interior surface of a member opening.
  • the pressure, p 1 is preferably in the range of 0.0005 kPa - 10000 kPa. In some embodiments of the invention, the pressure, p 1 , is preferably in the range of 0.01 kPa - 2500 kPa. In some embodiments of the invention, the pressure, p 1 , is preferably in the range of 0.005 kPa - 500 kPa. In some embodiments of the invention, the pressure, pi, is preferably in the range of 0.05 kPa - 10 kPa.
  • the noted force ranges are provided by varying the number of projections, and/or the pattern of the projections, and/or the pattern of the projections, and/or the size and shape of the projections, and/or the flexibility of the projections, and/or the material(s) comprising the projections, and/or the coating on the material(s) comprising the projections, and/or the surface features of the material(s) comprising the projections, and/or the projection angle with respect to the base and/or contact surface.
  • the securing mechanism also preferably includes means for fluid flow through the device and/or between the device and an opening or space when the device is inserted therein, in some embodiments of the invention, the securing mechanism includes one or more fluid flow channels. In some embodiments, the flow channels are between the securing mechanism (or projections thereof) and a contact surface.
  • the securing mechanism includes a compressible or flexible portion that is permeable to air.
  • the securing mechanism includes one or more subsets of the outwardly projecting members, e.g., bristles, protrusions, ridges, grooves, bubbles, balloons, hooks and/or tubes.
  • the subsets can comprise separate members that are attachable via a thin pliable membrane of the same or different material.
  • the noted membrane can serve to reduce fluid flow through the separate members. This may be useful, for instance, to further increase sound isolation when the securing mechanism is employed with an in-ear hearing device.
  • the pliable membrane would, however, still allow for individual movements of the separate members so many of the advantages of conformability are intact.
  • the membrane restricts (or slows down) fluid flow proximate the securing mechanism, including space access devices and systems in which there exists and in which there does not exist one or more direct paths for fluid to flow through the securing mechanism from one end of the securing mechanism to the other.
  • the membrane completely blocks fluid flow from one end of the securing mechanism to the other.
  • Figs. 1 through 4B illustrate an anatomical space access device 10A that includes one embodiment of a securing mechanism 12 of the invention.
  • the securing mechanism includes a plurality of outwardly projecting members 20 that are designed and adapted to flex and deform (see, e.g., Figs. 3A and 3B ), whereby the securing mechanism 12 self-conforms to the shape of the ear canal when the access device 10A is inserted in the opening and the projecting members 20 are in a constrained state (see, e.g., Fig. 4B ).
  • Each of the projecting members 20 of the access device also includes or provides a potential contact point at the interface of each projecting member and the ear canal when the access device 10A is disposed therein.
  • Figs. 6 - 7 illustrate another anatomical space access device 10B that includes another embodiment of a securing mechanism 42 of the invention.
  • the securing mechanism 42 includes at least one, more preferably, a plurality of outwardly projecting members 40 that are designed and adapted to flex and deform, whereby the securing mechanism 42 self-conforms to the shape of the interior surface of a member opening when the access device 10B is inserted in the opening and the projecting members 40 are in a constrained state.
  • the projecting members 40 extend across a defined length of the device 10B. As illustrated in Fig. 7 , in some embodiments, the projecting members 40 extend across the entire length of the device 10B.
  • the projecting members can have various configurations.
  • the projecting members 40 have a spiral configuration.
  • the projecting members 40 have a substantially straight or liner configuration, which, preferably, extends across the entire length of the access member 10C.
  • Each of the projecting members 40 of the access devices 10B, 10C similarly includes or provides a contact point 41 at the interface of each projecting member 40 and the interior surface of a member opening when the device (10B or 10C) is disposed therein.
  • the space access devices of the invention e.g., 10A, 10B and/or 10C can comprise any device that is designed to be inserted into an ear canal (see, for example, Fig. 5 ).
  • the space access device includes an electronics-containing portion or region 14 (see, e.g., Fig. 1 ) that is adapted to receive various electronic components and associated circuitry, such as sensor systems, receivers, amplifiers, batteries, antennae, speakers, energy generating and dissipating means, microphones, sensors, communication modules, pressure sensors, wireless communication components, wired communication components, etc.
  • various electronic components and associated circuitry such as sensor systems, receivers, amplifiers, batteries, antennae, speakers, energy generating and dissipating means, microphones, sensors, communication modules, pressure sensors, wireless communication components, wired communication components, etc.
  • the space access devices of the invention can thus comprise various conventional anatomical and non-anatomical devices and systems, such as physiological sensors, conduit inspection systems, flow sensors, flow restrictors, fluid samplers, pressure sensors, sound or vibration actuators, accelerometers, and mechanisms for releasing particles or fluids into conduits or other fluids, etc.
  • the space access devices can also comprise a radio system or component thereof, e.g., receiver, transmitter, transceiver, microphone, microcontroller, etc.
  • the space access devices can also comprise a hearing apparatus, such as a hearing prosthesis or aid.
  • the space access devices can additionally comprise headphones or a headset for a portable electronic device, such as a GPS device, CD or DVD player, MPEG player, MP-3 player, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, laptop, video game system, audio guide system, phone, musical instrument, stethoscope and other medical or industrial instrumentation, smart phone, computer, etc., and/or a combination thereof.
  • a portable electronic device such as a GPS device, CD or DVD player, MPEG player, MP-3 player, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, laptop, video game system, audio guide system, phone, musical instrument, stethoscope and other medical or industrial instrumentation, smart phone, computer, etc., and/or a combination thereof.
  • the space access devices can also comprise headphones (or a headset) for augmented reality glasses, head-mounted displays, and/or heads-up displays.
  • headset types including over-ear headsets, around-ear headsets, on ear headsets, in-concha headsets, in-ear headsets, etc.
  • Each type of head set has advantages and disadvantages with regard to sound quality, ease of use, aesthetics, user comfort, etc.
  • the in-concha headset design generally includes a speaker that is, when properly positioned, received within the concha of the ear of a user (generally the area of the ear surrounding the opening of the ear canal).
  • the in-ear headset design generally includes a speaker and/or insert that is at least partially received within the ear canal of a user when properly positioned.
  • These designs are typically compact and are often supported by a small structure that is secured to the external portion of the ear (e.g., with an ear hook) and/or supported and/or retained within the ear by the concha or ear canal in what amounts to an interference fit.
  • a major drawback of both the in-concha and in-ear headsets is that wearers often experience discomfort after a period of time of use.
  • the discomfort can be due to one or more of the fitment or breathability of the headset, the type of material of which the headset is composed, the pressure of the headset on the surface of the ear canal, or simply sensitive ears.
  • in-concha and in-ear headsets are also easily dislodged during various activities of the wearer, e.g., jogging.
  • in-concha and in-ear headsets are often fail at maintaining a good alignment between the speaker and the ear canal, which may result in inconsistent sound quality and/or sound volume.
  • in-concha and in-ear headsets are often limit the amount of ambient sound that enters the ear canal, which can reduce the wearer's environmental awareness and ability to interact with the environment and others in the environment.
  • a securing mechanism of the invention By employing a securing mechanism of the invention with in-concha and in-ear headsets the noted discomfort can, however, be substantially reduced or eliminated.
  • the securing mechanism will also enhance the engagement and hold of the head set in the concha or ear canal(s).
  • the securing mechanism will also enhance the alignment of the headset with the ear canal(s).
  • the securing mechanism will also enhance the ability to hear ambient sounds.
  • the earpiece speaker system 50 includes an earpiece body 52 through which an audio signal is provided, the earpiece body 52 having a securing mechanism 12, a speaker mount surface, and a plurality of speaker modules interchangeably mountable to the body.
  • the securing mechanism 12 includes a plurality of outwardly projecting members 22.
  • the outwardly projecting members comprise a plurality of the bristles, such as the aforementioned bristles and bristles disclosed in US patent application No. 12/841 ,120 .
  • the securing mechanism 12 can also comprise the mechanism 42 shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 having projecting members 40.
  • the securing mechanism 12 can alternatively comprise or include outwardly projecting protrusions, ridges, grooves, bubbles, balloons, hooks and/or tubes.
  • the securing mechanism 12 similarly applies a pressure, p 1 , to an interior surface of the ear canal less than 10000 kPa.
  • the pressure, p 1 is preferably in the range of 0.01 kPa - 2500 kPa. In some embodiments of the invention, the pressure, p 1 , is preferably in the range of 0.005 kPa - 500 kPa. In some embodiments of the invention, the pressure, p 1 , is preferably in the range of 0.05 kPa - 10 kPa.
  • the noted pressure exerted to an interior surface of the ear canal by the securing mechanism 12 (or 40) will effectively engage and hold a headset in the concha or ear canal(s) and enhance the alignment of the headset with the ear canal(s), without discomfort to a wearer.
  • the noted earpiece speaker system (i.e. in-concha or in-ear headset) 50 can readily be employed with, i.e. a component of, a variety of portable electronic devices, such as a GPS device, CD or DVD player, MPEG player, MP-3 player, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, laptop, video game system, audio guide system, phone, musical instrument, stethoscope and other medical or industrial instrumentation, smart phone, computer, etc., and/or a combination thereof.
  • portable electronic devices such as a GPS device, CD or DVD player, MPEG player, MP-3 player, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, laptop, video game system, audio guide system, phone, musical instrument, stethoscope and other medical or industrial instrumentation, smart phone, computer, etc., and/or a combination thereof.
  • the noted earpiece speaker system i.e. headphones (or a headset) can also be readily employed with, i.e., a component of, augmented reality glasses.
  • communications by and between the headphones (i.e. ear buds) and augmented-reality eyewear can be achieved via conventional wireless systems and associated protocol, including, without limitation, radio frequency (RF) communication, electromagnetic coupling, optical communication (e.g., laser), physical conduction, sound conduction (potentially lower volume or less audible frequencies), electronic signals, etc.
  • RF radio frequency
  • optical communication e.g., laser
  • sound conduction potentially lower volume or less audible frequencies
  • electronic signals etc.
  • Communications by and between the headphones and augmented-reality eyewear can also be achieved via wired connections.
  • a user of augmented reality eyewear and a space access device i.e. headphones or headset, of the invention
  • a space access device i.e. headphones or headset
  • ambient sounds emanating from, the surrounding environment such as vehicles, people, crossing signals, etc.
  • direct transmissions from the glasses e.g., GPS directions, in both ears.
  • those in the surrounding environment will hear little or none of the transmissions emanating from the eyewear, headphones, or headset.
  • the noted earpiece speaker system i.e. headphones (or a headset) can also be readily employed with, i.e., a component of, heads-up displays.
  • communications by and between the headphones and heads-up displays can similarly be achieved via conventional wireless systems and associated protocol, including, without limitation, RF communication, electromagnetic coupling, optical communication, physical conduction, sound conduction, electronic signals, etc., and wired connections.
  • a user of a heads-up display and a space access device of the invention will also be allowed to hear ambient sounds emanating from the surrounding environment, including people in close proximity to the user, while receiving transmissions from the heads-up display in both ears.
  • ambient sounds emanating from the surrounding environment including people in close proximity to the user
  • those in the surrounding environment will hear little or none of the transmissions emanating from the heads-up display.
  • the space access devices of the invention can also be readily adapted and, hence, effectively employed to receive transmissions and/or communications from various electronic devices, such as field radios, as well as the aforementioned portable electronic devices, augmented-reality eyewear and heads-up displays, when ambient sounds emanating from the surrounding environment are muffled via a secondary head set.
  • various electronic devices such as field radios, as well as the aforementioned portable electronic devices, augmented-reality eyewear and heads-up displays, when ambient sounds emanating from the surrounding environment are muffled via a secondary head set.
  • a physical signal such as a tap on a shoulder or a hand gesture, is necessary to alert the wearer of a sound deadening head set that communication with another person is necessary or desired. This can, and in most instances will, delay communications by and between the wearer and another person, which could result in serious injury or death in an emergency situation.
  • a space access device of the invention By employing a space access device of the invention, instantaneous communications by and between a wearer of a sound deadening headset is facilitated without the need to partially or fully remove the head set.
  • the wearer of a sound deadening head set will also remain protected from the potentially damaging ambient noise while being able to receive direct verbal communications from others, as well as communications from external devices.
  • the space access device(s) of the invention will allow such personnel to hear sound transmitted from their earphones (e.g., radio communications) while being able to hear and locate sounds emanating from the surrounding environment, such as footsteps, gun shots, voices of others, etc.
  • earphones e.g., radio communications
  • a unique and seminal feature of the space access devices of the invention is that they allow the user to hear transmissions in BOTH ears (which allows for clearer listening as well as receipt of stereo signals) while still being able to hear the surrounding environment.
  • BOTH ears which allows for clearer listening as well as receipt of stereo signals
  • people desirous of hearing both the sound transmitted from the headset and sound from the surrounding environment will use one ear bud (placed in one ear) or position a headset over one ear. This only allows “mono" sound to be received by the user (as opposed to stereo) and also adversely affects the ability of the user to locate where ambient sounds are emanating from.
  • the present disclosure provides numerous advantages compared to prior art methods and systems for securing space access devices in internal spaces and openings. Among the advantages are the following:

Claims (7)

  1. Mécanisme de fixation pour un dispositif d'accès d'espace, comprenant :
    un logement conçu pour faire partie du dispositif d'accès d'espace, où le dispositif d'accès d'espace est conçu pour être inséré dans un conduit auditif d'un sujet,
    ledit logement comprenant un ou plusieurs sous-ensembles d'éléments faisant saillie vers l'extérieur, fixés par l'intermédiaire d'une membrane pliable mince et comportant une pluralité de points de contact, où la pluralité d'éléments faisant saille vers l'extérieur sont conçus pour être en contact avec une surface dudit conduit auditif lorsque ledit dispositif d'accès d'espace est inséré dans ledit conduit auditif, et où la pluralité d'éléments faisant saillie vers l'extérieur sont conçus par un moyen pour ajuster une force pour appliquer une pression sur la surface de contact au sein dudit conduit auditif inférieure à environ 10000 kPa, pour venir solidement en prise avec une surface du canal auditif pendant une période de temps prolongée, où le mécanisme de fixation comporte un moyen adapté pour s'auto-adapter ou s'auto-ajuster à la forme du conduit auditif lorsque le dispositif d'accès d'espace est inséré en lui et, les éléments faisant saillie vers l'extérieur sont insérés dans le conduit auditif et dans un état contraint, ladite pluralité d'éléments faisant saillie vers l'extérieur fournissant au moins un trajet d'écoulement de fluide en eux lorsque ledit dispositif d'accès d'espace est disposé dans ledit conduit auditif.
  2. Mécanisme de fixation selon la revendication 1, au moins l'un de ladite pluralité d'éléments faisant saillie vers l'extérieur comprenant un revêtement d'agent pharmacologique, ledit revêtement d'agent pharmacologique étant disposé sur une surface externe dudit au moins l'un desdits éléments faisant saillie vers l'extérieur, ledit revêtement d'agent pharmacologique comprenant une composition anti-inflammatoire.
  3. Mécanisme de fixation selon la revendication 1 ou 2, ledit dispositif d'accès d'espace comprenant une oreillette qui est conçue pour transmettre le son.
  4. Mécanisme de fixation selon la revendication 1 ou 2, lesdits éléments faisant saillie étant conçus et adaptés pour se plier et se déformer ; et donc, moyennant quoi le mécanisme de fixation s'auto-adapte à la forme de la surface interne du conduit auditif lorsque le dispositif d'accès d'espace est inséré dans l'ouverture.
  5. Mécanisme de fixation selon la revendication 1 ou 2, ledit mécanisme de fixation étant conçu et adapté pour appliquer la pression inférieure à environ 10000 kPa sur la surface interne du conduit auditif, où le moyen d'ajustement de force délivre une plage de forces en faisant varier le nombre des parties saillantes, et/ou le motif des parties saillantes, et/ou la taille et la forme des parties saillantes, et/ou la flexibilité des parties saillantes, et/ou les matériaux comprenant les parties saillantes, et/ou le revêtement sur les matériaux comprenant les parties saillantes, et/ou les caractéristiques de surface des matériaux comprenant les parties saillantes, et/ou l'angle de projection par rapport à la base et/ou à la surface de contact.
  6. Dispositif d'accès d'espace selon la revendication 3, ledit dispositif d'accès d'espace comprenant un casque à oreillettes intraauriculaires.
  7. Dispositif d'accès d'espace selon la revendication 3, ledit dispositif d'accès d'espace comprenant un instrument auditif.
EP13751960.9A 2012-02-23 2013-02-22 Mécanisme de fixation réglable pour un dispositif d'accès d'espace Revoked EP2820865B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18196292.9A EP3442242B1 (fr) 2012-02-23 2013-02-22 Mécanisme de fixation réglable pour un dispositif d'accès d'espace
EP21169117.5A EP3917156A3 (fr) 2012-02-23 2013-02-22 Mécanisme de fixation réglable pour un dispositif d'accès d'espace

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201261634195P 2012-02-23 2012-02-23
US201261690852P 2012-07-03 2012-07-03
US201261742419P 2012-08-09 2012-08-09
PCT/US2013/027248 WO2013126645A2 (fr) 2012-02-23 2013-02-22 Mécanisme de fixation réglable pour un dispositif d'accès d'espace

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18196292.9A Division EP3442242B1 (fr) 2012-02-23 2013-02-22 Mécanisme de fixation réglable pour un dispositif d'accès d'espace
EP21169117.5A Division EP3917156A3 (fr) 2012-02-23 2013-02-22 Mécanisme de fixation réglable pour un dispositif d'accès d'espace

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2820865A2 EP2820865A2 (fr) 2015-01-07
EP2820865A4 EP2820865A4 (fr) 2016-06-01
EP2820865B1 true EP2820865B1 (fr) 2018-10-24

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EP18196292.9A Revoked EP3442242B1 (fr) 2012-02-23 2013-02-22 Mécanisme de fixation réglable pour un dispositif d'accès d'espace
EP21169117.5A Pending EP3917156A3 (fr) 2012-02-23 2013-02-22 Mécanisme de fixation réglable pour un dispositif d'accès d'espace
EP13751960.9A Revoked EP2820865B1 (fr) 2012-02-23 2013-02-22 Mécanisme de fixation réglable pour un dispositif d'accès d'espace

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EP18196292.9A Revoked EP3442242B1 (fr) 2012-02-23 2013-02-22 Mécanisme de fixation réglable pour un dispositif d'accès d'espace
EP21169117.5A Pending EP3917156A3 (fr) 2012-02-23 2013-02-22 Mécanisme de fixation réglable pour un dispositif d'accès d'espace

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (3) EP3442242B1 (fr)
KR (1) KR20150034677A (fr)
CA (1) CA2871281A1 (fr)
HK (1) HK1202747A1 (fr)
IN (1) IN2014MN01852A (fr)
SG (1) SG11201405797QA (fr)
WO (1) WO2013126645A2 (fr)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10097936B2 (en) 2009-07-22 2018-10-09 Eargo, Inc. Adjustable securing mechanism
US10284977B2 (en) 2009-07-25 2019-05-07 Eargo, Inc. Adjustable securing mechanism
DK3142386T3 (da) 2015-09-08 2019-07-08 Oticon As Tætningsørestykke

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US5572594A (en) 1994-09-27 1996-11-05 Devoe; Lambert Ear canal device holder
US5654530A (en) 1995-02-10 1997-08-05 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Auditory canal insert for hearing aids
US5987146A (en) 1997-04-03 1999-11-16 Resound Corporation Ear canal microphone
WO2000076271A1 (fr) 1999-06-08 2000-12-14 Insonus Medical, Inc. Dispositif de correction auditive a installation dans le conduit, pour un port prolonge
US6310961B1 (en) 1998-03-30 2001-10-30 Hearing Components, Inc. Disposable sleeve assembly for sound control device and container therefor
US20020027996A1 (en) 1999-05-05 2002-03-07 Leedom Marvin A. Disposable modular hearing aid
US20030002700A1 (en) 1997-07-18 2003-01-02 Robert J. Fretz Behind the ear hearing aid system
US20040059017A1 (en) 2000-12-04 2004-03-25 Joerg Bauer Method for producing a partial or complete active ingredient coating on and in implants and onplants
US20050244026A1 (en) 2004-05-03 2005-11-03 Henrik Nielsen Flexible earpiece for a hearing aid
WO2006094502A1 (fr) 2005-03-10 2006-09-14 Widex A/S Oreillette pour prothese auditive
US20060291682A1 (en) 1998-11-25 2006-12-28 Insound Medical, Inc. Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices
US20060291683A1 (en) 1998-11-25 2006-12-28 Insound Medical, Inc. Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices
DE102005029355A1 (de) 2005-06-24 2006-12-28 CiS Institut für Mikrosensorik gGmbH Anordnung zur Überwachung einer physiologischen Messgröße
WO2007014950A2 (fr) 2005-08-01 2007-02-08 Gn Resound A/S Appareil auditif pourvu d'une piece ouverte comprenant un event court
US20090034775A1 (en) 2007-07-31 2009-02-05 Burton Technologies, Llc In-ear adapter for earbuds
EP2124483A2 (fr) 2008-05-21 2009-11-25 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Mélange de signaux d'un microphone intra-auriculaire et d'un microphone extra-auriculaire pour améliorer la perception spatiale
US20100086158A1 (en) 2008-10-03 2010-04-08 Zounds, Inc. Open tip for hearing aid
US20100098281A1 (en) 1998-11-25 2010-04-22 Insound Medical, Inc. Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices
WO2011011555A2 (fr) 2009-07-22 2011-01-27 Florent Michel Prothèse auditive pour conduit auditif ouvert

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TW200305346A (en) * 2002-04-12 2003-10-16 Nap Entpr Co Ltd Ear pad, and earphone with the pad
EP1385355A1 (fr) * 2002-07-24 2004-01-28 Phonak Ag Appareil auditif intra-auriculaire
US8270654B2 (en) * 2009-03-02 2012-09-18 Sanjeev Kumar Singh Customizable audio earpiece

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3935401A (en) 1974-08-29 1976-01-27 Shore Sidney X Earpiece for acoustic headset
US5572594A (en) 1994-09-27 1996-11-05 Devoe; Lambert Ear canal device holder
US5654530A (en) 1995-02-10 1997-08-05 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Auditory canal insert for hearing aids
US5987146A (en) 1997-04-03 1999-11-16 Resound Corporation Ear canal microphone
US20030002700A1 (en) 1997-07-18 2003-01-02 Robert J. Fretz Behind the ear hearing aid system
US6310961B1 (en) 1998-03-30 2001-10-30 Hearing Components, Inc. Disposable sleeve assembly for sound control device and container therefor
US20060291682A1 (en) 1998-11-25 2006-12-28 Insound Medical, Inc. Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices
US20100098281A1 (en) 1998-11-25 2010-04-22 Insound Medical, Inc. Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices
US20060291683A1 (en) 1998-11-25 2006-12-28 Insound Medical, Inc. Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices
US20020027996A1 (en) 1999-05-05 2002-03-07 Leedom Marvin A. Disposable modular hearing aid
WO2000076271A1 (fr) 1999-06-08 2000-12-14 Insonus Medical, Inc. Dispositif de correction auditive a installation dans le conduit, pour un port prolonge
US20040059017A1 (en) 2000-12-04 2004-03-25 Joerg Bauer Method for producing a partial or complete active ingredient coating on and in implants and onplants
EP1594340A1 (fr) 2004-05-03 2005-11-09 GN ReSound A/S Oreillette flexible pour une prothèsè auditive
US20050244026A1 (en) 2004-05-03 2005-11-03 Henrik Nielsen Flexible earpiece for a hearing aid
WO2006094502A1 (fr) 2005-03-10 2006-09-14 Widex A/S Oreillette pour prothese auditive
DE102005029355A1 (de) 2005-06-24 2006-12-28 CiS Institut für Mikrosensorik gGmbH Anordnung zur Überwachung einer physiologischen Messgröße
WO2007014950A2 (fr) 2005-08-01 2007-02-08 Gn Resound A/S Appareil auditif pourvu d'une piece ouverte comprenant un event court
US20090034775A1 (en) 2007-07-31 2009-02-05 Burton Technologies, Llc In-ear adapter for earbuds
EP2124483A2 (fr) 2008-05-21 2009-11-25 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Mélange de signaux d'un microphone intra-auriculaire et d'un microphone extra-auriculaire pour améliorer la perception spatiale
US20100086158A1 (en) 2008-10-03 2010-04-08 Zounds, Inc. Open tip for hearing aid
WO2011011555A2 (fr) 2009-07-22 2011-01-27 Florent Michel Prothèse auditive pour conduit auditif ouvert
US20110019851A1 (en) 2009-07-22 2011-01-27 Michel Florent Nicolas Joseph Open ear canal hearing aid

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IN2014MN01852A (fr) 2015-07-03
SG11201405797QA (en) 2014-11-27
KR20150034677A (ko) 2015-04-03
EP3917156A3 (fr) 2021-12-29
EP3442242A1 (fr) 2019-02-13
EP3442242B1 (fr) 2021-04-28
EP2820865A4 (fr) 2016-06-01
EP2820865A2 (fr) 2015-01-07
EP3917156A2 (fr) 2021-12-01
HK1202747A1 (en) 2015-10-02
CA2871281A1 (fr) 2013-08-29
WO2013126645A2 (fr) 2013-08-29
WO2013126645A3 (fr) 2015-06-11

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