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
  • H04R25/652—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
• • 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
  • H04R25/658—Manufacture of housing parts

Definitions

• 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.
• 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 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.
• space access devices and systems having securing means that (i) securely engage a surface of an internal space or opening, such as an ear canal, 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 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 a plurality of contact points that are configured to contact a surface of an ear canal.
• the contact pressure is preferably in the range of approximately 0.01 kPa - 10 kPa.
• the space access device comprises an in-ear head set or in-ear head-phone.
• 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 structures and/or tubes.
• space access device means and includes anatomical or biological devices that are designed and adapted to be inserted into the ear canal.
• the present invention is directed to anatomical, i.e. biological space access devices and systems having securing mechanisms that (i) securely engages a surface of the ear canal for an extended period of time, (ii) include means to self-conform or self-adjust to the shape and size of the ear canal, (iii) includes means for adjusting the force applied to a surface of the ear canal, (iv) includes means for more evenly distributing the force applied to the surface of the ear canal, and (v) includes means for fluid flow between the device and biological space when the device is inserted therein.
• anatomical i.e. biological space access devices and systems having securing mechanisms that (i) securely engages a surface of the ear canal for an extended period of time, (ii) include means to self-conform or self-adjust to the shape and size of the ear canal, (iii) includes means for adjusting the force applied to a surface of the ear canal, (iv) includes means for more evenly distributing the force applied
• the securing mechanisms of the invention include a plurality of outwardly projecting members, which, according to the invention, can comprise, without limitation, fins, 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 ear canal.
• 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 the ear canal 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 ear canal.
• one or more member(s) is adapted to flex and/or deform to conform to the shape and/or size of the ear canal.
• 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 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 an ear canal 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 an ear canal.
• the pressure, pi is preferably in the range of 0.0005 kPa - 10000 kPa. In some embodiments of the invention, the pressure, pi, is preferably in the range of 0.01 kPa - 2500 kPa. In some embodiments of the invention, the pressure, pi, 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 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 includes means for fluid flow through the device and/or between the device and an opening or space when the device is inserted therein.
• the securing mechanism includes one or more fluid flow channels.
• 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 comprise separate members that are attachable via a thin pliable membrane of the same or different material.
• the noted membrane serves 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 one or more direct paths for fluid to flow through the securing mechanism 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 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 linear 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 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 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.
• 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.
• 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 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, pi is preferably in the range of 0.01 kPa - 2500 kPa.
• the pressure, p 1 is preferably in the range of 0.005 kPa - 500 kPa.
• the pressure, pi 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.
• 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.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
• Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
• Neurosurgery (AREA)
• Otolaryngology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Headphones And Earphones (AREA)
• Spinning Or Twisting Of Yarns (AREA)
• Operating, Guiding And Securing Of Roll- Type Closing Members (AREA)
• Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
• Prostheses (AREA)
• Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
• Handcart (AREA)
• Mechanisms For Operating Contacts (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Related Parent Applications (2)

Publications (4)

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Family Applications (3)

Family Applications After (2)

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Family Cites Families (23)

• 2013
  • 2013-02-22 HK HK15102920.4A patent/HK1202747A1/xx unknown
  • 2013-02-22 EP EP21169117.5A patent/EP3917156B1/en active Active
  • 2013-02-22 EP EP18196292.9A patent/EP3442242B1/en not_active Revoked
  • 2013-02-22 KR KR20147026408A patent/KR20150034677A/ko not_active Withdrawn
  • 2013-02-22 SG SG11201405797QA patent/SG11201405797QA/en unknown
  • 2013-02-22 CA CA2871281A patent/CA2871281A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2013-02-22 WO PCT/US2013/027248 patent/WO2013126645A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2013-02-22 EP EP13751960.9A patent/EP2820865B1/en not_active Revoked
  • 2013-02-22 IN IN1852MUN2014 patent/IN2014MN01852A/en unknown

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