GB2539251A

GB2539251A - Adjustable earphone

Info

Publication number: GB2539251A
Application number: GB1510244.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Okonko Goodluck
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-06-12
Filing date: 2015-06-12
Publication date: 2016-12-14
Also published as: WO2016198903A2; GB201510244D0; WO2016198903A3

Abstract

The earphone 10 comprising an outer body portion 12 for sitting in the outer ear. The portion 12 is connected to a stalk 16 to fit in an ear canal of the user. The stalk 16 includes a stalk head 22 having at least one speaker least one speaker and passive noise-cancelling means including an adjustable ring 24 disposed around the stalk 16. A positioning arm 26, and control means 44 for control engagement of the positioning arm 26 with the ring 24. In use the positioning arm 26 is used to bear against and expand the adjustable ring 24 to fill a space between the exterior of the stalk 16 and the interior of the ear canal, thereby substantially blocking ambient noise. In a further embodiment the earphone includes a variety of sensors and may transmit an alarm if the user is incapacitated.

Description

ADJUSTABLE EARPHONE

The present invention relates to an adjustable earphone.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Earphones (also known as in-ear headphones or in-ear buds) are one of the various types of headphones available on the market typically used to listen to music. Earphones are often preferred by music enthusiasts because, when inserted into the ear canal of the wearer, they can provide a higher quality listening experience with minimal loss of sound fidelity. Each earphone also functions to passively block ambient noise, by means of an adapter that can be removably fitted to the speaker portion of the earphone.

However, a pair of earphones are invariably provided with several pairs of differently-sized adapters, i.e. small, medium and large, to cater for variation in the sizes of ear canals between different people. This results in an earphone and adapter combination that does not fit perfectly to the ear canal of any individual, giving rise to discomfort during prolonged use, and to imperfect passive noise-cancelling. Custom earphones are available but expensive, relying on adapters custom-moulded from casts of a user's own ear canals.

Earphones are typically connected to an audio device, such as an MP3 player, using wires, which allows the earphones to function using the battery power of that device. However, the wires of such earbuds can be cumbersome if undertaking physical activity whilst listening to music, such as jogging, for example, and so wireless headphones and earphones are less problematic in this regard. However, current wireless earphones have small batteries that quickly become depleted in use, and are often prone to falling out due to poorly-fitting adapters as described above, particularly if worn whilst exercising, which limits their utility.

Additionally, a person wearing earphones is less aware of their surroundings due to a reduction in ambient noise. As a result, they can be more likely to become injured in a collision with a vehicle, for example, due to reduced auditory input from their surroundings. Furthermore, if they are exercising alone in a remote area or at night, for example, there may not be anyone around to help them if they become injured or incapacitated. In a hit-and-run accident, for example, a person can be severely injured and/or knocked unconscious, and there is no means by which the user is able to request medical assistance. In such cases, providing medical assistance as soon as possible is vital.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable earphone comprising an outer body portion for sitting in an outer ear of a user, the outer body portion being connected to a stalk for sitting in an ear canal of the user, wherein the stalk includes a stalk head having at least one speaker for generating sound, at least one input to the at least one speaker, and passive noise-cancelling means including an adjustable ring disposed around the stalk between the outer body portion and the at least one speaker, a positioning arm, and control means for controlling engagement of the positioning arm with the ring, in use, the positioning arm being used to bear against and expand the adjustable ring to fill a space between the exterior of the stalk and the interior of the ear canal, thereby substantially blocking ambient noise.

Advantageously, the adjustable earphone is held in the user's ear by the stalk via its adjustable ring, when expanded by the positioning arm, ensuring that the earphone is secure even when the user is moving. The adjustable ring also creates a passive noise-cancelling region around the stalk head in use. The ring therefore performs the dual purpose of firmly anchoring the earphone whilst minimising interference with the sound generated by the speaker, irrespective of user's ear canal size. The lightweight nature of the earphone lends itself to the secure fit, and the earphone discreetly fits in the user's ear, lying relatively flat. The electronic components of the earphone are located in the stalk, providing a better weight distribution between portions of the earphone outside and inside the ear, further securing the earphone in use.

The control means may be switchable between a first state, where the positioning arm may be engaged with the ring, and a second state, where the positioning arm may be disengaged from the ring. Preferably, the control means includes a cam follower.

The adjustable ring can therefore be engaged and disengaged on demand. This is particularly useful because the ring can be dilated to engage the ear canal in use, but can be contracted prior to removing the earphone from the user's ear, which eases removal of the earphone as the ring no longer holds the earphone in place. The cam follower enables the control means to be easily 'clicked' between the two states.

The stalk may be pivotable about a hinge between a first position, where the stalk may be disposed at a first angle relative to the outer body portion, and a second position, where the stalk may be disposed at a second different angle relative to the outer body portion. Preferably, the hinge includes a gear arrangement linking the hinge to the control means. The first and second angles may be offset from one another by at least 20°, and preferably offset by up to 180°.

The ability to hinge the body portion away from the stalk allows the user to more easily insert the earphone into their ear, and more easily remove the earphone from their ear. This is because the stalk is effectively thinnest in when the ring is relaxed (i.e. not dilated by the positioning arm). This al so allows the user to grasp the outer body portion more completely whilst inserting the stalk into (or removing the stalk from) their ear canal, providing better leverage whilst finding the control angle of stalk entry or exit.

The stalk may include a spring-loaded piston connecting the stalk head to the stalk. The stalk head may be moveable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration via the piston. Preferably, the spring-loaded piston is connected to the positioning arm.

This allows the stalk head to enter the ear canal more deeply and approach the ear drum in the user's ear more closely, minimising the distance between ear drum and speaker(s). This in turn reduces distortion and energy loss to sounds generated by the speaker(s) before the user hears them, and therefore less energy is required to generate a sound with the same amplitude at the ear drum (due to minimal attenuation). Connecting the piston to the positioning arm allows for concerted deployment of the adjustable ring and extension of the stalk head when beginning use, and concerted contraction of the ring and retraction of the head when finishing use. The spring-loaded part of the piston allows the piston to retract during the process of the positioning arm disengages the ring.

The outer body portion may include a central body portion disposed between the outer body portion and the stalk. The position of the outer body portion relative to the position of the central body portion may be customisable by means of a first adjustment mechanism. Preferably, the first adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment screw connecting the central body portion to the outer body portion.

This allows the earphone to be customised to the unique shape of the user's ear for an improved fit, and also improved comfort from the user's perspective. Using the first adjustment mechanism allows the stalk to be translated relative to the outer body portion by sliding the central body portion, increasing or decreasing the distance between the stalk and the outer body portion as required. Using a screw provides a robust mechanism that can be incrementally adjusted from the exterior of the earphone to any degree of granularity.

The alignment of the positioning arm relative to the adjustable ring may be customisable by means of a second adjustment mechanism. Preferably, the second adjustment mechanism includes a second adjustment screw accessible from the exterior of the earphone, and a stage connected to the second adjustment screw and the positioning arm Advantageously, this allows the degree to which the ring is expanded in use by the positioning arm to be customised to the size of the ear canal of the user, maximising the degree to which ambient noise is blocked whilst remaining comfortable, i.e. not applying excess pressure to the ear canal to achieve increased passive noise cancellation. Using the second adjustment mechanism allows the default position of the positioning arm relative to the adjustable ring to be altered, resulting in greater or lesser expansion of the ring when the arm bears against the ring in use. Using a screw provides a robust mechanism that allows the stage and hence positioning arm to be incrementally adjusted from the exterior of the earphone to any degree of granularity.

The orientation of the stalk relative to the outer body portion may be customisable by means of a third adjustment mechanism. Preferably, the third adjustment mechanism includes a spring-loaded column accessible from the exterior of the stalk, the column being aligned to engage the gear arrangement. More preferably, applying a force to displace the spring-loaded column along its axis disconnects the gear arrangement, and removing the force allows the gear arrangement to reconnect.

This mechanism allows the relative orientation of the axis of the stalk to be adjusted depending on the angle at which a user's ear canal lies relative to their ear. This further enables the earphone to be customised to the unique shape of the user's ear for an improved fit, and also improved comfort from the user's perspective. Spring-loading the column ensures that the angle of the stalk is fixed unless deliberately adjusted, preventing the stalk from being inadvertently knocked loose due to vibrations or an impact which would leave the body portion to hang freely from the stalk.

Switching the control means from the first state to the second state may effect one or more, including any combination, of the following: disengagement of the positioning arm from the adjustable ring; pivoting of the outer body portion about the hinge relative to the stalk from the first angle to the second angle; movement of the stalk head from its extended configuration to its retracted configuration.

This allows the user to disengage the adjustable ring at will, and/or swing the outer body portion outwardly from the stalk (and hence the user's ear), and/or partially retract the stalk head along the user's ear canal, simply by switching the control means. Each of these features independently improves the ease with which the earphone can be removed from the user's ear after use. The combination of all of them is most advantageous, synergistically giving rise to particularly easy removal of the earphone due to the concerted or almost concerted activation of the relevant mechanisms.

Pivoting the outer body portion about the hinge relative to the stalk from the second angle to the first angle may effect one or more, including any combination, of the following: engagement of the positioning arm with the adjustable ring; switching of the control means from the second state to the first state; movement of the stalk head from its retracted configuration to its extended configuration.

This allows the user to engage the adjustable ring at will, and/or reset (or prime) the control means for later use in aiding removal of the earphone, and/or partially extend the stalk head along the user's ear canal, simply by pushing the outer body portion towards their head. Each of these features independently improves the ease with which the earphone engages the user's ear prior to use. The combination of all of them is most advantageous, synergistically giving rise to particularly easy engagement of the earphone due to the concerted or almost concerted activation of the relevant mechanisms.

The stalk may include a processor to control the at least one speaker by conveying the at least one input. Preferably, the outer body portion includes at least one control button to provide input to the processor when pressed. More preferably, the outer body portion includes six control buttons, each of which provides input to the processor when pressed. One of these buttons may be a power button, which may lie flush with the outer body portion.

The processor allows the earphone to modulate the sound output by the speaker(s), and process commands given by the user via the control buttons, such as pausing a song, for example. Control of the sounds heard is therefore available via the earphone itself, rather than another device such as an v1P3 player, which is useful if that device is difficult to reach at the desired time of command input.

An inner microphone may disposed between the outer body portion and the stalk, where 30 the inner microphone may be a bone conduction microphone. Preferably, an outer microphone is disposed on an outward face of the outer body portion.

The bone conduction microphone acquires sound via vibrations in the user's bones, e.g. the jaw bone, such as when speaking on a telephone call or providing verbal commands to the earphone, for example. The bone conduction microphone will therefore not pick up ambient noise such as wind, for example, which would otherwise interfere with the sound being detected. The outer microphone faces outwardly to acquire ambient noise from the environment. This noise can optionally be directed through the speaker to ensure that the user is alerted to their environment, despite the passive noise cancellation means. This may seem counter-intuitive, but it functions as a form of override to improve for user safety -for example, a cyclist listening to music would be able to hear traffic noises, and a pedestrian would be able to hear the sound of a truck reversing, potentially avoiding accidents in each case. Equally, the user may simply wish to experience ambient sounds such as birdsong overlaid with their music, for example, at reduced, normal or amplified volume relative to the actual magnitude of the sound detected.

The stalk may include a sensor unit having at least one of the following: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a pulse oximeter, a heart-rate sensor, a thermometer. Preferably, the magnetometer is a 3-axis magnetometer. More preferably, the sensor unit is disposed in the stalk head. Preferably, the accelerometer is a 3-axis accelerometer. Preferably, the gyroscope is a 3-axis gyroscope. Preferably, the magnetometer is a 3-axis magnetometer. More preferably, the accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer may be provided as a 9-axis module.

This allows the earphone to measure parameters associated with the user during use. These parameters (such as body temperature, heart rate, blood oxygen levels) can then be stored and/or relayed to another device, such as a smartphone or computer, for later analysis, if the user desires. The sensor unit also enable the earphones to alert the user to medical problems, by issuing a warning to the user that their heart rate is too high, whilst exercising, for example. Equally, longer term analysis of data from the sensor unit can be used to monitor the health of the user and identify improvements or deterioration in this regard.

The outer body portion may include at least one battery. Preferably, the battery is rechargeable. Preferably, the outer body portion includes connection means to recharge the battery in situ. The battery may be removable, and the outer body portion may have a releasable cover to facilitate removal. Preferably, the outer body portion includes at least one indicator which conveys information concerning the state of the battery. The indicator may be an LED.

The battery allows the earphone to function wirelessly, i.e. without relying on electricity being transferred from another device in order to function. In the case of eventual battery depletion, connection means such as a microUSB port, for example, allows the battery to be recharged within the outer body portion via a cable. Where the user needs to continue using the earphone immediately, and recharging the battery in situ is impractical, the battery can be swapped out for a new (charged) battery quickly and simply through the releasable cover on the outer body portion. As most of the components of the earphone are located in the stalk, the outer body can be predominantly dedicated to the battery, allowing for a much larger battery than other battery-powered earphones, thus extending the operable lifetime of the earphone in use The depleted battery can be recharged whilst the second battery is used, to later swap back in place of the second battery. The LED on the outer body is lit to indicate that the earphone is 'on' and consuming power, and can be lit in one or more additional colours, to indicate low battery, for example.

The outer body portion may include one or more of the following: a data storage device; a two-way radio transceiver; a BluetoothTM transceiver; an i Pod Accessory Protocol (IAP) chip. Preferably, the data storage device is removable.

The data storage device allows data, such as music files, to be stored and played directly from the earphone, without requiring a separate device, which useful if wearing the earphones whilst exercising, for example. The radio transceiver allows the earphones to function like a walkie-talkie, enabling communication with other devices having radio transceivers without requiring use of a telephone network. The BluetoothTM transceiver allows wireless communication with other BluetoothTM-enabled devices, such as a smartphone paired with the earphone(s), for example, allowing a telephone call to be relayed to the earphone(s). Similarly, music could be streamed from a paired device via BluetoothTM. The IAP chip enables compatibility with AppleTM products, such as an iPodTM. Having both BluetoothTM and data storage allows the earphone to be used as a stand-alone MIP3 player as well as a means of carrying data via a BluetoothTM drive, for example.

A fluid reservoir may be disposed within the stalk. The reservoir may be in fluid connection with the adjustable ring. The positioning arm may be partially disposed within the reservoir. Movement of the positioning arm may vary the fluid pressure within the reservoir and adjustable ring, thereby expanding or contracting the ring in use.

The fluid reservoir provides a hydraulic means for expanding the adjustable ring. This allows a varying shaped diameter to be filled and can allow push-back from the ear canal in use, making it particularly comfortable. There are fewer moving parts involved, and the reservoir and ring form a sealed system which does not lose fluid in switching between the expanded and contracted states of the ring, merely re-distributing the fluid between the two sections.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an adjustable earphone comprising an outer body portion for sitting in an outer ear of a user, the outer body portion being connected to a stalk for sitting in an ear canal of the user, and a processor having at least one input, wherein the outer body portion includes a battery, the stalk includes at least one speaker for generating sound, the processor controlling output from the at least one speaker, and the stalk includes a sensor unit for measuring values of one or more physical parameters of the user, which are relayed to the processor, the processor being programmed to alter output from the at least one speaker where at least one of the measured values lies outside a predetermined range of values.

The processor may include a communications module for wirelessly connecting the earphone to at least one other device, enabling wireless transmissions between the processor and said other device. Preferably, the communications module enables at least one of the following: telephone calls, text communications, BluetoothTM connections, and/or intemet-based connections from the earphone to other devices.

The sensor unit may include at least one of the following: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a pulse oximeter, a heart-rate sensor, a thermometer. Preferably, the sensor unit includes all of these.

The processor may be programmed to alter speaker output by playing one or more higher tempo tracks when the sensor unit input indicates that the heart rate of the user is increasing. The increase may be at or above a predetermined rate of heart rate increase.

The processor may be programmed to alter speaker output by playing one or more lower tempo tracks when the sensor unit input indicates that the heart rate of the user is increasing. The increase may be at or above a predetermined rate of heart rate increase.

The processor may be programmed to alter speaker output by playing one or more higher tempo tracks when the sensor unit input indicates that the heart rate of the user is below a predetermined number of beats per minute (bpm). The processor may be programmed to alter speaker output by playing one or more lower tempo tracks when the sensor unit input indicates that the heart rate of the user is above a predetermined number of beats per minute (bpm).

The above variations in the tempo of sounds or music played through the speaker(s) relative to factors such as heart rate or body temperature can calm the user or spur the user on, depending on the type of exercise being undertaken, for example.

The processor may be programmed to activate an emergency mode if the sensor unit detects one or more of the following: a) input from the accelerometer or the gyroscope corresponds to the user undergoing acceleration or reorientation falling outside a predetermined range of motion-related values; b) input from the pulse oximeter or heart-rate sensor corresponds to the user' s heart rate falling outside a predetermined range of heart-rate values; c) input from the thermometer corresponds to the user's body temperature falling outside a predetermined range of temperature values.

Preferably, the emergency mode initiates a primary alert audible through the at least one speaker, prompting the user to deactivate the primary alert if medical assistance is not required. More preferably, the emergency mode initiates at least one secondary alert if the primary alert is not deactivated within a predetermined period of time, the at least one secondary alert being sent to the at least one other device.

The earphone according to the second aspect of the invention may include any feature or combination of features of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of issuing a distress signal on behalf of a person wearing one or more adjustable earphones, the method comprising: a) sending input data from a sensor unit to a processor; b) comparing the input data against predetermined limits; c) initiating a first alert directed to said person through at least one of the earphones where the input data exceeds one of the predetermined limits; d) deactivating the first alert if said person provides input that they are not in distress; and e) initiating a second alert directed to a third party if said person does not provide input as in step (d) within a first predetermined time period.

The method may further comprise the steps of: f) initiating a first intermediary alert directed to said person, if said person has not provided input as in step (d) within the first predetermined time period, the first intermediary alert being issued after the first alert but prior to the second alert; and g) deactivating the first intermediary alert if said person provides input within a first intermediary predetermined time period that they are not in distress.

The method may yet further comprise the steps of h) initiating a second intermediary alert directed to a next of kin of said person, if said person has not provided input as in step (g) within the first predetermined time period, the second intermediary alert being issued after the first intermediary alert but prior to the second alert; and i) deactivating the second intermediary alert if the next of kin provides input within a second intermediary predetermined time period that the person is not in distress.

The user's physical parameters (including vital signs) and health are therefore monitored during use, and help is requested via a distress signal if the user is unable to issue a request for help themselves. It is important to avoid unnecessarily calling a third party, such as the emergency services, without due cause, as the user may not be in distress, in spite of anomalous sensor units readings/data. The user is therefore afforded the opportunity to deactivate an audible first alert, by pressing a button on the earphone, for example. If no input is received, a third party is contacted with relevant information concerning the person in question.

In some cases, the user may not be wearing the earphone(s), and may not hear the first alert. To avoid unnecessary contact with a third party, whether that is a friend of the user or the emergency services, the intermediary alert contacts the user by another means, e.g. calling a smartphone paired with the earphone, to request confirmation that the user does or does not require assistance. In the event that the user still does not respond, and to further avoid unnecessary contact with a third party, another intermediary alert is issued to a next of kin of the user, before finally contacting the third party. The third party may be the emergency services. Predetermined periods of time are provided before determining that an alert has not been acknowledged, to allow a user sufficient time to react and therefore avoid unnecessarily escalating the issue to involve one or more other persons or parties.

The or each earphone of the third aspect of the invention may each include any feature or combination of features from the first and/or second aspects of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an earphone kit comprising at least one adjustable earphone according to the first aspect of the invention, and a battery holder, wherein the battery holder includes a built-in charger and at least one compartment to receive a removable battery.

The battery holder provides a convenient means of storing and charging one or more spare batteries to replace a depleted battery in the adjustable earphone. The holder is small enough to function as a key fob, and may have a ring portion for enabling connection of the holder to a key ring. During any given day, the user is therefore able to use the earphone without undue concern for battery life, as the provision of charged replacement batteries on their person facilitates almost continuous use of the earphone(s).

There may be two adjustable earphones according to the first aspect of the invention.

The battery pack may further include at least one LED to indicate the charge state of the removable battery when located within the compartment. The battery pack may include eight compartments to enable up to eight removable batteries to be received (and charged) at a given time.

The or each earphone of the fourth aspect of the invention may each include any feature or combination of features from the first, second and/or third aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of an adjustable earphone comprising an outer body portion and a stalk, the stalk being in a first position and an extended configuration; Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable earphone of Figure 1 with the stalk in the first position in a retracted configuration; Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable earphone of Figure 1 with the stalk in a second position in the retracted configuration; Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable earphone of Figure 1 with the relative position of the stalk relative to the outer body portion having been altered; Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable earphone of Figure 2B with the relative positions of the stalk and outer body portion having been customised; Figure 4A shows a plan view of the adjustable earphone of Figure 3A; Figure 4B shows a plan view of the adjustable earphone of Figure 3B; Figure 5 shows a close-up cross-sectional side view of selected portions of selected components of the stalk of the adjustable earphone of Figure 1; Figure 6A shows a cross-sectional side view of a mechanism to adjust the stalk of the adjustable earphone of Figure 1; Figure 6B shows a cross-sectional side view of the mechanism in Figure 6A in use; Figure 7A shows a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of an adjustable earphone; and Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable earphone of Figure 7A in use

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 6B, a first embodiment of an adjustable earphone is indicated generally at 10. The earphone 10 includes an outer body portion 12, a central body portion (indicated generally at 14) connected to the outer body portion 12, and a stalk (indicated generally at 16) connected to the central body portion 14 via a hinge, which is indicated generally at 18. The central body portion 14 includes a first adjustment mechanism in the form of a first screw 20. Turning the first screw 20 slides the central body portion 14 and stalk 16 sideways relative to the outer body portion 12, as seen in Figures 3A and 3B. The effect is shown by the change in profile of the earphone 10 between Figures 4A and 4B. The outer body portion is approximately 18 mm in diameter in this embodiment, making it small enough to fit comfortably and discreetly within the outer ear of a user, although it will be appreciated that other sizes of outer body portion 12 may be used in alternate embodiments.

The stalk 16 is a flexible tube that can conform to any variety of curvature of an ear canal. The stalk 16 includes a stalk head 22 at its distal end. The stalk head 22 is shown in an extended configuration relative to the rest of the stalk 16, which is its normal configuration when in use. The stalk head 22 is moveable to a retracted position when not in use, as seen in Figures 2A and 2B. The stalk head 22 includes a speaker (not shown) at its tip. Multiple speakers may be provided in alternate embodiments.

Behind the stalk head 22, an adjustable ring 24 is disposed around the stalk 16. The ring 24 is made of a flexible, resilient material to withstand repeated and prolonged deformation. A positioning arm 26 is mounted behind the adjustable ring 24, aligned to bear evenly against an inner portion of the ring 24. Moving the arm 26 towards the ring 24 causes ring expansion as the ring 24 yields under the force of the arm 26, leading to the ring 24 meeting the wall of the user's ear canal in use.

Guide means 28 is provided around a portion of the ring 24 to direct expansion of the ring 24 towards the ear drum when in use. The guide means 28 lies flush with the stalk 16 when the stalk head 22 is in the retracted position, but hinges outwardly (as in Figure 1) when the stalk head 22 extends and the adjustable ring 24 is expanded. Alternative types of guide means are also envisaged for use in allowing the ring 24 to expand and contract in a predictable and repeatable manner.

A stage 30 abuts the end of the positioning arm 26 furthest from the ring 24. The stage 30 is connected to a second adjustment mechanism in the form of a second screw 32. Turning the second screw 32 alters the fixed position of the stage 30 against the positioning arm 26. This in turn affects the degree to which the positioning arm 26 presses against the ring 24 in use, altering the eventual size of the ring 24 when dilated by the arm 26.

The stalk head 22 is mounted to a piston 34 that controls movement of the stalk head 22 between its extended and retracted positions. The piston 34 includes a spring 36 to facilitate this. The piston 34 is linked to the positioning arm 26 so that the stalk head 22 is retracted by the spring-loaded piston 34 as the positioning arm 26 ceases to bear against the adjustable ring 24, when preparing the earphone 10 for removal.

The hinge 18 includes a gear arrangement indicated generally at 38. The gear arrangement 38 is connected to the end of the piston 34 furthest from the stalk head 22. The gear arrangement 38 includes a large gear 40 meshed together with a small gear 42. The small gear 42 connects to the positioning arm 26, as seen in Figure 5, such that the positioning arm 26 is moved when the gears 40, 42 are rotated.

A control means (or control mechanism) 44 is connected to the gear arrangement 38. The terms control means and control mechanism may be used interchangeably. The control means 44 includes an elongate portion engaged with the large gear 40 in a similar manner to that of a rack and pinion mechanism. The control means 44 further includes a cam follower (not shown) and an outer switch 46. The cam follower is similar to the type of cam follower found in a 'click' pen. The gear arrangement 38 has two preferred positions along the elongate portion of the control means 44 that correspond to the two states of the cam follower.

The control means 44 therefore functions as a switch to move the stalk 16 between a first position and a second position, as seen in Figures 2A and 2B, and 3A and 3B. The first position is angled inwardly at 45° relative to the outer body portion 12, and the second position is angled outwardly at 45° relative to the outer body portion 12. In other words, there is a 90° difference between the angle of the stalk 16 in the first and second positions. However, these angles will vary if the orientation of the stalk 16 is adjusted using a third adjustment mechanism 48, as discussed below. In alternate embodiments, other angles may be used.

A primary microphone 50 is provided adjacent to the control means 44 and the stage 30. In this embodiment, the primary microphone 50 is a bone conduction microphone to acquire sounds via vibrations, pressing against the bony area just forward of the ear canal opening. A secondary microphone 52 is also provided, as seen in Figures 4A and 4B, to acquire sounds transmitted through the air via an outermost face of the outer body portion 12.

As seen in Figure 6, the third adjustment mechanism is indicated generally at 48. The third adjustment mechanism 48 includes a retractable column 54 connected to the large gear 40, and a return spring 56 connected to far side of the large gear 40 relative to the column 54. A rod or pin 58 can be used to press against the outermost portion of the column 54, thereby disconnecting the large gear 40 from the small gear 42 and control means 44, compressing the return spring 56. The stalk 16 can then be re-oriented to a new 'default' position. Releasing the rod 58 allows the spring 56 to re-engage the large gear 40 with the small gear 42 and the control means 44. This displaces the column 54 back to its default position and secures the new orientation of the stalk 16.

The outer body portion 12 includes a removable battery 60. In this embodiment, the battery 60 is a lithium-ion battery with up to 9 hours of useable battery life in the earphone 10. The battery 60 can be removed via a releasable cover (not shown) provided on the underside of the outer body portion 12. The cover may be located on other faces of the body portion in other embodiments. A power button (not shown) is also provided on the outer body portion 12, lying flush to its surface. An LED 62 (seen in Figures 4A and 4B) indicates when the earphone 10 is on, and when the battery 60 is low on charge, using different colours for each state. Other embodiments may have different or additional LED indications.

The central body portion 14 includes a removable data storage device and port, a BluetoothTM chip, and a two-way radio transceiver, indicated generally at 64. These components 64 are housed in a pocket behind the battery 60, packaged to take up minimal space in the earphone 10. The data storage device has 8GB of flash storage and is an SD card in this embodiment. Use of the BluetoothTm-enabled functions of the earphone 10 may require a voice-relayed password (if password protected). It will be appreciated that other types and capacities of solid state storage may also be used.

The outward facing surface (or outermost face) of the outer body portion 12, i.e. the surface accessible when the earphone 10 is worn, has five control buttons in this embodiment: a central button, an upper button, a lower button, a forward button, and a rearward button, indicated generally at 66. Each control button 66 provides input to a processor (not shown) which is located in the stalk 16. These buttons 66 are located on the same face of the earphone 10 as the secondary microphone 52 in this embodiment.

Each button 66 has the following effect(s) in this embodiment: Button Click sequence Right-hand earphone Left-hand earphone Ambient sound on/off Centre Single Answer call, or Respond to input Double Drop call Long Prime for voice command, or Output caller details for incoming call Upper Single Increase output volume Lower Single Decrease output volume Forward Single Skip to next track Rearward Single Restart track, or Skip to previous track Forward Double Skip to next album Rearward Double Restart album, or Skip to previous album Forward Long Fast forward through track Rearward Long Rewind through track Increase relative volume of ambient noise Decrease relative volume of ambient noise These commands are provided as examples only, and different commands may be assigned in alternate embodiments. Additional commands to those listed may also be provided, and the processor may be programmed to perform additional functions if two or more buttons are pressed at the same time. A phone app', for example, may be used to assign buttons or click sequences to new roles to customise the earphone 10 to the user's preference. Similarly, a single earphone 10 can be used independently of a second earphone by placing the processor in 'single mode'. In such a case, all functions attributed to the right-hand buttons stated above will be active regardless of whether it is the earphone 10 is worn on the right-or left-hand ear of the user.

Where two earphones according to the invention are both worn at the same time by the same user, the processors of each earphone 10 may co-operate and interpret button input differently depending on which earphone 10 buttons are used (i.e. buttons on the right-hand or left-hand earphone). Alternatively, the second earphone may function as an extension of the first earphone 10 without independent processing, simply having input from the slaved earphone transmitted wirelessly to the master earphone.

The stalk head 22 further includes a sensor unit (not shown). The sensor unit includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a pulse oximeter, a heart-rate sensor, and a thermometer (none of which are shown). The processor is adapted to receive sensory data from the sensor unit as inputs. This allows the processor to access data relating to the physical parameters of the user, such as their motion, heart rate and body temperature, amongst others, allowing it to function as a health monitor during use, which is particularly useful for athletes during training, for example.

The processor can be programmed by the user with a number of modes to utilise the inputs from the sensor unit for adapting music playback. For example, the data from the user's heart rate can be used to determine the selection of songs played. The modes may interpreted as part of a trend (i.e. based on relative values for data accumulated over time), or may be set according to specified absolute values. For example, a given exercise mode' of the processor might only take effect if the user's heart is above or below a certain number of beats per minute, or might cease to have effect above or below certain heart rates. Similar modes could be used according to other available data such as body temperature, as warm-up or warm-down modes before and after exercise,

for example.

In an exemplary exercise mode A, detection of increasing pulse rate leads to the selection of music with a higher beat rate (or higher tempo), thus spurring the user on, for example. In another exemplary exercise mode B, detection of increasing pulse rate leads to the selection of music with a lower beat rate (or lower tempo), to calm the user and encourage focus on breathing, for example. In a further exemplary exercise mode C, if the user's heart rate is around their known resting rate value, music is selected that has an incrementally higher beat rate (or higher tempo), thus spurring the user when first beginning to exercise. Variations of these processes may be used to vary the automatic selection of music, according to the parameters measured by the sensor unit.

The processor also includes an emergency mode. This is a multi-stage process to evaluate the user's medical state and automatically issue one or more distress signals if necessary. The emergency mode analyses the inputs from the sensor unit to determine if any of the measured values lie outside predetermined ranges, i.e. the normal values associated with the user, and/or absolute limits programmed into the earphone 10. Examples include: a) input from the accelerometer or the gyroscope corresponds to the user's body undergoing acceleration or reorientation falling outside a predetermined range of values; b) input from the pulse oximeter or heart-rate sensor corresponds to the user's heart rate falling outside a predetermined range of heart-rate values; c) input from the thermometer corresponds to the user's body temperature falling outside a predetermined range of temperature values.

In (a), the user may have experienced a violent impact, or be experiencing a seizure. In (b), the user may be experiencing arrhythmia or a heart attack. In (c), the user may be experiencing hyperthermia or hypothermia. In each of these scenarios, and others, medical assistance may be required.

Where the sensor unit provides data that trigger the emergency response mode, the processor will initiate an alert through the speaker(s) requesting user confirmation (e.g. pressing a button, or issuing a voice command) that they do not require medical assistance. If no response is received, the processor will attempt to elicit a response from the user by sending an alert to their phone (e.g. calling them), utilising a BluetoothTM connection with the phone if paired. Voice recognition software, such as NowSpeak or BlueGenieTM, is installed to enable voice commands to be processed in this embodiment.

If the user still does not respond, a designated next of kin (as programmed into the earphone 10 or provided in a BluetoothTM phone paired to the earphone 10, for example) will be contacted via an alert with the available information. A GSM unit may be included in the earphone 10 to enable direct communication without a paired phone, for example. Such information may, for example, include: sensor unit data for the user, the suspected event based on sensor unit data, the lack of user response, the last known location of the user, and relevant medical information to be aware of (such as allergies, current medications of the user, or the user's GP). This information may be conveyed via text, automated phone call or other means. The next of kin may then contact emergency services. Multiple next of kin may be designated, in the event that one or more next of kin do not respond. The next of kin also has the option to turn off the alert to mitigate the final stage, in which emergency services are contacted directly, in similar fashion to contacting the next of kin.

In use, the earphone 10 is aligned with the user's ear and the stalk 16 inserted into the ear canal. In this position, the stalk 16 is in its second position, with the stalk head 22 retracted and the adjustable ring 24 relaxed, as shown in Figure 2B, and the control means 44 is in its second state. The outer body portion 12 of the earphone 10 can then be swung inwardly towards the stalk 16 until the cam follower of the control means 44 clicks', signifying that the control mechanism 44 has entered its first state. At the same time, closing the outer body portion 12 in this manner pushes the piston 34 against the stage 30, forcing the piston 34 to extend the stalk head 22. Furthermore, the movement of the gears in conjunction with the control means 44 entering its first state causes the small gear 42 to propel the positioning arm 26 forward, expanding the adjustable ring 24 to block external sounds and secure the earphone 10 in place. The earphone 10 is then ready for use, as seen in Figure 1.

To remove the earphone 10 easily and without substantial discomfort, the control means 44 is pressed. This switches the control mechanism 44 to its second state, releasing the outer body portion 12 to so that it can be moved outwardly, away from the user's ear. The change of state also turns the gear arrangement 38 such that the small gear 42 pulls the positioning arm 26 backwards, allowing the adjustable ring 24 to relax and retracting the stalk head 22. The earphone 10 can then be easily removed.

Referring also to Figures 7A and 7B, a second embodiment of an adjustable earphone is indicated generally at 100. The features of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment. Some features of the first embodiment are not included, such as the spring-loaded piston, but may be combined with the following features in other embodiments.

In this embodiment, the earphone 100 includes an adjustable ring 102 connected to a positioning arm 104. The adjustable ring 102 is connected to a fluid reservoir 106. The adjustable ring 102 is hollow and in fluid connection with the reservoir 106. Both the adjustable ring and reservoir are filled with a volume of fluid. The ring 104 is expanded via hydraulically, although activated mechanically.

The positioning arm 104 has a head 104a within the fluid reservoir 106 to apply pressure to the fluid in use. The positioning arm 104 also has a back-stop 104b aligned to engage the exterior of the fluid reservoir 106 when the positioning arm 104 is used, limiting the maximum extent of the positioning arm 104. The back-stop 104b is connected to a spring 108 that maintain extension of the positioning arm 104 against back pressure from the fluid. Static resistance to rotation from the other mechanisms (e.g. the gear mechanism as described for the first embodiment) also resists self-disengagement of the positioning arm 104. The default position of the positioning arm 104 is adjustable using the mechanisms described in relation to the first embodiment, thereby varying the degree to which the reservoir 106 is filled and the degree to which the arm 104 can approach the reservoir 106.

The positioning arm 104 can be moved towards the adjustable ring 102 to inflate the ring 102 with fluid. The head 104a forces fluid into the ring, increasing pressure within the ring 102 which is in turn balanced via ring expansion (partially equalising the pressure), as shown in Figure 7B. The backstop 104b engages the reservoir 106 to determine the maximum extent of the arm 104. When a release mechanism is activated, the pressure within the ring 102 (from the fluid and from the ring 102 itself) forces fluid out of the ring 102 and displaces the positioning arm 104 to its original position as the fluid fills the reservoir 106.

In alternative embodiments, it will be appreciated that only some of the features discussed herein may be employed, and that there may be separate respective means of expanding the adjustable ring 24, switching the stalk 16 between first and second positions, and retracting/extending the stalk head 22, for example. The earphone 10 may be customised using a range of materials, including luxury materials (e.g. gold, silver, platinum etc.) to improve the aesthetic appeal of the earphone 10. Alternatively, flesh-coloured material, textures or other illusory arrangements may be used to disguise the earphone 10 from sight, which would be useful for television presenters, for example.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, changes and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. In some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An adjustable earphone comprising an outer body portion for sitting in an outer ear of a user, the outer body portion being connected to a stalk for sitting in an ear canal of the user, wherein the stalk includes a stalk head having at least one speaker for generating sound, at least one input to the at least one speaker, and passive noise-cancelling means including an adjustable ring disposed around the stalk between the outer body portion and the at least one speaker, a positioning arm, and control means for controlling engagement of the positioning arm with the ring, in use, the positioning arm being used to bear against and expand the adjustable ring to fill a space between the exterior of the stalk and the interior of the ear canal, thereby substantially blocking ambient noise.
2. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 1, in which the control means is switchable between a first state, where the positioning arm is engaged with the ring, and a second state, where the positioning arm is disengaged from the ring.
3. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim I or 2, in which the control means includes a cam follower.
4. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, in which the stalk is pivotable about a hinge between a first position, where the stalk is disposed at a first angle relative to the outer body portion, and a second position, where the stalk is disposed at a second different angle relative to the outer body portion.
5. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 4, in which the hinge includes a gear arrangement linking the hinge to the control means.
6. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the stalk includes a spring-loaded piston connecting the stalk head to the stalk, the stalk head being moveable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration via the piston.
7. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 6, in which the spring-loaded piston is connected to the positioning arm.
8. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the outer body portion includes a central body portion disposed between the outer body portion and the stalk.
9. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 8, in which the position of the outer body portion relative to the position of the central body portion is customisable by means of a first adjustment mechanism.
10. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 9, in which the first adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment screw connecting the central body portion to the outer body portion.
11. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the alignment of the positioning arm relative to the adjustable ring is customisable by means of a second adjustment mechanism.
12. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 11, in which the second adjustment mechanism includes a second adjustment screw accessible from the exterior of the earphone, and a stage connected to the second adjustment screw and the positioning arm.
13. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the orientation of the stalk relative to the outer body portion is customisable by means of a third adjustment mechanism.
14. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 13, when dependent on claim 5, in which the third adjustment mechanism includes a spring-loaded column accessible from the exterior of the stalk, the column being aligned to engage the gear arrangement.
15. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 14, in which applying a force to displace the spring-loaded column along its axis disconnects the gear arrangement, and removing the force allows the gear arrangement to reconnect.
16. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any of claims 2 to 15, when dependent on claim 2, in which switching the control means from the first state to the second state disengages the positioning arm from the adjustable ring.
17. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any of claims 2 to 16, when dependent on claims 2 and 4, in which switching the control means from the first state to the second state pivots the outer body portion about the hinge relative to the stalk from the first angle to the second angle.
18. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any of claims 2 to 17, when dependent on claims 2 and 6, in which switching the control means from the first state to the second state moves the stalk head from its extended configuration to its retracted configuration.
19. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any of claims 4 to 18, when dependent on claim 4, in which pivoting the outer body portion about the hinge relative to the stalk from the second angle to the first angle engages the positioning arm with the adjustable ring.
20. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any of claims 2 to 19, when dependent on claims 2 and 4, in which pivoting the outer body portion about the hinge relative to the stalk from the second angle to the first angle switches the control means from the second state to the first state.
21. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any of claims 4 to 20, when dependent on claims 4 and 6, in which pivoting the outer body portion about the hinge relative to the stalk from the second angle to the first angle moves the stalk head from its retracted configuration to its extended configuration.
22. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the stalk includes a processor to control the at least one speaker by conveying the at least one input.
23. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 22, in which the outer body portion includes at least one control button to provide input to the processor when pressed.
24. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 22 or 23, in which the outer body portion includes six control buttons, each of which provides input to the processor when pressed.
25. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an inner microphone is disposed between the outer body portion and the stalk, the inner microphone being a bone conduction microphone.
26. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an outer microphone is disposed on an outward face of the outer body portion.
27. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the stalk includes a sensor unit having at least one of the following: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a pulse oximeter, a heart-rate sensor, a thermometer.
28. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any preced ng claim n which the outer body portion includes at least one battery.
29. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 28, in which the at least one battery is removable, and the outer body portion has a releasable cover to facilitate removal.
30. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the outer body portion includes one or more of the following: a data storage device; a two-way radio transceiver; a BluetoothTM transceiver; an iPod Accessory Protocol chip.
31. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 30, in which the data storage device is removable.
32. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a fluid reservoir is disposed within the stalk.
33. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 32, in which the reservoir is in fluid connection with the adjustable ring, and the positioning arm is partially disposed within the reservoir.
34. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 32 or 33, in which movement of the positioning arm varies the fluid pressure within the reservoir and adjustable ring, expanding or contracting the ring in use.
35. An adjustable earphone comprising an outer body portion for sitting in an outer ear of a user, the outer body portion being connected to a stalk for sitting in an ear canal of the user, and a processor having at least one input, wherein the outer body portion includes a battery, the stalk includes at least one speaker for generating sound, the processor controlling output from the at least one speaker, and the stalk includes a sensor unit for measuring values of one or more physical parameters of the user, which are relayed to the processor, the processor being programmed to adjust output from the at least one speaker where at least one of the measured values lies outside a predetermined range of values.
36. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 35, in which the processor includes a communications module for wirelessly connecting the earphone to at least one other device, enabling wireless transmissions between the processor and said other device.
37. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 35 or 36, in which the sensor unit includes at least one of the following: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a pulse oximeter, a heart-rate sensor, a thermometer.
38. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any of claims 35 to 37, in which the processor is programmed to alter speaker output by playing one or more higher tempo tracks when the sensor unit input indicates that the heart rate of the user i s increasing.
39. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any of claims 35 to 38, in which the processor is programmed to alter speaker output by playing one or more lower tempo tracks when the sensor unit input indicates that the heart rate of the user is increasing.
40. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any of claims 35 to 39, in which the processor is programmed to alter speaker output by playing one or more higher tempo tracks when the sensor unit input indicates that the heart rate of the user is below a predetermined number of beats per minute (bpm).
41. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any of claims 35 to 40, in which the processor is programmed to alter speaker output by playing one or more lower tempo tracks when the sensor unit input indicates that the heart rate of the user is above a predetermined number of beats per minute (bpm).
42. An adjustable earphone as claimed in any of claims 37 to 41, when dependent on claim 37, in which the processor is programmed to activate an emergency mode if the sensor unit detects one or more of the following: a) input from the accelerometer or the gyroscope corresponds to the user undergoing acceleration or reorientation falling outside a predetermined range of motion-related values; b) input from the pulse oximeter or heart-rate sensor corresponds to the user's heart rate falling outside a predetermined range of heart-rate values; c) input from the thermometer corresponds to the user's body temperature falling outside a predetermined range of temperature values.
43. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 42, in which the emergency mode initiates a primary alert audible through the at least one speaker, prompting the user to deactivate the primary alert if medical assistance is not required.
44. An adjustable earphone as claimed in claim 43, when dependent on claim 36, in which the emergency mode initiates at least one secondary alert if the primary alert is not deactivated within a predetermined period of time, the at least one secondary alert being sent to the at least one other device.A method of issuing a distress signal on behalf of a person wearing one or more adjustable earphones as claimed in any of claims 35 to 44, the method comprising a) sending input data from a sensor unit to a processor; b) comparing the input data against predetermined limits; c) initiating a first alert directed to said person through at least one of the earphones where the input data exceeds one of the predetermined limits; d) deactivating the first alert if said person provides input that they are not in distress; and e) initiating a second alert directed to a third party if said person does not provide input as in step (d) within a first predetermined time period. 25 46. A method as claimed in claim 45, further comprising the steps of f) initiating a first intermediary alert directed to said person, if said person has not provided input as in step (d) within the first predetermined time period, the first intermediary alert being issued after the first alert but prior to the second alert; and g) deactivating the first intermediary alert if said person provides input within a first intermediary predetermined time period that they are not in distress.47. A method as claimed in claim 46, further comprising the steps of h) initiating a second intermediary alert directed to a next of kin of said person, if said person has not provided input as in step (g) within the first predetermined time period, the second intermediary alert being issued after the first intermediary alert but prior to the second alert; and i) deactivating the second intermediary alert if the next of kin provides input within a second intermediary predetermined time period that the person is not in distress.48. An earphone kit comprising at least one adjustable earphone as claimed in any of claims 28 to 34, when dependent on claim 28, or as claimed in any of claims 35 to 44, and a battery holder, wherein the battery holder includes a built-in charger and at least one compartment to receive a removable battery.49. An earphone kit as claimed in claim 48 in which there are two adjustable earphones as claimed in any of claims 28 to 34, when dependent on claim 28, or as claimed in any of claims 35 to 44.50. An earphone kit as claimed in claim 48 or 49, in which the battery pack further includes at least one LED to indicate the charge state of the removable battery when located within the compartment.51. An earphone kit as claimed in any of claims 48 to 50, in which the battery pack includes eight compartments to enable up to eight removable batteries to be received at a given time.52. An adjustable earphone substantially as described herein, with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 7B of the accompanying drawings.