JP2000253478A - Earphone set for stereophonic sound - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress a reproduced sound from being deteriorated by inserting an anchor made of a shape memory material and incorporating a tube delivering a sound wave to an external auditory miatus into the external auditory miatus so as to make the surface of the anchor in close contact with the external auditory miatus in a pleasant way thereby preventing leakage of an external noise. SOLUTION: An electroacoustic transducer 22 and a diaphragm 24 provided to an enclosure 20 formed in a plastic-made housing 14 are closely placed in a cooperative way, a cover 28 is fitted to a 2nd end 18 of the housing 14, and the conical shaped anchor 30 made of a hydrophilic urethane form 36 is removably fitted to the cover 28. The anchor 30 has elasticity and a righting moment to be expanded to the original shape after it is compressed, and a tube 46 to deliver a sound wave from a diaphragm 24 is built in a path 40 provided in the lengthwise direction. When a user press the anchor 30 by fingers and inserts it to the external auditory miatus, the foam 36 is expanded and mated to the external auditory miatus and in close contact therewith, softened by heat from the ear, resulting in more properly in close contact with the external auditory miatus to shut an external noise.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a stereophonic earphone apparatus.
Related to the field. In particular, the preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a stereophonic earphone device for insertion into a user's ear canal.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is known to those skilled in the art, various earphone deployments have been proposed for placement adjacent to an opening in a user's ear canal. Thus, a perceived problem has been that such earphones are not very comfortable. Needless to say, it is desirable to obtain an earphone that can be worn for a long time without causing discomfort to the wearer.

[0003] Various means have been proposed for supporting the earphone such that the earphone fits comfortably into the user's ear. However, such prior art deployments have been less successful in achieving that objective.

In the deployment of the prior art earphones,
External noise tends to leak past the earphone and into the ear canal of the user, thus reducing the quality of the reproduced sound waves.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In summary, the present invention is directed to a stereophonic earphone device for insertion into a user's ear canal. The device includes a housing having first and second ends. The housing forms an enclosure for receiving the electro-acoustic transducer therein. A diaphragm is disposed within the enclosure adjacent the transducer, the diaphragm being peripherally coupled to the housing such that the diaphragm operably cooperates with the transducer to emit acoustic waves therefrom. Forming a flange. A cover is attached to the second end of the housing so that the diaphragm is located between the cover and the transducer.

[0006] The resilient anchor has a first and a second tip, the first tip being removably attached to the cover and extending from the cover. The anchor has a covered skin surface to allow insertion of the anchor into the ear canal when the anchor is compressed.
It is made of a hydrophilic urethane foam with a d over outer surface. The form has a shape restoring memory such that after the anchor is inserted into the ear canal, the form gradually expands so that the covered surface is in intimate contact with the ear canal. In this manner, the device is securely mounted within the ear canal.

The anchor has a generally conical shape with the anchor tapering inward from the first extremity to the second extremity. Also, the anchor defines a longitudinal passageway having first and second terminations, the first end adjacent the cover and the first end of the anchor. Are located. One tube extends from the cover and is located in the passage. The tube has inner and outer surfaces, but its deployment is such that the outer surface of the tube does not obstruct the passage while allowing the transmission of sound waves from the diaphragm into the ear canal. It is designed to extend adjacent to the area.

The present invention also includes a method for inserting an earphone into a user's ear canal, the method comprising compressing a resilient form anchor between the user's fingers, and The process of gently inserting the anchor into the ear canal and, finally, the covered outer surface of the form is such that the anchor and the housing attached thereto are comfortably attached to the user's ear. Gradually expanding the form anchor to closely conform to the shape of the ear canal.

An advantage of the present invention is that it enhances the transmission of sound waves from the transducer to the ear canal of the user. A first object of the present invention is to provide a device that is comfortable to wear. Another object of the invention is to provide a high fidelity acoustic connection between the device and the user's ear canal.
It is to provide a unique deployment that allows a user to comfortably receive an elastic anchor into the ear canal so that an idelity sonic connection is made.

It is a further object of the present invention to optimize the acoustic response characteristics of the device and provide its precise response frequency characteristics.

[0011]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the following description, while illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention, is provided by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Many modifications and variations may be made within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention, but the invention includes all such modifications.

The advantages and features that constitute the present invention, as well as obvious concepts of structure and operation of typical mechanisms provided by the present invention, are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and forming a part hereof. , Which are illustrative, and therefore not limiting, will be more readily apparent by reference to the Examples, in which several figures refer to the same elements with similar reference numerals.

The present invention and its various features and advantages are described more fully with reference to the following non-limiting examples, which are described in detail in the following description.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a whole for insertion into a user's ear canal 12 as shown in FIG.
1 is a side view, partially in section, of the stereophonic earphone device of the present invention designated 0. FIG.

The device 10 has a first and a second end 1 respectively.
It includes a housing generally referred to as 14 having 6 and 18. Housing 14 forms an enclosure 20 for receiving an electro-acoustic transducer 22 therein. A diaphragm 24 is located in the enclosure 20 adjacent to the transducer 22. The diaphragm 24 is connected to the housing 1
4 to form a peripheral flange 26 connected to the outer flange 4. The deployment then allows the diaphragm 24 to emit sound waves.
Are operatively associated with the transducer 22. The cover 28 is mounted on the housing 1 such that the diaphragm 24 is located between the cover 28 and the transducer 22.
4 is attached to the second end 18.

In addition, the resilient anchors, generally referred to as 30, respectively, include first and second extremes.
y) having 32 and 34, the first tip 32 being removably attached to the cover 28 and extending therefrom. The anchor 30 has a covered outer surface (skinned ov).
It is made from a hydrophilic urethane foam 36 having an outer surface 38. The deployment is such that the anchor 30 can be inserted into the ear canal 12 when the anchor 30 is compressed as shown in FIG. The form 36 is attached to the anchor 3
After the 0 is inserted into the ear canal 12, the form 36 has a shape restoration memory so that it gradually expands as shown in FIG. The form 3
When the 6 expands, the covered surface 38 comes into intimate contact with the ear canal 12 to comfortably mount the device 10 within the ear canal 12.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 1-5, in particular, the anchor 30 is truncated conical
the anchor 30 is tapered inward from a first tip 32 to a second tip 34. The anchor 30 also includes a longitudinal passage (pa) having first and second ends 42 and 44, respectively.
sageway) 40. The first end 42 is disposed adjacent the cover 28 and the first tip 32 of the anchor 30.

A tube 46 extends from the cover 28 and the tube 46 is located in the passage 40. The outer surface 50 of the tube 46 extends adjacently along the passage 40 to allow transmission of sound waves from the diaphragm 24 into the ear canal 12 while the tube 46 prevents the passage 40 from sealing. Tube 46 has an inner surface and an outer surface 48 and 50, respectively.

In a more particular embodiment of the present invention, the housing 14 is made of a plastics material. The term plastic material includes polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or any other suitable type of plastic. The electroacoustic transducer 22
Includes an electrical conductor 52 for connecting the transducer 22 to a sound reproduction device, generally represented by box 54.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm 24 is a MYLA
R ^R ) Made of｝. Mylar is EI Du Pont De Nemours and Compan
y) is a registered trademark. or,
The cover 28 and the tube 46 are made as one piece to direct the transmission of the sound wave therethrough from the diaphragm 24 to the tube 46.

The ear canal 12 of the elastic anchor 30
To further enhance fit and to prevent the transmission of external ambient noise past the resilient anchor 30 into the ear canal 12, an outer surface 38 covered from the ear canal 12 to the form 36 Enable heat transfer.

In addition, the second tip 3 of the anchor 30
4, the covered outer surface 38 curves inward so that the second tip 34 has a substantially domed shape (do
med-shaped configuration).

The second end 44 of the passage is connected to the first end 42 to enhance the high frequency response of the device 10.
Flares outward from the second end 44 in the direction indicated by arrow 56.

Also, the tube 46 extends from the first end 42 of the passage 40 toward a second end 44 and, in particular, the tube 46 is connected to the second end 4 of the passage 40.
It ends before 4.

The acoustic characteristic response characteristic of the device 10 (natura
The length 58 and diameter 60 of the tube 46 are balanced to optimize the acoustic response and to provide its precise response frequency characteristics.

Specifically, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length of the anchor is 14 millimeters and the first end 3
Its diameter at 2 is 13.7 millimeters. The passage 40 has a diameter of 2.2 millimeters and the flared second end 34 is flared outward to a diameter of 4.5 millimeters. The anchor tapers at an angle of 10 degrees from a first end 32 to a second end 34.

The tube 46 has a length of 11.7 mm and an inside diameter of 2.2 mm.
Has an outer diameter of 3.2 millimeters.

In addition, the form 36 provides a seal against the penetration of external noise into the ear canal 12, thus providing an extremely low frequency base performance.
rmance).

Further, the converter 22 can be connected to an audio equipment by a cord or an electric cable 52.
ent). Such audio equipment may be home audio equipment, portable audio equipment, a computer sound board or any other type generally depicted in box 54. Professional sound equip
ment).

In a further aspect of the invention, the earphone 10 comprises a housing 14 having a front surface 15, a magnetic circuit or transducer 22 received within the housing, and a diaphragm 24 magnetically coupled to the magnetic circuit 22. And the diaphragm 24 has a diameter D substantially equal to the diameter D1 of the housing 14.

For the purpose of compression insertion into the user's ear canal (aural meatus), ie the ear canal 12
n), the elastic member 30 is attached to the front surface 1 of the housing 14.
5 and is aligned with the diaphragm 24. Once within the meatus 12, re-expansion to provide a high fidelity sonic connection between the diaphragm 24 and the eardrum of the user of the earphone 10. Happens.

An annular flange 27 extends from the front face 15,
The flange 27 projects in a direction substantially normal to the diaphragm 24. The flange 27 covers and is fixed to the elastic member 30. The resilient member 30 preferably has a frusto-conical configuration and a hydrophilic urethane foam.
ethane foam) 36. The member 30 is wrapped so that when the foam 36 is inflated, the covered surface 38 comes into intimate contact with the ear canal 12 to comfortably mount the earphone 10 within the ear canal, as best shown in FIG. It has a roughened outer surface 38.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the earphone 10 includes a housing 14, a magnetic circuit or transducer 22 received within the housing 14, and a diaphragm 24 magnetically coupled to the magnetic circuit 22. Contains. The diaphragm 24 has a diameter D of the housing 14.
It has a diameter D substantially equal to one. The diaphragm 2
4 to cover the protector plate cover (prot
The cover 14 is attached to the housing 14. An annular support flange 27 extends from the protector plate cover 28 and projects generally normal to the cover 28.

The elastic member means 30 comprises first and second members.
And the resilient means 30 engages the cover 28 and fits the first tip 32 within the annular flange 27 so as to project outwardly therefrom. Has been deployed. The deployment is such that the elastic means 30 can be inserted into the user's ear canal 12 when the elastic means 30 is compressed. Subsequent re-expansion of the resilient means causes the diaphragm 24 and the eardrum of the user of the earphone 10
m) with a high fidelity son (high fidelity son
ic connection).

FIG. 6 shows the housing 14 and the converter 2
2 is an exploded perspective view of the earphone 10 shown in FIG. 1 for better illustrating the cover 28 having the tube 46 extending therefrom and the resilient means or anchor 30.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 4 except that the cord 52 has been removed from the housing 14.

FIG. 8 is a view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 and the housing 14 and an annular ridge for attaching the housing 14 to the cover 28.
15 are shown.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 and the resilient strain relief shown in FIG. 4 for relieving the cord 52.
opening to accept strain relief 19
ng) 17 is indicated.

FIG. 10 is a view taken on line 10-10 of FIG. 9 and shows the opening 17 for receiving the relief 19.

FIG. 11 is a view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 8 and shows the annular ridge 15 for fastening the housing 14 to the cover 28.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the anchor 30 shown in FIG. 1 showing its covered surface 38.

FIG. 13 is a view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12 and shows the covered surface 38 extending around the circumference of the anchor 30. FIG.

FIG. 14 shows the anchor removed therefrom.
5 is an end view of the cover 28 as viewed from the left side of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the cover 28 taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14 and showing the tube 46 extending from the cover 28.

FIG. 16 is a view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15 and shows the lip 21 cooperating with the ridge 15 of the housing 14 to attach the cover 28 to the housing 14.

FIG. 15A shows the cover 2 circled in FIG.
It is an enlarged view of the part of No. 8. FIG. 15A shows the lip 21 for attaching the cover 28 to the housing 14.

FIG. 17 shows the tube 46A and the housing 14.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the present invention including a cover 28A attached to A. The housing 14A defines an opening 17A for receiving a resilient cord strain relief 19A therein such that the cord 52A is guided into the housing 14A.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the cord distortion relief 19A. The round shape of the strain relief 19A allows the relief to avoid contact with the user's ear, thus enhancing wearing comfort.

FIG. 19 is a view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18 and the cord 5 relative to the housing 14A.
The cord relief 19A is shown with a cutout 23A to allow 2A deflection.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19 and shows the cord 52A guided by the cord relief 19A.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 20 and shows an opening 17A therein for receiving the cord relief 19A.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing the resilient anchor 30B and the housing 14B.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the earphone shown in FIG. 22, showing the cover 28B disposed between the anchor 30B and the housing 14B.

FIG. 24 is a view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 23 and the anchor 30 surrounding the tube 46B.
B is shown.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 23 and shows the tube 46B extending through the passageway 40B of the anchor 30B. in addition,
The tube 46B has an integral outwardly extending annular collar 2 that allows free insertion of the tube 46B into the passageway 40B of the anchor 30B.
5B. However, the collar 25B tends to inhibit the axial movement of the anchor 30B relative to the tube 46B, as indicated by arrow 27B. The deployment of the collar 25B prevents the anchor 30B from slipping off the tube 46B when the earphone is removed from the ear canal. However, the collar 25B is
The anchor 3 is then replaced for hygiene reasons.
OB can be removed.

FIG. 26 is a view taken along line 26--26 of FIG. 23 and shows the housing 14B and the opening 17B for receiving the cord relief therein, not shown.
Are shown.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the earphone shown in FIG. 22, showing the opening 17B and the housing 14B.

FIG. 28 is an end view of still another embodiment of the present invention showing a housing 14C having a cord 52C extending therefrom.

FIG. 29 is a view taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 28 and shows the housing 14C and the anchor 30C with the cover 28C disposed therebetween.

FIG. 30 is a view taken at line 30-30 of FIG. 29 and shows the tube 46C surrounded by the anchor 30C.

FIG. 31 is a graph comparing the performance of the earphone 10 of the present invention with the performance of the prior art earphone. In FIG. 31, the performance of the earphone of the present invention is shown by line 62, while the performance of one known prior art deployment is depicted graphically with line 64. The performance of the second is shown by line 66.

The graph of FIG. 31 shows a plot of the frequency response of the amplitude response for the stereophonic earphone device of the present invention. In this plot, the earphone (62) of the present invention shows another stereophone (stereo) of the prior art.
eophone) (64, 66). The response characteristics of the prior art stereophon illustrated in the plot are the earbud-type sterling of the prior art.
3 shows the frequency response of the amplitude response of the stereophone of the eophone). Direct comparison of the data of the present invention with representative prior art data indicates that the present invention provides better low frequency performance. This low frequency performance is a direct result of new features including an improved seal between the ear canal and the elastic member or anchor of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also readily appreciate from the graph that the response characteristics at high frequencies and extended bass performance are enhanced by the deployment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a graph comparing the frequency characteristics of the audio noise amplitude of the stereophonic earphone device of the present invention with another prior art device. The noise reduction performance of the present invention is compared to the noise reduction performance of prior art hearing protector ear plugs.

The plot of FIG. 32, which shows acoustic noise isolation and the frequency response of amplitude, illustrates the enhanced capabilities of the present invention. During testing, the invention was inserted into a microphone artificial ear coupler and then generated broadband noise in the area around the subject device and coupler. The plot of FIG. 32 partially illustrates the degree of noise isolation that can be expected from the present invention. Preferably
The product of the invention may be inserted completely into the ear canal. Dashed line 68 is a comparative plot of a typical commercially available earplug hearing protector. Also the base noise line (base lin
e of noise) is also shown.

In operation of the device of the present invention, the user compresses the resilient anchor 30 between the user's fingers and then gently inserts the anchor into the ear canal 12, as best shown in FIG. Next, as the form 36 gradually expands, the covered outer surface 38 of the form is exposed to the ear canal 12.
And the anchor 14 and the housing 14 attached thereto are comfortably mounted to the user's ear as best shown in FIG.

In addition, heat from the user's ear tends to flow through the covered surface 38 to the form 36, thus tending to further soften the form within the perimeter of the ear canal lining. Thus, the anchor 30 is more comfortably mounted within the ear canal. In addition, the close fit of the covered surface 38 with the ear canal 12 seals out external noise from the ear canal.

The present invention provides a unique stereophonic earphone device that fits comfortably within the user's ear canal and provides improved frequency response characteristics and improved bass frequency performance.

Further, the individual components of the device need not be formed in the disclosed configuration or need to be assembled in the disclosed configuration, and are provided in virtually any configuration and are actually assembled in any configuration. Due to the possibility, the device may be integrated with other equipment with which it is combined.

The appended claims cover all such additions,
It is intended to cover transformations and relocations.
Suitable embodiments of the invention are distinguished by the accompanying dependent claims.

The features and aspects of the present invention are as follows.

1. A stereophonic earphone device for insertion into an ear canal of a user comprises a housing having first and second ends, the housing forming an enclosure, the earphone device. Also comprises an electro-acoustic transducer disposed within the enclosure, and a diaphragm disposed within the enclosure adjacent to the transducer, the diaphragm being adapted to emit sound waves therefrom. A diaphragm defines a peripheral flange coupled to the housing for operable cooperation with the transducer, and the earphone device further includes a housing for allowing the diaphragm to be disposed between the cover and the transducer. And a resilient anchor having first and second extremities. The first tip is removably attached to the cover and extends from the cover, the anchor allowing insertion of the anchor into the ear canal when the anchor is compressed. Outer surface (skin
made of a hydrophilic urethane foam having a ned over outer surface, the form having a covered surface in close contact with the ear canal to comfortably mount the device within the ear canal. After the anchor is inserted into the ear canal so as to contact the shape, the shape restoration memory (shape) is gradually expanded so that the form gradually expands.
restoration memory), the anchor is generally conical in shape, and the anchor is tapered inward from the first tip toward the second tip, and the anchor is Terminators 1 and 2
)), wherein the first end is disposed adjacent the cover and the first tip of the anchor, and the earphone device is still further provided with the cover. A tube extending from said passage, said tube being disposed within said passageway;
The tube also has an inner surface and an outer surface, the arrangement of which is such that the tube prevents the passage from being sealed while allowing the transmission of the sound waves from the diaphragm into the ear canal. A stereophonic earphone device for insertion into a user's ear canal, the outer surface of which extends adjacently along the passage.

2. In the above-mentioned earphone device, the housing may be made of a plastics materia.
An earphone device characterized by being made in l).

3. In the above-mentioned earphone device,
An earphone device, wherein the electroacoustic transducer has an electrical conductor for connecting the transducer to a sound reproduction device.

4. In the above-mentioned earphone device,
Iafuon and wherein said diaphragm is made of Mylar (MYLAR ^R).

5. In the above-mentioned earphone device,
An earphone device wherein the cover and the tube are made as a one piece molding to direct the transmission of the sound wave therefrom from the diaphragm to the tube.

6. In the above-mentioned earphone device,
The covered surface extends from the ear canal to the form to further enhance the conformability of the elastic anchor to the ear canal and to inhibit the transmission of external ambient noise past the elastic anchor to the ear canal. An earphone device characterized by enabling heat transfer.

7. In the above-mentioned earphone device,
The second tip is substantially dome-shaped.
earphone device, wherein the covered surface curves inward around the second tip of the anchor so as to be in a configuration).

8. In the above-mentioned earphone device,
The second end of the passage is flared outwardly from the first end to the second end to enhance the response characteristics of the device at high frequencies (fl).
ares outwardly).

9. In the above-mentioned earphone device,
The tubing extends from the first end of the passage to the second
An earphone device extending toward the end of the earphone.

10. In the earphone device of the first aspect, the tube extends from the first end of the passage toward the second end, and the tube ends before the second end of the passage. An earphone device.

11. In the above-mentioned earphone device, the length and diameter of the tube are optimized to optimize a natural acoustic response of the device and to obtain an accurate response frequency characteristic.
An earphone device that is balanced to provide quency response).

12. In the above earphone device, the form may provide a seal against intrusion of external noise into the ear canal and thus provide an extreme extended bass frequency. Characteristic earphone device.

13. In the above-mentioned earphone device, the converter may be audio equipment.
An earphone device, which is selectively electrically connected to an earphone device.

14. An earphone includes a housing having a front surface, a magnetic circuit received within the housing, and a diaphragm magnetically coupled to the magnetic circuit, the diaphragm having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the housing. The earphone also has a high fidelity acoustic connection between the diaphragm and the eardrum of the user of the earphone.
Compression insertion and re-expansion (re-e) into the user's ear canal (aural meatus) to provide a delity sonic connection
an elastic support member attached to the front surface of the housing and aligned with the diaphragm, and an annular flange extending from the front surface, the flange extending relative to the diaphragm. Projecting generally in the normal direction, the flange is also fitting over and attached to the resilient member, the resilient support member is conical in shape, and the resilient member is Also, a hydrophilic urethane having an outer surface covered such that the covered surface is in intimate contact with the ear canal for comfortably mounting the earphone in the ear canal when the form expands. Earphones characterized by being made of foam.

15. The above 14 earphones may further include a protector plate cover attached to the housing to cover the diaphragm.
an earphone, wherein the elastic support member is adapted to be coupled to the protector plate cover.

16. An earphone includes a housing, a magnetic circuit received within the housing, and a diaphragm magnetically coupled to the magnetic circuit, the diaphragm having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the housing. And the earphone also includes a protector plate cover mounted on the housing to cover the diaphragm.
r), an annular support flange extending from the protector plate cover and projecting in a direction substantially normal to the cover, and elastic support means having first and second tips. resilient
and the first tip is fitted within the annular flange such that the resilient support means is coupled to the cover and projects outwardly therefrom. The deployment allows the elastic support means to be inserted into the user's ear canal when the elastic support means is compressed, and the subsequent re-expansion of the elastic support means causes the diaphragm An earphone adapted to provide a high fidelity acoustic connection between the earphone and the eardrum of the user.

17. In the above 16 earphones,
The elastic support means may be frusto-conical
configuration).

18. A method for inserting an earphone into a user's ear canal comprises compressing an elastic foam anchor between the user's fingers, and then gently inserting the anchor into the ear canal. And, the skinned outer surface of the form closely conforms to the shape of the ear canal so that the anchor and the housing attached thereto are comfortably attached to the user's ear. Inserting the earphone into the user's ear canal, comprising the step of gradually expanding the anchor.

19. The method of inserting the 18 earphone into the ear canal of a user further comprises the step of further allowing the anchor to be mounted more comfortably within the ear canal and by providing a close fit of the covered surface with the ear canal. Heat from the user's ear is allowed to flow through the covered surface to the form such that noise is removed from and sealed to the ear canal, thereby lining the ear canal.
(ng) further comprising a step of tending to further soften the surrounding form of the earphone into the ear canal of the user.

20. The earphone according to claim 1, wherein said earphone further comprises a collar integral with said tube to inhibit movement of said anchor.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view, partially in section, of a three-dimensional acoustic earphone device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1 with a resilient anchor compressed prior to its insertion into a user's ear canal.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 2, but showing the resilient anchor with its covered surface gradually expanding to closely contact the ear canal of the user.

FIG. 4 is a view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the earphone shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a view of the housing as viewed from the right side of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a view taken on line 8-8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a partial view of the housing shown in FIG. 1 taken at line 10-10 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view taken on line 11-11 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the anchor shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a view taken on line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a view of the cover shown in FIG. 1 with the anchor removed.

15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14 and is an enlarged view A of the portion of the cover shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a view taken on line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with the anchor removed.

FIG. 18 shows a cord relief shown in FIG.
It is a figure of f).

FIG. 19 is a view taken on line 19-19 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19;

21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a view taken on line 24-24 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a view taken on line 26-26 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, particularly showing its housing.

FIG. 28 is an end view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a view taken on line 29-29 of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a view taken on line 30-30 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a graph comparing the performance of the present invention to the performance of a prior art earphone.

FIG. 32 is a comparison graph of precision noise at each frequency in the earphone of the present invention compared to the performance of the prior art earphone.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 stereophonic earphone device of the present invention 12 ear canal 14, 14A, 14B, 14C housing 15 housing front or annular ridge 16 first end 17, 17A, 17B opening 18 second end 19, 19A relief Reference Signs List 20 enclosure 21 lip 22 electroacoustic transducer 23A cutout portion 24 diaphragm 25B annular collar 26 peripheral flange 27 flange 27B arrow 28, 28A, 28B, 28C cover or protector plate cover 30, 30B, 30C anchor 32 first tip 34 Second tip 36 Form 38 Covered outer surface 40, 40B Passage 42 First end 44 Second end 46, 46A, 46B, 46C Tube 48 Tube inner surface 50 Tube outer surface 52, 52A, 52C Electrical conductor Or code 54 Box 56 Arrow 58 Tube Length 60 Tube Diameter 62 Performance of Earphone of the Invention 64 One Earphone Performance of Prior Art 66 Earphone of Second Prior Art 68 Commercial Ear Plug Hearing Protector

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Alan G. Murrodzykowski 53150 Maskego Shinday Drive South 104 West, Wisconsin, U.S.A. Utsu's Drive 4630

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A stereophonic earphone device for insertion into an ear canal of a user comprising a housing having first and second ends, said housing forming an enclosure. The earphone device also comprises an electro-acoustic transducer disposed within the enclosure, and a diaphragm disposed within the enclosure adjacent to the transducer, wherein the diaphragm is adapted to receive acoustic waves therefrom. Wherein the diaphragm forms a peripheral flange coupled to the housing so as to operably cooperate with the transducer to radiate light, and wherein the earphone device further comprises the diaphragm disposed between the cover and the transducer. A cover attached to the second end of the housing, and a resilient anc having first and second extremities. hor), wherein the first tip is removably attached to the cover and extends from the cover, and wherein the anchor is configured to extend into the ear canal when the anchor is compressed. An outer surface (skinned ov) covered to allow insertion of the anchor
made of a hydrophilic urethane foam having an outer surface, the covered surface being in close contact with the ear canal to comfortably mount the device within the ear canal. After insertion of the anchor into the ear canal so as to make contact, the shape restoring memory (shape restoring memory) is such that the form gradually expands.
the anchor is generally conical in shape, and the anchor is tapered inward from the first tip toward the second tip, and the anchor further comprises Forming a longitudinal passage having first and second terminations, the first termination being disposed adjacent the cover and the first tip of the anchor; The earphone device still further comprises a tube extending from the cover, wherein the tube is disposed within the passage, and wherein the tube has an inner surface and an outer surface, the deployment of which comprises: The outer surface of the tube extends adjacently along the passage to allow for the transmission of the sound waves from the diaphragm into the ear canal while preventing sealing of the tube. Stereophonic Iafuon device for insertion into the ear canal of the requesting user, characterized in that. 2. A housing having an earphone having a front surface, a magnetic circuit received in the housing, and a diaphragm magnetically coupled to the magnetic circuit, wherein the diaphragm is substantially equal to a diameter of the housing. The earphones also have a high fidelity acoustic connection between the diaphragm and the eardrum of the user of the earphones.
compression insertion and re-expansion (re-exp) into the user's aural meatus to provide lity sonic connection
and an elastic support member attached to the front surface of the housing and aligned with the diaphragm, and an annular flange extending from the front surface, wherein the flange extends relative to the diaphragm. Protruding generally in the normal direction, the flange is also fitting over and attached to the resilient member, the resilient support member is conical, and the resilient member is Also, a hydrophilic urethane having an outer surface covered such that the covered surface is in close contact with the ear canal for comfortably mounting the earphone in the ear canal when the form is inflated. Earphones characterized by being made of foam. 3. An earphone comprising a housing, a magnetic circuit received within the housing, and a diaphragm magnetically coupled to the magnetic circuit, wherein the diaphragm is substantially equal to a diameter of the housing. The earphones also have equal diameters, and the earphones also have a protector plate cover attached to the housing to cover the diaphragm.
ate cover); an annular support flange extending from the protector plate cover and projecting in a direction substantially normal to the cover; and elastic support means having first and second tips. (Resilient support
wherein the first tip fits within the annular flange such that the resilient support means is coupled to the cover and projects outwardly therefrom; The arrangement allows insertion of the resilient support means into the user's ear canal when the resilient support means is compressed, and subsequent re-expansion of the resilient support means causes the re-inflation with the diaphragm. An earphone adapted to provide a high fidelity acoustic connection between the earphone and the eardrum of the user. 4. A method for inserting an earphone into a user's ear canal comprising: compressing an elastic foam anchor between the user's fingers; and then gently inserting the anchor into the ear canal. The insertion process and the skinned outer surface of the form closely conforms to the shape of the ear canal so that the anchor and the housing attached thereto are comfortably mounted to the user's ear. Making the anchor of the form gradually expandable so that the earphone can be inserted into the ear canal of the user.