WO1999013682A2 - Lunettes stereophoniques - Google Patents

Lunettes stereophoniques Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999013682A2
WO1999013682A2 PCT/US1998/019193 US9819193W WO9913682A2 WO 1999013682 A2 WO1999013682 A2 WO 1999013682A2 US 9819193 W US9819193 W US 9819193W WO 9913682 A2 WO9913682 A2 WO 9913682A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
temple
earphone
stereophonic
spectacles
conductor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/019193
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO1999013682A3 (fr
Inventor
Peter Arnell
Thomas Ross
Marcus Lui
Steven Lee
Jean-Jacques L'henaff
Peter Poopat
Original Assignee
Arnell/Ross Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arnell/Ross Ltd. filed Critical Arnell/Ross Ltd.
Publication of WO1999013682A2 publication Critical patent/WO1999013682A2/fr
Publication of WO1999013682A3 publication Critical patent/WO1999013682A3/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R5/00—Stereophonic arrangements
    • H04R5/02—Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
    • G02C11/00—Non-optical adjuncts; Attachment thereof
    • G02C11/10—Electronic devices other than hearing aids

Definitions

  • This invention relates to stereophonic spectacles, and more particularly to a spectacle- stereo headphone combination which overcomes many of the problems inherent in previously available devices of this kind.
  • Lightweight stereophonic headphones have become a virtual commodity with the popularity of portable personal music players. An outgrowth of this has been the suggestion to combine the earphones with eyeglass frames in a single unit.
  • stereo spectacles in the prior art are almost too numerous to mention, yet the concept has not resulted in a viable commercial product. Perhaps the most significant reason is psychological.
  • Portable personal music players are used mainly to isolate the user from unpleasant activities such as commuting or to further enhance pleasurable activities.
  • the major requirements are good quality sound without isolating the user from the environment (or conversely, effectively isolating the user from the environment) comfortable size and weight and convenient adjustability to the size of the user's head.
  • the design must also provide convenient and protective storage for the earphones when not in use, and quick and convenient removal from storage and placement into use with minimum distraction of the user from other attention-requiring activities. Also of importance is adaptability to a wide range of frame styles, including one-piece hingeless and hinged frames, and both the bulky and lightweight styles currently popular.
  • Patent 5,272,757 McManigal United States Patent 5,327,178 and Gluz United States Patent 5,335,285 are examples.
  • a problem with this approach is that sound quality (which is generally lower with off the ear devices in any event) depends on the position of the transducers relative to the ears.
  • An incidental problem is that spacing the earphones away from the ears of the user exposes others nearby to the user's entertainment.
  • Cargle United States Design Patent No. 342,080 and in Gales United States Design Patent No. 352,300 employ sliding segments at the ends of the temple pieces which effectively lengthen or shorten the temple pieces as needed, but do not show or suggest comprehensive solutions to the adjustability. (Ballein also shows a screw at the front of the temple piece to pivot the temple piece up and down relative to the brow portion, but this, like other screws in eyeglass frames, is likely to have the tendency to work loose).
  • the Vogt patent noted above also shows a earphone mount in the form of a spring- metal arm pivotally attached to the temple-piece, along which the earphone is slidably mounted.
  • the arm When not in use, the arm may be pivoted forward so the earphone rests on the front part of the temple-piece in what the patentee calls a socket, and which appears to be a small notch.
  • the patentee suggests a pair of arms projecting from the temple piece to restrain the pivoting arm, but the actual nature of this is not described. This construction appears to be complex and costly to manufacture and assemble, and is also not stylish.
  • McCullough United States Patent 4,856,086 shows storage of the earphones in recessess, but the wires must be inserted into the recess before the earphones can be stored. This is likely to inconvenient and distracting to the user if it is to be done while the glasses are being worn.
  • Karppala United States Patent 4,888,805 (also pertaining to an on the ear transducer) discloses a mounting block attached to the temple-piece and similar block on the earphone.
  • a semi-rigid wire having plugs at each end, and designed to mate with receptacles in the blocks, supports the earphones. When not in use, the wire is unplugged from the temple-piece receptacle. This construction appears to require complete removal of the earphones when not in use, and separation of the semi-rigid connecting wires from the earphones for convenient storage.
  • the present invention seeks to provide simple but stylish solutions to the various problems described above which are economical to manufacture and assemble, which use existing hardware and technology to the maximum extent feasible, and are reliable and convenient to use.
  • Several embodiments are disclosed, some of which permit complete removal of the earphones when not in use, and others in which the earphones are captive, i.e., remain attached to the frame at all times. All, however, are characterized by convenient attachment of the earphones to the frame (in the detachable embodiments), connection of the program source to the frame at only a single point, convenient engagement of the earphone with the ear for use, and correspondingly convenient removal and storage when not in use, thereby minimizing distraction while the user's attention is focused on other activities.
  • the ea ⁇ hones are permanently affixed to the frame by their electrical wires, and are stored, when not in use, in recesses on the temple-pieces.
  • Each recess contains a molded insert of elastic material for receiving the earphone. Because of the elastic properties of the material, the earphone may simply snapped into place by pushing it into the insert. The recess is open at the back so the ea ⁇ hone may be released simply by pushing out on the back of the insert, i.e. from the "head" side of the temple-piece.
  • a single cable having a stereo plug at one end provides the connection between the program source and a jack at the distal end of one of the temple- pieces. Wires from the jack are connected directly to the earphone for the adjacent ear, while a conductive path through the frame connects to the wire for the other ea ⁇ hone.
  • a retaining headband similar to the type sold under the trademark "Croakie” is permanently attached to the distal ends of the temple pieces.
  • the incoming cable attaches to a jack secured to the head band; a pair of two-wire cables emanate from the jack to provide a signal and ground path for each earphone.
  • These pass through channels in the headband and exit at a point adjacent to points of connection to the temple- pieces.
  • Each cable is designed with a stop mechanism which allows it to extend from the headband a predetermined distance for convenient storage, and to retract to avoid excess wire length during use.
  • the earphones are completely detachable.
  • One earphone is plug-connected by a monophonic cable to a jack in the distal end of one of the temple-pieces.
  • the connection to the program source is provided by a single stereo cable which is plug-connected to a jack at the distal end of the other temple piece.
  • a monophonic cable emanates from the plug on the stereo cable and is connected directly to the second earphone.
  • the program source for the first ea ⁇ hone is provided by a conductive path through the frame between the receptacles in the temple-pieces.
  • a third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, except the jacks are located at a desired position between the proximal and distal ends of each temple-piece.
  • the transducers are designed for use in the ear and storage behind the ear. These are permanently attached to the frame by telescoping semi-rigid arms extending from each temple-piece, which, in turn are attached to pivoting ea ⁇ hones.
  • the connection to the program source is provided by a single stereo cable which plugs into a stereo jack at the distal end of one of the temple-pieces.
  • the incoming signals are electrically connected through the frames to the fixed ends of the telescoping arms, and a combination of moving and fixed conductive elements of which the arms themselves are comprised, provide signal paths to the ea ⁇ hones.
  • the nature of the conductive path through the frame will depend on the construction of the frame.
  • the conductive paths may be provided solely by continuous wires.
  • Channels are molded into the frame which allow the wires to pass from one temple- piece, through the brow or front portion of the frame, to the other temple-piece.
  • the channels may completely or partially conceal the wires, depending on the "look" desired.
  • wires molded into the temple-pieces are connected to the temple portion of the hinge, while wires molded into the brow-piece are attached to the brow portions of the hinges.
  • Each of the hinge portions is constructed to provide separate electrically insulated sections, to serve as the signal and ground or return paths.
  • FIG. 1 is an overall view of one preferred embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a portion of one of the temple-pieces shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the construction of the front of the ea ⁇ hone retaining receptacle;
  • FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of one temple-piece showing the earphone in place in its receptacle;
  • FIG. 5 shows the connecting plug at the music player end of the connecting cable;
  • FIG. 6a is a view, partially cut away, and partially in section, of the distal end of one of the temple-pieces showing the program source jack;
  • FIG. 6b is a perspective view, partially in section, showing the construction of the jack shown in FIG 6a;
  • FIG. 6c is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 6b;
  • FIG. 7a is a cut away view showing the construction of a suitable conductive hinge
  • FIG. 7b is a cut away view of a (preferred) hinge design
  • FIG. 8 is a partially cut away view showing the wire connection for the earphone attached to the other temple-piece;
  • FIG. 9 is an overall view of a second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 10a shows an overall view one of the temple plugs for the embodiment of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 10b is a sectional view showing the details of the plug shown in FIG 10a;
  • FIG. 11 shows the other temple plug and the connected earphone for the embodiment of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 12 shows a side view of a third embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 13 shows a portion of the under side of the temple-piece shown in FIG. 12;
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 15 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 illustrating one of the earphones in its operative position and the cable connection to the program source;
  • FIG. 16 is a fragmentary view of the temple-piece and earphone shown in FIG. 15 illustrating the ea ⁇ hone in its stored position, as viewed from the head side;
  • FIG. 17 is a vertical section in the plane of FIG. 15 illustrating the construction of the end of telescoping arm which is attached to the temple-piece;
  • FIG. 18 is a cross-section taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 17 further illustrating the construction of the telescoping arm
  • FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing the construction of the end of the telescoping arm which is attached to the earphone;
  • FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along line 20-20 in FIG. 19;
  • FIG. 21 is an overall view of a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in which a head band provides the means for connecting the incoming program source cable to the ea ⁇ hones;
  • FIG. 22 is a pictorial view showing the details of the head band shown in FIG. 21;
  • FIG. 23 is a side view of a variation of earphone receptacle for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 21;
  • FIGS. 23 A and 23B are sectional views taken along lines A- A and B-B in FIG. 23;
  • FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along line 24-24 in FIG. 23 showing an ea ⁇ hone in place in the receptacle of FIG. 23.
  • stereophonic spectacles 20 comprises an eyeglass frame 22 and a pair of stereo ea ⁇ hones 24 and 26.
  • Frame 22 includes a brow portion 28, and two temple-pieces 30 and 32.
  • Suitable lenses 34 and 36 are mounted in brow portion 28 is any conventional or suitable manner.
  • Ea ⁇ hones 24 and 26 are captive, i.e., permanently affixed to frame 22, and, when not in use, are stored in receptacles 38 and 40 in temple-pieces 30 and 32, respectively.
  • Receptacles 38 and 40 are each comprised of a molded insert 42 contained in recesses 43 within each of the temple-pieces.
  • ea ⁇ hone 24 which is of conventional construction, is comprised of a suitable electromechanical transducer, not shown, mounted in a body 24a.
  • An ea ⁇ iece 24b projects from one end of body 24a to engage snugly but comfortably in an operating position in the ear of the user.
  • Ea ⁇ iece 24b can be resilient (e.g., formed of semi rigid foam or other flexible plastic material) or rigid, as desired.
  • a flexible two-wire cable 24c extends outwardly from the opposite end of body 24a. The wires are connected to the transducer in a conventional manner.
  • Earphones 24 and 26 are identical in construction.
  • each insert 42 is formed of a resilient rubberlike material of any suitable or desired type such as flexible urethane, with a body cavity 44 of a shape suitable for receiving the ea ⁇ hone, and a flexible back wall 46 which projects outwardly as shown when the earphone is not in place. As described in more detail below, this provides a release mechanism for the stored earphone.
  • recess 43 can be formed with a marginal groove to receive outwardly projecting ribs on the margins of insert 42 in a snap fit, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.
  • a marginal flap 48 defines an opening having approximately the same shape as the earphone, and, as illustrated best in FIG. 4, is slightly smaller in the transverse direction than the portion of the earphone with which it engages when the ea ⁇ hone is in place.
  • grooves 49 may be molded in temple- pieces 30 and 32 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
  • Marginal flaps 48 also define an undercut marginal groove 50 which is approximately the same size transversely as the ea ⁇ hone. Because of the elastic properties of the material from which insert 42 is formed, the ea ⁇ hone may be snapped into, and retained in place simply by pushing it into body cavities 44. As will be appreciated, depending on the elastic properties of insert 42, by adjusting the size of marginal groove 50 in relation to the size and shape of the ea ⁇ hone, a tighter or looser fit may be achieved. Best results are also achieved if the ear-piece 24b of earphone 24 is relatively rigid compared to the flap portions 48.
  • each recess 43 is formed with a passage entirely through the temple-piece from the outer side to the back side, i.e., the side adjacent to the user's head, thereby allowing access to the back side 52 of insert 42.
  • ea ⁇ iece 26b displaces the center portion 46 of insert 42 toward the head side of temple-piece 32 to the position indicated in outline in FIG. 3. (See, also, FIG. 1.)
  • the wearer simply pushes outwardly on cavity back wall portion, and the ea ⁇ hone pops out.
  • FIGS. 23 and 24 An alternative construction for receptacles 38 and 40 is shown in FIGS. 23 and 24.
  • a temple-piece 350 contains a recess 352 which receives a resilient insert 354 similar to insert 42 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and secured in recess 352 in the manner described for insert 42.
  • Insert 354 includes a first cavity 356 for receiving earpiece 364 of the earphone; the cavity being formed with a flexible back wall 358 to provide the release mechanism for the stored earphone, also as previously described.
  • the front end of recess 352 (i.e., that closest to the brow portion of the frame), is formed with a rearwardly extending lip or return 360.
  • the elongated body portion of the earphone (corresponding to 24a in FIG. 1) rests in an elongated depression which forms a second cavity 366 communicating with earpiece cavity 356, and extending rearwardly along temple-piece 350.
  • Body cavity 366 terminates in a rearwardly extending groove 368 adapted to receive and retain the earphone wire such as 26c shown in FIG. 4.
  • a groove 370 may be molded in temple-piece 350 to receive the remainder of the ea ⁇ hone wire when the ea ⁇ hone is in the storage position.
  • connection to the program source is provided by a single three- wire stereo cable 54, with suitable plugs 56 and 58 at the program source and spectacle ends, respectively.
  • plug 56 is of conventional construction with a body portion 60 and a three-channel connector prong 62. Body portion
  • body portion 64 on plug 58 may be of whatever shape suits the requirements of function and/or style, but it is preferable that at least body portion 64 be elongated and without a right angle bend.
  • Plug 58 is adapted to mate with a conventional three-conductor jack 66 located at the distal end of temple-piece 32.
  • the jack is preferably a conventional device such as the type M2 jack which is commercially available from a variety of sources, but may be of any other suitable construction, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
  • jack 66 consists of a body portion 68 with an axial bore 69 designed to receive stereo plug 58.
  • Jack 68 includes three contact members, two of which are shown at 70a and 70b in FIGS. 6b and 6c, and the third of which is shown at 70c in FIG. 6c.
  • Contact member 70a is formed of a flat spring metal plate bent at the center to form a pair of opposed resilient arms 72a and 72b.
  • the arm 72a is of sufficient length that a contact face 73 at its free end engages with contact tip 76 on stereo plug 58.
  • the free end of arm 72b terminates in a perpendicular flag 74 which extends outwardly through body 68 to provide a connection point for signal wire 98 in a two-wire cable 90 (see FIG. 6a).
  • Contact member 70c (see FIG. 6c) is similar to contact member 70a except that spring arm 76a (which corresponds to arm 72a previously described) is shorter so its contact face 77 engages with contact ring 78 on plug 58.
  • the outwardly extending flag portion 79 on contact member 70c provides a connection point for signal wire 86 in two-wire cable 26c.
  • the common ground connection for cables 90 and 24c is provided by contact member 70b.
  • Contact member 70b consists of a single arm 82, one end of which is deformed outwardly at 83a to engage with conductive ring 80 on plug 58. The other end 83b is bent in the opposite direction and extends out of body 68 to provide a connection point for the two ground wires 88 and 95, in cables 26c and 90, respectively.
  • Cable 26c which comprises signal wire 86 and ground wire 88 passes through a strain sleeve 84 to provide the signal and ground paths for earphone 26 (see FIG. 4).
  • Cable 90 comprising signal wire 89 and ground wire 95, provides the signal and ground paths for earphone 24.
  • earphone cable 24c exits from the distal end of temple-piece 30 through a strain relief sleeve 97.
  • a pathway for cable 90 is provided through temple piece 32, brow portion 28 and temple-piece 30. This may be done by molding a channel into the frame portions when it is fabricated, or in any other suitable manner.
  • cable 90 in FIG. 6a represents the internal portion of cable 24c which proceeds in an unbroken path to speaker 24.
  • the hinges may provide the connections between the cable portions in the temple-pieces and the brow piece. There are many ways to accomplish this, one of which is conceptualized in FIG. 7a.
  • hinge 92 connects cable 24c in temple-piece 30 to cable 100 in brow portion 28.
  • Hinge 92 is formed of upper segment 94a suitably secured to brow portion 28 and lower segment 94b, suitably secured to temple-piece 30.
  • the signal wire 99a and ground wire 99b which comprise cable 24 are connected to conductive hinge segments 96a and 96b suitably secured to temple-piece 30, while the signal wire 100a and ground wire 100b which comprise cable 100 are connected to conductive hinge segments 96c and 96d, respectively, suitably secured to brow portion 28.
  • Segment 94a is separated from segment 96a by an insulating ring 98a.
  • Segment 94b is separated from segment 96d by an insulating ring 98b.
  • Segments 96b and 96c are separated by insulating ring 98c.
  • Lower segment 94b is internally threaded to engage a hinge screw (not shown).
  • the huge screw may either be formed of a non-conductive material such as nylon, or an insulating tube (not shown) may be inserted through the huge segments to receive the huge screw while preventing contact between the screw and the hinge segments.
  • hinge 200 is comprised of upper and lower conductive segments 202 and 204 suitably secured to the brow portion, and upper and lower conductive segments 206 and 208 suitably secured to the temple-piece.
  • An insulating segment is provided between segments 206 and 208 to electrically isolate these segments from each other.
  • each hinge segment may be comprised of a sleeve portion such as sleeve portion 216 and a flag portion such as flag portion 218.
  • Sleeve portion 216 is adapted to receive a threaded hinge screw 220 which, in turn, is adapted to be threaded into a suitable receptacle 222 in the brow portion.
  • An insulated sleeve 224 is provided on screw 220 to prevent a short circuit between segments 206 and 208 through the screw; alternatively, the screw itself may be formed of nylon or other suitably durable nonconductive material, if desired.
  • receptacle 222 may be eliminated, if desired, by internally threading sleeve portion 223 of huge portion 204 to receive screw 220.
  • Flag portion 218 of hinge segment 202 is designed to be molded into the brow portion. Perforations 226 may be provided into which the molding material may flow to provide a more secure connection.
  • FIGS. 9 through 11 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the invention in which the earphones are not captive, but are designed to plug into jacks at the distal ends of the temple pieces.
  • spectacle 102 includes temple-pieces 104 and 106, a brow portion 108, and earphones 1 10 and 112, the latter constructed in the manner described in connection with the first embodiment.
  • Earphone 110 is connected by a two wire cable 114, which terminates in a plug 116, to a single channel jack (not shown) fitted at the distal end 118 of temple-piece 104.
  • earphone 112 is connected by a two wire cable 120, which terminates in a plug 122, to a single channel jack (also not shown) fitted at the distal end 124 of temple-piece 106.
  • plug 122 also provides connection to the music player through a two channel cable 126.
  • plug 122 consists of a body portion 230 and a coaxial probe generally designated 128.
  • Probe 128 is comprised of an outer conductive segment 130, an intermediate conductive segment 236, and a central conductive segment 238.
  • outer segment 130 extending beyond body 230 is essentially cylindrical in shape.
  • Intermediate conductive segment 236 is also generally of cylindrical shape, but includes an end portion of increased diameter to provide a conductive ring 134 on probe 128.
  • Central conducting segment 238 is also generally cylindrical but includes an enlarged generally tapered end 132 extending beyond intermediate conductive segment 236.
  • Outer conductive segment 130 is electrically insulated from conductive ring portion 134 of intermediate conductive segment 236 by a radially extending portion 250 of insulating sleeve 242.
  • conductive ring segment 134 is separated from the tapered end 132 of inner conductive segment 238 by a radially extended portion 252 of insulating sleeve 240.
  • probe 128 provides the means for connection of the signal and ground wires in cables 120 and 126.
  • Signal wire 120a in cable 120 is attached to outer conductive segment 130 at 254, while the corresponding signal wire 126a in cable 126 is connected to outer conductive segment 130 at 256.
  • Intermediate conductive segment 236 extends beyond outer conductive segment 130 within body 230 to provide a convenient point of attachment 258 for the second signal wire 126c in cable 126.
  • Ground wire 120b in cable 120 may also be connected at point 260.
  • a radially extending segment 262 of inner insulating sleeve 240 electrically isolates the inwardly extending portions of inner conductive segment 238 and intermediate conductive segment 236.
  • a similar radially extending portion 264 of outer insulating sleeve 242 separates the inwardly extending portion of intermediate conducting segment 236 from outer conducting segment 130.
  • the two signal channels and the ground path are accessible on probe 128 at outer conductive segment 130, conductive ring 134 and tapered probe tip 132 respectively, but since one channel is provided directly through cable 120 only the signal path accessible at conductive ring 134 and probe tip 132 need to be connected to the jack in temple-piece 124 (see FIG. 9). Accordingly, while the standard M2 jack may be used, (see FIG. 7B), only the two connecting points corresponding to the second channel and the ground path are utilized.
  • FIGS. 12 and 13 show a third embodiment. This is a variant of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 through 11 in which the jacks in the temple-pieces are located at intermediate positions rather than at the distal ends.
  • An enlarged projection 138 in temple- piece 140 receives a jack (not shown) which connects to a plug 142.
  • FIG. 13 shows the under side 148 of temple- piece 140, and plug 142 in its engaged position.
  • FIGS. 14 though 20 show yet another embodiment of the invention in which the ea ⁇ hones are captive, and designed for storage behind and above the ear. This is particularly convenient for use with flat ea ⁇ hones designed for vertical insertion in the ear, (and in which the diaphragm of the transducer faces toward the front of the user's head).
  • spectacle 150 has pivoting earphones 152 and 154 supported by telescoping arms 156 and 158 mounted in temple-pieces 160 and 162 respectively, which provide both support and the required signal paths.
  • the earphones are positioned as illustrated in FIG. 15, and inserted in the ear with side 152a, through which the sound emanates facing forward.
  • arm 156 is extended to move ea ⁇ hone 152 to a position adjacent the distal end of temple-piece 160, and the ea ⁇ hones are pivoted up to the position shown.
  • connection to the music player is provided through a two-channel plug 188 which mates with a jack (not shown) which may also be an M2 type jack as illustrated in FIGS. 6a-6c, or of other suitable construction mounted in the distal end 190 of temple-piece 160.
  • the cable for ea ⁇ hone 152 goes directly from the jack to telescoping arm 156 as described below, while the cable for earphone 154 is fed from the jack, through temple-piece 160 and brow portion 163 to a two- wire cable in temple-piece 158, as illustrated in FIG. 17.
  • the routing of cables within the temple-pieces and the brow portion may be as described previously.
  • arm 158 is illustrated in FIGS. 17 through 20, but it will be understood that arm 156 is of the same construction.
  • arm 158 is a coaxial structure with fixed and a sliding segments at the temple-piece end (see FIGS. 17 and 18), and a pivoting segment at the ea ⁇ hone end (see FIGS. 19 and 20).
  • a central conductive rod 164 is rigidly attached to temple-piece 160 at the forward end 168 in any suitable manner.
  • the live wire 165 for earphone 154 which provides the signal path from the music player through the embedded cables in the frame, is also connected to rod 164 at end 168.
  • a moving portion 169 which is comprised of several insulating and conductive coaxial tubes in fixed relation to each other.
  • a first conductive tube 170 In direct sliding contact with rod 164 is a first conductive tube 170, surrounded by an insulating tube 172. This, in turn is surrounded by a second conductive tube 174 and an outer insulating sleeve 176.
  • Rod 164 extends sufficiently out beyond the opening 177 in temple-piece 160 (see FIG. 14) to provide the desired rigidity for arm 156. It will also be understood by one skilled in the art, that the position of telescoping arm 158 illustrated in FIG. 17 corresponds to the maximum extended position, i.e., the storage position shown in FIG. 16. Referring still to FIG. 17, outer sleeve 176 terminates within temple-piece 160, but short of the inner end 180 of moving portion 169. Adjacent to the end of sleeve 176 is a stationary contact finger 182 secured to the temple-piece, and attached to ground wire 184.
  • the signal path for live wire 165 is through the sliding contact between rod 164 and tube 170, while the signal path for ground wire 184 is through the sliding contact between tube 174 and fixed contact finger 182.
  • Contact finger 182 is formed of spring material and includes an upwardly bent end portion 183 so that reliable contact with conductive tube 174 is maintained at all times, even if movable portion 169 is at its maximum retracted position.
  • a thumb grip 186 is secured to the under side of tube 174.
  • the body 192 of thumb grip 186 travels in a blind slot 187 in the bottom of temple-piece 162.
  • the outward travel of arm 158 is limited by the end wall 194 of slot 187.
  • FIGS. 19 and 20 there is illustrated a preferred form of pivoting support for earphone 154.
  • This consists of a connecting sleeve 196 secured to the sliding portion 169 of telescoping arm 158, and to housing 198 for speaker 154.
  • Housing 198 includes an elongated tubular end 195 which fits over the end of coupling sleeve 196.
  • a circumferential slot 197 near the end of tubular portion 195 extends for a distance of 90° (see FIG. 20) and is adapted to receive a retaining dog 199 which extends radially outward from the lower surface of coupling sleeve 196.
  • Wires 191 and 193 are connected respectively to sleeve portions 170 and 174 of arm 158. These are connected to the speaker in a conventional manner.
  • Blind slot 197 cooperates with dog 199 to permit rotation of earphone 154 from the position as shown in FIG. 15 to the storage position shown in FIG. 16.
  • FIGS. 21 and 22 there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention which constitutes a variant of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
  • Spectacle 300 includes brow portion 301, and temple-pieces 302 and 304, the latter having a storage receptacle 306 for an ea ⁇ hone 308.
  • the storage receptacles may be as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, or in FIGS. 23 and 24.
  • a headband 312 permanently secured to the distal ends of temple-pieces 302 and 304.
  • the headband is formed of an elastic material and is of sufficient length to permit the spectacle to be worn loosely around the user's neck but also to fit comfortably on the head in the operative position.
  • a male plug 314 on the end of cable 313 from the audio source is adapted to mate with a female plug 316 which in turn is connected to another stereo cable 318.
  • Cables 322 and 324 are adapted to move freely within the channel in headband 312 so that the length of the cables extending out of the headband to the speakers may be adjusted by pulling on the speakers or the cable 318. This allows shortening cables 322 and 324 to a convenient length when the speakers are in use, and lengthening the cables to allow the speakers to extend to the storage receptacles, and also to permit use of the earphones even when the spectacle 300 is hanging around the user's neck.
  • One way to accomplish this, as illustrated in FIG. 22, is to provide a stop 320 molded on to or otherwise secured to cable 318 at a suitable position. Beyond this point, cable 318 splits into two separate single channel cables 322 and 324. These cables are threaded through a grommet 326 which provides a restrictive opening to the interior of headband 312.
  • a channel within the headband allows wires 322 and 324 to pass to the ends 328 and 330 at which temple-pieces 302 and 304 are connected to the head band.
  • end 328 cable
  • Stops 332 and 334 on two wire cables 322 and 234, respectively, are provided to limit the outward movement of the cables.
  • plug and jack constructions shown are exemplary, as are the hinge designs.
  • Other configurations for the conductive telescoping arms are also possible, as are the means for providing the attachment of the ea ⁇ hones to the telescoping arms.
  • Other variations of the storage receptacles on the temple pieces beyond those illustrated are also within the scope of the invention.
  • temple-pieces themselves to terminate in conductive telescoping segments, with the earphone housing pivotally attached to the temple-pieces, rather than a separate arm.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une combinaison de lunettes et d'écouteurs stéréophoniques destinée être connectée à un lecteur de musique personnel portatif, qui est élégante, commode et techniquement appropriée à des situations de la vie réelle. Des modes de réalisation qui permettent un retrait complet des écouteurs comportent une connexion directe d'un écouteur au lecteur de musique par une prise qui se connecte également à un jack situé dans un des éléments de branche. Un câblage interne passe à travers les éléments de branches et la partie de sourcils en direction d'un jack situé dans l'autre élément de branche, ce dernier étant connecté par une fiche à un câble destiné à l'autre écouteur. Dans un mode de réalisation dans lequel les écouteurs sont fixes, un seul câble stéréophonique est connecté au lecteur de musique et au câblage interne situé dans la monture des lunettes pour fournir des connexions aux deux écouteurs. Les écouteurs sont conçus pour être stockés dans des éléments d'insertion élastiques moulés, qui sont logés dans des cavités des éléments de branches. Les cavités sont ouvertes à l'arrière, de sorte qu'on peut retirer les écouteurs simplement en pressant sur l'arrière de l'élément d'insertion. Dans une variante de ce mode de réalisation, une bandeau élastique est fixé de façon permanente aux éléments de branches. Le câblage est constitué de câbles qui passent à travers un canal situé dans le bandeau, et sont directement connectés aux écouteurs. Les câbles s'étendent à partir du bandeau, et se rétractent à l'intérieur de celui-ci pour permettre un placement adéquat des écouteurs en cours d'utilisation et pendant leur stockage. Dans un autre mode de réalisation à écouteurs fixes, les écouteurs sont conçus pour être stockés derrière l'oreille, et sont montés pivotants sur des bras télescopiques qui s'étendent à partir de chaque élément de branche.
PCT/US1998/019193 1997-09-12 1998-09-11 Lunettes stereophoniques WO1999013682A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US5868497P 1997-09-12 1997-09-12
US60/058,684 1997-09-12
US4437198A 1998-03-19 1998-03-19
US09/044,371 1998-03-19

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999013682A2 true WO1999013682A2 (fr) 1999-03-18
WO1999013682A3 WO1999013682A3 (fr) 1999-05-06

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1998/019193 WO1999013682A2 (fr) 1997-09-12 1998-09-11 Lunettes stereophoniques

Country Status (2)

Country Link
TW (1) TW419908B (fr)
WO (1) WO1999013682A2 (fr)

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001035159A1 (fr) * 1999-11-12 2001-05-17 Ppg Industries Ohio, Inc. Charnière à axe en deux parties dotée d'un fil traversant
AU2002318469B8 (en) * 2001-07-02 2003-03-03 Rubicon Medical, Inc. Methods, systems, and devices for providing embolic protection
NL1022750C2 (nl) * 2003-02-20 2004-08-23 Frederik Daniel Nossbaum Masker.
KR100816894B1 (ko) * 1999-08-31 2008-03-26 캠브리지 디스플레이 테크놀로지 리미티드 고분자층의 증착 방법
GB2443798A (en) * 2006-11-16 2008-05-21 Umo Oyom Young Visor with earplugs
EP2242287A1 (fr) * 2009-04-14 2010-10-20 Bose Corporation Couplage de câble de dispositif audio personnel réversible
US20130141313A1 (en) * 2011-07-18 2013-06-06 Tiger T.G. Zhou Wearable personal digital eyeglass device
WO2013124819A2 (fr) * 2012-02-21 2013-08-29 Cochlear Limited Coupleur acoustique
AU2013200170A1 (en) * 2012-05-29 2013-12-19 Jin Co., Ltd. Eyewear
US8929573B2 (en) 2012-09-14 2015-01-06 Bose Corporation Powered headset accessory devices
WO2015173480A1 (fr) * 2014-05-12 2015-11-19 Beausoleil Manchon de lunettes destiné à contenir une partie d'un appareil acoustique
CN110741310A (zh) * 2017-06-07 2020-01-31 意大利霞飞诺生产公司 具有生物传感器的眼镜
KR20200014891A (ko) * 2017-06-07 2020-02-11 사필로 소시에타 아지오나리아 화브리카 이탈리아나 라보라지온 옥치알리 에스. 피. 에이. 귀 장치를 포함하는 안경

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8590539B2 (en) * 2009-06-23 2013-11-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Headgear-earwear assembly and a method of assembling same

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US4901355A (en) * 1986-08-04 1990-02-13 Moore Michael R Combination multiple supported variable position audio intake control devices
US5164987A (en) * 1991-10-17 1992-11-17 Raven Jay R Personal stereo speaker assembly
US5457751A (en) * 1992-01-15 1995-10-10 Such; Ronald W. Ergonomic headset

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US4901355A (en) * 1986-08-04 1990-02-13 Moore Michael R Combination multiple supported variable position audio intake control devices
US5164987A (en) * 1991-10-17 1992-11-17 Raven Jay R Personal stereo speaker assembly
US5457751A (en) * 1992-01-15 1995-10-10 Such; Ronald W. Ergonomic headset

Cited By (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100816894B1 (ko) * 1999-08-31 2008-03-26 캠브리지 디스플레이 테크놀로지 리미티드 고분자층의 증착 방법
WO2001035159A1 (fr) * 1999-11-12 2001-05-17 Ppg Industries Ohio, Inc. Charnière à axe en deux parties dotée d'un fil traversant
AU2002318469B8 (en) * 2001-07-02 2003-03-03 Rubicon Medical, Inc. Methods, systems, and devices for providing embolic protection
AU2002318469B2 (en) * 2001-07-02 2007-06-21 Rubicon Medical, Inc. Methods, systems, and devices for providing embolic protection
NL1022750C2 (nl) * 2003-02-20 2004-08-23 Frederik Daniel Nossbaum Masker.
EP1449504A1 (fr) * 2003-02-20 2004-08-25 Frederik Daniel Nossbaum Masque pour les yeux ayant des poches pour recevoir des bouchons auriculaires
GB2443798B (en) * 2006-11-16 2011-06-29 Umo Oyom Young A relaxation device
GB2443798A (en) * 2006-11-16 2008-05-21 Umo Oyom Young Visor with earplugs
EP2242287A1 (fr) * 2009-04-14 2010-10-20 Bose Corporation Couplage de câble de dispositif audio personnel réversible
US8477959B2 (en) 2009-04-14 2013-07-02 Bose Corporation Reversible personal audio device cable coupling
US20130141313A1 (en) * 2011-07-18 2013-06-06 Tiger T.G. Zhou Wearable personal digital eyeglass device
WO2013124819A2 (fr) * 2012-02-21 2013-08-29 Cochlear Limited Coupleur acoustique
WO2013124819A3 (fr) * 2012-02-21 2013-10-31 Cochlear Limited Coupleur acoustique
US9247353B2 (en) 2012-02-21 2016-01-26 Cochlear Limited Acoustic coupler
US9433369B2 (en) 2012-05-29 2016-09-06 Jin Co., Ltd. Eyewear
AU2013200170A1 (en) * 2012-05-29 2013-12-19 Jin Co., Ltd. Eyewear
US9706941B2 (en) 2012-05-29 2017-07-18 Jin Co., Ltd. Eyewear
US8929573B2 (en) 2012-09-14 2015-01-06 Bose Corporation Powered headset accessory devices
WO2015173480A1 (fr) * 2014-05-12 2015-11-19 Beausoleil Manchon de lunettes destiné à contenir une partie d'un appareil acoustique
CN110741310A (zh) * 2017-06-07 2020-01-31 意大利霞飞诺生产公司 具有生物传感器的眼镜
KR20200014897A (ko) * 2017-06-07 2020-02-11 사필로 소시에타 아지오나리아 화브리카 이탈리아나 라보라지온 옥치알리 에스. 피. 에이. 바이오-센서를 가진 안경
KR20200014891A (ko) * 2017-06-07 2020-02-11 사필로 소시에타 아지오나리아 화브리카 이탈리아나 라보라지온 옥치알리 에스. 피. 에이. 귀 장치를 포함하는 안경
US20200142222A1 (en) * 2017-06-07 2020-05-07 SAFILO SOCIETÀ AZIONARIA FABBRICA ITALIANA LAVORAZIONE OCCHIALI S.p.A. Spectacles comprising auricular devices
JP2020522755A (ja) * 2017-06-07 2020-07-30 サフィーロ・ソシエタ・アツィオナリア・ファブリカ・イタリアナ・ラボラツィオーネ・オッチアリ・エス・ピー・エー 耳介用装置を備える眼鏡
JP2020522756A (ja) * 2017-06-07 2020-07-30 サフィーロ・ソシエタ・アツィオナリア・ファブリカ・イタリアナ・ラボラツィオーネ・オッチアリ・エス・ピー・エー バイオセンサを有する眼鏡
CN110741310B (zh) * 2017-06-07 2022-02-15 意大利霞飞诺生产公司 具有生物传感器的眼镜
KR102525480B1 (ko) * 2017-06-07 2023-04-25 사필로 소시에타 아지오나리아 화브리카 이탈리아나 라보라지온 옥치알리 에스. 피. 에이. 귀 장치를 포함하는 안경
US11635639B2 (en) * 2017-06-07 2023-04-25 Safilo—Societa Azionaria Fabbrica Italiana Lavorazione Occhiali S.P.A. Spectacles comprising auricular devices
KR102543190B1 (ko) * 2017-06-07 2023-06-14 사필로 소시에타 아지오나리아 화브리카 이탈리아나 라보라지온 옥치알리 에스. 피. 에이. 바이오-센서를 가진 안경

Also Published As

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TW419908B (en) 2001-01-21

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