WO2011059375A1

WO2011059375A1 - Ear attachment

Info

Publication number: WO2011059375A1
Application number: PCT/SE2010/051149
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ulf Rollof
Original assignee: Ulf Rollof
Priority date: 2009-11-16
Filing date: 2010-10-22
Publication date: 2011-05-19
Also published as: SE1050716A1; SE534324C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ear attachment (1) manufactured in one piece which attachment (1) is arranged to be placed around an external ear of a wearer. The attachment (1) comprises a first arcuate portion (3) and a second arcuate portion (4), which extends in a second plane that is substantially at right angles to the plane for the first arcuate portion (3). The second arcuate portion (4) is arranged to support an element (2) to be placed into the auditory meatus of an ear at a first end, and is connected to a first end (5) of the first arcuate portion (3) at a second end (5). The second arcuate portion (4) extends on either side (i, ii) of the plane of the first arcuate portion (3) and is located inside the arc formed by the first arcuate portion (3). The first arcuate portion (3) is dimensioned so that it must be expanded to be placed around the external ear of the wearer.

Description

EAR ATTACHMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The current invention is related to an ear attachment according to the general portion of claim 1

BACKGROUND ART

Headphones and earphones are today commonly used with different kinds of sound generating devices, for instance portable sound generating devices or audio equipment, such as radios mobile phones, CD players and/or MP3 players, or players using a different type of digital file format. Headphones and earphones use a small sound emitting device, such as a loudspeaker that can be placed adjacent the ear of a user in order to reproduce the sound from the sound generating device. The earphone and its loudspeaker can be connected to an associated sound generating device by means of wires or cables, or alternatively via a wireless connection. In addition it is possible to place a sound generating device, such as a player, adjacent and/or integrated in the earphone, provided that the size of the player is small. US 2004/0170294 and US 2.939.923 show examples of sound generating devices with an element for placement in the ear.

The cables are often long in order to make it possible for multiple users to use the player. In that way there is a risk that the user may snag the cable and unintentionally pull the loudspeaker out of the ear. There is also a risk that the user may unintentionally come into contact with the earphone so that the loudspeaker will fall out of the ear, for instance during physical activity or in situations where the connection between is wireless or when the player is located adjacent to and/or integrated in the earphone. The reception of sound is then interrupted and the loudspeaker must again be placed in the ear of the user. There is also a risk that ears or loudspeakers may be damaged if the loudspeaker is subjected to a violent jerk when the user comes into unintentional contact with the cables and/or the sound generating device. It is often also difficult to adjust the position of the loudspeaker extending into the ear.

Many headphones currently on the market are also difficult to adapt to the needs and the ears of different users in a simple way. A further problem is that the known loudspeakers are not securely attached to the ear and are therefore not suitable for use during different physical activities involving rapid movements of the body, such as ball games, martial arts, acrobatics or for snowboarding or skateboarding or similar. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the invention is to solve, or at least significantly reduce the problems associated with earlier known solutions. This purpose is achieved by means of an ear attachment as defined in the introduction provided with the features stated in the characterizing portion of claim 1 . The invention therefore relates to an ear attachment arranged to be placed around the external ear of a user. The attachment comprises a first arcuate portion forming a first arc, which first arcuate portion extends in a first plane, and a second arcuate portion forming a second arc, which second arcuate portion extends in a second plane which is substantially at right angles to the said first plane. The second arcuate portion is arranged to support an element to be placed into the auditory meatus of an ear at a first end, and transitions into a first end of the first arcuate portion at a second end. The second arcuate portion extends on either side of the said first plane and is located inside the arc formed by the first arcuate portion. The attachment has a unique design that follows the anatomy of the external ear and the attachment is thereby ergonomically attached to the ear. Further surprising and unexpected effects are achieved by means of the special design of the ear attachment, for instance in relation to the distribution of forces during external action applied to the attachment, which provide an improved retention of the ear attachment compared to earlier known solutions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional purposes, characteristics and advantages of the invention will be described in a subsequent detailed description. Described embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The description is made with reference to the appended drawing figures, wherein:

Figure 1 shows an ear attachment for a left ear, according to one embodiment of the invention

Figure 2 shows a rear view of an ear attachment for a left ear, according to the current invention.

Figure 3 shows a side view of an ear attachment for a left ear, according to the current invention.

Figure 4 shows a lower view of an ear attachment for a left ear, according to the current invention.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment for a right ear, according to the current invention.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment for a right ear, according to the current invention.

Figure 7 shows a plan view of an ear attachment for a right ear, according to the current invention.

Figure 8 shows a rear view of an ear attachment for a right ear, according to the current invention.

Figure 9 shows ear attachments for right and left ears connected to cables, according to the current invention.

Figure 10 shows a side view of an ear attachment when the ear attachment is placed around the left ear of a wearer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to an ear attachment which is manufactured in one piece and is arranged to be placed around an ear of a wearer. The attachment comprises a first arcuate portion and a second arcuate portion. The first arcuate portion is intended to be placed around the ear of a wearer, and the second arcuate portion is arranged to support an element to be placed into the auditory meatus of the wearer. The first arcuate portion forms a first arc, which extends in a first plane, and the second arcuate portion forms a second arc, which extends in a second plane which is substantially at right angles to the said first plane of the first arcuate portion.

A first end of the second arcuate portion is arranged to support an element, such as a loudspeaker, to be placed into the auditory meatus of an ear. A second end of the second arcuate portion transitions into a first end of the first arcuate portion. The second arcuate portion extends on either side of the plane of the first arcuate portion and is located inside the arc formed by the first arcuate portion. The first arcuate portion can at its second end be provided with a substantially straight portion which, when the ear attachment is placed on the ear of the wearer, will be directed substantially vertically below the ear of the wearer. Any cables can be led to a sound generating device from this second end.

The first arcuate portion is dimensioned to be placed around the ear of the wearer. When the ear attachment according to the invention is mounted onto the ear of a wearer, it is attached in a very effective and ergonomic manner, even during extreme body movements without being perceived as uncomfortable. By means of the special design of the ear attachment, e.g. that the attachment comprises the first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion, extending on either side of the plane of the first arcuate portion, surprising and unexpected effects are achieved for instance in relation to the distribution of forces during external action applied to the attachment, e.g. when the cables are being pulled or the ear attachment is unintentionally moved. The second arcuate portion will absorb the forces acting on the ear attachment in such conditions, while the first arcuate portion, onto which the loudspeaker element is attached barely affected by pulling forces from the cables, whereby the element, which is placed in the ear, will remain substantially undisturbed in the ear and will not slide out of the ear. The ear attachment will also follow the anatomy of the external ear in a unique way, thanks to its unique design and will therefore be perceived as very comfortable. In previously known ear buds the forces arising when the cables are pulled will act directly on the element, as for instance in the hearing aid according to US 2 939 923, wherein the element will be pulled out of the ear when the cables are pulled forcefully.

The ear attachment is advantageously manufactured from a material that can be bent into its final shape and design in a simple way, either manually or mechanically.

The ear attachment can be manufactured from electric cable, for instance a coaxial cable, whereby different kinds of sound generating devices can be connected directly to the ear attachment. In this way a separate cable need not be arranged in the ear attachment between cables from the sound generating device and the loudspeaker arranged on the ear attachment.

The ear attachment can be manufactured from a stiff, flexible and/or resilient material. The material can be for instance metal, plastic or combinations of these. If the material is flexible then the shape of the ear attachment can be adapted to the shape of the ear in a simple way. If the material is resilient, then the ear attachment will resume its original shape after being subjected to external forces. For instance, the first arcuate portion can be expanded as it is being placed around the ear of the wearer, but the shape will return to its original shape after the expansion. If the material is stiff, then a robust design is achieved which will retain its shape when subjected to external forces. The ear attachment is advantageously manufactured from a material that is sufficiently stiff to avoid deformation when subjected to external forces, while at the same time being sufficiently flexible to allow it to be placed around the ear in a comfortable manner. A particularly good material will in addition have resilient properties, at least in part. In a non-loaded state, the second arcuate portion of the ear attachment can be in contact with the first arcuate portion at a contact point on the inner side thereof. In this way it is ensured that the ear attachment will always be in contact with both the outer and the inner part of the ear.

A substantially straight intermediate portion that extends in the plane of the first arcuate portion can be arranged in the transition between the first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion. In this way the stability of the ear attachment is improved.

The material of the ear attachment can be provided with an outer material in the form of a coating or covering of a different material, for instance a metal or plastic coating. The outer material can also be a flexible material. The purpose of the coating or covering is to protect the material of the ear attachment at the same time as a contact surface that is kind to sensitive skin is achieved between the attachment and the skin of the wearer. The coating and/or covering can also be arranged to personalize the attachment according to the wishes of the wearer, for instance by use of color or prints. In addition, the outer material can advantageously be selected so that it contributes to the desired mechanical properties of the ear attachment, as for instance increased stability or resilience.

The attachment according to the invention can be connected to a sound generating device. The sound generating device can be connected to or integrated in the ear attachment, whereby an easily carried device is achieved.

In a further version, the ear attachment can comprise a connecting device that comprises a connector for connection to a sound generating device, which connecting device can be connected to the free end of the first arcuate portion via a connecting portion. The connecting device can be a universal connector which facilities connection of multiple kinds of sound generating devices to the ear attachment. The material of the ear attachment can be hollow wherein cables from a sound generating device or from the connecting device to the element to be placed in the ear of the wearer (e.g. a loudspeaker) can extend through the cavity of the ear attachment. In this way the cables can be protected from external forces. Alternatively the cables can be attached on the outside of the material of the ear attachment, whereby a simpler and more inexpensive solution is achieved. This makes it possible to use the ear attachment with a great number of sound generating devices available on the market, as the existing cables for the sound generating devices can be used in a simple manner and there is no need for adapting the cables to the ear attachment. The cables can be attached to the ear attachment by means of the flexible material or by other means. In this way the material cost can be minimized.

The element carried by the ear attachment and which is placed inside the ear can be a loudspeaker or an ear protector. In this way an attachment adapted for different users and their needs is achieved. The loudspeaker or the ear protector can be connected to a sound generating device via cables or a wireless connection. The need for cables and/or cords can be eliminated by means of the wireless connection.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1 -4 show an embodiment of an ear attachment 1 according to the present invention. Figures 5-8 show an alternative embodiment of the ear attachment. The ear attachment 1 shown in Figures 1 -4 is arranged to be placed around the left ear of a user and is manufactured in one piece. A corresponding ear attachment for the right ear has a mirror-inversed shape.

The material of the ear attachment can be stiff, resilient or flexible. The material can, as mentioned above, be for instance metal, plastic or combinations thereof or for instance a coaxial cable. The material can be for instance aluminum or spring steel. If the material is resilient then the ear attachment has the ability to be bent or deformed to a relatively large extent without causing a permanent change in shape or a fracture. The material can also be flexible. In both cases adjustment and easy placement about the ear is made possible. The material can also be stiff, to achieve a robust design which will retain its shape when subjected to external forces.

The material can have a circular, oval or square cross-section and it can be hollow or comprise a longitudinal slot in which a cable can be placed. The material can have a thickness that varies for instance between about 1 -6 mm.

The ear attachment 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a first arcuate portion 3, which is intended to be placed around the external ear of the wearer. The arc thus formed can be substantially circular, and the arc can be shaped approximately like a semi-circle, as shown in Figure 3.

The shaped arc can also be given other forms as long as it is possible to place the attachment around the ear. Further, the ear attachment 1 comprises a second arcuate portion 4 which extends in a second plane which is substantially at right angles to the plane of the first arcuate portion 3, as best seen in Figure 2. The angle alfa (a) can vary between about 70-120° and is preferably about 90°.

One end of the second arcuate portion 4 is arranged to support an element 2, to be placed into the auditory meatus of an ear. This element can be a loudspeaker or for instance an ear protector. The element 2 can also be arranged so that it can function as a loudspeaker when required and when the sound is turned off the element can function as an ear protector. When using two ear attachments, the element can be an ear protector in one ear and a loudspeaker in the other. The element 2 can have an optional shape, such as substantially cylindrical or conical shape having a rounded end portion to be placed inside the ear so as not to damage the ear. The shape can also be individually adapted, for instance molded, in order to fit the auditory meatus of a particular wearer. The material is preferably plastic or similar, which can protect the loudspeaker from liquid and dirt. The material must be comfortable to the user when the element 2 is placed in the auditory meatus. The position of the element 2 inside the auditory meatus of the wearer can be adjusted depth wise by means of the second arcuate portion 4 by pulling or pushing the element 2 in relation to the auditory meatus in a desired manner. As shown in for instance Figures 1 and 4 the second end 5 of the second arcuate portion of the ear attachment 1 transitions into a first end 5' of the first arcuate portion 3 via an intermediate portion 7, which is substantially straight and extends in the plane of the first arcuate portion 3. The second arcuate portion 4 extends on either side (i) and (ii) of the plane of the first arcuate portion 3. This design allows the portion 7 to be arranged close to the face of the user or to rest against the face of the user, thereby providing an excellent stability for the attachment without losing the possibility for depth adjustment of the element 2 in the auditory meatus. The arc formed by the second arcuate portion 4 can have the approximate shape of a circular arc, or, as shown in Figure 4, the second arcuate portion 4 can have a sharper curvature 4' on the side (i) of the plane of the first arcuate portion 3, than the curvature 4", extending on either side (i) and (ii) of the plane of the first arcuate portion 3.

According to an alternative embodiment, shown in Figures 5-8 for a right ear, the second arcuate portion 4 shaped so that the second end 5 of the second arcuate portion 4 extends up to the first end 5' of the first arcuate portion 3. The arc formed by the second arcuate portion can be shaped approximately like a circular arc. A corresponding ear attachment for the left ear has a mirror-inversed shape. As best shown in Figures 3 and 6 the second arcuate portion 4 is located inside the arc formed by the first arcuate portion (3) in order to enable the first arcuate portion to be placed around the ear. The first arcuate portion (3) is dimensioned so that it can be placed around the external ear of the wearer.

The ear attachment can also be dimensioned so that the second arcuate portion (4), in a non-loaded state, contacts the inner side of the first arcuate portion (3) at a contact point (6), as best shown in Figures 1 and 3. The material of the ear attachment is preferably resilient, and when the ear attachment is bent to form this contact point 6 it is ensured that the ear attachment when worn bears on both the outer and inner portion of the ear, in order to further improve the grip of the ear attachment 1 on the ear. In this way it can also be ensured that the ear attachment 1 is securely attached to an ear irrespective of its shape and size. When attaching the ear attachment to the ear the first arcuate portion 3 is expanded so that the two arcuate portions 3 and 4 are temporarily no longer in contact at the contact point 6. When the ear attachment is fixed to the ear, a part of the ear is located between the first and the second arcuate portion 3, 4, and the ear attachment thereby clamps the ear with a light pressure. The individual wearer can vary the pressure on the ear by making the arcs greater or smaller.

The ear attachment can also comprise a connecting device 9, comprising a connector for connection to a sound generating device. This connecting device can be directly or indirectly connected to the free end 8 of the first arcuate portion 3. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the free end 8 of the arc is connected to a connecting portion 10, which has one end 8' connected to the connecting device 9. The free end 8 of the first arcuate portion 3 and/or the end 8' of the connecting portion 10 are preferably located inside the contact point 6, viewed in the direction towards the first end point of the first arcuate portion 3 in the plane of the first arcuate portion 3. In this way the grip of the ear attachment 1 on the ear is improved further, when the free end 8 of the arcuate portion is pulled, or when the cables connected to the device 9 is unintentionally disturbed. Figure 9 shows ear attachments for a right ear and a left ear which are connected to cables 14 via a connecting device 9.

The material of the ear attachment 1 can be provided with a covering of a flexible material, such as a rubber-like material or a textile. The material is preferably a rubber-like material, such as neoprene (chloro-butadiene rubber), silicone based materials, plastic or rubber. Material choice can adapt and improve the comfort further while at the same time increasing or reducing friction between the skin of the wearer and the attachment as desired. This flexible material can also be provided with different colors or figures in order to individualize the product according to the desires and needs of the wearer.

The ear attachment can also be coated with a coating of a different material than that of the attachment. For instance, if the attachment is a coaxial cable and/or if the attachment is made from copper, pewter or aluminum, it can be coated with for instance silver, gold or platinum. By means of the coating it is possible to achieve a surface that is kind to the skin or more aesthetically pleasing.

The material of the ear attachment 1 can be hollow wherein cables or cords from a sound generating device or from the connecting device can extend through the cavity of the ear attachment 1 . Cables from a sound generating device or from the connecting device can also be attached on the outside of the material of the ear attachment. The cables can be attached to the ear attachment by means of the flexible, rubber-like material or the cables can be attached by means of glue or similar, or by means of both glue and the flexible, rubber-like material. The ear attachment can be manufactured from an electrical cable, e.g. a coaxial cable, whereby the design of the attachment can be considerably simplified, as separate cables for connection to a sound generating device are not required. By means of the ear attachment according to the invention, a surprisingly good tight-fitting ear attachment 1 can be achieved. Figure 10 shows a side view where an ear attachment 1 is placed around the left external ear 1 1 of a wearer. The ear conch of the ear is denoted 12 and the auditory meatus 13. The more the attachment is pulled from the free end 8 of the first arcuate portion, the connecting portion 10, or its end 8', the connection device 9 and/or the cables connected to the connection device 9, the better the ear attachment 1 fits. When pulled, the first arcuate portion 3 turns around the end 5' of the first arcuate portion 3, so that the portion 3 is drawn tight around the ear. The second arcuate portion 4 remains relatively fixed during this action and because of this special design the element 2 will not be pulled out of the auditory meatus of the ear. This is both surprising and unique and it is therefore possible to use the ear attachment during extreme sports, such as dancing, acrobatics, snowboarding and skateboarding.

Claims

1 . Ear attachment (1 ) manufactured in one piece which attachment (1 ) is arranged to be placed around an external ear of a wearer, characterized in that the attachment (1 ) comprises a first arcuate portion (3) forming a first arc, which first arcuate portion extends in a first plane, and a second arcuate portion (4) forming a second arc, which second arcuate portion extends in a second plane that is substantially at right angles to said first plane, and which second arcuate portion (4) is arranged to support an element (2) to be placed into the auditory meatus of an ear at a first end, and transitions into a first end of the first arcuate portion at a second end (5), wherein the second arcuate portion (4) extends on either side (i, ii) of the said first plane and is located inside the arc formed by the first arcuate portion (3).

2. Ear attachment according to claim 1 , characterized in that the attachment is manufactured from a coaxial cable.

3. Ear attachment according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the ear attachment comprises a stiff material.

4. Ear attachment according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the ear attachment comprises a flexible material.

5. Ear attachment according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the ear attachment comprises a resilient material.

6. Ear attachment according to claims 1 , 2, 4 or 5, wherein the second arcuate portion (4) , in a non-loaded state, contacts the inner side of the first arcuate portion (3) at a contact point (6).

7. Ear attachment according to any of the above claims, wherein the second arcuate portion (4) transitions into the first arcuate portion (3) via an intermediate portion (7) which is substantially straight and extends in the plane of the first arcuate portion (3).

8. Ear attachment according to any of the above claims, wherein the material of the ear attachment is provided with a coating or covering of a different material than the material of the ear attachment.

9. Ear attachment according to any of the above claims, wherein a sound generating device is connected to the ear attachment.

10. Ear attachment according to claim 9, wherein the sound generating device is connected to or integrated in the ear attachment.

1 1 . Ear attachment according to claim 9, wherein a connecting device (9), comprising a connector for connection to a sound generating device, is connected to the free end (8) of the first arcuate portion via a connecting portion (10).

12. Ear attachment according to any of the above claims, wherein the ear attachment material (1 ) is hollow and where cables from a sound generating device or from the connecting device (9) extends in the cavity of the ear attachment (1 ).

13. Ear attachment according to any of the claims 1 -5, wherein cables from a sound generating device or from the connecting device (9) is attached on the outside of the material of the ear attachment (1 ).

14. Ear attachment according to any of the above claims, wherein the element (2) is a loudspeaker.

15. Ear attachment according to claim 13, wherein the loudspeaker is connected to a sound generating device via a wireless connection.

16. Ear attachment according to any of the above claims, wherein the element (2) is an ear protector.