Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
  • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
  • H04R1/1016—Earpieces of the intra-aural type
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
  • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
  • H04R25/658—Manufacture of housing parts
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R5/00—Stereophonic arrangements
  • H04R5/033—Headphones for stereophonic communication
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
  • H04R2225/025—In the ear hearing aids [ITE] hearing aids
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
  • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
  • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
  • H04R25/656—Non-customized, universal ear tips, i.e. ear tips which are not specifically adapted to the size or shape of the ear or ear canal

Definitions

• the present invention relates to systems and methods for securing devices in internal openings. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods for securing devices and systems in biological and non-biological spaces and openings.
• space access devices and systems are designed and configured to be inserted in one or more biological spaces or openings, such as an ear canal, nasal opening, etc.
• Such devices include hearing aids, ear phones or buds, and oxygen nasal cannula.
• Various space access devices and systems are also designed and configured to be inserted in non-biological spaces or openings, such a fluid flow lines and conduits.
• Such devices include conduit inspection and energy, e.g. heat, generating and/or dissipating systems.
• the noted devices and systems often include means of securing the devices and/or systems in internal spaces or openings for a desired period of time, e.g. 1-2 minutes, 24 hours, 1 month, 1 year, etc.
• securing means include, for example, securing rings disposed on the outer surface of the devices, compliant outer layers, and/or conical fins that are adapted to removably secure the device(s) to an interior surface of a space or opening, e.g., an ear canal.
• a major disadvantage of conventional securing means is that the securing means, e.g., securing rings and compliant outer surfaces, do not include any means for fluid flow through the device or between the device and the internal space or opening when the device is inserted therein.
• Another drawback is that most of the devices employing the conventional securing means are easily dislodged.
• a further drawback is that most of the conventional securing means do not include any means for adjusting the force applied to the surface of the space or opening to secure the device therein. Indeed, virtually all laiown securing means are designed and adapted to apply a predetermined narrow range of force to a space or opening.
• space access devices and systems having securing means that (i) securely engage a surface of an internal space or opening for an extended period of time, (ii) include means to self-conform or self-adjust to the shape of an internal space or opening, (iii) include means for adjusting the force applied to a surface of an internal space or opening, and (iv) include means for fluid flow through the device and/or between the device and a space or opening when the device is inserted therein.
• the present invention is directed to securing mechanisms that can be readily employed with devices and systems that are configured to be inserted in one or more biological spaces or openings, such as an ear canal.
• the present invention is also directed to space access devices and systems having a securing mechanism that (i) engages a surface of an internal space or opening for an extended period of time, (ii), include means to self-conform or self-adjust to the shape and size of an internal space or opening, (iii) includes means for adjusting the force (i.e. securing force) applied to a surface of an internal space or opening, and (iv) includes means for fluid flow through the device and/or between the device and a space or opening when the device is inserted therein.
• a securing mechanism that (i) engages a surface of an internal space or opening for an extended period of time, (ii), include means to self-conform or self-adjust to the shape and size of an internal space or opening, (iii) includes means for adjusting the force (i.e. securing force) applied to a surface of an internal space or opening, and (iv) includes means for fluid flow through the device and/or between the device and a space
• the space access device includes a housing and a securing mechanism disposed on at least an outer portion of the housing, the securing mechanism being configured to contact a surface of an internal space or opening and secure the device in the internal space or opening when the device is inserted therein.
• the securing mechanism is further configured to provide at least one path for fluid flow therethrough.
• the securing mechanism is configured to provide at least one path for fluid flow through the securing mechanism and a contact surface.
• the securing mechanism has at least one, more preferably, a plurality of contact points that are configured to contact a surface of an opening or internal space.
• the securing mechanism is configured to apply a pressure to a contact surface within a space or opening less than approximately 10000 kPa, more preferably, less than approximately 500 kPa when an access device having a securing mechanism disposed on an outer surface thereof is inserted in the space or opening.
• the contact pressure is preferably in the range of approximately 0.01 kPa - 10 kPa.
• the space access device comprises an anatomical space access device.
• the space access device comprises an in-ear head set or in-ear head-phone.
• the space access device comprises a hearing instrument, such as a hearing aid or personal sound amplification product.
• Advantages of the invention include the provision of biological and non-biological space access devices and systems that are capable of engaging a surface of an internal space or opening for an extended period of time, and include means for self-conforming or self- adjusting to the shape of the internal space or opening, means for adjusting the force applied to the surface of the internal space or opening, means for more evenly distributing the force applied to the surface of the internal space or opening, and means for fluid flow through and/or between the device and the internal space or opening when the device is inserted therein.
• FIGURE 1 is a side plan view of one embodiment of a securing mechanism, according to the invention.
• FIGURE 2 is a front plan view of the securing mechanism shown in FIGURE 1, according to the invention.
• FIGURE 3 A is a side plan view of the securing mechanism shown in FIGURE 1 in a collapsed state, according to the invention
• FIGURE 3B is a front plan view of the securing mechanism shown in FIGURE 1 in a collapsed state, according to the invention
• FIGURE 4A is a further side plan view of the securing mechanism shown in FIGURE 1 in a collapsed state and showing the forces provided thereby, according to the invention
• FIGURE 4B is a further side plan view of the securing mechanism shown in FIGURE 1 inserted in an opening, according to the invention
• FIGURE 5 is a side plan view of one embodiment of an in-ear head set or ear bud or hearing instruments having a securing mechanism associated therewith, according to the invention
• FIGURE 6 is a front plan view of another embodiment of a securing mechanism, according to the invention.
• FIGURE 7 is a side plan view of the securing mechanism shown in FIGURE 6 having a spiral projecting or contacting member, according to the invention.
• FIGURE 8 is a side plan view of the securing mechanism shown in FIGURE 6 having a linear contacting member, according to the invention.
• the securing mechanism structures and systems of the invention are illustrated and described in connection with anatomical space access devices and systems, the securing mechanism structures and systems of the invention are not limited to anatomical space access devices and systems. According to the invention, the securing mechanism structures and systems of the invention can be employed on any anatomical, i.e. biological, space access device or system, e.g. an in-ear head set, and non- biological space access device or system, e.g., inspection systems for fluid flow pipes and/or conduits, etc.
• anatomical i.e. biological, space access device or system
• non- biological space access device or system e.g., inspection systems for fluid flow pipes and/or conduits, etc.
• a bristle includes two or more such bristles and the like.
• outwardly projecting member means and includes any projection extending from a base member, including, without limitation, fins, bristles, protrusions, ridges, grooves, bubbles, balloons, hooks, looped structure and/or tubes.
• space access device means and includes anatomical or biological and non-biological devices that are designed and adapted to be inserted into a space or opening, such as an ear canal, nasal conduit, esophagus, airway, gastro-intestinal tract, blood vessel, pipe, or conduit.
• headphone and headset are used interchangeably herein and mean and include a listening device that is adapted to receive transmitted sound via wireless or wired communication means.
• conventional headphones and headsets typically include one or more speakers and/or sound production components, which can be in the form of one or two earpieces (often referred to as “ear plugs” or “ear buds”).
• the present invention substantially reduces or eliminates the disadvantages and drawbacks associated with conventional securing means for space access devices.
• the present invention is directed to securing mechanisms that can be readily employed with devices and systems that are configured to be inserted in one or more biological spaces or openings, such as an ear canal.
• the present invention is directed to anatomical, i.e.
• securing mechanisms that (i) securely engages a surface of an internal space or opening for an extended period of time, (ii) include means to self-conform or self-adjust to the shape and size of an internal space or opening, (iii) includes means for adjusting the force applied to a surface of an internal space or opening, (iv) includes means for more evenly distributing the force applied to the surface of the internal space or opening, and (iv) includes means for fluid flow between the device and biological space when the device is inserted therein.
• the securing mechanisms of the invention preferably include at least one, more preferably, a plurality of outwardly projecting members, which, according to the invention, can comprise, without limitation, fms, bristles, protrusions, ridges, grooves, balloons, bubbles, hooks, looped structures and/or tubes.
• the outwardly projecting members can comprise separate members, i.e. engaged to a base component or, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, integral members 20 projecting from a base 16.
• the securing mechanisms and/or projecting members thereof can comprise various conventional compliant and flexible materials, including, without limitation, silicone, rubber, latex, polyurethane, polyamide, polyimide, nylon, paper, cotton, polyester, polyurethane, hydrogel, plastic, feather, leather, wood, and Nitinol®.
• the securing mechanisms and/or projecting members comprise a polymeric material.
• the securing mechanisms and/or projecting members comprise a coated, preferably, compliant and flexible material.
• the base material can be coated with various materials and compositions to enhance the lubricity, alter the friction, adjust the hydrophobicity, or increase the stability in the chemical, environmental, and physical conditions of the target space or opening of the projecting members.
• the base material can also be coated with or contain various materials to allow for administration of a pharmacological agent or composition to biological tissue.
• the coating material can thus comprise, without limitation, active agents or drugs, such as anti-inflammatory coatings, and drug eluting materials.
• the coating material can also include non-pharmacological agents.
• the securing mechanisms of the invention are designed and adapted to self-conform or self-adjust to the shape of the interior surface of an opening (or interior space) of a member (biological or non-biological) when an access device of the invention and, thereby, the projecting members are inserted in the opening and in a constrained state.
• each projecting member is adapted to flex and/or deform to conform to the shape and/or size of the interior surface.
• one or more member(s) is adapted to flex and/or deform to conform to the shape and/or size of the interior surface.
• the projecting members 20 are designed and adapted to flex and deform, whereby the securing mechanism 12 self-conforms to the shape of the interior surface 32 of the opening 31 of member 30 when the access device 10A is inserted in the opening 31 and the projecting members 20 are in a constrained state (see, e.g., Figs. 3A and 3B).
• each of the projecting members 40 are similarly designed and adapted to flex and deform, whereby the securing mechanism 42 self-conforms to the shape of the interior surface of a member opening when the access device 10B is inserted in the opening and the projecting members 40 are in a constrained state.
• each projecting member of the invention is also configured and adapted to provide at least one contact point with an opening (or interior space) of a member (biological or non-biological) when an access device of the invention is inserted in the opening or space.
• the contact point(s) can be provided by design or by application.
• the access device is configured and adapted such that one or more projecting members or a majority of the members provide at least one contact point with an opening or space.
• each of the projecting members 20 accordingly includes or provides a contact point 21 at the interface 31 of each projecting member 20 and the interior surface 32 of the member 30.
• each of the projecting members 40 similarly includes or provides a contact point 41 that is configured and adapted to contact the interior surface of an opening when the access device 12 is inserted therein.
• the securing mechanisms of the invention are also preferably designed and adapted to apply a pressure (denoted by Arrows "pi" in Fig. 4A) to the interior surface of a member opening or interior space (biological or non-biological) when an access device of the invention, e.g. 10A, 10B and/or IOC, is inserted in the opening and the projecting members are in a constrained state (see, e.g., Figs. 3A and 3B).
• each projecting member e.g., projecting member(s) 20 and/or 40, is adapted to apply a pressure (or force) to the interior surface of a member opening.
• the pressure, pi is preferably in the range of 0.0005 kPa - 10000 kPa. In some embodiments of the invention, the pressure, pi, is preferably in the rang e 0 f 0.01 kPa - 2500 kPa. In some embodiments of the invention, the pressure, i, is preferably in the range of 0.005 kPa - 500 kPa. In some embodiments of the invention, the pressure, pi, is preferably in the range of 0.05 kPa - 10 kPa.
• the noted force ranges are p r o v ided by varying the number of projections, and/or the pattern of the projections, ana/or the pattern of the p rojections, and/or the size a n d shape of the projections, and/or the flexibility of the projections, and/or the material(S) comprising the projections, and/or the coating on the material(s) comprising the projections, and/or the surface features of the materia ⁇ ) comprising the projections, and/or the projection angle with respect to the base and/or contact surface.
• the securing mechanism also preferably includes m e a ns for fluid flow through the device and/or between the device and an opening or space when the devic e is inserted therein, in some embodiments of the i n v e ntion, the securing mechanism includes one or more fluid flow channels. In some embodiments , the flow channels are between the securing mechanism (or projections thereof) and a contact surface. [00065] In some embodiments, the securing m e chanism includes a compressible or flexible portion that is permeable to air.
• the securing mechanism includes one or more subsets of the outwardly projecting members, e.g., bristles, protrusions, ridges, grooves, bubbles, balloons, hooks and/or tubes.
• the subsets can comprise separate members that are attachable via a thin pliable membrane of the same or different material.
• the noted membrane can serve to reduce fluid flow through the separate members. This may be useful, for instance, to further increase sound isolation when the securing mechanism is employed with an in-ear hearing device.
• the pliable membrane would, however, still allow for individual movements of the separate members so many of the advantages of conformability are intact.
• the membrane restricts (or slows down) fluid flow proximate the securing mechanism, including space access devices and systems in which there exists and in which there does not exist one or more direct paths for fluid to flow through the securing mechanism from one end of the securing mechanism to the other.
• the membrane completely blocks fluid flow from one end of the securing mechanism to the other.
• Figs. 1 through 4B illustrate an anatomical space access device 10A that includes one embodiment of a securing mechanism 12 of the invention.
• the securing mechanism includes a plurality of outwardly projecting members 20 that are designed and adapted to flex and deform (see, e.g., Figs. 3A and 3B), whereby the securing mechanism 12 self-conforms to the shape of the interior surface of a member opening when the access device 10A is inserted in the opening and the projecting members 20 are in a constrained state (see, e.g., Fig. 4B).
• Each of the projecting members 20 of the access device also includes or provides a potential contact point at the interface of each projecting member and the interior surface of the member opening when the access device 10A is disposed therein.
• Figs. 6 - 7 illustrate another anatomical space access device 10B that includes another embodiment of a securing mechanism 42 of the invention.
• the securing mechanism 42 includes at least one, more preferably, a plurality of outwardly projecting members 40 that are designed and adapted to flex and deform, whereby the securing mechanism 42 self-conforms to the shape of the interior surface of a member opening when the access device 10B is inserted in the opening and the projecting members 40 are in a constrained state.
• the projecting members 40 extend across a defined length of the device 10B. As illustrated in Fig. 7, in some embodiments, the projecting members 40 extend across the entire length of the device 10B.
• the projecting members can have various characteristics
• the projecting members 40 have a spiral configuration.
• the projecting members 40 have a
• substantially straight or liner configuration which, preferably, extends across the entire length of the access member IOC.
• Each of the projecting members 40 of the access devices 10B, I OC similarly includes or provides a contact point 41 at the interface of each projecting member 40 and the interior surface of a member opening when the device (10B or IOC) is disposed therein.
• the space access devices of the invention e.g., 10A, 10B and/or IOC can comprise any device that is designed to be inserted into a biological space or opening, such as an ear canal, nasal opening, etc. (see, for example, Fig. 5).
• the space access device includes an electronics-containing portion or region 14 (see, e.g., Fig. 1) that is adapted to receive various electronic components and associated circuitry, such as sensor systems, receivers, amplifiers, batteries, antennae, speakers, energy generating and dissipating means, microphones, sensors, communication modules, pressure sensors, wireless communication components, wired communication components, etc.
• various electronic components and associated circuitry such as sensor systems, receivers, amplifiers, batteries, antennae, speakers, energy generating and dissipating means, microphones, sensors, communication modules, pressure sensors, wireless communication components, wired communication components, etc.
• the space access devices of the invention can thus comprise various conventional anatomical and non-anatomical devices and systems, such as physiological sensors, conduit inspection systems, flow sensors, flow restrictors, fluid samplers, pressure sensors, sound or vibration actuators, accelerometers, and mechanisms for releasing particles or fluids into conduits or other fluids, etc.
• the space access devices can also comprise a radio system or component thereof, e.g., receiver, transmitter, transceiver, microphone, microcontroller, etc.
• the space access devices can also comprise a hearing apparatus, such as a hearing prosthesis or aid.
• the space access devices can additionally comprise headphones or a headset for a portable electronic device, such as a GPS device, CD or DVD player, MPEG player, MP-3 player, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, laptop, video game system, audio guide system, phone, musical instrument, stethoscope and other medical or industrial instrumentation, smart phone, computer, etc., and/or a combination thereof.
• a portable electronic device such as a GPS device, CD or DVD player, MPEG player, MP-3 player, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, laptop, video game system, audio guide system, phone, musical instrument, stethoscope and other medical or industrial instrumentation, smart phone, computer, etc., and/or a combination thereof.
• the space access devices can also comprise headphones (or a headset) for augmented reality glasses, head-mounted displays, and/or heads-up displays.
• headset types including over-ear headsets, around-ear headsets, on ear headsets, in-concha headsets, in-ear headsets, etc.
• Each type of head set has advantages and disadvantages with regard to sound quality, ease of use, aesthetics, user comfort, etc.
• the in-concha headset design generally includes a speaker that is, when properly positioned, received within the concha of the ear of a user (generally the area of the ear surrounding the opening of the ear canal).
• the in-ear headset design generally includes a speaker and/or insert that is at least partially received within the ear canal of a user when properly positioned.
• a major drawback of both the in-concha and in-ear headsets is that wearers often experience discomfort after a period of time of use. The discomfort can be due to one or more of the fitment or breathability of the headset, the type of material of which the headset is composed, the pressure of the headset on the surface of the ear canal, or simply sensitive ears.
• a further drawback of in-concha and in-ear headsets is that they are also easily dislodged during various activities of the wearer, e.g., jogging.
• a further drawback of in-concha and in-ear headsets is that they often fail at maintaining a good alignment between the speaker and the ear canal, which may result in inconsistent sound quality and/or sound volume.
• in-concha and in-ear headsets are often limit the amount of ambient sound that enters the ear canal, which can reduce the wearer's
• a securing mechanism of the invention By employing a securing mechanism of the invention with in-concha and in-ear headsets the noted discomfort can, however, be substantially reduced or eliminated.
• the securing mechanism will also enhance the engagement and hold of the head set in the concha or ear canal(s).
• the securing mechanism will also enhance the alignment of the headset with the ear canal(s).
• the securing mechanism will also enhance the ability to hear ambient sounds.
• the earpiece speaker system 50 includes an eaipiece body 52 through which an audio signal is provided, the earpiece body 52 having a securing mechanism 12, a speaker mount surface, and a plurality of speaker modules interchangeably mountable to the body.
• the securing mechanism 12 includes a plurality of outwardly projecting members 22.
• the outwardly projecting members comprise a plurality of the bristles, such as the aforementioned bristles and bristles disclosed in Co-Pending application No. 12/841 ,120.
• the securing mechanism 12 can also comprise the mechanism 42 shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 having projecting members 40.
• the securing mechanism 12 can alternatively comprise or include outwardly projecting protrusions, ridges, grooves, bubbles, balloons, hooks and/or tubes.
• the securing mechanism 12 similarly applies a pressure, pi, to an interior surface of the ear canal less than 10000 kPa.
• the pressure, pi is preferably in the range of 0.01 kPa - 2500 kPa.
• the pressure, pi is preferably in the range of 0.005 kPa - 500 kPa.
• the pressure, pi is preferably in the range of 0.05 kPa - lO kPa.
• the noted pressure exerted to an interior surface of the ear canal by the securing mechanism 12 (or 40) will effectively engage and hold a headset in the concha or ear canal(s) and enhance the alignment of the headset with the ear canal(s), without discomfort to a wearer.
• the noted earpiece speaker system (i.e. in-concha or in-ear headset) 50 can readily be employed with, i.e. a component of, a variety of portable electronic devices, such as a GPS device, CD or DVD player, MPEG player, MP-3 player, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, laptop, video game system, audio guide system, phone, musical instrument, stethoscope and other medical or industrial instrumentation, smart phone, computer, etc., and/or a combination thereof.
• portable electronic devices such as a GPS device, CD or DVD player, MPEG player, MP-3 player, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, laptop, video game system, audio guide system, phone, musical instrument, stethoscope and other medical or industrial instrumentation, smart phone, computer, etc., and/or a combination thereof.
• the noted earpiece speaker system i.e. headphones (or a headset) can also be readily employed with, i.e., a component of, augmented reality glasses.
• communications by and between the headphones (i.e. ear buds) and augmented-reality eyewear, such as GPS directions, phone calls, music, notifications, audio information, etc. can be achieved via conventional wireless systems and associated protocol, including, without limitation, radio frequency (RF) communication, electromagnetic coupling, optical communication (e.g., laser), physical conduction, sound conduction (potentially lower volume or less audible frequencies), electronic signals, etc.
• RF radio frequency
• Communications by and between the headphones and augmented-reality eyewear can also be achieved via wired connections.
• a user of augmented reality eyewear and a space access device i.e. headphones or headset, of the invention, will be allowed to hear ambient sounds emanating from, the surrounding environment, such as vehicles, people, crossing signals, etc., while receiving direct transmissions from the glasses, e.g., GPS directions, in both ears.
• the receiving transmitters/speakers/receivers that can be employed with the space access devices of the invention, those in the surrounding
• the noted earpiece speaker system i.e. headphones (or a headset) can also be readily employed with, i.e., a component of, heads-up displays.
• communications by and between the headphones and heads-up displays can similarly be achieved via conventional wireless systems and associated protocol, including, without limitation, RF communication, electromagnetic coupling, optical communication, physical conduction, sound conduction, electronic signals, etc., and wired connections.
• a user of a heads-up display and a space access device of the invention will also be allowed to hear ambient sounds emanating from the surrounding environment, including people in close proximity to the user, while receiving transmissions from the heads-up display in both ears.
• ambient sounds emanating from the surrounding environment including people in close proximity to the user
• those in the surrounding environment will hear little or none of the transmissions emanating from the heads-up display.
• the space access devices of the invention can also be readily adapted and, hence, effectively employed to receive transmissions and/or communications from various electronic devices, such as field radios, as well as the aforementioned portable electronic devices, augmented-reality eyewear and heads-up displays, when ambient sounds emanating from the surrounding environment are muffled via a secondary head set.
• various electronic devices such as field radios, as well as the aforementioned portable electronic devices, augmented-reality eyewear and heads-up displays, when ambient sounds emanating from the surrounding environment are muffled via a secondary head set.
• a physical signal such as a tap on a shoulder or a hand gesture, is necessary to alert the wearer of a sound deadening head set that communication with another person is necessary or desired. This can, and in most instances will, delay communications by and between the wearer and another person, which could result in serious injury or death in an emergency situation.
• the space access device(s) of the invention will allow such personnel to hear sound transmitted from their earphones (e.g., radio communications) while being able to hear and locate sounds emanating from the surrounding environment, such as footsteps, gun shots, voices of others, etc.
• earphones e.g., radio communications
• a unique and seminal feature of the space access devices of the invention is that they allow the user to hear transmissions in BOTH ears (which allows for clearer listening as well as receipt of stereo signals) while still being able to hear the surrounding environment.
• BOTH ears which allows for clearer listening as well as receipt of stereo signals
• people desirous of hearing both the sound transmitted from the headset and sound from the surrounding environment will use one ear bud (placed in one ear) or position a headset over one ear. This only allows “mono" sound to be received by the user (as opposed to stereo) and also adversely affects the ability of the user to locate where ambient sounds are emanating from.
• the present invention provides numerous advantages compared to prior art methods and systems for securing space access devices in internal spaces and openings. Among the advantages are the following:

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

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Cited By (3)

Citations (2)

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• 2013
  • 2013-02-22 SG SG11201405797QA patent/SG11201405797QA/en unknown
  • 2013-02-22 IN IN1852MUN2014 patent/IN2014MN01852A/en unknown
  • 2013-02-22 EP EP18196292.9A patent/EP3442242B1/de not_active Revoked
  • 2013-02-22 CA CA2871281A patent/CA2871281A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2013-02-22 EP EP21169117.5A patent/EP3917156A3/de active Pending
  • 2013-02-22 WO PCT/US2013/027248 patent/WO2013126645A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2013-02-22 KR KR20147026408A patent/KR20150034677A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2013-02-22 EP EP13751960.9A patent/EP2820865B1/de not_active Revoked
• 2015
  • 2015-03-23 HK HK15102920.4A patent/HK1202747A1/xx unknown

Patent Citations (2)

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