WO2022235313A1 - Embout conformable ventilé - Google Patents

Embout conformable ventilé Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022235313A1
WO2022235313A1 PCT/US2022/015043 US2022015043W WO2022235313A1 WO 2022235313 A1 WO2022235313 A1 WO 2022235313A1 US 2022015043 W US2022015043 W US 2022015043W WO 2022235313 A1 WO2022235313 A1 WO 2022235313A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flange
eartip
indent
vented
swept
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2022/015043
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Steve Iseberg
Original Assignee
Team Ip Holdings Llc
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
Priority claimed from US17/495,006 external-priority patent/US11711661B2/en
Application filed by Team Ip Holdings Llc filed Critical Team Ip Holdings Llc
Publication of WO2022235313A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022235313A1/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
    • 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
    • H04R25/652—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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2460/11—Aspects relating to vents, e.g. shape, orientation, acoustic properties in ear tips of hearing devices to prevent occlusion

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to earphone and hearing aid eartips. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to conformable vented eartips having an inner, primary sound channel configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and outer acoustic apertures or pathways provided by a series of swept indents in an outer flange of the eartips configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment as the outer flange profile conforms to contour of the ear canal.
  • Eartips for coupling audio to the ear canal which are commonly found on earphones and hearing aids, have been made in many configurations and of many materials. These eartips are typically intended to adapt to a range of ear canal sizes and are not commonly custom for a particular ear canal.
  • Eartips are typically provided as either a sealing-type or a vented-type, irrespective of the intended acoustic path through the eartip.
  • Eartips of the sealing-type are intended to block the acoustic path across the eartip.
  • Eartips of the vented-type have acoustic pathways across the eartip to allow acoustic transfer from an ambient environment across the eartip.
  • eartips found on commonly available earphones and hearing aids, typically comprised of a foam or elastomer material.
  • the particular characteristics of the material used, such as durometer or density, have a significant impact on the ability of the eartip to conform to the individual ear canal, the comfort reported by the user of the eartip, and the isolation from external sound.
  • the particular design of the eartip can have an even greater impact on its ability to conform to the ear canal and its comfort for the user.
  • Existing eartips may cause discomfort for a variety of reasons.
  • One factor causing discomfort when using existing eartips is pressure on the ear canal or tympanic membrane caused by the eartip unyieldingly pressing against the ear canal wall as the eartip is inserted deeper into the ear canal.
  • Another factor causing discomfort includes pressure applied to the ear canal by the eartip material being less yielding than the ear canal as the eartip tries to return to its nominal shape.
  • foam eartips are typically compressed before insertion. Once inserted, the foam eartip attempts to recover to its pre-compressed shape, which applies pressure to the ear canal that may cause discomfort.
  • An additional factor causing discomfort when using existing eartips is unyielding shapes or materials.
  • edges of flanges can cause discomfort as the eartip relaxes to its nominal shape after insertion, causing the edge of the flange to settle into the ear canal wall.
  • Another factor causing discomfort includes eartip designs that require insertion deep in an ear canal of the user, which may be uncomfortable for some users.
  • Certain embodiments of the present technology provide conformable vented eartips having an inner, primary sound channel configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and outer acoustic apertures or pathways provided by a series of swept depressions in an outer flange of the eartips configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip having four sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a top view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip having four sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip having a stem configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with four sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 4 depicts a side elevation view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip having four sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 4 of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip having a stem configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with four sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a rear perspective view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip having a stem configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with four sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 7 depicts a rear perspective views of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip having a collar configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with three sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 8 depicts a top view of an exemplary conformable vented eartip having three sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 9 depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip having four clockwise sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view, in a simplified condition, illustrating a compliance of the swept ventilation channels as the eartip conforms to a large diameter to form a secondary acoustic channel, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view, in a simplified condition, illustrating a compliance of the swept ventilation channels as the eartip conforms to a medium diameter to form a secondary acoustic channel, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 12 depicts a cross-sectional view, in a simplified condition, illustrating a compliance of the swept ventilation channels as the eartip conforms to a small diameter to form a secondary acoustic channel, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 13 depicts a cross-sectional view, in a simplified condition, illustrating a compliance of the swept ventilation channels as the eartip conforms to an oblong shape to form a secondary acoustic channel, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 14 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary two-flange conformable vented eartip, each flange having four sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 15 depicts a top view of an exemplary two-flange conformable vented eartip, each flange having four sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 16 depicts a bottom view of an exemplary two-flange conformable vented eartip having a stem configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with each flange having four sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 17 depicts a side elevation view of an exemplary two-flange conformable vented eartip, each flange having four sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 18 depicts a cross-sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 16 of an exemplary two-flange conformable vented eartip having a stem configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with each flange having four sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 19 depicts a rear perspective view of an exemplary two-flange conformable vented eartip having a stem configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with each flange having four sloped ventilation channels configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 20 depicts a side elevation view of an exemplary single-flange conformable sealing eartip, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 21 depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary single-flange conformable sealing eartip, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 22 depicts a bottom perspective view of an exemplary single-flange conformable sealing eartip having a stem configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 23 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary single-flange conformable sealing eartip having a stem configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • Embodiments of the present technology provide an eartip that can conform comfortably to the individual ear canal while providing secondary acoustic pathways across the eartip to allow acoustic transfer from an ambient environment across the eartip.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip 100 having four sloped ventilation channels 110 configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a top view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip 100 having four sloped ventilation channels 110 configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip 100 having four sloped ventilation channels 110 configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a top view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip 100 having four sloped ventilation channels 110 configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of an
  • FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip 100 having a stem 118 configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with four sloped ventilation channels 110 configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 4 depicts a side elevation view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip 100 having four sloped ventilation channels 110 configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view along line A- A of FIG.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a rear perspective view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip 100 having a stem 118 configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with four sloped ventilation channels 110 configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a rear perspective view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip 100 having a stem 118 configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with four sloped ventilation channels 110 configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a rear perspective view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip 100 having a stem 118 configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with four sloped ventilation channels 110 configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 7 depicts a rear perspective views of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip 100 having a collar 116 configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with three sloped ventilation channels 110 configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 8 depicts a top view of an exemplary conformable vented eartip 100 having three sloped ventilation channels 110 configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 9 depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary single-flange conformable vented eartip 100 having four clockwise sloped ventilation channels 110 configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • the conformable vented eartips 100 may be made of an elastomer material, such as silicone, or any suitable material.
  • the conformable vented eartips 100 may include an ear insertion end 102 and an earphone insertion end 104 opposite the ear insertion end 102.
  • the conformable vented eartips 100 may include at least one flange 106 and a base 116, 118 having an eartip collar 116.
  • an eartip stem 118 may extend from the eartip collar 116 (as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6).
  • the eartip 100 may include an eartip collar 116 without an eartip stem 118 (as shown in FIG. 7).
  • the eartip collar 116 and stem 118 (if present) includes a central opening 108 extending from the ear insertion end 102 toward the earphone insertion end 104 to form an inner, primary sound channel 108.
  • the eartip collar 116 and/or stem 118 (if present) may be configured to receive and hold a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid within the inner, primary sound channel 108.
  • the eartip collar 116 and/or stem 118 may be shaped to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid at a particular position and/or orientation within the inner, primary sound channel.
  • the central opening 108 may include a portion for receiving a head of an earphone tube and a portion for receiving a body of the earphone tube.
  • the collar 116 and stem 118 (if present) forming the inner, primary sound channel 108 within the eartip 100 is configured to receive and hold an attached hearing instrument within the ear canal via the at least one conformable flange 106 configured to provide a small but adequate outward pressure against the ear canal wall. This outward pressure creates a resistance to movement, keeping the hearing device stable in the placed location.
  • the at least one flange 106 may extend from the base 116, 118 at the ear insertion end 102 at an angle away from the base 116, 118 and toward the earphone insertion end 104.
  • a series of swept indents 110 also referred to as swept depressions and swept ventilation channels leading from the narrower inserted end 102 of the eartip 100 towards the larger end of the flange 106, maintaining a depression 110 relative to the outer circumference, which follows the outward taper of the flange 106 while sweeping laterally around the circumference.
  • the transition between the outer surface of the flange 106 and the swept depressions 110 may comprise rounded comers 112.
  • the swept depressions 110 of the flange 106 may be notched 114 at the earphone insertion end 104. Although four (4) swept depressions 110 are shown in FIGS. 1-6 and three (3) swept depressions 110 are shown in FIGS. 7-8, more (e.g., 5-10) or less (e.g., 1-2) swept depressions 110 are contemplated. Although the swept indents 110, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, follow a counterclockwise path, swept indents 110 along a clockwise path is also envisioned as an alternate embodiment as shown in FIG. 9. In various embodiments, the angle and length of the path of the swept indents 110 may vary.
  • the depth and taper of the depth along the path of the swept indent 110 may be configured to provide larger or smaller acoustic channels 120.
  • the swept indents 110 may be configured to provide the acoustic channels 120 on an eartip 100 designed to accommodate larger or smaller ear canal contours.
  • FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view, in a simplified condition, illustrating a compliance of the swept ventilation channels 110 as the eartip 100 conforms to a large diameter 200 to form a secondary acoustic channel 120, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view, in a simplified condition, illustrating a compliance of the swept ventilation channels 110 as the eartip 100 conforms to a medium diameter 200 to form a secondary acoustic channel 120, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view, in a simplified condition, illustrating a compliance of the swept ventilation channels 110 as the eartip 100 conforms to a medium diameter 200 to form a secondary acoustic channel 120, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 12 depicts a cross-sectional view, in a simplified condition, illustrating a compliance of the swept ventilation channels 110 as the eartip 100 conforms to a small diameter 200 to form a secondary acoustic channel 120, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 13 depicts a cross-sectional view, in a simplified condition, illustrating a compliance of the swept ventilation channels 110 as the eartip 100 conforms to an oblong shape 200 to form a secondary acoustic channel 120, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • an eartip 100 is shown inserted into an object 200, such as an ear canal, having a large (e.g., FIG. 10), medium (e.g., FIG. 11), and small (e.g., FIG. 12) diameter.
  • the eartip 100 is shown inserted into an object 200, such as an ear canal, having an oblong shape.
  • the configuration of the swept depressions 110 and the elastomer material of the conformable eartip 100 ensures that as the outside flange 106 of the eartip 100 is compressed in its circumference, the swept depressions 110 conform to the pressure applied before the outer flanges 106 are forced to comply.
  • the swept depressions 110 conform by increasing the effective depth and decreasing the effective width of the channel 120. This conforming action, which maintains the secondary acoustic channel 120, ensures that an acoustic seal is not created between the outer flange 106 and the ear canal 200. As the eartip 100 is placed into a diameter constricting ear canal 200, at least one of the swept depressions 110 remains open to form the secondary acoustic channel 120 from the ambient environment across the eartip 100.
  • FIG. 14 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary two-flange conformable vented eartip 300, each flange 106a, 106b having four sloped ventilation channels 110a, 110b configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 15 depicts a top view of an exemplary two-flange conformable vented eartip 300, each flange 106a, 106b having four sloped ventilation channels 110a, 110b configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 14 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary two-flange conformable vented eartip 300, each flange 106a, 106b having four sloped ventilation channels 110a, 110b configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 15 depicts a top view of an exemplary two-flange conformable vented eartip
  • FIG. 16 depicts a bottom view of an exemplary two- flange conformable vented eartip 300 having a stem 118 configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with each flange 106a, 106b having four sloped ventilation channels 110a, 110b configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 17 depicts a side elevation view of an exemplary two-flange conformable vented eartip 300, each flange 106a, 106b having four sloped ventilation channels 110a, 110b configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 18 depicts a cross-sectional view along line A-A of FIG.
  • FIG. 19 depicts a rear perspective view of an exemplary two-flange conformable vented eartip 300 having a stem 118 configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with each flange 106a, 106b having four sloped ventilation channels 110a, 110b configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 19 depicts a rear perspective view of an exemplary two-flange conformable vented eartip 300 having a stem 118 configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, and with each flange 106a, 106b having four sloped ventilation channels 110a, 110b configured to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • the conformable vented eartips 300 may be made of an elastomer material, such as silicone, or any suitable material.
  • the conformable vented eartips 300 may include an ear insertion end 102 and an earphone insertion end 104 opposite the ear insertion end 102.
  • the conformable vented eartips 300 may include two or more flanges 106a, 106b and a base 116, 118 having an eartip collar 116.
  • an eartip stem 118 may extend from the eartip collar 116 (as shown in FIGS. 16, 18, and 19).
  • the eartip 300 may include an eartip collar 116 without an eartip stem 118.
  • the eartip collar 116 and stem 118 (if present) includes a central opening 108 extending from the ear insertion end 102 toward the earphone insertion end 104 to form an inner, primary sound channel 108.
  • the eartip collar 116 and/or stem 118 (if present) may be configured to receive and hold a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid within the inner, primary sound channel 108.
  • a first 106a of the two or more flanges 106a, 106b may extend from the base 116, 118 at the ear insertion end 102 at an angle away from the base 116, 118 and toward the earphone insertion end 104.
  • a second 106b of the two or more flanges 106a, 106b may extend from a position on the base 116, 118 between the ear insertion end 102 and the earphone insertion end 104 at an angle away from the base 116, 118 and toward the earphone insertion end 104.
  • each of the flanges 106a, 106b of the eartip 300 are a series of swept indents 110a, 110b (also referred to as swept depressions and swept ventilation channels) leading from the narrower end of each of the flanges 106a, 106b towards the larger end of each of the flanges 106a, 106b, maintaining a depression 110a, 100b relative to the outer circumference, which follows the outward taper of the respective flange 106a, 106b while sweeping laterally around the circumference.
  • the transition between the outer surface of each of the flanges 106a, 106b and the swept depressions 110a, 110b may comprise rounded corners 112a, 112b.
  • the swept depressions 110a, 110b of each flange 106a, 106b may be notched 114 at the earphone insertion end 104 of each flange 106a, 106b.
  • the swept indents 110a of the first flange 106a and the swept indents 110b of the second flange 106b may be aligned so as to maintain the secondary acoustic channel 120 when the flanges 106a, 106b are compressed as inserted into an ear canal.
  • four swept depressions 110a, 110b are shown in each flange 106a, 106b in FIGS.
  • swept depressions 110a, 110b are contemplated.
  • the swept indents 110a, 110b as shown in FIGS. 14-19, follow a counterclockwise path, swept indents 110a, 100b along a clockwise path is also envisioned as an alternate embodiment.
  • the angle and length of the path of the swept indents 110a, 110b may vary.
  • the depth and taper of the depth along the path of the swept indent 110a, 110b may be configured to provide larger or smaller acoustic channels 120.
  • the swept indents 110a, 110b may be configured to provide the acoustic channels 120 on an eartip 300 designed to accommodate larger or smaller ear canal contours.
  • the swept depressions 110a, 110b maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 to an ambient environment regardless of a shape and effective diameter of the ear canal within which it is placed, as shown in FIGS. 10-13 and described above.
  • the flange 106 may have a diameter and may extend at an angle from the base 116, 118 at the ear insertion end 102.
  • the additional flange(s) 106b may have progressively larger diameters (e.g., approximately 0.5-1.5 millimeters larger than the previous flange 106a toward the ear insertion end 102 of the eartip 100) and/or angles.
  • an angle of a first or single flange 106, 106a may be approximately 32 degrees (defined as between 26 and 36 degrees).
  • the second flange 106b may have an angle of approximately 40 degrees (defined as between 34 and 44 degrees). Although one flange 106 is shown in FIGS. 1-9 and two flanges 106a, 106b are shown in FIGS. 14-19, additional flanges (e.g., 3 flanges) are contemplated.
  • the flange wall(s) 106, 106a, 106b may be thin walls constructed from a low-durometer (i.e., in the range of 25 to 45 Shore A) elastomer to allow the flange wall(s) 106, 106a, 106b to be highly conformable.
  • the flange wall(s) 106, 106a, 106b may have a thickness of approximately 0.5 millimeters (defined as 0.4 to 0.6 millimeters). In certain embodiments, the thickness of the flange wall(s) 106, 106a, 106b may not be constant.
  • the eartips 100, 300 may be provided in different sizes, such as extra-large, large, medium, and small.
  • the extra-large eartip 100, 300 may have a flange 106 (or front flange 106a) diameter of approximately 12 millimeters (i.e.,
  • the large eartip 100, 300 may have a flange 106 (or front flange 106a) diameter of approximately 11 millimeters (i.e., 10.5-11.5 millimeters), the medium eartip 100, 300 may have flange 106 (or front flange 106a) diameter of approximately 10 millimeters (i.e.,
  • the small eartip 100, 300 may have a flange 106 (or front flange 106a) diameter of approximately 9 millimeters (i.e., 8.5-9.5 millimeters). Although four eartip sizes are discussed above, more or less eartip sizes having different flange diameters are contemplated.
  • FIG. 20 depicts a side elevation view of an exemplary single-flange conformable sealing eartip 400, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 21 depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary single-flange conformable sealing eartip 400, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 22 depicts a bottom perspective view of an exemplary single-flange conformable sealing eartip 400 having a stem 418 configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • FIG. 23 depicts a cross- sectional view of an exemplary single-flange conformable sealing eartip 400 having a stem 418 configured to receive a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid, in accordance with various embodiments.
  • conformable sealing eartips 400 are shown, as opposed to the conformable vented eartips 100, 300 shown in FIGS. 1-19 as described above in the pref erred embodiments.
  • the conformable sealing eartips 400 may share various characteristics with the conformable vented eartips 100, 300 described above, with the exception of the at least one flange 406 of the conformable sealing eartips 400 do not include swept indents 110 and rounded comers 112 as described above with respect to the conformable vented eartips 100, 300.
  • the conformable sealing eartips 400 may optionally include ribs 420 on an inner surface of the at least one flange 406 to mimic the appearance of the conformable vented eartips 100, 300 if, for example, the conformable sealing eartips 400 are made of a translucent material.
  • the conformable sealing eartips 400 may be made of an elastomer material, such as silicone, or any suitable material.
  • the conformable sealing eartips 400 may include an ear insertion end 402 and an earphone insertion end 404 opposite the ear insertion end 402.
  • the conformable sealing eartips 400 may include at least one flange 406 and a base 416, 418 having an eartip collar 416.
  • an eartip stem 418 may extend from the eartip collar 416 (as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23).
  • the eartip 400 may include an eartip collar 416 without an eartip stem 418.
  • the eartip collar 416 and stem 418 (if present) includes a central opening 408 extending from the ear insertion end 402 toward the earphone insertion end 404 to form an inner, primary sound channel 408.
  • the eartip collar 416 and/or stem 418 (if present) may be configured to receive and hold a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid within the inner, primary sound channel 108.
  • the at least one flange 406 may extend from the base 416, 418 at the ear insertion end 402 at an angle away from the base 416, 418 and toward the earphone insertion end 404.
  • conformable sealing eartip 400 is shown with one flange 406, more flanges 406 (e.g., 2 or 3 flanges) are contemplated.
  • the conformable sealing eartip 400 that can conform comfortably to the individual ear canal while easily creating and maintaining a sealing surface at each flange 406 to the wall of the ear canal 200 (i.e., without secondary acoustic channels).
  • a comfortable vented eartip 100, 300 comprising an ear insertion end 102, an earphone insertion end 104, a base 116, 118, a central opening 108, and at least one flange 106, 106a, 106b.
  • the earphone insertion end 104 is opposite the ear insertion end 102.
  • the base 116, 118 is at the ear insertion end 102 and extends toward the earphone extension end 104.
  • the central opening 108 extends through the base 116, 118 to form an inner sound channel 108 through the base 116, 118.
  • the at least one flange 106, 106a, 106b includes a first flange end extending from the base 116, 118 at an angle away from the base 116, 118 and toward the earphone insertion end 104 at a second flange end.
  • the at least one flange 106, 106a, 106b comprises at least one swept indent 110, 110a, 110b extending between the first flange end and the second flange end.
  • the at least one swept indent 110, 110a, 110b sweeps laterally around a portion of a circumference of the at least one flange 106, 106a, 106b.
  • the base 116, 118 comprises a collar 116 configured to receive and hold a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid.
  • the base 116, 118 comprises a collar 116 and a stem 118 extending from the collar 116 toward the earphone insertion end 104.
  • One or both of the collar 116 and the stem 118 is configured to receive and hold a sound tube of an earphone or hearing aid.
  • one or both of the collar 116 and the stem 118 is shaped to receive the sound tube of the earphone or hearing aid at one or both of a particular position or particular orientation within the inner sound channel 108.
  • the at least one swept indent 110, 110a, 110b comprises a first indent end toward the first flange end and a second indent end toward the second flange end.
  • the first indent end includes a first indent width.
  • the second indent end includes a second indent width.
  • the first indent width is less than the second indent width.
  • the at least one swept indent 110, 110a, 110b comprises a first indent end toward the first flange end and a second indent end toward the second flange end.
  • a width of the at least one swept indent 110, 110a, 110b tapers from the second indent end to the first indent end.
  • the at least one swept indent 110, 110a, 110b is one of three swept indents or four swept indents.
  • the at least one swept indent 110, 100a, 110b comprises a first indent end toward the first flange end and a second indent end toward the second flange end.
  • the second indent end comprises a notch 114, 114a, 114b.
  • a transition between an outer surface of the at least one flange 106, 106a, 106b and the at least one swept indent 110, 110a, 110b comprises rounded corners 112, 112a, 112b.
  • the at least one swept indent 110, 110a, 110b follows a counterclockwise path. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one swept indent 110, 110a, 110b follows a clockwise path.
  • an effective depth of the at least one swept indent 110, 110a, 110b is configured to increase and an effective width of the at least one swept indent 110, 110a, 110b is configured to decrease to maintain a secondary acoustic channel 120 between the ear insertion end 102 and the earphone insertion end 104 and preventing an acoustic seal between the at least one flange 106, 106a, 106b and a diameter constricting ear canal 200 when the conformable vented eartip 100, 300 is inserted into the diameter constricting ear canal 200.
  • the at least one flange 106, 106a, 106b is a single flange 106.
  • the at least one flange 106, 106a, 106b is two flanges 106a, 106b comprising a front flange 106a and a rear flange 106b.
  • the at least one swept indent 110a of the front flange 106a is aligned with the at least one swept indent 110b of the rear flange 106b.
  • the at least one flange 106, 106a, 106b is two flanges 106a, 106b comprising a front flange 106a and a rear flange 106b.
  • the front flange 106a extends from the base 116, 118 at the ear insertion end 102 at a first angle and the rear flange 106b extends from the base 116, 118 offset from the ear insertion end 102 toward the earphone insertion end 104.
  • the rear flange 106b extends toward the earphone insertion end 104 at a second angle that is greater than the first angle.
  • the first angle is 26 to 36 degrees and the second angle is 34 to 44 degrees.
  • the at least one flange 106, 106a, 106b is two flanges 106a, 106b comprising a front flange 106a and a rear flange 106b.
  • the front flange 106a includes a first diameter and the rear flange 106b includes a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.
  • a thickness of the at least one flange 106, 106a, 106b is 0.4 to 0.6 millimeters.
  • a thickness of the at least one flange 106, 106a, 106b is not constant.
  • the at least one flange 106, 106a, 106b is an elastomer material having a durometer of 25 to 45 Shore A.
  • “and/or” means any one or more of the items in the list joined by “and/or”.
  • “x and/or y” means any element of the three-element set ⁇ (x), (y), (x, y) ⁇ .
  • “x, y, and/or z” means any element of the seven-element set ⁇ (x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z) ⁇ .
  • the term “exemplary” means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration.
  • a component is “operable” or “configured” to perform a function whenever the component comprises the necessary structure to perform the function, regardless of whether the function is performed.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des embouts conformables ventilés. Un embout d'oreille ventilé conformable (100) comprend une extrémité d'insertion d'oreille (102), une extrémité d'insertion d'écouteur (104) opposée à l'extrémité d'insertion d'oreille (102), une base (116, 118) à l'extrémité d'insertion d'oreille (102) s'étendant vers l'extrémité d'extension d'écouteur (104), une ouverture centrale (108) s'étendant à travers la base (116, 118) pour former un canal sonore interne (108) à travers la base, et au moins une bride (106). Le ou les brides (106) comprennent une première extrémité de bride s'étendant depuis la base (116, 118) selon un angle s'éloignant de la base et vers l'extrémité d'insertion d'écouteur (104) au niveau d'une seconde extrémité de bride. La ou les brides (106) comprennent au moins une indentation balayée (110) s'étendant entre la première extrémité de bride et la seconde extrémité de bride. L'au moins une encoche balayée (110) balaye latéralement une partie d'une circonférence de la ou des brides (106).
PCT/US2022/015043 2021-05-05 2022-02-03 Embout conformable ventilé WO2022235313A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202163184579P 2021-05-05 2021-05-05
US63/184,579 2021-05-05
US17/495,006 2021-10-06
US17/495,006 US11711661B2 (en) 2021-05-05 2021-10-06 Conformable vented eartip

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022235313A1 true WO2022235313A1 (fr) 2022-11-10

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2022/015043 WO2022235313A1 (fr) 2021-05-05 2022-02-03 Embout conformable ventilé

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2022235313A1 (fr)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020027996A1 (en) * 1999-05-05 2002-03-07 Leedom Marvin A. Disposable modular hearing aid
US20210076145A1 (en) * 2018-02-05 2021-03-11 Paul Gregor Junke Universal adapter for hearing aids and earphones

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020027996A1 (en) * 1999-05-05 2002-03-07 Leedom Marvin A. Disposable modular hearing aid
US20210076145A1 (en) * 2018-02-05 2021-03-11 Paul Gregor Junke Universal adapter for hearing aids and earphones

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