WO2023092113A1

WO2023092113A1 - System and method for support of in-ear sound devices

Info

Publication number: WO2023092113A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/080209
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Reisacher
Original assignee: William Reisacher
Priority date: 2021-11-22
Filing date: 2022-11-21
Publication date: 2023-05-25

Abstract

A wearable holder, such as an ear cap, covers at least a portion of the outside of an ear. The holder has a main body with an expandable port therein. A sound emitting device intended for use within a user's ear canal, such as an ear bud or hearing aid, can be removably secured within the port opposite the ear to allow the sound emitting device to be used without insertion into the ear canal. A tubular body can extend inward from the port to secure and position the sound emitting device. Structures and materials of the wearable holder can be chosen to introduce an acoustic modifying effect.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPPORT OF IN-EAR SOUND DEVICES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/281,899, filed November 22, 2021, the entire contents of which is expressly incorporated by reference

BACKGROUND:

[0002] People like to listen to music or other audio using headphones that connect over the top of the head or behind the neck. However, many people do not like headphones for various reasons, such as comfort, tactile issues, size, and even the impact on hairstyle. A common substitute are wearable listening devices that are inserted into a user’s ear, such as a wired earbud or a wireless device, such as the Apple Airpod™. There are several problems, however, with the use of these in-ear devices, whether wired or wireless.

[0003] Earbuds can cause discomfort inside the ear and many people do not like placing them in their ear canal. Not only can it push wax and skin closer to the eardrum, but it can also exert pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is directly in front of the ear canal, causing pain in people with TMJ dysfunction. For some people, the standard earbuds that are provided with, e.g., a new smart phone, simply do not fit properly and so the user is forced to purchase a different pair. Moreover, even when they do fit properly, these devices can fall out when the wearer is running, chewing or even walking. Particularly for wireless earbuds, this can result in loss of an expensive piece of equipment which can be emotionally and financially detrimental.

[0004] Some in-ear portable listening devices also clip to auricle (the external, visible part of the ear), such as at the top, back, or lobe areas. The clip can configuration introduces another point for rubbing and discomfort. It can also be difficult for young children and individuals with functional issues, such as autistic people with tactile issues and the elderly population with arthritis, to use these devices by themselves.

[0005] Similar problems to the above also exist with respect to in-ear hearing aids. The use of hearing aids for people with hearing impairment has been demonstrated to improve quality of life and slow the progression of conditions such as dementia by keeping the individual engaged in social activities. However, many users of hearing aids find them difficult to insert and remove because of their small size. If the user’s ear canal is narrow, the part of the hearing aid with the speaker which is inserted in to the ear canal has to be very small, which effects the quality of the sound delivered. Moreover, because of the small size of the audio output holes (receiver holes), they often get clogged by wax, rendering the hearing aid unusable or significantly reducing its performance until the holes are cleared or the clogged part replaced. In addition, while current technology has allowed a high density of electronic components in a small space, there is a limit to the number and size of microphones and speakers/receivers which can be installed on a device. This limits the sound quality and clarity of the amplified signal, significant complaints hearing aid users have.

[0006] In addition, a further problem suffered by hearing aid users is that use of the hearing aid can prevent use of a earbuds or other in-ear listening devices. If the user has in-ear hearing aids, they must be removed to use a different in-ear device. Likewise, even over-the-ear hearing aids have an in-ear component which can physically interfere with use of a separate in- ear device While some in-ear hearing aids can be linked wirelessly, such as via Bluetooth, to a second audio source, many hearing aids do not include this feature and many users may find the wireless link difficult to use.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a device that will allow secure use of earbuds and similar audio devices designed for use in the ear but without having to insert them into the user’s ear canal. There is a further need for a device which will allow a user wearing a hearing aid to simultaneously use a separate earbud or other audio device intended for in-ear use without having to remove their hearing aid.

[0008] Another current trend in the market is the availability of over-the-counter hearing aids that provide a much affordable option for those with hearing loss relative to custom fit hearing aids. The loss of customized fitting from an audiologist for the growing number of people taking advantage of this option will produce many complaints of poorly fitting aids. Accordingly, there is a need for a device which would allow the user to use any of these over- the-counter hearing aids, without having to worry about the quality of the in-the-ear fit. SUMMARY:

[0009] These and other issues are addressed by a wearable holder that fits easily and securely over the ear, and can be configured to remain securely in place even as the user engages in vigorous activity. One embodiment of a wearable holder is an ear cap device that goes over and around the perimeter of the ear, The device includes a main body that covers at least an outer side of the ear’s auricle, such as part of the ear near the ear canal, and that can be configured to substantially cover the entire ear. In an embodiment, an opening on an inner side of the ear cap is formed and which can be easily and securely fitted around the base of the ear without having to be clipped on a portion of the ear or secured by friction against the auricle. The inner opening can be round, oval, elliptical, or have another shape and can be flexible and/or elastic.

[0010] A port or aperture is formed within the main body and into which an in-ear sound emitting device, such as an earbud or hearing aid can be placed and securely retained in a position generally aligned with the user’s ear. This allows these in-ear devices to be worn by a user without requiring the sound source to actually be placed in the ear canal. The ear cap device also advantageously allows use of one sound emitting device, such as an ear-bud, at the same time as a second in-ear or over ear device, such as a hearing aid, is being worn in the ear of the user.

[0011] When the ear cap is worn it defines an inner chamber bounded by the ear cap and the wearer’s ear. The port can open directly into the inner chamber or open into an outer chamber adjacent the inner chamber and that further help to secure and position a sound emitting device inserted into the port. A boundary between the inner and outer chamber can include an inner plate, disc, or other dividing portion. The dividing portion can be acoustically transparent and/or have can have holes to allow sound to pass from the sound emitting device into the inner chamber and towards the ear canal. The dividing portion can also be configured to introduce an acoustic modifying effect, such as audio damping, amplifying or filtering.

[0012] The main body of the ear cap can be made of soft, flexible fabric-like materials, such as polyester, nylon or spandex, or firmer materials such as rubber, silicone or plastic. Where the body of the ear cap is a softer, fabric-like material, portions of the ear cap can be made of a firmer material, such as plastic, rubber or silicone, to provide an area that the user can easily grasp and place on the upper portion of their auricle before fitting the ear cap inner opening around the back and bottom of the auricle and then pulling to secure the ear within the ear cap. This configuration can also allow a user to easily orient the ear cap correctly .

[0013] The configuration and type of materials can be selected so that the ear cap is lightweight, allowing air to pass through so the ear does not get too warm. Alternatively, a thicker material can be used to provide an insulating effect useful in cold weather.

[0014] The configuration and type of material(s) forming the body can be selected to introduce a desired acoustic effect on external audio from sources other than a sound emitter mounted in the port that is transmitted through the body. For example, material can be selected that has acoustic properties which dampen all audio or attenuate upper and/or lower register audio. The general shape of the acoustic volume adjacent the ear that is defined by the ear cap can also be configured to introduce a deliberate audio effect that may apply to sound in the acoustic volume. The inner surface of the body can be lined with sound-proofing material, such as open cell polyurethane foam, that absorbs the sound passing into the ear cap and within the acoustic volume to reduce echo. A more active surface can provide alternatively or in addition and that can reflect to amplify and/or direct sound by a sound emitter mounted in the port. Materials can be used in combination, such as an outer layer of sound absorbent material to dampen external sound passing into the acoustic volume and an inner layer of reflective material which amplifies and/or directs sounds from a mounted sound emitter.

[0015] To augment the functionality of the ear cap, a hearing aid can be provided that is configured to easily engage the aperture of the ear cap device and remain securely in place. The hearing aid can operate to amplify or modify sounds external to the ear cap and to output the modified audio into an acoustic volume between the ear cap device and the user’s ear. This allows a hearing aid to be worn in conjunction with an in-ear device, such as an ear-bud. It also allows a person who cannot tolerate an in-ear or over the ear hearing aid to still wear one. Such a hearing aid may also have utility in applications that do not include use with an ear cap as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:

[0016] Further features and advantages of the various embodiments, as well as their structure and operation, are disclosed in detail below with references to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0017] FIG. 1 is a representative cross-section of an ear cap device embodiment being worn by a user;

[0018] FIG. 2 is an interior view of the ear cap device of Fig. 1;

[0019] FIG. 3 A is an illustration of an exterior view of the ear cap device of Fig. 1;

[0020] FIG. 3B shows the ear cap device off Fig. 3 A with an over the ear hearing aid mounted therein;

[0021] FIGS. 4 and 5 shows embodiments of the ear cap device of Fig. 1 with an ear bud mounted therein;

[0022] FIGS. 6A and 6B are illustrations of embodiments of a removable expandable holder portion of the ear cap device;

[0023] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the interior of an ear cap embodiment with an alternative ear mounting structure;

[0024] FIG. 8 shows a hearing aid device embodiment mounted in an ear cap device of Fig. 1;

[0025] FIG. 9 is high level functional view of the hearing aid device of Fig. 8;

[0026] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate alternative headgear configured for holding a hearing aid device such as in Fig. 8 in alignment with a user’s ear; and

[0027] FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB illustrate headgear configured for holding a hearing aid device such as in Fig. 8 in alignment with a pet or other animal’s ear.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0029] Fig. l is a representative cross-section of a wearable holder in the form of an ear cap device 100. Fig. 2 is an inside view of device 100 and Fig. 3 A shows an outer view of device 100. Turning to Figs. 1, 2, and 3 A, the device 100 comprises a main body 105 that is configured mount on an ear 110 of a user and cover part of the outer side of the auricle (i.e., the side furthest from the user’ s head) including at least a part of the ear near the ear canal 115. When worn on an ear, the overall shape of the device 100 perpendicular to the user’ ear 110 is generally oval, although other shapes, such as elliptical or circular can be used. Main body 105 as illustrated is configured to substantially cover the entire ear 110 although in other embodiments only a portion of the ear is covered. [0030] An opening 120 on an inner side of the ear cap is formed and sized so that a user’s ear can be inserted into the opening 120 after which the device 100 is securely fitted around the base of the ear without having to be clipped on a portion of the ear or secured by friction against the auricle (part of the ear not directly adjacent to the side of the head). The inner opening 120 can be round, oval, elliptical, or have another shape.

[0031] A flexible and/or elastic ring 125 can be attached to the device 100 and substantially surround the periphery of opening 120. The ring can be made of a flexible, deformable, and/or elastic material, such as plastic, metal, or rubber, allowing the ring to be bent and/or stretched by the user as they position their ear within the device 110 with the opening 120. The opening 120 and ring 125 are sized so that the device can be securely fitted around the base 130 of the ear 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 100, when worn, encloses the ear 110 completely and without having to be clipped on or secured by friction against the auricle. The securing mechanism advantageously does not introduce any points of friction with the main body of the ear 135 or its interior.

[0032] Other mechanisms to attach the device 100 to a person’s ear 110 can alternatively be used. For example, and with reference to Fig. 7, device 100 can be fastened to the top part of a user’s ear using a flexible mounting strap 705 that passes between the auricle and the side of the head. This strap 705 can comprise flexible materials such as fabric, rubber or plastic. One or more straps can be used. For example, a second strap similar to strap 705 can be positioned on a lower part of the device 100 and placed so that it passes around the lobe of the user’s ear to secure the device 100 from below. A rim 710 can be provided to help secure device 100 to the perimeter of the ear. Rim 710 can also include a small lip.

[0033] Returning to Figs. 1, 2, and 3 A, in an embodiment, at least a portion of the main body 105 is made of a soft, flexible material. Examples of materials that are suitable include fabric-like material, such as polyester, nylon or spandex, and which can be woven or solid. Other flexible sheet materials can also be used, such as soft plastic, nylon, Kevlar or other materials with varying levels of elasticity. In a particular embodiment, at least a portion of the body is configured to be inelastically deformable so that after it is fit over an ear the user can adjust the fit around the periphery of the ear. In one configuration, this can be achieved by integrating one or more inelastically deformable threads, wires, or strips, such as thin metal strips, within the body 105. Different materials may be used in different parts of the Ear cap device and layers of differing materials can be combined. For example, body 105 can have a soft inner layer and a stiffer outer layer.

[0034] In addition to a main flexible body 105, a gripping portion 140 can be formed at the top or other part of the device 100 and made of a firmer material, such as plastic, rubber or silicone to form area that can be easily grabbed by a user. When the device 100 is being put on, the gripping portion 140 can be held to make it easier for a user to manipulate the device 100 in order, e.g., to pull the elastic ring around the back and bottom of the auricle to thereby fit the device 100 fully onto the ear 110. In a particular embodiment, gripping portion 140 can be formed so it extends over the top of the auricle portion of the user’s ear when device 100 is worn. The gripping portion 140 may also partially surround the auricle at the top of the ear and have a curved shape configured to provide a comfortable fit. The gripping portion 140 can further be made of a resiliently flexible material or can otherwise be configured to allow at least some inelastic deformation so a user can adjust the fit.

[0035] When the device 100 is worn over the ear it defines an inner chamber 145 between the body 105 and the user’s ear 110. According to further feature, a resiliently deformable port or aperture 150 is formed within the body 105. The port 150 can be positioned so that when the device 100 is being worn over an ear the port 150 is generally positioned opposite the outer side of the auricle, and in an embodiment opposed to a middle of the auricle comprising the portions inward from the helix, lobe, and tragus, and in a further embodiment opposite at least part of the ear canal. In some embodiments, this port may exist in other quadrants of the device 100. There may also be multiple ports.

[0036] The port 150 can be formed within an expandable holder 155 that allows an object larger than a rest diameter of the port 150 to be inserted through the port 150 and retained in place by the expandable holder 155. Port 150 is sized to allow for common and commercially available sound emitting devices 405, including in-ear devices such as an earbud, Apple Airpod ™, hearing aid, or other sound emitting device, to be inserted partially through the port 150 and retained in place. For example, a minimum rest diameter of the port may be from 0 to about 1 cm and a maximum expanded diameter from about 1cm to 2cm. Fig. 4 is an illustration of a sound emitting device 405 in the form of a wireless earbud and that has been inserted partially through the port 150 where it is secured in place. A hearing aid particularly configured for mounting within the port 150 of device 100 is discussed further below with respect to Figs. 8 and 9.

[0037] With reference to Figs. 3 A and 3B, a pocket 305 can be formed on an outer surface of the main body 105, such as posterior to the port 150 or in other locations such as in front of, above or below the port 150. The pocket 305 can be configured to receive and secure the back portion or case 315 of a conventional hearing aid 310 which is designed to fit over or behind a user’s ear. The pocket 305 may be sewn and a single size or secured by a hook-and- loop material, a zipper, button, snap, flap, or other method to seal the top and/or sides of the pocket sufficiently to retain at least part of the case of an over-the-ear or behind the ear hearing aid. A portion of the pocket can comprise an elastic material to more easily accommodate hearing aid portions 315 of different sizes. Instead of a pocket 305 closed on three sides, a band, such as an elastic band, can be attached to the main body 105 to form a loop through which the back portion or case 315 of the hearing aid can be passed. Fig. 3B shows case 315 of the hearing aid secured in the pocket 305. An ear hook, tube or wire 325 extends from the case 315 and into the port 150. An ear tip 320 (not shown) and through which sound is emitted on the far side of tube or wire 325 is inside of the ear cap.

[0038] Device 100 thus advantageously allows for an in-ear sound emitting device 405 to be worn and used without the user having to insert the sound emitting device 405 into their ear canal. This further allows one in-ear sound emitting device 405, such as an ear bud, to be used at the same time as the user is wearing a second in-ear or behind the ear sound emitting device, such as a hearing aid. Port 150 may also be used to securely mount behind the ear sound emitting devices as well depending on the particular design of the port 150 and the sound emitting device.

[0039] In one embodiment, the expandable holder 155 is an elastic disk or plate, comprising plastic, rubber, or other suitable material known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The disk has a plurality of radial cutouts defining flexible fins 158 surrounding the port 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the port 150 comprises a generally circular hole within the expandable holder 155 and the fins 158 do not extend all the way to the center of the expandable holder 155. Port 150 can be other shapes, such as oval. In another embodiment (not shown), fins 158 can extend substantially to the center of the expandable holder 155. In a further embodiment, a single slit can be formed within expandable holder 155. In yet a further embodiment, the port 150 is formed simply as a hole within expandable holder 155 without radial cutouts. In yet a further embodiment, the expandable holder 155 can comprise a mechanical iris that may be manually opened to insert the object into the chamber and then closed thereafter. The iris may be lockable so a user can tighten the aperture over the object.

[0040] The port 150 can open directly to the inner chamber 145, such as through a hole 152 in the main body 105. Alternatively, the port 150 can open into an outer chamber 160 that is adjacent to the inner chamber 145 and defined by a chamber wall 162. The outer chamber 160 can be configured to help align the sound emitting device 405 with the user’s ear, including aligning the sound emitting device 405 with the user’s ear canal, such as by helping retain sound emitting device 405 it in a position that is generally the same orientation it would be if being worn in or over the ear directly and opposite the ear canal. The shape of the outer chamber can be generally spherical, truncated conical, pyramidal, or another configuration. In other embodiments, there may be multiple ports leading to one outer chamber 160, or multiple ports, each leading into its own respective outer chamber. Multiple separate ports can allow a user to mount a plurality of sound emitting devices to the ear cap device 100.

[0041] In an embodiment, a separate hole 152 is not formed in the main body 105 and the chamber wall 162 comprises a portion of the main body 105 behind the port 150, which portion can be elastic. In an alternative embodiment, chamber wall 162 comprises a tubular body 165 extending inwards from the main body 105 and positioned so that the port 150 and hole 152 lead to the interior of tubular body 165. A diameter of the tubular body 165 can be greater than the rest diameter of the port 150, substantially the same diameter as the port 150, or narrower. The diameter of tubular body 165 can be substantially constant from along its length from a first end nearest the port 150 to a second end which is furthest from the port 150. In a further embodiment, the diameter of tubular body 165 can vary along its length, such as to taper in or to flare outwards at the second end.

[0042] The second end of the tubular body 165 can be open or closed. In a closed configuration, the closed end of tubular body 165 can be made of the same material or a different material than that used for the body 165 itself. A closed configuration can limit the depth a sound emitting device 405 can be inserted and thereby prevent over insertion of the sound emitting device 405 which may cause ear injury. [0043] In a particular embodiment, a boundary between the inner and outer chamber, such as at the end of tubular body 165, can comprise an inner plate, disc, or other dividing portion 170. The dividing portion 170 can be rigid or at least somewhat flexible. In various embodiments dividing portion 170 is comprised of metal, plastic, or rubber. One or more apertures 175 can be formed in the dividing portion 170 to allow sound to pass from, e.g., a sound emitting device 405 in the outer chamber 160 into the inner chamber 145 and towards the ear canal. Alternatively or in addition, dividing portion can be formed of a material that is substantially acoustically transparent.

[0044] With reference to Fig. 5, tubular body 165 can be made of an elastic material which will generally conform to the shape of the part of sound emitting device 405 that is inserted through the aperture 150 into the outer chamber 160 when that portion of the sound emitting device 405 has a diameter greater than that of the body 165. An elastic mesh or fabric such as spandex could be used to form tubular body 165.

[0045] In a particular configuration, tubular body 165 can be configured to form a simulated ear canal which can receive standard sized sound emitting devices that have been designed to be placed within a user’s ear canal. For example, the tubular body 165 can extend inwards from aperture 150 with a length from about 1cm to about 3cm, such as between 1.5 and 2.5cm, and a diameter of between about 0.5 cm to 1 .5 cm, such as about 1cm, along at least a portion of its length or substantially all of its length.

[0046] Expandable holder 155 can be attached to the body 105 using a variety of techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including by use of a glue or other adhesive, stitching, and thermal or sonic welding. In an embodiment, expandable holder 155 could also be integrally formed as part of the body 105.

[0047] In a particular embodiment, the expandable holder 155 is removably attached to body 105. A user can be provided with multiple different expandable holders 155 for use in different circumstances. For example, an ear cap device 100 can be provided with several expandable holders 155 having differently sized or configured ports 150 and the user can select an expandable holder 155 that has a port configuration best suited for the particular sound emitting device 405 they want to use. Removable expandable holders 155 can also be provided in different colors or various printed designs so a user can personalize the look of the device 100. [0048] The structure defining the outer chamber 156, such as the tubular body 165 and dividing portion 170 can also be removable so that it can be replaced with one of a different configuration such as a being different size or being made of different materials. In one configuration, the body 165 is connected to the holder 155 and both are removable together. In such an embodiment, the diameter or other physical attribute of the tubular body 165 can scale along with the size of the port 150. For example, a first holder 155 can have a small port 150 size and narrow tubular body 165 which are suitable for small sound emitting devices and a second holder 155 can have a larger port 150 and wider tubular body 165 suitable for use with larger sound emitting devices.

[0049] Various mechanisms known to those of ordinary skill in the art can be used to removably connect the expandable holder 155 to the main body 105. In the embodiment of Fig. 6 A, expandable holder 155 is connected using one or more snaps with studs 605 extending from the holder 155 and engaging sockets mounted 610 mounted to the main body 105. It will be understood that the position and number of snap components can vary and location of the male and female snap components can be reversed. Different mechanical coupling mechanisms can be used to attach holder 155 to the body 105. For example, the holder 155 can have a threaded aperture or hollow shaft around the port 150 and that engages a mating threaded shaft or aperture affixed to the main body 105. Instead of a threaded engagement, a snap fit or friction fit engagement could be used. Other releasable coupling mechanisms could also be used, such as including hook-and-loop fasteners or magnets.

[0050] Fig. 6B shows an alternative embodiment in which the expandable holder 155 comprises a first outer portion 620 on the outside of body 105 and a second inner portion 625 on the inside of body 105. The outer and inner portions 620, 625 have a coupling mechanism 640 allowing them to be removably attached to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, coupling mechanism 640 comprises mounting post 630 that extends from one portion 625, 620 and engages a mounting hole 635 in the other portion 620, 625. Part of the main body 105 can be captured between the first and second portions 620, 625 of the expandable holder 155 to help secure the expandable holder 155 in place. As shown in Fig. Fig. 6B, a portion of the coupling mechanism 640 passing through holes 645 in the outer body 105; however, this is not required. Other coupling mechanisms could also be used. For example, a central a cylinder extending from one portion 620, 625 through outer body 105 can engage a central aperture in the other portion 625, 620 in a threaded, friction, or snap fit. Alternative coupling mechanisms, including as hook-and-loop fasteners or magnets, could also be used.

[0051] As further shown in Fig. 6B, the components of the outer chamber 160, such as tubular body 165 are connected to the second portion 625 of the expandable holder 155. This allows a user to replace the inner portion 625 without having to replace the outer portion 620. This allows, for example, the user to select from various differently configured inner portions 625, of different sizes and/or providing outer chambers 160 with different acoustic properties. While in one embodiment both outer and inner portions 620, 625 can be removed from the main body and separately replaced, in an alternative embodiment, one of the outer and inner portions 620, 625 can be non-removably mounted to the main body 105. In addition, as an alternative to outer and inner portions 620, 625 being directly coupled to each other, they can each be instead connect to an intermediate component affixed to main body 105, such as a mounting plate or bracket in the main body and to which both the outer and inner portions 620, 625 can removably couple.

[0052] In a further embodiment, a user can be provided with a selection of one or more outer portions 620 and inner ports 625 and chose the combination of outer and inner portions 620, 625 best sized for their ear and/or desired in-ear device. The components can then be attached to the main body 105 in a way that does not allow them to easily removed again. For example, the portions 620, 625 can be configured with a permanent cantilever snap connection provide a secure and tight connection. A portion of the outer main body 105 between them to secure the expandable holder 155 in place.

[0053] An earcap kit can be provided in a package for a user. The kit can comprise a plurality of different sized expandable holders, such as holder 155 with and without a tubular body 165 and with tubular bodies 165 of different configurations, or various holder parts 620, 625 of different sizes or configurations as discussed above with respect to Figs. 6 A and 6B. The kit can also include one or more ear cap bodies of different sizes to accommodate differently sized ears.

[0054] In some cases it may be desirable to be able to add an expandable holder, as disclosed herein, to a conventional ear cap lacking such a part or to a different piece of headgear, such as discussed below with respect to Figs. 10A and 10B. In such a case, the kit can also be provided with a fabric punch or hole cutter that can be used to form a hole in the material of the headgear in a position opposite the user’s ear with a size that is large enough to accommodate the desired expandable holder. A conventional punch grommet cutter or a sharpened rotational cutter can be suitable.

[0055] In an embodiment, the materials and structure of device 100 can be configured to modify sound from sound emitting device 405 and/or ambient sound that may pass through device 100. The particular material used in the body 105 can be selected for its acoustic properties, such as sound transmission, reflection, or dampening. The outer chamber 160 can be configured to modify sound from the sound emitting device 405 as it passes through the outer chamber 160 and into inner chamber 145. For example, outer chamber 160 can be larger than the expected size of the sound emitting device 405 and be configured to focus or amplify sound emitted from the sound emitting device 405 towards the user’s ear, such as towards the ear canal. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the inner surface area of the outer chamber can be covered by a sound reflective layer. In one configuration, an inner side surface of the expandable holder 155 can be configured to reflect sound towards the ear. This can be accomplished by including sound reflecting materials on the inner surface. In one configuration, at least a portion of inner surface, such as can have a curved or parabolic inner surface (not shown).

[0056] Alternatively or in addition, dividing portion 170 can be made of an acoustically transparent material. The dividing portion 170 can alternatively be configured to or include materials which will introduce an acoustic modifying effect, such as audio damping or filtering. Materials suitable for acoustic damping or filtering will be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0057] In a further embodiment, dividing portion 170 can be an active element that has electronic circuitry, analogous to that used in a small hearing aid, along with a microphone to receive sound in the outer chamber 160 and a speaker to output a processed sound signal into the inner chamber 145. Analog and/or digital signal processing circuity known to those of ordinary skill in the art can be used.

[0058] Other combinations of materials can also be used to modify the sound quality. The device 100 could be part or entirely made of mesh, or have one or more holes connecting the inner chamber 145 to the outside. The outer chamber 160 can comprise a sealed portion with a gas or liquid and through which sound from the sound emitting device 405 will pass. For example, dividing portion 170 can comprise a small bladder with gas or liquid in it or a foamed material selected to alter the sound quality.

[0059] Turning to Fig. 7, there is shown an embodiment in which the outer chamber 160 has a truncated cone shape expanding from the port 150 towards the user’s ear to provide a sound amplification effect, similar to that seen when using a megaphone. The chamber 160 can be open or closed with an inner dividing portion 170 as discussed with respect to Figs. 1 -3 A above. The dividing portion 170 can comprise a passive audio filter with properties dependent on aspects of its composition and structure, the construction of which will be known to those or ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, the dividing portion 170 can be an active element, such as a miniaturized electric audio processor which can receive the sound coming from the sound emitting device 405 and then emit a modified sound, such as amplified, damped, or filtered, towards the user’s ear.

[0060] As noted above, when device 100 is worn an inner chamber 145 is formed between the outer chamber 160 and the ear or, if no outer chamber is present, between the port 150 and the ear. Sound passing into the device 100, such as through the dividing portion 170 enters the inner chamber 145 and therein enters the user’s ear. The materials which form the inner chamber and its size and shape can be selected to produce a desired acoustic effect and provide the user with a unique sound experience. For example, and with reference to Fig. 7, an inner surface 710 of the device 100 can comprise audio reflecting materials to help direct sounds into the user’s ears or sound absorbent material instead. An outer layer or shell 730 of the main body 105 can comprise sound blocking materials that reduce the amount of external sound entering the inner chamber 145 from the outside. Different parts of the chamber may be formed of different material and layered structures could be used.

[0061] In an embodiment, the main body 105 can instead comprise a thin or gauzy material or otherwise acoustically transparent material which allows external sounds to easily pass into the inner chamber 145 with stronger supporting sections or ribs to retain the expandable holder 155 in position.

[0062] In a further embodiment, the resonant chamber could be heated or cooled to provide comfortable listening in cold and hot weather, example, resistive elements could be incorporated to provide heating. A thin cooling device, such as a thermoelectric heat pump, can be incorporated into the device 100 to provide cooling or heating depending on the direction of the electrical current. A battery to provide power can be integrated into the device 100, such as along the ring 125 or rim 710, fitted into a pouch formed on or within main body 105, or external to device 100 and where power can be provided by a wire terminating an electrical coupler component that mates with a compatible electric coupler in the device 100. Various additional acoustic and temperature elements can be removable and interchangeable, allowing the device 100 to be customized by a user.

[0063] According to a particular method, an ear cap device 100 as disclosed herein, is provided to a user. The device 100 has a port 150 providing passage from an outside of the main body 105 to an inside of the main body 105. The port 150 is expandable from a minimum rest diameter to a maximum expanded diameter greater than the rest diameter and is positioned on the main body 105 so that it is opposite the outer size of the auricle of the user’s ear when the device is worn on the user’s ear. A sound emitting part of the sound emitting device 405 is inserted through the port from the outside of the main body to the inside of the main body to removably attach the sound emitting device 405 to the ear cap 100 with the sound emitting part in the inside of the ear cap. Where the inserted part of the sound emitting device 405 has ad diameter greater than the rest diameter of the inserted part of the sound emitting device has a diameter greater than the rest diameter of the port, inserting the sound emitting device into the part includes expanding the diameter of the port sufficiently for the sound emitting part to pass through. In configurations where device 100 has tubular body 165 extending inward from the port, the inserted portion of the sound emitting device 405 can be positioned by the user to be inside of the tubular body 165, which tubular body 165 may form the outer sound chamber 160.

[0064] When the user wants to use sound emitting device 405 with an additional in-ear sound emitting device, the user can put on that other in-ear device before putting on the ear cap device 100. If the sound emitting device 405 is an over or on-the ear device that has a housing or case and an ear tip connected to it along a wire or tube, such as an over-the ear hearing aid, the user can secure the hearing aid case to the main body 105 of the ear cap 100 by placing it into the exterior pocket or loop 305 while the ear tip is placed through the port 140.

[0065] Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a hearing aid 800 that is configured for use with the ear cap device 100 and is engaged with an ear cap device 100 as shown in Fig. 1. The aid 800 comprises a housing with an outer part 805, an inner part 810, and a stem 815. The stem 815 extends along a central axis from a first end connected to the outer part 805 to a second end connected to the inner part. Outer part 805 has a maximum diameter DO, inner part 810 has a maximum diameter DI, and stem 815 has a maximum diameter DS where diameter is measured normal to the central axis. In an embodiment, diameter DS is less than DI and diameter DI is less than DO, and where the diameter DI of the inner part 810 is small enough to be passed through the port 150 to position the inner portion 810 within the outer chamber 160 (or inner chamber 145 for an ear cap embodiment without an outer chamber) but large enough to resist easy removal from the device 100. In an embodiment, DI is greater than a minimum diameter DPmin of the port 150 when the expandable portion 155 is not deformed and less than the maximum diameter DPmax of the port 150 that can be obtained by elastic deformation of expandable portion 155.

[0066] Inner part 810 can have a conical, spherical, rectangular, or other shape. A tapered profile with a narrowing towards its forward end (furthest from the outer part 805) will allow the aid 800 easily deform expandable portion 155 during insertion and pass through the port 150. After insertion, the expandable portion 155 will contract and elastically close the port 150 around the stem 155. Providing inner part 810 with a substantially flat back adjacent the stem 815 will help secure the inner part 810 within the device 100.

[0067] The outer part 805 is expected to reside outside of the speaker device 110 and in an embodiment has diameter DO greater than DPmax to prevent outer part 805 from passing through the port 150. The outer portion can have a generally flat and elongate shape, such as a flattened circle, although other shapes, such as square, oval, elliptical or polygonal are also possible.

[0068] The aid 800 has internal circuitry 820 which can be powered by a battery 825 which can be located in a battery chamber 905 (Fig. 9). Circuitry 820 operates to process audio input received from one or more microphones 830 on the outer part 805 and to emit a processed sound signal from one or more speakers 835 positioned on the inner part 810. The microphones 830 can be arranged in various configurations on outer part 805 and in various directions. For example, a plurality of microphones 830 can be arranged in a circular, square or other shape array. Likewise, a plurality of speakers 835 can be arranged on the inner part 810 of the aid, such as at its end, as desired, such as in in a grid or circular array.

[0069] There may be one or more holes or channels formed in the outer part 805 to direct sound to the microphones 830 and one or more holes or channels in the inner part 810 to direct sound from the speakers 835 out of the inner part 810. Alternatively, the portion of the aid 800 housing covering the microphone(s) 830 and/or speakers 835 can be made of a substantially acoustically transparent material. One more vents can also be formed in the aid 800 housing to allow air to pass through the disc hearing aid and into the interior of the ear cap device 100, e.g., for purpose of ventilation, sound quality or helping to prevent feedback.

[0070] Appropriate electronic circuitry 820 for use within a hearing aid will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The electronic circuitry housed within the aid 800 can be located in one or both of the inner and outer parts 805, 810 as well as in the stem 815. The larger size of the aid 800 relative to conventional in-ear hearing aids means that the circuitry 820 does not need to be as miniaturized. This can reduce the overall cost of the aid 800 relative to conventional in-ear devices and/or allow for more or better functionality, including sound fidelity and directionality. The power supply battery 825 can be housed in the outer part 805 or elsewhere in the aid 800. The battery can be removable and/or be rechargeable, e.g., via an inductive charging unit.

[0071] With reference to Fig. 9, in an embodiment the circuitry 820 comprises one or more amplifiers 910 that amplify signals from microphones 830. Analog and/or digital circuits can be used to filter or otherwise process the amplified signal(s) before being output by the speakers 835. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, an initial anti-aliasing filter 915 can be applied and the filtered converted to a digital signal, such as via A/D converter 920 after which one or more digital filter circuits or software algorithms 925 can be applied after which the processed digital signal can be processed by D/A converter 930 to generate an output analog signal. Additional output filters, such as an anti-imaging filter 940, can be applied before the final signal is output to the speaker 835. The digital filtering can be controlled by a microprocessor 935.

[0072] Various types of audio processing known to those of skill in the art can be applied to produce the modified output sound signal. For example, the signal can be amplified or attenuated at specific frequencies or filtered to eliminate noise. The operation can be customized by the user to adjust the degree of amplification and type of modification applied. Manual controls can be placed on the aid 800 itself or it can be controlled wirelessly, such as by a Bluetooth connection to a smart device running a suitable App. Different settings or modes can be preset for use in different environments. In a further embodiment, the app can also link the location of a user with a given setting so that a predefined acoustic setting for a given location (by default or by the user) is automatically selected as the user enters that location. Various switches or buttons, such as on/off, volume, and audio mode selection can be provided on the outer part 805 of the aid 800.

[0073] Advantageously, a hearing aid 800 mounted in an ear cap device 100 can be used simultaneously in conjunction with another hearing aid being worn by the user, such as an in- ear unit positioned in the user’s ear canal. The audio processing provided by the external aid 800 can be configured to compensate for acoustic deficiencies of the in-ear unit. For example, if an in-ear hearing aid has a poor response in the upper register, the aid 800 can be configured to boost upper register sound to compensate. The larger size of the Ear cap device 100 provides greater flexibility in designing an audio output with a wide acoustic range.

[0074] The aid 800 can be provided with a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth, to allow it to communication with external devices and provide features offered by conventional headphones, such as a connection to a smart phone for paying music, engaging in a telephone conversation, or interacting with a chat bot. The aid 800 can also be configured to emit vibratory alerts, whether electronically through the output speakers, by using a mechanical vibratory device, or other mechanisms.

[0075] Sound and other vibration emitters could also be embedded into the material of the ear cap devices 100 or secured to another surface of the device 100. Some of the sound emitters may function to deliver sound through the air within the device 100. In other embodiments, sound emitters, while some may be designed to deliver sound through bone conduction by contact with the surface of the head. The device could be powered by a battery or hard-wired connection and receive data through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or any other wireless connection. The earphones can be used in one ear or both.

[0076] In yet a further embodiment, rather than using two separate ear cap devices 100, one for each ear, a single larger main body configuration can be provided which is configured to fit over the top of the head and cover both ears simultaneously. Two (or more) expandable portions/ports 150, 155, with or without outer speaker chambers, can be provided to accommodate multiple sound sources and where the ports are positioned so that they are adjacent the left and right ears when the device is worn.

[0077] Figs. 10A and 10B show examples of types of wearable headgear that can be modified as disclosed herein to hold sound emitting devices configured to be worn in-ear. Fig 10A illustrates a wearable headgear holder 1010 with a headphone form factor. Each of the ear coverings 1015 is a respective main body and includes a port 150 in an expandable holder 155 as disclosed herein and each ear cover is a respective main body portion. Fig. 10B is an illustration of a wearable headgear holder 1020 with a with an ear flap cap form factor. An ear flap 1025 has a port 150 in an expandable holder 155 (with or without an outer chamber) as disclosed herein positioned to be generally aligned with the ear of a person wearing the cap. Each ear flap can comprise a main body region as disclosed herein. The ear flap cap form factor can include a brim as show or the brim can be omitted. Other over the head wearables, such as basic cap that can be pulled down over a wearer’s ears, can be similarly modified. A pocket or strap 305 as addressed above can also be added to these or other embodiments, such as shown in Fig. 10B. While the ear cap device 100 as disclosed herein is configured for use by humans, other configurations and method of attachment can be made to accommodate animal ears, such as on a cat or dog. These embodiments can be similar to the headphones, hats, caps, etc. designed for humans as illustrated. Fig. 11 A is an illustration of a head cap or wrap 1105 for dogs. The cap 1105 has ear pouches 1110 which are designed to cover a pets ears. Port and expandable holder 155 can be positioned in one or both ear pouches 1110 and provided with or without an outer chamber, wherein the ear pouch functions as a main body region. A sound emitting device, such as a hearing aid 800, can be mounted within the port to provide hearing assistance for an animal with hearing loss. Fig. 1 IB shows an alternative head cap or wrap 1120 which does not have specially designed ear pouches. Port and expandable holder 155 can be positioned on one or both sides of the cap 1120 in a main body location and aligned with the ear of pet when the cap is worn.

[0078] To help prevent an animal from scratching at their head and dislodging the sound emitting device, a flap can be provided to cover the outside of the expandable holder which ear pouches 1110 and provided with or without an outer chamber. The flap can be secured, for example, with snaps, hook and loop material, a zipper, or other closure.

[0079] Various aspects, embodiments, and examples of the invention have been disclosed and described herein. Modifications, additions and alterations may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An audio system comprising: a wearable holder and a first sound emitting device; the holder configured to be secured to the head of a user when worn and comprising: a main body having an exterior surface and interior surface and configured to cover at least a portion of an outer side of an auricle of the ear of the user when the holder is worn by the user and wherein the interior surface of the main body and outer side of the auricle define an inner chamber; the main body having a port therein providing passage from an outside of the main body to an inside of the main body, the port positioned on the main body to be positionable opposite the outer side of the auricle when the holder device is worn by the user; the port being formed within an expandable holder affixed to the main body and reversibly expandable from a minimum rest diameter to a maximum expanded diameter greater than the rest diameter; the sound emitting device having a first end with a sound emitting portion therein, a second end, and a middle portion intermediate the first and second end, wherein a diameter of one of the first end and the second end and a diameter of the middle portion are each less than the expanded diameter of the port, and wherein the sound emitting device is removably mounted within the port so that when the holder is worn the first end of the sound emitting is positionable opposite the outer side of the auricle.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the expandable holder is comprised of an elastically deformable material.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the expandable holder is removably affixed to the main body.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a tubular body having the port at a first end and extending away from the inner surface of the main body to a second end of the tubular body.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the second end of the tubular body is closed, the tubular body forming an outer chamber.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the closed tubular body is configured to alter a sound signal passing from the outer chamber to the inner chamber.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the tubular body is configured to reflect sound emitted from a device within the tubular body outwards from the second end of the tubular body.

8. The system of claim 4, the tubular body comprising a truncated cone with the first end of the tubular body having a diameter less than a diameter of the second end of the tubular body.

9. The system of claim 4, wherein the tubular body forms a simulated ear canal.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising one of a pocket or loop on the exterior surface of the main body adjacent the port, wherein a case of a hearing aid can be secured to the device by the pocket or loop and an ear tip of the hearing aid and connected to the case can be passed through the port and retained in a position opposite the outer side of the auricle.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the sound emitting device comprises a hearing aid, the hearing aid comprising a housing with an inner part ending at the first end, an outer part ending at the second end, the middle portion comprising a stem having a maximum diameter DS, the inner part having a maximum diameter DI which is greater than DS and less than the maximum expanded diameter of the port, and the outer part having a maximum diameter DO greater than DS; the housing having a power source and electronic circuitry therein, the electronic circuitry comprising a microphone in the outer part, a speaker in the inner part, and an amplifier connected to receive signals from the microphone and output an amplified signal to the speaker; the hearing aid being removably mounted to the main body with the inner part of the housing inside of the main body, the outer part of the housing outside of the main body, and the middle portion through the port.

12. The system of claim 11, the holder further comprising a tubular body having the port at a first end and extending away from the inner surface of the main body to a second end of the tubular body, the inner part of the housing being within the tubular body.

13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the second end of the tubular body is closed.

14. The system of claim 11, the inner part of the housing having a substantially flat back surface adjacent the stem and a tapered region between the back surface and the first end; the outer part of the housing having a substantially flat forward surface adjacent the stem.

15. The system of claim 11 , the outer part of the housing having a substantially circular cross-section, the maximum diameter DO of the outer part of the housing being greater than the maximum expanded diameter of the port.

16. The system of claim any of claims 1-15 wherein the wearable holder comprises an ear cap configured to be secured over the ear of the user ear.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the wearable holder comprises a plurality of ear pouches, the port located in a respective ear pouch.

18. The system of any of claims 1-15 wherein the wearable holder has a headphone form factor having ear covering regions, the port located in a respective ear covering region.

19. The system of any of claims 1-15 wherein the wearable holder is configured to be secured to the head of one of a cat or a dog.

20. The system of any of claims 1-15 wherein the first end of the sound emitting device is configured to fit within an ear canal.

21. An ear cap device comprising: a main body configured to be secured over an ear of a user ear and cover at least a portion of an outer side of an auricle of the ear, the main body having an exterior surface and interior surface, the interior surface of the main body and outer side of the auricle defining an inner chamber when the device is worn on the user’s ear; the main body having a port therein providing passage from an outside of the main body to an inside of the main body, the port positioned on the main body to be opposite the outer side of the auricle when the device is worn on the user’s ear; the port being formed within an expandable holder affixed to the main body and reversibly expandable from a minimum rest diameter to a maximum expanded diameter greater than the rest diameter; wherein a portion of a sound emitting device having a diameter less than the expanded diameter of the port can be inserted through the port and positioned opposite the outer side of the auricle.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the expandable holder is comprised of an elastically deformable material.

23. The device of claim 21 , wherein the expandable holder is removably affixed to the main body.

24. The device of claim 21, further comprising: a tubular body having the port at a first end and extending away from the inner surface of the main body to a second end of the tubular body.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the second end of the tubular body is closed, the tubular body forming an outer chamber.

26. The device of claim 24, wherein at least a portion of the closed tubular body is configured to alter a sound signal passing from the outer chamber to the inner chamber.

27. The device of claim 24, wherein the tubular body is configured to reflect sound emitted from a device within the tubular body outwards from the second end of the tubular body.

28. The device of claim 24, the tubular body comprising a truncated cone with the first end of the tubular body having a diameter less than a diameter of the second end of the tubular body.

29. The device of claim 24, wherein the tubular body forms a simulated ear canal.

30. The device of claim 21, further comprising one of a pocket or loop on the exterior surface of the main body adjacent the port, wherein a case of a hearing aid can be secured to the device by the pocket or loop and an ear tip of the hearing aid and connected to the case can be passed through the port and retained in a position opposite the outer side of the auricle.

31. A method of wearing an audio device having a sound emitting part configured for placement within an ear canal of a user’s ear, the method comprising the steps of: providing an ear cap with a main body configured to be secured over the ear of the user, the main body having a port therein providing passage from an outside of the main body to an inside of the main body , the port being formed within an expandable holder affixed to the main body and being reversibly expandable from a minimum rest diameter to a maximum expanded diameter greater than the rest diameter, the port positioned on the main body so as to be opposite an outer side of an auricle of the user’s ear when the device is worn on the user’s ear; inserting the sound emitting part of the audio device through the port from the outside of the main body to the inside of the main body, wherein the sound emitting part is removably secured in the inside of the ear cap; and affixing the ear cap on the user’s ear.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the sound emitting part has a diameter greater than the rest diameter of the port, step of inserting the sound emitting part comprises increasing the diameter of the port sufficiently for the sound emitting part to pass through.

33. The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of placing an in-ear sound emitting device within the ear canal of the of the user’s ear before the step of affixing the ear cap on the user’s ear.

34. The method of claim 31, the audio device comprising a hearing aid having a case and wherein the sound emitting part is an ear tip of the hearing aid that is connected to the main body, the ear cap further comprising one of a pocket or loop on the exterior surface of the main body adjacent the port, the method further comprising the steps of: securing the case of the hearing aid to the main body using one of the pocket or the loop.

35. The method of claim 31 , the ear cap further comprising a tubular body having the port at a first end and extending away from an inner surface of the main body to a second end of the tubular body, the step of inserting the sound emitting part of the audio device through the port further comprising positioning the sound emitting part within the tubular body.

36. A hearing aid system comprising:

A wearable holder with a main body configured to cover at least a portion of the outer side of an auricle of an ear of a user, an expandable body affixed to the main body and having a port therein providing passage from an outside of the main body to an inside of the main body , the port positioned on the main body so as to be opposite the outer side of the auricle when the device is secured to the user’s ear and being reversibly expandable from a minimum rest diameter to a maximum expanded diameter greater than the rest diameter; and a hearing aid comprising: a housing with an outer part, an inner part, and a stem, wherein the stem extends along a central axis from a first end connected to the outer part to a second end connected to the inner part, the stem having a maximum diameter DS, the inner part having a maximum diameter DI which is greater than DS and less than the maximum expanded diameter of the port, and the outer part having a maximum diameter DO greater than DS; the housing having a power source and electronic circuitry therein, the electronic circuitry comprising a microphone in the outer part, a speaker in the inner part, and an amplifier connected to receive signals from the microphone and output an amplified signal to the speaker; the hearing aid being removably mounted to the main body with the inner part of the housing inside of the main body, the outer part of the housing outside of the main body, and the stem passing through the port.

37. The system of claim 36,

The wearable holder further comprising a tubular body having the port at a first end and extending away from an inner surface of the main body to a second end of the tubular body; the inner part of the housing being within the tubular body.

38. The system of claim 36, wherein the second end of the tubular body is closed.

39. The system of claim 36, the inner part of the housing having a substantially flat back surface adjacent the stem, a forward end furthest from the stem, and a tapered region along the central axis between the back surface and the forward end; the outer part of the housing having a substantially flat forward surface adjacent the stem and a rear end furthest from the stem.

40. The system of claim 36, the outer part of the housing having a substantially circular cross-section, the maximum diameter DO of the outer part of the housing being greater than the maximum expanded diameter of the port.

41. The system of claim 36, wherein the wearable holder comprises an ear cap configured to be secured over the ear of the user ear.

42. The system of claim 36, wherein the wearable holder has a headphone form factor having ear covering regions, the port located in a respective ear covering region.

43. The system of claim 36, wherein the wearable holder is configured to be secured to the head of one of a cat or a dog.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein the wearable holder comprises a plurality of ear pouches, the port located in a respective ear pouch.