HOLDER

Abstract

A holder capable of holding a comparatively large external load with the aid of the external ear canal or the external ear. Protrusions of which is inserted into a first curve of an external ear canal are provided at one end of a holding arm, and a hole capable of holding an external load is formed in the other end of the holding arm. A protrusion supporter provided with the protrusions is rotatably attached in a hole formed in one end of a holding arm, and one of the protrusions is inserted in the first curve of the external ear canal, enabling the other end of the holding arm to hold an external load. Further, the positions and angles of the protrusions are made arbitrarily adjustable to thereby provide the holder.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a U.S. national phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2005/003294, filed Feb. 28, 2005. The International Application was published in Japanese on Sep. 8, 2006 as International Publication No. WO 2006/092831 under PCT Article 21(2), the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a holder that uses a person's ear to hold an article having comparatively small mass, such as a portable phone or a compact camera.

BACKGROUND ART

In the past, many methods have been used wherein a person's ears are used to attach small tools and the like necessary to human social life. Typical examples include eyeglasses and hearing aids. Eyeglasses are a tool for correcting vision, and are designed to be attached using the ears and the nose. A hearing aid is a tool used to assist the hearing capacity of the hearing-impaired, and this tool relates to the ear and is therefore designed to be attached using the ear.

Other typical examples of objects attached to a person's ear include earphones for portable radios or portable stereos. There are various types of earphones, but broadly classified, there are those wherein the earphone main body is simply inserted into the external ear canal, and those provided with an attachment outside of the external ear canal. Earphones wherein the earphone main body is simply inserted into the external ear canal have had problems wherein the attachment is incomplete and the earphone easily falls out. As a countermeasure for dealing with this problem, there are headphones wherein an arm is placed over the head, and speakers are attached to both ears. Aside from headphones, there have been no few proposals pertaining to holders for reliably holding earphones or the like without the earphones falling out of the ears (for example, see Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2002-58086 and Domestic Republication No. 2003-511940).

There have not been holders that use the ear to hold compact cameras and the like, which are devices not directly related to the ear. The present inventors, at least, are unaware of any such holders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, the inventions disclosed in the Patent Documents above are both devices for holding earphones or hearing aids, which are tools relating to the ear, and are not intended to hold compact cameras or other such devices that do not relate to the ear. Therefore, it has not been possible to hold compact cameras or the like, which have greater mass than earphones and the like, and which require a greater holding force than cases in which earphones or the like are held. It is possible to hold a certain external load by hanging a cord between a person's head and external ear, but since the external ear is merely cartilage and easily deformed, a reliable hold cannot be expected. Furthermore, headphones can be held reliably only if the speakers are secured, and an arm must be placed over the head for that, resulting in a problem in which the hair is affected and the headphones are dull in appearance and unattractive.

The present invention was designed in view of these circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a holder capable of using the external ear canal or the external ear to hold a comparatively large external load.

In the holder of aspect 1 in the present invention, a plurality of protrusions is provided at one end of a holding arm, one of the protrusions is inserted into a first curve in an external ear canal, and a load can be held on the other end of the holding arm.

In the holder of aspect 2 in the present invention, a protrusion supporter including a plurality of protrusions is attached in a hole formed in one end of the holder, one of the protrusions is inserted into a first curve in an external ear canal, and a load can be held on the other end of the holding arm.

In the holder of aspect 3 in the present invention, the position and angle of at least one of the protrusions can be arbitrarily adjusted.

The holder of aspect 4 in the present invention is the invention of aspect 2, wherein the positions and angles of the protrusions provided to the protrusion supporter are adjusted by tightening a mounting screw of the protrusion supporter.

The holder of aspect 5 in the present invention is the invention of any of aspects 1 through 4, wherein an opening is formed in one of the protrusions.

The holder of aspect 6 in the present invention is the invention of any of aspects 1 through 5, wherein the protrusions are made from a flexible material.

In the holder of aspect 7 in the present invention, a bent attachment is provided at one end of a holding arm in place of the protrusions, the distal end of the attachment is inserted into a first curve in an external ear canal, and a load can be held on the other end of the holding arm.

The holder of aspect 8 in the present invention is the invention of aspect 7, wherein a moving mechanism is provided at the distal end of the attachment, the distal end is inserted into the external ear canal cavity, and the distal end is then bent.

The holder of aspect 9 in the present invention is the invention of aspect 7 or 8, wherein an opening is formed in the distal end of the attachment.

The holder of aspect 10 in the present invention is the invention of aspect 1, 2, or any of aspects 7 through 9, wherein the holding arm is attached between the helix and the side of the head.

The holder of aspect 11 in the present invention is the holder of any of aspects 7 through 10, wherein the distal end of the attachment is made from a flexible material.

The holder of aspect 12 in the present invention is the invention of any of aspects 1 through 11, wherein a rear arm that encloses the external ear is mounted on the other end of the holding arm.

The holder of aspect 13 in the present invention is the invention of aspect 12, wherein the other end of the holding arm and the rear arm are supported to be capable of rotating by a specific angle, and a spring is attached between the holding arm and the rear arm.

In the holder of aspect 14 in the present invention, the holding arm and the rear arm are integrally molded from a flexible material, and the rear arm is capable of rotating by a specific angle in relation to the holding arm due to the return force of the flexible material.

The holder of aspect 15 in the present invention is the invention of any of aspects 1 through 14, wherein the holding arm is made from a hollow member, and sounds from a speaker are transmitted to the external ear canal through a hollow part in the holding arm.

The holder of aspect 16 in the present invention is the invention of any of aspects 12 through 15, wherein a speaker is housed inside the member of the rear arm.

The holder of aspect 17 in the present invention is the invention of any of aspects 12 through 15, wherein a speaker is attached to the other end of the holding arm.

The holder of aspect 18 in the present invention is the invention of aspect 13, wherein a moving mechanism is provided inside the rear arm, and a helix back plate is operated by the moving mechanism.

According to the holder of aspect 1 in the present invention, since one end of the holder is reliably attached in the first curve of the external ear canal, it is possible to hold an article of comparatively large mass. It is also possible to obtain a highly stable holder wherein there is no danger of part of the holder sticking into the skull even when the holder overturns while still attached in the ear.

According to the holder of aspect 2 in the present invention, it is possible to obtain a holder wherein the positions and angles of the protrusions can be adjusted to an extent.

According to the holder of aspect 3 in the present invention, it is possible to obtain a holder that can easily be adapted to individual differences in the shapes and sizes of different external ear canals. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a holder that is excellent for the ear, wherein not even part of the external ear canal is locally compressed.

According to the holder of aspect 4 in the present invention, the positions and angles of the protrusions can be adjusted easily and efficiently.

According to the holder of aspect 5 in the present invention, since the external ear canal is not closed off when the holder is attached to the ear, auditory perception of the surrounding environment necessary to daily life is not hindered. Therefore, it is possible to operate a vehicle, for example, because sounds necessary to daily life can be perceived while wearing the holder in the ear. Since the protrusion having the opening has low resistance to deformation, the protrusion adapts to the shape of the external ear canal relatively easily, and it is therefore possible to obtain a holder that fits well in a wide range of external ear canals having individual differences. Furthermore, since the external ear canal is not closed off, there is no change in pressure in the external ear canal when the holder is attached or removed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent accidents in which the eardrum is damaged by sudden pressure changes.

According to the holder of aspect 6 in the present invention, the external ear canal is not damaged, because the protrusions deform due to the flexibility of the protrusions even with different shapes or sizes in external ear canals having individual differences.

According to the holder of aspect 7 in the present invention, it is possible to obtain a holder that is easily manufactured and has low manufacturing costs.

According to the holder of aspect 8 in the present invention, since a moving mechanism is provided at the distal end of the attachment, the distal end is inserted into the external ear canal cavity, and the distal end can then be bent, the distal end is easily inserted into the external ear canal.

According to the holder of aspect 9 in the present invention, since the external ear canal is not closed off when the holder is attached to the ear, auditory perception of the surrounding environment necessary to daily life is not hindered.

According to the holder of aspect 10 in the present invention, since the holding arm is attached between the helix and the side of the head, it is possible to hold a comparatively large mass.

According to the holder of aspect 11 in the present invention, since the distal end of the attachment easily deforms, the external ear canal is not damaged even if the shapes and sizes of external ear canals are different due to individual differences.

According to the holder of aspect 12 in the present invention, since the external ear is enclosed by the holding arm and the rear arm, it is possible to obtain a holder that does not easily come loose even when the head is moved or tilted. It is also possible to obtain a holder that does not easily come loose in cases in which a certain amount of unnecessary force is applied from the exterior, because the degree of freedom in all of six directions can be limited.

According to the holder of aspect 13 in the present invention, it is possible to obtain a holder that is even less likely to come loose, because the external ear is held between the holding arm and the rear arm by the urging force of the spring.

According to the holder of aspect 14 in the present invention, since the external ear is enclosed between the holding arm and the rear arm by the return force of the flexible material, it is possible to obtain a holder that does not easily come loose.

According to the holder of aspects 15 and 16 in the present invention, an article can be held by the ear, and music or the like can be enjoyed individually in the same manner as with an earphone. The speaker can also be kept in a location separate from the ear, i.e., in a clothing pocket.

According to the holder of aspect 17 in the present invention, sound from the speaker can easily be transmitted to the external ear canal and blocked.

According to the holder of aspect 18 in the present invention, the entire holder can be reliably fixed in place on the ear, and an external load can be held stably and reliably.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view and a left side view of a holder (Example 1);

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a horizontal cross section of a person's head, including the external ear canal of the right ear;

FIG. 3 is a front view and a left side view of a holder (Example 2);

FIG. 4 is a front view and a left side view of a holder (Example 3);

FIG. 5 is a front view and a left side view of a holder (Example 4);

FIG. 6 is an external view of a holder and an external view of the primary components (Example 5);

FIG. 7 is a component development diagram of a protrusion supporter (Example 5);

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the sequence of inserting a holder into the external ear canal (Example 5);

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an aspect of a case in which the position and angle of the distal protrusion is adjusted (Example 5);

FIG. 10 is an external view of a holder (Example 6);

FIG. 11 is an external view of a holder (Example 7);

FIG. 12 is an external view of a holder (Example 8);

FIG. 13 is an external view of a holder (Example 9);

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a holder (Example 10); and

FIG. 15 is an external view of a holder (Example 11).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Modes for carrying out the present invention are described hereinbelow with reference to the diagrams.

Example 1

FIG. 1 is a front view (b) and a left side view (a) of a holder 10 illustrating Example 1 of the present invention. Two protrusions 12, 13 are provided at one end of a holding arm 11, and a hole 14 is provided at the other end, as shown in the front view (b). The holding arm 11 is a rod that has the overall shape of a bow when viewed from the side. Of the two protrusions 12, 13 provided to one end of the holding arm 11, the distal protrusion 12 is more easily inserted into the first curve of the external ear canal, and therefore has a slight spiral shape as shown in the left side view (a). The holder shown in FIG. 1 is used for the right ear and has a leftward spiraling shape, but a holder for the left ear would have a rightward spiraling shape.

Of the two protrusions 12, 13 provided to one end of the holding arm 11, the other protrusion, which is a restraining protrusion 13, rests in contact with the side surface of the cavity of concha, which is equivalent to the entrance of the external ear canal. This protrusion 13 is substantially the same size as the distal protrusion 12. The hole 14 provided at the other end of the holding arm 11 is an attachment hole for holding an external load, and a portable phone or portable radio or the like can be suspended from this hole by means of a cord or the like. The hole 14 is provided in the present example, but another possibility is to form a hook instead of the hole 14 and to hold an external load by means of the hook.

Next, the method for inserting the holder 10 into the external ear canal in the present example will be described. Knowledge of the structure of the human ear is required as a necessary condition, and a simple description of the structure of the human ear will therefore be given with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a horizontal cross section of a human head, including the external ear canal 16 of the right ear. In this diagram, the right side corresponds to the front of the head, i.e., the face, and the left side corresponds to the back of the head. The external ear canal 16 is not linear, but rather has a three-dimensionally curving shape as shown in the diagrams. Specifically, the external ear canal 16 is smaller in diameter inside the first curve 17 than in the external ear canal cavity outside of the first curve, the top is not aligned with the center, and the shape of the first curve 17 therefore spirals forwards and backwards. The right ear has a shape that spirals to the left, and the left ear has a shape that spirals to the right. Therefore, the holder 10 is inserted into the external ear canal 16 by first inserting the distal protrusion 12 of the holder 10 into the entrance of the external ear canal 16, and then rotating the protrusion so that it screws in. The restraining protrusion 13 rests against the inner side 19 of the external ear in the entrance of the external ear canal when the distal protrusion 12 reaches the first curve 17, and the holder cannot be inserted any further. This position is the proper attachment position, and the holder 10 cannot be removed from the external ear canal 16 by being pulled directly out. In other words, a comparatively large external load can be held. Since the distal protrusion 12 is inserted up to the first curve 17 in the external ear canal 16, the entire outer surface of the distal protrusion 12 stays in contact with the external ear canal 16 even if an external load is added, and the surface pressure applied by the external load to the skin on the inner surface of the external ear canal is therefore low, alleviating any feeling of pain in the ear. When the holder 10 is taken out of the external ear canal 16, the holder can easily be taken out if the holder is pulled while being rotated in a direction opposite that of insertion.

According to the holder 10 of the present example, since one end of the holder 10 is reliably attached to the first curve 17 of the external ear canal, an article of comparatively large mass can be held. The restraining protrusion 13 restricts the holding arm 11 from being inserted into the external ear canal 16 in cases in which the holder 10 overturns while still attached to the ear, and it is therefore possible to obtain a highly stable holder 10 wherein there is no danger of the distal end of the holder 10 reaching the eardrum.

Example 2

FIG. 3 is a front view (b) and left side view (a) of a holder 20 illustrating Example 2 of the present invention. The essential shape of the holding arm 21 in the present example is the same as that of the holding arm 11 shown in Example 1. The difference is that the shape of a distal protrusion 22 has a groove-shaped opening 24. The distal protrusion 22 is inserted up to the first curve 17 of the external ear canal 16 and is the most important part for attaching the holder 20 to the external ear canal 16. With the distal protrusion 12 shown in Example 1, however, the external ear canal 16 is closed off, inhibiting auditory perception of the surrounding environment. The distal protrusion 22 in the external ear canal 16 is at substantially a right angle to the external ear canal 16, as in the state shown in the front view (b) in FIG. 3. In view of this, a hole 24 is formed in the distal protrusion 22 as shown in the front view (b) in FIG. 3. Specifically, the distal protrusion 22 has a loop shape overall. Thus, the external ear canal 16 is not closed off by the distal protrusion 22 when one end of the holding arm 21 is inserted into the external ear canal 16, and auditory perception of the surrounding environment is not inhibited. Therefore, vehicles can be operated, for example, while wearing the holder 20 on the ear, because sounds necessary to social life can be heard. The term “auditory perception of the surrounding environment” herein refers to the ability to hear sounds necessary to ensure safety in everyday living.

Since the distal protrusion 22 having the loop-shaped opening 24 has little resistance to deformation, the distal protrusion 22 easily deforms in accordance with the shape of the external ear canal 16, and it is therefore possible to obtain a holder 20 whereby a good fit is provided within a wide range with external ear canals 16 that differ from each other. Furthermore, since the external ear canal 16 is not closed off, the pressure inside the external ear canal 16 does not change when the holder is attached or removed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent accidents in which the eardrum is damaged by sudden pressure changes.

Example 3

FIG. 4 is a front view (b) and left side view (a) of a holder 30 illustrating Example 3 of the present invention. The holding arm 31 in the present example also has essentially the same shape as the holding arms 11 and 21 of Examples 1 and 2. The significant difference is in the restraining protrusion. The restraining protrusions 13 and 23 in the holding arms 11 and 21 shown in Examples 1 and 2 constituted protrusions, as the name implied. In the present example, there is no portion equivalent to a restraining protrusion. The distal end 32 of the rod shape of the holding arm 31 bends to form an attachment and fulfills the role of a distal protrusion, and the distal end 32 of this attachment is inserted into the first curve 17 of the external ear canal to hold a load at the other end of the holding arm 31. Another possibility is to form an attachment wound in a spiral shape on the distal end 32 of the holding arm 31, in place of a bent attachment. The other end of the holding arm 31 has the same shape as the holding arms 11 and 21 of Examples 1 and 2. In cases in which the restraining protrusion is omitted as in the present example, the holder functions are reduced in comparison with a holder that has a restraining protrusion, but the overall shape of the holding arm 31 can be simplified and manufacturing costs reduced. The insertion while rotating one end of the holding arm 31 when the holder is attached to the external ear canal 16 is identical to Examples 1 and 2. To determine the stopping position, the wearer must sense when the distal end 32 has reached the first curve 17 of the external ear canal 16 and stop the end at that point.

Example 4

FIG. 5 is a front view (b) and left side view (a) of a holder 40 illustrating Example 4 of the present invention. The shape of a holding arm 41 in the present example is essentially the same as in Example 3. The difference is that an opening 44 is provided in the distal end 42 of the holding arm 41, and the entire distal end 42 forms a loop. The distal end 42 is provided with an opening 44 and is formed into a loop shape in order to have the same function as in Example 2. Specifically, when the holder 40 is attached to the external ear canal 16, the external ear canal 16 is not closed off, and auditory perception of the surrounding environment is not inhibited.

Example 5

FIG. 6 is a diagram in which (a) shows an external view of the extrusion-molding device 50 and (b) and (c) show the primary components, all of which illustrate Example 5 of the present invention. The present example differs from Examples 1 through 4 in the essential configuration of the distal end. In the holder 50 of the present example, a protrusion supporter 55 comprising a distal protrusion 52 and a restraining protrusion 53 is attached to a hole 51b provided in one end of a holding arm 51, one of the two protrusions is inserted into the first curve 17 of the external ear canal, and a load can be held on the other end of the holding arm 51. More specifically, a small shaft 51a orthogonal to the rod shape of the holding arm 51 is formed at one end of the holding arm 51, and a hole 51b is formed in the axial center of the small shaft 51a. The protrusion supporter 55 has the distal protrusion 52 and the restraining protrusion 53 provided at one end of a threaded shaft 56, and after the threaded shaft 56 is inserted into the hole 51b formed in the small shaft 51a of the holding arm 51, a nut 57 is used to fix the holding arm 51 in place. In FIG. 6, (a) shows the holder 50 after the protrusion supporter 55 is assembled on the holding arm 51, (b) shows the holding arm 51, and (c) shows the protrusion supporter 55. In the present example, the positions and angles of the two protrusions can be adjusted to a certain extent. This is because adjustments can be made during tightening of the nut 57 and the threaded shaft 56 for mounting the protrusion supporter 55 on the holding arm 51.

However, the shapes of people's ears have individual differences, and the size and shape of the external ear canal 16 varies greatly with the individual. Therefore, although two protrusions 52, 53 are provided at one end of the holding arm 51, if the positions and angles of these protrusions 52, 53 cannot be adjusted, it is difficult to adapt to the shape of the external ear canal 16 on the basis of the individual differences. Therefore, there is a great need to bring the positions and angles of the two protrusions 52, 53 in alignment with the wearer of the holder.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing the structural components of the protrusion supporter 55 for adjusting the positions and angles of the protrusions. (a) is a front view of the protrusion supporter 55 having the threaded shaft 56, which is the center member for attaching the two protrusions 52, 53 and which also fulfills the role of using the nut 57 to fix the tool in the hole 51b formed in one end of the holding arm 51. (b) is a side view thereof. A fixing piece 56a is a plate-shaped piece bent into roughly the shape of an “L” as seen from the thickness direction of the plate and from the surface of the plate. This fixing piece 56a is affixed to one end of the threaded shaft 56 by bringing the inflection point in contact with the threaded shaft 56. The means for affixing the plate piece to the threaded shaft 56 can be welding in cases in which the piece is a metal material, or an adhesive can be used in cases in which the piece is a non-metal material. After the fixing piece 56a is affixed to the threaded shaft 56, part of the fixing piece 56a is at substantially at a right angle to the threaded shaft 56, while the other part is oblique at a slight angle in relation to the axis line of the threaded shaft 56, as shown in the plan view in (a). The restraining protrusion 53 is inserted into the right-angled side, and the distal protrusion 52 is inserted into the oblique side. A hole is formed in the right-angled side, and a movable piece 56b having substantially the same shape as the fixing piece 56a is lightly fastened with the aid of a screw 58 and a nut 59, allowing the movable piece 56b to rotate around the screw 58. The right side surface of the fixing piece 56a coincides with the right side surface of the movable piece 56b in the front view (a), while the pieces on the sides of the fixing piece 56a and movable piece 56b where the distal protrusion 52 is inserted are formed to not coincide in a plan view. Conversely, when the pieces coincide on the sides of the fixing piece 56a and movable piece 56b where the distal protrusion 52 is inserted, the right side surface of the fixing piece 56a does not coincide with the right side surface of the movable piece 56b, and the right side surface of the movable piece 56b is displaced to the right of the right side surface of the fixing piece 56a. This protrusion supporter 55 adjusts the positions and angles of the distal protrusion 52 and restraining protrusion 53 on the basis of the shape thereof, and fixes the tool to the holding arm 51.

The following is a simple description of the method for attaching the protrusions 52, 53 to the protrusion supporter 55 and mounting the tool on the holding arm 51. In the state shown in (a) in the diagram, the hole 53a formed in the restraining protrusion 53 is fitted at a right angle to the threaded shaft 56 over the portion where the fixing piece 56a and the movable piece 56b are fastened together. The distal protrusion 52 is then attached to the portion of the fixing piece 56a and the movable piece 56b oriented at an upward incline, but the fixing piece 56a and the movable piece 56b are inserted into a hole 52a in the distal protrusion 52 while being made to coincide with each other. Therefore, in this state, the right surface of the movable piece 56b is displaced to the right of the right surface of the fixing piece 56a. Specifically, the distal protrusion 52 is merely inserted into the protrusion supporter 55, and is not quite firmly fixed in place. Next, in this state, the threaded shaft 56 of the protrusion supporter 55 is inserted into the hole 51b formed in the small shaft 51a of the holding arm 51, and the nut 57 is then used to fix the protrusion supporter 55 in place on the holding arm 51. Thus, the right surface of the fixing piece 56a and the right surface of the movable piece 56b, which have not coincided, are then made to coincide by an end surface 51c of the small shaft 51a of the holding arm 51. Specifically, the top of the fixing piece 56a and the top of the movable piece 56b that are inserted into the mounting hole 52a in the distal protrusion 52 are brought from the coinciding state in a front view to a slightly open state as shown in (a). Strong surface pressure can thereby be applied to the inner surface of the mounting hole 52a in the distal protrusion 52, fixing the protrusion supporter 55 in place with the distal protrusion 52. When the angles and positions of the distal protrusion 52 and restraining protrusion 53 are varied, they can be easily adjusted a second time by re-fastening the nut 57 after optimizing the angles and positions by loosening the nut 57 on the threaded shaft 56 that fixes the protrusion supporter 55 to the holding arm 51.

FIG. 8 is a diagram, similar to FIG. 2, showing part of a horizontal cross section of a person's head, including the external ear canal. (a) shows the manner in which the distal protrusion 52 is inserted into the external ear canal and the restraining protrusion 53 is brought into contact with the inner surface 19 of the external ear at the entrance of the external ear canal 16. That the external ear canal 16 has a first curve 17 and a second curve 18 is common for all people, but there are extremely large individual differences among the depths of the curved parts and their degrees of curvature. Therefore, the distal protrusion 52 must be adjusted in accordance with the shape of the individual user's ear before the protrusion is inserted into the external ear canal. The diagrams (a), (b), and (c) in FIG. 8 show the rotational alignment of the holder when the holder is placed in the external ear canal, and the holder is inserted while being rotated to the left in the sequence (c), (b), (a). According to the present example, since, for example, the mutual angles of the distal protrusion 52 and restraining protrusion 53 can be adjusted, the protrusions can be adapted to the size of the spiraling angle of the external ear canal 16.

Furthermore, the two protrusions 52, 53 are made not from a highly rigid material such as metal or plastic, but rather from a flexible resin material. If this type of soft resin material is used, the flexibility of the resin material allows the protrusions 52, 53 to adapt to the shape of the middle ear canal 16 when the shape of the protrusions 52, 53 and the shape of the middle ear canal 16 are somewhat incompatible. Various rubber materials can be used in cases in which even greater flexibility is required. In this case, the attaching function of the protrusions may be compromised when the protrusions are made solely from a rubber material. To prevent this, a rubber material can be used for the protrusions 52, 53, and stainless steel, cupronickel, or another such metal material can be used for core members 56a, 56b of the protrusions, as shown in FIG. 7.

A protrusion having an opening 54 whose overall shape is a loop is used for the distal protrusion 52 shown in the present example, but a distal protrusion 52 that does not have an opening can also be used in cases in which auditory perception of the surrounding environment can be sacrificed.

FIG. 9 shows various aspects of cases in which, of the two protrusions, the position and angle of the distal protrusion 52 in particular is adjusted arbitrarily. This example is one of a protrusion supporter 55 that uses a metal material as the core members 56a, 56b of the protrusions 52, 53. The aspects shown in this diagram can all be achieved by adjusting one threaded shaft 56 and one nut 57. The details of this protrusion supporter are shown in FIG. 7.

Example 6

FIG. 10 is an external view of a holder 60 illustrating Example 6 of the present invention. The present example differs from the examples described above in that a distal protrusion 62 has a moving function, and the angle of the distal protrusion 62 can be freely moved by operating this function. A horizontal arm member 63 is formed integrally at the end of a holding arm 61 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the holding arm 61. The distal protrusion 62 is mounted on the distal end 63a of the horizontal arm member 63 via a hinge 64, and one end of a coupling rod 65 for driving the distal protrusion 62 is rotatably attached to the hinge 64. A shaft 66 is rotatably supported in a hole 63b provided to the position where the holding arm 61 and the horizontal arm member 63 intersect, and the other end of the aforementioned coupling rod 65 is rotatably mounted on the distal end of a link 67 affixed to one end of the shaft 66. Furthermore, an operating lever 68 is affixed to the other end of the shaft 66, and a coil spring 69 is provided to the external periphery of the shaft 66 to generate urging force between the operating lever 68 and the horizontal arm member 63.

With this configuration, when the operating lever 68 rotates around the shaft 66, the rotational motion of the link 67 is converted to a reciprocating motion in the coupling rod 65, and the reciprocating motion of the coupling rod 65 creates rotational displacement in the distal protrusion 62. Therefore, the angle of the distal protrusion 62 can be varied by moving the operating lever 68. When the distal protrusion 62 is inserted into the external ear canal 16, the operating lever 68 can thereby be operated to bring the positions of the distal protrusion 62 and the horizontal arm member 63 nearly parallel, allowing easy insertion into the external ear canal 16. When the operating lever 68 is returned to its original position after the distal protrusion 62 has reached a specific position, the angle formed by the distal protrusion 62 and the horizontal arm member 63 returns to its initial position, and the distal protrusion 62 can be attached in the first curve 17 of the external ear canal.

Example 7

FIG. 11 is an external view of a holder 70 illustrating Example 7 of the present invention. The present example resembles Example 3 shown in FIG. 4, but the holding arm 71 has a markedly different shape. Specifically, in the holder 30 shown in Example 3, the holding arm 31 for applying external loads is designed to point downwards from the cavity of concha, while in the holding arm 71 in the present example, a distal protrusion 72 is fixed at one end and is considerably bent at two locations in a hairpin shape as a whole. The holding arm 71 extends upward from the cavity of concha, changes in direction to the opposite 180-degree direction upon passing the crus helicus, and passes between the helix and the head, and the holding arm 71 is supported on the part where the external ear meets the head. Therefore, despite the simple structure, an external load of comparatively large mass can be applied to the other end of the holding arm 71.

Example 8

FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of a holder 80 illustrating Example 8 of the present invention. In the present example, a rear arm 84 that encloses the external ear is mounted on the other end of the holding arm in the previous examples, i.e., on the end 81a to which the load is applied. This example is similar to the examples described above in that a hole 81b for mounting external loads is formed in the other end 81a of the holding arm 81, wherein the two protrusions 82, 83 are attached to the first end. In the present example, a rear arm 84 that encloses the external ear is mounted on the other end 81a of the holding arm 81, in addition to the hole 81b for mounting an external load. This rear arm 84 comes into contact with the external ear from below the earlobe so as to avoid the earlobe. Therefore, the overall strength with which the holder 80 holds onto the ear is markedly improved in comparison with cases in which a rear arm 84 is not provided. In some cases, the holding function is insufficient when the rear arm 84 is merely in contact with the back of the external ear. In view of this, a spring 85 may be provided as necessary between the holding arm 81 and the rear arm 84 to generate urging force between the two members 81 and 84. It is thereby possible to obtain a holder 80 that can more reliably hold an external load. Furthermore, the spring constant of the spring 85 can be arbitrarily set, and multiple springs can be combined to obtain a nonlinear spring constant. Thus, it is possible to obtain a holder that is more easily attached and that does not simply come loose. A protrusion 81c, separate from the two protrusions 82, 83 attached at one end, may also be provided at the other end 81a of the holding arm 81 in order to accommodate the opening and closing of the rear arm 84.

With the holder 80 of the present example, since the external ear is enclosed by the holding arm 81 and the rear arm 84, it is possible to obtain a holder 80 that does not easily come loose when the head is moved or tilted. The degree of freedom in all of six directions can also be limited in cases in which a certain amount of unnecessary force is applied from the exterior.

Example 9

FIG. 13 is an external view of a holder 90 illustrating Example 9 of the present invention. The present example resembles Example 8, but is different in that a holding arm 91 and a rear arm 94 are formed integrally. Specifically, in the present example, the holding arm 91 and the rear arm 94 are integrally molded from a flexible material, and the rear arm 94 can be rotated by a specific angle in relation to the holding arm 91 by the return force of this flexible material. A flexible part 96 formed in the shape of a U is provided between the rear arm 94 and the other end 91a of the holding arm 91 having two protrusions 92, 93 provided at the first end, and the U-shaped portion fulfills the same role as the spring due to the flexibility of the material. For example, using a nylon resin or the like for the material can provide the necessary rigidity for the holder 90 as well as the necessary elasticity for attaching the rear arm 94 to the external ear. According to the present example, it is possible to obtain a holder at low cost that does not easily come loose.

Example 10

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a holder 100 illustrating Example 10 of the present invention. In the present example, the holding arm 101 is made from a hollow member, and sound waves from a speaker 102 are transmitted to the external ear canal 16 via a hollow part 101a in the holding arm 101. (a) in the diagram shows not an example of the present invention, but rather a comparative example, wherein the speaker 102 is attached via a hinge to the bottom end of a holding arm that is not a hollow member. In this example, the speaker 102 can be placed against the ear as necessary to enjoy music, but such placement of the speaker 102 may inhibit natural auditory perception. (b) shows an example of the present invention, wherein a holding arm 101 having a hollow part 101a is used. Sounds from the speaker 102 are fed through the hollow part 101a to the middle ear canal 16, and the sound waves are transmitted to the eardrum. The distal end of the holding arm 101 inserted into the internal auditory meatus 16 does not close off the internal auditory meatus 16, and natural auditory perception is not inhibited. Therefore, according to this example, since natural auditory perception is not inhibited, it is possible to operate a vehicle while enjoying music. Also, since there is no need to dispose the speaker 102 in close proximity to the ear, music can be enjoyed while the speaker is kept in a coat pocket, for example. (c) is a combination of the previously described (a) and (b), and has an advantage in that either method can be used selectively. In the present example, Examples 8 and 9 can be combined and the speaker can be attached on the inside of the rear arm. It is thereby possible to obtain a compact holder that does not inhibit natural auditory perception and is capable of holding an external load.

Example 11

FIG. 15 is an external view of a holder 110 illustrating Example 11 of the present invention. In the present example, a moving mechanism 115 is provided inside a rear arm 114, and a helix back plate 116 is attached thereto. The holding arm 111 and the rear arm 114 are rotatably supported by a pin 117. A link 119 protrudes on the other side of the pin 117 opposite the holding arm 111, and is formed integrally with the holding arm 111. Furthermore, one end of the moving mechanism 115 that holds a parallel moving roller 115a is rotatably supported at the distal end of the link 119, and the helix back plate 116 is coupled with a rotating cam 115b that fits over the roller 115a. A spring 118 provides urging force to the rear arm 114 and the moving mechanism 115. In this configuration, when the spring 118 is compressed against the urging force, the helix back plate 116 swings downward and the holder 110 is easily attached to the ear. If the compressed spring 118 is then released, the helix back plate 116 swings back upward and comes into close contact with the back of the ear, and the entire holder 110 can be reliably fixed in place on the ear. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a holder that can stably and reliably hold an external load.

The present invention has industrial applicability as a holder that uses a person's ear to hold a portable phone, a compact camera, or another such external load.

Claims

1: A holder, comprising:

a plurality of protrusions provided at one end of a holding arm

wherein one of the protrusions is inserted into a first curve in an external ear canal; and

a load can be held on the other end of the holding arm.

2: A holder, comprising:

a protrusion supporter including a plurality of protrusions is attached in a hole formed in one end of the holding arm

wherein one of the protrusions is inserted into a first curve in an external ear canal; and

a load can be held on the other end of the holding arm.

3: The holder according to claim 2, wherein the position and angle of at least one of the protrusions can be arbitrarily adjusted.

4: The holder according to claim 2, wherein the positions and angles of the protrusions provided to the protrusion supporter are adjusted by tightening a mounting screw of the protrusion supporter.

5: The holder according to claim 1 4, further comprising wherein an opening is formed in one of the protrusions.

6: The holder according to claim 1 wherein the protrusions are made from a flexible material.

7: A holder, comprising:

a bent attachment provided at one end of a holding arm;

wherein a distal end of the attachment is inserted into a first curve in an external ear canal; and a load can be held on the other end of the holding arm.

8: The holder according to claim 7, further comprising:

a moving mechanism provided at the distal end of the attachment

wherein the distal end is inserted into the external ear canal cavity; and

the distal end is then bent.

9: The holder according to claim 7, further comprising wherein an opening is formed in the distal end of the attachment.

10: The holder according to claim 1 wherein the holding arm is attached between the helix and the side of the head.

11: The holder according to claim 7, wherein the distal end of the attachment is made from a flexible material.

12: The holder according to claim 1 further comprising wherein a rear arm that encloses the external ear is mounted on the other end of the holding arm.

13: The holder according to claim 12, wherein

the other end of the holding arm and the rear arm are supported to be capable of rotating by a specific angle; and

a spring is attached between the holding arm and the rear arm.

14. The holder according to claim 12,

wherein the holding arm and the rear arm are integrally molded from a flexible material; and the rear arm is capable of rotating by a specific angle in relation to the holding arm due to the return force of the flexible material.

15: The holder according to claim 1 wherein

the holding arm is made from a hollow member; and

sounds from a speaker are transmitted to the external ear canal through a hollow part in the holding arm.

16: The holder according to claim 12 further comprising wherein a speaker is housed inside the member of the rear arm.

17: The holder according to claim 12 further comprising wherein a speaker is attached to the other end of the holding arm.

18: The holder according to claim 13, further comprising

wherein a moving mechanism is provided inside the rear arm; and

a helix back plate is operated by the moving mechanism.