Hook Over Ear Or Spectacle Patents (Class 381/381)
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Patent number: 7489795Abstract: In order to construct a headphone composed of a housing which holds a driver unit and an arm attached to the housing easily and favorably, a driver unit driven by an inputted audio signal, a housing 110 that therein accommodates the driver unit and has on its periphery a first flange portion for attaching an ear pad on the outside and an arm connected to the housing are provided. Then, a second flange portion that is connected to the first flange portion on the housing side is provided so that both the flange portion on the housing side and the flange portion on the arm side function as a flange for attaching an ear pad and also both the flange portions hold the driver unit when the arm is joined to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Tomohiro Ito
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Publication number: 20080310666Abstract: An adaptation device that removably attaches to earbud style headphone/s and provides improved security and retention of the earbud to a wearer's ear yet positions the speaker in substantially the same distance relative to the concha and/or ear canal of a wearer as a wearer would ordinarily wear an earbud.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventor: Eric John Wengreen
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Patent number: 7461936Abstract: A detachable adjustable electronics module may be removably or permanently connected to eyewear. The module may include electronics for processing audio and/or video signals. The module may be provided with an adjustable arm, for adjustably carrying a speaker. The module and/or the speaker may be adjusted relative to the wearer in any of the anterior-posterior direction, the inferior-superior direction and laterally. Rotation adjustments may also be accomplished. Eyewear may be provided with only a single module, on a single side, or with two modules, one on each side, such as to provide stereo audio or dual mono sound.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2006Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Oakley, Inc.Inventor: James H. Jannard
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Publication number: 20080298626Abstract: A flexible and compressible carrier includes a lobe having a receiver for releasably engaging an earbud-type audio earphone, and a retaining loop for securely positioning the lobe with the earphone adjacent the user's ear without insertion into the ear. User comfort, safety, and audio performance are enhanced, and the risk of hearing damage may be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventor: Thomas M. DEAN
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Publication number: 20080298625Abstract: An over-the-ear earhook comprising a horizontal behind the ear horizontal stabilizer extension or a behind the ear horizontal stabilizer extension attachment for an over-the-ear earhook for earhooks attached to an earphone worn in or over the concha cavity of a wearer's ear, the extension and earhook being adjustable generally for holding the earphone close to the wearer's ear canal and for preventing earbud type earphones from leaving the concha cavity. The extension being rigidly attached to the back of the earhook behind the wearer's ear comprising a material such as a coated wire capable of being bent and shaped to allow adjustment and thereafter maintaining its shape with sufficient rigidity to press the posterior end of the extension against the wearer's head to prevent the earhook from pivoting.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventor: Allen Lamont Prince
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Patent number: 7458682Abstract: An eyeglass with multimedia functions of music playing and remote communication is provided, which includes a frame assembly having two temple members, an earphone, a detachable communication and music module, and a temple tip cover. The detachable communication and music module can be attached to or detached from one of the temple members. A jack socket can be disposed on the detachable communication and music module for plugging in the earphone. The temple tip cover has a hanging portion and used for covering on one of the temple members, and the hanging portion is used for hanging the earphone when not use. Therefore, users can attach the detachable communication and music module to the frame assembly, such that the users can receive phone calls or enjoy music when wearing the eyeglass. Or, the users can detach the detachable communication and music module to reduce the weight of the frame assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Double Hero CorporationInventor: Ming-Shuang Lee
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Publication number: 20080285786Abstract: An electroacoustic device includes a rear body portion containing electronic circuits, being so dimensioned and shaped as to be carried by a human user behind the user's ear and having an upper end portion and a frontal body portion with an upper end portion connected to the upper end portion of the rear body portion. The device may include an electroacoustic speaker transducer connected to the frontal body portion and arrangeable in a sound transmitting relationship to the user's ear canal when the device is carried by the human user. The speaker transducer may be rotatable about an axis which is arranged on a plane that is substantially parallel to the side of the head of the user when the device is carried by the human user.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2006Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Casper van der Bilt, Gerjo Sampimon, Angelique Hofstede, Hedzer van der Kamp
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Publication number: 20080279410Abstract: A hearing enhancement system that enhances a user's hearing based on a directional speaker is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system can include an interface unit that has a directional speaker and a microphone. The microphone captures input audio signals that are transformed into ultrasonic signals. The speaker transmits the ultrasonic signals, which are transformed into output audio signals by interaction with air. At least a portion of the output audio signals are modified to enhance the hearing of the user. Based on the system, the user's ear remains free from any inserted objects and thus is free from annoying occlusion effects. Compared to existing hearing aids, the system is relatively inexpensive. In another embodiment, the system can also be used as a phone. In yet another embodiment, the system can also access audio signals from other portable or non-portable instruments, wired or wirelessly, such as from home entertainment units, phones, microphones at a conference or speakers at a movie theater.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Kwok Wai Cheung, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
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Publication number: 20080260198Abstract: Communication unit comprising a housing (1) in which at least one transducer is placed, and on which a micro-phone arm (2) is suspended. The housing also has an ear hook (6) for fastening the communication unit to the head of a user. The microphone arm (2) is pivotally connected to the housing (1) by a hinge link (3, 4, 5) at an outer area of the housing, and so that the microphone arm (2) can be moved between a position in which it lies up against the housing (1), and a position in which it extends away from the housing. The microphone arm has a length, which in the main is less than or of the same order as the greatest extent of the housing, so that in the folded-in state the microphone arm does not project out over the circumference of the housing. The communication unit can be used on both the right and the left side of the head, in that the ear hook (6) can be suspended in two different positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Klaus Rath, Charles L. Pedersen
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Publication number: 20080260197Abstract: An earhook adapted to fit on a user ear. In an embodiment of the invention, the earhook includes a first portion having a fixed first curvature and a second portion having an adjustable second curvature for grasping a user ear. The second portion may be adjustably coupled together with the first portion with a coupling mechanism so that the second curvature is adjusted to suit a user preference.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2004Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventor: Fred I. Polito
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Publication number: 20080253605Abstract: A method and system for enhancing communications, such as those involving a two-way radio, are disclosed. More particularly, an acoustic coupler can comprise an output port configured to attach to an earpiece and a plurality of input ports in acoustic communication with the output port. Each of the input ports can facilitate communication from a different audio device to the user. For example, one input port can receive voice communications from a two-way radio, another input port can receive voice communications from a cellular telephone, and another input port can receive music from a music player. In this manner, a user can listen to multiple audio devices without reconfiguring an earpiece that is used for such listening.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventor: Richard C. Smith
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Publication number: 20080247590Abstract: An over-the-ear hook is a one-piece tube that can hold an earphone for conducting sounds to the wearer's ear canal. The tube can be adjustable to the wearer's ear shape so as to allow the over-the-ear hook to rest securely behind any wearer's ear. To form an integral unit comprising the over-the-ear hook and the earphone: snugly ensconce the cable of said earphone in the groove cut in the surface of said tube as the opening of the groove is smaller than the diameter of said cable. The earphone can be easily detached from the over-the-ear hook after use for separate storage. Under the circumstances, the earphone cable needs not enlacing the over-the-ear hook for space-saving storage and would not be damaged thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventor: Wen-Wei SUN
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Publication number: 20080232632Abstract: An ear hooked earphone is provided for selectively being worn on a left or right ear of a user. The earphone includes a body and an ear hook. The body includes a first coupled portion formed on a surface thereof. The ear hook includes a hook section and a fastened section. The hook section is used for hooking around the ear of the user. The fastened section is connected with the hook section, and a separation is formed between ends of the hook section and the fastened section. The fastened section has a second coupled portion, and one of two sides of the second coupled portion is selectively coupled with the first coupled section. Thereby, the position of the separation relative to the body is able to be changed, that is, the ear hooked earphone is able to hang on the left or right ear of the user freely.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Chun-Hsin Liu, Chung-Chun Wu, Jui-Chi Liao
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Publication number: 20080219492Abstract: A headphone including a housing that includes a speaker unit and that has a generally flat surface that comes into contact with an outward facing surface of an auricle of an ear and a neckband that is connected to the housing. The neckband has a ring form with a partially cut-out section and the inner side of at least one end of the neckband is connected to the housing. The neckband and the generally flat surface of the housing are generally coplanar, and have an elastic force in a direction that causes the neckband and the generally flat surface of the housing to return to the coplanar arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Koji Nageno, Yuusuke Oosato
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Publication number: 20080205683Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for attaching earphones to eyeglass and similar frames. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention comprises an earphone that comprises an elongated support arm that supports the earphone electronics and speaker unit. In one or more embodiments, the elongated support arm has a configuration such that it has a first free end, an elongated, typically curved center portion, and a second end to which the earphone speaker unit is attached. An expandable, resilient, tubular sleeve having a bore is slid over the free end such that it is disposed along the center portion. The combination of the earphone and resilient sleeve forms an audio unit that may be attached to a temple of an eyeglass frame by sliding the free end of the temple through the resilient sleeve until the temple's free end projects from the rear of the sleeve. The earphone and sleeve unit may be slid along the temple to adjust to the position of a user's ear.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventor: Frank Michael Weyer
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Publication number: 20080187164Abstract: The casing device provides at least a fastening element arranged on the outer surface of the main member of a wired single-ear headset. At least one of the fastening elements should be located above the cable opening on the main member. As such, by fixing the signal cable in one or more of the fastening elements, the signal cable is redirected upward and extended along the main member to stride over a user's ear and then hang down to connect to a mobile phone or PDA.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventor: Ching-Tsai Chou
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Publication number: 20080188179Abstract: A Bluetooth earphone and an ear-hook device thereof are provided. The Bluetooth earphone includes an earphone body and an ear-hook device. The ear-hook device includes a hinge assembly and an ear hook. The hinge assembly is rotatably disposed on the earphone body. The ear hook is rotatably disposed on the hinge assembly. As a result, the ear hook is able to rotate around the earphone body on two different axes via the hinge assembly, such that a user can selectively wear the Bluetooth earphone on his or her left ear or right ear.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: Chun-Hsin Liu, Chung-Chun Wu, Yu-Chang Hung
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Patent number: 7406172Abstract: A behind-the-head mounted personal audio set that allows a mono-aural personal audio device to be worn in either a wearer's left or right ear without the need to remove or detach individual components of the personal audio sent and mount is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the personal audio device has two earphone portions and the mount allows the audio device to operate in either mono or stereo modes wherein one of the earphones may be moved away from a wearer's ear when needed, such as when driving. A boom microphone is preferably pivotally secured to one of the earphone portions.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventor: Dominic Amae
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Publication number: 20080166008Abstract: A head worn waterproof entertainment and/or communication device comprising a first ear assembly and a second ear assembly. An interconnect device to is connected to and extends between the first ear assembly and the second ear assembly, the interconnect device being adapted to extend at least partly around the head of a user of the device. A transducer for converting an electrical signal to an auditory signal, said transducer being fixed to at least one of the first ear assembly and the second ear assembly. At least one electrical signal generator for generating said electrical signal is provided, said electrical signal generator being in communication with the transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventor: Ty Logan
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Patent number: 7388962Abstract: A hearing enhancement system that enhances a user's hearing based on a directional speaker is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system can include an interface unit that has a directional speaker and a microphone. The microphone captures input audio signals that are transformed into ultrasonic signals. The speaker transmits the ultrasonic signals, which are transformed into output audio signals by interaction with air. At least a portion of the output audio signals are modified to enhance the hearing of the user. Based on the system, the user's ear remains free from any inserted objects and thus is free from annoying occlusion effects. Compared to existing hearing aids, the system is relatively inexpensive. In another embodiment, the system can also be used as a phone. In yet another embodiment, the system can also access audio signals from other portable or non-portable instruments, wired or wirelessly, such as from home entertainment units, phones, microphones at a conference or speakers at a movie theater.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.Inventors: Kwok Wai Cheung, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
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Patent number: 7376238Abstract: Battery and solar cell powered health glasses monitor the condition of a heart's vital signs. Light emitting diodes (LED's) emit light into human temples. Photodiodes capture light reflected back from the pulsing blood. The amount of reflected light corresponds to the pulse rate. Embedded circuitry cleans and amplifies the signals, which are transmitted to light emitters located in the glasses. The same signals may be transmitted to a remote receiver to be processed and/or stored. Rhythm and shape of the pulse rate, processed on a home computer and available to doctors via the Internet, indicates heart condition. The circuits provide signal triangulation verification and warning lights. The sensors may be located any place on the body, i.e. wrist bands, chest, head, etc. A transmitter sends signals to the circuitry on the glasses to display reading information and lights about heart condition, pulse rate and blood pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Rivas Technologies International, Inc.Inventors: Victor A. Rivas, Richard Soltis, Lawrence E. Sternberg
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Publication number: 20080112586Abstract: The present invention provides an excellent headphone which can give a more comfortable feeling and a more stable feeling to the user when being fixed to the user as compared with that in the past. The headphone includes a headphone section that has a sound-sending section of a speaker unit arranged at the front surface side thereof, and has its rear surface side covered by a housing, and an ear pad that covers the sound-sending section of the speaker unit, wherein, in the ear pad, a porous elastic body of low repulsion is covered by a pad cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventor: Tomohiro Ito
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Publication number: 20080107301Abstract: A headset worn is provided to be on an ear in such a manner that a speaker is adhered to the ear. The headset includes a headset body; a hook unit for adhering and fixing the headset body to a user's ear part; a key positioned at a part of the headset body such that its key top protrudes; and a touch region having elasticity, and provided to maintain a distance from the key while facing the key, wherein, as the touch region is pressed, the key is pressed and enabled at the same time.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2006Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Dong-Kyu Kim, Beom-Ku Han, Chang-Hwan Hwang
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Patent number: 7356362Abstract: A headset having a built-in audio source and cable management mechanism is disclosed herein. The headset is composed of two loop-style earpieces and a cable connecting the two earpieces. One earpiece has a built-in audio source such as a MP3 player, an AM/FM receiver, and the like. The cable is for delivering audio signal from the audio source built in one earpiece to the other. The other earpiece has a built-in cable winder so that the cable could be pulled and fixed to a desired length. When the headset is not in use, a slight pull and release of the cable would allow the cable winder to retract the cable back into the earpiece.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Inventors: Wen-Han Chang, Chin-Ming Lu
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Publication number: 20080075316Abstract: Ornamental ear wrap (1) devices are provided. Variations include an ear wrap having an ornamental body attachment (11) portion and an earphone attachment portion (5). Methods of use include wrapping such a device about the ear of a user. Kits or systems may be provided for assembling the ear wrap devices or practicing the subject methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2005Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventor: Denise M. Chan
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Patent number: 7346180Abstract: Conformable spring-loaded earloops for over-the-ear style headsets are disclosed. The earloop for a headset generally comprises a prehensile member having a connecting member and a stabilizer portion and a ring integrally formed with and extending from the connecting member. The stabilizer portion is adapted to curve at least partially around and behind an ear to clip onto the ear in substantially a first plane. The ring is configured to removably receive and rotatably secure a receiver capsule of a headset therein and to direct the receiver capsule toward a concha of the ear. The prehensile member and the ring define an open-ended curved space to facilitate donning of the earloop. Upon application of an external force, the stabilizer portion is resiliently adjustable relative to the ring out of the first plane toward and away from the ear and/or in the first plane toward and away from the ring. The stabilizer portion returns to a static resting state configuration upon removal of external forces.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.Inventor: Soohyun Ham
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Publication number: 20080044051Abstract: A headset for using an electronic device worn on a head, includes an ear clip formed to have a shape conforming to and wearable on a root of auricle. The ear clip includes a core that can plastically be deformed according to a difference between shapes of the root of auricle and a protecting material that covers the core.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2007Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventors: Michihito Ikuma, Yasuhisa Kaneda
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Publication number: 20080013776Abstract: A microphone positioning structure is connected to an audio output device, and is composed of a sound tube, an end of which is connected with the audio output device; an earplug part which is located at a tail end of the aforementioned sound tube; an ear-hook part, an end of which is connected with the aforementioned sound tube. An end of the sound tube is plugged into the audio output device such as a trumpet or a loudspeaker, the ear-hook part is hung on a user's auricle for positioning, and the earplug part is inserted into the user's ear. In addition, while listening, the ear-hook part is hung and fixed on the user's auricle; therefore, the earplug part will not be subjected to a force, and it will not be fallen off due to a force of gravity and a shaking.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2006Publication date: January 17, 2008Inventor: Kuo-Chung Chen
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Patent number: 7313246Abstract: Eyewear comprises a microphone and a speaker. An eyewear neck strap couples the microphone and speaker to a wearer unit carried by the eyewear wearer. The wearer unit exchanges wireless signals with a base station. The base station is coupled to various devices such as surgical theater equipment, and/or to a telecommunication system, such as a telephone system. The eyewear enables the wearer to conduct hands-free communication such as telephone conversations and command and control operations, as well as to perform other hands-free tasks such as dictation. The wearer also receives data in audio form or as an image using a video display coupled with the eyewear.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Stryker CorporationInventors: Eric C. Miller, Charles N. Wang, Erhan H. Gunday, Albert M. Juergens
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Patent number: 7312699Abstract: A human-machine interface can detect when a user's ear is pulled back to initiate a plurality of procedures. Such procedures include turning on a TV using a laser attached to the user, starting an additional procedure by speaking a command, communicating with other users in environments which have high ambient noise, and interacting with the internet. Head position sensors are used to detect the position of the head of a user and to either initiate a procedure if a characteristic of the head position or positions meets a certain criteria, or to pass the head position information to another device.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Inventor: T. Eric Chornenky
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Patent number: 7302074Abstract: The listening device or receiver is connected via an interface to a device for the output of audio signals and comprises a listening capsule (7) which is arranged in a housing (2), and a retaining arm (3) for detachable connection to the ear of the user. The retaining arm (3) is arranged on the housing (2) and is mounted in an outward direction therefrom. In the area of the helix of the ear, the retaining arm engages with the ear from the rear with the aid of an area (3b) extending back towards the housing. The area (3b) of the arm (3) which engages with the helix from the rear has an end area which is disposed on the rear side of the ear when the arm is attached. The retaining arm (3) is deformable and the housing (2) has a bearing surface for the ear (10) on the side facing the outer side of the ear.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2002Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Spirit Design Hubner, Christoffer, Wagner OEGInventors: Georg Wagner, Daniel Huber
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Publication number: 20070263896Abstract: A sheathing-type earphone structure is composed of a seat, an end of which is extended with an ear-loop being parallel connected to the other end of which, and which is opened with a through-hole; an earphone body, which is formed integrally, and is correspondingly sheathed in the aforementioned seat, an end of which is extended with a leading wire being transfixed out of the aforementioned through-hole and being connected to a sound source. Accordingly, when a user sheaths the earphone on ears for listening, if the leading wire is carelessly pulled, the seat will become a buffer due to that the through-hole of seat provides for the transfixing of leading wire of earphone body, thereby preventing the leading wire from being broken at a connection position of the earphone, by excessively pulling.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2006Publication date: November 15, 2007Inventor: Kuo-Chung Chen
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Patent number: 7231056Abstract: An adjustable ear-hook earphone with a microphone is disclosed. The apparatus includes an ear hook, a main body and a microphone, wherein the main body have a limiting part and an adjusting post sleeved in a sleeve of the ear hook, thereby the main body are adjustable and moveable in a specific angle ranged from 0 to 210 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: JDI Jing Deng Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kuo-Chung Chen
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Patent number: 7226162Abstract: An audio lanyard audio device provides a number of advantages not seen with earlier devices, including, (1) a pair of soft openings to accept the ear pieces of conventional eyewear in a manner that supports and engages several inches of the ear pieces of conventional eyewear with sufficient surface area and friction to hold the conventional eyewear securely, (2) provision of a length of softer foam material for fitting both the lanyard and convention eyewear ear pieces between the ear and head, (3) formation of a balanced combination when worn with conventional eyewear, and (4) the location of the controls and main electronics and battery at the rear for balance and easy reach by a user.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Daka Research Inc. (Br. Virg.Isl Corp.) Offshore OperationsInventor: Pat Y. Mah
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Patent number: 7221771Abstract: The present invention provides an over-the-ear headset and donning method which advantageously allow for improved comfort, sound quality, and stability on the ear. In accordance with the present invention, the headset includes an earhook, and a bias structure connected to the earhook. An extension member is connected to the bias structure, and a receiver capsule is movably connected to an end of the extension member. The headset advantageously provides bias forces both behind the user's ear and substantially normal to the orientation of the user's outer ear, allowing for improved acoustic coupling to the ear and enhanced sound quality.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.Inventors: Fred DeKalb, Ric Baughman
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Patent number: 7221770Abstract: In a behind-the-ear hearing device with a detachable support hook fastened to the hearing device, a narrow structural shape is enabled in the transition region between the support hook and the hearing device housing. The invention provides a one-part, metallic connection piece for a hearing device support hook, with a sound channel passing through this connection piece, with a fastening section, a stop and a fastening clip, such that forces affecting the connection piece over a plurality of regions of the connection piece can be passed into the housing of the hearing device. In comparison with a connection piece with a single region provided for force transfer, the cross-section of the hearing device housing can thereby be reduced in the region of the connection piece.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHInventors: Werner Fickweiler, Michael Sattler
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Patent number: 7206429Abstract: An audio player is constructed in an ear module fully supported by the ear. The ear module is an in ear canal device, or ear bud with a clip that securely attaches it to the ear. The ear module contains all components required for storing and playing digitized audio such as MP3, RealAudio, WMA or ASF. The ear module is coupled to a hub that is also fully supported by the ear. The hub comprises a micro controller and connectors for receiving digitized audio. The hub has a connector hub from which peripheral devices are supportable.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Gateway Inc.Inventor: Stephen P. Vossler
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Patent number: 7203331Abstract: A voice communication device including an earpiece adapted to be inserted into the external auditory canal of a user is disclosed. The earpiece is smaller than the interior of the external auditory canal and the earpiece does not block the canal. The earpiece includes one or more sensors disposed within the earpiece to sense vibrations. In one embodiment, the earpiece includes a processor disposed within the earpiece and operatively connected to each of the sensors, and a transmitter operatively connected to the processor.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: SP Technologies LLCInventor: Peter V. Boesen
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Patent number: 7184565Abstract: In order to provide headphones with a cord-winding mechanism capable of favorably retracting and winding a cord, a cord-winding mechanism is incorporated in either or both of the casings of housings 1L and 1R constituting headphones; and a lock is released by joining the left and right casings together, so that the cord is retracted and wound.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Takashi Ohta
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Patent number: 7182459Abstract: Eyeglasses with attachable digital audio player comprise a pair of eyeglasses having a pair of temples and a digital audio player (DAP). Each temple of the eyeglasses includes a plurality of sets of cross-shaped apertures and accommodating holes in communication with the cross-shaped apertures. The digital audio player comprises two halves, each having a plate, a plurality of projections protruded from an inner surface of each of the plates pass through the cross-shaped apertures and are received in the accommodating holes of the temples, and an outer surface of each of the plates is combined with each half of the digital audio player. The digital audio player is detachable from the eyeglasses and operates independently.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Nan Fu Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Cheng-Chi Chen
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Patent number: 7133532Abstract: The speaker head is inserted into the protective ear insert and into one of the wearer's ears so that the audio signal is audible to the wearer in a loud environment where exterior noise is muffled by the protective ear insert and the speaker head is shielded from contact with the wearer. The protective insert is removably and moveably secured to the frame and variably positionable in accordance with the location of the wearer's ears.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Energy Telecom, Inc.Inventor: Tom Rickards
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Patent number: 7124425Abstract: A head mounted display in a video/audio system includes a display device, a head mount, noise reduction devices, and a speaker. The display device is coupled to the head mount and produces visual images based on received video signals. The head mount is mounted on the user's head and is coupled to the noise reduction devices, which cover the user's ears such that external noise is reduced. The noise reduction devices are coupled together via a strap that fits around the user head. The noise reduction devices are coupled to and house speakers that produce sound signals based on received audio signals. As a result, the user may see the video images produced by the display device and clearly hear the sounds produced by the speaker, and the external noise heard by the user is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Immersion Entertainment, L.L.C.Inventors: Tazwell L. Anderson, Jr., Mark A. Wood
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Patent number: 7123737Abstract: An ear clasp headset includes a speaker capsule for transmitting sound to a user's ear, wherein the speaker capsule is capable of contacting an inner recess of the user's ear, a headset body operably coupled to the speaker capsule, wherein the headset body is capable of contacting an outer portion of the user's ear, and a headset tail operably coupled to the headset body, wherein the headset tail comprises a curved structure capable of flexing open and close for contacting a lower portion of the user's ear. Advantageously, the apparatus and method of the present invention provide a headset with improved comfort, stability, and fit in the user's ear.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.Inventor: Soohyun Ham
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Patent number: 7120268Abstract: In order to obtain an ear-hook headphone that is light and comfortable to wear, a supporting portion that supports a housing portion is provided in the vicinity of one end of an approximately U-shaped bend of an arm-shaped guide portion; a pushing portion that resiliently pushes from behind the auricle of a user toward the housing portion is provided in the vicinity of the other end; and a sound-outputting surface of the housing portion is disposed on the face side of the listener wearing the headphone to be approximately perpendicular to the surface formed by the bend of the arm-shaped guide portion. According to this construction, the housing portion can be easily accommodated in the earhole of the user's ear with the guide portion being slipped along the base of the user's ear, and the headphone can be reliably worn with the pushing portion resiliently pushing from behind his/her auricle.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Katsunori Murozaki, Koji Nageno
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Patent number: 7110535Abstract: Communication unit comprising a housing in which at least one transducer is placed, and on which a microphone arm is suspended. The housing also has means, such as an ear hook, for fastening the communication unit to the head of a user. The microphone arm is pivotally connected to the housing by a hinge link, and at an outer area of the housing, so that the microphone arm can be moved between a first position in which it lies up against the housing, and a second position in which it extends away from the housing. The microphone arm has a length, which in the main is less than or of the same order as the greatest extent of the housing, so that in the folded-in state the microphone arm does not project out over the circumference of the housing. The communication unit can be used on both the right and the left side of the head, in that the ear hook (6) can be suspended in two different positions, corresponding to the communication unit being worn on the right or the left ear, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: GN Netcom, Inc.Inventors: Martin Reed Bodley, Ian Paul Smith, Stephen R. Lyman, Christian Bjerrum-Niese, Paul Wojciak, Charles L. Pederson
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Patent number: 7106877Abstract: Earloops with improved post design for increased reliability and quality for over-the-ear style headsets are disclosed. The earloop includes an earloop main body having connecting and stabilizer portions and a post extending from the connection portion for insertion into a corresponding opening in an audio receiver/transmitter assembly. An embedded hardened steel member extends from the post into the connection portion. The stabilizer portion is configured to be positioned over, around and behind a user's ear. The earloop may be incorporated in a headset that includes the audio receiver/transmitter assembly that defines an opening to receive the post therethrough. The audio assembly may be positionable along a length of the post and rotatable about the post. The hardened steel member increases the stiffness and strength and minimizes breakage of the post and thus increases the reliability, quality, and useful life of the earloop and/or headset.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.Inventor: Larry R. Linville
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Patent number: 7106873Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In a preferred embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Advanced Bionics CorporationInventors: William Vanbrooks Harrison, Lee F Hartley, Philip A Segel, Scott A Crawford, C. Geoffrey E Fernald
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Patent number: 7099464Abstract: A telephone headset including a boom microphone, an earphone, and an ear support constructed and arranged to be adjusted and comfortable for a wearer. The headset is configured with an adjustable ear support to fit a variety of ear sizes without affecting the balance of the ear support on the ear of the wearer. The ear support includes a rotational hinge which is biased into a given position by a compression washer. The earphone is removably and adjustably attached to a mounting ring which in turn is smoothly is movably attached to the ear support by a spring biased ball and socket joint. The combination of flexible joints and removability of the earphone provides the degrees of freedom and striction necessary to permit the earphone to be worn comfortably on either ear of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2001Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Unex CorporationInventors: Robert E. Lucey, John Ela, Christopher O. Lada, Lawrence G. Shubert, Christopher Loew
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Patent number: 7082207Abstract: A communication device (200) for use behind the ear comprises a housing having a first section (202) and a second section (206). A sound delivery tube (210) is coupled to the second section of the housing (206). The second section of the housing (206) rotates with respect to the first section of the housing (202) within a prescribed range of angular displacement as to allow user-definable depth adjustability of at least a portion of the sound delivery tube (210) into an ear canal (104). Optionally, the first section of the housing (202) rotates with respect to the second section of the housing (206) to provide a better fit to the shape of the head at the temporal/mastoid plate 120.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventor: Gary M. Rapps
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Patent number: 7074296Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hearing device including providing a hearing aid housing having an opening, providing an electric/acoustic transducer, providing a support plate forming a blind hole having a membrane as a base, inserting the transducer into the blind hole, bringing the housing and support plate together such that a portion of the transducer enters through the opening in the housing, bonding the housing to the support plate, and trimming excess portion of the support plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Phonak AGInventor: Andi Vonlanthen