Having Body Supported Structure Other Than On Head Patents (Class 381/385)
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Patent number: 7650007Abstract: A lanyard for carrying or wearing portable electronic devices is disclosed. The lanyard includes a neck cord having data carrying capabilities. The lanyard also includes a harness that physically holds and operatively couples the portable electronic device to the neck cord. When a portable electronic device is coupled to the harness, the portable electronic device can be worn around a neck and communicate with an input and/or output (I/O) device (e.g., earphones) operatively coupled to the data carrying cord. That is, the I/O device can send data through the neck cord to the portable electronic device and/or receive data being carried by the neck cord from the portable electronic device. The lanyard facilitates greater ease in wearing portable electronic devices and enables better approaches for managing wires between portable electronic devices and peripheral I/O devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Daniele De Iuliis, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, John Greer Elias
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Patent number: 7643646Abstract: A lanyard assembly can include a primary lanyard adapted to be worn around the neck of a user and a secondary lanyard positioned proximate the primary lanyard. The secondary lanyard can include a wire for providing audio transmission, a plug carried by the secondary lanyard proximate a first end of the secondary lanyard and connected to the wire, and an audio output device carried by the secondary lanyard proximate a second end of the secondary lanyard and connected to the wire. The lanyard assembly may further include a fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement can include first and second cooperating fastening components. The first fastening component may be carried on the primary lanyard, and the second fastening component may be carried on the secondary lanyard proximate one of the plug and the audio output device. The user can selectively engage and disengage the first fastening component with the second fastening component.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Inventor: Jerry Fielding, Jr.
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Patent number: 7643645Abstract: A vehicular interior packaging system includes a holder for the stowage and ready access of an audio headset. The holder is provided on a headrest of the vehicle, and has an arcuate recess which provides a stowage cradle seat for the headset.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventor: Kelly G. Richards
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Publication number: 20090290743Abstract: A skin-mounted digital audio device composed of one or more removable adhesive sheets, a battery layer, and flex circuitry. The device can be folded and unfolded, and permits convenient, hands-free wearing and operation by a user via the adhesive sheet(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventor: David W. Carroll
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Patent number: 7548630Abstract: A loudspeaker system including a plurality of sonic converters fixed in or to the rear of sound passage openings of a carrier plate is disclosed. The carrier plate is configured in the form of a wall plate for interior spaces or outside facades of buildings and the sonic converters are integrated into the carrier plate. The loudspeaker system or loudspeaker wall plate, respectively, permit the realization of an optimum acoustic irradiation of a space without aesthetically annoying loudspeaker boxes.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forshcung e.V.Inventors: Berthold Schlenker, Thomas Sporer, Karlheinz Brandenburg
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Publication number: 20090074224Abstract: A portable and wearable sound recordable and playable device comprising an electronic module that provides audio recording and playback functions and that includes at least one integrated circuit having associated memory storage, a microphone and a speaker, and a power source; a bulbous portion that substantially encapsulates the electronic module and that is configured so that the device has a substantially continuously contoured outer surface that is free of any display; and one or more exposed user controls that signally communicate with the electronic module and penetrate through the bulbous portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventor: Shelia A. Wright
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Publication number: 20080267440Abstract: An article of manufacture, such as a jacket or backpack, integrates the services of an audio delivery device, such as an MP3 player, with the services of a two-way communication device, such as a mobile phone, or a two-way radio such as a walkie talkie, citizen band radio, HAM radio, marine or aviation radio, and the like. The article integrates the reception and provision of input and output signals from both the audio devices within the article, thereby enabling a user to listen to music or to receive and place phone calls while engaged in activity. In one implementation, the article provides these functions by holding one or more devices for communicably connecting and switching the audio and communication devices, mixing signals received therefrom, and optionally enabling a user to reduce the volume or mute the signals as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: Skullcandy, Inc.Inventor: Richard P. Alden
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Patent number: 7428946Abstract: A suspension with a plurality of roll sections each of which has a semi-cylindrical shape from a cross-section view. The roll sections are disposed side by side based on a straight line connecting two points on an inner periphery or an outer periphery. The roll sections form a closed loop in a manner that a roll section of the roll sections being disposed first adjoins a roll section of the roll sections being disposed last. Adjacent roll sections are coupled with each other through a boundary section forming a continuous three dimensional curved surface. A linearity of compliance improves, and generation of distortion or rolling is restricted using the suspension.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuki Honda, Koji Sano, Tatsuya Omori
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Publication number: 20080137898Abstract: The invention is directed to audio enhanced thermal insulating hand protectors, such as decorative and non-decorative oven mitts or pot holders, which comprise a thermal insulating hand protector, audio playback circuitry integrated between internal layers of the thermal insulating hand protector, optional decorative theme-based design on the exterior of the hand protector, and theme-based audio playback segments that correspond to the optional decorative theme-based exterior of the hand protector. The theme may relate to any field of interest, such as birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, Christmas, etc. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the audio enhanced thermal insulated hand protector is a decorative oven mitt with audio playback segments that correspond to the visual decorative theme, and thereby enhance the experience of using thermal insulating hand protectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Rochelle Nenner
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Publication number: 20080013778Abstract: A necklace type sound reproduction apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is detachable from a media player to be worn on a neck of a user. An acoustic sound reproduced by a digital amplifier and a speaker of the apparatus is delivered to an ear of the user without using an earphone or a headphone via an audio signal processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: January 17, 2008Applicant: Neofidelity, Inc.Inventor: Duck Soo LEE
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Patent number: 7236751Abstract: An input/output device is adopted which includes a pendant strap and a connecting member connecting the strap in a ring shape. The strap incorporates at least one input portion. The connecting member includes a connector for the input portion and a portable information device. The input portion has a plurality of input modes and may be movable along the front or back of the strap body.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shuzo Ono
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Patent number: 7230206Abstract: A battery operated heated jacket, with removable body and sleeves and hood, the jacket with a removable liner, the liner further detachable from itself at the attachment of the sleeves and the hood, the attachment comprised of quick connects, the jacket comprised of a pocket containing a control box, the box containing a microprocessor, power source, heating controls, and media player, the hood comprised of earphones communicating with the media player, a detachable wire connecting the media player to the headphones.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Inventor: Josphlynn Randall
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Patent number: 7035422Abstract: The personal wearable speaker system includes a garment having a plurality of substantially hollow tubular ducts formed from a substantially flexible material designed to promote superior sound wave flow and anti-collapse (pinch) functionality, and a plurality of pairs of sound transducers. The plurality of ducts each have a first end and a second end which are substantially enclosed by the garment. Each of the ducts defines a chamber within. The ducts each have a length, a width, and a height which is perpendicular to both the length and the width, and preferably have a width to height ratio of three to one or less. Alternately, the ducts may be substantially flat and have an undulating front surface. Sound transducers are adapted to fit at least partially within the chambers of the ducts. Some of the sound transducers are adapted to project sound toward an ear of a wearer. Other transducers are adapted to project soundwaves toward a body of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2000Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Soundtube Entertainment, Inc.Inventor: David Wiener
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Patent number: 6954539Abstract: When a speaker is detached repeatedly by sliding a connection pin over a narrow portion formed in a through hole in a cabinet, the contact portions of the narrow portion of the through hole and the connection pin wear away. Cushion holes 28g and 28h are formed in the vicinity of the narrow portion 28f of the through hole 28 to deform areas sandwiched between the narrow portion 28f and the cushion holes 28g and 28h widely, thereby making it possible to increase the width of the narrow portion 28f by elastic deformation. Therefore, since the narrow portion 28f is elastically deformed at the time of sliding, the contact portions do not wear away and return to their original forms after sliding so that the connection pin is mated again. Accordingly, the connection pin does not slide accidentally thereafter.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Naoto Maruta
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Patent number: 6914995Abstract: A portable multi-function device includes a housing and a cover. The housing includes an interior housing and an exterior housing connecting to each other. The interior housing has at least a hub having audio units. Recess parts are located on the upper side of the interior housing for placing the audio units. The exterior housing has a storage box. Terminal ends on side of the storage box connect correspondingly to each of the audio units for placing a data process device in the storage box. The cover is mounted on a side of the housing. A connector is installed at another side of the housing corresponding to the cover to lock and unlock the housing. The cover has holes corresponding to each of the recess parts on the upper side of the interior housing. Whereby, each of the audio units is portable and easy for storage.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Inventor: Chia-Hung Kao
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Patent number: 6912287Abstract: A wearable communication device includes a bone conduction actuator which is applicable for being in contact with a user's wrist, hand, back of the hand, finger or nail in order to transmit voice signals. The user inserts the user's finger into the user's ear canal, or touches the user's finger to a part near the user's ear, or puts the user's fingertip or nail on the user's ear canal so as to block the user's ear canal when the user uses the wearable communication device.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1999Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Masaaki Fukumoto, Yoshinobu Tonomura
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Patent number: 6898295Abstract: An input device includes a belt-shaped strap section in which leads are buried, and connecting members for connecting the strap section in an annular form. The strap section includes a sheet-shaped membrane having a plurality of input sections, and belt-shaped clamping members that can hermetically sandwich portions of the membrane having the input sections. One end of the membrane extends from end portions of the clamping members to be connected to an external device with one of the connecting members therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichi Inamura, Tadamitsu Sato
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Patent number: 6883693Abstract: A knapsack with stereophonic reproducing kit mainly includes a knapsack having pockets provided at predetermined positions for receiving a musical sound source and two speakers that together form basic items in the stereophonic reproducing kit. A user may enjoy listening to music or broadcast alone or with other companions at any time and at any place while carrying the knapsack on the back or on the shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Inventor: Angela W. Han
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Patent number: 6847725Abstract: An assistive listening device has a housing enclosing at least one of a radio receiver and an infrared radiation receiver for receiving radiation carrying audio information transmitted to hearing impaired members of an audience. The infrared radiation receiver includes three infrared detectors for receiving radiation from at least three different directions. The received radiation is converted to an amplified audio signal that is converted to sound emitted at a pair of earphones that are attached to the distal ends of two arms that are attached at their proximal ends to the housing. The earphones are rotatable on their arms for enhanced comfort. A microphone is attached to the housing. It receives sound and amplifies it to enable the wearer to hear a conversation while wearing the device. It may be rotatable to enhance reception. It may be disconnected to eliminate unwanted noise.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Inventors: Sandra J. Neuman, Bernard Neuman
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Patent number: 6771790Abstract: A ear set for a cellular phone has a hollow body, an ear hook, an electric wire, a plug and a clip. The body has an earphone, a microphone, a pocket clip, a cap and a switch. One end of the pocket clip is attached to one end of the body. A protruding ball is mounted on the other end of the pocket clip above a hole through the body. The hole is located over a switch mounted inside the body so the protruding ball will contact and activate the switch when the pocket clip is pressed. This makes turning on or turning off the ear set easier and more convenient than pressing a discrete switch.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2003Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Inventor: Hung-Chang Liu
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Patent number: 6763119Abstract: The present invention relates to a neckphone which is a simple neck-wearing type and allows a person to hear a sound outputted from a sound media as a 3D stereophonic sound provided by a rear sound in addition to a front sound. In order to achieve the above object, the neckphone according to the present invention is characterized in that it includes a U-shaped or C-shaped supporting brace. Alternatively, the neckphone is characterized in that it includes a -shaped supporting brace G4 and speaker portions Sp1 and Sp2, and that the -shaped supporting brace G4 includes a first curved portion Ga coupled with the speaker portions, second curved portions Gb extending from both sides of the first curved portion and taking the shape of the neck curve, and third curved portions extending from both sides of said second curved portions, taking the shape of the chest curve and having a radius of R3.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Neckphone Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chun-Bong Lee
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Publication number: 20040096079Abstract: The present invention is to provide a fastening device formed at a cable of an earphone, the fastening device comprising a first half member and a second half member, both of the two members having a clipping end at one end, a holding end at the other end and a central hinge disposed therebetween with a shaft passing therethrough and a spring put on the shaft, the spring having both ends urged against the first half member and the second half member; wherein the first half member further comprises a recess for fitting a receiver of the earphone therein and a fastening element for securing the receiver in the recess.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2002Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: WANG WANG DAH ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.Inventors: Chang Ke Chang, Wei Wen Sun
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Publication number: 20040066949Abstract: The present invention provides an audio player wearable around the neck which comprises vertical direction recognition sensor 2 for recognizing hanging state wherein a casing 10 is hung from the neck using a neck strap 11 and holding state wherein the casing 10 is turned upside down from said hanging state and is held in the hand, and a control circuit 3 for change-over-controlling the presentation state of the display 8 in accordance with the recognition result obtained by the vertical direction recognition sensor 2. This can avoid the problem when the display is turned upside down between the hanging state and the holding state of the casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Toshihide Iwasa, Toru Kamimura
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Patent number: 6707924Abstract: A holder to carry portable electronic equipment on the body of a user, include a cord loop adapted for carrying on the body of a user; the cord loop having a support to hold the electronic equipment and a connector adapted to normally maintain the cord loop and disconnect the cord loop the moment it is applied with a larger pulling force than a predetermined force.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1998Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Kazuaki Okiebisu
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Patent number: 6684063Abstract: A system integrates a hearing aid with devices such as wireless telephones, advantageously avoiding radio frequency (RF) interference. In one embodiment, a processor transforms an electrical signal to compensate for a hearing impairment. The function used for signal transformation can be accessed via a processor memory enhancement such as a smart card. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts the transformed signal to an analog signal, which then goes to an amplifier and speaker. In other embodiments, an analog amplifier transforms the electrical signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Siemens Information & Communication Networks, Inc.Inventors: H. Stephen Berger, Dillard Gilmore, Joseph D. Fazio, Sunil Chojar
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Publication number: 20030202671Abstract: In a product configuration (1) comprising a product (2) and a mounting disc (4) connected to the product (2), wherein the mounting disc (4) is provided with an adhesive layer (8), said adhesive layer (8) is covered with a protective foil (9) which is connected to a protective foil removal strip (10) that can be brought into contact with a protective holder (15) during insertion of the product configuration (1) into said protective holder (15) for the product configuration (1), such that a subsequent removal of the product configuration (1) from the protective holder (15) ensures an automatic removal of the protective foil (9) from the second adhesive layer (8) by the protective holder (15).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Thomas Pauser
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Publication number: 20030012394Abstract: The present invention relates to a neckphone which is a simple neck-wearing type and allows a person to hear a sound outputted from a sound media as a 3D stereophonic sound provided by a rear sound in addition to a front sound.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2001Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventor: Chun-Bong Lee
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Patent number: 6480613Abstract: A loudspeaker set comprises three loudspeakers 29, 30 and 31 for use with a PC having a monitor 24. The loudspeaker 31 is stationary and mounted on the monitor 24. The loudspeakers 29 and 30 are mounted on foldable stands 22 and 23 that enable these loudspeakers to be moved and held at either side of a listener's head 28 for use. The stands each consist of three pivotably connected hollow limbs that enable the loudspeakers to move horizontally and vertically with respect to a top of a table 27 into the position shown in the Figure. When not in use, the stands fold up with the limbs in line to store the loudspeakers 29 and 30 at the sides and behind the monitor 24.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1999Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Inventor: Tony Tzi Chan Choi
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Patent number: 6438247Abstract: A microphone bearing slider on a diagonal seatbelt member, together with a tethering tape that is positioned along the diagonal seatbelt, from a seatbelt hanger member to the buckle with attachment to the slider, in combination, operate to position the microphone at the same precise location for vocal transmission at each deployment, and to return the assembly to a storage position with no addition attention being required on the part of the communicating person.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1999Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Thomas Mario Cipolla, Ponani Gopalakrishnan, Stephane Herman Maes, Paul Andrew Moskowitz, Jan Sedivy
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Patent number: 6434251Abstract: A telephone headset apparatus is disclosed. This headset apparatus includes a body having a microphone at one end and a transducer at the opposite end, an earhook, for attaching the apparatus to the ear of the operator, and a mechanism, contained within the body in a movable engagement, for holding the earhook in a frictional engagement that allows for movement of the earhook, with three degrees of freedom. The mechanism is located at a point within the body where upon adjustment of the earhook by the operator (i.e., rotated, tilted, pivoted) the headset apparatus remains properly balanced and within the sound envelope of an operator, for uninterrupted operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1998Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: GN Netcom A/SInventors: Finn Jensen, Steve McGugan
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Publication number: 20020094102Abstract: The present invention provides an arm-wear-type communication device for protecting a speaker and the like. In an arm-wear-type communication device, a speaker is equipped on a housing that is a portion fitting to an ear. After this speaker is matched into a cavity of the housing, the speaker is embedded by a housing cover. After the speaker is installed, a sound opening equipped for connecting the inside of the housing with the outside of the housing is equipped by boring as a sound emitting opening on the housing cover. An air chamber formed by the housing cover is equipped immediately in front of a sound emitting portion of the speaker. Further, on the back surface of the housing cover, a waterproof sheet is stuck to protect infiltration of rain, sweat or the like into the speaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventor: Yoshinori Bito
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Patent number: 6377697Abstract: The invention relates to a ear transceiver comprising: an ear hanger, a transceiver mounted on another end of front stand of an ear hanger, and an electrical connection connected to the transceiver; the ear hanger is provided with: a front stand, a rear stand and a supporting tube connected to the front stand and rear stand, another end of the front stand connected to a microphone supporting rod, both ends of the microphone are connected to a microphone and an earphone respectively, the front stand has a plurality of supporting rods, a pair of connecting pieces are provided between various supporting rods and between the microphone supporting rod and end of the front stand, and the connecting part of the microphone supporting rod and earphone has plug-in pieces of electric connection. The ear hanger adapts to various sizes of human ears, both left and right ears can wear the same hanger, and the distance and height between the microphone and a mouth being adjustable and convenient in replacement.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Inventor: Ziyi Cheng
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Patent number: 6252970Abstract: A headphone including a band for extending round the back of the neck of a user and having opposite ends, each of which is connected to the band by a swivel connection having a swivel axis. At least one speaker is connected to one end of the band by a hinge connection having a hinge axis extending substantially transversely of the swivel axes. The headphone includes a pair of hanger means provided at respective ends of the band for engaging respective ears of the user to support the overall headphone. The headphone is convertible through operation of the swivel and hinge connections between a first use configuration in which the speaker is on the left side and a second use configuration in which the speaker is on the right side.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Antonio Precise Products Manufactory LimitedInventors: Boby Yun Chung Poon, Chi Keung Poon
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Patent number: 6234446Abstract: A personal audio/visual device comprising a pair of normally spaced modules having lower contoured surfaces shaped to contact and be supported by the shoulders of a wearer. The two modules are coupled together at a back end thereof by a telescoping or folding structure adapted to allow horizontal adjustment between the modules. Integrated within each module are recessed audio speakers positionable adjacent the ears. In a preferred embodiment, the audio/visual device includes two pairs of submodules, each pair being coupled together by a hinge for pivoting movement within the same plane or scissoring movement in parallel planes. In an unfolded position, the lower submodules of the pairs rests on the shoulders of a wearer while the upper submodules touches the sides of a person's head and against the ears. In a folded position, the submodules are pivoted together and the telescoping or folding structure collapsed to minimize the space necessary to store the device.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventor: John W. Patterson
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Patent number: 6178251Abstract: A collar band supports a boom-mounted microphone that may be selectively positioned on either the right or left side of the user's head. Adjustable neck pads are mounted to the opposite ends of the collar band for added comfort. The collar band may be resized to fit the neck of the user. The collar microphone may be worn for extended periods of time without becoming uncomfortable. A cradle assembly conveniently supports and stores the microphone when it is not in use.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Labtec CorporationInventors: Michael Luchs, Bruce P. Lancaster, Brendon C. Stead
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Patent number: 5903068Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer has lead terminals formed of an alloy consisting of 32 to 55% by weight of Ni and a remainder essentially of Fe, and having a crystal grain size of 7.0 or greater. In an electroacoustic transducer, both coil terminals of the coil are connected to the associated lands of the lead terminals, and thermal conduction suppressing sections are provided at proximal end sides of lands of the lead terminals for suppressing thermal conduction.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazushi Suzuki
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Patent number: 5815579Abstract: A wearable speaker system which provides improved quality audio response and which does not interfere with the wearer's activities or block environmental sounds is disclosed. Transducer arrays, e.g. pairs of speakers, are situated in a wearable garment, headband, or the like and positioned on opposite sides of the wearer's head. In one embodiment, the transducer arrays share a common enclosure and are driven 180.degree. out of phase, so that back pressures cancel and low frequency response is enhanced. In another embodiment, two open-ended enclosures are provided, each with its own transducer array. In another embodiment, linear arrays of transducers are provided with appropriate time-delays between the audio signals. The speaker system is connected to or in communication with a conventional source of audio signals, such as a radio, tape player, CD player, cellular telephone or the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1995Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Interval Research CorporationInventor: James H. Boyden