WO2014051416A1

WO2014051416A1 - An earpiece with adjustable support loop

Info

Publication number: WO2014051416A1
Application number: PCT/MY2013/000061
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tuck Boon CHUA
Original assignee: Balda Solutions Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Priority date: 2012-09-28
Filing date: 2013-03-25
Publication date: 2014-04-03

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wired or wireless earpiece with adjustable support loop. More particularly, the present invention relates to mono and/or stereo telecommunication, entertainment or multimedia earpiece which is having an adjustable outer-ear support. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the end of the support loop [1) which is fixated to a loop compartment (4) is fixed and another end which fixated to the rotary disk [3] is movable with turning motion of the rotary disk (3).

Description

AN EARPIECE WITH ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT LOOP

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a wired or wireless earpiece with adjustable support loop. More particularly, the present invention relates to mono and/or stereo telecommunication, entertainment or multimedia earpiece which is having an adjustable outer-ear support. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Existing mono and/or stereo headsets are provided with an earpiece protrusion with support feature to create secure fitting to the user's ear. Generally, there are three ear fitting methods utilized by currently existing headsets:

1) Outer ear (Fitting on depression area of Concha, Intertragical Notch and supported by external tissues of Antihelix, Antitragus and Tragus of the outer ear);

2) In-ear (Fitting inside the Ear canal area); and

3) Outer ear fitting over the ear loop support.

In order to provide secure fitting to the outer ear, an earpiece protrusion with specific form of shape has been designed to create comfortable fits. Typically, a circular shape with a rounded and tapered body is provided as shown in Figure 1. Accordingly, Figure 1 shows a prior art headset having a rounded and circular protrusion body that tapers (9) towards the headset body (10). The size and profile of the Concha, Intertragical Notch, Antihelix, Antitragus and Tragus are different for different users with varied sizes and shapes of the human ear. Figure 2 shows the common positioning of an earpiece of the prior art. Accordingly, an earpiece (11] is secured within the Intertragical Notch (12], Concha (13) and supported by Antitragus (14} and Tragus (15) tissues of the outer ear. On the pinna, a curved prominence of cartilage, parallel with and in front of the helix, is called the antihelix

(16) . With the said circular shape and rounded taper body, the prior art headset enables to provide secure fitting to the outer ear as the earpiece protrusion with its specific form of shape creates comfortable fits.

Such typical designs may provide a reasonable level of fitting on the ear. However there is high risk of the headset dislodging from the ear due to the weight momentum of the headset body, if users increase their head and body movements. As such, a support loop

(17) is added to introduce additional fitting under the bowl-shaped tissue, i.e. the Antihelix (16) to create a more secure and firm support on the outer ear as shown in

Figure 3.

However, supplementary drawback is encountered due to the variable size and shape of the human ears, the size and profile of the Intertragical Notch (12), Concha (13), Antitragus (14), Tragus (15) and Antihelix (16), as there will be varied for different users. Commercial headsets available in the market try to solve this issue by providing a number of sizes of silicon rubber ear buds with different circumference lengths of support loop and outer body diameter. Users are required to choose the size which fits best to them, amongst the available sizes. However, this renders rest of the rubber ear buds useless. Furthermore, it is impossible for the limited ranges of ear buds sizes to cater for wide range of variation of the human ear. Although there is flexibility on the support loop to compensate for minor size tolerance, this might create an uncomfortable sensation of being too tight or too loose for some users with smaller or large ear size respectively. At the end, users have no opportunity to customize or adjust the existing ear bud to best suit their ears with maximum comfort and security.

In view of these and other shortcomings, it is desirous to provide a wired or wireless earpiece with adjustable support loop; and more particularly to a mono and/or stereo telecommunication, entertainment or multimedia earpiece which is having an adjustable outer-ear support.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a wired or wireless earpiece with adjustable support loop; and more particularly to a mono and/or stereo telecommunication, entertainment or multimedia earpiece which is having an adjustable outer-ear support.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an earpiece which is easily adjustable and fits securely to the user's outer ear. Another objective of the present invention is that the user does not have to choose an earpiece according to his ear size, but rather a single earpiece is suitable for use for people with different size of outer ear.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an earpiece with an adjustable support loop.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to^" provide an earpiece with an adjustable support loop, and the circumference of the support loop can be increased or decreased by a user according to his ear size and shape.

The present invention solves the problems associated with headsets, of prior art by providing an adjustable support loop fitted under the antihelix.

This invention addresses technical problems and limitations of current fitting methods wherein the headset is fitted in the outer ear in its depression area. The present invention consists of several novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying description and drawings, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows prior art earpiece having a rounded and circular protrusion body tapering towards the headset body;

Figure 2 shows a common positioning of an earpiece of the prior art;

Figure 3 shows the positioning of a conventional support loop under the antihelix according to one exemplary of the prior art;

Figure 4 shows the variation in the size of the human ear;

Figure 5 shows the variation range of the distance A will be higher than B due to high variation of the Antihelix shape and Concha profile;

Figure 6 shows the variation of an adjustable support loop according to the size of the ear in accordance with preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 shows the external view of an adjustable outer-ear support earpiece on a wireless headset such as Bluetooth headset in accordance with preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the adjustable outer-ear support earpiece on the wireless headset of Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a cross sectional view of the adjustable outer-ear support earpiece on the wireless headset of Figure 7; Figure 10 shows the details of fixation of the adjustable support loop on to the rotary disk and loop compartment, wherein the adjustable support loop can be reversible depending on the configuration of the adjustable support loop, rotary disk and the loop compartment as preferred by the manufacturer;

Figure 11 shows functional description of enlarging and reducing the adjustable support loop circumference size in accordance with preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 shows an external view of an adjustable outer-ear support earpiece on a wired headset such as a mono/stereo headset in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a wired or wireless earpiece or headset with adjustable support loop. Accordingly, the said wired or wireless earpiece or headset with adjustable support loop having adjustable ear loop fits for all sizes of outer ear. Hereinafter, this specification will describe the present invention according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise ^"various modifications and equivalents without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Referring to Figure 3, the figure illustrates the positioning of a conventional support loop (17) under the antihelix [16) of the ear. Figure 4 shows the possible variation in the size of the ear of an individual. Due to the variable size and shape of the individual ears, the size and profile of the Concha, Intertragical Notch, Antihelix, Antitragus and Tragus are varied to different individuals or users. Many current commercial headsets in the market try to solve this issue by providing numbers of sizes of silicon rubber ear buds with different circumference length of support loop and outer body diameter; so that to facilitate users to choose one from the available sizes, which by their judgment best fit to their ears. However, this will render the rest of the rubber ear buds useless. Moreover, as it is impossible for the limited ranges of ear buds sizes to cater for wide range of variation of the human ear, this might create an uncomfortable sensation of being too tight or too loose for some individuals or users with smaller and large ear size respectively. As the result, the users have no opportunity to customize or adjust the existing ear bud to best suit their ears with maximum comfort and security. Extensive studies conducted by the inventor have resulted in the present invention described herein. In particular, the present inventor has observed the critical dimension in creating a secure earpiece support. It is to be noted that distance A and B as illustrated in Figure 5 are the critical dimension to be considered in creating the secure earpiece support. Generally, each person will have a different size and profile of the outer ear features. Variation for distance B is mostly within an acceptable range; thus, a fixed optimum circular diameter earpiece will be able to fit properly on the Intertragical Notch area with good support from the Antitragus and Tragus tissues. Distance A is the variable determined mainly by the variation of the Antihelix and the Concha [13] area under it. The variation range of the distance A will be higher than B due to high variation of the Antihelix (16) shape and Concha (13) profile as shown in Figure 5. To solve the variation distance A, a flexible and adjustable support loop (18) is introduced to the fix circular earpiece. Users are able to customize or adjust the circumference size of the flexible and adjustable support loop (18) to create a proper fit within distance A and to conform to the Antihelix (16) and Concha (13) profile. Thus, a single earpiece to fit all ear sizes is feasible with no extra ear buds required.

Figure 6 shows the variation of the adjustable support loop (18) according to the size of the ear. Accordingly, Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic view of the headset, wherein the headset comprising a headset body (19), a wired or wireless earpiece (20) and rotary disk (21) which is rotated to adjust the circumference size of the adjustable support loop (18). By way of example but limitation, the present invention consists of a circular and rounded tapered earpiece with an adjustable support loop (18) at the top. It will be appreciated the earpiece with an adjustable support loop (18) may vary in any configurations, fashions, sizes, geometries, shapes or contours depending upon the nature of application and/or usage requirements. As such, the positioning of the earpiece with adjustable support loop (18) as shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting in anyway.

Figure 7 shows the external view of the adjustable outer-ear support earpiece on a typical wireless headset, such as for example, but not limited to a Bluetooth headset. The headset of the preferred embodiment generally comprises of at least one adjustable support loop (1), front cap (2), rotary disk (3), loop compartment (4), speaker mesh (5), speaker compartment (6) and headset body (7). Figure 8 shows the exploded view of the adjustable outer-ear support earpiece on the said wireless headset, for better understanding of the invention whereas Figure 9 shows the cross-section view of the adjustable outer-ear support earpiece of the said wireless headset. Referring now to Figure 10 of the preferred embodiment, the adjustable support loop (1) is preferably a flexible strip (la) made of metal with over molded silicon rubber (lb) which makes contact with the human ear. Accordingly, the said flexible strip (la) can bend to act as an adjustable support loop (1) with predetermined circumference length. It should be noted that the said the flexible strip (la) of metal with over molded silicon rubber (lb), although an exemplary, will be used herein in describing the configurations and functions of the preferred embodiment, however other types of suitable materials, designs, styles and/or configurations of the loop structures, components and/or members, or their assemblies thereof may also be contemplated. As such, the flexible strip (la) of the adjustable support loop (1) as mentioned herein should not be construed as limiting, but as the best modes contemplated by the inventor for carrying out this invention.

By way of example but not limitation, the said adjustable support loop (1) forms a support loop assembly with rotary disk (3) and loop compartment (4). Both ends of the adjustable support loop (1) are exposed with a preferred customized "U-like" shaped hook profile (lc). Preferably, one end of the adjustable support loop (1) is fixated on a Rotary Disk (3) and another end is fixated to the loop compartment (4) by hooking the hook profile (lc) to the fixation ribs (Id) on both covers. It will be appreciated that the fixation of the adjustable support loop (1) should not be limited to the said hook profile (lc), but it can also be fixed with any other suitable means and/or techniques such as, for example, adhesive, tongue and groove joins, snap-fitted, ratchet type fitting or any other possible approaches apparent to those skilled in the art. With the adjustable support loop (1) fixated, the rotary disk (3) is stacked thereon in adjacent to or on top of the loop compartment (4) with the adjustable support loop (1) properly aligned with the side opening on the loop compartment (4), as shown in Figure 9. It should be noted that the loop compartment (4) is configured with at least two grooves or openings to allow the flexible strip (la) to retract or extend through at least one of the said grooves or openings.

The details of fixation of adjustable support loop (1) on to the rotary disk (3) and loop compartment (4) is shown in Figures 10, whereas Figure 11 shows the details fixation of adjustable support loop (1) on to the rotary disk (3) and loop compartment (4). Accordingly, a hook shape is formed at both end of the metal strip of the adjustable support loop (1). Preferably but not by way of limitation, the hook shape may be the "U-like" shaped hook profile (lc] or any other suitable means as sets forth and is fixed on the fixation ribs (Id] on rotary disk (3] and loop compartment (4].

As a result, some of the length of the adjustable support loop (1) will be hidden inside the loop compartment (4) and the rest of the length is visible outside. From an external view, the adjustable support loop (1) will form a substantially "C-like" shaped loop at the top of the circular earpiece. It is to be noted that one end of the adjustable support loop (1) which is fixated to the loop compartment (4) is stationary; and the other end of the adjustable support loop (1) which is fixated to the rotary disk (3) will move according to the turning motion of the rotary disk (3]. Hence, either retracting or extending the adjustable support loop (1) as the case may be. Where in the event that the rotary disk (3) is turned in the retracting direction, the visible part of the adjustable support loop (1) will be pulled in and coiled up into the loop compartment (4). Where in the event that the rotary disk (3) is turned in the extending direction, the hidden part of the support loop (1] within the loop compartment (4) will be pushed out and will extend into the visible portion of the support loop (1). It is to be noted that the fixation of either ends of the adjustable support loop [1) may be reversible depending on the configuration of the adjustable support loop (1], rotary disk (3] and the loop compartment (4) as preferred by the manufacturer.

The support loop assembly defined above will be fixated, for example but not limitation, in adjacent to or on top of a speaker compartment (6), which is a protrusion on the headset body [7] to accommodate possible speaker elements. It will be appreciated that all possible speaker elements are enclosed within the speaker compartment (6). In the preferred embodiment, the speaker compartment (6) is preferably having a tube extension (not shown) which allows the sound from the speaker elements to be channeled to the user's ear. It will be appreciated that the said tube also acts as rotary axis for the rotary disk (3).

A speaker mesh (5] is present at one end of the tube extension to protect the speaker elements from environment dust and for proper acoustic performance. A front cap (2) with center through hole is preferably fixated thereon in adjacent to or on top of the tube extension to constrain the whole earpiece assembly on to the headset body (7) to form a complete assembly. Within this complete assembly, the rotary disk (3) is capable of being turned easily in either the retracting or extending direction by turning the rotary disk (3) configured on the loop compartment (4) through centre rotation axis of the tube extension of the speaker compartment (6). Figure 11 shows a functional description of enlarging and reducing the adjustable support loop (1) circumference size. The user will have to turn the rotary disk (3) with minor force because of the friction between the rotary disk (3) and the front cap (2) or loop compartment (4]. However, this friction will help to maintain the constant loop length, once the loop adjustment is done to the desired maximum comfort and security, by turning the rotary disk [3) either in retracting or extending direction.

A part of the length of the adjustable support loop (1) is hidden inside the loop compartment (4) of support loop assembly. One end of the adjustable support loop (1) is fixed to the rotary disk (3). Thus, the circumference of the adjustable support loop (1) can be adjusted by moving the rotary disk (3) in either clockwise or anticlockwise direction. Accordingly, the rotary disk (3) which is configured to be attached onto the loop compartment (4}, can be turned clockwise and/or anti-clockwise whilst being so attached. To increase or reduce the circumference length of the support loop (1), a user needs to turn the rotary disk (3] in the direction as preferably configured by the manufacturer which may be either clockwise or anti-clockwise for enlarging or reducing the adjustable support loop (1) circumference size respectively, or vice versa. It will be appreciated that the turning direction of the rotary disk (3) by either clockwise or anticlockwise also serves to retract or extend the adjustable support loop (1) respectively, or vice versa. Accordingly, with the motion of extending the circumference length of the adjustable support loop (1], the hidden length of the adjustable support loop (1) will be pushed out fr,om the loop compartment (4). For any motion in retracting the circumference length of the adjustable support loop (1) from the previously extended length, a user needs to reverse the turning motion and the visible length of the adjustable support loop (1) will be retracted back inside to the loop compartment.

To determine the correct fitting of the earpiece to a user's ear, the user needs to align and secure the base of the earpiece to the Intertragical Notch (12), Conch (13) with the support of the Antitragus (14) and Tragus (15) tissues of the outer ear. User needs to make sure the adjustable support loop (1) is fitted nicely with comfortable tension under the Antihelix (16) of the ear. If there is not enough contact the earpiece will not be sufficiently secured to the user's ear to support the weight of the headset and stabilized itself within the movement range of the user's head and body. A user might need to remove the earpiece from the ear and turn the rotary disk (3) either clockwise or anticlockwise to fine tune the adjustable support loop (1) length and try the fitting again. User needs to repeat the process until the whole earpiece is fully secured to the outer ear with comfortable fitting and security.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the earpiece can also be attached to a wired headset, such as for example, a wired mono/stereo headphone as shown in Figure 12. Accordingly, Figure 12 shows the external view of the adjustable outer-ear support earpiece on a mono/stereo headphone in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this configuration, a ear rubber bud [8) is preferably present surrounding the speaker mesh (5). Other elements such as the adjustable support loop [1), front cap (2], rotary disk (3), loop compartment (4), speaker compartment (6] and headset body (7) which are visualized in the accompanying drawings, i.e. figure 12, will be the corresponding parts and thus are indicated by the same reference numerals. As such, the details of which will not be repeated herein.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the principle and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would obvious to one skilled in the art intended to be included within the scope of following claims.

Claims

An earpiece comprising of:- a) at least one flexible strip (la) which can bend to act as an adjustable support loop (1) with predetermined circumference length;

b) a loop compartment (4) configured with at least two grooves or openings to allow the flexible strip (la) to retract or extend through at least one of the said grooves or openings;

c) a rotary disk (3) which is configured to be attached onto the loop compartment (4) and can be turned clockwise and/or anti-clockwise whilst being so attached;

d) one end of the flexible strip (la) is fixated to the loop compartment (4) which remains stationary and the other end of the flexible strip (la) is fixated to the rotary disk (3) which will move according to the turning motion of the rotary disk (3);

wherein the said adjustable support loop (1) forms a support loop assembly with the rotary disk (3) and the loop compartment (4); and wherein one end of the adjustable support loop (1) is fixated to the loop compartment (4) and is stationary and whereas the other end is fixated to the rotary disk (3) and will move according to the turning motion of the rotary disk (3).

The earpiece as claimed in Claim 1, wherein both ends of the flexible strip (la) is configured with hook profiles (lc) that can be attached to corresponding fixation ribs (Id) that are configured on the loop compartment (4) and the rotary disk (3).

3. The earpiece as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the circumference length of the adjustable support loop (1) can be increased by rotating the rotary disk (3) in an extending direction.

4. The earpiece as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the circumference length of the adjustable support loop (1) can be decreased by rotating the rotary disk (3) in a retracting direction or the reverse of extending direction.

5. The earpiece as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustable support loop (1) is fixated, the rotary disk [3) is stacked thereon in adjacent to or on top of the loop compartment (4) with the adjustable support loop (1 properly aligned with the side opening on the loop compartment (4).

6. The earpiece as claimed in claim 1 or 5, wherein the support loop assembly is fixated thereon in adjacent to or on top of a speaker compartment (6), which is a protrusion on the headset body (7) to accommodate possible speaker elements.

7. The earpiece as claimed in claim 6, wherein the speaker elements are enclosed within the speaker compartment (6), the said speaker compartment (6) is having a tube extension which acts as the rotary axis for the rotary disk (3).

8. The earpiece as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the speaker elements are protected by a speaker mesh (5) which is present at one end of the tube extension to protect the speaker elements from environment dust and for proper acoustic performance.

9. The earpiece as claimed in claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the support loop assembly is further provided with a front cap (2 with center through hole is fixated thereon in adjacent to or on top of the tube extension to constrain the whole earpiece on to a headset body (7).