US20070248238A1 - Biologically fit wearable electronics apparatus and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Detachable wearable electronic eyeglasses and head mounted gear with a plurality of electronic functions and interchangeable electronic function, and a wearable computer with optimal weight distribution and stretchable arms.

Description

• This application is a complete application ofprovisional application 60/749,579, 60/756,549 and 60/762,861, filed Dec. 13, 2005, Jan. 6, 2006 and Jan. 30, 2006, respectively, herein incorporated in their entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• In recent years, the use of cellular phones, music players, video players, video games, computers, and a variety of hand-held electronic products has greatly increased. Because they are hand-held, some of those electronic devices as computers are often carried by the user in a separate case. There have been attempts to create wearable electronics such as music players integrated into the frames of eyewear, as well as wearable computers. However, due to a disconnection between electronic products and the biological aspects of the human body, prior art devices have failed to provide a useful wearable electronic apparatus that adequately interact with the human body and which fits anatomically and physiologically with the body.
• Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide electronic devices and electronic functions which are hand-free and can be worn on the surface of the body in a biologically fit manner. The present invention provides a convergence between electronic products and the biological and anatomical aspects of the human body and biomechanics of the body while providing a series of hands-free wearable electronic apparatus that can interact with human senses and physiology of the body in a practical manner.
• Housing electronics and/or power source in the frames of eyeglasses, as provided by prior art devices, creates bulky, heavy, cumbersome, and uncomfortable gear, which consistently places a heavy weight against the users' ears which can generate discomfort. Moreover, such heavy and awkward eyeglasses are cosmetically undesirable with buttons, ear buds, and other unattractive parts being visible at all times, taking away the elegance that can be the key feature of eyeglasses frames, and making them unsuited for use on a daily basis including at work, at school, or attending formal events.
• A further problem for the prior art devices is that they rely on wires passing through the hinges at the front portion of the temples. This makes the manufacturing process difficult and more expensive. In addition, because the wires running through the hinges are repeatedly folded and unfolded with the temples of the glasses, the wires have a tendency to become damaged, substantially reducing the useful lifespan of the products.
• The large size and heavy weight of eyeglass frames housing electronics can prevent a comfortable fit and use. U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20040059212 and 20040242976 describe eyeglasses to measure biological parameters wirelessly. However, because the electronics and wireless transmitter are housed in the eyeglass frames, the frames are heavy and can cause discomfort over time.
• Bulky, prior art eyeglass frames or head mounted gear that house electronics and/or power sources and/or and unsightly ear buds in a non-removable fashion require the user to wear the device at all times, even when the electronic functionality of the device is not being used.
• The prior art also discloses “wearable” computers. Typically, however, these devices are complicated and not practical to use. Moreover, because they are not adapted to fit well onto a human body, their weight is not well distributed, and will normally cause discomfort to the wearer, discouraging long term use of the devices.
• Wearable articles of clothing (including hats) with permanent electronics embedded on them are financially unattractive, because discarding the wearable article would also require throwing away the embedded electronics device. Similarly, a desire to replace or upgrade the electronics device requires disposal of the wearable article.
• Many people use different types of portable electronic devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players, PDA's, etc. Another deficiency of the prior art is a failure to disclose eyeglasses or wearable articles in which the user has the option to choose from a plurality of electronic functionalities using the same eyeglasses frame or wearable article.
• Another problem with electronic devices such as computers, DVD players, cellular telephone, digital music player, and electronic organizers, is that in order to be operated they require the user to hold the device or place the device on an object (such as a piece of furniture or the floor) for support. It would be very useful to have an electronic device which does not require being held or placed on an object for support.
• In addition, “hand-held” devices require that they be held. While some cellular phones and digital music/video players have accessories that permit the user to use the device without having to hold it, using such apparatus and accessories is cumbersome, and it is necessary to carry and store the accessories until they are actually used. Furthermore, it is easy to forget to bring the accessory, such as the ear bud or a strap to secure a digital player to the body, when is needed.
• Moreover, hand-held devices are easily lost or misplaced, and unattended hand-held devices can be easily stolen. It is common for people to forget their hand-held devices in restaurants, airplanes, taxi cabs, etc. It would be very useful to have a non-hand held and hands-free device that can be worn in a comfortable, non-obtrusive, and biologically-fit manner without requiring the user to carry extra devices or accessories in addition to the equipment already being worn on the body.
• The Problem of Pain and Discomfort
• The human body has a limited ability to support weight before pain is elicited. Furthermore, each part of the human body, such as the neck, shoulder and ear has different thresholds for activation of pain fibers. If the weight pattern is not biologically fit, the stimulus of the device on the skin will become annoying, and pain receptor endings within the skin will be stimulated. By adequately spreading the weight of the electronic wearable article resting on the body only pressure receptors of the peripheral nerves are activated, and not the painful “nociceptors” (described further below). By providing a wearable electronic device with a biologically fit weight distribution pattern, the pain and discomfort associated with the weight of the device is not elicited.
• There are basically three sensory responses from contacts with the human skin: (1) mechanical sensations, (2) thermal sensations, and (3) nociceptive or pain sensations. Nerve fibers course into the skin through the dermis, and many of them end at the dermal-epidermal border where many of the sensory receptor structures are located. The largest class of receptors consists of the ones with no specialized structure at all, which are the free nerve endings for pain whereas encapsulated nerve endings are usually associated with light touch and pressure sensations.
• Axons of peripheral nerves are divided up, according to their conduction velocity, into A, B and C fibers, and the A fibers are subdivided into Aα, Aβ, Aγ, and Aδ classes, in descending order of conduction velocity. Ordinary sensory information such as touch information is conducted by Aβ fibers, and pain sensation is carried by Aδ and C fibers. For any wearable electronic article to be worn comfortably for long periods of time, the design and weight distribution as well as the weight pattern of the apparatus should not activate Aδ and C fibers of the anatomic region supporting the electronic device.
• The pain receptors and C fibers in the skin of the ear are activated at much earlier stage than the pain receptors and C fibers of the nose. Therefore, to prevent activation of the user's pain receptors, a biologically fit weight pattern for eyeglasses distributes as much weight as possible onto the nose and as little as possible directly against the ear. Likewise, the C fibers, pain receptors and pressure receptors in the neck are activated earlier than the C-fibers, pain receptors, and pressure receptors of the shoulder and chest. Therefore, to increase the time prior to activation of pain receptors, a biologically fit weight pattern, for a wearable computer for example, includes distributing the weight in the shoulder and chest area and avoiding the weight being supported solely or mainly by the neck. Other biologically fit embodiments that distribute the weight in the back and shoulder area will be shown in the accompanying drawings and description.
• Good weight distribution, as taught by the present invention, needs to be coupled to a proper amount of weight, to avoid activating mechanically sensitive nociceptors, which lead to discomfort and painful sensation. To prevent stimulation of pain, it is necessary that the weight of the apparatus applied to the anatomic area only activates pressure receptors but not C fibers and pain receptors. In the case of wearable electronics, C fibers can be activated by excessive pressure itself and chemicals released by damaged cells, such as crush injury, caused the weight of the device. This is important from a clinical stand point and future ability to wear the wearable electronic article, since after activation of C fiber, the next time that the user tries to wear an even lighter weight device in the same area, pain may result, a phenomenon called hyperalgia, preventing thus future use of the device for a potentially long period of time.
• Receptors are discrete structures connected to nerve fibers and embedded in the skin. Although in some regions the density of receptors is very high, there are areas in which there are few receptors. The receptors in the skin of neck and ear, represented by anatomic areas supporting devices of the prior art, are very sensitive to mechanical stimuli, requiring displacements of only a few to tens of micrometers to excite them. When the stimuli is strong enough it can produce damage and become painful. By having proper weight and proper weight distribution, as per the present invention, the pain fibers of the anatomic areas supporting the weight are not activated and over time the pressure fibers, such as Aβ fibers, adapt to the weight, which allows absolute comfort during use.
• As a way of illustration, but not of limitation, two anatomic areas of the body and their representative preferred embodiments, wearable electronic eyeglasses and wearable computer, will be described. People who wear eyeglasses usually see indentation on the skin of the nose, but feel no significant discomfort. On the other hand, significant discomfort is felt when only minor mispositioning of temples occur around the ear. This occurs because the skin in the nose area has few pain receptors and C fibers, while the skin around the ear is more densely populated with pain receptors and C fibers.
• It is possible to quantify the sensitivity of an anatomic area. The number of receptor locations for pain in the ear per square centimeter is in the range of 120 to 160 in comparison to the nose which is in the range of 35 to 55. The number of receptor locations for touch per square centimeter in the ear is in the range of 40 to 70 in comparison to the nose which is in the range of 90 to 110.
• Even regular eyeglasses with conventional weight can cause discomfort around the skin of the ear if there is not a good fit because of the larger density of pain receptors in this area. Naturally, placing weight against the ear by temples housing electronics and/or power sources will likely elicit discomfort and pain over time. Therefore by mechanically displacing the weight to other areas that have less pain receptors and fibers, such as the nose, there is a reduction in the amount of pain receptors that will be activated, and an increase in the comfort level of the wearer.
• The number of receptor locations for pain in the neck per square centimeter is in the range of 170 to 200 in comparison to the shoulder and chest which is in the range of 120 to 150. Therefore by mechanically displacing the weight from the neck to other areas that have less pain fibers, such as the shoulder and chest, there is a reduction in the amount of pain fibers and receptors activated.
• The problem of wearable devices is further compounded by the fact that a wearable device to be truly useful has to be compact and interact with senses and biological functions of the body in a practical manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention teaches a convergence between electronic products and the biological and anatomical aspects of the human body and biomechanics of the body while providing a series of hands-free wearable electronic apparatus that can interact with human senses and are biologically fit and provide a weight distribution that does not activate pain fibers (and cause pain).
• A variety of wearable electronic devices are provided in the present invention including computing devices, video players, music players, and the like. One of the wearable articles of the present invention housing electronics includes eyeglasses.
• The invention provides eyeglasses with an optimal distribution of weight in which the nose area supports more of the weight due to a counter-weight, represented by an electronic package, preferably positioned diametrically opposed to the nose in the back of the head with said electronic package being secured to the end of the temples of pair of eyeglasses. By displacing the weight to the back of the head and to the nose and housing only light weight parts in the temples, there is better weight distribution and comfort, with elimination or retardation of activation of pain fibers and reduction of pressure applied by temples directly against the anatomic area of the ear, which is more sensitive to pain caused by pressure than the nose area.
• The invention further provides a better distribution of weight in which the shoulder and chest area supports the structure in combination with the neck, represented by an Inverted U-shaped or an inverted V-shaped structure which has two arms resting against the shoulder and chest area in addition to the neck. By having two arms spaced apart there is spread of the weight with better balance and weight distribution across the neck and the shoulder and chest area.
• The invention further teaches a weight distributed and biologically fit wearable computer. A variety of electronic parts and wireless parts can be integrated into the system. Accordingly, a cellular phone can be incorporated into the wearable computer with the dial pad being integrated into the keyboard, and hearing and voice function provided by the Inverted U-shape structure while allowing hands free communication. Likewise, a wireless communication system for receiving communications over the internet can be integrated into the wearable computer of the invention.
• The present invention provides a fully compact system when not in use, and which allows full interaction of the device with vision, hearing, speech, and tactile function while being used. The V-shape structure preferably is made of a flexible material which has memory including memory shape alloys. Therefore, when not in use (for instance when being carried or being place on a table), the two ends of the structure can be folded upon each other and twisted in a helical shape placing the keyboard in one end of the arm on top of the display at the end of the opposite arm, creating a fully compact system. The present invention can also be used as a table-top, by having the helical shape being used with the vertical portion of the helical shape supporting the display in one end and the horizontal portion connected to the keyboard.
• It is an object of the invention to provide a detachable wearable electronic eyeglasses and head mounted gear with a plurality of electronic functions and interchangeable electronic function. It is also an object of the invention to provide a wearable computer with optimal weight distribution and stretchable arms. It is a further object of the invention to provide a plurality of hands-free wearable electronic devices including a video player, a music player, a video game, an electronic book, a global positioning system, a photo camera, a video camera, a television, a cordless phone, a cellular phone, and the like. It is yet another object of the invention to provide hands-free support structure for housing electronics.
• Eyeglasses are one of the most common wearable articles, and the majority of the adult population wears at least one of sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses for distance or for reading. It would be thus useful and desirable, as in accordance to this invention, to enable people wearing eyeglasses in general to have those eyeglasses perform an electronic function in a not noticeable manner and not seen by an external observer while keeping the frames light weight, elegant, compact, attractive, low cost and comfortable as well as biomechanically fit and practical for daily use in any situation of life. The eyewear of the invention doubles as an inconspicuous electronic device (besides having visual function as any eyeglasses), and since the eyeglasses of invention appear as regular eyeglasses, the eyeglasses can be used by the general population and for any occasion, such as at work, school, home, or during play.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A is a perspective side view of a user wearing eyeglasses with a diagrammatic representation of the weight distribution using temples to house electronics by the Prior Art.
• FIG. 1B is a perspective side view of a user wearing eyeglasses with a diagrammatic representation of the weight distribution using a DEP (detachable electronic package) of the present invention.
• FIG. 1C is a top perspective view of the detachable electronic eyewear system of one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 1D is a diagrammatic planar view of a preferred embodiment of the DEP.
• FIG. 1E is a diagrammatic side view of a preferred embodiment of the DEP.
• FIG. 1F is a diagrammatic side view of a preferred embodiment of a temple of eyeglasses of the invention.
• FIG. 1G is a diagrammatic view of an ear bud assembly of the Prior Art.
• FIGS. 1H and 1J are diagrammatic views of preferred embodiments of an ear bud assembly of the present invention.
• FIG. 2A is a perspective front view of a user wearing a wearable electronic device around the neck with a diagrammatic representation of the weight distribution by the Prior Art
• FIG. 2B is a perspective front view of a user wearing a Inverted U-shape wearable electronic computer with a diagrammatic representation of the weight distribution of the present invention.
• FIG. 2C is a perspective front view of a user wearing a shoulder holster wearable electronic computer with a diagrammatic representation of the weight distribution of the present invention.
• FIG. 2D is a perspective back view of a user wearing a shoulder holster wearable electronic computer with a diagrammatic representation of the weight distribution of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of the electronic eyewear of the invention with extended ear bud cords.
• FIG. 4 is a perspective front view similar toFIG. 4A showing retracted ear bud cords and ear buds inside the temple of the eyeglasses.
• FIG. 5A is a perspective front view of another embodiment of the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention.
• FIG. 5B is a perspective side view of temple of the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention ofFIG. 5A.
• FIG. 5C is a perspective front view of yet another embodiment of the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention.
• FIG. 5D is a perspective side view of temple of the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention ofFIG. 5C.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective top side view of another embodiment of the detachable electronic eyeglasses system of the invention.
• FIG. 6A to6D are perspective side views of temple assembly attachment of the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention.
• FIG. 6E is a perspective back view of an exemplary DEP of the detachable electronic eyeglasses system of the invention.
• FIG. 6F is a perspective side view of an exemplary temple assembly attachment of the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention when worn by a user.
• FIG. 7 is a perspective back view of the detachable electronic eyeglasses system of the invention when worn by a user.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective back view of another detachable electronic eyeglasses system of the invention when worn by a user.
• FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of the detachable electronic eyeglasses system of the invention when worn by a user.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective top view of the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention when worn by a user.
• FIG. 10A is a perspective top view of the temple of the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention.
• FIG. 10B is a perspective side view of the temple of the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention.
• FIG. 11 is a perspective top side view of another embodiment of the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention.
• FIG. 11A is a perspective side view of an exemplary electrical connection of another the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention.
• FIG. 12 is a perspective top view of another embodiment of the detachable electronic eyeglasses system of the invention.
• FIG. 12A is a perspective side view of another embodiment of the detachable electronic eyeglasses system ofFIG. 12 when worn by a user.
• FIG. 12B is a perspective top view of a three piece embodiment of the detachable electronic eyeglasses system of the invention.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective front view of another embodiment of the detachable electronic eyeglasses system of the invention when worn by a user.
• FIG. 14A to14C are perspectives side top views of an exemplary temple assembly of the detachable electronic eyeglasses.
• FIG. 14D is a perspective side view of an exemplary three piece embodiment of the detachable electronic-eyeglasses system when worn by a user.
• FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspectives side top view of another temple assembly of the detachable electronic eyeglasses.
• FIG. 16A to16C are diagrammatic side views of the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention.
• FIG. 17A is a diagrammatic side view of another temple assembly of the detachable electronic eyeglasses.
• FIG. 17B is a diagrammatic back view of a temple assembly of the detachable electronic eyeglasses worn by a user.
• FIG. 18A is a perspective back view of a slip-on assembly of the invention.
• FIG. 18B is a perspective side view of a slip-on assembly of the invention.
• FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrammatic side views of a slip-on assembly of the invention.
• FIGS. 20 and 21 are diagrammatic side views of another slip-on assembly of the invention.
• FIG. 22A is a perspective front view of a clip-on assembly of the invention.
• FIG. 22B is a perspective side view of the clip-on assembly ofFIG. 22A.
• FIG. 22C is a perspective side view of the clip-on assembly ofFIG. 22A when worn by a user.
• FIG. 23 is a perspective side view of another clip-on assembly when worn by a user.
• FIG. 23A is a perspective top view of a clip-on assembly when worn by a user.
• FIG. 23B is a perspective side view of another clip-on assembly when worn by a user.
• FIG. 23C is a perspective side top view of another clip-on assembly connected to a DEP.
• FIGS. 24A and 24B are diagrammatic side views of a temple assembly of the invention.
• FIG. 24C is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary latch mechanism of the temple assembly of the invention.
• FIG. 24D is a perspective side view of another temple assembly of the invention.
• FIGS. 25A and 25B are perspective side view of another temple assembly of the invention.
• FIG. 26A to26C are diagrammatic side views of another temple assembly of the invention.
• FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic top view of the temple assemblies and DEP of detachable electronic eyeglasses system of the invention.
• FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic top view of a kit containing temple assemblies and DEP.
• FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic top view of a DEP.
• FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic top view of a kit containing detachable electronic eyeglasses and DEP.
• FIG. 30A is a diagrammatic top view of a kit containing detachable electronic cap and DEP.
• FIGS. 31A and 31B are perspective side views of another temple assembly of the invention.
• FIG. 32 is a perspective top view of another embodiment of the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention.
• FIG. 32A is a perspective top view of a temple assembly of the detachable electronic eyeglasses ofFIG. 32.
• FIG. 33 is a perspective front top view of another embodiment of the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention.
• FIG. 33A is a perspective side view of a temple assembly of the detachable electronic eyeglasses ofFIG. 33.
• FIG. 33B is a perspective side back view of the detachable electronic eyeglasses system of the invention when worn by a user.
• FIG. 34 is a perspective back view of the detachable electronic eyeglasses cord of the invention.
• FIG. 34A is a perspective side view of the detachable electronic eyeglasses cord of the invention when worn by a user.
• FIG. 34B is a perspective side view of another exemplary cord assembly of the detachable electronic eyeglasses.
• FIG. 35 is a perspective side view of a camera embodiment of the detachable electronic eyeglasses system of the invention when worn by a user.
• FIG. 36 is a diagrammatic side view of a detachable electronic head mounted gear system of the invention.
• FIG. 37 is a perspective side view of a detachable electronic head mounted gear system of the invention.
• FIG. 37A is a diagrammatic top view of the wire, spools, and connector assemblies ofFIG. 37.
• FIG. 38 is a perspective side view of a detachable electronic clothing system of the invention.
• FIG. 39 is a perspective side view of a shoulder mount wearable electronic article of the invention.
• FIGS. 39A and 39B are perspective side view of another shoulder mount wearable electronic article of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Besides eyeglasses, a variety of other wearable articles such as head mounted gear, hats, eye masks, helmets, visors, and the like are commonly worn on the body but are not electronically enabled and not biomechanically fit for wearable electronics. It would be desirable, as in accordance to the present invention, to provide electronic capabilities to such wearable articles and fit an electronic system into such wearable articles with proper weight distribution while keeping such articles low-cost, comfortable, elegant, and easy-to-manufacture, with the electronics and electronic package being confined to the dimensions of the wearable article and being not visible to an external observer while providing vision, voice, and hearing interaction between the wearer and the device.
• The present invention includes a miniaturized electronic system which fits into a wearable article (such as eyeglasses or hats) without significantly altering the wearable article. This is accomplished by reducing the number of parts of the electronic system that are permanently housed in the wearable article. The rest of the electronic system is included in a detachable electronic package (DEP) that can be attached to the wearable article in a way not to be visible to an external observer. The invention also eliminates the need for accessories such as ear buds, and reduces the number of the most expensive and heavier parts that are permanently affixed to the wearable article.
• The present invention provides a wearable electronic article which comprises a DEP and a wearable article (WA) detachably connected to the DEP. Preferably, the connection between the DEP and the wearable article includes an extendable cord, most preferably a spool with retractable wires or a coiled wire capable of elongation and with spring capabilities. The DEP is releasably connected to an electrical connection in the wearable article (also referred as WA). The WA will also typically have electrical connections for ear buds, which are preferably permanently affixed to the WA. Preferably, the ear buds are connected to a spool with retractable wires or to a coiled wire capable of elongation and with spring capabilities. The DEP can include a variety of electronic devices such as digital music player, wireless communication devices, video player, video recording, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and the like.
• By way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, a preferred embodiment of the invention comprising eyeglasses will be described in detail. The detachable electronic eyeglasses system comprises a DEP having two wires preferably disposed on opposite ends of the DEP. These wires have electrical connections at their free ends which are releasably connected to electrical connections contained in the frame of a pair of eyeglasses.
• The eyeglasses which are part of the claimed system comprise a front portion housing lenses and two temple portions disposed on opposite ends of the front portion. Each temple portion preferably houses a wire, an ear bud, and an electrical connection. The earbud is preferably hidden away within the frame structure or, most preferably, at the end of the frame. The dimensions of the ear buds are preferably confined to the dimensions of the frame. The electrical connection in each temple is releasably connected with the wires on the DEP. The connections within the temples are standardized so that different DEP's can be used in connection with the glasses, and the user has the option to choose a plurality of electronic packages using the same eyeglasses frame.
• The electrical connections of the temples of the eyeglasses connect with the electrical connections of the DEP, forming a circuit through the DEP. No wires need be run through the hinges connecting the temple portions to the front portions of the frames.
• The temple portions are adapted to secure or house electrical connections, wires, and an ear bud. Although the preferred embodiment preferably includes temples housing a wire, ear bud, and an electrical connection, it is understood that other parts including light weight and small microchips, or a small power source can be secured to or housed in said temples. It is also understood that the temples can include other parts such as micro optics for a camera such as for video or pictures, a light source, or a microphone while the main and heavy electronics are housed outside the frames, preferably in the DEP. For example, an eyeglass frame of the current invention for video recording could include the micro optics of a camera housed within the frame of the eyeglasses and the main electronics housed in the DEP. The lens, aperture, and a small image sensor, such as a Charge Coupled Device could be housed in the frame while the controls, processor, power source, circuits, and LCD screen are housed in the DEP.
• In a preferred embodiment, the temples house the wires within the structure of the temples, with one end of said wire connected to an ear bud or to an electrical connection for an ear bud, and the opposite end of the wire having an electrical connector. Preferably, the electrical connector is located in the end portion of each temple, and most preferably at the free end of each the temple. Alternatively, the wire can be secured to the temple on top of the surface of the temple and not within the structure of the temple. This allows for an easier manufacturing process, particularly in the case of thin frames. Although the electrical connectors are preferably housed at the end of the temples, it is understood that the electrical connectors can be placed in any part of the frame, including the mid part of the temples.
• The electrical connection at the end of the temple has means to be connected to another electrical connection, preferably one from the DEP. The electrical connectors at the free end of the temples are preferably connected to the free end of the wires which are connected to the DEP. To ensure a secure electrical connection between the DEP and the eyeglass frame, there is preferably a latching mechanism between the DEP and the eyeglass frames.
• The electrical connectors in the frames of the eyeglasses are adapted to connect with a plurality of electronic devices housed in the DEP including a MP3 player, Bluetooth device, radio, video player, video recorder, voice recorder, game device, television, computerized electronic organizer, a radio reflective system, a Global Positioning system, a light source, and a cellular phone. The DEP can also include digital storage for a digital binocular for example with the binocular optics mounted in the frame of the eyeglasses and electronics and memory stored in the DEP. The invention creates eyeglasses enabled for an electronic function in which the same eyeglasses frame can receive a plurality of electronic capabilities depending on the attached DEP.
• Thus. the invention provides electronically enabled eyeglasses for multiple functions without having to change the eyeglasses frame. The same discrete, light weight, elegant, and not noticeable electronic eyeglasses can play music and video or alternatively receive a phone call simply by replacing the type of DEP. In addition to replacing one DEP with one electronic function by another DEP with another electronic function, the present invention is also versatile and two or more electronic devices can be housed in the same electronic package. The DEP is used for a specific period of time for that function, and then either stored or replaced by another DEP after the function is completed. For example a larger DEP can include a MP3 player and a digital video player when the user wants to see and hear, or the DEP can be real light weight when the user wants only Bluetooth capabilities, with such a DEP including a microphone. It is understood that a DEP with multiple electronic functions can be used and thus only one DEP may be necessary.
• The present invention allows any eyeglasses and head mounted gear (such as a hat or headband) to be electronically enabled including for delivering sound and video, without an added expense related to electronics and without creating a bulky and heavy head mounted gear. The manufacturing process is simple and cost effective, and in the case of eyeglasses includes only changing the temples, which houses a minimum amount of light weight and thin parts and with no buttons in the frame, thereby allowing use of eyeglasses which looks like conventional eyeglasses. Whenever the user wants to listen to music, watch a video, play a game, or answer a cell phone, all functions are at the finger tips by simply electrically connecting the DEP to the frame of the eyeglasses or other head mounted gear. The DEP can also include a wireless transmitter for transmitting a biological measurement by eyeglasses and head mounted gear, as described by in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20040059212 and 20040242976.
• The present invention also provides an electronic clip-on and a slip-on system which comprises a specialized clip-on of special dimensions with electronic capabilities and wiring for connecting one end of the clip-on in one temple with the opposite temple without going through a hinge mechanism or having the wire bent. The specialized clip-on and slip-on for frames of eyewear includes specialized retractable ear buds and electrical connections of special dimensions. It is also understood that the clip-on and slip-on embodiment can include a dual side clip-on or slip-on which houses ear buds in both sides (right and left), and one side houses electronics and power source, with said both sides (right and left) of the clip-on being electrically connected by a cable that extend along the back of the head or neck of the wearer.
• It will be appreciated that the features of the invention optimize the use of head mounted gear and the frame of eyeglasses to be used as means to deliver sound and video to a user, without changing the comfort, style, and weight of the eyeglass frames, since the heavy, bulky, and cumbersome electronics are not housed in the frames. The present invention optimizes all areas by allowing the user to wear regular eyeglasses and other head mounted gear while allowing enjoyment of sound and video with specialized temples housing special ear buds with retractable cords.
• The invention provides an entirely new approach for electronic apparatus and wearable electronics and provides numerous advantages including:
• • 1. Extending the life of the electronics package because the electronics package is detachable from a short-lived WA that has a short life;
  • 2. Extending the life of the WA because a broken or obsolete electronics component can be replaced with a new one, allowing for continued use of the WA;
  • 3. Preserving and enhancing the comfort and usability of the WA, because the electronics need only be secured to the WA when the electronic function is being used;
  • 4. Enhancing usability and preserving elegance and comfort of the wearable electronics since the electronics are small and confined to the dimensions of the WA;
  • 5. Preserving elegance and function of the WA because the electronics and other parts are not visible to an external observer and the electronics, wires, and ear buds do not alter or distort the WA;
  • 6. Expanding the utility of the DEP because the same DEP can be coupled with a variety of WA's such as eyeglasses, hats, helmets, visors, eye masks, and the like;
  • 7. Increasing the durability of the DEP by keeping it away from the WA during situations that put the electronic package at risk of damage such as during cleaning of the WA;
  • 8. Enhancing usage by providing a system that permits a user to experience each of vision, speech, and hearing in conjunction with a wearable electronic device;
  • 9. Expanding the utility of a WA, which now can perform an electronic function;
  • 10. Increasing the value of a WA, which while still very low cost is able to perform an electronic function;
  • 11. Enhancing convenience of use of the system by eliminating the need to carry and store key accessories such as ear buds;
  • 12. Limiting the possibility of the DEP being easily stolen or forgotten by the electronic device being felt at all times and worn on the surface of the body;
  • 13. Increasing the adaptability of the DEP for by people of any size and weight, because the DEP can universally fit any size of wearable articles; and
  • 14. Natural usage of the electronics by the electronics being held in position due to gravity and support of a body part and without the need of fastening the electronic device to the body.
• A further example of a possible user of an embodiment of the present invention is a doctor. Ordinarily, it would not be acceptable for a doctor to wear heavy and bulky eyeglasses with visible electronics, buttons, or ear buds, as found in the prior art, because such features would be noticeable to a patient who is being examined. Such eyeglasses—which could be perceived as weird or frightening—could take away the seriousness of the doctor-patient relationship, and would not be helpful—or even, in some cases, permitted—at hospital or during delivery of health care. (This is also likely the case in any serious working environment or at school.) Furthermore, such weird and bulky eyeglasses could create unnecessary distraction to others. Since the eyeglasses (and other head mounted gear) of the present invention serve as an inconspicuous electronic device, such as a music player, the doctor could, for example, carry a DEP for playing music. During lunch, the doctor may wish to listen to some music, and connects the music playing DEP to the frames. He or she can then pull out the retractable ear buds from the temples of the eyeglasses and place them on the ears. The doctor may then, in a unremarkable manner, enjoy music since the only apparent parts are small ear buds. The DEP is camouflaged in the back of the head almost as regular cords for holding eyeglasses on the head. In order to better hide the DEP, the wires and system can be preferably encased in neoprene, leather, fabric, or similar material not easily visible. After the doctor finishes lunch, he allows the ear buds to retract back into the temples, disconnects the DEP from the temples, and puts the DEP away in a pocket. Immediately, the electronically capable eyeglasses look like regular eyeglasses without any cord hanging from the temples.
• The doctor could also, for example. keep the DEP connected to the frames. Because the DEP is hidden behind the head and is unobtrusive, it would not hinder the doctor in his or her work or get in the way of examining patients. By keeping the DEP connected to the frames (or a different DEP), the doctor could take advantage of a small camera system housed in the frames while bulky electronics, circuit, and digital storage are housed in the DEP. This could allow the doctor to photograph portions of a patient's body, for example, a cancer lesion, simply by using eyeglasses already worn by the doctor. The photograph is stored in the DEP, and can be uploaded to a computer or television for analysis or storage. The eyeglasses can also be enabled with silicon microdisplay capabilities on the lens to permit the doctor to see the image to make sure the stored image includes all aspects required.
• The doctor can use the DEP MP3 during lunch, the DEP camera for work, and a Bluetooth enabled telephone when going home. The eyeglasses can, therefore, provide multiple electronic functions. After getting home, the doctor may still need the eyeglasses for vision correction, but not for any further electronic functionality. Thus, the doctor puts the ear buds back in the temples and disconnect the DEP. With the ear buds hidden in the temples and no DEP connected, the eyeglasses turn into conventional eyeglasses.
• Having eyeglasses with hanging and noticeable ear buds and electronics housed in the frame the whole time as provided by the prior art sends a message that the primary interest of that wearer is to listen to music or other things, not human voice. With the eyeglasses system of the invention, the user when comes back home can disconnect the DEP and hide the ear buds, and by wearing regular looking eyeglasses indicate interest in listening to people. After dinner, the doctor plugs the DEP Digital Video Player and using the retractable cord attached to the DEP places the display in front of the eyes and watches a video. Before going to bed, the user plugs in DEP digital audio player into the eyeglasses and listen to a speech recorded while wearing the eyeglasses with built-in microphone (since the digital storage and electronics are housed in the DEP, only a 1 mm in diameter microphone and a thin wire are housed in the structure of the eyeglasses frame).
• The same DEP can be used with a variety of different WA's. For example, when the user goes to bed, the user who wants to sleep at the sound of music, grab the same DEP MP3 used during lunch time at work, but the same DEP MP3 is now plug into the eye mask instead of the eyeglasses. The user then places the ear buds from the eye mask on to the ears, cover the eyes with the eye mask, turn on the system, and goes to sleep at the sound of a soothing music. After waking up in the morning, the user can exercise while listening to music from a DEP attached to an electronically enabled cap.
• Similarly, the user can wear an Inverted U-shape wearable PC to the airport. While listening to music with the electronic eyeglasses, the user works on a PowerPoint presentation using the Inverted U-shape wearable computer while waiting on security lines and waiting for the flight. During the flight, the user uses the Inverted U-shape wearable PC to do work and watch a movie. The keyboard and display of the Inverted U-shape PC can virtually “float” in the air at any height due to the self-adjusting extendable arms. Therefore, if a meal is served the user does not need to close the computer and stop viewing the movie or doing work. The keyboard is moved up and positioned over the tray table while the meal is placed on the tray table, allowing continue viewing a movie or doing work without interruption during the meal. This closes a 24 hour cycle wearing different wearable electronic devices for different activities and electronic functions.
• Because the electronics are detachably connected to the WA's such as the eyeglasses and eye mask, the WA's can be cleaned and washed without jeopardizing the sensitive electronics, and when discarding the WA, the user can keep expensive electronics and reuse in another WA adapted to receive the electronic package.
• The present invention also includes a method of using wearable electronics, comprising the steps of (1) affixing electrical connectors and wires to a wearable article, (2) electrically connecting in a releasable manner the electrical connector of the wearable article to a detachable electronic package resting against the structure of the WA, (3) activating an energy source to power the detachable electronic package, and (4) delivering at least one of sound or visual signal to the user through the wearable article.
• A further aspect of the invention is a method of using a wearable computer, the wearable computer being a Inverted U-shape PC with two arms combining an extendable portion and accordion portion, said method comprising the steps of:
• a) connecting a keyboard to one arm,
• b) connecting a display to the opposite arm,
• c) creating a wired or wireless connection between the display and the keyboard,
• d) activating a power supply, and
• e) generating a processing function housed in either the display or keyboard.
• Alternatively, the steps could include:
• • a) connecting a keyboard to one arm,
  • b) connecting a display to the opposite arm,
  • c) connecting a processor to the keyboard and/or display,
  • d) creating a wired or wireless connection for connecting the display, the keyboard, and processor
  • e) activating a power supply, and
  • f) generating a processing function in the processor part.
• The invention further comprises a method of playing a DVD on a wearable device comprising the steps of:
• • a) connecting a disc player to one arm,
  • b) connecting a display to the opposite arm,
  • c) connecting a power supply to the display and/or disc player,
  • d) creating a wired or wireless connection for connecting the display, the disc player, and power supply
  • e) activating the power supply, and
  • f) generating an electronic function in the disc player.
• The invention further comprises a method of playing video games on a wearable computer, comprising the steps of:
• • a) connecting a video game control to one arm,
  • b) connecting a display to the opposite arm,
  • c) connecting a processor to the display and/or video game control,
  • d) connecting a power supply to the processor
  • e) creating a wired or wireless connection for connecting the display, the video game control, the processor, and the power supply
  • f) activating the power supply,
  • g) generating an electronic function in the processor, and
  • h) generating at least a visual signal in the display.
• A further embodiment of the invention is a method of watching images using a wearable system comprising the steps of:
• • a) securing an imaging device to the end of the gooseneck arm of a support structure combining an extendable accordion portion and a flexible gooseneck portion
  • b) positioning the support structure around a portion of the body
  • c) elongating the stretchable arm secured to the imaging device,
  • d) positioning the imaging device within the visual axis of the eye
  • e) activating a power supply,
  • f) generating an electronic function in the imaging device, and
  • g) generating a visual signal in the imaging device.
• The invention also comprises a method for using a hands-free wearable electronic device comprising the steps of:
• • a) securing an electronic package to the end of an arm of a support structure combining an extendable accordion portion and a flexible gooseneck portion
  • b) positioning the support structure around a portion of the body
  • c) elongating the extendable portion of the support structure,
  • d) adjusting the arm to position the electronic package in line with the eyes
  • e) activating the power supply, and
  • f) generating an electronic function in the electronic package
• Other features, benefits, and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
• FIG. 1A shows an electronically-enabled pair of eyeglasses from the prior art.Electronics1 are housed intemples2 of the eyeglasses, or in the area adjacent tonose bridge3. Arrow A represents the large amount of weight that is placed directly against the skin ofear region2a, thereby promoting activation of pain fibers along the ear and provoking user discomfort. Also, withelectronics1 intemples2,nose bridge3 is weighed down, as represented by arrow B. This creates further discomfort, by encouraging the eyeglasses to slide down the wearer's nose.
• FIG. 1B shows an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.DEP4 is positioned at the back of the head, preferably opposite tonose bridge3.Temple5 is thin, light weight and has no internal electronics. A second temple on the other side of the head is not shown.Ear bud6 is connected totemple5 by light weight coiledwire7. The vector force, represented by arrow C, pulls the frame downward and applies a force to displacenose bridge3 perpendicular to the plane of the face, represented by vector D. This transfers support of the eyeglasses to the nose, which is a less sensitive area than the ear, by reducing the weight applied to the ears (represented by smaller arrow E). This limits the activation of pain fibers in the more sensitive anatomic region of the ear.
• FIG. 1C shows a top perspective view of a detachable electronic eyewear system of the invention. Detachable wearableelectronic system10 of the invention compriseselectronic eyeglasses frame30 and detachable electronic package (DEP)20. Detachableelectronic eyeglasses frame30 has twolens rims58 and60 and two temples,right temple14 and lefttemple16. Lens rims58 and60 can hold any type of lens (e.g. prescription, tinted, bifocal, clear, etc.). Right and lefttemples14 and16 each comprise two portions, right and leftfront portions52 and56, and right andleft end portions13 and11.Front portions52 and56 define portions which are intended to extend along the side of user's head to the user's ear. Right and leftend portions13 and11 include right and left free ends37 and35.Right end portion13 preferably housesright ear bud40, right coiledwire48, and right connectingwire50. Right connectingwire50 connectsear bud40 with coiled wired48.Left end portion11 preferably houses leftear bud44, left coiledwire46, and left connectingwire54.Coiled wires48 and46 can elongate and retract and have spring capabilities. Alternatively coiledwires48 and46 can be secured to small spring loaded wheels or spools15 and17 with retracting capabilities. Either option allowsear buds40 and44 to be easily retracted for use and put back and hidden intemples14 and16 after use. Free ends35 and37 define ear portions which are shaped for placement around the wearer's ears.Free end portion37 includes rightelectrical connector36 andright wire38 that connects rightelectrical connector36 toear bud40 throughwire50.Free end portion35 includes leftelectrical connector34 and leftwire42 that connects leftelectrical connector34 toear bud44 throughwire54.
• Detachable electronic package (DEP)20 is intended to extend across the neck or the back of the wearer's head and includes anelectronics package12,right cord18 and leftcord22. Preferablyright cord18 and leftcord22 are disposed on opposite ends ofelectronic package12.Right cord18 housesright wire26 which haselectrical connection28 on its end which can be releasably connected toelectrical connection36 ofright temple14.Left cord22 houses leftwire24 which has anelectrical connection32 on its end which is releasably connected withelectrical connection34 ofleft temple16.Electronics package12 includesdisplay68,memory62,power source67,standard control buttons66 such as play, stop, forward, and rewind and volume control, andconventional entry ports65 for USB or computer connection for downloading/uploading as well as circuit board and microchips (not shown) well known in the art for controlling operations.Memory62 may comprise known systems such as a flash memory or a hard drive.Electronics package12 further includesretractable cord71, which is preferably secured to a spring loaded wheel orspool70 with retracting capabilities. This allows the electronics package to be easily retracted for use and put back and hidden in the back of the head after use.Display68 can, for example, show the name of music being played or it could show a movie, by being brought from the back to the head into the visual axis of the eyes by extendingretractable cord71. Alternatively, instead of havingwire71 secured to spool70, the DEP can have a coiled wire with retracting capabilities that can elongate for viewing the DEP and retract to its original position after use.
• Electronics package12 is preferably kept hidden behind the head, out of sight of the wearer as well as an external observer. Accordingly,control buttons66 preferably have raised features or special positioning to allow the user to easily identify and usebuttons66 whenelectronics package12 cannot been seen by the user. For instance, on the top part ofelectronics package12 the first button (e.g., press button) is stop, the second button is pause, and the third bottom is play. On the bottom part ofelectronics package12 the first press button is rewind and the second is forward while a dial type button functions to change volume. Alternatively, a dial looking button such as is found in digital music players (eg. iPod of Apple Inc.) can be used.
• In addition to ear buds secured to coiled cords capable of elongation and with spring capabilities, the invention can also use a spring loaded spool cord of special dimensions and length, and with retractable extension. The preferred diameter for ear bud cord is less than 2.5 mm, and preferably less than 1.5 mm and most preferably less than 1 mm in diameter. The preferred length for ear bud cord is equal to or less than 20 cm, and preferably equal to or less than 16 cm and most preferably equal to or less than 10 cm in length. The preferred combined length ofright wire26 and leftwire24 connected toelectronics package12 is equal to or less than 45 cm in length, and most preferably equal to or less than 35 cm in length, and even most preferably equal to or less than 30 cm in length. It is also understood that in order to make the DEP smaller and lighter, passive means for powering the DEP can be used, in which the DEP receives energy from a remote source by electromagnetic induction, radio waves, and the like.
• FIG. 1D shows a top view of a preferred embodiment ofDEP20 that includes a cradle-like housing72 that defines acavity74 sized to accept and retain in a releasablemanner electronics package12, such as a digital music player, radio, cellular phone, a Global Positioning System, a personal digital assistant (e.g., Palm electronic organizer from Palm, Inc.), and the like.Release button69 on the right side ofhousing72 facilitates attaching and releasingelectronics package12 from thehousing72. Preferably,release button69 is a spring-loaded mechanism that engages and retains a portion ofelectronics package12 when incradle cavity74, and permits releasing the electronic package when needed.Right cord18 andwire26 have anelectrical connector28 at the free end, enterhousing72 in the right side, and connect withright wire73 housed insidecavity74.Wire73 is connected to spool70.Left cord22 andwire24 have anelectrical connector32 and enterhousing72 on the left side and connect withleft wire75 housed insidecavity74.Wire75 is connected to spool70.Wires73,75 andspool70 insidehousing72 are shown as broken down lines.
• FIG. 1E shows a side view ofDEP20 that includes cradle-like housing72 that definesrecess74 sized to accept and retain in a releasablemanner electronics package12.Release button69 holdselectronics package12 inrecess74.Spool70 at the base of thecavity74 has coiledwire77, which is in electrical contact withright wire73 and leftwire75.Coiled wire77 is connected toelectronic package12 and works as a retractable/extendable wire viaspool70 to allow the user to bring theelectronics package12 from the back of the head to the visual axis of the eyes of the user by extendingretractable wire77. After looking atelectronics package12, the user may actuatespool70—for example with a gentle pull—retractingretractable wire77 and bringingelectronic package12 back tocavity74.Electronics package12 includesdisplay68,key pad79,microchip circuit78 andbattery67. It is understood that in order to makeelectronics package12 smaller and thinner,power source67 andmicrochip circuit78 and other hardware may be housed inhousing72.Wire73 is in electrical connection withwire26 andelectrical connector28.Wire75 is in electrical connection withwire24 andelectrical connector32. This embodiment illustrates the use of a retractable wire system. However, it should be understood that a non-coiled wire wrapped around a spring-loaded mechanism would provide the same functionality, as could other arrangements. Although a release button is a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that a release button is not necessary, and that the force of the spring can be used to anchor the electronics package in the cavity.
• Electronics package12, which can be, for example, a digital music player or cell phone, is connected tohousing72 ofDEP20 withretractable wire77 secured to aspool70. This allows the user to interact visually withelectronics package12, and provides interaction with the key biological function of vision, notwithstanding the fact thatelectronics package12 is housed completely away from the eyes of the user. Therefore, for example, the invention allows a user wearing a DEP digital music player to extendretractable cord77 untilelectronics package12, illustrated as a MP3 player, can been seen by the user. The user can then viewdisplay68 and make the selection of music ofinterest using buttons79. After making a selection, the user can releasewire77, which retractsMP3 player12 back intocavity74 in the back of the head and hidden away. Likewise, ifelectronics package12 is a cellular phone, the wearer can extendretractable cord77, dial usingkey pad79, and then return the DEP (cell phone) to the back of the head and away from sight from an external observer.
• It will be understood that an electrical connection for an ear bud disposed in the temples of the eyeglasses can be used. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 1F, temple19aincludes a firstelectrical connector21 disposed inend portion19 for connecting to an electronic device. Temple19aalso has a secondelectrical connector23 adjacent to firstelectrical connector21 for an ear bud.Electrical connector21 is, in this embodiment, a female connection used to connectDEP21a. Secondelectrical connector23 for connecting withear bud assembly23a, is also, in this embodiment, female.Wire25 connects firstelectrical connector21 withelectrical connector23. The same structure can be used for the opposite temple.
• FIG. 1G shows a prior art system, which provides ear buds for stereo sound comprisingear buds27 and29 connected bywires31 and33, which combine to formwire portion39, which terminates atelectrical plug121.Electrical plug121 is removably connected to prior artelectronic device121a, which has asingle jack121bto connect withelectrical plug121. Because the prior art did not converge the ear bud system with the anatomy of the user's body, only onejack121bis provided in theelectronic device121aand excessively long wires are needed with a usual length fromear buds27 and29 to plug121 being more than 90 cm.
• By contrast, one aspect of the present invention is a specialized ear bud system for stereo sound. By adapting the electronics to human anatomy, ear buds with very short wires can be used. As shown inFIG. 1H,ear bud system41 for stereo sound comprises two separateear bud assemblies43 and45. Eachear bud assembly43 and45 includesear buds43aand45a,electrical plugs85 and87 and acoiled wires47 and49, which can elongate for placement on the ears. The preferred length ofwires47 and49 is less than 15 cm, more preferably less than 12 cm in length, and most preferably less than 10 cm in length. This compares with the 90 cm length of the prior art wires.
• Eachear bud43aand45ahas aplug85 and87 which is releasably connected toelectrical connector51 and53.Connectors51 and53 in turn are connected towires55 and57, which terminate atelectrical connections59 and61,Electrical connections59 and61 are releasably connected throughconnectors81aand83atowires81 and83 disposed in each side ofDEP63.DEP63 is housed incavity137 and secured tocavity137 by coiledwire143, which is in electrical connection withwires81 and83.Coiled wire143 is able to elongate and retract, allowingDEP63 to be removed fromcavity137. It is contemplated that theear bud system41 of the invention—comprised of two separate ear buds—could be used with a plurality of electronic devices of the invention.Ear bud assemblies43 and45 are not electrically connected to signal source and therefore cannot provide stereo sound without being connected to another electrical part. This is typically provided by the wearable electronic articles of present invention. Electronic devices of the prior art include only one jack for connecting one electrical plug for one ear bud assembly. Contrary to the prior art, and in order to create biologically fit wearable devices, the present invention teaches a method and device that uses two separate ear bud assemblies, and the wearable electronic articles of the invention preferably have two plugs for ear buds instead of one as provided by the prior art. It is also understood that a kit for stereo sound comprising a box housing two ear bud assemblies is within the scope of the invention.
• FIG. 1J shows another specializedear bud system41 for stereo sound coupled to detachableelectronic package63.Ear bud system41 includesseparate ear buds43 and45, which are attached towires101 and107. Preferably,wires101 and107 are very short.Ear buds43 and45 haveplugs85 and87 which are releasably connected toelectrical connectors51 and53 ofwearable article115.Connectors51 and53 havewires55 and57, which terminate into a singleelectrical plug89.Electrical plug89 is releasably connected toelectrical connection91 ofDEP63. Wearable article115 (which could be, for example, a headband or a hat) includespocket119 for retainingDEP63.Pocket119 hasslot123 and coiledwire125 secured to one of the walls ofpocket119.Wire125 terminates atplate127, which is housed inside thepocket119.Plate127 is releasably connected, preferably with a hook and loop fastener system, to fastener135 (which is also preferably a hook and loop fastener) ofDEP63. The preferred length ofwires101 and105 is equal to or less than 15 cm, more preferably equal to or less than 12 cm in length, and most preferably equal to or less than 9 cm in length. Such system can be used in an electronic wearable cap in a similar manner as illustrated inFIG. 37, which shows another preferred embodiment. It is understood that a spring loaded spool with retractable wire can be replaced by a coiled wire with retracting capabilities without spring loaded mechanism. It is further understood that when a storage area is used, such as pocket, the wire can be straight and without retracting capabilities, with the wire remaining in a rolled up or folded position when stored and straight when use for placement on the ears. Alternatively,connector91 may be connected withwire125, and then the Velcro strip may use electrical pads for electrically connecting to electronic device, or plug89 may use a coiled wire, so when coiledwire125, which is used for support, extends, then coiled wire ofplug89 extends as well, maintaining thus electrical connection with ear buds during extension. One coiled wire is for electrical connection, and the other coiled wire is for support.
• FIG. 2A shows wearable electronics provided by the Prior Art when worn by a user. The weight distribution of the prior art will activate pain fibers in the neck, causing discomfort and limiting the utility of the devices. A relatively heavy electronic device such as computer or otherelectronic device80 will elicit discomfort and prevent comfortable wear when the electronics, display, and other parts collectively gathered inbox82 are supported bycollar84 that encircles the neck. Even if there is an opening84aincollar84, the prior art systems need to close that opening circle in order to be operational and was designed to be supported by the user's neck. This is because any time the two ends of a wrap-around system connect, for example forming a circle such as in collars around the neck, belts around the waist, or straps across the chest, and the like described in the prior art, there is a change in the vector force and more pressure is applied to a localized anatomic area, which can more readily activate pain fibers and elicit discomfort. The prior art, in order to keep the whole electronic system in one location, imposed significant pressure in one localized anatomic area. Therefore, pain receptors are activated based on the amount of pressure within this localized anatomic area, leading to discomfort when those devices of the prior art are used. While there is an apparent advantage, as provided by the prior art, in keeping the weight of the device in a localized anatomic area and covering a smaller surface area of contact with the body, this apparent advantage works against the biology of the body and inhibits comfortable use. Thus, the present invention further contemplates a wearable electronic device which distributes weight to different anatomic regions, increasing user comfort as compared to the prior art.
• Vector F inFIG. 2A represents the large amount of weight that is placed against the neck, and is the to total of the weight of the right and left side of the collar, represented by vectors F1 and F2. The resulting weight represented by vector F creates pressure in the sensitive neck area. Furthermore, by not creating proper weight distribution of the device on the user, which is very difficult when it is supported by a collar around the neck, there will be acceleration and motion of the device, which can create friction on the user and increases the user's discomfort in the neck area.
• In order to provide a useful, practical, and comfortable wearable electronic device, a series of key criteria should be met, as is accomplished by present invention. First, it is important that the weight of the device be shifted to areas that are less sensitive to pain and discomfort. In accordance to one embodiment of the invention, weight is shifted for instance to the nose and to the shoulder.
• Second, in order to be more easily used, the system needs to function like a conventional computer and include all parts of a conventional computer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the wearable electronic device includes all the components of a conventional computer including heavier and large items such as a keyboard. It also provides a keyboard that can be typed on with two hands and a display (or monitor) that provides large visual angles.
• Third, to achieve proper weight distribution, the electronic parts should be disposed using two arms, spaced apart from each other. Fourth, the arms need to have a combination of flexible and extendable portions for conforming to the anatomy of the body and to position of the parts when in use, and to allow a compact spatial conformation when not in use. This makes wearing and use of the wearable electronic device more practical.
• Fifth, to achieve stability and good weight distribution, the supporting structure may comprise a cord, which runs continuously from one end of the device to the other, and which holds the electronic components at the end of each arm. Sixth, the masses of each side of the device should be similar. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, this is achieved by disposing a keyboard one side and a display unit at the opposite side, the display unit and keyboard being of similar dimension and weight. Seventh, the wearable electronic needs to be stable while in use, for example while the user is typing. This may be accomplished by having a counter weight effect arising from a connection between the display unit and a power source.
• Eighth, the weight of the wearable electronic device should not be placed in only one anatomic area in order to avoid localized pressure, which can more easily activate pain fibers. Thus, the weight of the wearable electronic device should be spread to different anatomic areas. For example, one embodiment of the present invention provides a wearable electronic device in which the weight is spread to four different anatomic areas: neck, shoulder, chest, and waist.
• Ninth, the greatest part of the mass of the wearable electronic device (ordinarily represented by the electronics) should be disposed at the ends of an independent tube-like structure that rests directly against the body. This achieves a better balance between the two sides and conformability to the body. Tenth, in order to increase the utility of the unit, the wearable electronic should have the capability to be used when not worn on the body. Eleventh, the wearable electronic article will preferably not encircle, rest against, or put pressure on the neck area, ear area, and other sensitive areas of the body.
• These principals are incorporated into the embodiment shown inFIG. 2B, which shows a diagrammatic representation of a preferred embodiment of the wearable electronic computer of the invention.FIG. 2B shows the weight distribution of a preferred embodiment of the present invention including invertedU-shape support structure88 witharms90 and92. In another embodiment, the support structure can have an inverted V-shape.Arm90 haskeyboard94 disposed at its end.Arm92 has adisplay96 disposed at its end. Therefore,support structure88 covers three distinct anatomic areas:neck93, shoulders95, andchest97. The weight is further distributed to a fourth anatomic area, by securingbox96—housing a power source and electronics—to the user's waist.Box96 is connected to supportstructure88 bycable98. By havingarms90 and92 spaced apart, there is less pressure on any one particular anatomic area, inhibiting the activation of pain receptors.
• The inverted U-shaped support structure distributes the devices weight to multiple anatomic areas. It does this, from the physical stand point, as a cord connecting two masses (m1 and m2) exemplified in the invention by display97 (m1) and a keyboard94 (m2), withcord93 running over a “pulley,” represented by the user's neck and shoulder. The forces in play are the downward force of gravity and the upward force due to the tension in the cord. Masses m1 and m2 should be similar to avoid acceleration, because acceleration would cause friction in the user's skin and activation of pain fibers. Therefore, the parts of the electronic device are disposed in a manner that the mass in one side of the cord is similar to the mass in the opposite side ofcord93. This creates equal or roughly equal tension in each side ofcord93. Vector G represents the distributed force in the right arm, which is divided into three components: vector G1 for the neck, vector G2 for the shoulder, and vector G3 for the chest. The same applies to vector H on the opposite side, represented by vectors H1 (neck), H2 (shoulder), and H3 (chest). Vector GH represents the pressure in the user's neck, and is much smaller than vector F of the prior art as shown inFIG. 2A. Vectors J1 and J2 represent the tension incord93 and vectors G and H are preferably approximately or precisely equal. Therefore no acceleration or friction is generated, allowing for comfortable use. Other benefits and features will become apparent from the description and figures pertaining to the related embodiments described in other portions of this specification. Although two arms are described, it is understood that three or more arms can also be used and provide good weight distribution and proper design, as in accordance to the teachings of the invention.
• The pain threshold in the neck is generally in the range of 40 to 70 g/mm²; in the shoulder and adjacent areas, the pain threshold is generally in the range of 60 to 100 g/mm². Pain receptors are typically not activated until the pressure reaches those limits, and therefore the weight of the wearable electronics of the invention takes this into account to provide comfortable wear. In addition to its weight distribution, the absolute maximum weight supported by the anatomic area is important to prevent activation of pain fibers. Based on the pressure and pain threshold in the neck, shoulder, and chest, the present invention provides proper weight, weight distribution, and design of the structure of the wearable device to allow comfort and long term use of the wearable electronic device.
• By way of illustration, but not of limitation, an illustrative preferred embodiment will is described: This embodiment of the wearable electronic system of the invention comprises an inverted U-shaped support structure measuring preferably 60 cm in length in its non-extended configuration. It combines an extendable portion, preferably using a spinal configuration, and a flexible gooseneck portion. The support structure has a surface area in contact with the user of approximately 1 cm²per centimeter of length. This provides for approximately 600 cm²of the support structure in contact with the user, equally divided among neck, shoulder and chest. The device provides for a preferred maximum weight of 700 grams on each arm of the support structure (1400 g total), which can be supported in the neck and shoulder/chest area in a comfortable manner without activating pain fibers. Although each arm can support 850 grams, preferably, the maximum weight for comfortable wear on each arm of the support structure is equal to or less than 650 grams, and most preferably equal to or less than 500 grams, minimizing activation of pain fibers in the user.
• Although the invention can function solely with all of the components supported on the inverted-U support structure, in order to optimize weight distribution, the invention can also spread the weight to areas in the body that are biomechanically fit to hold a larger amount of weight, such as the waist area. Accordingly, the support structure can be connected by a connecting cord to a housing supported on the user's waist. Heavier parts such as a power source, mother board, hard drive, DVD player/writer, and other computer parts are preferably displaced to the waist area, and held in place preferably by a belt clip or other fastening means to the waist area of the body.
• FIG. 3 illustrates another biologically fit and optimally distributed weight wearable electronic article of the invention, represented by eyeglasses. Accordingly,FIG. 3 shows detachableelectronic eyeglasses129 includingright lens rim120 andright temple114 and leftlens rim118 and lefttemple116 with extended rightear bud cord126 and leftear bud cord128.Right temple114 includesportion134 which housescord126,portion130 which housesright ear bud122, portion141 which is connection betweenportion134 and130,wire140 andelectrical plug148 at theend portion144.Left temple116 includesportion136 which housescord128,portion132 which houses leftear bud124,portion133 which is connection betweenportion136 and132,wire138 andelectrical plug146 at theend portion146.Cord128 insideportion132 is preferably secured to arotating cylinder131 for frictionless winding ofcord128.FIG. 3 showscord128 and126 in a tension-free manner and extended for use and placement on the ear of the wearer.Cords128 and126 extend and retract upon actuation working as a retractable ear bud cord spool. The invention allows easy and repeated pulling and retracting of theear buds122,124. A release button (not shown) to allowcords126 and128 to retract automatically back intohouse134 and136 can also be used.
• FIG. 4 shows detachableelectronic eyeglasses139 includingright temple176 and lefttemple174 with rightear bud cord154 andright ear bud150 retracted insidetemple176 and leftear bud152 and leftear bud cord156 retracted insidetemple174.Right ear bud150 is connected to coiled upcord154 throughwire portion160 and toelectrical connector172 throughwire164 housed in theend portion168 oftemple176.Left ear bud152 is connected to coiled upcord156 throughwire portion158 and toelectrical connector170 throughwire162 housed in theend portion166 oftemple174.
• FIG. 5A to5D shows different embodiments of the temple of the eyeglasses in accordance to the invention. It is noted thattemples233,234 inFIG. 5A are substantially identical to each other such that description of features of one temple herein applies to the other temple as well.FIG. 5A shows the detachableelectronic eyeglasses230 including specializedright ear bud241 and leftear bud240 whereinsuch ear buds240,241 are an extension oftemple233 and234. This embodiment allows theright ear bud241 and leftear bud240 to be completely hidden behind the ear of the wearer.
• FIG. 5A shows detachableelectronic eyeglasses230 having aright temple233 and aleft temple232.Left temple232 comprises coiledwire234 which extends along the side oftemple232.Coiled wire234 includes twowires236 and238, withwire238 connected toelectrical connector242 andwire236 connected toear bud240, thus creating an electrical circuit fromear bud240 toelectrical connector242, with saidelectrical connector242 releasably connected with electrical connector of DEP (not shown).FIG. 5B shows theend portion252 ofright temple250 and includesportion254 at the end oftemple250, with saidportion254 housing coiledwire256 which is connected toear bud assembly260, andportion261 at thefree end259, which houseselectrical connector258. By way of illustration, it is shown aclip262 at thefree end259, which securesear bud assembly260 to saidfree end259 ofend portion252 oftemple250. It is understood that although a clip is provided as means to secure theear bud260 to thefree end259 of the frame, any fastening or adhesive means can be used to secure and/holdear bud assembly260 tofree end259.
• It is noted thattemples264,265 inFIG. 5C are substantially identical to each other such that description of features of one temple herein applies to the other temple as well. Accordingly, inFIG. 5C there is seen detachableelectronic eyeglasses270 having aright temple265 and aleft temple264. In this embodiment, all theretractable wiring266,wire274,wire276 andelectrical connector268 are housed at thefree end275 of thetemple264.End portion275 houses spool-basedretractable wire266 with saidwire266 having twoends274,276, whereinwire end274 is connected toear bud272 andwire end276 is connected toelectrical connector268.Electrical connector268 can function as an electrical pad and adapted to make electrical contact with electrical connectors of a DEP (not shown).FIG. 5D shows a magnified view ofend portion276 with itsfree end280 having aportion277 for housing wires and electrical connectors (not shown), and clip275 which holdswire279 in place, with saidwire279 connected toear bud278. In these embodiments the thickness oftemples264 and265 are no longer limited by the size of the ear bud. Accordingly,temples264 and265 can be made very thin.
• InFIG. 5E there is seen another embodiment of the specialized eyeglasses of the invention with wireless transmission of signals comprised of wireless detachableelectronic eyeglasses system289 including connectingcable263 and wirelesselectronic eyeglasses251 havingright temple257 and lefttemple255 andright ear bud273 and leftear bud272.Wireless eyeglasses251 is in wireless communication withelectronic package245 such as a digital music player, cellular, phone, and the like. Connectingcable263 has rightelectrical connector285 and leftelectrical connector287 with saidright connector285 and leftconnector287 being releasably connected with right femaleelectrical connector267 and left femaleelectrical connector268 of wirelesselectronic eyeglasses251. Withintemple255 is disposed awireless transceiver253 for transmitting and receiving wireless signals,power source247,retractable wiring266,wire269,wire274,wire276, andelectrical connector268.End portion243 oftemple255 houses spool-basedretractable wire266 with saidwire266 having twoends274,276, whereinwire end274 is connected toear bud272 andwire end276 is connected toelectrical connector268.Right temple257 includesear bud273 which is electrically connected toelectrical connector267 intemple257 throughwire249.Transceiver253 is disposed withintemple255, preferably at the end portion, however it is understood thattransceiver253 can be disposed on or within any portion oftemple255.Transceiver253 is electrically connected with spool-basedretractable wire266 throughwire269, for delivering a wireless signal received bytransceiver253 toear buds272 throughwire274 and toear bud273 through connectingcable263, whereupon the present invention can deliver sound to bothear buds272,273 and allow therefore experiencing stereo sound. It is also understood that a power source cab be disposed withintemple257 to increase battery time. Connectingcable263 can be replaced by a wire going from left temple to right temple, but such embodiment has drawbacks and limitations since the wire has to go through the hinge mechanism of the eyeglasses.
• FIG. 6 shows the detachableelectronic eyeglasses system290 of theinvention comprising DEP281 and detachableelectronic eyeglasses283, which are connected to each other throughelectrical connections286 and288. DEP comprises right and leftcords282,284 andelectronic package292. Detachableelectronic eyeglasses283 comprisestemples301 and303, with saidtemples303,303 housing coiledretractable wires296 and298 with right and left ends308 and306 connected to right and leftear buds292 and294 at right and leftfree end302 and304 while right and leftwire end295 and293 are connected to right and leftelectrical connection286 and288.
• FIG. 6A to6D shows exemplary embodiments for securing ear buds to the free end of the temples. Accordingly,FIG. 6A showsfree end300 having ahook316 holdingear bud rod314 and its associatedear piece312 andwire318.FIG. 6B shows pin/ear bud assembly310 comprisingpin324 andear bud322.FIG. 6C showspin assembly310 comprised ofear bud322 and pin324 releasably connected tofree end326.FIG. 6D shows an exemplary free end assembly320 comprisingear bud332 attached directly tofree end334, withwire336 of DEP running adjacent toear bud332 and connected tofree end334 through ametallic plate328 working as electrical connector.FIG. 6E shows anexemplary DEP330, which comprises twowire portions346,348 withelectrical connectors344,342, andelectronic package352, with saidpackage352 including standard play/pause/stopbuttons360,ports358,356,search button354, andspeaker350.
• FIG. 6F shows a side view of the detachableelectronic eyeglasses291 when worn byuser361 and that includeswire313 connected toear bud315 and femaleelectrical connector317 disposed in themid portion319 oftemple305 with said femaleelectrical connector317 being releasably and electrically connected with maleelectrical connector307 ofcord309 ofDEP321.
• DEP321 includes amicrophone311 that may be disposed in the upper third portion ofcord309 with saidcord309 electrically connected toelectronic package292, such as a cellular phone. Alternatively a microphone may be installed directly intoelectronic package292.Cord309 haselectrical connector307 in its free end while the opposite end is connected toelectronic package292 that is positioned in the back of the neck ofuser361. It is understood that a male electrical connector or plug can be used in thetemple305 while maleelectrical plug307 ofcord309 is replaced by a female electrical connector.
• During cellular telephone use, the microphone disposed in the DEP captures sound and a wireless transmitter in the electronic package transmits sound to a remote location while a receiver in the electronic package receives an audio signal and transmits the sound to ear buds. Electronic package can also include a recorder that records the sound being received and transmitted. The invention allows therefore a user wearing a DEP cellular phone to interact with the electronic package using speech, a key biological function, and without increasing the weight or changing the appearance of the eyeglasses frame.
• FIG. 7 shows the detachableelectronic eyeglasses394 when worn byuser361, and havingear buds386,388 and associatedcoiled wires384,382 placed on theears390,392 ofuser361.FIG. 7 also showsDEP362 comprised ofelectronic package364,wires366,368, andelectrical connectors370,372 releasably connected toelectrical connectors374,386 oftemples380,378 of detachableelectronic eyeglasses394 worn byuser361.
• Theelectronic package364, such as a digital music player or a cell phone, of theDEP362 is electrically connected toright temple378 and lefttemple380 and withright ear buds386 and leftear bud388, allowing the hearing of the wearer to interact with and receive sound from theelectronic package364, and providing thus interaction with a key biological function, which is hearing despite theelectronic package364 not having capabilities to emit an audible signal and without changing the appearance of frame of the eyeglasses.
• Referring toFIG. 8, the detachableelectronic eyeglasses system400 withrobotic arms408 is worn byuser401, and there is seen theDEP402 withwires396,398 which create an electrical circuit witheyeglasses412 throughelectrical connection404, for connectingDEP402 totemple414 and transmitting sound fromDEP402 toear bud406 through wire housed inrobotic arm408.
• FIG. 9 is a side view of the detachableelectronic eyeglasses system430 worn byuser440 that includes anelectronic package432 that has aportion437 that allows self adjusting the length ofcord434 to achieve a snug fit.Cord434 has anextra portion435 that allows adjusting to different sizes of head and comfort level.FIG. 9 also showsleft lens rim448 and lefttemple446 includingwire444 andear bud442 extended and positioned onear441, withend portion438 oftemple446 electrically connected tocord434 ofDEP435 throughelectrical connection436 for connecting withelectronic package432. Although a flexible and coiled wire is shown aswire444, it is understood that a variety of stiff wires and visible wires comprised of an arm that connects the ear bud to the frames of the eyeglasses can be used.
• FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment in which the ear buds and spool with retractable wire are housed in the same plane of the temple as one unit. Accordingly,FIG. 10 shows the detachableelectronic eyeglasses450 worn byuser466, in which theright temple458 and lefttemple456 have only one area for housing both the ear bud and the retractable cord and spool, which correspond toright area462 and leftarea460. Right and leftarea462,460 houses an ear bud assembly (not shown), in which the retractable cord rests against the ear bud. Right and lefttemple462,460 are connected to right and leftlens rim454,452 and have right and leftelectrical connections466,464.End portions464,466 are supported by right andleft ear470,468.FIG. 10A shows another embodiment in whichend portion476 oftemple468 haselectrical connector474 and houses the retractable cord inarea470 and theear bud472 rests adjacent toarea470.FIG. 10B shows a side view ofFIG. 10A showingend portion484 oftemple468 havingelectrical connector482, spool withretractable cord478 andear bud480, which is partially covered bytemple484.
• FIG. 11 is yet another embodiment showing detachableelectronic eyeglasses490 and an exemplaryelectrical connection505.Eyeglasses490 includes right and lefttemple492,494, right and leftear bud496,498 and right and leftelectrical connector502,500.Left temple494 houses asmall battery495 andlight source497 for illumination, and in this embodiment the illuminating function can be performed independent of attachment to a DEP.Electrical connector502 ofright temple492 is releasably electrically connected withelectrical connector505 which includeselectrical prongs504 andwire506. In thisembodiment ear buds496 and498 are not hidden within the frame, but the dimensions of saidear buds496,498 are preferably confined to the dimensions of thetemples492,494.FIG. 11A shows in more detail an exemplarily electrical connection betweentemple512 andelectrical connector508, with saidelectrical connector508 comprised ofprong510 andwire506.
• FIGS. 12 and 12A shows another preferred embodiment that includes longer wires of the DEP for connecting the detachable electronic eyeglasses of the invention with commercially available devices, such as digital music players as an iPod of Apple Computer. Accordingly, inFIG. 12 there is seen, a detachableelectronic eyeglasses system580 comprised ofDEP611 and detachableelectronic eyeglasses582.DEP611 includesright wire608 and leftwire610 connected todigital music player612 and including right and leftelectrical connectors604,606 releasably connected toelectrical connectors600,602 oftemples584,586. In this embodiment the individual length ofright wire608 is preferably more than 15 cm, and most preferably more than 25 cm in length and less than 65 cm in length. Same preferred length applies to leftwire610. Detachableelectronic eyeglasses582 includes right and lefttemples584,586 housing right and leftear buds588,590 and right and leftcords592,594, with right andleft end portions596,598 housing right and leftelectrical connectors600,602.
• FIG. 12A shows detachableelectronic eyeglasses system625 comprised of detachableelectronic eyeglasses620 andDEP618 worn byuser614, with saidDEP618 includingelectronic package634 such as an iPod, with saidelectronic package634 electrically connected bywire632 withend portion623 oftemple616 throughelectrical connector628 atfree end630 with said electrical connection allowing transmission of sound toear bud624 by coiled wired622 with said ear bud resting onear626 ofuser614. In this embodiment, as seen inFIG. 12A,electrical connector628 faces downward for better positioning ofcord632 across the neck and shoulder for holding an electronic package such as an iPod.
• It is understood that instead of a two part system comprised of detachable electronic eyeglasses andDEP611, the invention also includes a three part system. AccordinglyFIG. 12B shows a three part system comprised ofelectronic package601,cord603, and detachableelectronic eyeglasses605, with saidcord603 having oneelectrical connection607 for connecting withelectronic package601, and the opposite end is subdivided in right and leftcords609,611, and right and leftelectrical connections613,615 for releasably connecting with right and lefttemples617,619. In this embodiment, right and leftcords609,611 have electrical connections in both of their free ends, with saidelectrical connections613,615 in one end releasably connected with right and lefttemples613,615 ofeyeglasses605 and the opposite end having anelectrical connector607 for releasably connecting to anelectronic package601 such as a digital music player.
• FIG. 13 shows a front view ofuser641 wearing detachableelectronic eyeglasses system647 comprisingDEP657 and detachableelectronic eyeglasses636.Eyeglasses636 havedisplay639 andantenna646 for wireless communications with other electronic devices.Eyeglasses636 is connected toDEP657 through right and leftwires642 and644 which are releasably and electrically connected with right and leftcords656 and658 ofDEP657. Detachableelectronic eyeglasses636 further includes right and lefttemple643 and645, and right and leftlens rim637 and638.Right lens rim637 hasdisplay639 for projecting still images, video images, a computer screen, and the like.Display639 is connected by wire640 (located within lens rim637) towire642 intemple643.Wire642 is electrically connected withelectronic package655 ofDEP657 and can receive images and audio signal fromDEP657. Audio signals are transmitted to right and leftear buds652 and654 by right and leftcoiled wires648 and650. Imaging signals are transmitted to display639 throughwire642 andwire640.Left temple645 includesantenna646 for receiving wireless signals andwire644.Wire644 is electrically connected withDEP657 throughcord658. A flexible display that can roll up in front of the lens can also be used. For instance, when a wireless signal is received by the DEP or by the frames, a signal can be sent to unroll the screen to see the message.
• DEP655 can also include a wireless receiver for receiving audio and imaging signals. In this embodiment, the user can, for example, receive a wireless television signal or video signal and watch it using the eyeglasses or other head mounted gear of the invention. For example,DEP655 can receive a signal from an airplane video system, allowing the passenger to watch video and hear sound using theeyeglasses636 without the need for a separate screen. Likewise,DEP655 can be wirelessly or wired connected with a computer, withdisplay639 of the eyeglasses replacing the screen of a computer, allowing thus privacy when working with a computer in a crowded environment, as may found on an airplane.
• FIG. 14C shows electronic eyeglasses with ear buds hidden away within the temples.FIG. 14C showseyeglasses680 havingtemples674 and676, withend portions678 and682 withelectrical connectors686 and684. Ear buds (not shown) are housed intemples674 and676.FIG. 14B showstemple674 in more detail, inparticular area770 forhousing ear bud772.FIG. 14A showsear bud668 that is housed in area664 oftemple662, withretractable wire666 extended for exposingear bud668.
• FIG. 14D shows an alternative embodiment for the electronic eyeglasses system of the invention.Eyeglass system683 is worn byuser641, and comprises detachableelectronic eyeglasses681,ear bud assembly697, andDEP699. Detachableelectronic eyeglasses681 includeelectrical connectors671 and673. Preferably,electrical connector671 is disposed in the mid portion oftemple679, andconnector673 is disposed at the end portion oftemple679.Electrical connector671 is connected toelectrical connector673 throughwire675, which is disposed within or ontemple679.Electrical connector673 is releasably connected toelectrical connector685 ofear bud assembly697.Ear bud assembly697 compriseselectrical connector685,arm773, andear bud701.Electrical connector673 is releasably connected toelectrical connector771 of DEP669, to permit delivery of sound fromDEP699 toear bud701. In this embodiment, the ear bud assembly is releasably connected to the temples of the eyeglasses. Although only one side is shown, it is understood that both temples have the electrical connections and wires for delivering sound from a DEP to an ear bud.Arm773 preferably includes mechanisms such as retractable wires, telescopic arms, flexible and foldable arms for adjusting length for positioning ear buds on ears of user of different size and height.
• FIG. 15A shows an example of a temple assembly according to the invention.Temple assembly690 includinghandle698 androd701, connected towheel700.Rod701 is moveable withingroove692.Temple690 includeselectrical connector694 andwire696, which connects toear bud702 throughwire portion703. Upon actuation, as seen inFIG. 15B, handle710,rod711 and wheel712 are move inwardly ingroove692 towardconnector705 oftemple704, extendingwire portion714, and exposingear bud702 for placement onear716.
• FIG. 16A to16C show another embodiment of detachable electronic eyeglasses according to the invention. Detachableelectronic eyeglasses720 comprisetemple assembly724 andlens rim722. As shown inFIG. 16A,temple assembly724 has articulatedarm730, shown in an extended position.Temple assembly724 further comprisesear bud732, which is located on articulatedarm730,area725 forhousing ear bud732 when not in use, andwire726 for connectingear bud732 toelectrical connector728.FIG. 16B shows articulatedarm730 being folded, withear bud732 moving towardarea725 oftemple724.FIG. 16C shows articulatedarm730 in a completely retracted position. Upon retracting, articulatedarm730 andear bud732 are housed within the limits of thetemple724. Articulatedarm730 houses wires (not shown) which are connected toelectrical plug728 throughwire portion726. As outlined above, articulated arms may be referred to herein as either robotic arms or telescopic arms. It will be understood that detachableelectronic eyeglasses720 have a second temple (not shown) with a similar structure to the temple shown on the figures and described above.
• FIG. 17A shows another embodiment of the invention.FIG. 17A showseyeglasses740 comprisingtemple assembly742 andlens rim743.Temple742 includesrotating wheel744, which is secured totemple742, preferably betweenend portion748 andmid portion749.Wheel744 is attached torod751.Rod751houses wire745 and haselectrical plug746, which is releasably connected to wire750 andelectronics package760 ofDEP758.Wire745 ofwheel744 is connected tocord752 throughwire portion747 intemple742 for delivering sound toear bud754 onear756.
• FIG. 17B shows detachableelectronic eyeglasses system740 ofFIG. 17A being worn byuser762.DEP741 is positioned over the head ofuser762, withelectronics package792 held on top of the head by right and leftportions788 and790. Right and leftportions788 and790 are preferably made of a rigid material for stability and easy positioning, such as acrylic or hard plastic. Right and leftportions788 and790 are electrically connected with right and leftelectrical connector772 and774 in right and leftrod portions768 and770 of right and leftwheels766 and764 for transmitting sound to right andleft ear784 and786 through right and leftcords776 and778, connected to right andleft ear phones780 and782.Electronic package792 can include at least one laser light or other form of light source, which deliver light to the scalp for stimulating hair growth. In this embodiment the electronic package can de replaced by an electrical device with larger surface area for delivering light to a larger area of the scalp.
• FIG. 18A shows a slip-on detachable wearable electronic system according to the invention which can be attached to the temples of a pair of eyeglasses. Slip-onsystem800 includesright housing794 forhousing power source796,wireless device805, andvolume button801.Left housing793houses electronics795,port803, and playbutton799.Right clip802 clips the right temple of the eyeglasses (not shown) and itsmain face809 rests against the head of the user.Left clip798 clips the left temple and itsmain face807 rests against the head of the user. Slip-onsystem800 further includeswire812 which extends along the head of the wearer and connectsright housing794 and lefthousing793. Right and lefthousing794 and793 are connected to right and leftear buds808 and810 by right and leftarms804 and806. Importantly, any combination of electronics and control buttons housed in can be used to deliver stereo audio signals to the ear buds.
• FIG. 18B shows a side view of slip-onsystem800 for positioning on the temples of a pair of eyeglasses.Clip802 slips-on the right temple of the eyeglasses (not shown) to securehousing794 to the right temple.Right housing794 containspower source796,arm804 andear bud808.Clip798 slips-on the left temple of the eyeglasses to securehousing793 to the left temple.Left housing793 containselectronics795,arm806, andear bud810.Wire812 connects right and lefthousing793 and794, and extends along the neck of the wearer.Clips798 and802 are substantially of smaller dimension thanhousings793 and794 and are preferably equal to or less than 30 mm in their greatest dimension, and more preferably equal to or less than 20 mm in their greatest dimension, and even most preferably equal to or less than 10 mm in their greatest, one dimension including length.Clips798 and802 are substantially thinner thanhousings793 and794 and are preferably equal to or less than 10 mm in thickness, and more preferably equal to or less than 5 mm in thickness, and even most preferably equal to or less than 2 mm in thickness
• FIG. 19A to19B show another embodiment of a slip-on system according to the invention.FIG. 19A shows clip-onassembly820 having an adjustable serrated system comprised ofmovable parts814 and816 which move relative to each other in order to adjust to the size of the temple (not shown) being held byclip assembly820.Clip assembly820 further includesarea822 forhousing ear bud818.Ear bud818 is connected toretractable cord spool826 or to a coiled wire.Retractable cord spool826 has two wire endings:wire end824 is connected withear bud818 andopposite wire end828 is connected toelectrical connector829.FIG. 19B showsclip assembly820 in use, secured totemple832, with saidtemple832 resting onear830.
• FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of a slip-on system according to the invention. The system rests ontemple834 and has a spring loadedclip836 comprisingarms835 and837.Arm837 is substantially thinner thanarm835.Arm837 rests against the head of the wearer. Preferably,arm837 is equal to or less than 10 mm in thickness, and more preferably equal to or less than 5 mm in thickness, and even most preferably equal to or less than 2 mm in thickness.
• FIG. 21 shows an alternative embodiment of the spring loaded clip assembly with spring loadedclip844 resting ontemple846 and havingarms853 and849.Arm853 rests against the head of the wearer and has anupper portion851 and alower portion845.Upper portion851 is substantially thinner thanlower portion845. Preferably,upper portion851 measures equal to or less than 10 mm in thickness, and more preferably equal to or less than 5 mm in thickness, and even most preferably equal to or less than 2 mm in thickness.Lower portion845 ofarm853 hashousing850 which housesear bud848, coiledwire852, andwire854, which haselectrical connector856 in its free end.
• FIG. 22A to22C show another embodiment of the clip-on assembly of the present invention.FIG. 22A shows a compact clip-onassembly860 havingelectronics865 for playing digital music (or receiving a communication signal such as a cellular phone signal) inhousing861.Housing861 also hasretractable ear buds862 and863, preferably secured to the ends ofhousing861.FIG. 22B is a side view of compact clip-onassembly860 withclip873 for attaching to the temple of eyeglasses. Compact clip-onassembly860 hashousing861,cord864 andear bud862.FIG. 22C shows compact clip-onassembly860 releasably secured to lefttemple868 of eyeglasses868abeing worn byuser870 and havingretractable cords864 and866 extended for use. Compact clip-onassembly860 includeshousing861 forhousing electronics865,power source867, andport869.Left cord864 is connected toear bud862 and extended for positioning onleft ear872.Right cord866 is extended along the back of the head of thewearer870 and is connected to a second ear bud (not shown) for placement on the right ear ofwearer870. In accordance to the invention, one cord connected to an ear bud is substantially longer than the opposite cord connected to the opposite ear bud. Accordingly, leftcord864 has preferably a length of less than 15 cm, andright cord866 has preferably a length of less than 60 cm. More preferably, leftcord864 has a length of less than 10 cm and right cord866 a length of less than 45 cm. In this embodiment all of the electronics and power source are located withinhousing861.
• FIG. 23 shows another embodiment of clip-on assembly according to the invention. Clip-onassembly870 is releasably secured totemple892 ofeyeglasses882 worn byuser880ear886. It hashousing876,arm878,ear bud884.Wire872 which connects withcord874 for receiving an audio signal fromMP3 player888.End portion873 ofcord874 is mechanically (not electrically) secured to end portion oftemple892. In this embodiment,temple892 has no wires or electrical connectors, andwire872 of clip-onassembly870 runs on top oftemple892 and is electrically connected withcord874.
• FIG. 23A shows a top view of clip-onassembly875, which has dual side clips561 and563.Assembly875 has right and lefthousings567 and565, right and leftrobotic arms575 and573, right and leftear bud569 and571 connected todigital music player581 via right and leftcords579 and577.
• FIG. 23B shows a clip-onassembly871 with permanentlyextended arm877 ofear bud875. Clip-onassembly871 is secured toeyeglass temple879 byclip873 and is connected to an electronic device (not shown) withwire881.
• FIG. 23C shows a three part sliding-on assembly585 comprised of sliding-on ear buds, eyeglasses, and DEP.FIG. 23C shows sliding-on assembly585 comprised of right sliding-onassembly587 and left sliding-onassembly589, each having electrical connectingplate591,593 for electrical connection with right and lefttemples572,570 and for adjusting the assemblies snuggly to different sizes of temples. Sliding-onassemblies587,589 further includes right and leftarms578,582 connected to right and leftear bud576,574. It is noted thattemples572,570 are substantially identical to each other such that description of features of one temple herein applies to the other temple as well.Temple572 haswire595 for connecting sliding-onassembly587 withelectrical connection568, with theelectrical connection568 being releasably connected withelectrical connection564 ofDEP556.DEP556 includes right and leftcords558,560 releasably connected with rightelectrical connector568 ofright temple572 and leftelectrical connector566 ofleft temple570. In this embodiment, the temples only have wire and electrical connections but not ear buds, with said ear buds being housed in the sliding-on assemblies.
• In accordance to the preferred clip-on, slip-on, and sliding-on assemblies of the invention, very little weight is placed on the temples since the temples of eyeglasses holds a clip-on that only houses ear buds and light weight and small wires and plugs. The heavier part (electronics and power source) are housed in the DEP away from the temples and positioned behind the head. The assembly of the invention thus offers more comfort and better weight distribution. By having less weight on the temples less pressure is applied directly on the ear. Heavy temples of eyeglasses would be uncomfortable and over time could cause an injury to the thin skin around the ear. In addition since the larger and heavier part (DEP) is held away and at the end of the temple, the invention offers an additional benefit of helping stabilize the eyeglasses on the head and preventing frames from moving down on the nose.
• FIGS. 24A and 24B shows exemplary embodiments of the temple assembly of the invention. InFIG. 24A there is seenthin temple assembly890 withfront portion898 andend portion894, withend portion894 initiating at thebending point911 oftemple890.Front portion898 includesscrew assembly896 for connecting with lens rim (not shown), andend portion894 havingear bud904 connected withelectrical connector906 throughwire902.FIG. 24B showsthick temple assembly900 withfront portion910 andend portion918, and bendingpoint911.Front portion910 havingear bud912,wire914, retractable coiledcord916, and screwassembly908 andend portion918 havingwire920 and rotatingelectrical connector922.Electrical connector922 is disposed preferably at theend portion918, and most preferably at the free end ofend portion918.Electrical connector922 is secured to awheel assembly923 that allows electrical connector to be movable to any position, illustratively shown in two different positions in phantom lines.
• FIG. 24C shows an exemplarylatch mechanism assembly924 for electrical connection ofend portion938 withplug926.End portion938 includeswire940 andjack932 withrecess936 for receivingplug926 of DEP (not shown).Plug926 includeswire928 and latchpiece930 withprotrusion934 for releasably connectingplug926 intojack932.FIG. 24D showstemple assembly925 withscrew assembly927 for connecting with lens rim in the front portion.End portion933 includesear bud931 secured tofree end933 oftemple925 and adjacent toelectrical connector929.
• As seen inFIG. 24D,electrical connector929 is positioned not on the free end oftemple925, but on the side of thetemple925. Electrical connectors of temples may be located anywhere in the temple, but is preferably located at the end portion of the temple, and most preferably located on the side facing away from the head. As such, any wire from a DEP connected with the temple will be facing away from the skin and not touching the skin, assuring even greater comfort for the user. Other preferable characteristics of the temple of the invention include a longer end portion of temple, which preferably ends at the lower part of the ear, and not in the mid-part of the ear as with conventional eyeglasses. As such, any wire or cord from DEP will be positioned away from the back of the ear, assuring greater comfort. In this regard, the end portion after the bend of the temple (represented by area911) is the part of the temple adjacent to the ear, and said end portion of temple has preferably a length of more than 5.5 cm, and most preferably 7 cm. This length of the end portion is defined as the length from the free end to the portion of the temple that is bent, represented byportion911 ofFIGS. 24A and 24 B.
• FIG. 25A shows yet another detachable assembly in accordance to the invention. The assembly can function as a temple assembly or clip-on assembly.Assembly944 includeslid946 ofhousing948, andhousing948,958 forhousing ear buds952,960, andarea956 for housingretractable cords950 and954.FIG. 25B shows clip-onassembly944 secured totemple964 byclip967 and includingareas946,958 for housing ear buds (not shown). In accordance to the invention, one cord connected to an ear bud is substantially longer than the opposite cord connected to the opposite ear bud. Accordingly,cord950 has preferably a length of less than 15 cm whilecord954 has preferably a length of less than 60 cm. Most preferably,cord950 has preferably a length of less than 10 cm whilecord954 has preferably a length of less than 45 cm.
• FIG. 25C showselectronic eyeglasses955 housing electronics intemple957 as provided by the prior art, but having improved features provided by the present invention. In accordance to the teachings of the present invention,temple957 includes a cradle-like housing72 definingcavity74 which is sized to accept and retain in a releasable manner anelectronics package12 such as a digital music player, radio, cellular phone, and the like.Electronics package12 is connected to acoiled cord959 that is secured tocavity74 and can be extended, in accordance to description ofFIG. 1D andFIG. 1E.
• FIG. 26A shows specialized, non-wired eyeglass temples to which the electronic clip-on assembly of the present invention may be readily attached.Temple980 hasend portion992 andfront portion994 withscrew area996 for connecting with lens rim (not shown). Opening990 withintemple980 is sized to receivearm984 of slip-onassembly982. Slip-onassembly982 has a second arm988 (shown with dotted lines) which housesear bud986.
• FIG. 26B shows slip-onassembly982 secured totemple980 throughopening990. Preferably,arm984 is substantially thinner thanarm988, which housesear bud986,retractable cord998, andwire987.FIG. 26C shows another embodiment of eyeglass temples adapted to receive a slip-on assembly according to the invention.Temple assembly1000 includesscrew area1010,end portion1012, andwall1006 protruding beyond outside the edge oftemple1004.Wall1006 defines opening1002, and is adapted to receive a slip-on assembly according to the invention.
• FIG. 27 shows a system according to the invention comprised of three parts,right temple1049, lefttemple1051, andDEP1039. Right and lefttemple1049,1051 havingscrew area1048,1050 located in right and leftfront portion1022,1024, and further including right and leftear buds1026,1028, right and leftwire1030,1032, and right and left femaleelectrical connectors1034,1036 which are releasably connected with right and leftconnector1038,1040 for electrically connecting right and lefttemple1049,1051 with right and leftwires1030,1032 andelectronic package1046 ofDEP1039.
• FIG. 28 shows a kit of the invention comprised ofDEP1066,right temple1049 and lefttemple1051. Accordingly, there is seen inFIG. 28kit having box1060 which includesarea1070housing DEP1066 andarea1068housing right temple1049 and lefttemple1051, with said right and lefttemple1049,1051 having right and leftear bud1063,1061, right and leftwire1064,1062 and right and leftelectrical connection1059,1057.
• It is understood that one of the methods of the invention includes the step of replacing conventional temples of eyeglasses by the wired temples of the invention. This allows the user to keep the original lenses and lens rim of conventional eyeglasses, and just replace the temple with similarly looking temples as the original. With the temples of the invention the original eyeglasses with the original lenses and lens rims are now enabled to perform an electronic function.
• FIG. 29. shows an exemplary DEP. It is understood that any article having the capability of performing a function including powering a light source, playing music, receiving a wireless signal, playing video, voice recording, video recording, receiving and/or transmitting an internet signal, and the like is within the scope of the invention and can function as the electronic package of DEP with said article having electrical connections for releasably connecting with the frame of eyeglasses. Although powering a light source is an electrical function, for the purposes of the description, any electrical function is described as a function performed by the Detachable Electronic Package or DEP. Furthermore, electronic package of DEP can include digital player for music and video, a small CD player, and a camera with SD card port for extra storage in the DEP. Function of DEP also include system for measuring biological parameter, and by way of illustration DEP can be adapted to measure glucose levels, temperature, eye pressure, blood pressure, oxygen, blood flow, or any other physical parameter or chemical substance present in the body. Again, by way of illustration, the electronic package of DEP is connected to a sensor secured to the eyeglasses in accordance to the sensing eyeglasses invented by Abreu and described in US Patent application 20040059212 and 20040242976, in which the wireless transmitter is removed from the front part of the eyeglasses and place as a DEP in the back of the head, or alternatively the electronic package of DEP measures chemical substances such as glucose as a stand alone unit. An eyeglasses with tubes next to the nose to measure oxygen can have the electronics for processing the data and display housed away in the DEP.
• The apparatus and method of the invention allows a system that performs an electric or electronic function to be divided between DEP and the frame of eyeglasses, allowing therefore better weight distribution while allowing a wearable article such as eyeglasses to be capable of performing a second function besides visual function. Accordingly, DEP can include only a power source that powers a fan, heater, or Peltier device housed in the frame of the eyeglasses for heating and cooling the user. In this embodiment, the eyeglasses do not have an ear bud, with said eyeglasses having only a small fan for cooling purposes and an electrical connection for connecting with the DEP working as a power source for the fan. DEP can further function as a remote control, a wireless receiver for receiving a television signal, and a speaker. In addition, the invention allows hearing aids to be miniaturized since the power source and/or other electronics are located in the DEP and the small single hearing element is housed at the end of the temple of the eyeglasses. A variety of hearing aids and other devices can be made extremely small, in accordance to the invention, by housing part of the device in the DEP, and part in the head mounted gear such as eyeglasses. Thus making the head mounted gear more comfortable and with multiple electronic functions. The ear buds of the eyeglasses can work as insulators from exterior noises while receiving sound from a digital music player, with part of the electronics and/or power source stored in the DEP away from the frames.
• Although the preferred embodiment includes both right and left temples, having electrical connections and wires, it is understood that only one temple of the eyeglasses can have an electrical connection, with said electrical connection releasably connected to a wire from DEP. In this embodiment DEP is secure to both temples, but only one temple is electrically connected to the DEP while the other temple is only mechanically connected to the DEP.
• InFIG. 29 there is seenDEP1080 comprised of right and leftcords1090,1092 housing right and leftwires1094,1096 wires, with saidwires1094,1096 connected in one end to right and leftelectrical connectors1098,1100 and at the opposite end saidwires1094,1096 are connected toelectronic package1082, with said package having, by way of illustration apower source1088,chip1086, andmemory1084.
• FIG. 30shows kit1110 comprised of detachableelectronic eyeglasses1112 andDEP1122.Kit1110 includes detachableelectronic eyeglasses1112 having right and leftear buds1114,1116 and right and leftelectrical connections1118,1120.DEP1122 is comprised of twowires1124,1126 and twoelectrical connections1128,1130 at the end of saidwires1124,1126.
• FIG. 30A showskit1111 comprised of detachableelectronic cap1113 andDEP1122.Kit1111 includes detachableelectronic cap1113 havingpouch1117 on the side for retaining an ear bud andpouch1115 on the back for retaining aDEP1122 in accordance to the invention.DEP1122 is comprised of twowires1124,1126 and twoelectrical connections1128,1130 at the end of saidwires1124,1126.
• FIG. 31A showstemple assembly1140 havingend portion1142 connected tocord1144 of DEP, with saidcord1144 connected toear bud1148. In thisembodiment ear bud1148 is connected tocord1144 throughwire1146, with saidear bud1148 housedoutside temple1142.FIG. 31B showstemple assembly1150 with the electrical connection betweenplate1152 at the end ofcord1158 of DEP andtemple1154.Plate1152 is electrically connected withelectric connection1156 oftemple1154, with end portion1160 oftemple1154 being free of any electrical connectors or wires.
• FIG. 32 shows a preferred embodiment of detachableelectronic eyeglasses1170 with right and leftear buds1178 and1176 hidden away within the structure of right and lefttemples1182,1180.Right temple1182 includesportion1174 forhousing ear bud1178 andend portion1192 withelectrical connection1188 for connecting withcord1189 of DEP.Left temple1180 includesportion1172 forhousing ear bud1176 andwire1196 connected tocamera1184 adjacent to leftlens rim1186.Left temple1180 further includeswire1198 in theend portion1194 connected toelectrical connection1190 andcord1191 of DEP.FIG. 32A shows another embodiment in whichear bud1178 is secure to theoutside wall1180 oftemple1181, with said ear bud connected withelectrical connection1190 atend portion1194 oftemple1181.
• FIG. 33 shows another preferred embodiment with ear buds secured to the end of temple and working as an extension of temples. Accordingly, inFIG. 33 there is seen detachableelectronic eyeglasses1200 with right and leftlens rims1202,1204, right and lefttemples1206,1208 with right andleft end portion1210,1212 having right and leftwires1213,1215 (shown as broken lines) connected to right and leftear buds1214,1216.Right end portion1210 andear bud1214 are shown bent to revealelectrical connector1230 adjacent toear bud1214 andwire1213.Electrical connector1230 is adapted to connect to a wire of a DEP (not shown). To be operational the detachable electronic eyeglasses need to be electrically or wirelessly connected to an electrical circuit housed in the electronic package, as described for other embodiments of the invention.
• FIG. 33A shows a storage cord according to the invention attached to a pair of electronically enabled glasses according to the invention.
• FIG. 34 shows another embodiment of a detachable electronic cord package according to the invention. In this embodiment,sleeves1286 and1284 at the end ofcords1266 and1264 are preferably stretchable and have no electrical parts or connectors, and are used to mechanically secure the end ofcords1266 and1264 to temples of eyeglasses (not shown). Detachableelectronic cord package1260 compriseselectronics package1262, and right and leftcords1264 and1266.Electronics package1262 can perform any of the electronic functions described in this application. Right and leftcords1264 and1266 house right and leftwires1268 and1270, right and left retractable cord spools1272 and1274, and right and leftwires1276 and1278, which are connected to right and leftear buds1280 and1282. Retractable cord spools1272 and1274 can be replaced by an extendable coiled wire, or other means of retracting the wires. Right and leftcords1264 and1266 further include right and leftsleeves1284 and1286 or other means for securingcords1264 and1266 to the ends of eyeglass temples (not shown).Sleeves1284 and1286 are adapted for overlapping the free end of such temples. It should be understood thatcords1264 and1266 can be secured to any portion of the frame of eyeglasses, such as for example the mid-portion of the temples by means, for example, of a clip-on, hook, slip-on, and the like located at the end ofcords1264 and1266. The embodiment shown in FIG.34 can attach to any regular pair of eyeglasses. Thus, with this embodiment, ordinary eyeglasses without wires or electrical connections can be fit with detachableelectronic cord package1260 of the invention. The sleeves are preferably made of a stretchable material such as, for example neoprene, cotton, leather, and the like, in order to more firmly secure the cord to the temple of eyeglasses. It is understood thatelectronics package1262 can be removably secured tocords1264 and1266, or be permanently affixed thereto. If theelectronic package1262 is permanently affixed, a further third piece—preferably an essentially C-shape tube—may used to connectsleeves1284 and1286. This makes the entire system into a round item which can be worn as a collar around a body part such as the neck. This embodiment thus allow the electronic package to be within the visual axis of the user, and even if the electronics package is permanently attached the device still would be easily reachable. Alternatively,electronics package1262 can be housed in a cradle-like housing and have extendable/retractable cords, such as coiled cords or retractable spool cords, in accordance to other embodiments of the present invention described herein.
• FIG. 34A shows detachableelectronic cord package1260 being worn byuser1290.Cord package1260 is connected mechanically—not electronically—toregular eyeglasses1292.Electronic package1262 is positioned along the neck ofuser1290, withleft sleeve1286 encasingfree end1294 oftemple1296. Preferably,sleeve1286 has elastic properties to better secure saidsleeve1286 totemple1296.Retractable wire1278 exits fromleft cord1268, and is shown in an extended position, connected toear bud1282, which is positioned onear1298. A variety of fastening means can be used to secure detachableelectronic cord package1260 to the frame of the eyeglasses including clips, groove mechanism, hook and loop fastener, snap-on, tying a knot to end portion of temples forming a ring, sliding mechanism, and the like.
• The detachable electronic system ofFIG. 34B comprises connectingpouch1261,DEP1262, which is mechanically secured by connectingpouch1261,eyeglasses1277, andcable1279. Connectingpouch1261 comprisespouch1263 withslots1271 and1273, andarm1265.Arm1265 terminates asstretchable sleeve1267 for which can be snuggly secured totemple1269.Electronics package1262 may be inserted intopouch1263 throughslot1271.Electrical plug1275 may be inserted intopouch1263 throughslot1273.Cable1279 preferably includesmale plugs1275 and1283 andspool1309.Plug1275 is releasably connected tofemale connector1285 ofDEP1262 and plug1283 is releasably connected tofemale connector1287 ofeyeglasses1277.Temple1289 has anelectrical connector1287, while bothtemples1289 and1269 haveear buds1293 and1295,wires1317 and1319, spools1301 and1303, andhousings1297 and1299 for the ear buds and spools.Wire portion1313 is connected tospool1301 and terminates inelectrical connector1287.Wire portion1305 is connected tospool1303, and goes fromleft temple1289 toright temple1291 through two metallicelectrical plate assemblies1307 and1311 at the hinges to create an electrical contact between the lens rim and the temples. This avoids running a wire going through a hinge, and the consequent stresses of constant bending and unbending.Wire portion1305 terminates inelectrical connector1287. It will be understood thatcable1279 can be covered by a cord that is permanently affixed topouch1263.
• The present invention also provides an entirely new approach for Bluetooth-type headset devices. (By “Bluetooth device” or “Bluetooth-type device” I mean devices which attach to the user's ear and communicate wirelessly with other electronic devices using Bluetooth communication protocols or other communications protocols.) Prior art wrap-around ear Bluetooth devices have the wrap-around arm on the Bluetooth device which competes for the same space on the ear as the end of the eyeglass temples. Thus people who wear eyeglasses have two hard items around the ear, making this practice uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and often ineffective with respect to securing the Bluetooth device to the ear. This embodiment of the present invention offers key advantages for people who wear eyeglasses on a regular basis and want to use a Bluetooth device. With the invention, the temple of the eyeglasses are the only piece which needs to rest on the ear, while the Bluetooth device or other wireless device provides additional benefits to the user without requiring added hardware pressing against the head and ear. The Bluetooth device of the present invention shifts weight away from a very sensitive part of the body, the ears, and not even require any part of the device to press against the delicate and thin skin around the ears.
• FIG. 34C shows priorart Bluetooth device1461.Bluetooth device1461 comprisesear support piece1467,microphone1465, and speaker1463 (or any other device for transmitting sound.Speaker1463 receives audio signal from a second device, such as a cell phone.Speaker1463 is physically integrated intodevice1461 and adapted to fit in the ear canal. Such devices are sold, for example by the Nokia Company of Finland and Motorola, Inc. of the United States. None of the known Bluetooth devices have a separate electrical connector for an ear bud, since they were designed to be held by the ear, and were able to generates sound without any external wires.
• The present invention provides an improved Bluetooth device as shown inFIG. 34D.Device1475 has external speaker (or ear bud)1471 andexternal wire1471afor transmitting audio signal (from a cell phone, for example) to the ear of the user.Specialized Bluetooth device1475 hashousing1493 and two speaker assemblies for emitting sound:internal speaker1469 which is physically integrated inhousing1493, andexternal speaker1471 which is connected tohousing1493 throughelectrical connector1477. This allowsexternal speaker1471 to be positioned in a location remote fromhousing1493.External wire1471aoutside housing1493 is connected to a single external speaker (ear bud)1471, formingexternal speaker assembly1473.External speaker assembly1473 is preferably removably connected todevice1475 throughfemale connector1477. It is understood thatassembly1473 can also be permanently affixed tohousing1493. Bothexternal speaker assembly1473 andinternal speaker1469 connect to Bluetoothwireless communications system1481.Wire1483 connectsexternal speaker assembly1473 andelectrical connector1477 inhousing1493 to Bluetoothwireless communications system1481.Wire1485 connectsinternal speaker1469 inhousing1493 to Bluetoothwireless communications system1481. Bluetoothwireless communications system1481 contains a power source and all parts necessary for a 2-way wireless Bluetooth transmission of data.Specialized Bluetooth device1475 further includes removably connectedmicrophone assembly1487, comprisingstalk1489 for transmitting sound and amicrophone1491. It is understood thatmicrophone stalk1489 can also be permanently affixed tohousing1493.Stalk1489 can work as a voice tube, with its distal end connected tohousing1493 throughconnector1501, which in turn is connected to Bluetoothwireless communications system1481 throughwire1495.
• Specialized Bluetooth device1475 can be adapted to as an ear-supported device. Accordingly,housing1493 further includesopening1497 for receivingear support assembly1499. Therefore,specialized Bluetooth device1475 can be an ear supported device (like, in some respects, prior art devices), which can create more discomfort by activating pain fibers of the sensitive anatomic region of the ear, or as a more comfortable and biologically fit device which does do not apply pressure directly against the ear. Becausemicrophone assembly1487 is removable and interchangeable with other devices, an assembly of different size and format can be used whendevice1475 is supported by the ear usingear support assembly1499. In an ear supported application,ear bud1471 is disconnected fromhousing1493, and ashorter stalk1489 formicrophone assembly1487 is preferably used. Alternatively,device1475 can be attached to the temple of a user's eyeglasses using one of the attachment mechanisms described in connection withFIGS. 19-21, or other attachment mechanisms.
• FIG. 34E showsBluetooth system1503, comprising specializedeyewear storage cord1505 andspecialized Bluetooth device1475.Bluetooth device1475 hasvolume control button1505, on/off switch1507 for activating the device and receiving a signal from another Bluetooth device,female connector1477 for connectingplug1511 ofexternal speaker assembly1473, and asecond connector1501 for connectingstalk1489 ofmicrophone assembly1487.Device1475 can have anotherelectrical connector1521 for connecting tobattery1517. Specializedeyewear storage cord1505 hasright cord1513 and leftcord1515, preferably disposed on opposite ends of astorage area1509.Right sleeve1519 and leftsleeve1521 as well specializedeyewear storage cord1505 can be made of the same types of materials as the embodiment shown inFIG. 34.Storage area1509 includes an pocket—preferably rectangular—preferably comprised of a plurality ofelastic straps1517 which coversing its upper and side parts. This permits the user to accessvolume control1505, on/offbutton1507, and other controls and parts even whendevice1475 is insidestorage area1509.Storage area1509 can also hold extra battery. Althoughstorage area1509 is described as a “pocket”, it can also have a tunnel-like shape, thus allowingBluetooth device1475 to be placed instorage area1509 from either the right or the left side.Arrow1525 indicatesdevice1475 being placed instorage area1509 from the left side, withbattery1517 located on the right side.Arrow1527 indicatesexternal speaker assembly1473 being removably connected toconnector1477.Arrow1529 indicatesmicrophone assembly1487 being removably connected toconnector1501. Preferred maximum dimensions forpocket1509 are 15 cm in length, 10 cm in width, and 6 cm in height or thickness, and preferably 10 cm in length, 6 cm in width, and 4 cm in height or thickness, and most preferably 7 cm in length, 4 cm in width, and 2.5 cm in height.Storage area1509 may be movable laterally relative toright cord1513 and leftcord1515.
• FIG. 34F shows aBluetooth system1503 according to the present invention when worn by a user.Bluetooth system1503 includes leftsleeve1521 ofeyeglasses storage cord1505 connected to lefttemple1531 by encircling the free end oftemple1531.Storage cord1505 retainsBluetooth device1475.Ear bud1471 is positioned onear1533 throughwire1469. This allows the user to hear audio from the Bluetooth without having a bulky device pressing against his or her ear.Microphone1491 is connected toBluetooth device1475 throughstalk1489, and located preferably under the ear, as shown inFIG. 34F. It will be understood thatwire1469 andwire1489 can be from one wire, which runs under the ear, with the end split in two, with the upperend including speaker1471 and positioned on the ear and the lower end including the microphone and positioned under the ear.
• FIG. 34G shows another wearable article incorporatingBluetooth system1503 of the invention that houses the device in a pocket of a head mounted gear such as acap1601.Specialized Bluetooth device1475 is retained inpocket1539 ofcap1601.Bluetooth device1475 hasconnector1603 for connecting toear bud1611, andsecond connector1605 for connecting stalk1607 andmicrophone1609. Preferably, bothconnectors1603 and1605 are disposed on the bottom ofdevice1475 and retained by a pocket with similar construction aspocket1509 and havingstraps1517 for easily accessing buttons (as described in connection withFIG. 34E).Pockets1539 and1509 can have similar coiled cords and retractable cord spools in accordance with the invention for removingdevice1475 from a pocket and viewing it. A mechanism for capturing voice through bone vibration can be integrated intoear bud1611 andspeaker assembly1473.
• FIG. 34H shows a kit according to the invention comprisingBluetooth device1475,eyeglasses storage cord1505,microphone assembly1487, andexternal speaker assembly1473 retained inbox1535. It is understood thatcord1505 can be replaced—or supplemented by a cap as described in connection withFIG. 34G.
• The present invention teaches a device and method that uses a cord secured to temples of eyeglasses as an article that allows a user to better balance eyeglasses on his or her face and provide better weight distribution, while allowing the cord to have storage capabilities. The cord can work as a mechanical holder, and does not need electrical wires. The cord can have a pouch or pocket for retaining an electronic package such as a digital music player or a cellular phone, with ear buds working as a separate unit and connected directly to the music player while the two ends of the cord are secured to right and left side of the frame of the eyeglasses. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the cord can have more than one pouch, with a second pouch available for retaining ear buds, or a second electronic device, for example.
• FIG. 34J shows an illustration of the specializedeyeglasses storage cord1611 of the invention that includes astorage area1613 such as a pocket or pouch, with twoarms1615 and1617 disposed preferably on each side ofstorage area1613.Storage area1613 preferably includes a pocket with elastic capabilities and a combination ofstraps1617 andopenings1619 similar topocket1509 ofFIG. 34E. Right and leftarms1615 and1617 terminates in right and leftsleeves1621 and1623, which are shaped to embraces the free end of temples of eyeglasses (or other objects), which preferably measure preferably equal to or less than 1.8 cm in diameter or in the dimension of the free end, and most preferably equal to or less than 1.0 cm in diameter or in the dimension of the free end.Sleeves1621 and1623 slide on to the free end of temples for a snug fit regardless of temple size.
• FIG. 34kshows another embodiment of the invention.Eyewear storage cord1627 includesstorage area1629 for housing an electronic package.Arms1631 and1633 are secured tostorage area1629. In this embodiment,arms1631 and1633 terminate inloop portions1635 and1637, which preferably are made of silicone or any deformable plastic. Slidingrings1763 and1765, preferably made of a rigid polymer such as PVC, are secured to theloops1635 and1637.Rings1763 and1765 can be moved longitudinally towardsloops1635 and1637, closing them up and providing a snug fit to any size of temple or other object.
• Pocket1629 has slot1641a, and is secured tocord1639, preferably by stitching (shown by broken lines). Retractable cord1641 (preferably a coiled cord) is secured topocket1629 by support1643 (which can be, for example, a hard plastic attached to one of the walls of pocket1629), with said cord terminating in holdingstructure1645.Holding structure1645 is preferably a plate that has a hook and loop surface.Plate1645 is removably attached to an electronic package (not shown), by a hook an loop system, adhesive tape, or other fastening means.
• It will be understood thatloops1635 and1637 can be replaced with hooks, clips, or the like for securingcord1627 to temples or other objects as a C-shape structure. To become operational,cord1627 is preferably secured to temple of eyeglasses or another object. It is understood thatpocket1629, although a preferred embodiment, is not required, since the electronics package can be secured toplate1645 with aretractable cord1641, preferably as a spring loaded spool assembly, with saidretractable cord1641 being directly attached tocord1639.
• FIG. 34L shows a preferred embodiment of the invention comprisingstorage cord1647 and an electronic package1679 (such as a digital music player).Eyewear storage cord1647 includespocket1669 andflexible arms1649 and1651, withright arm1649 being in an extended position. The ends ofarms1649 and1651 are essentially similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 34k.Arms1649 and1651 houseelectrical jacks1661 and1663 for removably connecting withear bud assemblies1653 and1655, as indicated byarrows1657 and1659. Right and leftelectrical jacks1661 and1663 are connected bywires1665 and1667 inarms1649 and1651 to supportstructure1653 located insidepocket1669.Support structure1653 provides a fixation point, which allowsear bud assemblies1653 and1655 to remain stationary while theelectronic package1679 is pulled out ofpocket1669.Wires1665 and1667 are joined together at supportingplate1653 and run together aswire portion1671, which terminate aselectrical connector1673.Connector1673 is removably connected toelectrical connector1675 ofelectronics package1679.Pocket1669 further includessupport structure1677, such as hard plastic glued to the pocket, for supporting coiledcord1679 which terminates asplate1681.Plate1681 has means, such as a Velcro surface or adhesive tape, for being removably attached toarea1683 ofelectronic package1679.Arms1649 and1651 can be removably secured to the temples of a pair of eyeglasses. Alternatively, the ends ofarms1649 and1651 can be removably secured to a C-shape structure1693, which is preferably made with a polymer, in order to create a system to be used around a portion of the body, such as the neck-shoulder area, head, arm, leg, abdomen, etc.Loops1685 and1687 slide on to theends1689 and1691 of C-shape structure1693, as indicated byarrows1697 and1699, andplastic rings1693 and1695 are used to create a snug fit.
• FIG. 34M shows a two-piece device1701, comprisingeyewear storage cord1703, and an essentially cylindrical C-shape structure1705. Stretchable tubular ends1711 and1713 ofcord1703 are removably secured toends1707 and1709 ofstructure1705.Right cord1264 is shown extended and partially folded, withstretchable sleeve1713 shown in its stretched position and attached to end1707 ofstructure1705. Similar overlapping occurs when stretchable sleeve embrace the free end of temples of eyeglasses.Left cord1266 is shown in its original position withstretchable sleeve1711 in its relaxed position.
• FIG. 34N shows a side view of three-pieceeyewear storage cord1715 that includesright arm1719, leftarm1721, andsupport structure1723, which is illustrated by a pouch for retaining an electronic package.Arms1719 and1721 are removably secured to supportstructure1723 by encirclingloops1727 and1729 ofstructure1723.Right arm1719 has two portions,lower portion1723 andupper portion1725.Lower portion1723 andupper portion1725 are removably attached to each other with hook andloop surfaces1731 and1733, as indicated byarrow1735. The same system is used to attach the upper and lower portions ofleft arm1721.Ends1739 and1741 ofarms1719 and1721 terminate in a tubular stretchable portion, similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 34.
• FIG. 34O is a side top view of three pieceeyewear storage cord1715 ofFIG. 34N showingright arm1719, leftarm1721, andsupport structure1723.
• FIG. 34P shows a side view of another embodiment of the three piece eyewear storage cord ofFIG. 34N.Housing1743 has acavity1745, and aplate1747 for supporting coiledcord1749, which terminates in plate1751. Plate1751 includes means for being removably attached to an electronics package, such as a hook and loop fastener or adhesive tape.FIG. 34Q shows akit including box1753 which containsright arm1719, leftarm1721, andsupport structure1723, illustrated by a pouch for retaining an electronics package.
• FIG. 34R shows an embodiment similar to embodiments ofFIG. 34L andFIG. 34K when worn by auser1775.eyewear storage cord1647 has an adjustable mechanism with extra length of cord for adjusting to different size heads.Loop portion1635 ofcord1767 slides overtemple1761 and is secured tightly to it by slidingring1763.Cord1767houses wire1769 and has pocket1771 (for storing ear bud1773) disposed next toloop portion1635.Wire1769 connectsear bud1773 withelectronic package1679.
• FIG. 34S is shows an example of the manufacturing steps for producing an eyewear storage cord according to the invention using a single piece of material, such as neoprene.Neoprene piece1777 haslateral parts1779 and1781 of equal dimensions, and onecentral part1783.Lateral parts1779 and1781 are of smaller dimensions as compared tocentral part1783 when laid flat, as represented byarrows1783 and1785.Central dimension1783 is preferably equal to or less than 30 cm, and most preferably equal to or less than 20 cm, and even most preferably equal to or less than 15 cm.Lateral dimension1785 is preferably equal to or less than 8.0 cm, and most preferably equal to or less than 3.0 cm, even most preferably equal to or less than 1.5 cm.Central part1783 hasedges1787 and1789. Rightlateral part1779 hasedges1791 and1793, and leftlateral part1781 hasedges1795 and1797.
• In the first step,piece1777 is laid flat. Second, coiled cord/plate1799 is attached, by gluing or sewing, tocentral part1783. Third,edge1787 is connected withedge1789, preferably by stitches1801. Fourth, the edges oflateral parts1779 and1781 are attached to each other (edge1791 to edge1793, andedge1795 to edge1797), creating tubular structured at each end, and central tubular structure. It is understood thateyewear storage cord1803 can be manufactured and work omitting the second step described above.FIG. 34T is a perspective view of finishedeyewear storage cord1803 manufactured in accordance with the method described in connection withFIG. 34S.
• FIG. 35 shows a preferred embodiment of the detachableelectronic eyeglasses system1320 of the invention worn byuser1330, comprising detachableelectronic eyeglasses1300 andDEP1302.DEP1302 compriseselectronics package1326 andcord1328. Detachableelectronic eyeglasses1300houses wireless camera1304 intemple1306.Temple1306 also housesear bud1308,wire1310 for connectingcamera1304 toelectrical connector1314, andwire1312 for connectingear bud1308 toelectrical connector1314. Although the drawing shows a large camera for purpose of illustration, the wireless camera can be small and housed in the temples in a non-noticeable manner to an external user. This is because, according to the invention, only micro optical systems and CCD are housed in the frame, which can have dimensions of few millimeters or less. The rest of the electronics (e.g. memory, wireless transmitter, and power source) for the camera are located inelectronics package1326 ofDEP1302.
• An alternative embodiment might compriseonly camera1304 andwire1310, but notear buds1308. This embodiment could be useful in military activities, where a soldier connects the DEP to his/her eyeglasses or goggles for performing a mission which includes capturing images. After the mission is complete, the DEP may be disconnected and the stored images downloaded for review. This allows a surveillance mission to be performed with a minimum of extra equipment, such as hand held cameras, because the light weight eyeglasses of the invention carry the camera with good weight distribution resulting by the DEP housing the bulk of the electronics.
• Other devices can be miniaturized to be housed in the frame of eyeglasses, in accordance to the invention, by using a DEP which store large and heavier parts of the device. The frame of the eyeglasses of the invention might house, for example, a display such as a computer screen in the lens rim of the eyeglasses, while the main computing parts and memory stored away in the DEP.
• FIG. 36 shows another embodiment of the detachable electronic system of the invention comprised of a different head-mounted wearable article—a hat. A detachableelectronics hat system1350 comprisesDEP1342 and detachableelectronic hat1340.DEP1342 includes electronics/power source inhousing1344, andelectrical connector1346 which is releasably connected withelectrical connection1348 of detachableelectronic hat1340. Detachableelectronic hat1340 includesear bud1352, connected toretractable wire1354 andspool1356securing wire1358.Wire1358 has two ends, one end represented bywire1354 connected toear bud1352, and the opposite end represented bywire1360 connected toelectrical connection1348.
• FIG. 37 shows another embodiment of the electrical pouch system of the invention, which can be used on a variety of wearable articles, including head mounted gear, clothing, and other articles, with said pouch being illustrated in a detachable electronics cap. Detachable electronics cap1370 includespouch1380 formed byfabric material1402, withbutton1401 for sealingpouch1380.Pouch1380 hashole1372 in one of its walls, through whichwire portion1374 enterspouch1380.Wire portion1374 terminates in one end as an electrical plug1378 (preferably a male plug) while the other end ofwire portion1374 is secured to spring loaded wheel orspool1376, which allowswire portion1374 to be extended and retracted.Spool1376 also receiveswire portion1375 from the opposite side ofcap1370.Wire portion1374 is in electrical connection withwire portion1384.Wire portion1384 terminates in second spring loadedspool1386, withwire portion1384 being in electrical connection withwire portion1388 secured tospool1386.Wire portion1388 terminates atear bud1390.Second pouch1400, illustrated as a sealed pouch, is formed byfabric material1402, hasbutton1403 for sealingpouch1400.Wire portion1388 enterspouch1400 throughhole1404. A DEP (not shown) may be inserted into thepouch1380 by means ofslot1406 within thefabric1402.Ear bud1390 may be inserted—when not in use—intopouch1400 by means ofslot1408 withinfabric1402. Preferably, the wires and parts outside the pouches are disposed on the internal surface of the fabric, keeping the electrical and electronic system of the invention out of sight of an external observer, and not materially changing the appearance of the wearable article.Cap1370 can include a microphone and/or a display means to improve its utility. A variety of materials can be used forfabric material1402 including nylon, wear-resistant and moisture resistant cotton blend, synthetic material, plastic, canvas, leather, neoprene or other moisture-resistant or water-proof fabric or material to protect wring and electrical connectors against moisture.Pouches1380 and1400 include a sealing mechanism such as buttons, zipper, clip, or the like to seal the pouch and to inhibit moisture or water from entering them. By placing the electronic device into electronicwearable cap1370, the user avoids placing pressure against the sensitive area of his or her ear.
• FIG. 37A shows a schematic view of the wire, spools, and connector assemblies of the cap ofFIG. 37, which are disposed preferably on the surface of the fabric material. This illustration can also apply to other embodiments for various head mounted gear, clothing, and other articles of manufacturing of the present invention. The pouch, wiring system, electrical connector, spool, and ear bud are substantially identical to each other such that description of features of left side herein applies to the right side as well. Electronicdetachable gear system1430 includesDEP1440 and detachableelectronic cap1438, includingpouches1380,1400, spools1376,1386,wires1374,1384,1388,electrical plug1378, andear bud1390. Preferably,pouch1400 hassealing mechanism1432, such as a button, zipper, or velcro strip, which retainsear bud1390.Retractable wire portion1388 is secured tospool1386 and enterspouch1400 throughhole1404, withwire portion1388 terminating atear bud1390.Wire portion1388 is electrically connected to wireportion1384 viaspool1386.Wire portion1384 is preferably fixed and non-extendable, and connected to wireportion1374 viaspool1376.Retractable wire portion1374 is secured tospool1376 and enterspouch1380 throughhole1372.Wire portion1374 terminates as maleelectrical plug1378, which is releasably connected with femaleelectrical connector1434 ofelectronics package1436 ofDEP1440, as shown by arrow A (add “A” to drawing). Preferably,pouch1380 has sealingassembly1442 such as a button, zipper, or velcro strip, for retainingDEP1440. A variety of devices can be retained in pouch and not be electrically connected.
• In an alternative embodiment,plug1378 is surrounded by a plate, preferably having a Velcro surface or other fastening means, or being attached to the surface ofplug1378. Electronic devices having a Velcro surface can be removably connected to the plate, thereby allowing an electronic device—such as a GPS device, a cellular phone, digital player and the like—to be connected tospool assembly1376 and stored bypocket1380, but able to be removed the user. When desired, user can connect the electronic device to plug1378 and receive sound inear bud1390.Pocket1380 can also retain a DEP comprising a Bluetooth device which is electrically connected withplug1378, with said Bluetooth device receiving a wireless signal from a cellular phone or a digital music player. Thus, a small Bluetooth DEP could provide signal from another Bluetooth-enabled device stored at some distance from the wearable article. Any of the wearable articles of the invention can have a Bluetooth DEP that receives music from a cell phone, and when a call comes in the music stops for allowing receiving the phone call.
• FIG. 37B shows another embodiment for head mounted gear according to the invention. Detachable electronic wrap-aroundarticle1811 includes C-shape support structures1813 and1815 connected toear buds1817 and1819, and tocords1821 and1823. Wrap-aroundarticle1811 also houseswire portions1825 and1827 either within or on its structure.Wire portions1825 and1827 run either inside or oncords1821 and1823 and connectear buds1817 and1819 with supportingplate1829 insidepocket1831. Atplate1829wires1821 and1823 are joined together to formwire portion1833, which terminates in coiledcord1835 andelectrical connector1837.Pocket1831 is essentially similar to the pocket structures of the embodiments shown inFIGS. 37 and 37A.
• FIG. 37C shows another embodiment of the invention. Detachableelectronic goggles1841 includefront part1847—which hold the lenses1847a—andstraps1843 and1845 disposed along thefront part1847, andback portion1875 connecting left strap1843 toright strap1845.Straps1843 and1845 are essentially similar, and description of one apply equally to the other. Strap1843 hasportions1849 and1851, and terminates in athird portion1853.Portion1849 is disposed adjacent tofront part1847, and includespocket1855 for retainingear bud assembly1857.Ear bud assembly1857 comprisesear bud1861 andwire portion1859, which is shown in an extended position.
• Portion1849 has sub-portions1863 and1865.Sub-portion1863 comprises a non-stretchable or minimally stretchable material such as nylon, andhouses supporting structure1867 that attacheswire portion1859 to wall ofpocket1855.Sub-portion1865 includes the majority ofpocket1855 and is preferably made with a stretchable material such as elastic fabric.Portion1851 comprisesextendable wire portion1869 secured toelastic strap1871.Extendable wire portion1869 is disposed in an accordion configuration or any other stretchable configuration, and is adapted to match the tensile strength and length ofelastic strap1871, allowingelastic strap1871 to be stretched without creating undue tension inwire1869.Wire portion1859 terminates inextendable wire portion1869, andwire portion1869 terminates inwire portion1873 insideback portion1875.Back portion1875 includespouch1877 for retaining an electronics package (not shown).Pouch1877 is essentially similar to the pockets of the embodiments shown inFIGS. 37 and 37A. Ear bud1881 and coiledwire1879 are shown insidepocket1883 ofright strap1845.
• The wearable electronic articles of the invention, illustratively represented by eyeglasses and hats, can include imaging systems as shown inFIG. 35. The wearable articles, such as the eyeglasses and hat, offer an added benefit of assisting in identifying an assailant. A person wearing the detachable electronic camera eyeglasses can have an image of the face of a potential assailant. Even if the assailant takes away or break the eyeglasses, since the image is immediately transmitted (either to the DEP or wirelessly) to a remote location, the face of assailant would have been captured. This may act as a deterrent against crime since potential assailants would not know if they were being filmed or were filmed during an attack. Since the invention requires only the micro optical system to be housed in the frame, children also can also use the system. Children can only wear small frames, which would be impossible to fit with a camera. Since the eyeglasses of the invention only hold the micro optical system which is small in size, they can be easily housed in the small frames worn by children. In the case of a DEP being worn as a detachable electronic cap, a DEP comprising a camera is preferably located on the side, with the pouch for the DEP preferably located on the side of the hat, and not on the back, thereby allowing easier viewing and filming.
• Since the invention allows the camera to be extremely small, the frame can have multiple micro optical systems, such as one facing the back of the user and another facing the front of the user, allowing thus identifying an assailant coming from any direction. The system can therefore identify an assailant and even prevent a rape or kidnapping, or any crime. If an assailant saw the DEP, which is more visible, the assailant still would not know if the user has wireless camera capabilities. It is thus preferred to have electronics packages that do not identify the function being performed, to avoid an external observer to know if the user has a DEP with Bluetooth capabilities, MP3 capabilities, or wireless camera capabilities. A DEP with wireless camera capabilities and GPS capabilities would inform the location of the user as well as the image being recorded. Although a wireless camera can transmit images continuously, the only expense and work the user has is related to keeping a charged battery in the DEP. If the user prefers only to record in certain occasions, the DEP can have a voice activated system for initiating recording only when requested by the user. As such, a code word such as “action” or “record” can be used for activating the wireless camera. This function would help preserve power, and would be of interest for instance, by a camper recording a certain trail or scenery, or a person being followed recording a possible assailant. When there is suspicious activity, the user can give a voice command to activate the camera, or can press an activation button in the DEP.
• FIG. 38 shows another embodiment of the invention. Detachableelectronic shirt system1450 is worn by user1451 (depicted in phantom lines) and comprisesDEP1460 and detachableelectronic shirt1470. Left side ofcollar1472 is shown in a lifted position to illustratepouch1464 on the inside face of the fabric ofcollar1472 for retainingear bud1476 andspool1478.Wire portion1474 extends for positioningear bud1476 onear1475. On the right side,wire portion1484 is connected toDEP1460.Wire1484 is in an extended position to enable viewing of the display ofelectronics package1480.Pouch1462 on the right side ofcollar1472 is shown in a sealed position.Cavity spool1498 andear bud1496 are retained insidepouch1462.
• To use this embodiment of the invention, the user lifts the free end ofcollar1472 to exposepouch1464, and then extendswire portion1474 to positionear bud1476 onear1475. Likewise, upon pullingwire portion1484,electronics package1480 is removed frompouch1486 and positioned in line with the visual axis of theeyes1481, as shown by arrowB. Wire portion1484 hasmale plug1488, which is connected tofemale plug1492 ofelectronic package1480.Wire portion1500, secured to spool1498, exitscollar1472 and enterschest portion1502 ofshirt1470 for connecting withspool1482.Left wire portion1504 is secured tospool1478 and disposed oncollar1472.Left wire portion1504 is disposed oncollar1472 from the left side to the right side and terminates atspool1482, after joiningright wire portion1500 to formcable1506.
• In this embodiment, in order to facilitate manufacturing,pouches1462 and1464 retain both spool and ear bud, whilepouch1486 retains both DEP and spool. Althoughpouch1486 is disposed on the front part of shirt,pouch1486 can alternatively be disposed oncollar1472 or on the back part of the shirt in close proximity to collar.
• Although this embodiment uses retractable wires and spools, it will be understood that robotic arms, telescopic assemblies, or the like can be used instead of the retractable wire/spool system for extending ear buds and electrical plugs. It will also be understood that Velcro fasteners can be used to attach the DEP and ear buds to the wearable article, such as the cap and shirt, instead of using pouches.
• Although only a few exemplary embodiments were described in detail, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention can be modified to accommodate other wearable articles. A variety of wearable articles can be used, in accordance with the invention, including clothing in general (such as ties, jackets, snow hat, arm band, etc.), head mounted gear (such as goggles, visors, head bands, wrap around ear assembly, helmets, silicon caps for swimmers, eye masks for sleeping, etc.), and personal items (such as wallet, cases of eyeglasses clipped to a shirt or pants, etc.), allowing thus the user to have access to electronic functionality using a variety of articles. By way of illustration, detachable electronically-enabled goggles according to the invention, such as ski goggles or swimming goggles, include a pouch in the back portion of the strap which retains the spool and DEP, and one pouch on each side of the strap for retaining a spool and ear bud in conjunction with the other features of the invention.
• Virtual imaging eyewear, digital imaging eyewear, and infrared imaging eyewear can, in accordance with the invention, be made light weight and without wires, with only the optics and silicon microdisplay being in front of the eye, while the electronics and smart parts are housed in the DEP in a detachable manner and away from the front portion of the eyewear. Accordingly, a virtual imaging eyewear, in accordance to the invention, allows complete portability with no wires attached to the eyewear when playing a game, as found in the prior art. With the present invention, the display is disposed in the front part of the eyewear for viewing the game, with a DEP working as a retractable game control housed at the back of the head. When in use, the extendable cord is extended, allowing the game control to be brought into the user's view. After the game is finished, the extendable cord is retracted, and the game control is stored in the cradle-like housing of the DEP.
• Because the present invention allows a cost-effective way to electronically enable an article, it will be also apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the present invention to use it in conjunction with non-wearable articles. For example, a back pack can be adapted with a detachable system according to the invention, preferably in its upper part because of its proximity to the eyes and ear of the user, and providing therefore sound and electronic function in a hands-free manner. Other examples of articles which can be electronically enabled are pillows, head rest of arm chairs, desks, etc. In such articles, the articles houses the DEP, ear buds and other assemblies of the present invention, allowing the user to remove the DEP from a hat and plug the same DEP into the desk while working. The DEP can be attached to the article using a pair of “arms” shaped like the temples of eyeglasses attached to the article. The arms can be permanently affixed to the article, or they can be removable, allowing the same set of arms to be used on multiple items, for example a desk, or the fold down tray on a airplane. Alternatively, the DEP can be attached to the article using Velcro strips, or a series of snaps or buttons, or a hook and groove system. The means of attachment is not critical, but can be chosen to accommodate various need (eg., ease of removal, stability of attachment, etc. A variety of furniture in close proximity to the head can also be adapted to receive the system of the invention such as head board of a bed. It is also understood and apparent to one of skill in the art that other articles such as a bicycle, a treadmill, and other articles can advantageously receive the detachable system and assemblies of the present invention.
• It will also be understood that a retractable wire and spool can be attached to the electronics package such as a music player, allowing the electronics package to be moved to the user's visual axis and replaced without undue risk of dropping it. However, such a retractable wire is not required for the invention.
• It is understood that a variety of head gear, clothing, and footwear can be used in accordance with the principles of the invention. For instance, clothing can house ear buds and electrical connectors, which can be releasably connected to a DEP, with said DEP being located anywhere in a piece of clothing on the body, but away from the gear housing the ear buds. In one embodiment, the ear buds and wire are preferably housed in a water-proof housing in the collar. A two DEP system can also be used, in which a DEP secured to a piece of footwear sends a wireless signal to a DEP secured to a cap or eyeglasses, allowing thus information such as foot activity, temperature or circulation to be transmitted to a second DEP adapted to inform the user or display the data being received from the DEP in the footwear.
• Another embodiment includes a helmet (such as a bike helmet or a firefighter's helmet) with ear buds, wire and electrical connections permanently housed in the helmet. In one embodiment of a detachable electronic helmet system, the DEP preferably houses a wireless communication system for communicating instructions for instance between a fire chief and a firefighter or between a coach and an athlete. The invention provides an extremely cost-effective system since the low cost parts such as the ear bud, wire and electrical plug are preferably permanently housed in the head mounted gear such as the helmet while the expensive parts are housed in the DEP. Because the expensive parts are detachable, the firefighter or athlete can remove the DEP from the helmet which was used for receiving instructions during work, and now said firefighter or athlete can connect the DEP to their sunglasses and receive a wireless signal for instance from a satellite radio station for enjoying music while wearing sunglasses that only house low cost parts. Thus the invention provides another unique benefit, which is equal use of the invention for work and for entertainment. The invention also allows maximizing the use of a device, for example by avoiding an expensive wireless system to sit idle for a long time. By being versatile the invention allows continue use of the electronic package in any occasion. Otherwise, the wireless capabilities only would be available when wearing the helmet in question, significantly limiting therefore the use of the device. The invention thus provides methods such as for miniaturizing devices in wearable articles by reducing the parts disposed in the wearable article and to maximize use of the devices.
• Of course, it is also possible to permanently house the entire system in the helmet, particularly when the electronics device might be specialized (e.g. for a fire helmet), or when the user might not want to wear anything other than the helmet. For example, a biker could have the device built into her bike helmet, allowing her to listen to music whilst biking. By pulling the device out from the storage compartment on the helmet—by using the retractable cord—the user could see the device to make music selections, for example, and could then let the cord pull the device back to the storage compartment, allowing for hands-free use.
• The invention also teaches and provides significant improvements to prior art eyeglasses which house heavy electronics and unsightly ear buds on a permanent basis. It does s by permitting visual interaction with the electronic components. By using the retractable wire assembly and cradle-like housing described inFIGS. 1D and 1E, the electronic and a display can be brought to the visual axis of the eye of the user.
• It will be that in order to avoid having wires passing through a hinge mechanism, (for example when a display is housed in the lens rim, as illustrated inFIG. 13) the invention preferably uses an electrical connection in the temples that includes an electromagnetic switch. An example of such a switch is the Reed switch, described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20040059212 and 20040242976. A slip-on display can be also be used, with the display being electrically connected with the frame of the eyeglasses, and the eyeglasses being connected to a DEP.
• It is also understood that a variety of devices for measuring biological parameters such as contact lenses, devices inside the eye, or on the surface of the eye, and many other devices and sensors described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,193 and in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20040059212 and 20040242976—the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference—can be used in accordance to the present invention. Accordingly, a device described in one of the foregoing patents or patent applications can have its parts divided between the original device and the DEP. This limits the number of electronic parts housed in the eyeglasses.
• It will also be understood that eyeglasses that house a coil to power another device by electromagnetic induction, such as a passive contact lens described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,193, can be used in accordance with the present invention. The lens rim can house the coils, with the power source being housed in the DEP. It will be further understood in certain functions characterized by a large or heavy DEP, small batteries can be housed in the temples of the eyeglasses, with the main electronics and hard drive housed in a DEP.
• The invention can also include adhesive or attachment means to secure the DEP to clothing, which is preferably used in case of heavy DEP. For example, a DEP of eyeglasses having a hook-and-loop strip (Velcro) can be attached to a Velcro in the collar of a shirt reducing therefore the amount of weight applied to the eyeglasses.
• Other gear can also be used in accordance to the invention, including any of the head mounted gear described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20040059212 and 20040242976. For example, a detachable electronic eye mask from the foregoing applications may be worn by a a user who plugs it into a DEP comprising of digital music player. The user may then enjoy music while laying on the beach and having his/her eyes covered and protected. When the user is in bed, he or she can still enjoy music wearing the eye mask of the invention, but before falling asleep can unplug the DEP, removing a heavier piece which can limit comfort during sleep.
• The present invention also provides a system that includes another wearable article such as shoulder supported housing and a generally C-shaped structure with a cavity sized to accept an electronic package such as a cellular telephone, a digital music player (e.g., MP3 player), a video player, and the like,
• FIG. 39 shows a wearableelectronic device1550 worn on the shoulder of a user (shown drawn in phantom lines). Shoulder wearableelectronic device1550 preferably includes generally “C”-shaped (or Inverted U-shape)housing1560. Preferably, the C-shaped housing covers at least 180 degrees.Opening1552 is sized to permithousing1560 to pass around neck1554 (or other body portion) of a user.Opening1552 distributes the weight ofelectronic device1550 between the shoulder and the neck. Preferably, the C-shaped housing is adapted to remain at least 2.5 cm from the side of neck, reducing the likelihood of activating of pain fibers and limiting discomfort. C-shapedhousing1560 fits comfortably around a small portion of the user's neck, and is preferably held in place on the surface of the body by gravity and support of a body part, and not by straps or other fastening means.
• In a preferred embodiment,housing1560 is formed of a polymeric material and includescavity1555 for retainingelectronics package1556, in a similar manner as described in connection withFIGS. 2B and 2C.Retractable wire1558 andspool1562 are connected toelectronics package1556.Ear buds1562 and1564 are disposed in a diametrically opposed fashion at the right and left side ofhousing1560 and are connected bywires1566 and1568 tospools1570 and1572,speaker1588.Microphone1574 is disposed atend1576 ofhousing1560;display1578 is disposed atopposite end1580 ofhousing1560. A coiled wire with retracting capabilities can also be used instead of retractable wires with spools, and in this embodiment shown inFIG. 39, there are no spools.
• Housing1560 also includes power source1582, which is preferably located adjacent tocavity1555 and held in the back portion ofhousing1560. To facilitateillustration cavity1555 andelectronics package1556 are shown in the back portion ofhousing1560; however it is understood they may be disposed on either side of thehousing1560, or they can be disposed on opposite sides.Electronics package1556, such as a cell phone, is releasably secured in thecavity1555 throughelectrical connector1590.Electrical connector1590 is connected tospool1562.Electronics package1556 is connected by a wire system that includes a spool and retractable wires or by coiled cords or a combination of coiled cords and spool-based cords, to ear buds in accordance to previous description of the invention. It will be appreciated that the various parts disposed within or onhousing1560, such as ear buds, microphone, speaker, electronic circuit, display, power source, and the electronics package are electrically connected by standard wiring systems, which are not shown.
• When the device is worn, the microphone is in close proximity to the mouth, and the display is within the visual axis of the eyes to permit, for example seeing a caller ID number.Housing1560 preferably includeshinge assemblies1608 and1610, to allowarms1612 and1614 to fold upon each other. This facilitates storage of the device by reducing its size by about two thirds.
• Although a C-shaped structure has been described as the preferred embodiment, other shapes, such as square shapes, pentagonal shapes, or other polygonal shapes, can be used, without departing from the scope of the invention. Preferably, the largest width (or height) ofcavity1555 orhousing1560 is equal to or less than 15 cm, and most preferably equal to or less than 11 cm, and even most preferably equal to or less than 7 cm. The preferred longest distance of the center point of the support structure (illustrated herein as C-shaped structure) to the outer edge of the support structure is equal to or less than 28 cm, and preferably equal to or less than 20 cm, and even preferably equal to or less than 13 cm, The preferred shortest distance of the center point of the support structure (illustrated herein as C-shaped structure) to the outer edge of the support structure is equal to or more than 9 cm, and preferably equal to or more than 11 cm, and even preferably equal to or more than 13 cm, The structure comprises an opening, and disposed within the structure an ear bud, wires, and a cavity sized to accept an electronic package.
• FIG. 39A shows an embodiment of similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 39, with two additional parts:large video display1592 attached tohousing1560 by telescopic and retractable/extendable arm1594, andremovable cord1596. The electronics package in this embodiment isvideo player1595, which is positioned incavity1555 and connected byelectrical connector1590. The detachable electronic system can be operable from amotor vehicle 12 VDC cigarette plug accessory voltage or AC outlet throughcord1596, and can chargeelectronics package1595 when not in use.
• It is understood thathousing1560 can house a plurality of electronic devices, for example a cellular phone/MP3 player on the right side and an electronic organizer (such as a Palm device from Palm, Inc.) on the left side. Likewise, a radio or other electronic devices described in the present invention can be housed instructure1560 and creates an anatomically fit wearable electronic article in accordance to the principles of the invention.
• FIG. 39B shows an embodiment in whichelectronics package1556, exemplified as a cellular phone or cordless phone, is not electrically attached tohousing1560.Electronics package1556 is shown away fromhousing1560. In this embodiment,electronics package1556 can be mechanically retained incavity1555 byrelease button1598.Electronics package1556 communicates by wireless means withhousing1560. In a preferred embodiment,electrical pads1600 disposed incavity1555 are coupled to a power supply inhousing1560 and permit recharging the internal battery withinelectronic package1556.Electrical pads1600 are sized and positioned to contact associated electrical pads (not shown) onelectronics package1556. The main electronics, power supply, long range receiver/transmitter for cellular phones, and heavier and large circuits (collectively called main parts1602) are housed inhousing1560, allowing the hand held portion of the cellular phone (or cordless phone) to be miniaturized, with only a small thin battery and a small low power transmitter/receiver microchip circuit for short range transmissions being housed in the hand held portion. By having only few and very small parts, for example thin dial pad1620,display1622, built-inmicrophone1624 andspeaker1626,electronics package1556 can have small dimensions such as a credit card or small calculator, as shown inFIG. 39B, and be carried in a wallet. Becausehousing1560 is preferably foldable,housing1560 can carried in a brief case or pocket of a jacket while remaining in wireless communication with the credit card-like cell phone of the invention.
• The same benefit applies to a DEP housed in eyeglasses or other head mounted gear such as a hat, etc., allowing the user to carry a credit card like cellular phone while the main parts of the cellular phone are hidden away out of sight and comfortably stored in an article already being worn by the user, enhancing the utility of that wearable article.
• FIG. 40 is an illustration of an embodiment of the invention: a properly weight distributed and anatomically fit inverted U-shapewearable computer2000 worn by auser2001.Computer2000 has an invertedU-shape structure2002 witharms2004 and2006 spaced apart.Arm2004 haskeyboard2008 disposed at its end.Arm2006 hasdisplay2010 disposed at its end. InvertedU-shape structure2001 is, preferably, substantially cylindrical, and preferably comprises at least one adjustably extendable and bendable portion.Arm2004 has adjustablybendable portion2016 and adjustablyextendable portion2012.Extendable portion2012 is shown in an extended position withclasp assembly2014 in an open position, allowing full extension ofextendable portion2012.Bendable portion2016 terminates proximally inextendable portion2012 and terminates distally inhousing2018 secured tokeyboard2008.Arm2006 has adjustablybendable portion2020 and adjustablyextendable portion2022.Bendable portion2020, shown in a bent position, terminates proximally in anextendable portion2022 and terminates distally in ahousing2024, which is secured todisplay2010. Inverted U-shapewearable computer2002 further comprises backportion2026 disposed betweenextendable portions2012 and2022, andcable2028.Cable2028 is connected tocomputer electronics housing2030, which houses computer electronic parts and power source (not shown). For example,housing2030 may house a power source, CPU, hard drive, disk drive, RAM, network card, video card, sound card, wireless transmitter, modem, ports, connectors fordisplay2010 andkeyboard2008, and other electrical connectors, card slots, and other computer hardware.Cable2028 is preferably connected tohousing2030 through retractablespool cord assembly2032.Housing2030 can also include fan and other heat dissipating mechanism.Display2010 can function as a standard display monitor for computers, a display for tablet-PC, and the like.
• Preferred embodiment for the extendable and flexible portions of the Inverted U-shape wearable computer will be described in detail.FIG. 41 showswearable computer2000 that includesextendable portion2012, illustrated by an accordion tube, which remains in a compressed position by tooth2034 ofclasp assembly2014. A preferred embodiment also includes an adjustably extendable spinal portion, which functions as a human spine configuration.Extendable accordion tube2012 may be extended from the compressed position by liftingarm2036 connected to tooth2034 ofclasp assembly2014.Accordion portion2012 may be axially compressed from an extended position to a compressed position and held in place by a stop mechanism, illustrated herein byclasp assembly2014.Accordion portion2012 can be made of any material, but is preferably made with a polymer, rubber, or metal, most preferably with a polymer such as silicone or a combination polymer and rubber. Wearable invertedU-shape computer2000 also includesflexible portion2016, which can be extendable, but preferably has only bendable and flexible characteristics, and is sturdy enough to provide stable support forkeyboard2008. For example,flexible portion2016 may include a flexible metallic gooseneck portion, such as for example, one manufactured by Littlite Company of Hamburg, Mich., 48139, USA, and a variety of memory shape alloys, with saidflexible portion2016 being made of material that has memory and can support about 500 to 600 grams of weight.
• Flexible portion2016 terminates inhousing2018 atrotating wheel2038, with part ofportion2016 running directly adjacent tokeyboard2008.Extendable accordion portion2012 terminates inupper portion2040, which connectsarm2004 toarm2006. Upper portion preferably hasplate2042, withplate2042 resting against the neck of the user.Plate2042 is preferably is made of a flexible material which can conform to the shape of the user's neck, like polymer or rubber, and has two functions: (1) to distribute the weight and increase the surface area resting on the neck and thus reduce localized pressure which can more easily activate pain fibers, (2) increase resistance to motion of the cord of the pulley system of the invention during use of thewearable computer2000 and typing onkeyboard2008.
• Upper portion2040 is preferably non-extendable and houseselectrical connector2046 to connect to a conventional ear bud assembly and amicrophone2048. It is understood that upper portion can also have two connectors for ear buds (not shown) on right and left side ofupper portion2040, and pockets on each side, and a speaker. It is also understood thatupper portion2040 can be entirely comprised of an accordion tube for extending the length of wearable computer of the invention.Upper portion2040 terminates in a secondextendable accordion portion2022, which is shown in an extended position, and has essentially the same characteristics ofextendable portion2012.Extendable accordion portion2022 hasclasp assembly2050 andtooth2054, which is shown in the full open position illustrated byarrow2056, allowingaccordion portion2022 to be fully extended.Accordion portion2022 terminates inflexible portion2020, which has essentially the same characteristics asflexible portion2016.Flexible portion2020 terminates inhousing2052, which is similar tohousing2018.Housing2052 is connected to display2010.Wiring2070 for electrically connecting the various parts of the wearable computer, including keyboard, display, microphone, speakers and the like, is preferably housed inside invertedU-shape structure2001. Preferably, the maximum dimension of invertedU-shape structure2001 is equal to or less than 4.0 cm in diameter, more preferably equal to or less than 3.5 cm, and most preferably equal to or less than 2.5 cm. Preferably,keyboard2008 is removably connected to computerelectronic housing2030 throughcable2028.
• During use, the wearer uses a stop mechanism to changewearable computer2000 from a compact format, which is anatomically fit to an extended format for use. An exemplary stop mechanism includesclasp assembly2014. By lifting tooth2034,portion2012 can be extended. The keyboard is then rotated from a vertical position to a horizontal position usingrotating wheel2038.Flexible gooseneck portion2016 is then adjusted to position keyboard at a proper angle and height. Essentially the same steps apply to the opposite side forpositioning display2010 in line with the eyes. After proper positioning, inverted U-shapewearable computer2000 is activated by pushing an on switch, preferably located in the computerelectronic housing2030.
• It will be understood that an accordion portion or spinal portion with memory and elongation capabilities can be used without the need for a gooseneck portion. Accordingly,FIG. 42A shows compressed adjustably extendable portions, illustrated herein asaccordion portions2058 and2060.Accordion portion2058 is connected to display2064, andaccordion portion2060 is connected tokeyboard2062, which in turn is further connected to computerelectronic housing2066.FIG. 42B illustratesextendable accordion portion2058 in an extended and bent position, andextendable accordion portion2060 extended for use.Accordion portions2058 and2060 can be covered by tubular cover of vinyl, rubber, silicone, or the like for enhancing comfort.
• Although the extendable portion of the wearable computer according to the invention can use an accordion tube for compressing and extending, other extendable means can be used.FIGS. 43A to43H show a plurality of exemplary embodiments illustrating the extendable portion of InvertedU-shape computer2000.FIG. 43A shows a telescopic orantenna assembly2068 in closed position, whileFIG. 43B showstelescopic assembly2068 in extended position.FIG. 43C shows a tooth-groove assembly2070 comprisingplates2072 and2074 in a partially extended position.Plate2072 slides on top ofplate2074 withtooth2076 being retained bygroove2078, using forward and rearward motions.FIG. 43D showsspring assembly2080, with the spring kept in compressed position byclasp assembly2082. Whenclasp assembly2082 is released,spring2081 is released, extending the arm.FIG. 43E shows articulatedarm assembly2084, partially extended and connected to display2049.FIG. 43F shows sliding plate assembly2086, comprisingplates2088 and pins2090, in a partially extended position.Plates2088 are stacked on top of each other, and when pulled, the top plate is released increasing the length of assembly2086.FIG. 43G shows a spinal assembly including ball articulated assembly in three positions:compressed position2094; extendedposition2096; and extended andbent position2098.FIG. 43H shows a cut way view ofassembly2098.
• As can be observed from FIGS.43A-H, some extendable assemblies can function as both extendable and flexible assemblies. It will be understood that wire(s) housed inside the extendable portion is(are) adapted to extend in accordance to the configuration of the housing. For example, an accordion tube houses a wire that has an accordion configuration.
• A clasp assembly allows adjusting keyboard and display to different heights in accordance to the needs of the user.FIG. 44A illustratestooth2102 ofclasp assembly2100 holdingextendable accordion portion2104 in compressed position.FIG. 44B showsaccordion portion2104 in a partially extended position.FIG. 44C shows self-adjustingclasp assembly2106 with elongation capabilities and having slidingarms2108 and2110 in extended position, withtooth2112 holdingaccordion portion2104 in a compressed position.FIG. 44D showsaccordion portion2104 partially extended witharm2108 partially overlappingarm2110. The clasp assembly has an arm that preferably functions as a cantilever.
• FIGS. 45A and 45B shows illustrations of different height of keyboard provided by the clasp assembly ofFIGS. 44A to44D.FIG. 45A shows a user wearing invertedU-shape computer2000 withextendable portion2012 in partially extended position, which positionskeyboard2008 at the level ofupper abdomen2112.Arrow2122 illustrates the downward motion that can occur when typing, and considering the pulley system of the invention, there is an increase in tension in the cord of thearm2004 secured to thekeyboard2008 which can lead to acceleration and motion in the opposite cord holding thedisplay2010. To minimize any motion ofdisplay2010 during typing,cable2116—connected tocomputer electronics housing2030—is preferably secured toconnector2120, therefore counteracting the potential increased tension in the opposite cord during typing.Arrow2121 illustrated the increase in tension in the display side by connectingarm2006 tocomputer electronics housing2030. In this embodiment, wire from display2101 and wire fromkeyboard2008 inside U-shape tube structure terminates atconnector2120. Computer electronics housing2030 (shown in broken lines) can be retained bypocket2119 of a jacket, as illustrated in the figure, or in some other convenient manner, such as in a purse, back-pack, clipped to a belt, and the like.
• FIG. 45B shows a preferred embodiment of the wearable computer of the invention when worn by a user (shown in phantom lines) in full extended position.Accordion portion2012 is fully extended and stopmechanism2114 is fully opened.Flexible gooseneck arm2016 holdskeyboard2008 in a stable position for typing at the waist level.Display2010 is held within visual field of the eyes of the user. Connectingcable2116 removably connectscomputer electronics housing2030 to aconnector2120 located at the end offlexible portion2020 connected to display2010. It is understood thatelectronics housing2030 is not needed for the invention. All the computer components can be disposed in the keyboard and display, with the weight preferably divided in a similar manner between the keyboard and the display.
• The invention also teaches a method for typing on a keyboard with both hands while laying on a supine position. Since the method and device of the present invention allows positioning the keyboard and display in any angle and position, the wearable computer can be used with the body in any position, including laying down.FIG. 46 showswearable computer2000, worn by a user who is laying down and typing. It includes the parts already described such askeyboard2008,display2010, invertedU-shape structure2002,flexible portions2016 and2020, andcomputer electronics housing2030.Flexible portions2016 and2020 can be twisted to aimkeyboard2008 anddisplay2010 in any direction and to be placed in the desired anatomic position.Display2010 is shown close to the face of the user for illustrative purposes to show the display in line with the eyes while the keyboard is held in a position that is harmony with the anatomy of the hands and elbow for typing.Cable2130 removably connectscomputer housing2030 tokeyboard2008 throughelectrical connector2132.Computer housing2030 is held at waist level by clipping it to the pants of the user, and DVD player/writer2134, resting on the floor, is removably connected to computer housing throughcable2136.
• While not in use, the extendable portions of thewearable computer2000 are compressed and the display and keyboard are held in a vertical position to fit with the anatomy of the body. During use, the system is extended and the display and keyboard are moved from a vertical to a horizontal position.
• FIG. 47 shows invertedU-shape computer2000 worn by a user with the extendable portions fully compressed for carrying the device and also disconnected fromcomputer housing2118. When fully compressed, in accordance to the invention,wearable computer2000 is barely visible under a regular jacket, with only part of thedisplay2010 andkeyboard2008 being noticeable. Special pockets in the jacket can retain thecomputer2000 and not be noticeable to an external observer.
• FIG. 48 shows in more detail rotatingwheel assembly2124, which connectsflexible gooseneck portion2126 tokeyboard2008.Wheel assembly2124 functions as a cogwheel, and has 360 degree angle rotation illustrated byarrow2128. A similar rotating wheel assembly can connect an arm of the system to the display on the opposite side. The rotating wheel assembly can be replaced by a ball assembly for rotation in more than one axis.FIG. 48A showskeyboard2008 in two positions relative toflexible portion2126 caused by the rotation ofwheel assembly2124. Flexible portion2126 (shown in broken down lines) runs underneathkeyboard2008. Thus, rotatingwheel assembly2124 allows movingkeyboard2008 from a vertical position (in phantom lines), which is anatomically fit, to a horizontal position for use.
• The wearable computer according to the invention can be converted into a table-top configuration.FIG. 49 showswearable computer2000 in a tabletop configuration, with extendable portions fully extended, and slidingclasp assembly2106 ofFIG. 44C being used as support structure to give more stability to the extendable portions.U-shaped structure2002 is adapted to turn into a helical configuration for a table top embodiment of the wearable computer of the invention.
• FIGS. 50A and 50B shows an embodiment of the principles of the invention, exemplified by shoulder holsterwearable computer2150, whose weight is distributed between the right and left side of the torso and shoulders as well as the back, bycord2153, which runs continuously from right to left side.Cord2153 hasarms2152 and2154, withkeyboard2008 anddisplay2010 disposed at the end of each arm.FIG. 50A shows the front side of theshoulder holster computer2150, including right and leftstraps2156 and2158 and right and leftpockets2160 and2162, withrespective slots2164 and2166.Flexible arm2152 frompocket2160 is shown uncoiled and holdingkeyboard2008 and oppositeflexible arm2154 frompocket2162 is shown uncoiled and holdingdisplay2010. Arrows J1 and J2 represent the equally distributed tension inarms2152 and2154.
• FIG. 50B shows the back side of holsterwearable computer2150.Straps2168 and2170 are secured topockets2160 and2162 respectively.Strap2168 is connected to strap2170 byhorizontal strap portion2172, which hasadjustable buckle area2174.Wire portion2176 runs continuously thoughtstraps2168,2172, and2170 and terminates inwire portion2178 insidepocket2160 and terminates inwire portion2180 insidepocket2162 at the keyboard end.Wires2176,2178, and2180, and any other wire in clothing, hats, and the like, are preferably of the ribbon type, which are flexible and can be more easily stored in a rolled position. Accordingly,wire portions2178 and2180 have preferably rolled-upportions2182 and2184, which can be extended or rolled back for fitting user of different sizes.Wire2176 also has a rolled-upportion2186 inadjustable buckle area2174, for adjusting size. It is understood that to better distribute weight, a power source for example can be housed in the back in theadjustable buckle area2174. This allows distribution of the weight to a different anatomic area, which is the back, although it is understood that the weight can also be distributed to the waist area, with the power source being clipped to a belt. Remaining parts and structure ofwearable computer2150 will be described inFIG. 50C.
• FIG. 50C shows a schematic illustration ofshoulder holster computer2150.Wire portion2180 terminates insidepocket2162 in flexible coiledgooseneck portion2188 withkeyboard2008 in its end.Wire portion2178 terminates insidepocket2160 atelectrical connector2190, which is removably connected withconnector2192 ofcomputer housing2030.Flexible gooseneck portion2194 terminates distally atdisplay2010, and terminates proximally inwire portion2198 in supportingplate2196 insidepocket2160.Wire portion2198 terminates in the upper end inflexible gooseneck portion2194 secured toplate2196. The opposite end ofwire portion2198 terminates inelectrical connection2200, which is removably connected toconnector2202 ofcomputer housing2030. Supportingplate2160 is attached to one of the walls ofpocket2160, and is preferably made of metal or hard plastic, and adapted to support about 650 grams of weight in a stable position.Pockets2160 and2162 andflexible gooseneck portions2188 and2194 inFIG. 45C are substantially identical to each other such that description of features of the display side herein applies to the keyboard side as well.
• FIG. 50D is a cut way side view ofpocket2162. Flexible andextendable portion2188, such as a metallic gooseneck, is in its original coiled position, preferably as a spiral for easy uncoiling and stability during use while remaining compact when stored inpocket2162.Keyboard2008 is shown in phantom lines on top of spiralextendable portion2188, allowing compact storage, withextendable portion2188 being secured toplate2160. The description of features of thepocket2162 herein applies to pocket2160 as well.FIG. 50E is a cut way front view ofpocket2162, showingkeyboard2008 resting on top of flexibleextendable portion2188, withportion2188 resting againstplate2160.
• Keyboard2008 is preferably a thin membrane-type keyboard, and of dimensions that allows fit with the anatomy of the upper body. The preferred weight for the keyboard and display are such that they do not activate pain fibers, as in accordance to previous descriptions. Preferred maximum dimensions for a non-foldable keyboard are 18 cm×11 cm×1.5 cm, more preferably 16 cm×10 cm×1.0 cm, and most preferably 15 cm×9 cm×0.7 cm.Keyboard2008 can have any number of keys, but preferably has from about 50 keys to about 84 keys. Adaptations can be made for keys with characters of other languages. The invention preferably uses a keyboard designed to be used with two hands, however, smaller keyboards, QWERTY-type keyboards, and non-QWERTY type keyboards can be used. Use of a foldable keyboard is also contemplated.Keyboard2008 may have numerical keys adapted to dial a number for phone communication.Keyboard2008 may also include a speaker, as well as electronics and wireless transmitters/receivers for wireless communications (including cellular telephone, radio, satellite, and internet communication). The components for wireless transmission can be also housed inhousing2030.
• Display2010 is preferably an active-matrix LCD display, and is adapted to have dimensions and weight similar tokeyboard2008.Keyboard2008 anddisplay2010 can be permanently secured or removably secured to invertedU-shape structure2001. Preferred maximum dimensions fordisplay2010 are 16 cm×10 cm×0.9 cm, more preferably 15 cm×9.0 cm×0.6 cm, and most preferably 14 cm×8.0 cm×0.5 cm. Preferably,display2010 has the same dimensions askeyboard2008.Keyboard2008 can be replaced by a video game control system—for example—with the images of the video game being displayed indisplay2010.Keyboard2008 anddisplay2010 can also be wireless and communicate with other components of the wearable computer via Bluetooth communications protocols, for example.Keyboard2008 anddisplay2010 can also be foldable. It is understood that connection between the various components of the wearable computer of the invention can be wired or wireless.Display2010 can also have a camera for video- and photo-taking or a web-cam for transmission of images over the internet and by video telephone.
• A foldable keyboard integrated with a cellular phone (or any mobile phone, cordless phone, and satellite phone) can be used as part of the wearable computer of the invention. In this embodiment,keyboard2008 can be foldable and has a transceiver for transmitting voice and/or data.FIG. 51 shows foldable keyboard-telephone assembly2200, comprisingkeyboard body2202,numerical keypad2204 coupled to atransceiver2206, and a plurality of flexible printedcircuits2208.Keyboard body2202 has a plurality ofkeys2214, segmented into a plurality ofblocks2216, so that the blocks can be folded into stacks. Flexible printedcircuit2208 connects withdisplay2210 in thekeyboard body2202.Numerical keypad2204, coupled totransceiver2206 hasdisplay2210 positioned adjacent to and abovekeypad2204, withkeypad2204 being disposed at the end ofkeyboard body2202, and being used for telephone communications. When the blocks are in the folded position,numerical keypad2204 is the outer surface offoldable keyboard2200.Flexible circuit2208 is connected toelectrical connector2214 throughwire2216.Numerical phone keypad2204 communicates wirelessly throughtransceiver2206.FIG. 51A shows the foldable keyboard assembly in the folded position, with thekeypad2204 disposed at the front of theassembly2200.
• A variety of input devices can be incorporated into the wearable computer of the invention. For example, during professional use, a bar code reader, RF tag reader, and the like can be used, allowing increased productivity with immediate computing and analysis of data captured during use.
• Although, an illustrative example of the inverted U-shape and shoulder holster wearable computer has been described herein, it is understood that other configurations and other parts of the body can be used to support the computer by using a chest strap, a back strap, arm strap, and a belt around the waist, etc. without departing from the scope of the invention.
• It is understood that the wearable computer of the invention can be implemented using two parts, by integrating the components fromhousing2030 intokeyboard2008 anddisplay2010. For example, hard drive, CMOS, CPU, and RAM can be integrated in the keyboard module, while sound card, video card, network card, and power source may be integrated into the display module in the opposite side. A removable module housing, for example, a DVD player/writer can also be used and removably connected to keyboard module to expand the number of available electronic components.
• FIG. 52 showswearable CD player2230, comprising invertedU-shape structure2260 that includesextendable portion2232, disposed adjacent toCD player2234, and a second,portion2236. Preferably,portion2236 is substantially cylindrical in cross-section.Portion2236 is preferably non-extendable and terminates atarm2244, which in turn terminates athousing2238, which contains a power source, such asbattery2240.Extendable portion2232 has an accordion configuration, which remains in a compressed position bystop assembly2242.Extendable accordion tube2232 is preferably flexible and may be extended from the compressed position for handlingCD player2234 by liftingarm2044 ofstop assembly2242.
• Portion2236 includespouches2246 and2248 for housingelectrical jacks2250 and2252, andear buds2254 and2256.CD player2234 includesCD area2234aandflash card area2258a, for receivingflash card2258 or any other memory storage medium.Wire2262 is disposed on or withinstructure2260 and connectsCD player2234 withpower source2240.
• FIG. 53 shows a wearable DVD player according to the invention.Wearable DVD player2270 is worn byuser2272 and comprises invertedU-shape structure2280. Inverted U-shape structure (which, as in other wearable device according to the invention and described herein, can be of various shapes, provided that it has at least two arms disposed on either side of the user's neck) includesarms2282 and2284 havingextendable portions2274 and2276.Portions2274 and2276 are connected bycentral part2278, which is preferably non-extendable. The remaining portions ofstructure2280 are essentially similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 41.Arm2284 is connected to display2288 (or any suitable screen) andarm2282 is connected to DVD player2286 (or any other disc player or memory card player), withplayer2286 being further connected bycable2292 topower source2290 held preferably at the waist level.
• FIG. 54 shows detachablewearable telephone2300, illustrated as aslim type phone2306.Wearable telephone2300 comprises an invertedU-shape structure2294 that includesarms2296 and2298, witharm2296 havingextendable portion2302 disposed adjacent to amechanical holder2304.Mechanical holder2304 preferably has a claw configuration for removably retainingphone2306, such as a cellular telephone or cordless telephone.Tooth2308 ofclaw2304 slides on top ofwheel assembly2310 ofcellular phone2306 for securingphone2306 tostructure2294.Speaker phone2312 is disposed adjacent toholder2304.Microphone2314 is disposed diametrically opposed tospeaker phone2312, providing an ideal fit with the anatomy of the body for hearing and voice when usingwearable telephone2300 as seen inFIGS. 57A and 57B.
• Wheel assembly2310 is in electrical contact with a circuit ofphone2306 throughwire2322.Holder2304 is electrically connected tohousing2316 throughwire2318. Housing,2316houses power source2314 andelectrical pads2320, allowingbattery2314 to provide power tophone2306. Although the illustration shows a detachable telephone, it is understood that a telephone permanently fixed into the system is also contemplated. In such an embodiment,phone2306 is affixed permanently toholder2304, and InvertedU-shape telephone2294 works as a hand set. It is stored in a cradle for recharging (not shown), withelectrical pads2320 being adapted to contact pads in the cradle for rechargingtelephone2306.Telephone2306 can be a conventional cordless telephone or a cellular telephone. It will be understood thatholder2304 can have a standard electrical connector for connecting, preferably by cable, with standard connector ofphone2306, thereby closing a circuit and providing power frombattery2314 tophone2306. Therefore, any standard phone can benefit from the extra battery provided bystructure2294.
• FIG. 54A shows the detachable phone ofFIG. 54, with invertedU-shape structure2326 having no wiring and functioning as a support structure only, without a power source andholder2324 having no electrical wiring and working as a mechanical holder. Other features, including extendable portion ofstructure2326, are essentially similar to embodiment ofFIG. 54.
• FIG. 54B shows adetachable phone2338, which includes invertedU-shape structure2340 comprised entirely of an accordion configuration, and shown in its compressed state, thereby being compact and allowing for easy storage. The dimensions of fully compressedstructure2340 are similar to or slightly larger than dimensions ofphone2306.
• FIG. 55 shows inverted U-shape support structure2350, comprisingextendable portion2342 withstop assembly2360.Portion2342 terminates atholder2344, withholder2344 preferably havingcavity2346 andmoveable claws2348 for retaining an electronic package such as a cellular phone, digital music player, digital video player and the like. Structure2350 haspocket2352 disposed adjacent toextendable portion2342, preferably for storingear bud2358. Structure2350 terminates at its opposite end inhousing2354 for storing anextra battery2356. In this embodiment, structure2350 does not have electrical wiring or electrical connectors.Holder2344 preferably has a spring loaded assembly to allowing easier release of the electronic package removably retained byclaws2348. Referring toFIG. 55B,holder2344 is preferably positioned at a 45 degree angle in relation to the shoulder plane, providing an anatomic fit betweenmicrophone2366 and the user's mouth (not shown), withmicrophone2366 optimally receiving sound from the mouth. It will be understood thatholder2344 can havehinge2362 for changing the relative angle of supporting plate2370, as shown inFIG. 55B. When the user wants to dial, stopassembly2360 fromFIG. 55 is released andportion2342 extended, placingholder2344 in line with the user's eyes. It is understood that adjustably extendable portion can function as a retractable, including spring loaded, which retracts to resting (compact) position after use. For example, after using the dial pad to dial a phone number, the extendable portion returns to its compact position.
• FIG. 55C shows an embodiment of the inverted U-shape structure ofFIG. 55, but without an extendable portion. In this embodiment,holder2344 hasextendable cord2345 that terminates inplate2347.Plate2347 has a means for being removably connected to an electronics package. Such means could include Velcro, a clip, adhesive tape, etc.Extendable cord2345 can include a spring loadedspool assembly2351. Alternatively,cord2345 can be comprised of a non-spring loaded retractable coiled cord. When using a retractable coiled cord with no spring mechanism for retainingcord2345 in place, as shown inFIG. 55D,holder2344 preferably hasarms2353 for retaining the electronics package, a spring not shown), and release button (not shown). Any electronics package, including the ones described inFIG. 58, can be secured toplate2347. Alternatively,arm2372, terminating inholder2344, may have an increased length to allow viewing ofholder2344 and for example dialing a phone or viewing a video in a digital video player. Oppositearm2374 may also be of increased length to match dimensions and provide balance and similar tension in both arms. In this embodiment,holder2344 does not require an extendable cord orplate2347.
• FIG. 56 shows a C-shapetubular support structure2380 worn by user2382 (shown in phantom lines). It includesextendable portion2384, which terminates on the right side in anon-extendable portion2386, and on the left side terminating innon-extendable portion2388.Case2390 is adapted to receiveelectronic package2400, such as a cellular telephone, and is disposed onportion2386.Case2390 is preferably foldable, and positioned preferably at a 45 degree angle in relation to the shoulder plane.Case2390 has opening2398 for receivingphone2400.Case2390 further includesopening2402 for receivingplug2396, which releasably connects withear bud connector2410 inphone2400.Case2390 further includesopening2404 for receivingantenna2412.Wire2392 is disposed on orinside portion2386, terminating inear bud2394, shown on the ear of the user, while the opposite end ofwire2392 terminates inelectrical plug2396, which is preferably disposed insidecase2390.Right portion2386 preferably haspocket2414 for storingear bud2394, and leftportion2388 preferably hasstorage area2406 for storing anextra battery2408.
• FIG. 56A shows a modified embodiment of the structure ofFIG. 56, worn by user2382 (shown in phantom lines).Structure2420 hasportions2422 and2424 removably connected by amechanical connector2426 preferably using female-male assembly.Portion2422, illustrated as the left portion preferably extends around an arc at least 180 degrees, whileportion2424 is preferably straight and measures no more than 15 cm in length, when fully unfolded.Portion2424 includescase2390, shown in a folded position and retainingphone2400. On the opposite side ofcase2390portion2424 haswheel assembly2426 andclasp2428 for securingportion2424 to a belt for example, allowingcase2390 to function as a shoulder supported structure or a waist supported structure. It is understood that a non-foldable case, preferably rectangular in shape, for retaining essentially rectangular phones, can also be used as a substitute forfoldable case2390.
• FIG. 57A andFIG. 57B shows the embodiments ofFIG. 54 to56A, and more specifically embodiments ofFIGS. 56 and 56A, when worn by a user.FIG. 57A showsuser2432 wearingwearable telephone2340, comprising a C-shape structure that includesextendable portion2344, which is shown in a compressed position and a case retaining anelectronics package2346, illustrated as a foldable phone. Case andphone2346 are anatomically positioned onshoulder2348, adjacent tomouth2352 andear2354. Oppositearm2356 terminates inhousing2358, storing extra battery and/or ear buds, thereby equilibrating tension in the right and left portions.FIG. 57B shows case andphone2346 ofFIG. 57A in the unfolded position at 45 degree angle, when worn by a user.Microphone2360 ofphone2346 is positioned in anatomical proximity for receiving sound from themouth2352 whilespeaker2362 is in an optimal anatomical position relative toear2354. An ear bud (not shown) requires only a short cable due to the anatomical fit.FIG. 57C shows a life-like view ofwearable telephone2340 when worn by a user, with the phone2346 (NEED correct number in figure to point to phone) at an angle for optimal anatomic fit with hearing and voice while the hands are free.
• It is understood that a variety of electronic devices may be removably or permanently mounted as a anatomically fit wearable electronic article in accordance with the teachings of this invention.FIG. 58 shows a plurality of electronic devices that can permanently affixed towearable support structure2380 as one physical unit, or can be removably connected withsupport structure2380, with the aim to achieve the anatomic criteria described herein.Structure2380 includespockets2409 and2411 for housing electrical connectors,right arm2401 and leftarm2400.Right arm2401 hasextendable portion2403 andflexible portion2405.Left arm2400 terminates athousing2395.Flexible portion2405 terminates atholder2402, which preferably is removably connected with electronic devices. Alternatively,holder2402 may be permanently connected with electronic devices. Illustrated electronic devices includeportable video game2382,music player2384,GPS2386,video player2388,digital book2390, personal digital assistant (PDA)2392, monitoring device2394 (including devices for monitoring any biological parameter of the body),communication device2396,imaging device2397, andsound device2399. Preferably, electronic devices are connected to structure2380, and further electrically connected tohousing2395, located inopposite arm2400, which housespower source2398. Alternatively, electronic devices are only mechanically secured to structure2400 bymechanical holder2402. Electronic devices have means to connect toholder2402, preferably using a male-female assembly with electronic devices or by using any of the other embodiments of the present invention with structures for holding electronic devices.
• As used in connection with this figure, and elsewhere in this application, the term “video player” includes, but is not limited to, conventional televisions, digital video players, digital broadcast televisions, and the like. The term “music player” includes cassette players, CD players, and, preferably, digital music players. The term “PDA” includes any hand-held computer. “Monitoring device” includes any medical device such as a glucose monitoring device. “Communication device” includes any radio, telephone, wireless receiver for internet content, wireless receiver for satellite signal, and any wireless transceiver, wireless receiver, wireless transmitter, two-away radio, and other communications device with or without imaging. “Imaging device” includes any video camera, photo camera, digital, binoculars, and the like. “Sound device” includes conventional microphone, wireless microphone, sound recorder, and the like.
• Housing2395 can retain a single power source or a combination of electronics and power source. By way of illustration,housing2395 can retain in a permanent or releasable manner a wireless transmitter. It will be understood thatholder2402 can be replaced by plate2406 (shown in phantom lines) for retaining the electronic devices, using Velcro, clips, or other retention means.Structure2380 can further includepockets2411 and2409 for storing ear bud assemblies and a housing for housing a power source (not shown). It will be understood that a combination of electronic and electrical articles can be used. Many other uses and applications will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the electronic device can bePDA2392, andhousing2395 can house a pedometer which is electrically connected withPDA2392. The user can exercise withstructure2380 around the shoulder and neck, and then information from pedometer or exercise monitoring device inhousing2395 is captured and fed intoPDA2392, adapted with software to provide feed back information to the user in real time. For instance, ifPDA2392 detects a problem with the exercise routine, the PDA can alert the user, and can provided an image of the steps needed to correct the problem. The user then can extend the extendable portion and view the display of the PDA and see step by step how to perform the exercise routine. The user can keep the arm extended during the whole exercise and view the steps while exercising. A voice system can also be used and tell the user to change the step or exercise routine. If exercising outside, the PDA orhousing2395 can have a wireless receiver for receiving information such as the weather conditions or even a message.Housing2395 can include controls and buttons beside power source, while the opposite arm terminates in a television.Housing2395 can include a wireless receiver for images and video conferencing, with the opposite arm holding a display and camera.
• FIG. 59 showswearable video game2420 comprising invertedU-shape structure2430, which in turn comprisesright arms2422 and leftarm2424, connected bycentral portion2426.Left arm2424 hasextendable portion2428 andflexible portion2430.Flexible portion2430 haselectrical connector2432 and terminates inmechanical male holder2434.Electrical connector2432 is removably connected tocable2452 ofgame control2454.Right arm2422 hasextendable portion2436, andflexible portion2438.Flexible portion2438 haselectrical connectors2440 and2442.Connector2440 is disposed at the end ofportion2438 jointly withmechanical holder2444, and is removably connected todisplay2446.Electrical connector2442 is preferably disposed at the right side ofportion2438 and is removably connected tocable2448 ofelectronic box2450.Wire2426 is disposed on or withinstructure2430, and connectsgame control2454 viacable2452 andconnector2432 toelectrical connector2442, with saidconnector2442 being connected toelectronic box2450. A wire is disposed on or withinportion2438, and connectsdisplay2446 toelectrical connector2442.Electrical connector2442 connects bothdisplay2446 andgame control2454 toelectronic box2450 viacable2448 for operation of the system and power supply.Box2450 preferably includes central processing unit/co-processor2460, disc drive2462 (or any drive or system to read a memory medium), andmemory area2464, in addition to apower source2466.Structure2430 includespockets2468 and2470 for separate ear buds, or alternatively onejack2472 for removably connecting an ear bud assembly.Single jack2472 is included to allow the use of prior art ear bud assemblies which have a single plug for two ear buds.
• It is understood that any wearable article of the present invention can have one single jack, as provided by devices of prior art, in order to allow use of ear bud assemblies of the prior art in the electronic wearable articles of the present invention.
• FIG. 60 is a modified embodiment of the video game ofFIG. 59 and includesstructure2430, having only oneelectrical connector2474 inright arm2476, which is removably connected todisplay2478.Structure2430 also haselectrical connector2480 inleft arm2482.Connector2480 is removably connected togame controller2484. In this embodiment the electronic box is eliminated, and the electronics and power source are distributed evenly betweencontroller2484 anddisplay2478 so that each has a similar weight.Display2478 preferably housespower source2486, andcontroller2484, preferably housesdisc reader2488, as well CPU/co-processor2490, memory and other circuits (not shown).Controller2484 receives and readsdisc2490, being operationally connected withdisplay2478 andpower source2486 throughconnectors2474 and2480 andwire2492.
• The present invention teaches methods and devices that allow a plurality of hand held devices to be hands free. It is understood that the wearable electronic articles of the present invention can be operable from amotor vehicle 12 VDC cigarette plug accessory voltage or AC outlet through cords, and the electronic wearable articles can be charged when not in use. It is also understood that the communications between parts are preferably wired, but can also be wireless. It will also be understood that advances in the biological and electronic fields can be advantageously used in accordance to the invention. The invention teaches wearable electronic devices, which means the device is worn on the body and by being electronic requires electrical energy. Since the invention teaches such wearable electronic devices, and further considering that the human body is an electric circuit and that in order to take advantage of the electrical current in the body it is necessary to touch the body, the wearable electronics in the resting position by touching a large area of the body can be adapted to be recharge based during touching the body. Likewise the connecting arm between right and left arm by touching the body can work as an electrical circuit, and thus no wires connecting right and left arm are necessary.
• FIG. 61 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage cord according to the invention.Storage cord3000 comprisessleeves3001 and3002,ear buds3003 and3004, andelectronics package3005. As described previously in connection with other embodiments,electronics package3005 is electrically connected toear buds3003 and3004.Electronics package3005 is also optionally connected tostorage cord3000 using a retractable cord (not shown). Whenelectronics package3005 is moved from its position onstorage cord3000 so that it can be brought into the user's visual axis, it remains loosely attached tostorage cord3000 with the retractable cord. This facilitates replacement ofelectronics package3005 ontostorage cord3000. Preferably, movement ofelectronics package3005 relative tostorage cord3000 does not result in movement ofwires3006 and3007—connectingear buds3003 and3002—relative tostorage cord3000. That is,wires3006 and3007 are anchored ontostorage cord3000. Therefore, whenelectronics package3005 is moved (whether or not it is attached with a retractable cord), the ear buds will not be pulled from the user's ears.
• Sleeves3001 and3002 are preferably made of an elastomeric material—such as rubber or neoprene—so that they can be removably, but securely attached, to the temples of a pair of eyeglasses.Openings3008 and3009 are sized so that they will fit snugly onto eyeglass temples, and preferably will be from 2 mm to 15 mm in diameter, more preferably between 5 and 12 mm. In one preferred embodiment,storage cord3000 will be attached to a pair of eyeglasses. Alternatively, as will be described in more detail below,openings3008 and3009 can be attached to temple-like appendages located on other wearable articles, such as hats, or other objects, such as walls, or airline food trays.
• FIG. 62shows storage cord3000 ofFIG. 61 as it is about to be worn byuser3010.User3010 is wearingeyeglasses3011, which havetemple3012.Storage cord3000 is positioned so that opening3008 ofsleeve3002 is poised to slip over the end oftemple3012.
• FIG. 63shows storage cord3000 ofFIG. 61 being worn and used byuser3010.Sleeve3002 has been attached totemple3012, holdingstorage cord3000 in place behind the head ofuser3010.Ear bud3004 has been positioned overear3013, allowinguser3010 to hear sound transmitted fromelectronics package3005.
• FIG. 64 shows a planar view of a storage cord according to the invention.Storage cord3020 hassleeves3021 and3022, andear buds3023 and3024. Electronics package3025 (shown in this embodiment as an iPod) is releasably attached tostorage cord3020. The attachment is both mechanical and electrical. The mechanical attachment means in this embodiment is velcro (not shown), which is positioned onstorage cord3020 underneathelectronics package3025.Electronics package3025 is further mechanically and releasably attached tostorage cord3020 withattachment frame3026.Attachment frame3026 is made of hard material, preferably a hard plastic, and is sized so thatelectronics package3025 can slip inside of it, with the top edges ofattachment frame3026 slightly overlapping the edges ofelectronics package3025 and holding it in place.Electronics package3025 is electrically attached tostorage cord3020 by means of a retractable cord (not shown). The retractable cord is held inpocket3027, preferably on a spool (not shown).Ear buds3023 and3024 are electrically connected toelectronics package3025 using wires (not shown) which converge insidepocket3027.
• FIG. 65 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage cord according to the invention.Storage cord3030 comprisessleeves3031 and3032,ear buds3033 and3034, andelectronics package3035.Storage cord3030 further comprises storage pockets3036 and3037, which are used for storingear buds3033 and3034. It will be understood thatsleeves3031 and3032 need not be made of the same material asmain body3038 ofstorage cord3030, though they can be. For example,main body3038 might be made of leather, whilesleeves3031 and3032 could be made of neoprene.
• FIG. 66 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage cord according to the invention. In this embodiment,storage cord3040 is made of two materials.Sleeves3041 and3042 are made of a elastomeric material, such as neoprene or rubber.Main body3043 is made of metal, which gives storage cord3040 a more formal appearance, making it suitable for use while wearing formal attire. Ear buds3044 and3045—which are electrically connected with electronics package3048—are retained in spools3046 and3047, which are permanently attached tostorage cord3040, preferably partially onsleeves3041 and3042 and partially onmain body3043. It will be understood that in this embodiment, as in other embodiments, the ear buds may be connected to the storage cord with articulated arms, rather than wires.
• FIG. 67 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage cord according to the invention. Like the embodiment ofFIG. 66,storage cord3050 is made of two materials.Sleeves3051 and3052—made of an elastomeric material—andmain body3053—made of metal—are joined by joiningpieces3054 and3055. Articulatedarms3056 and3057 are electrically connected toelectronics package3058. Ear buds3059 and3060 are removably, electrically connected to articulatedarms3056 and3057. Thus, when not in use, the ear buds can be removed from the storage cord, and therefore be kept out of sight.
• FIG. 68 shows the construction of a portion of a storage cord according to the invention.Storage cord3061 is made of a single piece ofneoprene3062.Sleeves3063 and3064 are made by sewing together the edges ofneoprene3062 withstitches3065.Electronics package3066 is secured on the portion ofneoprene3062 which is not sewn together. Thus, stitches3065 andelectronics package3066 are on the same side ofneoprene3062. Therefore, whenstorage cord3061 is worn by a user, bothelectronics package3066 and stitches3065 face away from the user's skin, minimizing any discomfort felt by the user.Storage cord3061 does not show any ear buds.
• FIG. 69 shows a portion of the storage cord ofFIG. 68.Ear bud3067 is electrically connected toelectronics package3066 bywire3069.Ear bud3067 is stored by pushing it partially insidehollow sleeve3063.Microphone3068 is connected towire3069, so that whenear bud3067 is placed in the user's ear,microphone3068 can pick up the user's voice and transmit it to electronics package3066 (in this case, a cell phone).
• FIG. 70 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage cord according to the invention. In this embodiment, the electronics package (not shown) is secured in pocket3070 ofstorage cord3071. Pocket3070 is closed byflap3072, which is secured bybuttons3073 and3074. Once the electronics package is placed into pocket3070, it is electrically connected toear buds3075 and3076 bywires3077 and3078.Wires3077 and3078 run fromear buds3075 and3076 throughspool3079, where they are electrically connected towire3080.Wire3080 runs fromspool3079 throughelectrical connector3081, which is connected to the electronics package.Storage cord3071 may be connected to a pair of eyeglasses (or temple-like connectors) usingsleeves3082 and3083.
• FIG. 71 shows an embodiment of a storage cord according to the invention which is similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 70. The difference is thatstorage cord3084 is attached to a wearable article by attachingsnaps3085 and3086 to complementary snaps on the wearable article. The wearable article might be, for instance, a hat, or a jacket. Alternatively, snaps3085 and3086 can be attached to complementary snaps on another article, such as airline tray, or a wall. In this embodiment,storage cord3084 does not have sleeves for attaching to a pair of eyeglasses.
• FIG. 72 shows a schematic diagram for a storage frame according to the invention.Storage frame3090 comprisesstructure3091 andspool holder3097.Spool3092 is located insidespool holder3097, and holdswire3093.Wire3093 terminates inconnector3094, which is adapted to connect to an electronics package (not shown).Connector3094 can be either an electrical connector or simply a mechanical connector.Spool3092 can also hold wires connected to ear buds.Structure3090 is shaped to receive an electronics package, with the top edges of the electronics package sliding underrims3095.Electrical connector3094 plugs into an electronics package.Stabilization pin3096 is adapted to fit into a hole in the electronics package, and helps stabilize the electronics package instructure3090. In one embodiment, shown inFIG. 73a, the electronics package is electrically connected to ear buds (not shown) throughspool3092. In another embodiment, the connection is only mechanical, with sound or data being transmitted wirelessly from the electronics package.
• Storage frame3090 is attached to a storage cord according to the invention. When the user wishes to look at the electronics package, he or she can slide it out ofstructure3091 and bring it within his or her sight, withwire3093 being extended fromspool3092 to maintain contact with the electronics package. Whenspool3092 retracts, it pulls the electronics package back intostructure3091.
• This is illustrated inFIG. 73a, in whichelectronics package3098 is electrically connected tostorage frame3090 throughconnector3094.Ear buds3099 and3100 are connected bywires3101 and3102 to printedcircuit board3103. A wire from printed circuit board tospool3092 allowsear buds3099 and3100 to be electrically connected toelectronics package3098, viawires3101 and3102, printedcircuit board3103,wire3104,spool3092,wire3093 andconnector3094.Stabilization pin3096 is inserted intocavity3105 ofelectronics package3098.
• FIG. 73bshows the embodiment ofFIG. 73a, except thatelectronics package3098 has been pulled out ofstorage frame3090. Aselectronics package3098 is pulled away fromstorage frame3090,wire3193 is pulled out fromspool3092. However, becausewires3101 and3102 are anchored by printedcircuit board3103,ear buds3099 and3100 are not pulled from the user's ears.
• FIG. 74ashows an alternative embodiment of a storage frame according to the invention. In this embodiment,electronics package3106 is electrically and mechanically connected tostorage frame3107 byconnector3108.Connector3108 is connected toear buds3109 and3110 via coiledwire3113, printedcircuit board3114, andwires3111 and3112.
• Whenelectronics package3106 is pulled away fromstorage frame3107, as shown inFIG. 74b, coiledwire3113 uncoils (extends). However, printedcircuit board3114 anchorswires3111 and3112, so that they do not pull awayear buds3109 and3110 from the user's ears.
• When an electronics package is pulled away from a storage cord according to the invention, tension can be placed on the retractable wire connecting it to the storage cord. This means there is a risk that the retractable wire might pull the connector plug out of the electronics package. Therefore, it will be helpful to have a means for securing the connector in the electronics package.FIG. 75ashows connector stabilizer3115, which is cross-shaped, and hasclip3116 for securingconnector pin3117 from a storage cord according to the invention.Arms3118,3119,3120, and3121 ofstabilizer3115 are secured to the sides of electronics package. This is illustrated inFIG. 75b, where the edge ofelectronics package3122 is secured byarm3123. In one embodiment, the dimensions ofconnector stabilizer3115 can be varied so that it can be secured to electronics packages of varying dimensions. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the cross-shape ofconnector stabilizer3115 is only a preferred embodiment; other shapes are also possible, with the only requirement being that the device be securable to an electronics package and be capable of securing a connection pin.FIG. 75dshows more details of a clip which is part ofconnector stabilizer3125.Holder arms3116aembrace connector3126.
• FIG. 75cshowselectronics package3124 attached toconnector stabilizer3125, which securesconnector3126 toelectronics package3124.Connector3126 is attached tospool3127 bywire3128.Connector stabilizer3125 prevents the tension inwire3128 from pullingconnector3126 out ofelectronics package3124.
• An alternative embodiment of a connector stabilizer is shown inFIG. 76.FIG. 76 showsspool housing3129 andstructure3130.Spool3131 containswire3132, which is connected toconnector3133, which is shown plugged intoelectronics package3134. Stabilizingloop3135 is placed aroundconnector3133. Stabilizingloop3135, shown in more detail inFIG. 76a, has asmall hook3136, which is used to hook into loop3137 onelectronics package3134. When properly attached, stabilizingloop3135 and loop3137 will absorb the tension inwire3132, preventingconnector3133 from pulling out ofelectronics package3134. It will be understood that other means for stabilizing the connection between the connector and electronics package can be devised, and are within the scope of this invention.
• FIG. 77 shows an anatomically correctly shaped telephone according to another aspect of the invention.Telephone3138 can be either a cellular phone or an ordinary cordless phone.Body3139 is curved, so that it can conform to the shape of a user's head or body.Display3140 andkeypad3141 are located on the outer curved surface oftelephone3138.
• Typically, an anatomically fit device will have the following radii of curvature: 30 cm to 70 cm for head, preferably 50 to 70 cm, and 30 to 50 cm for neck.
• As shown inFIG. 78,telephone3138 can be slipped intocase3142, as shown byarrow3143.Case3142 haselectrical connector3144 located at one end. Astelephone3138 is inserted intocase3142,electrical connector3144 is inserted into femaleelectrical connector3145.Case3142 may be attached to a storage cord according to the invention. In that case,electrical connector3144 can be electrically connected to other accessories, such as ear buds.
• It will be understood that any electronic device, including but not limited to telephones, cameras, and music players, can be manufactured in an anatomically correct shape (i.e. shaped to fit the body).
• FIG. 79ashows a perspective view of a portion of storage cord according to the invention. Curveddigital music player3146, withdisplay3147 and controls3148, is removably attached tostorage cord3149 usingstructure3150 andspool holder3151.Spool holder3151 can have the same internal structure as described in connection withFIG. 72.
• FIGS. 79band79care a side view and a top view respectively of the storage cord ofFIG. 79a, showingstorage cord3149, curveddigital music player3146,structure3150, andspool holder3151.Digital music player3146 can be electrically connected toear buds3152 and3153 through the electrical connections (not shown) inspool holder3151.Storage cord3149 can be removably attached to a pair eyeglasses, for example, usingsleeves3154 and3155.
• FIGS. 80a,80b, and80cshow a perspective view, a side view, and a top view respectively, of another storage cord according to the invention. In this embodiment,curved telephone3156 is secured onstorage cord3157, usingstructure3158 andspool holder3159.Sleeves3160 and3161 may be used to securestorage cord3157 to a pair of eyeglasses (not shown) or other wearable article or object.Curved telephone3156 may be electrically connected toear buds3162 and3163 viawires3164 and3165, using spools, printed circuit boards, etc. (not shown).Microphone3166 is mechanically and electrically connected towire3165.
• FIGS. 81a,81b, and81cshows another embodiment of a connection stabilizer according to invention. While similar to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 75a-c,connection stabilizer3167 comprises a series ofarms3168,3169,3170,3171, and3172 which are used to wrap aroundelectronics package3173, as shown inFIG. 81b.Electrical connector3174 is secured toarm3172, and therefore held in place whenelectronics package3173 is extended using wire3175, as shown inFIG. 81c.
• FIG. 82 shows a side view of another embodiment of an anatomically fit electronics package according to the invention. In this embodiment,electronics package3176 comprisesseparate sections3177,3178,3179, and3180, which are hinged together. InFIG. 83,electronics package3176 is “bent,” withsections3177,3178,3179, and3180 hinging apart to create a curved-like, anatomically fit profile.
• FIG. 84 shows an anatomically fit, flip-style iPod-type digital music player.Digital music player3183 comprisessections3184 and3185, which are connected byhinge3186.Display screen3181 is found onsection3184, andcontrol mechanism3182 is found onsection3185.Sections3184 and3185 may be pivoted aroundhinge3186 to provide a compact electronics package.
• FIG. 85 shows another embodiment of a storage cord according to the invention. In this embodiment, the storage cord is secured to the user by means ofclip3187.FIG. 86 shows a variation on the storage cord ofFIG. 85, where the electronics package is secured to the storage cord with clamps. The clamps can be adjusted to fit different sized electronics packages. It will be understood that other means for securing the electronics package to the cord may also be used, as shown inFIGS. 87, 88, and89.
• FIG. 90 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage cord according to the invention. In this embodiment,sleeve3188 ofstorage cord3189 is attached to securingmeans3190, which is this case is attached toheadband3191. Securing means3190, preferably shaped like the end of an eyeglass temple, may be either permanently or removably attached toheadband3191. This embodiment is shown in connected form inFIG. 91.
• FIGS. 91aand91bshows top view and a side view of an attachable clip for use with a storage cord of the invention.Attachment appendage3192 is connected todome3193, which can optionally rotate aroundclip3195, as shown byarrow3194. Onceclip3195 has been attached to a wearable article, the sleeves of a storage cord according to the invention, may be attached toattachment appendage3192, securing the storage cord to the user.Attachment appendage3192 can also be extendable, as shown inFIG. 92. The clip may then be attached to a wearable article, such asheadband3196, as shown inFIG. 93.
• By rotating theattachment appendages3197 and3198 to face downwards, it would also be possible to attachstorage cord3199 so that it passed under the user's chin, rather than behind his or her neck. This is illustrated inFIG. 94.FIG. 95 shows howclips3200 may be attached toshirt3201, or other wearable article, to permit attachment of astorage cord3202 according to the invention.
• FIG. 96 shows a hair band for use with a storage cord according to the invention.Hair band3203 hasattachment appendages3204 and3205 at its ends.Attachment appendages3204 and3205 may be rotatable as illustrated byarrow3206.FIG. 97shows storage cord3207 attached tohead band3208.
• It is also possible to permanently attach attachment appendages to wearable articles, so as to make them compatible with storage cords having sleeves according to the invention. This is illustrated inFIG. 98, which showsbike helmet3209 having attachment appendage3210 (and a similar one, not shown, on the other side).Storage cord3211 can then be attached for use.
• Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 99, the storage cord of the invention can be permanently affixed to a wearable article, such ashelmet3212. The user can then pull outelectronics package3213 to look at it, and then replace it, with the assistance of the retractable cord (not shown).
• FIG. 100 illustrates several views of another embodiment of a storage cord according to the invention. In this embodiment,storage cord3214 is made of a more rigid material and is shaped to fit around the users neck or shoulders (or other body part). The ear buds may either be attached using wires or arms, as shown. In this embodiment, the storage cord may be used without attachment to another wearable article.FIG. 101 shows an system for securing attachment appendages around the user's ears, which might be useful if the user is not wearing a hat or shirt. Similarly, the ends of the storage cord may be shaped to fit around a user's ears, securing the storage cord to the user.
• FIG. 102 shows another embodiment of a storage cord according to the invention. In this embodiment, all elements ofstorage cord3215 are soft, maximizing the user's comfort.Electronics package3216 is stored inpocket3217, which can be either open (as shown in the figure) or sealable (with a zipper, or button, or other sealing mechanism).Retractable spool3218 is stored in sealedpocket3219, and is electronically connected withear buds3220 and3221 viawires3222 and3223.
• FIG. 103 illustrates anther useful embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment,storage cord3224 containsBluetooth receiver3225, which can receive signals from nearby, Bluetooth enabled devices, such as MP3 players or telephones.Bluetooth receiver3225 takes these signals and transmits them as sound to the user through the ear buds. This allows the user to keep multiple electronic devices close by (for example in jacket pocket or briefcase) and use them simultaneously. The user can determine which device will be transmitting sound to his or her ears by manipulating a simple button located on the receiver. In another embodiment, shown inFIG. 104, the Bluetooth receiver—or other receiver, like an AM or FM radio receiver—can be placed on the storage cord, in addition to another electronics package.FIG. 105 illustrates how the Bluetooth receiver on the storage cord can receive signals from multiple sources and transmit sounds from those sources to the user.
• FIG. 106 illustrates another embodiment of the storage cord according to the invention. In this embodiment,electronics package3226 may be controlled using infrared emitting remote control3227 (like a television remote control) which, when not in use, may be stored on the storage cord. The infrared receiver may be located on the electronics package (as shown) or, preferably, on a device attached to one of the ear bud wires. In this position, it will be easier to activate using the remote control.
• FIG. 107 shows a similar embodiment, except that there is no retractable cord, so that the electronics package must stay on the storage cord in order to remain connected to the ear buds; this means the only practical way to control it is with the remote control. This configuration minimizes the number of parts for the storage cord.
• FIG. 108 shows a remote control for use with the embodiments ofFIGS. 106 and 107. Because the remote control will be pointed towards the user when being used, the numbers are reversed from the usual pattern on the device, being “right side up” when the device is pointed at the user. Alternatively,IR emitter3228 can point along an axis perpendicular to the main axis of the device, so that when it is pointed up, the IR signal will be directed back towards the user.
• FIG. 109 shows a storage cord where the electronics package is permanently affixed. A charge port is provided to charge the electronics package.
• FIG. 110 shows another embodiment. In this embodiment, the electronics package is a telephone. However, the heaviest and bulkiest parts of the phone (eg. the battery and antenna) are permanently affixed to the storage cord. The parts of the phone which must be user accessible (e.g. dial pad and display) are kept on a small, removably attached device, which communicates with the rest of the system using Bluetooth protocols. This is similar to the system described in connection withFIG. 39.
• FIG. 111 shows and embodiment in which the storage cord contains no electronics package, but instead communicates throughwire3230 with another system, for example a phone system. In this embodiment, the storage cord functions simply as a headset.
• FIG. 112 shows an embodiment in which the electronics package generates a noise cancellation signal, to assist in providing the user with quiet in an otherwise noisy environment (for example on an airplane.) The signal may be transmitted to the ear buds either by wires or wirelessly.
• FIGS. 113 and 114 show storage cords according to the invention which are connected to a hat using a series ofbuttons3331 and3332. The large number of buttons ensures a secure hold, and allows the hat to be adjustable in size, while maintaining a snug fit for the storage cord. This is a particularly useful configuration when the electronics package is a two-way radio, as is commonly used in hiking.Microphone3333 allows the user to speak and have that sound transmitted via the two way radio.
• Other variations and embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art upon reviewing remainingFIG. 115—
• Another object of this invention is to provide a new and novel thermal pad for the application of cold or heat to the neck and/or head area for cooling or heating the brain.
• A further object of this invention is to provide a storage cord adapted to secure and/or anchor a thermal pad which covers the neck area, and may extend to other areas of the head, neck, and shoulders. The best place in the head to provide the largest amount of thermal energy transferred to the brain is the back of the neck—the back of the neck has a large less insulated areas than other parts of the head since there is no thick bone, such as the skull, and a thick layer of tissue called galea aponeurotica. In addition, the carotid arteries are in closer proximity with the surface of the skin in this neck area than other parts of the head. A preferred embodiment includes a storage cord having an extended thermal pad covering the neck in which only the skin of the neck is exposed to the thermal energy and the remainder of the thermal pad facing the exterior is well insulated, preventing the warming up of the gel or ice placed inside the bag. For the purpose of illustration some figures show a mesh facing the environment in order to show the thermal pack inside the pouch. However, it is understood that any portion facing the environment includes preferably insulating material. The thermal pad container of the storage cord can also include a radiant heat-reflecting film over various portions thereof, and an insulator over the same or other portions and which together facilitate directional cooling or heating the skin area.
• The thermal neck device of present invention can work as a stand alone unit or can be anchored with a storage cord holding an electronic device. The thermal neck device or thermal neck pad of the present invention applied to the neck area promotes selective brain cooling or selective brain heating for treating hyperthermia and hypothermia respectively. The brain, which is the most sensitive organ to thermally induced damage, can be protected by applying heat to the neck via the storage cord during hypothermia or removing heat during hyperthermia. The cooling or heating is selective since the temperature of the remaining body may not need to be changed, this is particularly important when cooling the brain for treating patients with stroke or any brain damage. The majority of the brain tissue is water and the removal or application of heat necessary to cool or heat the brain can be precisely calculated using well known formulas based on BTU (British thermal unit). A BTU is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of a pound ofwater 1 degree F., when a pound of water cools 1 F, it releases 1 BTU.
• The thermal pad of the storage cord for therapeutic treatment of excessive heat or excessive cold in the brain preferably includes a pouch for receiving a thermal bag (or thermal packet or thermal pack) having a substantially convex surface including a comma, banana, or circular shape, with said thermal pack being preferably in complete overlying relationship with the entire neck, said bag including an outer wall and an inner wall defining a sealed cavity to be filled with ice, gel-like material, water, solid material, and the like, for cooling or heating the skin area overlying the neck and adjacent areas to the neck and shoulder.
• An exemplary brain cooling or brain heating device includes hot and cold pad or pack adapted to fit and match the neck anatomy and comprising a preferably flexible and sealed pad and a gel within said pad, said gel being comprised of a mixture of water, a freezing point depressant selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, glycerine, and mixtures thereof associated with other compounds such as sodium polyacrylate, benzoate of soda, hydroxybenzoate, and mixtures thereof and a thickening agent. Any other cooling or heating device or chemical compounds and gels including a combination of ammonium nitrate and water can be used as cooling agent as well as heating agents such as a combination of iron powder, water, activated carbon, vermiculite, salt and Purge natural mineral powder. In addition, electric, such as Peltier device, a serpentine circulating water or fluid, and the like anchored or as integral part of the storage cord can be used. In this embodiment, the electrical portions, small motor for moving water in a serpentine, heating and cooling electrical parts and electronics including microprocessor can be housed in the storage in a permanent or releasable manner, exemplifying thus other embodiments for the DEP of this invention.
• FIG. 166 shows a diagrammatic view of a preferred eyeglasses thermal pack cord also referred to herein as eyeglasses cold/hot pack adapted for use with an eyeglasses, and having two sleeves for anchoring to the temples of eyeglasses and central portion that has means for holding thermal bags. Any means to hold thermal bags in the central portion of the storage cord can be used. The eyeglasses storage cord illustratively has two pouches or pockets for receiving thermal bags, with a mesh like structure forming the pouch. The mesh like structure is preferably the face of the pouch in contact with the skin while the opposite face of the pouch comprises insulating material, such as Thinsulate, polyurethane layer, polypropylene layer, Mylar, and the like. The left pouch is shown having a thermal pack and the right pouch is shown empty, and about to receive a thermal pack. The portion of the pouch facing the skin is made in a way to allow unobstructed transfer of thermal energy from thermal bag to the skin including minimal amount of material disposed between the bag and the skin. The pouch may further comprise no material between bag and skin, and in this embodiment the bag is hold in the pocket by flanges in the periphery preferably with some elasticity for more stability.
• FIG. 167 shows in more detail a perspective view of the single cold/hot pack device, represented by a device to be applied to the back of the neck, including preferably a pad having one generally convex surface and an essentially flat or slightly convex surface, with said surfaces being sealed in a conventional fashion at its ends to enclose a quantity of a gel-like material which fills the pad sufficiently to enable said pad to be closely conformed to the anatomy of the back of the head and neck area.
• FIG. 168 shows the specialized convex surface of the cold/hot pack of the invention and the matching surface of the back of the head and neck area. The cold/heat pack preferably includes a lip, handle or any means to facilitating grasping the pack for placement in or removal from the pocket. The cold/heat pack device can include a pillow-like configuration which permits better molding of The surface opposite to the skin or facing the environment may include a hard part made preferably of hard rubber or plastic attached to a bag made of soft plastic with said bag containing gel and being deformable upon external pressure. The surface of the bag facing the skin may also contain an adhesive portion in its periphery for better conforming and apposing to the skin of the neck. Any suitable adhesive for skin including double sided tape can be used.
• For one of the preferred embodiments, prior to use the thermal pack would be put into a freezer or other chilling device for use as a cold pad or would be put into hot water to be used as a hot pad. The thermal pad preferably comprises a tough flexible envelope of plastic material. The material within the thermal pad is preferably a gel which will maintain its gel-like consistency over a wide range of temperatures. There exist many gels which can be cooled to freezing and which absorb heat during warmup. There are a number of different types of such gels. Some of them freeze solid, and some are flexible even at 0 degrees F. Cold packs such as a frozen water-alcohol mixture can also be used. Alternatively, a thermal pad includes a bag having inner and outer walls lined interiorly with plastic which define a cavity to be filled with ice, or fluid such as water, through an opening in the bag. In this instance the bag is preferably sealed with a rubber material or a water-proof material.
• Although flexible plastic is described as a preferred material for containing the gel, it is understood that any material or fabric can be used including vinyl, cotton, rayon, rubber, thermoplastic, synthetic polymers, mixtures of materials, and the like. The size and shape of the pad structure is adapted to fit the special anatomy of the back of the head and neck and for matching the special geometry of the anatomic area. By using detachable thermal bags secured inside pockets, the bags can be easily replaced when said bags return to the original temperature. Therefore, in the summer time, when the bags, which were initially cold, invariably become hot as a result of the second law of thermodynamics, said bags can be easily replaced by a cold one. Accordingly, the invention includes a kit comprised of an insulating container having at least one thermal pack. The kit may also include a storage cord, and yet further include an electronic device, and furthermore can include a wearable article. The kit can include an insulating container and a box holding the other articles.
• Any cooling or heating device known in the art can be used in the pad treatment device including hot or cold water flowing through tubes that are adapted to carry or deliver heat to the area. The tubes can be mounted in any head gear or the frame of eyeglasses, pumping mechanisms can be mounted in the head gear or eyeglasses for providing a continuous flow of water through the tubes. The pad can be connected to tubes which have connectors for joining to a water temperature control and circulating unit in the storage cord anchored to head gear or eyeglasses. Hot or cold liquid is circulated through tubes which are in communication with each other and which deliver or remove heat from the neck area.
• Clip, elastic band, hook and loop fastener, and the like can be used for securing the storage cord thermal pad in position. Any of the support structures mentioned herein can be used to secure the storage cord thermal pad in position including a piece of glue. For example, the thermal pack can include a clip like mechanism to be anchored to a storage cord or the thermal pack can be secured to the temples of the frame of eyeglasses.
• Head mounted gear including helmets and caps can include an extension covering the neck, said extension having a pocket for receiving a thermal bag of the invention. The extension having thermal pouches can be permanently attached to the head mounted gear or being releasably connected to said head mounted gear. The extension can include cooling or heating devices for delivering or removing heat from the neck area. The head mounted gear can also be adapted to receive a thermal pack without an extension. In this embodiment the head mounted gear has a recess or cavity which can receive the thermal bags. A helmet with such extension or cavity can be useful during sports. The thermal bag is secured in the cavity or extension with pockets at the beginning of the physical activity. During a break the thermal bag is removed and then replaced with a new one having the desired temperature for example to reduce the temperature in the brain of a football player in the summer, or for warming up the brain of a skier during a winter competition.
• An alternative embodiment includes a thermal pad anchored to the storage cord for supplying water to evaporatively cool the neck area. In this instance the cold feeling is generated by evaporative cooling in the neck area directly on the skin or by a piece of material which retains water.
• Any cooling or heating device can be used to cool or heat the neck area for selective brain cooling or brain heating, preferably using a moldable device that conforms to the anatomy of the region, with directional temperature control properties for cooling or heating the skin. Any of the devices for heating or overheating or for cooling, including electrical, chips, semiconductor, polymers, and the like known in the art as well as described by Abreu in U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,193, herein incorporated in their entirety by reference, can be adapted in support structures connected to or being part of a storage cord for positioning at the neck area, and used for cooling or heating the brain.
• The present invention provides a moldable thermal pad or thermal pack in a packaging arrangement that can provide surfaces of differing thermal conductivities and heat reflecting properties so as to prolong the useful cooling/heating time thereof. The construction and materials of the thermal pad or thermal pack permits the molding of its shape and the retention thereof to the neck and back of the head site on the skin between the eye and nose. The materials disclosed herein can remain flexible plastic for temperatures in the range of −10° C. to 140° C.
• FIG. 169 shows a side view of an eyeglasses thermal pack storage cord of this invention being worn and used by user. Sleeve—has been attached to temple—, holding storage cord—with thermal pack—located in apposition to the skin of the back of the head and neck—, and preferably positioned in the neck area. The embodiment includes an insulating material facing the environment and covering the thermal bag, said insulating material can include an armored material, which can protect the neck of military and law enforcement personnel against being shot while keeping adequate brain temperature for mental and physical performance.
• FIG. 170 shows an alternative embodiment ofFIG. 169 including an additional pouch or pocket adjacent to the thermal pack pouch. The thermal pack—is shown including a bag with gel—with said bag having two surfaces, one facing the skin and positioned at the back of the head area, and a second surface facing the additional pocket. This additional pocket can include any of the embodiments of the invention, such as for retaining and electronic device and may include other parts such as spools, wires, and the like.
• FIG. 171 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the thermal pack storage cord of this invention being worn and used by user and including a wrap around the ear configuration having a hook and arm, said hook secured to the ear and said arm being disposed along the side of the head. Sleeve—has been attached to the arm, holding storage cord—with thermal pack—located in apposition to the skin of the back of the head and neck—, and preferably positioned in the neck area. It is understood that the storage cord can be permanently affixed to the arm forming one piece structure. In this embodiment the arm may include adjusting mechanism for adjusting to different sizes of heads.
• It is understood that a ring shape surrounding the head can also be used or a shape that includes other parts of the face/forehead as long as there is conformation and apposition of the thermal pack to the anatomy of the area, and in particular to the neck area. In order to adjust to different head sizes this invention includes an embodiment with a slit, and the edges of said slit having a Velcro surface for sealing in different positions and thus reducing/increasing the size of the device. This slit configuration can be applied to any of the embodiments including neck thermal pack, head/neck thermal pack, and ring thermal pack.
• The thermal pack can be moldable and the container or bag constructed with materials that are deformable and otherwise pliable over the temperature range of use so as to conform to the anatomy of the neck area. A central essentially slightly convex area in the thermal bag allows for intimate interaction and thermal energy transfer at the neck area, but it is to be recognized that the specific shape of the convex area of the thermal cold/heat pack itself can be slightly varied according to anatomic differences between people.
• FIG. 172 shows a back view of a thermal pack storage cord working as an integral one piece, and including storage cord having an electronic device and a thermal pack permanently affixed to said storage cord, said thermal pack storage cord being anchored to a cap and worn by a user. The storage cord is attached to the cap by attaching snaps to complementary snaps on the cap. The thermal pack has one pouch about to receive a thermal bag through slot in the pouch. The thermal pack is connected to storage cord by arms, said arms being preferably adjustably extendable for moving thermal pack up and down, and thus better positioning the thermal pack in the neck area.
• FIG. 173 shows a back view of a thermal pack storage cord, comprised of two parts, a storage cord having an electronic device and a thermal pack releasably anchored to said storage cord, said storage cord being anchored to a cap and worn by a user. The thermal pack includes means to attach to the storage cord, and preferably has two arms. The arms having have on their free ends attaching means for attaching to the storage cord including hook and loop fastener, snap-on buttons and the like. By being releasably attached this thermal pack may not include a pouch, and be comprised of a sealed bag containing heat/cooling material. It is also shown that the bag can have extensions that can encircle a large portion of the neck and part of the shoulder adjacent to the neck. Any thermal pack may have this encircling extension, but it is preferably used as a releasably attached thermal pack. The storage cord is shown with ear buds disposed on the user's ears allowing the user to enjoy music while protecting the brain against hypothermia and hyperthermia. The method also includes removing the storage cord from the hat by detaching the storage cord button from the complimentary snap-on buttons, and then using the same snap-on buttons on the cap attach the complimentary snap-on buttons at the free end of the arms of the thermal pack. This allows the user to use the same wearable article to provide thermal comfort and safety as well as to provide entertainment. The arms are preferably adjustably extendable for moving thermal pack up and down, and thus better positioning the thermal pack in the neck, shoulder, and back of the head area.
• FIG. 174 shows a back view of a cap, worn by a user, and a thermal pack cord comprised of attachment means for attaching said thermal pack to a wearable article and at least one pouch for receiving a thermal bag. The embodiment is illustrated herein as two pouches, one in the left side and one in the right side, and the attachment means are illustrated as a hook and loop fastener. The cap has Velcro portions adapted for anchoring the thermal pack cord, as illustrated by arrows—. The thermal pack cord includes an upper portion for anchoring to another article and a lower portion having a thermal pack. Preferably, the thermal pack portion includes a pouch, but alternatively the thermal pack can comprise of an integral bag filled with gel, and no pouches. In this embodiment the thermal pack cord has thermal transferring capabilities and works primarily as a thermal pack. The thermal pouch portion may be connected to the upper cord portion by adjustable means to adjusting position of the thermal pouch. In this embodiment the upper portion includes and functions as anchoring means to a wearable article, which is attached to complimentary attaching or fastening means in the wearable article.
• FIG. 175 shows a side view of a cap ofFIG. 174, worn by a user, and a thermal pack attached to said cap by a button and having a lower potion comprised of a thermal pack in apposition to the skin of the neck.
• FIG. 176 shows a back view of an eyeglasses storage cord thermal pack, comprised of two parts, a storage cord having an electronic device and a thermal pack anchored to said storage cord, and disposed under the storage cord. The eyeglasses storage cord thermal pack has two sleeves for anchoring to the temples of eyeglasses and central portion that has means for holding an electronic device. Any means to hold an electronic device in the central portion of the storage cord can be used. The eyeglasses storage cord thermal pack illustratively has one pouches or pocket for receiving a thermal bag, with a mesh like structure forming the pouch.
• Considering that the storage cord has means to hold a variety of hardware as per the principles of the invention, and further considering that means to electrically generate thermal energy such as by wires may be compact, this invention further provides a combination of electrical and chemical generation of thermal energy. Chemical such as propylene glycol and similar compounds efficiently retain thermal energy that can be transferred to another body. Electrical means such as heat generating wire, conductive polymers, gas-based system, and thermo-voltaic system can be used to increase or reduce temperature, ad may be referred herein as electric thermal energy systems. The electrical larger electrical and/or electronic parts of those electric thermal energy systems can be housed in the storage cord. Accordingly,FIG. 177 shows a combined electrical and chemical thermal energy generating system. Illustrated herein as a pouch having wires, said wires connected to a circuit in the storage cord. A temperature sensor is included in the pouch to measure the temperature of the pouch. A processor in the storage cord is adapted to increase/reduce temperature of the electrical thermal energy system and to inform, preferably audibly, the user about the temperature level. Wire from the sensor and the electrical system connect to the circuit and processor in the storage cord through arm. Wire connects the circuit to ear bud for reporting the temperature level. The processor can also automatically control the level of temperature and delivery of thermal energy creating thus a closed-loop system. It is understood that a sensor can be used in any thermal pouch, such as non-electrical and chemically based only. In this embodiment the sensor measures the temperature of the thermal bag, and when the temperature of the thermal bag changes, the sensor informs the user that is time to replace the thermal for a new one with the desired temperature. A thermal bag is about to be placed in the pouch, and the storage cord includes an electronic device (music player).
• FIG. 178 is an alternative embodiment of an electronic thermal pack worn by a user, and including an electronic portion and a thermal pack portion, in which the cord is replaced by a rigid arm and a clip system to secure the thermal pack to a wearable article. The embodiment further includes a central portion between the two clips, said central portion working as the holder for an electronic package, in accordance to the principles of the invention. In this embodiment the cord is replaced by an essentially rigid arm, which has a central portion housing the electronic device, and has two clip assemblies in its side portion. Wire reach central portion through arm. The central portion may include retractable cord, ear bud connections, thermal energy generating systems, and other parts as per this invention. Clips or other clamp assemblies can be used to secure the device to the band of the hat or to any wearable article.
• FIG. 179 is an alternative embodiment of thermal pack storage cord worn by a user, and including a storage cord housing a GPS system and a thermal pack portion, in which the thermal pack includes an electric system. The thermal pack includes two arms, which releasably connected to the storage cord, one arm being mechanically connected and a second arm being mechanically and electrically connected. The electric system is releasably electrically connected to storage cord by means of an electrical connector located at the end of an arm.
• The brain cooling or brain heating device in accordance with the principles of the invention includes a thermal pack having hot and cold pad or pack adapted to fit and match the special anatomy of the neck. The thermal pack includes preferably a pouch for holding a thermal bag, which is preferably flexible and sealed as a pad and has a gel within said pad, with the surface touching the skin having a substantially convex shape. The thermal pack can be part of a storage cord or be an extension of a head mounted gear. Accordingly,FIG. 180 shows a head mounted gear, illustrated as a helmet, being worn by a user (in ghost image), said head mounted gear having an extension on the back portion, the extension including a pouch for receiving and holding a thermal bag. A special thermal bag for a helmet is contemplated and may include a bag with larger dimension and different geometry to better fit with said helmet. The portion facing the environment and/or the back portion of the pouch, herein called back portion, preferably comprises insulating material, and most preferably armored material. Although the extension with pouch is shown as permanently affixed to the helmet, it is understood that the extension with the pouch can be releasably secured to the helmet, for example using Velcro strips on the face of back portion which match complimentary Velcro strips on the back of the helmet. It is understood that the thermal pack of the invention can include the head in addition to he neck, and will be referred herein as head thermal pack or head thermal cap. Accordingly,FIG. 181 shows a cross sectional of the head/neck thermal lining or head thermal cap, positioned on the head and neck of a user (in ghost image), containing gel with said cap thermal pad having the shape and dimensions to match the anatomy of the head and neck as in accordance to this invention. Preferred thickness of the head thermal pack is equal to or more than 2 mm and less than 40 mm, and more preferably equal to or more than 4 mm and less than 20 mm, and most preferably equal to or more than 5 mm and equal to or less than 10 mm. Construction of head thermal pack is performed so as to maintain an intimate apposition to the head and neck. Exemplary manufacturing steps includes a thin flexible plastic being molded using a sphere having head dimensions or slightly larger dimensions than a normal head for fitting on top of the head. Second step includes making a second surface using a mold which has smaller diameter than the first mold. Alternatively the two surfaces can have same diameter but one has larger dimension than the other for creating a bag configuration. Following step includes connecting the edges of said two surfaces, and preferably leaving an opening for filling with gel. Next step includes sealing the opening. Another step may include checking the bag for assuring complete sealing and no lacking fluid or material inside said bag.
• FIG. 182 shows side perspective view of a head thermal pack adapted to fit inside a helmet, and about to be positioned on the inside of a bike helmet. The surface of the head thermal cap may include fastening means, such as hook and loop, illustrated herein as a top and side hook and loop areas, which match the top and side hook and loop areas of the inside of the helmet.
• The head thermal cap preferably lines and matches the entire inner surface of the helmet providing thus comfort and cushioning as well as thermal comfort. Accordingly,FIG. 183 illustrates a helmet, made with transparent material, which received the head thermal cap of this invention, with said thermal cap gel being visible. The head thermal cap can be adapted to fit the design of the helmet, and as shown the perforated areas of the helmet do not contain portions of the head thermal cap.
• FIG. 184 shows side perspective view of another head thermal pack being worn by a user and positioned on the head of said user (in ghost image).FIG. 185 is a diagrammatic back cross sectional view of the head thermal pack at the geometric center of the head showing the head thermal pack positioned on the head of a user. In order to fit with the anatomy, the thermal pack has different dimensions depending on the part of said thermal pack, which can be observed by the high cut of the head thermal pack a center of the head next to the ear, and the long portion covering the back of the head. Thickness of the head thermal pack has been augmented for illustration purposes.FIG. 186 is a diagrammatic side cross sectional view of the head thermal pack at the geometric center of the head showing long portion covering the back of the head and neck.
• It is understood that the wearable article thermal pack of the invention can include various configurations. Accordingly,FIGS. 187a,187b, and187cshows another embodiment of the thermal pack adapted for another wearable article, illustratively represented as the collar of a shirt.FIG. 1 (288a) shows a collar of a shirt with fastening means comprised of hook and loop fasteners.FIG. 1 (288b) shows a thermal pack placed on the collar and held in place by complimentary hook and loop fasteners (not shown) located on the surface of the thermal pack opposite to the surface facing the skin.FIG. 1 (288c) shows a collar of a shirt with fastening means comprised of snap-on buttons. The thermal pack may include adhesive means on the surface facing the skin, with adhesive means preferably located on the edge of the pack, in order to achieve stability and intimate skin apposition when using this embodiment.
• A head thermal pack can be combined with a thermal pack connected to a storage cord, or to a thermal pack collar. It is understood that any combination of the various embodiments disclosed in this invention are within the scope of the invention.
• It is understood that DEP can work as a memory device with control buttons, preferably using MP format for compression, and thus storing music, with said files being decompressed and music played when attached to the electronics housed in the storage cord. The memory device with control buttons allows music to be selected and volume to be changed, with the information stored in said memory device. When the memory device is connected to the electronic in the storage cord, a program stored in the memory will execute the function, and change the volume according to what was programmed, and change the music according to what was programmed using the memory device with control buttons. The memory device with control button of the invention may include a processor and a power source. Alternatively, the memory device of the invention works from energy drawn from a separate device, such as host device. The storage cord may include a USB connector and other connectors for storing and/or receiving information from the controlling memory device. Software in the electronic portion of the storage cord may decompress and amplify the sound files for listening. The memory device of the invention could also be adapted to be plugged in conventional computers and/or audio/imaging systems.
• The invention can include a variety of kits combining the different parts of the invention. One exemplary kit comprises an insulating container holding at least one thermal pack. Another kit includes a wearable article and a storage cord, housed in a box, which may further include the insulating container housing thermal packs, or any combination of any of the parts of the invention.
• Although the ear bud cords may have the same length, preferably the ear bud cords have dissimilar length from the origin at the spool to the ear bud at the end of the cord, with one cord being smaller than the opposite cord. However, the external parts of the cords preferably have the same length.
• Electronic package can be adapted to receive any wireless signal including satellite and wireless internet signal. It is understood that the storage cord may provide several other functions including changing color of the lens of a regular eyewear since the larger electrical parts and battery can be stored away while keeping the frames of eyeglasses light and elegant. A digital binocular with photo capabilities is also contemplated, in which the electronics are stored in the storage and the frame only supports the binocular lens. A digital binocular attached to an eyewear storage cord can also be used, in the same manner as the forehead light embodiment. A tracking device with internet wireless capabilities can also be integrated into any embodiments of this invention. A camera, or microphone disclosed in some embodiments can be replaced or have add a laser or light source for alignment or measuring distance such as in professional activities or sports such as playing golf or pool, allowing the visual axis to be aligned with line of the laser light. Only a light laser is located next to the eye while other parts are housed in the storage cord.
• Any combination of electronic devices can be used, as well as any combination of wearable articles and of support structures. For example, a C-collar may include a GPS in one side and music player on the opposite side of the C-shaped structure.
• Electronic device in the storage cord may include a recorder, in which a small and discrete microphone is placed next to the face and other large parts and memory are stored in the storage cord. An ultrasound device can be housed in the storage cord and prevent attack from dogs by emitting a certain sound, allowing a runner not to have to hold the device. The storage cord may further include a motion sensor to detect someone behind as well as infrared sensor and/or odor detector to analyze odors and the presence of certain chemical elements, such as biochemical weapons.
• and/or odor detector to analyze odors and the presence of certain chemical elements, such as biochemical weapons.
• Due to the apposition to the skin the storage cord can also a variety of biological monitoring devices that can capture biological data. In addition delivery of drugs through the skin can be accomplished by adapting iontophoretic devices to the storage cord as well as by placing patches delivering medications on the surface of the cord touching the skin including housing an insulin pump for delivery of insulin and glucose. An improved hearing aid can be achieved by using a microphone to amplify the sound, and then deliver to the ear with the ear bud assembly. Likewise, a camera with zoom and/or magnifying capabilities can be used with the parts divided between the front and back of the head, heavier parts disposed in the storage cord.
• Other devices that can be housed and take advantage of the location is a motion device for massaging the neck area. Electronics of an air purifier can be disposed in the C-shape device around the neck and adjacent to the nose. A pedometer can be housed in the storage cord allowing distance to be calculated, as well as a GPS adapted to calculate distance and speed.
• The wearable computer includes a combination of adjustably positionable arms and adjustably extendable arms, being disposed in the two side of the U-shape structure. It is also understood that a variety of supporting means can be used for the wearable computer. Accordingly,FIG. 45C shows a user wearing invertedU-shape computer2000 with display2010aincluding abi-pod system2010bfor resting against the body. A tripod also can be used for the keyboard, which is further held in place by clips secured to a piece of clothing.FIG. 45D shows a preferred spinal configuration for thewearable computer2000a, including adisplay2010chaving atripod attachment2010dand one adjustablyextendable portion2012abeing compressed while the opposite adjustablyextendable portion2012bbeing in an extended position. Any type of stop assembly or mechanism can be used including portable hand held devices separated from thewearable computer2000a, exemplified herein asclip2012c.
• FIG. 45E shows a kit including abox2000b, an invertedU-shaped structure2000chaving twoarms2000dand2000e, each arm having a holdingstructure2000fand2000gfor holding a display and a keyboard, and further including adisplay2010,keyboard2008, and computer hardware portion withcable2000h.
• FIG. 45F shows the preferred spinal configuration for the wearable computer. The spinal configuration allows increasing the length of the arm without increasing the diameter of the arm as can be seen inspinal portion2001a(reduced length) and2001b(increased length), in which the length of each section is increased by reducing the size of the sphere2001cconnecting the parts. The tubular shape also provides more comfortable wear.FIG. 45G is a cut away view of the spinal configuration showingfirst part2001bwith ability to extend longer thansecond part2001a.
• It is also understood that the wearable computer of this invention can be worn as a strap, a sling or made in a vest version with extra pockets. The screen is attached to a gooseneck arm that allows it to be positioned draping it across the neck which allows for extra stability. The screen is detachable to allow it to set on a table or hung from the back of a seat etc. A main pocket secured to the side of the body of the user holds the hard drive, motherboard, modem, USB card, and the like. The keyboard has two legs with clips at the end that attach to the belt to hold it up. The keyboard may also have on the front underside three legs that are attached to a pad (or three pads) that rest on the stomach to give it support. The keyboard may also be used setting on a tabletop or resting in the lap it, and also has it own pocket for storage when not in use.
• It will be understood that it is within the scope of this invention to combine any or all of the various aspects and elements described herein, in any particular combination, and that all such combinations are considered to be part of the invention.

Claims (1)

1. An electronically enabled pair of eyeglasses, comprising

(a) a pair of eyeglasses;

(b) at least one ear bud connected to the temple of the eyeglasses; and

(c) an electrical connector electrically connected to the at least one ear bud, and capable of electrically connecting to an electronic device.

Images