US20080166008A1 - Head Worn Entertainment and/or Communication Device - Google Patents

Abstract

A head worn waterproof entertainment and/or communication device comprising a first ear assembly and a second ear assembly. An interconnect device to is connected to and extends between the first ear assembly and the second ear assembly, the interconnect device being adapted to extend at least partly around the head of a user of the device. A transducer for converting an electrical signal to an auditory signal, said transducer being fixed to at least one of the first ear assembly and the second ear assembly. At least one electrical signal generator for generating said electrical signal is provided, said electrical signal generator being in communication with the transducer. The first ear assembly and the second ear assembly each comprise an upper limb and a lower limb and wherein said upper limb and the lower limb extend away from the interconnect device and are adapted to extend at least partially around the ear of the user and hold the first ear assembly and the second ear assembly in place and the transducer within or in close proximity of the ear of the user when in use.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/001,286 entitled Head Worn Entertainment and/or Communication Device filed Dec. 1, 2004 which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/700,856 which was the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/AU99/00380 filed on May 20, 1999 based on Australian Application 67977/98 filed on May 20 1998, the entire specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to a head worn entertainment and communication device and, more particularly, to such a device adapted to be worn whilst engaging in swimming activities such as doing laps of a pool and the like.
• There are occasions when it would be desirable to be able to listen to the radio or other form of audio communication whilst engaged in swimming activities. In the case of competition swimmers they often spend long hours doing laps of pools and it would be advantageous, for example, to listen to the radio to help while the time away.
• It is known to provide a radio module which can be strapped to the body or contained in clothing and which is connected by a cable to an ear piece. These forms of body worn communication devices are not suitable for use in the water and, even if waterproofed, would tend not to stay in place during vigorous swimming activity such as doing taps of a pool.
• It is an object of the present invention to provide a swimmers head worn entertainment and communication device which addresses one or more of the abovementioned problems and needs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
• In a first aspect, the present invention provides a head worn waterproof entertainment and/or communication device comprising:
• a first car assembly and a second ear assembly;
• an interconnect device connected to and extending between the first ear assembly and the second ear assembly, the interconnect device adapted to extend at least partly around the head of a user of the device;
• a transducer for converting an electrical signal to an auditory signal, said transducer being fixed to at least one of the first ear assembly and the second ear assembly; and
• at least one electrical signal generator for generating said electrical signal, said electrical signal generator being in communication with the transducer;
• wherein the first ear assembly and the second ear assembly each comprise an upper limb and a lower limb and wherein said upper limb and the lower limb extend away from the interconnect device and are adapted to extend at least partially around the ear of the user and hold the first ear assembly and the second ear assembly in place and the transducer within or in close proximity of the ear of the user when in use.
• Preferably the electrical signal generator is an audio playback device. The electrical signal generator may also be a recording device. More preferably, the digital audio playback device is a device capable of storing and playing digital audio data recorded in an MP3 format. The electrical signal generator may include at least one receiver for receiving an external audio signal. Preferably the at least one receiver includes a first receiver for receiving an external radio frequency signal, and a second receiver for receiving an audio signal for subsequent storage and playback.
• Preferably the transducer is fixed to both the first ear assembly and the second ear assembly and more preferably the transducer is fixed to the upper limb of the ear assembly. The upper limb and/or the lower limb may be of adjustable shape to allow the limbs to substantially conform to the to the ear of the user. The upper limb and the lower limb may be curved so as to conform to at least part of the contour of the ear of the user. Preferably the lower limb substantially encircle the ear of the user and terminate so as to define an entry region for allowing the first ear assembly and the second ear assembly to be engaged about the ear of the user by advancing the first ear assembly and the second ear assembly from rear of the ear of the user.
• The device may further comprise a first waterproof equipment module, wherein the digital audio playback device is housed within the first waterproof equipment module. Preferably the first equipment module is formed with the interconnect device.
• The device may further comprise a second waterproof equipment module, wherein the second equipment module is adapted to house a power supply wherein the power supply is preferably at least one electrical cell. Preferably the second equipment module is formed with the interconnect device.
• Preferably the interconnect device incorporates a cable for the conduction of power and/or electrical signals. The device may further comprise an adjustment means disposed between the interconnect device and the ear assemblies to provide adjustability of the entertainment and/or communication device.
• In a second aspect the present invention provides a head worn entertainment and/or communication device comprising a first ear assembly, a transducer for converting an electrical signal to an auditory signal, a radio receiver in communication with the transducer and wherein the first ear assembly comprises an upper limb and a lower limb for fitment to the ear.
• Preferably, the upper limb and the lower limb of the first ear assembly define an ear containing space.
• In use of present invention, the first ear assembly is positioned relative to the ear such that the upper limb and lower limb extend at least partly, and preferably substantially, around the ear to thereby hold the first ear assembly in place. The transducer is preferably carried by, fixed to or formed with the first ear assembly such that the transducer is positioned within or in close proximity to the ear when the first ear assembly is fitted to the ear. Even more preferably, the transducer is positioned within an ear plug that, in use, fits inside the ear canal of the user. The transducer is most preferably supported by the first ear assembly, especially by one of the upper or lower limbs, most preferably the lower limb. The transducer and receiver may be formed as an integrated unit. This would preferably be mounted on the first ear assembly.
• It is preferred that the device of the present invention further comprises a first equipment module. The first equipment module may be positioned on or carried by the first ear assembly or it may be located away from the first ear assembly. The first equipment module may contain the radio receiver therein.
• In another embodiment of the present invention, the first ear assembly is connected to an interconnect device, which interconnect device is adapted to extend at least partly around the head of a user of the device. The interconnect device may comprise a first support means and a second support means connected to each other by an adjustable length means, said first and second support means being generally opposed to each other. The adjustable length means may comprise an adjustable length concertina tube. Alternatively, the adjustable length means may comprise a deformable member The length of the deformable member be adjusted by deforming the deformable member.
• The first support means preferably comprises a first semi rigid support. In this regard, the semi rigid support may be deformable or flexible to allow close fit to the head of a user of the device. The first support means may comprise a deformable or flexible plastics material, a wire, a deformable metal member, or the like.
• Similarly, the second support means is preferably a second semi rigid support.
• The second support means may be deformable or flexible to allow close fit to the head of a user. The second support means preferably comprises a deformable or flexible plastics material, a wire, a deformable or flexible metal material or the like.
• The second support means, in one embodiment of the invention, terminates in a stub. In this embodiment, the device of the present invention is fitted to the head of a user by placing the first ear assembly around or on one ear of the user and positioning the second support means such that it extends at least partly along the other side of the head of the user. Adjustment of the first and/or second support means and/or the adjustable length means, thereby assists in holding the device securely to the head of the user.
• In a further embodiment of the present invention, the second support means has a second ear assembly connected thereto. The second ear assembly may comprise an upper limb and a lower limb for fitment to the other ear of the user. The upper and lower limbs preferably define an ear containing space. The second ear assembly may also include a transducer for converting an electrical to an auditory signal. In this regard, the transducer of the second ear means is preferably in communication with the radio receiver.
• The transducer of the second ear assembly is preferably positioned at such that, in use, it is positioned within or in close proximity to the ear of the user. More preferably, the transducer of the second ear assembly is positioned within an earplug that, in use, fits inside the ear canal of the user.
• The upper limb and/or the lower limb of the first and/or second ear assemblies may of adjustable shape to enable the upper and/or lower limbs to more closely conform to the car of the user. The upper and/or lower limbs may include at least one portion of adjustable shape, such as a concertina tube portion.
• The first equipment module is preferably positioned on or formed on the first support means. Cabling may extend from the first equipment module to the first ear assembly and, in embodiments that include a second ear assembly as well, such that electrical signals from the radio receiver can be transmitted to the respective transducers in the first and second ear assemblies. The cabling preferably passes through the inside of the device such that there is no external cabling. The cabling most preferably passes through the interconnect device to the first ear assembly and the second ear assembly, where provided.
• The apparatus of the present invention preferably further comprises a second equipment module. The second equipment module is preferably carried by or formed with the second support means. Preferably, the second equipment module is generally opposed to the first equipment module.
• The second equipment module preferably contains the battery or batteries for use in the device. Power cable(s) may extend from the second equipment module to the first equipment module. Preferably, the power cable(s) pass through the inside of the device, most preferably through the interconnect device.
• In order to enable the device to be used for water sports or aquatic purposes, it is preferred that the device is essentially waterproof. In this regard, the first and second equipment modules should be waterproof The second module may have a removable cover to allow the batteries to be changed. The removable cover is preferably fitted with a water tight seal or gasket, as will be know to those skilled in the particular art.
• The transducer or transducers may be speakers. Alternatively, they may be bone conduction hearing devices, in which case they are preferably located such that, in use, they are in contact with bone behind the ear.
• The device of the present invention is preferably used as part of a communication and/or entertainment system which also comprises a radio transmitter for transmitting radio signals to the radio receiver. Preferably, the radio transmitter is a low powered transmitter and it may have a maximum transmission of up to 1 km, or even less. The radio transmitter may include a microphone to enable verbal communication to pass from the person using the microphone to the person wearing the device. This particularly useful in cases where swimming coaches wish to give instructions to swimmers training in the water. Alternatively, the radio transmitter may re-transmit a radio signal from a local radio station or it may receive an input signal from a tape player or CD player and transmit that signal to the radio receiver of the device. This allows the user of the device to choose his or her own music. The radio transmitter may have an input jack to facilitate this function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a head worn entertainment and communication device according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a side view of the device ofFIG. 1 in place on a swimmers head,
• FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a swimmers head worn entertainment and communication device according to a second embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a head worn entertainment and communication device according to a third embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a head worn entertainment and communication device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• With reference toFIG. 1 there is shown a swimmers head worn entertainment andcommunication device10 comprising, in this instance, afirst ear assembly11 connected in opposed relationship to asecond ear assembly12 by means ofinterconnect device13.
• Theinterconnect device13 comprises a firstsemi-rigid support14 connected in opposed relationship to a secondsemi-rigid support15 by an adjustable length concertina unit16 (shown in detail in the insert ofFIG. 1).
• The semi-rigid supports13,15 can take the form of elongate rods made from a plastics material. The adjustablelength concertina unit16 can take the form of a tubular plastics material having hingedly interconnected ferrules adapted to collapse one against the other about hinges18.
• In this instancefirst ear assembly11 is constructed in the same manner assecond ear assembly12 and comprisestransducer19 supported onlower limb20 from afree end21 of the respectivesemi-rigid supports14,15.
• Eachear assembly11,12 further includes anupper limb22 integrally attached tofree end21 and opposed tolower limb20 so as to define anear containing space23 therebetween. Thetransducer19 may alternatively be supported on theupper limb22 in another or alternate embodiment of the present invention.
• Bothlower limb20 andupper limb22 are curved so as to follow at least part of the contour of a human ear as best seen inFIG. 2. They are sufficiently curved that they substantially encircle the ear save for anentry region24 which presents a sufficient aperture to allow theear assemblies11,12 to be engaged about anear25 by a sliding approach ofaperture24 approaching from the rear of the ear.
• In this instance thelimbs20,22 are made from the same plastics material as thesemi-rigid supports14,15 and are integrally moulded therewith.
• The upper and/or lower limb can include an adjustable length concertina unit.
• In this instance theupper limb22 is formed of two segments joined byconcertina unit26 thereby allowing adjustment for theear containing space23 according to the requirements of the user.
• The entertainment andcommunication device10 further includes anequipment module27 threaded onto or formed with secondsemi-rigid support15 and asimilar module29 threaded onto or formed with firstsemi-rigid support14 as shown.
• Although in this embodiment the electrical signal generator is an AM and FM radio receiver located within theequipment module27, it is understood that the electrical signal generator may be a playback device, preferably a playback and record device capable of playing back or recording a signal in an MP3 format, for example. Theequipment module27 may include a receiver in the form of an input port for example located for data to be transferred to a suitable rewriteable memory device coupled to a playback device. The selection of a suitable memory and playback chip would be well known to one skilled in the art. In such an embodiment, theequipment module27 would include a sealing member adapted to seal the input port so as to ensure that water did not pass into theequipment module27.
• Alternatively, data may be transferred to the electrical signal generator by wireless transmission such as radio frequency (RF), infrared transmission or other means not requiring direct contact.
• Furthermore, the electrical signal generator in the present embodiment is not limited to AM or FM modulated signals and may be a digital radio frequency (RF) receiver device, and may be capable of receiving and decoding alternate forms of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in which a signal is encoded or carried.
• Alternatively, the electrical signal generator may be a combination of a playback device and a radio frequency receiver either as a single unit or separate units. Of course, other electrical signal generator devices may be used for delivering an audio signal to a user to listen to whilst using thedevice10 and the present invention is not restricted to particular formats or hardware.
• Theequipment module27 contains a radio receiver whose audio out jack is connected bycable28 totransducer19, which transducer is shaped to fit snugly into the entry to the auditory canal of a user as best seen inFIG. 2.Equipment module27 may include an on/off switch and a volume control (not shown). In this instance thesemi-rigid supports14,15, thelower limbs20 and the adjustablelength concertina unit16 are hollow andpermit cable28 to be threaded therethrough.
• The rigidity of thesemi-rigid supports14,15 and theconcertina unit16 is selected so that when theear assemblies11,12 are mounted about the ears of a user in opposed relationship they apply a gentle pressure to the head of the user so as to assist retention in place of the entertainment and communication device.
• In this instance thesecond equipment module29 can contain batteries connected by a cable (not shown) to the radio withinmodule27.
• In use a user turns the radio unit on and selects a radio station and listening volume satisfactory for that user. The user then places the entertainment and communication device about their head as above described and so as to achieve the orientation illustrated inFIG. 2.
• The user may then swim laps of a pool of the like whilst listening to the radio, the arrangement being such that relatively little drag is added and, such drag that there is, does not dislodge the entertainment and communication device from the head of the wearer.
• Turning toFIG. 3 a second embodiment of the swimmers head worn entertainment and communication device30 illustrated comprising in this instance, thedevice10 ofFIG. 1 into which has been installed aradio receiver31 adapted to he in communication with alocal transmitter32. Thetransmitter32 is in communication with a head set33 having ear braces34 andmicrophone35 andconnector cable36 adapted to allow local radio communication withtransmitter32 which, in turn, is in communication withradio receiver31. With this arrangement a coach or like person can wearheadset33 and have mounted elsewhere on their person thelocal transmitter32 and, with this arrangement communicate withdevice10 whilst a swimmer is doing laps in a pool.
• Alternatively, the unit can be tuned to the frequency oflocal transmitter32 for reception of broadcasts from that unit instead.
• The arrangement can be such that normally the swimmer will have theirunit31 tuned to a radio station, a transmission from theheadset33 as and when it occurs.
• In an alternative embodiment one of either thefirst ear assembly11 orsecond ear assembly12 can he omitted, but leaving a sufficient stub end at thefree end21 for the purpose of ensuring that it can provide the necessary reactive pressure against the head of a user, equal and opposite to the pressure being applied to the other side of the head of the user by the remaining ear assembly.
• In a further alternative embodiment of theinvention interconnect device13 can comprise only the cabling necessary to provide electrical power and communication between the ear assemblies and the radio or like communications device in theequipment module27.
• With reference to the arrangement shown inFIG. 3input jack37 tolocal transmitter32 can receive audio input from a walkman, CD player or other source of audio input for subsequent communication to theradio receiver31 of the swimmer's head worn entertainment andcommunication device10.
• With reference toFIG. 4 a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated whereinfree end21 of semirigid support14 in this instance comprisesstub38 of a dimension sufficient to permit a user to adjust pressure applied to a user's head located between thestub38 and theear assembly12.
• FIG. 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention in this instance comprising asingle ear assembly112 including atransducer119 in communication with anequipment module127 housing a radio receiver (not shown). Component parts are identified by numerals as for earlier embodiments, except that a prefix numeral I has been added.
• The present invention may he used for a number of on-land and in-water aquatic activities.
• The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims (9)

1-19. (canceled)

20. A head worn waterproof sound device comprising:

first and second ear assemblies adapted to be attached to the ears of a user, each ear assembly comprising an upper limb adapted to locate about the upper portion of a user's ear and a lower limb adapted to locate about the lower portion of a user's ear, the upper and lower limbs defining an ear containing space therebetween;

first and second transducers for converting an electrical signal to an auditory signal, the first and second transducers being shaped to fit within the auditory canals of a user, each transducer mounted to the upper limb of the respective ear assembly, the upper limbs of the ear assemblies shaped to locate the first and second transducers within or in close proximity to the user's ears when in use;

a resilient interconnect device connected between the two ear assemblies, the interconnect device adapted to be adjustably mounted to a user's head such that the two ear assemblies connect to the user's ears in use;

first and second waterproof equipment modules mounted to the interconnect device and being located rearwardly of the ears of the user when in use, at least one of said first and second equipment modules housing at least one electrical signal generator for generating said electrical signal and at least one of said first and second equipment modules housing a power source adapted to supply power to said at least one electrical signal generator, said electrical signal generator being in communication with said first and second transducers.

21. A device as claimed inclaim 20 further comprising rewritable memory housed in either the first or second waterproof equipment module, the memory adapted to store at least digital audio data.

22. A device as claimed inclaim 21, wherein said at least one electrical signal generator is an audio playback device adapted to access said memory device and to decode and play digital audio data.

23. A device as claimed inclaim 22, further comprising an additional electrical signal generator in the form of a radio receiver adapted to receive an external audio signal.

24. A device as claimed inclaim 22, wherein the digital audio data is MP3 data.

25. A device as claimed inclaim 20, wherein the power source comprises one or more electrical cells.

26. A device as claimed inclaim 21, wherein at least one of said first and second water proof equipment modules further comprises an input port connected to the rewriteable memory, the input port providing an interface through which data can be transferred between an external device and the rewriteable memory.

27. A device according toclaim 26, wherein the water proof equipment module which includes the input port further includes a sealing member adapted to seal the input port.

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