(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`16 December 2010 (16.12.2010)
`
`(51) International Patent Classification:
`H04M 1/05 (2006.01)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`PCT/DK2009/000139
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`9 June 2009 (09.06.2009)
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(for all designated States except US): GN
`(71) Applicant
`NETCOM A/S [DK/DK]; Lautrupbjerg
`7, DK-2750
`Ballerup (DK).
`
`(72) Inventors; and
`(75) Inventors/Applicants (for US only): BIRGEN, Johan
`[SE/SE]; Vimpelgatan
`21, S-21 1 14 Malmø
`(SE).
`SORENSEN, Michael
`[DK/DK];
`Jyllingeparken
`84,
`DK-4040 Jyllinge (DK).
`
`(74) Agent: LARSEN & BIRKEHOLM A/S; Skandinavisk
`Patentbureau, Banegardspladsen
`1, P.O. Box
`362,
`DK-1570 Copenhagen V (DK).
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 2010/142290 Al
`
`(81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BR, BW, BY, BZ,
`CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO,
`DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT,
`HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KM, KN, KP,
`KR, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD,
`ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI,
`NO, NZ, OM, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, RU, SC, SD,
`SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT,
`TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW.
`
`(84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM,
`ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ,
`TM), European (AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE,
`ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV,
`MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK, TR),
`OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML,
`MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`(54) Title: AN EARPHONE SYSTEM COMPRISING AN EARPHONE AND A PORTABLE HOLDING DEVICE
`
`[Continued on next page]
`
`(57) Abstract: An earphone system (1; 23) comprising a
`wireless earphone (2; 20, 2 1 ) and a portable holding d e
`vice (3; 22). The earphone (2; 20, 2 1 ) comprises an ear
`hook (8) for attaching the earphone (2; 20, 2 1 ) to the ear
`(14) of a user. The holding device (3; 22) comprises an
`outer surface (25) with an earphone recess (4; 30, 3 1 )
`adapted for receiving the earphone (2; 20, 21) with the ear
`hook (8), such that the ear hook (8) follows the outer sur
`face (25) of the holding device (3; 22), and attachment
`means for attaching the earphone (2; 20, 2 1 ) in the ear
`phone recess (4; 30, 3 1 ).
`
`I
`
`APPLE 1018
`
`1
`
`

`

`WO 2010/142290 AIMMTIMITUNIIO ATMA TATATA AACA
`
`Published:
`
`— with international search report (Art. 21(3))
`
`2
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`

`

`Title: An earphone system comprising an earphone and a portable holding
`
`device
`
`Technical Field
`
`The invention relates to an earphone system comprising a wireless
`
`earphone and a portable holding device, wherein the earphone comprises
`
`an ear hook for attaching the earphone to the ear of a user and the holding
`
`device comprises an outer surface.
`
`Background Art
`
`Wireless earphones suitable for use with mobile phones are normally called
`
`headsets and are - when not in use - often carried by the owner in a pocket,
`
`pouch, bag or suitable holding device. Some earphones are provided with a
`
`holding device adapted for use with that specific earphone. A holding
`
`device protects the earphone and prevents it from being tangled or caught
`
`with other items in the pocket or bag. Some holding devices also function
`
`as chargers for recharging the earphone battery, when the earphone is
`
`arranged in the holding device. Thus, the holding device can work as a
`
`charging cradle, which via a transformer is connected to an electrical outlet.
`
`Some holding devices also comprise a charging battery for charging the
`
`earphone and thereby extending talk time and stand by time while the user
`
`being away from a wall plug. Motorola Mini H9 is such an earphone system.
`
`There exist many different
`
`types of wireless earphones. An earphone
`
`typically comprises at
`
`least one earphone and a wearing device for
`
`attaching the earphone to the head of the user, such that sound from the
`
`earphone speaker enters the ear canal. The earphones can be secured to a
`
`3
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`

`

`user's head by different wearing devices. As examples, these can comprise
`
`a headband, a neckband, an "earring" surrounding the outer ear, an
`
`earbud, an ear gel, an ear mold or an ear hook. When ear buds, ear gels
`
`the earphone is simply
`and ear molds are used as wearing devices,
`attached to the user by inserting the wearing device into the ear of user,
`
`where it is held in place by the inner sides of the external ear or the ear
`
`canal.
`
`An ear hook, which sometimes is referred to as ear clip, ear loop, ear
`hanger, or ear brace, is a curved or essentially C-shaped device, which is
`
`attached to or is an integrated part of an earphone device.
`
`In order to
`
`mount
`
`the earphone on the ear,
`
`the ear hook is arranged around the
`
`auricle, such that it partly encircles the root of the auricle and extends in the
`
`so-called post auricular sulcus. The term "root of the auricle" refers to the
`
`area of
`
`the outer ear where it protrudes from the side of
`
`the head.
`
`Postauricular sulcus is the depression behind the ear next to the head. The
`
`"auricle" is the externally visible cartilaginous structure of the external ear.
`Synonyms for auricle are "pinna" or "outer ear".
`
`EP 1 414 221 B 1 (Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB) discloses an
`
`earphone system comprising a wireless earphone and a carrying device,
`
`wherein the earphone comprises an ear hook for attaching the earphone to
`
`the ear of a user and the holding device comprises an outer surface. The
`
`holding device is embodied as a box with a hinged lid. The carrying device
`
`protects the earphone well but suffers from some drawbacks when it comes
`
`to user friendliness.
`
`When earphones are provided with microphones and adapted for two-way
`
`they are normally referred to as headsets. This invention
`communication,
`covers theses headsets. However, the invention also covers hearing aids
`
`that amplify and modulate sounds for the wearer.
`
`4
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`

`

`Disclosure of Invention
`
`The object of the invention is to improve an earphone system according to
`
`the preamble of claim 1. The earphone system according to the invention is
`
`characterised in that the outer surface has an earphone recess adapted for
`
`receiving the earphone with the ear hook, such that the ear hook follows the
`
`surface of
`
`the holding device, and attaching means for attaching the
`
`earphone in the earphone recess. With such a system,
`
`it
`
`is possible to
`
`remove the earphone of the type which comprising an ear hook in a quick
`
`way. This is particularly advantageous if there is a phone call and the user
`
`needs to respond quickly. Furthermore,
`
`the holding device can be
`
`embodied sturdier as no movable or detachable lid is required.
`
`According to an embodiment, the ear hook has an outer surface, which is
`
`aligned with the outer surface of the holding device, when the earphone is
`
`received by the earphone recess.
`
`Preferably, the outer surface of the ear hook and the outer surface of the
`
`holding device together provide a continuous surface, when the earphone is
`received by the earphone recess. Thus, a particularly smooth surface can
`
`be obtained, which minimizes the risk of the earphone being tangled with
`
`other devices when carried in a pocket, bag or the like.
`
`According to an embodiment,
`
`the holding device opposite the earphone
`
`recess comprises a release recess, which together with the earphone
`
`recess forms a through-going hole, so that a user via the release recess
`
`can press the earphone out of engagement with the earphone recess. With
`
`such an embodiment, the user can push the earphone out of engagement
`
`with the earphone recess with his/her finger or the like.
`
`5
`
`

`

`According to an alternative embodiment, a release button is arranged in the
`
`release recess, wherein the release button is adapted to push the earphone
`
`out of the earphone recess upon activation of the release button.
`
`The outer surface of the holding device is preferably essentially convex.
`
`This counts for the surface area with exception of the earphone recess and
`
`optional release recess.
`
`the outer surface of the holding device is
`According to an embodiment,
`essentially shaped as a flattened ball. Such a shape is comfortable to keep
`
`in a trouser pocket, even while running or bicycling.
`
`The holding device can be essentially oval seen in the direction of a first
`
`axis and oval seen in a direction of a second axis, which is perpendicular to
`
`the first axis.
`
`According to a preferred embodiment, the holding device is essentially oval
`
`seen in a direction of a third axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis and
`
`the second axis. Such a shape is particular suitable to adapt to the outer
`
`shape of an earphone with an ear hook.
`
`According to an embodiment of
`
`the earphone system according to the
`
`invention, the ear hook is flexible, wherein the earphone recess and the ear
`
`hook are shaped such that the ear hook must be elastically deformed by
`
`means of an external force in order to move the earphone in to and out
`
`from the earphone recess. With this embodiment,
`
`the elasticity of
`
`the
`
`earhook is utilized to attach the earphone in the earphone recess. Thus, the
`flexible ear hook forms a part of the attachment means.
`
`Preferably,
`
`the attachment means comprise an undercut portion of
`
`the
`
`holding device, which is partly encircled by the earphone recess. This is a
`
`6
`
`

`

`simple and sturdy way of providing means for holding the earphone in the
`
`earphone recess.
`
`According to a preferred embodiment,
`
`the earphone comprises a
`
`rechargeable earphone battery, and the holding device comprises a
`
`rechargeable holding device battery, wherein the earphone system is
`
`adapted such that the earphone battery can be recharged by the holding
`
`device battery, when the earphone is received by the earphone recess. In
`
`this case, the earphone can be recharged from the holding device, while
`
`the user being away from a wall plug. The charging can take place by
`
`induction or via corresponding terminals on the earphone and the holding
`
`device.
`
`According to an embodiment,
`
`the system comprises a left ear earphone
`
`and a right ear earphone, and the holding device comprises a left ear
`
`earphone recess for
`
`receiving the left ear earphone and a right ear
`
`earphone recess for receiving the right ear earphone. Such a system can
`
`be utilized for listening to stereo music,
`
`two users simultaneously or a
`
`hearing aid system with hearing aids for both ears.
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`The invention is explained in detail below with reference to the drawing
`
`illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and in which
`
`Fig. 1 is the earphone system comprising an earphone and a holding
`
`device according to a first embodiment of the invention, seen in a first
`
`direction,
`
`7
`
`

`

`Fig. 2 is the earphone according to the first embodiment, seen in the first
`
`direction,
`
`Fig. 3 is the holding device according to the first embodiment, seen in the
`
`first direction,
`
`Fig. 4 is the earphone according to the first embodiment seen in a second
`
`direction,
`
`Fig. 5 is the earphone according to the first embodiment, seen in a third
`
`direction,
`
`Fig. 6 is the earphone according to the first embodiment when arranged on
`
`the ear of a user, seen in the first direction,
`
`Fig. 7 is the holding device according to the first embodiment, seen in the
`
`second direction,
`
`Fig. 8 is the holding device according to Fig. 7, seen from the opposite side,
`
`Fig. 9 is the holding device according to Fig. 3 , seen from the opposite side,
`
`Fig. 10 is a schematic view through an earphone and a holding device
`
`according the invention, and
`
`Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an earphone system according to a second
`
`embodiment of the invention.
`
`8
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`

`

`Modes for Holding out the Invention
`
`Fig. 1 discloses a first embodiment of an earphone system 1 according to
`
`the invention. The earphone system 1 comprises an earphone 2 and a
`
`holding device 3 . The earphone is a wireless Bluetooth™ earphone 2
`
`especially suitable for use with mobile phones. The holding device 3 serves
`
`several purposes:
`
`it can receive the earphone 2 when this is not in use,
`
`protect it during transportation and recharge it from an internal battery. Figs.
`
`2, 4 and 5 disclose the earphone 2 from different angles and Figs. 3 , 7 , 8
`
`and 9 show the holding device 3 from different angles. The earphone 2
`
`comprises a main part 7 and an ear hook 8 adapted to be arranged the
`
`outer ear of the user, such that the main part 7 is placed in front of the ear
`
`canal. The main part 7 and the ear hook 8 are integrated parts of the
`
`earphone 2. The holding device 3 is shaped as an oblong flattened ball and
`
`is essential oval seen in the three orthogonal directions x, y and z indicated
`
`with the small Cartesian coordinate system in Fig. 1. An earphone receiving
`
`recess 4 is provided in the outer surface 25 of the holding device 3. The
`
`earphone 2 comprises an outer surface 6, which is in level with the outer
`
`surface 25 of the holding device 3 , when the earphone 2 is received by
`
`earphone recess 4 . Thus, a continuous surface is provided by the outer
`
`surface 6 of the earphone 2 and the outer surface 25 of the holding device
`
`3 . This means, that the earphone 3 when the system is kept in a pocket or
`
`a bag is well protected from being broken or tangled with other devices.
`
`Furthermore, an oval-shaped holding device with a smooth surface is more
`
`comfortable to keep in a trouser pocket than an ear hook fitted earphone
`
`alone.
`
`The earphone 2 is provided with external contact pads 12 (Fig. 4), which
`
`are in contact with corresponding contact pads 16 in the earphone recess 4
`
`(Fig. 3), when the earphone 2 is received by the earphone recess 4 . The
`
`function of this will be explained further under the description of Fig. 10.
`
`9
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`

`

`The earphone 2 is provided with a hidden multifunction button, which is
`
`activated by pressing the outer surface 6 of the main part 7 of the earphone
`
`2 . This multifunction button is used for answering and ending calls, voice
`
`activated dialling, rejecting calls, redialling, swapping held calls and pairing.
`
`Volume up/down is implemented as touch control on the front. Thus, the
`
`user can turn the volume up and down by wiping his/her fingertip along the
`
`outer surface 6 of the main part 7 of the earphone 2 .
`
`Figs. 4 and 5 disclose the earphone 2 from different angles. A relatively
`
`well-defined edge 36 divides the outer surface 6 from an inner surface 13,
`
`which is not visible, when the earphone 2 is arranged in the holding device
`
`3 . The main part 7 is provided with a microphone opening 24 on the inner
`
`surface 13 close to the edge 36. A speaker housing 9 protrudes from the
`
`main part 7 approximately perpendicular to the inner surface 13. A speaker
`
`grill 10 is surrounded by a soft rubber ring 11, which ensures a comfortable
`
`abutment against the ear. The inner surface 13 of the earphone 3 including
`
`the earhook 8 is rounded and provided with rubber to ensure comfort during
`
`use. Two light emitting diodes 38 provide status information such as
`
`connection status, battery status, pairing mode etc.
`
`Fig. 6 discloses the earphone 2 when arranged on the ear 14 of a user. As
`
`shown, the main part 7 of the earphone 2 is arranged in front of the ear
`
`canal, while the ear hook 8 grips behind the ear 14. The speaker housing 9
`
`is arranged in the concha of the ear so that the audio leaving the speaker
`
`grill 10 enters the ear canal.
`
`Figs. 3 and 7-9 show the holding device 3 from different angles. As seen in
`
`Fig. 7 a peripheral edge 19 lies in a plane and divides the outer surface 25
`
`of the holding device 3 into a front side 17 and a rear side 18. The portion
`
`of the recess 4 that receives the main part 7 is arranged in the front side 17.
`
`The portion of the recess 4 that receives the ear hook 8 extends along and
`
`10
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`

`

`crosses the peripheral edge 19. When the earphone 2 is inserted into the
`
`recess 4 , the main part 7 of
`
`the earphone 2 is pressed in a direction
`
`essentially perpendicular to the plane defined by the peripheral edge 19
`
`into the recess 4 . When the main part 7 is pressed almost
`
`fully into the
`
`recess 4 , the ear hook 8 is flexed outwards and an in a direction towards
`
`the rear side 18 until
`
`it snaps into ear hook receiving portion of the recess
`
`4 . Alternatively, the earhook 8 is pushed into the ear hook receiving portion
`
`of the recess 4 , where after the main part 7 is flexed towards the main part
`
`receiving portion of the recess 4 where it snaps into engagement.
`
`As clearly shown in Fig. 8 , the earphone recess 4 defines an encircled
`
`portion 39 of the holding device, which is partly encircled by the earphone
`
`2 , when the latter is received by the earphone recess 4 . This encircled
`
`portion 39 is undercut, whereby it in cross-section widens near the outer
`
`surface 25. When the earphone 2 is received by the earphone recess 4 , it is
`
`in its relaxed state. In order to remove the earphone 2 from the recess 4 , a
`
`forced must be applied sot that the main part 7 and the ear hook 8 are
`
`flexed away from each other. In this way, the risk of unintentional removal
`
`of the earphone 2 from the holding device 3 is minimized. As an alternative
`
`or addition to the undercut,
`
`the earphone receiving recess 4 and the
`
`earphone 2 could be provided with protrusions or locking tongues that
`
`engages corresponding holes or recesses when the earphone 2 is received
`
`by the earphone receiving recess 4 . As Fig. 7 shows, the holding device 3
`
`has a charging socket, which is embodied as a micro-USB socket 35.
`
`The rear side 18 of the holding device 3 comprises a release recess 15.
`
`The bottom of this recess 15 is connected with the earphone receiving
`
`recess 4 , such that a through going hole 5 is provided.
`
`In this way, the
`
`speaker housing 9 is visible and accessible via the release recess 15,
`
`whereby the user in an easy way can insert his/her finger into the release
`
`11
`
`

`

`recess 15 and press the earphone 2 out of engagement with the earphone
`
`recess 4 .
`
`Fig. 10 is a schematic view of an earphone 2 and a holding device 3
`
`according the invention. This view is included in order to show the most
`
`essential
`
`internal parts of the earphone 2 and the holding device 3 . The
`
`earphone 2 comprises in its interior a control unit 3 1, a Bluetooth™
`
`transceiver 33, an antenna 32, a speaker 34, a microphone 37 and a
`
`rechargeable battery 26. The control unit 3 1 and the battery 26 are
`
`connected to the external contact pads 12. The drawing is only schematic.
`
`The location of the terminals is chosen for clarity reasons and differs from
`
`the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1-9. The holding device 3 comprises an
`
`internal rechargeable battery 28, which is connected to a charging socket
`
`35 and the contact pads 16.
`
`The contact pads 12, 16 are also providing an on/off-function. The two
`
`earphone contact pads 12 most
`
`to the left are short cut by the
`
`corresponding two interconnected holding device contact pads 16, when
`
`the earphone 2 is received by the earphone recess 4 . Thus, when the
`
`earphone 2 is arranged in the holding device 3, the earphone 2 is switched
`
`off. When the earphone 2 is removed from the holding device 3 , the
`
`earphone 2 is switched on. This is a very simple and intuitive way of
`
`switching the earphone on and off.
`
`Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an earphone system 23 according to a
`
`second embodiment of the invention. This earphone system comprises an
`
`earphone 2 1 for the right ear, an earphone 20 for the left ear and a holding
`
`device 22. The holding device 22 has two earphone receiving recesses 30,
`
`3 1, where only the recess 30 for the right earphone 2 1 is visible in Fig. 11.
`
`It
`
`is not shown in Fig. 11, but this embodiment may also include release
`
`recesses, whereby the user easily can remove the earphones 2 1, 20 from
`
`12
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`

`

`the earphone receiving recesses 30, 31. This embodiment can be used for
`
`stereo music listening or as two hearing aids.
`
`In both embodiments,
`
`the earphone holding device 3; 22 are made of
`
`undeformable material with no movable parts, whereby it can be made
`
`particularly sturdy.
`
`The holding devices 3; 22 can also be embodied without a battery 28 and
`
`serve as a simple charging cradle. The holding device 3; 22 could also
`
`include a transformer/adapter, whereby only a cord is needed to connect
`
`the holding device 3 ; 22 to a wall socket.
`
`The holding device 3; 22 is preferably provided with visual
`
`indication of the
`
`charging status of the holding device battery 28. This can be a LED-window
`
`that lightens red, yellow and green in dependence on the charging status.
`
`The earphone 2 ; 20, 2 1 and the holding device 3 ; 22 can be provided with
`
`magnetic means to hold the earphone more firmly in the earphone receiving
`
`recess 4 ; 30, 3 1.
`
`The release recess 15, could be provided with a release button, which
`
`when pushed exerts a pushing force on the earphone 2 ; 20, 2 1 and
`
`releases it from the earphone receiving recess 4 ; 30, 3 1.
`
`The embodiments
`
`disclosed
`
`here are headsets
`
`to be used for
`
`communication, especially telecommunication. Thus,
`
`the term earphone
`
`could be replaced by the term headset. However, the wireless earphone
`
`according to the invention could also be embodied as a hearing aid,
`
`whereby sounds from the surroundings are captured by the microphone
`
`and processed in order to compensate for the users hearing impairment
`
`before it is sent to the speaker. Thus, the term earphone could be replaced
`
`13
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`

`

`by the term hearing aid or hearing instrument.
`
`In addition, a combined
`
`wireless earphone for telecommunication and hearing aid is within the
`
`scope of the invention.
`
`14
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`

`

`Reference signs
`
`1
`
`2
`3
`
`4
`
`earphone system
`
`earphone
`holding device
`
`24 microphone opening
`
`25 outer surface of holding device
`26 outer surface of ear hook
`
`earphone recess in holding
`
`27 rechargeable
`
`battery
`
`of
`
`device
`5
`through
`
`going
`
`hole
`
`in
`
`28 rechargeable battery of holding
`
`earphone
`
`earphone holding device
`
`device
`
`6
`
`outer surface of earphone
`
`29 left ear earphone recess
`
`7 main part of earphone
`8
`ear hook
`
`9
`
`speaker housing
`
`10 speaker grill
`
`11 rubber ring
`
`30 right ear earphone recess
`
`3 1 earphone control unit
`
`32 earphone antenna
`
`33 earphone transceiver
`
`34 earphone speaker
`
`12 contact pads on earphone
`
`35 earphone
`
`holding
`
`device
`
`13 inner surface of earphone
`
`charging socket
`
`14 ear of user
`
`36 edge between inner and outer
`
`15 release recess in holding
`
`surface of earphone housing
`
`device
`
`37 microphone
`
`16 contact
`
`pads of
`
`holding
`
`38 light emitting diode
`
`device
`
`39 ear hook encircled portion of
`
`holding device
`
`17 front side of holding device
`18 rear side of holding device
`
`19 peripheral edge of holding
`
`device
`20 earphone for left ear
`
`2 1 earphone for right ear
`
`22 double
`
`earphone
`
`holding
`
`device
`
`23 double earphone system
`
`15
`
`

`

`Claims
`
`1. An earphone system ( 1 ; 23) comprising a wireless earphone (2; 20, 2 1)
`
`and a portable holding device (3; 22), wherein the earphone (2; 20, 2 1)
`comprises an ear hook (8) for attaching the earphone (2; 20, 2 1) to the ear
`
`(14) of a user and the holding device (3; 22) comprises an outer surface
`(25), characterised in that the outer surface (25) of the holding device (3;
`22) has an earphone recess (4; 30, 3 1) adapted for receiving the earphone
`(2; 20, 2 1) with the ear hook (8), such that the ear hook (8) follows the outer
`surface (25) of the holding device (3; 22), and attachment means (39) for
`attaching the earphone (2; 20, 2 1) in the earphone recess (4; 30, 3 1).
`
`2 . An earphone system ( 1 ; 23) according to claim 1, wherein the ear hook
`(8) has an outer surface (26), which is aligned with the outer surface (25) of
`the holding device (3; 22), when the earphone (2; 20, 2 1) is received by the
`earphone recess (4; 30, 31).
`
`3 . An earphone system ( 1 ; 23) according to claim 2 , wherein the outer
`surface (26) of the ear hook (8) and the outer surface (25) of the holding
`device (3; 22) together provide a continuous surface, when the earphone
`
`(2; 20, 2 1) is received by the earphone recess (4; 30, 3 1 ).
`
`4 . An earphone system ( 1 ; 23) according to any of the preceding claims,
`wherein the holding device (3; 22) comprises a release recess (15), which
`together with the earphone recess (4; 30, 3 1) forms a through-going hole
`
`(5), so that a user via the release recess (15) can press the earphone (2;
`20, 2 1) out of engagement with the earphone recess (4; 30, 3 1).
`
`5 . An earphone system ( 1 ; 23) according to any of the preceding claims,
`wherein the outer surface (25) of the holding device (3; 22) is essentially
`convex.
`
`16
`
`

`

`6 . An earphone system ( 1; 23) according to claim 5, wherein the outer
`
`surface (25) of
`flattened ball.
`
`the holding device (3; 22)
`
`is essentially shaped as a
`
`7 . An earphone system ( 1 ; 23) according to claim 5, wherein the holding
`
`device (3; 22) is essentially oval seen in the direction of a first axis (X) and
`
`oval seen in a direction of a second axis (Y), which is perpendicular to the
`
`first axis (X).
`
`8 . An earphone system ( 1; 23) according to claim 7, wherein the holding
`
`device (3; 22) is essentially oval seen in a direction of a third axis (Z), which
`is perpendicular to the first axis (X) and the second axis (Y).
`
`9. An earphone system ( 1; 23) according to any of the preceding claims,
`
`wherein the ear hook (8) is flexible, and wherein the earphone recess (4;
`
`30, 31) and the ear hook (8) are shaped such that the ear hook (8) must be
`
`elastically deformed by means of an external force in order to move the
`
`earphone (2; 20, 21) in to and out from the earphone recess (4; 30, 31).
`
`10. An earphone system ( 1; 23) according claim 9, wherein the attachment
`
`means comprise an undercut portion (39) of the holding device (3), which is
`
`partly encircled by the earphone recess (4).
`
`11. An earphone system ( 1; 23) according to any of the preceding claims,
`
`wherein the earphone (2; 20, 21) comprises a rechargeable earphone
`battery (27), and the holding device (3; 22) comprises a rechargeable
`
`holding device battery (28), and wherein the earphone system ( 1; 23) is
`
`adapted such that
`
`the earphone battery (27) can be recharged by the
`
`holding device battery (28), when the earphone (2; 20, 2 1) is received by
`
`the earphone recess (4; 30, 3 1).
`
`17
`
`

`

`12. An earphone system ( 1; 23) according to any of the preceding claims,
`
`wherein the system ( 1 ; 23) comprises a left ear earphone (20) and a right
`
`ear earphone (21 ), and the holding device (22) comprises a left ear
`
`earphone recess (29) for receiving the left ear earphone (20) and a right ear
`
`earphone recess (30) for receiving the right ear earphone (21 ).
`
`18
`
`

`

`WO 2010/142290
`
`PCT/DK2009/000139
`
`1/5
`
`Fig. 2
`
`19
`
`

`

`WO 2010/142290
`
`PCT/DK2009/000139
`
`2
`
`\
`
`9
`
`13
`
`24
`
`36
`
`Fig. 4
`
`6
`
`14
`
`24
`
`36
`
`6
`
`LY
`
`38
`
`10
`
`11
`
`9
`
`Fig. 5
`
`2
`
`7
`
`2/5
`
`12
`
`8
`
`Fig. 6
`
`20
`
`20
`
`

`

`WO 2010/142290
`
`PCT/DK2009/000139
`
`3/5
`
`4—__*
`
`19
`
`35
`
`IX
`
`4
`
`)
`
`39
`
`Fig. 8
`
`\,
`
`
`
`Fig. 9
`
`21
`
`21
`
`

`

`WO 2010/142290
`
`PCT/DK2009/000139
`
`4/5
`
`
`
`
`
`32 Faley 37
`[story
`PAR]
`ont”
`
`Control||Headset |
`
`
`
`POa
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 10
`
`22
`
`22
`
`

`

`WO 2010/142290
`
`PCT/DK2009/000139
`
`5/5
`
`\
`
`21
`
`
`
`20
`
`24
`
`Fig. 11
`
`23
`
`23
`
`

`

`International application No
`
`PCT/DK2009/000139
`
`A. CLASSIFICATION O F SUBJECT MATTER
`INV .
`H04M1/05
`
`According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC
`
`B. FIELDS SEARCHED
`Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols)
`H04M H04R
`
`Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched
`
`Electronic data base consulted dup ng the international search (name of data base and where practical, search terms used)
`EPO-Internal
`, WPI Data
`
`C DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`Citation of document, with indication, where appropp ate, of the relevant passages
`
`Category*
`
`Relevant to claim No
`
`US 2007/202934 A l (KIM YOUNG S [US])
`30 August 2007 (2007-08-30)
`figures 1,2
`paragraphs [0024] - [0039]
`
`US 2004/198470 A l (DYER MEDFORD ALAN [US]
`ET AL) 7 October 2004 (2004-10-07)
`paragraphs [0029] - [0041]
`figures 3-8
`
`US 2005/130593 A l (MICHALAK GERALD P [US])
`16 June 2005 (2005-06-16)
`figures 1A-1C
`paragraphs [0014] - [0018]
`
`EP 1 414 221 A (SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMM
`AB [SE]) 28 April 2004 (2004-04-28)
`paragraphs [0025] - [0038]
`figures 2-5,9-11
`
`1-12
`
`1-12
`
`1-12
`
`1-12
`
`D Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C
`
`* Special categories of cited documents
`
`"A" document defining the general state of the art which is not
`considered to be of particular relevance
`'E" earlier document but published on or after the international
`filing date
`"L" document which may throw doubts on prionty clai m(s) or
`which is cited to establish the publication date of another
`citation or other special reason (as specified)
`'O" document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or
`other means
`'P" document published prior to the international
`later than the priority date claimed
`
`filing date but
`
`See patent family annex
`
`'T" later document published after the international filing date
`or priority date and not in conflict with the application but
`cited to understand the pnnciple or theory underlying the
`invention
`"X" document of particular relevance, the claimed invention
`cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to
`involve an inventive step when the document is taken alone
`"Y" document of particular relevance, the claimed invention
`cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the
`document is combined with one or more other such docu¬
`ments, such combination being obvious to a person skilled
`in the art
`"&" document member of the same patent family
`
`Date of the actual completion of the international search
`
`Date of mailing of the international search report
`
`4 February 2010
`
`Name and mailing address of the ISA/
`European Patent Office, P B 5818 Patentlaap 2
`NL - 2280 HV Rijswijk
`TeI (+31-70) 340-2040,
`Fax (+31-70) 340-3016
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (second sheet) (April 2005)
`
`15/02/2010
`
`Authorized officer
`
`Maci ejewski
`
`, Robert
`
`24
`
`

`

`Information on patent family members
`
`International application No
`
`PCT/DK2009/000139
`
`Publication
`date
`
`Patent family
`member(s)
`
`Publication
`date
`
`30-08-2007
`
`NONE
`
`07-10-2004
`
`NONE
`
`Patent document
`cited in search report
`
`US 2007202934
`
`US 2004198470
`
`US 2005130593
`
`A l
`
`A l
`
`A l
`
`16-06-2005
`
`CN
`EP
`JP
`WO
`
`AT
`CN
`DE
`
`1918891 A
`1695528 A l
`2007520105 T
`2005120023 A l
`
`335352 T
`1706171 A
`60213611 T2
`
`21-02-2007
`30-08-2006
`19-07-2007
`15-12-2005
`
`15-08-2006
`07-12-2005
`18-10-2007
`
`E P 1414221
`
`28-04-2004
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (patent family annex) (April 2005)
`
`25
`
`

`

`(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`CORRECTED VERSION
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`16 December 2010 (16.12.2010)
`
`PCT
`
`(51) International Patent Classification:
`H04M 1/05 (2006.01)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`PCT/DK2009/000139
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`June 2009 (09.06.2009)
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(71) Applicant
`(for all designated States except US): GN
`NETCOM A S [DK/DK]; Lautrupbjerg 7, DK-2750
`Ballerup (DK).
`
`(72) Inventors; and
`(75) Inventors/Applicants for US only): BIRGER, Johan
`[SE/SE]; Vimpelgatan
`21, S-21 1 14 Maln 0 (SE).
`S0RENSEN, Michael
`[DK/DK];
`Jyllingeparken
`84,
`DK-4040 Jyllinge (DK).
`
`(74) Agent: LARSEN & BIRKEHOLM A/S; Skandinavisk
`Patentbureau, Banegardspladsen
`1, P.O. Box
`362,
`DK-1570 Copenhagen V (DK).
`
`(81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 2010/142290 A8
`
`AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BR, BW, BY, BZ,
`CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO,
`DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT,
`HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KM, KN, KP,
`KR, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD,
`ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI,
`NO, NZ, OM, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, RU, SC, SD,
`SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT,
`TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW.
`
`(84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM,
`ZW), Eurasian (AM,