as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 0) Pub. No.: US 2007/0258613 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Nov.8, 2007
`
`Wright
`
`US 20070258613A1
`
`(54) WEARABLE PERSONAL SOUND DELIVERY
`APPARATUS
`
`(52) U.S. C1.
`
`cacccsccssesssscseesestecssensesees 381/374; 381/370
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Kenneth A. Wright, La Mesa, CA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`CHARMASSON, BUCHACA & LEACH, LLP
`1545 HOTEL CIRCLE SOUTH, SUITE 150
`SAN DIEGO, CA 92108-3426 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
` 11/417,788
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`May3, 2006
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`HOAR 25/00
`
`A personal sound delivery apparatus which can be worm by
`a person has speakers held close to the ears and does not
`include anyinsert into the auditory canal or any ear muff that
`could muffle or suppress other ambient sounds. In a pre-
`ferred embodiment of the invention, a wireless speaker is
`anchored by an arcuate hanger shaped and dimensioned to
`rest behind the ear. The speakeris positioned within a range
`from 0 to 20 centimeters (0 to 8 inches) from the auditory
`canal and may be surrounded by baffles that focus the
`incoming sound towardthe entranceof the auditory canal. In
`other embodiments, a pair of speakers are embeddedinto the
`collar of a garment, a scapulary that rests upon the shoulders,
`a clamp that is bridging the nape of the neck, in pendants
`suspended from the neck, or hidden in a pair of earrings.
`
`APPLE 1052
`
`(2006.01)
`
`APPLE 1052
`
`1
`
`

`

`US 2007/0258613 Al
`
`Patent Application Publication Nov. 8,2007 Sheet 1 of 6
`
`
`
`FIG. 1
`
`FIG. 2
`
`FIG. 3
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 8,2007 Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 2007/0258613 Al
`
`
`FIG. 6
`
`FIG. 4
`
`19
`
`40
`
`FIG. 7
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 8,2007 Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 2007/0258613 Al
`
`FIG. 8
`
`20d
`
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 8,2007 Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 2007/0258613 Al
`
`
`
`40
`
`41
`
`FIG. 12
`
`39
`
`ie
`
`37
`
`2
`
`38
`
`FIG. 13
`
`5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 8,2007 Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 2007/0258613 Al
`
`44b ( \
`
` 4
`
`2
`
`44
`
`
`
`47
`
`6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 8,2007 Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 2007/0258613 Al
`
`7
`
`

`

`US 2007/0258613 Al
`
`Nov. 8, 2007
`
`WEARABLE PERSONAL SOUND DELIVERY
`APPARATUS
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] This invention relates to sound delivery systems
`and more specifically to portable, personal ones such as
`earphones.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] The earphonesof the prior art have been designed
`to deliver sound nearordirectly into the auditory canalat the
`exclusion of ambient sounds and noise. The purpose is to
`allow the wearer to listen to the selected speech, commu-
`nication, or music undistracted and undisturbed by the
`environment. The shutting out of the ambient sounds and
`noise is accomplished by means of a muff that
`tightly
`surrounds the ear, by delivering the sound directly through
`a plug inserted into the auditory canal, such as the so-called
`“earbud”speaker, or by incorporating a speaker in a muff or
`helmet shell over or in front of each of the wearer’s ears.
`
`[0003] One of the problemsassociated with the delivery of
`sound either directly into the auditory canalor very close to
`it
`is a loss of sound fidelity. The pinna of each ear is
`configured to collect and direct sound into the auditory
`canal. Its twists and folds enhance high frequency sounds
`and help us to determine the location of the sound source. In
`a concert hall setting, we sense the music through vibrations
`that impact the entire bone structure surrounding the ear.
`Speakers inserted into the ear bypass these conditioning and
`sensing elements depriving the audiophile of a whole spec-
`trum of auditory sensations.
`
`[0004] More significantly, it has been suspected that the
`use of earbuds and other ear-inserted sound delivery devices
`pose a serious risk of hearing loss. A recent survey com-
`missioned by the American Speech-Language-Hearing
`Association revealed that more than half of high school
`students in the United States reported at least one symptom
`of hearing loss due to too-loud and too-long use of MP3 and
`other types of music players using ear-inserted devices. It
`has been suggested that the devices that project the sound
`directly into the auditory canal are too harsh on the sensory
`cells, and that prolonged exposure to those harsh sounds are
`causing irreversible damage to the auditory organs.
`
`[0005] Automobilists are often frustrated by a pedestrian
`or jogger wearing earphones whostays on the pavement in
`front of them because he cannot hear the incoming traflic
`due to the exclusory character of his earphones. In the past,
`if the user of a listening device had to also be able to hear
`ambient conversations and other sounds, he will be provided
`with only one earphone,forsaking the possibility of hearing
`stereophonic arrangements.
`
`[0006] The prior art personal listening devices are also
`very conspicuous, unwieldy, cumbersome, and quite unsani-
`tary.
`
`[0007] The instant invention results from an attempt to
`eliminate the aforesaid problems and disadvantages associ-
`ated with current
`listening devices, by offering a new
`generation of personal sound delivery apparatuses that do
`not obstruct the auditory canal or muffle ambient sounds, yet
`provide a reasonable degree of privacy and create a more
`natural musical environment.
`
`[0008] With the advent of the extremely compact personal
`music players, a whole generation of audiophiles has
`become accustomed to work and play in a continuous
`private music environmentdelivered by the ubiquitous ear
`appendagesconstituted by earbud speakers. The invention
`offers elegant and safe methods and devices to listen to
`music the way it should be heard as an “around” sound,
`without shutting out
`the surrounding world or causing
`damage to one’s hearing system.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0009] The instant embodiments comprise a variety of
`personal sound-delivering devices that can be worn by a
`person where dual or multiple speakers are held proximate
`the ears in the absence of obstruction of the user’s auditory
`canals and muffling or complete suppression of the ambient
`sounds.
`
`[0010] The points of sound delivery can be held within a
`range of 0 to 20 centimeters (0 to 8 inches) from the auditory
`canal of each of the user’s ears. The speakers can be secured
`with a variety of anchoring means. In some embodiments of
`the invention, the anchoring means comprise an arcuate,
`filiform or tubular hanger shaped and dimensioned to fit
`behind an ear auricle. In other embodiments, the anchoring
`means comprise means for securing the speaker to a struc-
`ture proximate a person’s ear such as a clip resiliently
`clamped on an ear auricle or a stud engaged into a hole
`pierced through said auricle. In other embodiments,
`the
`anchoring means comprise a clip resiliently clamped on the
`user’s nucha, a collar that is part of a garment worn by the
`user, a scapulary, a neck pendant, or other proximatearticle.
`
`In some embodiments the arcuate hanger com-
`[0011]
`prises a tube havinga first end proximate the speaker and an
`open opposite end, wherein said speaker is located proxi-
`mate an ear lobule and said open end is located proximate
`the triangular fossa. Asperities are created on the internal
`wall of the tubular hanger in order to eliminate echoic
`distortions.
`
`[0012] Any one of the various types of speakers may
`comprise a sound deflecting baffle shaped to focus sound
`emitting from the speaker toward the auditory canal.
`
`In some embodiments, the hanger comprises a pair
`[0013]
`of tubes projecting from the speaker such as a hanger
`comprising a tube having an enlarged median section, and
`the speaker is lodged into an opening in said section.
`
`[0014] Each speaker may consist of a wireless receiver
`such as a crystal receiver.
`
`In some embodiments the anchoring means com-
`[0015]
`prise an earring or an adhesive-coated pad.
`
`[0016] The anchoring means can also comprise a speaker
`enclosure having a slot, and a sheet-like object
`loosely
`inserted into said slot. That enclosure may be a table top pod
`of a small brooch that can be clipped to a book or wallet that
`the user may place in front on him on a planeseat, food tray
`or similar support.
`
`[0017] The invention also offers in combination of the
`sound delivery apparatus a speaker loudness testing device
`comprising a laminated card or other enclosure, and, imbed-
`ded in said card, a microphone and a plurality of indicators
`selectively responsive to the output level of the microphone.
`
`8
`
`

`

`US 2007/0258613 Al
`
`Nov. 8, 2007
`
`[0018] Each of the above-mentioned speakers may com-
`prise a low frequency sub-speaker and a high frequency
`sub-speaker.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`
`[0020] FIG. 2 isa frontal view of an alternate dual speaker
`and hanger combination;
`
`[0021] FIG. 3 is a frontal view of a second alternate
`embodimentof the sound delivery system attached to a ear;
`
`[0022] FIG. 4 is an exploded view ofthe device of FIG. 3;
`
`the end of an arcuate hanger 4 shaped and dimensionedto fit
`snugly behind one of the person’s ears in such a waythat the
`sound waves emanating from the speaker 3 are directed
`toward the ear meatus 5, that is the person’s auditory canal.
`While only one speakeris illustrated on the drawing, it must
`be understood that the opposite ear is also fitted with a
`[0019] FIG.1isa perspective view of a person wearing an
`similar one. The speaker 3 may be held in a choice of various
`exemplary embodimentofa personal sound delivery system;
`orientations. However, for best results, the point of sound
`delivery should be positioned within a range of 0 to 20
`centimeters (0 to 8 inches) from the entrance of the auditory
`canal at a spot where it will not block ambient sounds. The
`point of sound delivery may be the speaker diaphragm or the
`end of a sound delivery tube baffle or other sound conduct-
`ing device attached to the speaker. The hanger4 is preferably
`tubular and made from metal or rigid plastic material.
`Vibrations from the speaker can also be conveyed by the
`hanger to the bonestructure surrounding the ear.
`
`[0023] FIG. 5 isa third alternate embodimentof the sound
`delivery system;
`
`FIG.6 is a perspective view of the device of FIG.
`[0024]
`5 hungoveran ear;
`
`[0025] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a fourth alternate
`embodiment of the sound delivery system;
`
`[0026] FIG. 8 is an perspective view ofa fifth alternate
`embodiment of the sound delivery system;
`
`[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sixth alternate
`embodimentof the sound delivery system worn by a person;
`
`[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a person wearing
`a seventh alternate embodiment of the sound delivery sys-
`tem;
`
`[0029] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a person wearing
`a eighth alternate embodimentof the sound delivery system;
`
`[0030] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a ninth alternate
`embodimentof the sound delivery system clipped to an ear;
`
`[0031] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 12;
`
`[0032] FIG. 14 is a side view of a wireless speaker
`mounted within a stud earring;
`
`[0033] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a wireless speaker
`mounted in a clipping earring;
`
`[0034] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a person wearing
`a eighth embodiment of the sound delivery system;
`
`[0035] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a desktop speaker
`base;
`
`[0036] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a pair of speaker-
`bases of FIG. 17 equipped with a sheet-like diaphragm;
`
`[0037] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a loudness detec-
`tor; and
`
`[0038] FIG. 20 is an electrical diagram of the loudness
`detector of FIG. 19.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0039] Referring now to FIG.1, there is shown a person 1
`wearing a personal sound delivery apparatus 2, that allows
`that person to listen to a recording or live communication
`under realistically natural conditions, while being able to
`perceive other ambient sound and even converse with
`another person. The apparatus comprises
`a miniature
`speaker 3 of the type commonlycalled “earbud” mountedat
`
`Ina first alternate embodiment6 illustrated in FIG.
`[0040]
`2, a high frequency sub-speaker 3a and a low frequency
`sub-speaker 35 shown in dotted lines are packaged in a pod
`7 held by a hanger wire 4 similar to the one shownin FIG.
`1.
`
`In the sound delivery device 8 illustrated in FIGS.
`[0041]
`3 and 4,an earbud speaker3 is force-inserted or snapped into
`an adaptor 9 consisting of a slightly resilient cup or funnel
`engaging a tubular hook hanger 10 having an open opposite
`end 11 positioned proximate the triangular fossa 12. The
`hangeris shaped to direct the sound waves out of the open
`end 11 toward the entry of the auditory canal 13. The hanger
`10 is preferably made of metal or other hard material for
`improved sound transmission.
`
`[0042] The above-mentioned earbud-type of miniature
`speakers are part of most standard brand of audio devices,
`and are commercially available under a number of manu-
`facturers, brand names and model numbers including CUI,
`Inc. GCO series; Panansonic EAS-G weries; and Knowles
`Acoustics, model ED-3619, from Digi-Key Corporation of
`Thief River Falls, Minn., U.S.A.
`
`Inthe embodiment 14 of the sound delivery system
`[0043]
`illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the speaker 15 consists of a
`wireless crystal receiver/speaker combination. Such a device
`includes a traditional
`type of crystal receiver feeding a
`miniature speaker. The receiver may deliver enough current
`to operate the speaker without battery power. These com-
`ponents are commercially available from Knowles Acous-
`tics under part number ED-3619 or Digi-Key corporation of
`Thief River, Minn. under part number 4423-1059-ND. The
`tubular hanger 16, similar to the one described in connection
`to the embodiment of FIG. 3 has one end mated to the face
`
`of the speaker 17 and an open opposite end 18.
`
`In the embodiment 19 of FIG. 7, a tubular hanger
`[0044]
`20 comprises two tubes 20a, 205 projecting from the
`speaker. More specifically, a tubular hanger has an enlarged
`median section 21. An opening 22 in the enlargedsection is
`dimensioned to accommodate and tightly hold an earbud
`speaker 3 of the type previously described. The hanger20 is
`shaped and dimensioned to conveniently nest behind the
`auricle of one of the user’s ears.
`It can be made of a
`
`malleable plastic that allows for custom fitting of the device
`to the particular anatomy of the user’s ear, and to conve-
`niently orient the open end of the tube toward the auditory
`canal. As illustrated in the cut-out portion of the tube, the
`
`9
`
`

`

`US 2007/0258613 Al
`
`Nov. 8, 2007
`
`interior wall is preferably gnarled by asperities or rugosities
`23 in order to reduce the swirl and echo effect often
`
`associated with tubular structures. Giving the hanger tube an
`oval or flattened rather than circular cross-section can also
`
`the auditory canal. Alternately, the speaker 43 can be incor-
`porated into a clip-type earring 46. The speaker can also be
`held on a pad having an adhesive backing, or even imbedded
`under the skin.
`
`improve the sound fidelity by providing a larger cross-
`section for a given amountof bulkiness and level of comfort.
`
`In the embodiment 20c illustrated in FIG. 8, the
`[0045]
`hanger tube 20d forms a closed loop providing greater
`stability on the ear. At least one opening 20e is formed
`through the wall of the hanger tube to provide a sound
`delivery point. The location of the opening can be selected
`to direct the sound toward the auditory canal. A plurality of
`spaced apart openings can be sized and located to spread the
`sound delivery point across different portions of the ear
`anatomyin order to provide a more natural sound experience
`to the user. The closed loop hanger can also be shaped to
`provide a more aesthetically appealing hoop type earing
`shape.
`
`In the alternate embodiment 24 illustrated in FIG.
`[0046]
`9, a pair of speakers 25 are mounted at opposite ends of a
`resilient plastic clip 26 shaped and dimensionedto bridge or
`clamp over the nucha 27, that is the nape of the neck so as
`to position the speakers 25 either behind the ears or imme-
`diately below as illustrated at 28 in dotted lines on the
`drawing. Ear hangers mayalso be provided to better secure
`and stabilize the device.
`
`In the alternate embodiment 29 illustrated in FIG.
`[0047]
`10, a pair of speakers 30 are embedded into a scapulary 31
`whichrests over the shoulders of the user. The scapulary can
`have a fabric cover and may be weighted with metal beads
`or provided on its under surface with hook-and-vane fabric
`fasteners to preventit from slipping away from the shoulder
`during abrupt movements. The speakers are preferably
`located just below the ears. The body of the scapulary may
`include or consist of a frame 32 made of flexible wire or
`
`other goose-neck material that can be conveniently folded as
`shown on the user’s left shoulder in order to properly orient
`the speaker 30 toward the ear.
`
`In the alternate embodiment 33 illustrated in FIG.
`[0048]
`11, a pair of speakers 34 are sewn or otherwise fixed into the
`collar 35 of a garment 36 worn by the user. The speakers are
`preferably located just below the ears with the front of the
`speakers, facing up so that when the uppercollar 35 is lifted
`as shown on the drawing, the speaker is aimed toward the
`ears.
`
`In the embodiment37 illustrated in FIGS. 12 and
`[0049]
`13, the speaker 38 is mounted on a clip 39 which can be
`attached to the helix 40 of a earas illustrated in FIG. 12, to
`a strand of hair, to the brim of a hat, or to any convenient
`spot proximate the templesor ears. The clip is provided with
`a parabolic sound deflecting baffle 41 which projects over
`the face of the speaker 38 in order to focus the sound waves
`toward the opening of the auditory canal. It must be under-
`stood that any one of the. other embodiments disclosed
`herein can benefit from the addition of one or more sound-
`
`deflecting baffles.
`
`In the embodiment 42 illustrated in FIG. 14, a
`[0050]
`wireless speaker 43 is incorporated within a stud-type ear-
`ring 44 engaged through an openingin the lobule part of the
`auricle. The decorative portion 446 of the earing can be
`formed into a sound-directing baffle to focus sound toward
`
`Inthe embodiment47 illustrated in FIG. 16, speak-
`[0051]
`ers are imbedded into pendants 48 hanging from a lanyard,
`chain or necklace 49 around the neck of the user.
`
`Illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, is a desktop-speaker
`[0052]
`50 whose vibrating membrane 51 is located within a slot 52
`cut across the hemispheric top of the speaker enclosure.
`When a piece of paper, cardboard or any other sheet-like
`object 53 is inserted within the slot 52 or otherwise held
`against the speaker membrane, the sound delivered by the
`speaker membraneis amplified by the vibration of the object
`53. A pair of such speakers 54 positioned on a work surface
`can provide a convenient, inconspicuous and effective per-
`sonal sound delivery system.
`
`It should be understood that each above-described
`[0053]
`embodiment of a sound delivery apparatus may include a
`high and low frequency dual speaker.
`
`Illustrated in FIG. 19 and 20, is a sound loudness
`[0054]
`detecting device imbedded into a laminated card 55 which
`can be used to verify that the audio output of a speaker does
`not exceed safety norms, typically 62 to 95 decibels. It must
`be understood that the device could be packaged in pocket
`clip or various other enclosures. The card comprises a
`microphone 56 dimensioned to match the front of an earbud
`or other miniature speaker. The microphoneconsists of a
`piezoelectric sensor 57 commercially available under the
`PANASONICbrand, part number WM-63 GCT.Thesensor,
`when excited by sound, provides enough output power to
`drive one or more ofa plurality of LED indicators 58-60
`selectively and proportionally responsive the amplitude of
`the output signal. A set of one or more diodes 61-63 mounted
`in series between the sensor 57 and one of the indicators
`
`becomes conductive when the output of the sensor exceeds
`the bias voltage of the series of diodes. Accordingly, a low,
`safe sound output may causeonly thefirst sensor 58to light.
`A higher, borderline output will cause the median sensor 59
`to light. And, excessive and dangerous sound output will
`causethe third sensor 60 to light. If needed, the output of the
`piezoelectric microphone can be boosted by a gain-adjust-
`able buffer amplifier 64 powered by a small battery 65. After
`calibration, the card can be used to verify that the output of
`any of the speakers in the previously described embodiments
`of the invention does not exceed safe limits prior to its use.
`
`[0055] While the preferred embodiments of the invention
`have been described, modifications can be made and other
`embodiments may be devised without departing from the
`spirit of the invention and the scope of the appendedclaims.
`
`Whatis claimedis:
`
`1. A personal sound delivery apparatus worn by a person,
`which comprises:
`
`at least one speaker; and
`
`anchoring means for holding said speaker sound delivery
`point proximate anear of said person, in the absence of
`obstruction of the auditory canal and muffling of ambi-
`ent sounds.
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`US 2007/0258613 Al
`
`Nov. 8, 2007
`
`16. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said hanger com-
`prises a pair of tubes projecting from said speaker.
`17. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said hanger com-
`prises a tube having an enlarged median section, and said
`speaker is lodged into an opening in said section.
`18. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said speaker
`comprises a wireless receiver.
`19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said receiver
`comprises a crystal receiver.
`20. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said anchoring
`means comprise an earring.
`21. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said anchoring
`means comprise a speaker enclosure having a slot, and a
`sheet-like object loosely inserted into said slot.
`22. Apersonal sound delivery apparatus worn by a person,
`which comprises:
`
`a pair of miniature speakers;
`
`anchoring meansfor holding the sound delivery points of
`said speakers within a range of 0 to 20 centimeters (0
`to 8 inches) from the entrance of auditory canals of both
`of said person’s ears without obstructing said auditory
`canals and muffling or suppressing ambient sounds;
`
`wherebysaid person can listen to sounds emanating from
`said speakers, and, at the same time, converse with
`another person and hear other ambient sounds.
`23. The combination of the apparatus of claim 1 with a
`speaker loudness testing device comprising:
`
`2. The apparatus of claim 1, which comprises oneof said
`speaker sound delivery point held within a range of about 0
`to 20 centimeters (0 to 8 inches) from the auditory canal of
`each of said person’s ear.
`3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said anchoring
`means comprise an arcuate tubular hanger shaped and
`dimensionedto fit behind an ear auricle.
`
`4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said anchoring
`means comprise means for securing said speaker to a
`structure proximate an ear.
`5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said means for
`securing comprise a clip resiliently clamped on an ear
`auricle.
`
`6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said means for
`securing comprise a stud engaged into a hole piercing
`through said auricle.
`7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said anchoring
`means comprise a clip bridging said person’s nucha.
`8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for
`anchoring comprise a collar.
`9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said collar is part of
`a garment worn by said person.
`10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for
`anchoring, comprises a scapulary.
`11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for
`anchoring comprises a neck pendant.
`12. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said anchoring
`means comprise a tube having a first end proximate said
`speaker and an open opposite end.
`13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said speaker is
`located proximate an ear lobule and said open endis located
`proximate the triangular fossa.
`14. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said speaker and
`said tubular hanger comprises internal asperities.
`15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said speaker
`comprises a sound deflecting baffle shaped to focus sound
`emitting from said speaker toward said auditory canal.
`
`11
`
`*
`
`an enclosure, and imbeddedin said enclosure, a micro-
`phone and a plurality of indicators selectively respon-
`sive to the output level of said microphone.
`24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein each of said
`speakers comprises a high frequency sub-speaker and a low
`frequency sub-speaker.
`*
`
`*
`
`*
`
`*
`
`11
`
`