USAC YUAAA
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`US 20020041697A1
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`as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0041697 Al
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` MacDonald etal. (43) Pub. Date: Apr. 11, 2002
`
`
`(54) FLEXIBLE EARHOOK
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: James T. MacDonald, Pepperell, MA
`(US); Joseph L. Freni JR., Hudson,
`NH (US); John Depiano JR.,
`Burlington, MA (US); Roy Heinz,
`Waltham, MA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`Michael B. Lasky
`Altera Law Group
`Suite 100
`6500 City West Parkway
`Minneapolis, MN 55344-7701 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: GN Netcom/Unex Inc.
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
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`100
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`(63) Continuation of application No. 09/197,101,filed on
`Nov. 20, 1998.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`/
`(SV) Tite C07eeeceececeeeeeseeseeecececeescnmnneneeeneeee HO04R 25/00
`(52) UG. C1.
`ceccccccccescsecscscsscscssssecreee 381/381; 381/330
`(67)
`.
`ABSTRACT
`.
`A flexible earhook for positioning an earphone adjacent a
`wearer’s ear,
`the earhook including a mounting element
`capable of being provided with the earphone. The mounting
`element may be substantially annular. The earhook further
`includes a hook element comprising a material capable of
`being contoured and thereafter maintaining its shape. The
`hook element may comprise a wire. The hook element and
`the mounting element may be connected such that
`the
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`APPLE 1135
`APPLE1135
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`10/013,028
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`Nov. 5, 2001
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`flexible carhook can be used oneither ear.
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 11,2002 Sheet 1 of 5
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`FIG. 4
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 11,2002 Sheet 2 of 5
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`FIG.2
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 11,2002 Sheet 3 of 5
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`FIG.5
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 11,2002 Sheet 4 of 5
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`US 2002/0041697 Al
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`FIG.S
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`103
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 11,2002 Sheet 5 of 5
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`US 2002/0041697 Al
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`Apr. 11, 2002
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`FLEXIBLE EARHOOK
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The invention relates to earhooks, and in particular
`to flexible earhooks that may be contoured to a wearer’s ear.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] Traditionally, earphones have been used by posi-
`tioning a support memberor band across the wearer’s head,
`wherebythe earphonesrest against the outer vicinity of the
`ears and the wearer perceives the audio produced in the
`earphone. Whenit is desirable for the wearer to be able to
`perceive also ambient sound and engage in direct conver-
`sations, one of the earphoneshas been replaced bya pad that
`rests against the side of the head. While perceiving sound
`through the one earphone which is positioned against one
`ear, the wearer can still hear ambient sound with the other
`ear.
`
`Ilowever, the support member extending across the
`[0003]
`wearer’s head has disadvantages. It may product unwanted
`pressure on the wearer’s head, and it mayalso interfere with
`the person’s hair. Furthermore, some wearers find it uncom-
`fortable having an object extending over the top of their
`head, further adding to the disadvantages of such structures.
`
`the longitudinal member
`In one embodiment,
`[0010]
`includes a curved portion between the first and second ends.
`In another embodiment,
`the material capable of being
`shaped and thereafter maintaining its shape comprises a
`wire. The wire may be covered with a soft plastic material.
`
`In yet another embodiment, the hook element and
`{0011]
`the mounting element are connected by a substantially
`cylindrical portion on the mounting element and by a
`hollow, substantially cylindrical housing on the hook ele-
`ment, wherein the cylindrical portion has a radially extend-
`ing flange, and the housing having a plurality of slits to
`accommodate the flange.
`
`‘These and various other advantages and features of
`[0012]
`novelty which characterize the present invention are pointed
`out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and
`forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding
`of the present invention, its advantages, and other objects
`obtained byits usc, reference should be made to the draw-
`ings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompa-
`nying descriptive matter, in which preferred embodiments of
`the present invention are illustrated and described.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0013] The present invention will be described with ref-
`erence to the accompanying drawings, wherein like refer-
`ence numerals identify corresponding or like components.
`
`[0004] Prior art earphones which hang from the outer ear
`(at. pinna) are not flexible, that is, they are typically made
`[0014] FIG.1is a perspective view of an embodimentof
`from hard plastic materials which severely restrict
`the
`the present invention;
`amountof adjustment the wearer can make. This may render
`the earphone uncomfortable, which may cause the wearer to
`frequently readjust the earphone for a more comfortablefit.
`
`{0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the
`present invention;
`
`[0005] Being able to offer the wearer an adjustable ear-
`hook allows the wearer to contour the carhook toreflect the
`
`shape of the individual wearer’s ear. Doing so greatly
`improves the wearer’s comfort, in that the wearer is able to
`adjust
`the earhook to a personal comfortable fit. Good
`adjustability and comfort for the wearer is particularly
`important in a professional situation where the earphone is
`intended to be used for extended periods of time.
`
`[0006] Thus, it can be seen that there is a need for an
`earhook which allows a lightweight, accessible, and easily
`adjustable arrangementof an earphoneclose to the wearer’s
`ear.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention relates generally to ear-
`[0007] The present
`hooks, and in particular to flexible earhooks that may be
`contoured to a wearer’s ear.
`
`[0008] A flexible earhook for positioning an earphone
`adjacent a wearer’s ear comprises a mounting element
`capable of being provided with the earphone, and a hook
`element comprising a material capable of being contoured
`and thereafter maintaining its shape. The hook element and
`the mounting element may be connected such that
`the
`flexible earhook can be used on either ear.
`
`In one embodiment, the mounting element com-
`[0009]
`prises a hard plastic material. In another embodiment, the
`hook element comprises a soft pliable plastic material facing
`the wearer’s ear.
`
`[0016] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the embodiment of the
`present invention;
`
`FIG.4 isa first side view of the embodimentofthe
`[0017]
`present invention;
`
`[0018] FIG. 5 is a second side view of the embodiment of
`the present invention;
`
`[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an earhook
`register of an embodiment in accordance with the present
`invention;
`
`[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross section of the hook elementin the
`embodiment shown in FIG. 3, taken along line 7-7; and
`
`[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross section of the mounting element
`in the embodiment shown in FIG.2, taken along line 8-8.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0022] FIG. 1 shows a flexible earhook 100 in one
`embodiment of the present
`invention. The earhook 100
`generally comprises a hook element 101 and a mounting
`element 103. The hook element 101 may be usedto position
`the earhook 100 on a wearer’s ear. The hook element 101
`may be connected to the mounting element such that the
`earhook 100 may rotate, that is, the earhook 101 may be
`used with either left or right ear. The mounting element 103
`may be used for mounting an earphoneor similar equipment,
`such that the earphone is positioned adjacent the wearer’s
`ear when wearing the earhook 100. The hook element 101 is
`flexibly adjustable, which allows a wearer to adjust it to
`conform comfortably to the shape of his or herear.
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`US 2002/0041697 Al
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`Apr. 11, 2002
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`[0023] The hook element 101 comprises a first end 105
`and a second end 107. The hook element 101 further
`comprises a first connection member 108 which may, for
`example, be used for connecting the hook element 101to the
`mounting element 103. Between the first end 105 and the
`second end 107 is a longitudinal portion including a curved
`portion 106. The curved portion 106 may be shaped to make
`the fitting of the earhook 100 onto the wearer’s ear com-
`fortable.
`
`[0024] As shown by the shaded area 112 in FIG.1, the
`hook element 101 may comprise one material on portions
`adjacent the wearer’s ear. The material may be a soft pliable
`plastic material, for example a SANTOPRENE material.
`This may serve to increase the comfort of using the earhook
`100.
`
`In the illustrated embodiment, the curved portion
`[0025]
`106 extends down along the back of the hook element 101.
`Whenthe curved portion 106 is formed from a hard plastic
`material, this mayserve to facilitate the wearer’s contouring
`of the hook element 101 in order for the earhook 100 to fit
`comfortably. The curved portion 106 of a hard plastic
`material may moreorlessresist flexing whenthe portion 112
`is being contoured, maintaining the curved portion 106 in
`substantially original shape.
`
`[0026] The mounting element 103 has a substantially
`annular shape, and comprises a second connection member
`111.
`In the shown embodiment,
`the second connection
`member111 is positioned substantially radially with respect
`to the mounting element 103. The second connection mem-
`ber 111 will extend intothe first connection member 108 and
`together they form an earhook register 110 which allows the
`mounting element 103 to be positioned at angles with
`respect to hook element 101. ‘his allows, for example, an
`earphone which may be mounted on the mounting element
`103, to be adjusted relative to the wearer’s ear as desired. As
`illustrated, the earhook register 110 may be a swivel mecha-
`nism. In other embodiments, other configurations such as
`hinge mechanisms may be used.
`
`[0027] The sccond connection member 111 may have
`different configurations. For example, in one embodiment
`the second connection member 111 may enclose the first
`connection member 108.
`
`In other embodiments the mounting element 103
`[0028]
`may have a shapesuitable for the particular equipment, such
`as an earphone, which is to be mounted on the mounting
`element 103. It is contemplated that the mounting element
`103 need not necessarily enclose or cover the earphoneetc.;
`in some embodiments it may comprise a fitting which
`attaches to the earphoneetc.
`
`[0029] The mounting element 103 may be formed using
`well-known techniques. The mounting element 103 may
`comprise, for example, a hard plastic material. An example
`of such a material is a XENOY material.
`
`[0030] FIGS. 2 and 3 show front and rear views of the
`flexible earhook 100, respectively. In the shown configura-
`tion of the earhook 100, the first connection member 108 and
`the second connection member111are positioned so that the
`mounting element 103 is substantially planar with the hook
`element 101. The mounting element 103 is connected to the
`hook element 101 such as to be rotatably positionable with
`respect to the hook element 101. Thus, when wearers put on
`
`the earhook 100, the hook element 101 and the mounting
`element 103 will assume positions with respect to each
`other.
`
`[0031] FIGS. 4 and 5 show side viewsof the earhook 100,
`where the mounting elements 103 is adjusted in a position
`substantially planar with the hook element 101. The mount-
`ing element 103 hasa first annular edge 115, which may be
`configured so as to facilitate mounting of a device on the
`mounting element 103, such as an earphone.
`
`(0032] The mounting element 103 further comprises a
`second annular edge 117, which may be adaptedto facilitate
`the mounting of a device in the mounting element 103. For
`example, one or both ofthe first and second angular edges
`115 and 117 may be configured to abut or engage a portion
`of an earphone mounted on the mounting element 103, such
`that the earphoneis securely fastened the mounting element
`103.
`
`[0033] Slits 119 may be formed in the first connection
`member108to facilitate connection of the hook element 103
`
`such that it is rotatably mounted to the hook element 101.
`Forming the slits 119 as through openings may be advan-
`tageous in that
`it simplifies the manufacturing process.
`However, it should be noted thatthe slits 119 may be formed
`with different configurations, such as being grooves on the
`inside ofthe first connection member108. Theslits 119 may
`be formed using well-known techniques.
`
`[0034] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the first and
`second connection members 108 and 111. The first connec-
`tion member 108 comprises a substantially cylindrical cavity
`123, and slits 119 in the first connection member 108.
`
`[0035] The second connection member 111 comprises a
`flange 121. The flange 121 may, tor example, extend around
`the entire second connection member 111. The flange 121
`will be used to facilitate mounting of the second connection
`member 111 inside the first connection member 108. This
`
`may, for example, be carried out by the flange 121 engaging
`the slits 119, thercby sccuring the second connection mem-
`ber 111 to the first connection member 108, and allowing it
`to be adjusted into different positions.
`
`[0036] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary cross section of the
`hook clement 101, taken along the line indicated in FIG.3.
`The hook element 101 comprises a core 127 covered by a
`body 129. The core 127 will act as a flexibly adjustable
`memberwhich allows the hook element 101 to be flexed into
`
`the core 127 may
`different configurations. For example,
`render the hook element 101 capable of being contoured and
`thereafter maintaining its shape. Many different materials
`may be used for the core member 127. For example, the core
`member 127 may be a wire with a substantially circular
`cross section. As another example, the core member 127
`may be an annealed wire. The core member 127 may be
`provided with other cross sections than circular. The body
`129 may have other cross sectional configurations than the
`one shownin the drawing. For example, the body 129 may
`have a substantially wedge-like cross section, with rounded
`edges to make it comfortable to use. It should be noted that
`the core member 127 may constitute a lesser or greater
`proportion of the entire cross-sectional area of the hook
`element 101.
`
`[0037] The body 129 may, for example, be a soft plastic
`material such as a thermoelastic material. One example of
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`US 2002/0041697 Al
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`Apr. 11, 2002
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`such a material is a SANTOPRENEmaterial. The body 129
`is molded to the core member 127, in order to allow it to
`flexibly conform to any particular configuration in which the
`core member 127 may be contoured. In other embodiments,
`We claim:
`the hook element 101 may be formed entirely from one
`1.Aflexible earhookfor positioning an earphone adjacent
`material which renders it capable of being contouredto the
`a wearer’s ear, the flexible earhook comprising:
`wearer’s ear and thereafter maintaining its shape.
`
`is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and
`equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope
`thereof, as defined by the appended claims.
`
`the core member may
`In some embodiments,
`[0038]
`extend substantially along the entire length of the hook
`element 101.
`In another embodiment,
`it may terminate
`somewhat before the end of the hook element 101
`
`a mounting element capable of being provided with the
`earphone; and
`
`a hook element connected to the mounting element,
`comprising a material capable of being contoured and
`In some embodiments, part of the hook element
`[0039]
`thereafter maintaining its shape.
`101 may be formed from a hard plastic material, and another
`2. The flexible earhook in claim 1, wherein the mounting
`part, such as one which comes in contact with the wearer’s
`element comprises a hard plastic material.
`
`skin, maybe formed fromasoft pliable plastic material. This 3. The flexible earhook of claim 1, wherein the hook
`may, for example, allow the hook element 101 to be used
`element comprises a soft plastic material.
`with great comfort for the wearer, as well as with adequate
`4. The flexible earhook of claim 1, wherein the hook
`rigidity and structural integrity for the intended usc. The
`element comprises a soft plastic material on portions facing
`the wearer’s ear.
`hook element 101 may be molded and/or formed using well
`known techniques.
`5. The flexible earhook of claim 1, wherein the hook
`element includes a curved portion.
`6. The flexible earhook of claim 1, wherein the material
`capable of being contoured and thereafter maintaining its
`shape comprises a wire.
`7. The flexible earhook of claim 1, wherein the hook
`element and the mounting element are connected by a swivel
`element.
`8. The flexible earhook of claim 1, wherein the hook
`element and the mounting element are connected by a
`substantially cylindrical portion on the mounting element
`and by a hollow, substantially cylindrical housing on the
`hook element, wherein the cylindrical portion hasa radially
`extending flange, and the housing having a plurality ofslits
`to accommodate the flange.
`9. The flexible earhook of claim 1, wherein the hook
`element comprises a wire covered bya soft plastic material.
`10. The flexible earhook of claim 1, wherein the hook
`element and the mounting element are connected such that
`the flexible earhook can be used oneither ear.
`
`
`
`[0040] FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the mounting
`element 103 taken along the line indicated in FIG.2. In this
`embodiment,
`the first annular edge 115 and the second
`annular edge 117 have been configured particularly to facili-
`tate the mounting of a device in the mounting element 103,
`allowing the device to be positioned adjacent the wearer’s
`ear by meansof the earhook 100.
`
`In an exemplary use of the earhook 100, a wearer
`{0041]
`may place the hook element 101 behind the ear, whereby the
`mounting element 103 and an earphone mounted thereonare
`situated approximately in front of the person’s ear. If the
`wearer wishes to adjust the earhook, he or she may contour
`the hook element 101 to conform to the shape of the ear,
`whereby the earhook 100 can be worn with a comtortable fit
`adapted to the person’s ear. The mounting element may
`furthermore be contoured before putting on the earhook 100,
`and the fit may then be adjusted onceit is in place.
`
`[0042] While the invention has been described in connec-
`tion with an embodiment, it will be understood that the
`invention is not limited to that embodiment. The invention
`
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