Patent ID: 6038329
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: H04R

Abstract:
An earphone device comprising:a retainer having a first end and a second end, a first leg terminating at said first end, a second leg terminating at said second end, said second leg being oriented parallel to said first leg, and a U-shaped bend integrally connecting said first leg to said second leg, said retainer being positionable around the outer ear of an individual;a speaker attached to the first end of said retainer, said speaker being sized to fit into a recessed area of the outer ear, said retainer fixedly securing said speaker in the recessed area of the outer ear; andmeans for urging the first and second ends of said retainer away from each other in order to facilitate removal said earphone device, wherein said means for urging comprises:a first snap loop coupled to said first leg;a second snap loop coupled to said second leg;a first tension rod extending perpendicularly from said second leg, said first tension rod being sized and aligned for insertion through said first snap loop;a second tension rod extending perpendicularly from said first leg, said second tension rod being sized and aligned for insertion through said second snap loop; anda disc attached to the free end of each of said tension rods for limiting the travel thereof, and for providing a surface upon which force may be exerted for urging said first and second legs away from each other.