Abstract:
An earphone for use with portable communication devices (PCDs), particularly cellular phones, where the electro-magnetic (EM) radiation of the device is distanced from the head of the user, while acoustic waves are collected and brought through an acoustic tube to the ear of the user. The earphone may employ a coupler where the coupler contains a microphone and speaker acoustically insulated from each other. The coupler is positioned distant from both the ear of the user and the PCD. The coupler delivers acoustic waves to an acoustic tube for transmittal to the ear.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to an earphone for use with portable communication devices, particularly with cellular phones.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Cellular phones are known to emit electromagnetic (EM) radiation that is thought to be potentially harmful to biological tissues, particularly to the brain. In order to reduce this risk, various approaches have been suggested.  
           [0003]    One approach uses radiation deflection shields (for example AegisGuard™) attached to a phone positioned near the ear and head of the user. Another approach tracks the cellular phone&#39;s output power, emitting a warning signal when the maximum permissible power limit is reached. Yet another proposed approach uses an electromagnetically charged solution, such as that utilized by the Tecno AO Oscillator. The solution emits low intensity, oscillating alpha waves in an extremely low range of frequencies (between 7.5-13.5 Hertz) and its compensating electromagnetic field counters the potentially harmful waves emitted by cellular phones. Another approach is that used by Rayaway chips, attachable to a cell phone and composed of a quartz crystal matrix which alters the carrier frequency of the radiation produced by the phone. Yet another proposed solution requires the attachment of special materials to a phone, such as Zeropa® ceramic materials, which absorb the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the phones.  
           [0004]    Perhaps the most common and simplest approach is using common electrical earphones to increase the distance between the cellular phone and the brain when a transmission is received or sent. The phone itself can be hand held or attached to the user with a belt. However, it has been shown that a regular earphone may act as an antenna and actually concentrate the electromagnetic radiation in the region of the ear with possible insidious consequences to brain and other tissues. In order to render safe the use of earphones, elimination of the harmful effects resulting from their ability to concentrate electromagnetic radiation appears necessary.  
         Definitions  
         [0005]    The following terms will be used herein with the following meanings, except where noted otherwise.  
           [0006]    Earphone—a device that transmits or converts and transmits electrical energy into sound waves and is worn over or inserted into the ear.  
           [0007]    Earpiece—the part of a portable communication device, including a cellular phone, that is held next to the ear.  
           [0008]    Ear mounting portion—the part of the present invention that is inserted into the ear canal or attached proximally to the external ear of a user.  
           [0009]    Portable communication device—any device carried, worn or stored by an individual to receive or communicate messages. These include, but are not limited to the following types of devices: cellular phones, mobile phones, beepers, portable pagers and hand-held radios.  
         SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention provides an apparatus for safely conveying transmissions received and sent by portable communication devices (PCDs), particularly cellular phones. The present inventors have realized that an apparatus which eliminates the use of electromagnetic (EM) radiation generated by elements in PCDs by transmitting acoustic waves over distances directly to the ear of the user makes PCDs, particularly cellular phones, safer.  
           [0011]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for safely conveying cellular phone transmissions from the phone to the user, eliminating the harmful effects of EM radiation to delicate biological tissue, particularly brain tissue.  
           [0012]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a safe earphone for use with cellular phones, while retaining the advantages of distancing the cellular phone from the user.  
           [0013]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a cheap, compact solution for reducing the electromagnetic radiation produced by cellular phones which reach a user.  
           [0014]    It is a further object of the invention to provide an earphone which can replace conventional hands-free car speakers and other such devices.  
           [0015]    Finally, it is another object of the present invention to provide a small compact device for coupling electrical signals with acoustic waves.  
           [0016]    There is thus provided in accordance with the present invention an earphone for use with a portable communication device having an apparatus for receiving electrical signal energy corresponding to voice signals. The device also contains a speaker for providing to a user in response to the electrical signal energy audible, acoustic energy corresponding to the voice signals. The device also includes an audio socket for accessing the electrical signal energy. The earphone includes a collector portion arranged for connection to the portable communication device so as to receive energy corresponding to the voice signals. It also includes an acoustic energy delivery portion configured for fastening to the ear of a user and for delivering to the ear of the user acoustic energy corresponding to the voice signals. Finally, the earphone includes an acoustic tube for receiving energy output from the collector portion and for providing to the delivery portion acoustic energy for delivery to the ear of the user.  
           [0017]    In another embodiment according to the present invention, the collector portion includes an acoustic collector-arranged for fastening to the speaker of the portable communications device. The acoustic collector operates by collecting audible acoustic energy from the speaker and focusing it along the acoustic tube for delivery to the ear of a user via the acoustic energy delivery portion.  
           [0018]    In a further embodiment of the present invention, the collector portion includes an audio plug arranged for coupling with the audio socket of the portable communications device. The earphone also includes an acoustic energy transformer as well as an electrical signal conductor for conducting electrical signal energy from the audio plug to the acoustic energy transformer. The acoustic energy transformer, transforms the electrical signal energy into audible acoustic energy, and focuses it along the acoustic tube for delivery to the ear of a user via the acoustic energy delivery portion.  
           [0019]    In yet another embodiment of the invention, the audio plug, the signal conductor, and the acoustic energy transformer are formed as a unitary plug element, configured for coupling with the audio socket of the portable communications device.  
           [0020]    Additionally, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the speaker of the device is an external speaker and the collector portion of the earphone is attached to the external speaker. The collector portion of the earphone can be attached to the external speaker by one or more of the following means of attachment: a mechanical element, a magnetic element, an adhesive material, and a vacuum.  
           [0021]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the speaker of the device is an internal speaker and the collector portion of the earphone is attached to the internal speaker. The collector portion of the earphone can be attached to the internal speaker by one or more of the following means of attachment: a mechanical element, a magnetic element, an adhesive material, and a vacuum.  
           [0022]    In a further embodiment of the present invention, the acoustic delivery portion is configured for insertion into the ear canal or for proximate attachment to the external ear of an user.  
           [0023]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the acoustic tube is a bifurcated acoustic tube having two acoustic energy delivery portions for providing acoustic waves to both ears of a user simultaneously.  
           [0024]    In a further embodiment of the invention the earphone contains an additional speaker for attaching to the collector portion of the earphone.  
           [0025]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the earphone described above further includes a microphone, the microphone receiving acoustic signals from a user, converting them to electrical signals and delivering them to the portable communication device. The conveyance of the electrical signals from the microphone to the device is via electrical signal conductor and an audio plug.  
           [0026]    Further, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microphone and the acoustic energy transformer are positioned in acoustically insulated proximity in a casing.  
           [0027]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microphone and acoustic energy transformer are acoustically insulated and separated in a casing. The insulation means is disposed within the casing and consists of at least one insulating layer, the insulating layer chosen from acoustic barrier elements and acoustically insulating paste.  
           [0028]    In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microphone and the acoustic energy transformer are in separate casings.  
           [0029]    Further, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the collector portion is positioned inside the portable communication device and in communication with an internal speaker inside the device.  
           [0030]    Additionally, there is provided in accordance with the present invention a coupler for an earphone used with a portable communication device. The coupler contains a microphone and an acoustic energy transformer proximately positioned inside one or more casings and acoustically insulated from each other. The acoustic energy transformer converts the electrical output of the device to acoustic waves collected by a collector portion of the earphone, the earphone providing sound waves to the ear of the user.  
           [0031]    Further, in accordance with the present invention, the acoustic insulation in the coupler includes one or more acoustic barrier elements or one or more layers of acoustic insulation paste.  
           [0032]    In an alternative embodiment of the coupler, the one or more casings is two casings, one casing containing the microphone and one casing the acoustic energy transformer, the casings in acoustic isolation from each other.  
           [0033]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment the acoustic energy transformer of the coupler is proximately positioned with respect to a hollow element. The element defines an acoustic collecting space where sound-waves emitted from the acoustic energy transformer are collected and passed on to an acoustic tube.  
           [0034]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hollow element is an integrally formed part of the coupler casing.  
           [0035]    There is further provided in accordance with the present invention a method for delivering a transmission from a portable communication device to a user with reduced electromagnetic radiation exposure to the user. The method includes the following steps: converting electromagnetic signals into acoustic waves by the portable communication device and then collecting the acoustic waves. This is followed by conveying the collected acoustic waves to the ear of the user through a hollow tube capable of conveying the acoustic waves.  
           [0036]    Further, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the converting step of the method is effected inside the portable communication device. In another embodiment of the present invention, the converting step is effected outside the portable communication device.  
           [0037]    Additionally, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes the step of transmitting received electromagnetic signals over a wire from the portable communication device to a coupler, the converting step being effected within the coupler.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0038]    The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an earphone for a cellular phone, showing front and side views, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 2A is a schematic representation of an earphone for a cellular phone, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 2B is a schematic representation of an earphone for a cellular phone, in accordance with a variation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2A;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 3A is an enlarged schematic representation of the coupler used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 3B is an enlarged schematic representation of the microphone and speaker compartments used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an earphone for a cellular phone, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an earphone for a cellular phone, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an earphone for a cellular phone, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0047]    Similar elements in the above Figures are numbered with similar reference numerals.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0048]    [0048]FIG. 1, to which reference is now made, shows a schematic representation of an earphone according to an embodiment of the present invention. Earphone  10  includes a flexible acoustic tube  14  which is fitted with an ear mounting portion  16  at one end and with an acoustic collector head  12  at the other. Acoustic collector head  12  is positioned near, or attached to, the ear piece or speaker of a PCD, for example a cellular phone, where it collects the acoustic signals transmitted by the PCD (cellular phone). These signals are acoustically transmitted through flexible acoustic tube  14  to ear mounting portion  16  and into the ear of the user. It should be noted that in addition to supplying acoustic waves directly to the ear, the earphone keeps the ear of the user distant from the speaker of the PCD, which emits electromagnetic radiation.  
         [0049]    Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B in which additional embodiments of the present invention are shown. FIG. 2A shows a cellular phone  20  connected by an electric wire  18  to a coupler  22 . Electric wire  18  is connected to an audio socket (not shown) of cellular phone  20  by audio plug  32 . In coupler  22 , a microphone  26  and a speaker  28  are present, separated by at least one piece of acoustic insulation to reduce feedback. Coupler  22  is best seen in, and will be further discussed with reference to FIG. 3A below. Speaker  28  and microphone  26  of coupler  22  are spaced apart and separated with sufficient insulation to prevent interference and feedback between these two elements. A hollow flexible acoustic tube  14  transmits sound waves emitted by speaker  28  to ear mounting portion  16 . Acoustic tube  14  has a diameter which optimizes the sound quality being transmitted therethrough.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 2B is another embodiment of the present invention, very similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2B the coupler contains separate acoustically insulated compartments, one for microphone  26  and one for speaker  28  with a wire connecting the compartments. Separating the compartments further reduces feedback between speaker  28  and microphone  26 . In the embodiments of both FIGS. 2A and 2B, the input electromagnetic radiation provided by the PCD (cellular phone) has been converted to safer acoustic waves far from the user.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 3A, to which reference is now made, shows an enlarged top view of the coupler used in the embodiment of FIG. 2A. Coupler  22  contains microphone  26  and speaker  28  separated by acoustic barrier elements  39 A and  39 B and acoustic insulation paste  27 . Speaker  28  transfers the acoustic waves to a generally funnel-shaped hollow element  29  with a nipple-like hollow protuberance  31 . Funnel-shaped element  29  defines an acoustic collecting space  45 . In some embodiments, element  29  need not be a separate element; instead it may be an integrally formed part of coupler casing  47 . While element  29  has been described as funnel-shaped, it is readily evident that element  29  can have any shape provided that it encases a satisfactorily operative acoustic collecting space  45 . For example, the shape of element  29  can be square, round, triangular, elliptical, or conical, among others.  
         [0052]    Acoustic tube  14  fits into aperture  31  and transmits acoustic waves to an ear mounting portion (not shown). In other embodiments, acoustic tube  14  may be fitted over aperture  31 . In yet other embodiments, the sound collected in acoustic collecting space  45  exits through an opening in coupler casing  47 . Acoustic tube  14  is inserted directly into and anchored within this opening. In such an embodiment, nipple-like aperture  31  is more properly described as a opening in casing  47 .  
         [0053]    Wires  37  and  35  which lead to and are plugged into a communications device, typically a cellular phone (not shown), enter coupler  22  at location  43 . One set of wires  37  leads to microphone  26  while a second set of wires  35  is led through openings  49  in acoustic barrier elements  39 A and  39 B to speaker  28 . Wires  35  receive an electrical signal from the communication device and deliver them to speaker  28  where they are converted to acoustic signals. Similarly, acoustic signals from the user are received by microphone  26  where they are converted to electrical signals and then delivered by wires  37  to the PCD.  
         [0054]    While coupler  22  is shown in the Figures as having an ovoid shape, it is readily understood that the plastic coupler can have any shape. The materials used for the coupler container are typically electromagnetically and acoustically opaque.  
         [0055]    Referring now to FIG. 3B, there is shown an arrangement which while generally similar to coupler  22  shown in and discussed with FIG. 3A is different therefrom with regard to the positioning of microphone  26  and speaker  28 , which are positioned in separate casings. The independent casings, the microphone and speaker casings  22 A and  22 B, are essentially similar to that of FIG. 3A but lack acoustic barrier elements  39 A and  39 B and acoustic insulation paste  27 .  
         [0056]    Casing  22 A contains microphone  26  which collects the acoustic signals emitted by a user and converts them to electrical signals. These signals are then conveyed by wires  37  to a portable communications device (not shown) from which they are transmitted further. Similarly, casing  22 B contains speaker  28  which receives electrical signals from a PCD. Speaker  28  converts these signals into acoustic waves which are then collected in acoustic collecting space  45  and passed on to and through acoustic tube  14  to an ear mounting portion  16  (FIGS. 2A and 2B) in the ear of a user.  
         [0057]    In FIG. 3B, the acoustic collector portion of the earphone, previously also described as a hollow funnel-shaped element, is integrally formed from a portion of the casing. It surrounds acoustic collecting space  45 . In addition acoustic tube  14  can be seen to be inserted directly into an opening in the casing rather than over a nipple of the hollow funnel-shaped element as described above.  
         [0058]    Reference is now made to FIG. 4 which shows another embodiment of the present invention. An electric wire  18  is connected to an audio socket (not shown) of device  20 , typically a cellular phone, with audio plug  32 . At the second end of electric wire  18  is an external speaker  30 . In addition, there is an apparatus very similar to that shown in FIG. 1. The apparatus includes a flexible tube  14  to which an ear mounting portion  16  is attached at one end and an acoustic collector head  12  at the other. Collector head  12  and external speaker  30  can be joined by any of a number of methods of attachment, for example by magnets, adhesives, vacuum or mechanical means such as straps, clasps, clamps or Velcro® patches. Similarly, electromagnetic radiation is transmitted to speaker  30  which converts it to sound waves. The latter is collected by acoustic collector head  12  and transmitted to an ear mounting portion  16  via acoustic tube  14 .  
         [0059]    Two additional embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIG. 5 to which reference is now made. In the upper embodiment  510 , an acoustic tube  14  to which an ear mounting portion  16  and an acoustic collector head  12  are attached is connected via collector head  12  to an internal speaker  13  of a portable communications device. In the lower embodiment  510 ′, an acoustic tube  14 ′ having an acoustic collector head  12 ′ and ear mounting portion  16 ′ is attached by its collector head  12 ′ to an external speaker  15  of a portable communications device  20 . It should be evident to one skilled in the art that connection in both embodiments shown in FIG. 5 can be effected by any of a number of methods including, but not limited to, mechanical means such as clamps, clasps, Velcro® patches or straps, magnets, adhesives and vacuum means. Similarly, while we have discussed the embodiments of FIG. 5 as being alternatives, they can be used simultaneously on a single PCD.  
         [0060]    In FIG. 6 to which reference is now made, yet another embodiment of the present embodiment is shown. An acoustic tube  14  having an ear mounting portion  16  and an acoustic collector head  12  is connected to an internal speaker  38  of the portable communication device  20 , typically a cellular phone. Unlike the connections in FIG. 5, the connections in FIG. 6 between acoustic collector head  12  and internal speaker  38  is effected inside device  20 . Internal speaker  38  is joined to collector head  12  by any number of ways including mechanical means such as clamps, clasps, Velcro® patches or straps, magnets, adhesives and vacuum means.  
         [0061]    While all the Figures have shown embodiments with single ear mounting portions, it is readily evident to one skilled in the art that acoustic tube  14  can be constructed as a bifurcated acoustic tube having two ear mounting portions very similar to bifurcated earphones used with Walkmans® and other such portable devices. It should be remembered however that bifurcated earphones used with Walkmans® convey electrical signals, while the bifurcated earphones according to the present invention convey acoustic signals.  
         [0062]    The ear mounting portions discussed above can be formed in any number of ways, the ones listed immediately below being most typical. The ear mounting portion can have a cone-like acoustic collecting element gathering acoustic waves from the acoustic tube. The element can be encased in a cone-like encasement fitting directly into the ear and delivering the acoustic waves directly thereto. Alternatively, the ear mounting portion can be constructed as in conventional electrical headsets.  
         [0063]    The hollow acoustic tube can be made from almost any flexible tubing, generally a plastic tubing. The primary consideration is that the diameter of the hollow tube should typically be such that the sound collected can be carried therein without distortion and interference, while being convenient to use. Typically this would require tubing having an internal diameter of about 2 to 5 mm, preferably an internal diameter of about 3 to 4 mm.  
         [0064]    In all of the embodiments discussed above, sound waves are transmitted to the ear. These can be generated by speakers in the PCD or by speakers external and independent of the PCD. The generation of sound waves requires the conversion of electromagnetic radiation received by the PCD into sound waves. In all cases contemplated by the present invention, this conversion is effected far from the ear of the user. The sound waves produced are collected by an acoustic collecting device and transmitted via a hollow acoustic tube to an ear mounting portion placed proximate to or in the ear.  
         [0065]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims that follow: