Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an in the ear device sized and shaped such that the in the ear device universally and ergonomically fits into the human ear without slipping out and providing the user with a comfortable fit. The in the ear device is secured in the user&#39;s ear taking advantage of the natural curvature of the human to provide support and shift the center of gravity from outside the ear to further inside the pinna to prevent the device from slipping out while retaining a high level of comfort.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a device shaped to the outer ear in order to improve the sound quality and fit of various portable ear phones and sound producing equipment. Specifically, the invention is directed to anatomically fitted shells designed to fit securely inside the external ear and provide improved acoustics without the need to maximally increase audio settings while filtering background noise. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Various types of ear buds and in the ear devices are manufactured in the prior art. Ear buds are used in various applications ranging from use in hearing aids, in high end systems typically used by professionals in the television, radio or music industry, and in commercially sold ear buds available for every use in conjunction with portable music players, telephones or other handheld devices. 
         [0005]    Such existing universally adaptable ear buds typically fall out of the ear canal or cause discomfort. Improved versions rely on a deep and tight insertion into the ear canal to keep the device in the ear and prevent it from falling out. This type of deep and tight insertion technique tends to result in painful rubbing of the ear buds inside the ear canal and can also seal the ear canal. As a result, the user can experience irritation and discomfort, particularly after long uninterrupted use. Further, completely sealing the ear canal from the user&#39;s environment may have dangerous implications. It may affect a user&#39;s ability to hear ambient sound by reducing the intensity of the sound, and it may alter the user&#39;s ability to localize sound, particularly in the high frequencies where interaural sound pressure differences are the primary cue for localization. Also, even with the tight seal these devices continue to fall out of the ear canal due to their shape and the material from which they are made. 
         [0006]    Many prior art devices are sold purely as ear bud adapters, without any internal electronics for the transmission of sound. Most commercially sold ear buds consist of an audio device implanted into a typically round plastic core with a rubberized shell. An example of a prior art ear bud adapter can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,156 issued to Mauney et al (“Mauney”). Mauney discloses an ear bud adapter designed to minimize protrusion into the ear canal by providing a protrusion helix of the ear bud to fit under the crux of the ear&#39;s helix. This device is deficient however in that the balance of the device weight is outside the user&#39;s ear tending to cause the ear buds to slip out of the ear, particularly during physical activity such as running. 
         [0007]    In addition, in the ear hearing aids used for people who have hearing loss are typically made in a skin tone color in order to blend into the wearer&#39;s ear. In reality, such devices stand out and can result in an awkward looking appearance. Such designs have in past resulted in a negative stigma being associated with hearing aid devices as they are not fashionable and tend to look like machinery. Such devices can negatively affect the self esteem of hearing impaired people, and in particular children. Therefore placing a device in the ear canal that looks like a hearing aid also can have those associations. 
         [0008]    Moreover, prior art universal ear buds, when used in conjunction with portable music devices, tend to require high decibel audio settings in order for music to be heard clearly. Such devices typically have poor acoustics and do not filter out interfering ambient noises thus requiring the need for ever louder audio settings. Of course such high level audio settings are proposed to be a leading cause of hearing loss in the general population. 
         [0009]    Several high end ear buds have been developed for professionals requiring sound in their ears without bulky headsets. Television and music industry people routinely apply these solutions. Unfortunately the technology applied to these high technology solutions is costly and not a reasonable solution for a general public commercial release because they require custom made ear molds that fit only one individual. 
         [0010]    In light of the above current prior art deficiencies a new and improved in the ear device shape is needed that provides the wearer with added fit and comfort without completely sealing off the wearer&#39;s ear from ambient noise. In addition there exists a need for new and improved in the ear device that remains situated in the wearer&#39;s ear especially during physical activity. Furthermore, there is a need for a new and improved in the ear device that removes the present negative stigma of hearing aid devices. Additionally there is a need for a more fashionable and fully functional in the ear device for use with universal audio devices that can help remove the stigma of in the ear hearing aids. Finally, a new and improved in the ear device is needed for universal fit so that production costs can be reduced such that sale to the general public can be accomplished at a reasonable per unit cost. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention is directed to an in the ear device sized and shaped such that it ergonomically and universally fits into the human ear without slipping out and providing the user with a comfortable fit. 
         [0012]    It is an object of this invention to provide an in the ear device which is secured in the user&#39;s ear by taking advantage of the elasticity and natural curvature of the human ear to provide support and shift the center of gravity of the device from outside the ear to further inside the auricle and ear canal. This will prevent the device from slipping out while retaining a high level of comfort. 
         [0013]    It is a further object of this invention to provide an in the ear device adaptable for various sound producing hardware devices while securing them in the user&#39;s ear. 
         [0014]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide an in the ear device which provides for improved acoustics by removing the need to increase the volume of any audio device adapted thereto, thereby possibly preventing hearing loss. 
         [0015]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an in the ear device which isolates electrical components from the skin of the wearer. 
         [0016]    The invented in the ear device gains a stable mounting platform at the ear opening by using an extended helix of the in the ear device to allow it to fit under the crus of the helix and partially into the auditory canal. This configuration, combined with the placement of an adapted audio component further into the device, shifts it&#39;s center gravity, taking further advantage of the natural shape of the ear to secure the in the ear device in a comfortable manner even during physical activity. 
         [0017]    Another feature of the improved in the ear device includes the profile which follows the natural shape of the ear canal. By following the curvature of the ear canal, the wearer&#39;s comfort is greatly improved. 
         [0018]    Additionally, the invented in the ear device is made from a material that amplifies sound in such a way to clarify any audio device adapted thereto while retaining the ability of the wearer to hear ambient notices. Such a device allows a wearer retain the ability to localize sound. 
         [0019]    Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide an in the ear device that removes the stigma associated with prior art hearing aid devices. In this manner, the present invention may be made from materials and with colors and designs that allows wearers to increase the attractiveness of the device. Specifically with children, the color and design may become personal in nature and provide the wearer with an identity in order to remove the stigma associated with hearing aids. 
         [0020]    In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to an in the ear device having a size and shape to fit the majority of human ears including a main body portion with a sound channel bored therein and acoustically connected to a sound port directed into the wearer&#39;s auditory canal. More specifically the present invention is directed to an improved in the ear device, suitable for wearing in the user&#39;s outer ear, the ear having a helix, a crus, and an antitragus, the ear bud device having a main body portion molded to fit within the user&#39;s outer ear, having a first side, a first bend, a bottom portion, a second bend, and a second side, the bottom portion connected by the first bend in the ear bud device to the first side, and the second side connected by the second bend in the ear bud mold to the bottom portion, the main body portion have a cavity therein, the cavity structured and arranged to receive a sound producing device, a first protuberance extending from said second side for supporting the bud in place within the user&#39;s ear, the supporting of the in the ear device in place within the user&#39;s ear being accomplished by the combination of positioning said first protuberance within the user&#39;s outer ear and under the crus of the helix of the user&#39;s outer ear and locating the cavity in a position within the main body portion such that when a sound producing device is placed within the cavity the center of gravity of the in the ear device is positioned such that it remains situated in the wearer&#39;s ear, and a second protuberance having about the same size as the user&#39;s ear canal such that the second protuberance does not sealingly engage the ear canal, the second protuberance having a bore, the bore being in gas communication with the cavity. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments the in the ear device includes at least one alignment mark placed on the first side and below the first protuberance, for positioning of the sound producing device within the cavity. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments the in the ear device is made from an electrical insulating material. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments the in the ear device includes a notch located in the bottom portion to provide contact relief to the user&#39;s antitragus. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments the in the ear device is made from a material that is rigid. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments the cavity and the sound bore are structured and arranged to amplify sound from a sound producing device located within the cavity without causing damage to the wearer&#39;s ear drum. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, in a non-limiting fashion, the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention, and in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the Figures, wherein: 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  shows a right ear view of the in the ear device inserted into a user&#39;s right ear; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  shows the in the ear device of  FIG. 1  ear from a partial front side view; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 3A-3E  show the in the ear device from various views according one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 4A-4B  show an enlarge view of the in the ear device shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0031]      FIGS. 5A-5F  show the in the ear device from various views according another embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the Figures in which an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The subject matter of this disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. 
         [0033]    The outer ear is the external portion of the ear, which consists of the pinna, concha, and auditory meatus and canal. It gathers sound energy and focuses it on the eardrum (tympanic membrane). One consequence of the configuration of the external ear is to selectively boost the sound pressure 30- to 100-fold for frequencies around 3000 Hz. This amplification makes humans most sensitive to frequencies in this range—and also explains why they are particularly prone to acoustical injury and hearing loss near this frequency. Most human speech sounds are also distributed in the bandwidth around 3 kHz. 
         [0034]    The pinna provides protection for the middle ear in order to prevent damage to the eardrum. The outer ear also channels sound waves which reach the middle ear through the ear canal to the eardrum. Because of the length of the ear canal, it is capable of amplifying sounds with frequencies of approximately 3000 Hz. As sound travels through the outer ear, the sound is still in the form of a pressure wave, with an alternating pattern of high and low pressure regions. It is not until the sound reaches the eardrum at the interface of the outer and the middle ear that the energy of the mechanical wave becomes converted into vibrations of the bones of the middle ear. 
         [0035]    The middle ear is an air-filled cavity which consists of an eardrum and three tiny, interconnected bones—the malleus, incus, and stapes. The eardrum is a very durable and tightly stretched membrane which vibrates as the incoming pressure waves reach it. As shown below, a compression forces the eardrum inward and a rarefaction forces the eardrum outward, thus vibrating the eardrum at the same frequency as the sound wave. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 1  there is shown a side view of a wearer&#39;s ear with the in the ear device  10  in place. Auditory canal portion  20  is preferably placed slightly into the auditory canal while protuberance  15  is positioned over the helix. Cavity  30  is shown without a sound producing device inserted therein, however the combination of the cavity  30  in the main body portion along with an inserted audio device provides for the center gravity of the device further into the wearer&#39;s ear. Hence the device is secured better in the wearer&#39;s ear. 
         [0037]    Referring now  FIG. 2  there is shown the in the ear device of  FIG. 1  from a cut away aside view. As can be seen auditory canal portion  20  is slightly inserted into the auditory canal to shift the center of gravity of the in the ear device to maintain the device in the wearer&#39;s ear. It has been found that this configuration provides support for the device even during physical activity such as running while maintaining a high level of comfort. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3E  the in the ear device is shown from various views. Cavity  20  is in gas communication with orifice  21  such that sound from and inserted audio device may exit orifice  21  and enter into the wearer&#39;s auditory canal. The anatomical shape of various portions of device  10 , including lower protuberance  5  and upper protuberance  25 , ensures that device  10  fits the ears of a great majority of the entire adult human population. Notch  17  is shaped to engage just under the helix of the outer ear. 
         [0039]    It has been found that the human outer ear is as unique as a finger print but the auricle is elastic. Taking advantage of this elasticity, the present invention advantageously fits most of the population. In this connection, the device can be mass produced to reduce the per unit cost making the device not only financially available to the masses, but also with a consistent fit and feel. Ideally the device is made from a solid material that is electrically insulated. Such materials may include porcelain, plastic, vulcanized rubber or other similar material. A solid device is suitable because the outer ear is made from flexible human tissue (cartilage). Such flexibility allows for a solid, naturally shaped device to fit comfortably while providing clear audio. 
         [0040]      FIG. 3E  shows an example of the in the ear device with a consumer portable speaker plug  50  inserted into cavity  30 . Cavity  30  preferably includes sides  33  having a rough surface such that when engaged with ear phone outer surface  53  there is a friction fit. In some embodiments surface  33  includes locking ridges to permanently engage and secure an audio device. In still other devices surface  33  includes threads or snap fit type junction to releaseably engage an audio device. In addition, an audio device may be encased in the in the ear device so that it is manufactured as one piece. 
         [0041]    Cavity  30  is shown with a round cross sectional shape having a diameter of about 0.25 inches. The depth of cavity  33  preferably is about 0.10 inches. However it is understood that cavity  30  may have other shapes and sizes to adapt to the market. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  show enlarged views of the in the ear device as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 5A-5F  show an alternative design for the in the ear device  100  in views from all sides of the device. Device  100  similarly includes auditory canal portion  120  with notch  117  and upper protuberance  125 . Auditory canal portion  120  includes orifice  121 . When placed in a wearer&#39;s ear auditory canal portion  120  is inserted into the auditory canal such that the sound traveling out of orifice  121  is unobstructed while background noise is not entirely filtered. In this connection the wearer will be able to hear clear sound without requiring a loud sound level from an inserted audio device and without being sealed from outside sound. 
         [0044]    It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that described herein is a novel system and method for automatically modifying a language model. While the invention has been described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it is not limited to these embodiments. The invention may be modified or varied in many ways and such modifications and variations as would be obvious to one of skill in the art are within the scope and spirit of the invention and are included within the scope of the following claims.