Patent Publication Number: US-2023143153-A1

Title: Hats with sound directing assemblies

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/276,193, filed Nov. 5, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to hats, and specifically to hats with sound directing assemblies that direct sound to the ears of the user. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hearing loss is a common problem around the world, which arises from excessive noise, from aging, from disease, and heredity-based factors. People with hearing loss may have difficulty engaging in conversation with friends and family. Hearing loss may also make it difficult to enjoy hobbies and activities such as attending a concert, a sporting event, or other gatherings of people. Likewise, hearing loss may make it challenging to communicate with professionals such as physicians, to decipher audible instructions, or to recognize alarms, warnings, or doorbells. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure generally relate to an apparatus worn on a head of the user. The apparatus includes a hat having a front, an opposite back, and a crown position at the front. A sound directing assembly has a body coupled to the crown of the hat. The body of the sound directing assembly is configured to receive sound. A sound tube extends from the body to an earpiece that is configured to be inserted into an ear of the user. The sound tube is configured to direct the sound received by the body to the earpiece such that the user can hear the sound. 
     Another embodiment generally relates to a method for making an apparatus for assisting hearing for a user. The method includes providing a hat having a front, an opposite back, and a crown position at the front and providing a sound directing assembly having a body configured to receive the sound, an earpiece configured to be inserted into an ear of the user, and a sound tube that extends between the body and the earpiece. The method further includes coupling the body of the sound directly assembly to the crown of the hat such that the sound tube directs the sound received by the body to the earpiece to assist the user in hearing the sound. 
     Various other features, objects, and advantages will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure is described with reference to the following Figures. The same numbers are used throughout the Figures to reference like features and like components. 
         FIG.  1    is a front view of an exemplary apparatus of the present disclosure on the head of a user. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of another exemplary apparatus of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is a partial top view of another exemplary apparatus of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is an enlarged view of an exemplary bracket and an exemplary earpiece. 
         FIG.  6    is a sectional top view of an exemplary sound directing apparatus of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is an isometric side view another exemplary sound directing apparatus of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is a front view of another exemplary apparatus of the present disclosure on the head of a user. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS.  1 - 2    depict an exemplary apparatus  15  of the present disclosure on the head of a user. The apparatus  15  includes a hat  20 , such as a baseball cap, and one or a pair of sound directing assemblies  30  that are configured to receive sound and direct the sound to the ears  13  of the user. In this manner, the apparatus  15  and the assemblies  30  help the user hear sounds that may otherwise be too faint to hear by collecting, directing, and concentrating the sound towards the ears  13 . 
     The hat  20  includes a crown  21  positioned at a front  23  of the hat  20  and a brim  22  that extends along at least a portion of the perimeter of the hat  20 . In one example, the brim  22  extends along the entire perimeter of the hat  20  including along the front  23  and an opposite back  24  of the hat  20 . The crown  21  includes an exterior surface  25  that is viewable by third parties and an opposite interior surface (not depicted) that faces the head  10  of the user. 
     One or more assemblies  30  are coupled to the hat  20 , whereby the embodiment of  FIGS.  1  and  2    has a pair of assemblies  30 . Each of the assemblies  30  includes a body  31  that receives sounds and a sound tube  41  connected to the body  31 . The sounds received by the bodies  31  travel through the sound tubes  41  to corresponding earpieces  51 . Each of these components is described in further detail hereinbelow. 
     Each body  31  is coupled to the crown  21  of the hat  20 . The body  31  may be coupled to the exterior surface  25  and/or the interior surface of the crown  21 . In certain embodiments, an opening  29  is provided through the crown  21  and the body  31  is at least partially aligned with the opening  29  so as to avoid attenuation of the sound entering the body  31  through the crown  21 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the body  31  of each assembly  30  is generally parabolically shaped such that the body  31  has an enlarged first body end  32  and an opposite narrow second body end  33 . As such, the body  31  funnels the sound received via the first body end  32  to the second body end  33  and the sound passes through a port  34  at the second body end  33 . That is, the body  31  concentrates and directs the sounds received via the first body end  32  to the second body end  33 . The body  31  is coupled to the exterior surface  25  and/or the interior surface (not depicted) of the crown  21  of the hat  20  in any suitable matter. For example, the body  31  may be coupled to the interior surface of the crown  21  via adhesives  37  ( FIG.  2   ) or stitches  39  ( FIG.  3   ), or may use hook and loop fasteners, staples, rivets, or other known coupling techniques. The body  31  may also or alternatively be sandwiched between two layers of materials that form the crown  21 . 
     The body  31  can be coupled to the crown  21  in any position. It may be advantageous to position one or more of the bodies  31  such that the first body end  31  faces the direction of the sound the user wishes to hear. In one exemplary embodiment (see  FIG.  1   ), the two assemblies  30  are coupled to the hat  20  such that the first body end  32  of one of the bodies  31  faces in a direction extending away from the front-left portion of the user&#39;s head  10  and the first body end  32  of the other body  31  faces in a direction extending away from the front-right portion of the user&#39;s head  10 . Accordingly, in this example the sound received by each body  31  is directed to the respective ears of the user (e.g., the body  31  at the front-left directs sound to the left ear) such that the assemblies  30  give the user stereo-like sound and three-dimensional locality. 
     The sound tube  41  can be formed from any suitable material (e.g., plastic, rubber), and preferably the sound tube  41  is flexible so as to conform to the shape of the user and prevent discomfort. A first tube end  42  of the sound tube  41  is connected to the second body end  32 , and an opposite second tube end  43  of the sound tube  41  is connected to the earpiece  51 . The first tube end  42  and/or second tube end  43  of the sound tube  41  may be connected to the second body end  32  and the earpiece  51  in a variety of manners. By way of example, the sound tube  41  may be integrally formed with the body  31  and/or the earpiece  51 , may incorporate a press-fit arrangement (e.g., a barbed end at the second body end  32  received within an interior of a resilient sound tube  41 ), or may be clamps to secure the connections. 
     The present inventors have recognized that in certain configurations it is advantageous for at least the connection between the second tube end  43  of the sound tube  41  and the earpiece  51  to be easily connected and disconnected. This allows for replacement of the earpiece  51  to customize the appropriate size for a user, or to replace over time due to wear or for hygienic purposes. The connection between the second tube end  42  of the sound tube  41  and the second body end  32  of the body  30  may also advantageously be easily connected and disconnected to replace the sound tube  41 . The sound tube  41  may need to be replaced due to damage or becoming less compliant over time, or to adjust the length of the sound tube  41  for the user&#39;s needs. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the sound tube  41  is capable of allowing the sound to freely pass therethrough. Therefore, the sound tube  41  directs the sound from the body  31  to the earpiece  51 . The sound tube  41  is positioned between the exterior surface  25  of the hat  20  and the head of the user. In one specific example, the sound tube  41  is coupled to the interior surface of the hat  20  with stitching or glue. In another example, the sound tube  41  is sandwiched between two fabric layers of the hat  20 . This technique of sandwiching may be advantageous for increasing the durability of the apparatus, whereby the sound tube  41  is subsequently shielded from damage on both the exterior surface  25  of the hat and from contacting the head of the user at the inner surface. The sandwiching design may also be more comfortable for the user to make the sound tube  41  less discernable against the user&#39;s head. 
     The earpiece  51  receives the sound from the sound tube  41  and dispenses the sound to the ear  13  of the user. The earpiece  51  can include rubber and/or foam that maintain the earpiece in the ear of the user. The earpiece  51  is designed to be inserted into the concha and/or the ear canal of the ear  13  and retained therein during use. The earpiece  51  may include a filter (not shown) that allows the sound to pass but prevents debris and moisture from passing into the earpiece  51 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG.  1   , a bracket  61  is connected to the brim  22  of the hat  20 , such as via adhesives, stitches, rivets, or other techniques known in the art. The bracket  61  is configured for retaining the earpiece  51  on the hat  20 , rather than in the user&#39;s ear  13 , when the earpiece  51  is not in use. For instance, the user may selectively move the earpiece  51  and/or a portion of the sound tube  41  into engagement with the bracket  61 . This holds the earpiece  51  so as to not fall off the apparatus  15  and/or dangle uncontrollably alongside the user&#39;s head. The bracket  61  can be fixed relative to the brim  22 . In other examples, the bracket  61  includes one or more operable or movable components such that bracket  61  is movable into and between an extended position in which the earpiece  51  can be coupled to the bracket  61  and a retracted position next to the brim  22 . 
     Additional embodiments of apparatuses  15  according to the present disclosure are provided herein. It should be noted that these apparatuses  15  and/or assemblies  30  may include one or more of the features and/or components of the apparatuses  15  and/or the assemblies  30  described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 2   . Similarly, it should be understood that any of the features and/or components of the example apparatuses  15  and/or assemblies  30  described below can be combined with the apparatuses  15  and/or the assemblies  30  described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 2   . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , another example apparatus  15  of the present disclosure is depicted. The sound tube  41  is shown connected between the body  31  and the earpiece  51 . It should be noted that an inner diameter of the first tube end  42  of the sound tube  41  is greater than an outer diameter of the port  34  at the second body end  33  of the body  31  such that the first tube end  42  slides onto the port  34 . As such, the first tube end  42  and the port  34  form a “male-female” connection and compression forces between the port  34  and the first tube end  42  maintain the connection therebetween. Similarly, the inner diameter of the second tube end  43  is greater than the outer diameter of a male end  52  of the earpiece  51  such that the second tube end  43  slides onto the male end  52 . Compression forces between the male end  52  and the second tube end  42  maintain the connection therebetween. 
       FIG.  4    depicts another example apparatus  15  of the present disclosure. One side or hemisphere of the hat  20  is depicted, cut at a centerline CL between the left and right sides of the hat  20 . The crown  21  (see  FIG.  1   ) is excluded to expose the assembly  30 . In this example, the first body end  32  receives sounds from the front-right side of the user (see sound arrows B). 
       FIG.  5    depicts an enlarged view of an example bracket  61 . The bracket  61  is coupled to the brim  22  and extends vertically downward from the brim  22 . By way of example, the bracket  61  may retain the earpiece  51  in position below the brim  22  via being shaped as a hook (see  FIG.  3   ), being shaped so as to pinch the sound tube  41 , or may retain the earpiece  51  via corresponding components  62 ,  63 , such as pieces of hook and loop fasteners or magnets (see  FIG.  1   ). 
       FIG.  6    depicts an example top view of an example assembly  30 , sectioned to show an interior of the body  31  and sound tube  41 . In this example, the body  31  includes a flange  35  that extends around the perimeter of the first body end  32  and defines an opening  36  at the first body end  32 . The opening  36  receives the sound, and in certain examples, the opening  36  can be covered by a cover  38 , such as a porous fabric, that extends there across (see  FIG.  7   ). The flange  35  may serve as a basis for coupling the body  31  to the crown  21 , in particular providing a surface for an adhesive or for stitching the body  31  to the crown  21  therethrough. 
       FIG.  7    depicts a side view of an example assembly  30 , which shows that the opening  36  at the first body end  32  of the body  31  may be directed so as to face not only forward or sideways from the perspective of the user when coupled to the hat  20 . Rather, the opening  36  may face an oblique direction that is both forward and sideways, as discussed above. In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the opening  36  is formed within an edge at the first body end  32  that is non-planar. In this manner, the opening  36  faces multiple angles relative to the user rather than simply being formed as a planar area that is oblique to the front of the hat  20 . 
     The opening  36  may again be covered by fabric or another material for aesthetic purposes and/or to prevent moisture or debris from entering the body  31 . The cover  38  may cover only the opening  36 , the entire flange  35 , or any combination of the two. In certain examples it is advantageous for the cover  38  to be made of a material that causes less sound attenuation that the material of the crown  21 , as it is desirable to maximize the amplitude of the sound being received within the body  31  and funneled to the user. In certain cases, this may include a cover  38  that has the same material composition as the crown  21 , but a lesser thickness. The cover  38  may have the same appearance as the crown  21  so as to obscure the presence thereof, may provide an aesthetically-appealing contrast to the crown  21 , or other configurations for hiding or accentuating the presence of the body  31 . 
       FIG.  8    depicts another embodiment of a hat  20  having two assemblies  30  according to the present disclosure. In this example, the opening  36  in the body  31  for one assembly  30  is shown to have a cover  38 , whereas the other is exposed to show inside from the front view. In the example shown, the opening  36  extends partially above the head  10  of the user when the hat  20  is worn. It should be recognized that the entire opening  36  may alternatively be positioned at or below the top of the head, above the head, or in other positions entirely. By way of example, both earpieces  51  may be connected via sound tubes  41  to a single body  31 , which may be positioned as shown in  FIG.  8   , in a single central location, and/or in other positions. It should further be recognized that just as multiple earpieces  51  may be connected to a single body  31 , a single earpiece  51  may be connected to multiple bodies. In this manner, the presently disclosed apparatus provide for customized configurations based on the needs of the user (e.g., multiple bodies  31  feeding into a single ear having hearing loss) and/or the context for use (e.g., forward-only facing openings  36  in bodies  31  for attending performances and events in which all intended noise is at the front, with undesirable background noise coming from the side). 
     The present disclosure further relates to methods for making for an apparatus for assisting hearing for a user. In certain examples, the method includes providing a hat having a front, an opposite back, and a crown position at the front and providing a sound directing assembly having a body configured to receive the sound, an earpiece configured to be inserted into an ear of the user, and a sound tube that extends between the body and the earpiece. The method further includes coupling the body of the sound directly assembly to the crown of the hat such that the sound tube directs the sound received by the body to the earpiece to assist the user in hearing the sound. 
     In certain embodiments, the sound enters the body at a first end thereof and the body is coupled to the crown such the body is inside the hat. In other embodiments, the sound enters the body at a first end thereof and the method further includes creating an opening that extends through the crown, whereby the body is coupled to the crown such that the first end of the body is aligned with the opening through the crown so as to avoid attenuation of the sound passing through the crown. Certain methods further include covering the first end body with a material different than a material of the crown, as discussed above. 
     The present inventors have recognized that the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein advantageously provide a hands-free, aesthetically pleasing solution for people affected by hearing loss. These solutions avoid the technical challenges associated with electronic hearing assisting devices (e.g., electric hearing aids), do not require a power source, and can be made more cost-effectively than products currently known in the art. Moreover, the hats may be lighter and/or more durable due to the lack of electrics and power sources, making the experience more comfortable for the user. 
     In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatuses, systems, and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses, systems, and methods. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.