Patent Publication Number: US-2011064255-A1

Title: Audio equipment

Description:
This invention relates to audio equipment, and in particular to audio equipment designed to be worn on the head. 
     Designs of audio equipment are known in which a spectacles or sunglasses frame is provided with or carries, for example, a radio receiver and speakers or headphones to allow a user to listen to the radio. Other similar devices incorporating, for example, MP3 or other data file players, or mobile telephone devices are also known. 
     Where the audio equipment includes two speakers, and so requires signals to be transmitted from one temple of the spectacles or sunglasses to the other, or where the equipment includes circuit components located in or associated with both temples, electrical connections must be provided between the temples. This may be achieved using cables passing behind or around the user&#39;s head or neck, or may be achieved by passing cables across the face of the spectacles or sunglasses. Passing cables across the face of the spectacles or sunglasses restricts the range of possible designs of spectacles or sunglasses and this is undesired. Further, where circuit components are associated with the temples, cables must pass between the face and the temples and must be capable of bending or flexing to accommodate movement of the temples between their open and closed positions. 
     According to one aspect of the invention there is provided audio equipment comprising a frame having a face and a pair of temples hingedly connected to the face, a conductor passing across the face and terminating at connectors provided on the face and located adjacent the temples, and audio modules attachable to the temples and having connector engageable with the connectors provided on the face. 
     Such an arrangement is advantageous in that the temples do not include circuits or electrical components, and further that no cables have to pass through the hinges. 
     The audio modules may serve a number of functions. For example they may act as radio receivers, MP3 or data file players, mobile telecommunications devices, hands free devices for use with mobile telecommunications devices, telephone messaging services, or combinations thereof. They conveniently further carry speakers to be positioned in or adjacent the user&#39;s ears. 
     Conveniently, the face includes grooves adapted to receive parts of the lenses, of the spectacles or sunglasses and a channel extending across a bridge region of the face and interconnecting the grooves, the conductor extending through at least parts of the grooves and the channel. The conductor conveniently incorporates an elastomeric sheath arranged to be engaged, in use, by the lenses to support and/or apply a biasing load thereto. 
     The invention also relates to audio equipment comprising a frame having a face and a pair of temples hingedly connected thereto, a conductor extending across the face to electrically connect audio modules associated with the temples, the face including grooves adapted to receive parts of lenses and a channel extending across a bridge region and interconnecting the grooves, the conductor extending through at least parts of the grooves and the channel. The conductor may include an elastomeric sheath adapted to support and/or apply a biasing load to the lenses. 
     It will be appreciated that such location of the conductor reduces the limitations on the range of face designs, and that the provision of an elastomeric sheath avoids the need to place other biasing means into the grooves to support the lenses. 
     The invention also relates to a spectacles frame comprising a face and a pair of temples hingedly mounted upon the face, the face having associated therewith a releasable retainer mechanism whereby lenses are mounted to the face, wherein each lens has a dummy frame part associated therewith. The dummy frame parts may be adhered to the lenses. 
     The releasable retainer mechanism conveniently comprises a retainer pivotally mounted to the face and movable between a retaining position and a released position. 
     The provision of releasable lenses with dummy frame parts allows lens replacement to be undertaken without having to touch the lens surfaces thus reducing the risk of damaging any coatings applied thereto. 
    
    
     
       The invention will further be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating audio equipment in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a view of the face part of the audio equipment; 
         FIG. 3  is a view of one of the audio modules; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates part of the face and one of the temples with the audio module omitted, with the temple in an open position; 
         FIGS. 5 to 7  illustrate another embodiment; 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate an audio module; and 
         FIGS. 10 to 22  illustrate another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     The audio equipment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 4  of the accompanying drawings comprises a spectacles or sunglasses frame  10  designed to have removably mounted thereon a pair of audio modules  12 . The frame  10  comprises a face  14  to which is hingedly mounted a pair of temples  16 . The hinged connection is best illustrated in  FIG. 4  and comprises a pair of hinge formations  18  provided on the temple  16  arranged to co-operate with corresponding hinge formations  20  provided on the face  14 , the hinge formations  18 ,  20  each defining an opening, the openings being aligned with one another, pivot pins  22  extending through the aligned openings. 
     The hinge components  20  form part of a connector unit  24  which is secured to the remainder of the face  14 . The connector unit  24  defines a recess  26 , an inwardly facing wall of which is provided with a series of terminals  28  for electrical connection to corresponding terminals  30  formed on a projection  32  provided at a front end of each audio module  12 . 
     In use, with the frame  10  arranged such that the temples  16  thereof are in their open condition, the modules  12  can be secured to the frame  10  by introducing the projection  32  of each module  12  into the corresponding recess or socket  26 . Once this has been done, a further projection  34  provided at the opposite end of the module  12  can be snapped or otherwise fitted past a slide member  36  formed on the associated temple  16  into a corresponding recess to secure the module  12  in position. It will be appreciated that in this position, the connector terminals  28  provided in the connector unit  24  bear against the terminals  30  provided on the projection  32  thus providing an electrical connection between circuits contained within the audio module  12  and the spectacles frame  10 . The terminals  28  provided in the connector unit  24  take the form of resilient, spring-like elements biased away from the wall on which they are mounted so as to ensure that good electrical contact is maintained with the terminals  30 . 
     The terminals  28  provided adjacent one of the temples  16  are each electrically connected to one end of a series of conductor elements of a multi-cote cable or conductor  38 , the other ends of which are connected to the terminals  28  provided adjacent the other of the temples  16 . It will therefore be appreciated that, in use, an electrical connection is provided between the circuits provided in the audio modules  12 . 
     The face  14  of the spectacles frame  10  is shaped to define a pair of openings in which lenses  40  are mounted, in use. The peripheral regions of the lenses  40  are received within corresponding grooves  42  provided in the face  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a channel  44  is provided in the face  14 , the channel  44  extending across a bridge region  46  of the face  14  interconnecting the grooves  42  surrounding the two openings. The conductor  38  is located within and extends through parts of the grooves  42  and across the channel  44 . It will be appreciated that such location of the conductor  38  does not introduce significant design restrictions on the design of the face  14 . Further, the conductor  38  is conveniently provided within an elastomeric sheath against which edge regions of the lenses  40  abut, the sheath supporting and/or applying a biasing force to the lenses  40 , assisting in securing the lenses  40  in position. It will be appreciated that in the absence of the electrical sheathed conductor  38 , separate elastomeric material elements would most likely be required in the grooves  42 . 
     It will be appreciated that, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, the audio modules  12  are directly electrically connected to the face  14  rather than being electrically connected to the temples  16 . By electrically connecting the audio modules  12  directly to the face  14 , the temples  16  need not be provided with electrical components or conductors and so can be of simpler design. Further, there is no need to pass an electrical connection through the hinge by which the temples  16  are connected to the face  14 . Again, this results in a much simpler construction. As the temples  16  are electrically inert, if desired it may be possible to permit the temples to be interchanged. 
     It will be appreciated that the audio modules  12  may take a range of forms. For example, they may serve as an MP3 or other data file player arranged to output signals through speakers  48  located adjacent the wearer&#39;s ears, in use. Another possibility is for the modules  12  to form part of a mobile telecommunications apparatus or hands-free set for use therewith. They could also incorporate a telephone messaging service or a range of other features. Depending upon the function of the modules  12 , appropriate circuits and buttons or switches for use in controlling the operations thereof will be provided. 
       FIGS. 5 to 7  illustrate an alternative arrangement which, in many respects is similar to that of  FIGS. 1 to 4  and only the significant differences will be described. Firstly, the audio modules of this arrangement are arranged to make electrical connections with terminal pads  50  provided on the temples  16 . The terminal pads  50  are connected to cables passing across the face  14  as described hereinbefore, the cables also passing through the hinges whereby the temples  16  are mounted to the face  14 . 
     Hingedly mounted to the face  14  are lens retainers  52 , the retainers  52  being hinged to the face  14  by integral hinge pins  54  which are received in corresponding recesses formed in the face  14 . Each retainer  52  is movable between a first, in-use position in which a protrusion  56  thereon is receivable within a recess  58  provided in the periphery of the associated lens  40 , and a second position in which the protrusion  56  is withdrawn from the recess  58 . 
     The lens  40  and the associated retaining grooves  42  formed in the face  14  are designed such that, when the retainer  52  occupies its second position, the lens  40  can be introduced into or removed from the face  14 . With the lens  40  located in the face  14 , movement of the retainer  52  to its first position introduces the protrusion  56  into the recess  58 , thereby preventing escape of the lens  40  from the face  14 . 
     It is apparent from the drawings that the retainer  52  is designed such that, when in its first position, its contours blend with those of the remainder of the face  14 , and hides the recess  58 . 
     The face  14  does not cover the lower edges of the lenses  40 , and these have dummy frame parts  60  secured thereto, for example by adhesive. The provision of the dummy frame parts  60  allows handling of the lenses  40  without actually contacting the lens surfaces, thus the risk of damage to any coatings applied thereto is reduced. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate an audio module of the type suitable for use with the arrangement of  FIGS. 5 to 7 . As shown, the audio module includes a plurality of contact pins  70  arranged to bear, in use, against the contact terminal pads  50 . The pins  70  each include an outer part  72  mounted upon a circuit board  74 , and an inner part  76  movable, telescopically, relative to the outer part and resiliently biased towards an outer position. The resilient biasing of the inner parts  76  ensures that, in use, a good electrical contact is maintained between the module and the remainder of the audio apparatus. 
       FIGS. 10 to 22  illustrate another embodiment, and a few variants thereof, which, for the most part, are very similar to the arrangements described hereinbefore. The embodiment of  FIGS. 10 to 22  comprises a glasses frame  80  comprising a face  82  to which a pair of temples  84  is hingedly mounted. The face  82 , as described hereinbefore, comprises an upper part  86  and a lower part  88  secured to one another and defining a channel  90  extending across a nose region  92  through which a cable  94  passes, the cable  94  being fitted into lens retaining grooves  96  formed in the face  82  and being provided with an elastomeric sheath serving to cushion firmly locate the lenses  98  in the grooves  96 , in use. The cable  94  passes through the hinges to the temples  84 , where the ends of the conductors of the cable  94  are electrically connected to connection pads  100  such that circuits located within modules  102  mounted upon the temples  84  can be electrically connected to one another. 
     The lenses  98  are removably mounted to the face  82 . As illustrated, each lens  98  includes a pair of recesses  104 , the grooves  96  including corresponding locating formations. In use, to remove or insert a lens  98 , the face  82  is deflected as permitted by the resilience of the material from which it is made to permit the passage of parts of the lens  98  into or out of the corresponding groove  96 , release of the face  82  resulting in the face deflecting back to its original condition. When a lens  98  is inserted, it will be appreciated that such deflection results in the formations being located within the recesses  104 , securing the lens  98  in position. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the lens  98  may have a lower face part  106  secured thereto so that, when secured to the remainder of the face  82 , the face has a full frame appearance. Alternatively, the part  106  may be omitted with the result that the face  82  has a half frame appearance as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     The nose region  92  of the face  82  is provided with a removable nose pad or cushion  108 , to allow differently shaped or sized cushions  108  to be used as shown in  FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b . Interchanging of the cushions  108  may permit a better grip or fit to be attained, or may permit changes to be made to the appearance of the frame  80 . Likewise, the ends of the temples  84  are provided with interchangeable grips  110 , the profiles of which can be changed to achieve a desired fit or grip, or to alter the appearance of the frame  80 . Some alternative grips  110  are shown in  FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b.    
     The modules  102  include spring loaded connecting pins  112  arranged to bear, in use, against the pads  110  to provide the electrical connections to the cable  94 . The spring loaded pins  112  are illustrated in  FIG. 19 . As illustrated, they are mounted upon the circuit board  114  carrying the circuits of the module  102 . 
     Each module  102  includes a speaker  116 , as described hereinbefore. The speaker position is adjustable to permit comfortable use of the equipment by a range of users. As shown in  FIG. 17 , this is achieved in a number of ways. Firstly, the module  102  includes a lower part  118  slidably mounted to the remainder thereof. A sliding electrical contact is achieved between the module parts using pins  120  carried by the lower part  118  which bear against contact strips  122 , for example of chrome plated form, carried by the module  102 . Pivotally connected to the lower part  118  is a lower part  118  which bear against contact strips  122 , for example of chrome plated form, carried by the module  102 . Pivotally connected to the lower part  118  is a connecting arm  124  to which the housing  126  of the speaker  116  is pivotally mounted. It will be appreciated that the two axes of pivotal movement, in combination with the sliding movement of the lower part  118 , permits a very wide range of speaker positions to be attained, as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . At least one of the pivotal connections is preferably designed to permit lateral movement of the speaker  116 . 
     The modules  102  are releasably mounted to the temples  84 , and this is achieved by means of a reliantly biased slidable latch  128 , an actuator  130  being provided to permit movement of the latch  128 . To secure the modules  102  in position, fixed locating pins  132  are located within corresponding recesses formed in the temples  84 , and the modules  102  pushed home, resulting in deflection of the latch  128  to allow it to be received within a corresponding recess. Release of the modules  102  is achieved by using the actuator  130  to move the latch  128  out of its recess; whereon the module  102  can be removed. 
     As described hereinbefore, the modules  102  may perform a range of functions. For example, they may serve as MP3 file players, stereo Bluetooth devices, mobile telephone answering/messaging devices, radio devices, or camera devices. It will be appreciated that this list is not exhaustive. In each case, it is envisaged that the module located on one temple will serve as a power supply whilst the other will include circuits to achieve the desired functions. However, the invention is not restricted to such arrangements. To minimise the number of control actuators required to control operation of the modules  102 , a multifunction joggle wheel  132  is provided as shown is  FIG. 21 . 
     It will be appreciated that operation of the equipment of  FIGS. 10 to 22  is substantially as described hereinbefore and so no separate detailed description of the operation thereof is included herein. 
     It will be appreciated that a range of modifications and alterations to the audio equipment may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.