Patent Abstract:
A method and apparatus for recharging a hearing device. The method includes providing a hearing device and a charging device wherein each has a charging element. The method then involves inserting the hearing device into the charging device such that the first and second charging elements interact to recharge the hearing device.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/866,081 filed Nov. 16, 2006 and 60/806,633 filed Jul. 6, 2006. 
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention is directed toward a rechargeable hearing device and charging receptacle. Rechargeable hearing devices are known in the art. These devices are not aesthetically appealing nor are they easy to use and recharge. Thus, there is a need for a hearing device and charger that address these deficiencies. 
         [0003]    Thus, a principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of recharging a hearing device that facilitates use. 
         [0004]    These and other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    An improved method for recharging a hearing device. The steps include providing a hearing device that has a main body with an earphone thereon and a first charging element. The next step involves providing a charging device that has a receptacle therein that has a second charging element. The method is completed by inserting the hearing device into the receptacle of the charging device such that the first and second charging elements interact with one another to recharge the hearing device. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a hearing device within a charging device; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a charging device; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a charging device; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a front plan view of a hearing device; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a side plan view of a hearing device; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a back plan view of a hearing device; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is an elevation view of a hearing device in combination with a charging device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0013]    The hearing device  10  has a main body  12  having a front and back panels  14  and  16 . Preferably, the main body  12  has a tear-drop shape. Mounted on the front panel  14  is an on/off switch  18 , a power indicator LED  20 , and an MIC  22  (microphone). The power indicator LED  20  has a plurality of colors to indicate different operating states. For example, green could mean normal, red could mean low power, and yellow could mean charging. 
         [0014]    Mounted on the back panel  16  is an earphone  24  and a hook holder  26 . The earphone  24  is formed to receive an ear cushion and is positioned to fit within the ear canal. The hook holder  26  is formed to receive a hook  28  that fits over the ear. 
         [0015]    Mounted at one end of the main body  12  and between the front and the back panel is a rotatable volume dial  30 . Mounted to the sides of the main body  12  are a pair of charge plates and/or ports  32 . 
         [0016]    The hearing device  10  is formed to be matingly received within a charging device  34 . The charging device  34  has a receptacle  36  formed therein with a pair of charge plates and/or prongs  38  that align with the charge plates  32  on the hearing device when the hearing device is inserted within the charging receptacle  36 . Mounted on the exterior of the charging device  34  is an indicator LED  40  that indicates the operational state of that charging device  34 . For example, when the indicator LED  40  is yellow, this would indicate a charging state and when the indicator LED  40  is green this would indicate the power is on. 
         [0017]    The charging device  34  has a storage chamber  42  that is enclosed by a door  44  that is hingedly connected to the charging device  34 . A release button  46  is mounted on the charging device  34  such that when engaged the door  44  is released allowing access to the storage chamber  42 . The storage chamber  42  is for holding hearing device equipment such as ear cushions, a cleaning broom, and the like. In one embodiment the door  44  has sub-chambers  48  formed to receive the hearing device equipment. The charging device  34  has a power cord  50  that connects with a power supply. 
         [0018]    In an alternative embodiment the earphone  24  is detachable from the main body  12  of the hearing device  10 . Specifically, the earphone  24  comprises a positive battery contact plate  52  at its base that contacts a similar negative battery contact plate  54  within the main body  12  of the hearing device  10  when the two separate pieces are attached together. Upon contact of the positive and negative battery contact plates  52  and  54  the earphone  24  can be recharged. Thus, an individual using the hearing device has the choice of placing the entire hearing device  10  including the main body  10  with the hook  28  and earphone  24  attached therein into their ear or they may remove the earphone piece from the main body  12  and place only the earphone  24  within their ear. In this embodiment the charging device is designed to accommodate the two-piece hearing device. 
         [0019]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without the parting from the spirit in scope of this invention. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7