WO2008122081A1

WO2008122081A1 - Hearing protection means

Info

Publication number: WO2008122081A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/000489
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan Dyer; Kevin Whitley
Original assignee: Sensear Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Sensear Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-04-04
Filing date: 2008-04-04
Publication date: 2008-10-16
Anticipated expiration: 2009-10-04

Abstract

A hearing protection means having at least one ear covering member, such as an ear cup (10), a speaker (12) located inside the ear cup (10), an electronics module (14) supported externally on the ear cup (10), and contacts (16) to operatively connect the electronics module (14) to the speaker (12). Providing the electronics in a module (14) and locating the module (14) outside the ear cup (10) means that the electronics module (14) and the ear cup (10) are separate and this also reduces the need for physical interconnection therebetween that could compromise the sound suppression characteristics of the ear cup (10). The module (14) may be removable from the ear cup (10) or be fixed to the ear cup (10).

Description

"Hearing Protection Means"

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hearing protection means.

Background Art

The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

A hearing protection means is often embodied as an ear muff, which is a device or apparatus that, when in an operative state, sits adjacent to a user's ear.

Current sound attenuation and enhancement ear muffs work by enclosing all electronics within the ear cups of the earmuffs. This means that complex acoustical sealing arrangements need to be used to seal things like buttons, microphones and batteries. The acoustical seals are required so that the attenuation of the ear muffs is not compromised by the internal electronics. These seals are expensive and complex to design and manufacture.

Complex acoustical seals are used to seal the electronics and ensure integrity of the ear muffs. These are both complex to design and manufacture, which increases the end cost of the electronic ear muffs. In utilising these complex sealing arrangements, it can be impractical to change or repair the electronics. As such the ear muff electronic functionality cannot be easily changed, updated or replaced.

Disclosure of the Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a hearing protection means comprising:

(i) at least one ear covering member;

(ii) speaker means located inside the at least one ear covering member; (iii) an electronics module supported externally on said ear covering member; and

(iv) coupling means to operatively connect the electronics module to the speaker means.

Providing the electronics in a module and locating the module outside of the ear covering member means that the electronics and the ear covering member are separate and also reduces the need for physical interconnections therebetween that can compromise the sound suppression characteristics of the ear covering member. Having the electronics in a modular form separate from the ear covering member at least reduces and preferably removes the need for the use of acoustic sealing arrangements between the electronics and the ear covering member.

Preferably the hearing protection means is an ear muff.

Preferably, the ear covering members are adapted to provide passive sound suppression of at least 15dB. Even more preferably, they are adapted to provide sound suppression of about 15 - 5OdB.

In one embodiment the ear covering members are in the form of ear cups. However, the shape and configuration of the ear covering members may be of any suitable form provided they provide the necessary sound suppression.

Preferably, the electronics module includes at least one microphone for receiving a sound signal of interest. Even more preferably, the electronics module comprises a microphone array for receiving a sound signal of interest.

The at least one microphone or microphone array may be directional.

When the electronics module includes a microphone, it may further comprise a sound processing means for enhancing the sound signal of interest relative to other sound received thus generating an enhanced sound signal of interest.

The sound processing means may be varied and may perform one or more of the following: spatial processing, spectral processing, temporal processing and post processing.

Preferably, the electronics module includes an input device for receiving input from a user. Preferably, the electronics module includes a sound attenuation circuit for reducing feedback and unwanted noise.

Alternatively, a component of the hearing protection means, other than the electronics module, includes a sound attenuation circuit for reducing feedback and unwanted noise.

Preferably, the electronics module includes a wireless component for wireless communication with other devices.

Preferably, the electronics module further comprises a detachably retainable boom, the boom having an affixed microphone for capturing voice signals of a user.

Preferably, the electronics module includes an entertainment module for the provision of audio entertainment to a user.

Preferably, the coupling means includes a paired set of contacts on said electronics module and said ear covering member.

Alternatively, the coupling means may be wireless and thus not require any physical contact between the components.

Preferably, the hearing protection means further comprises a microphone located inside the ear covering member.

The electronics module may be supported on the ear covering member in a variety of ways. For example, the electronics module may be fixed to the ear covering member.

However, preferably, the electronics module is supported such that it is removably mounted on the ear covering member thus enabling different electronics modules to be fitted and interchanged as required. For example, it may be physically supported thereon through a mechanical type of engagement. For example, the electronics module may engage with a compatible recess on the ear covering member. Alternatively, the electronics module could be attached via magnets or adhesive. As another alternative, the electronics module may be attachable to the ear covering member by complementary connectors on the electronics module and the ear covering member, respectively. One example of such complementary connectors is hook and loop fasteners (such as those sold under the name Velcro™) may be used for attaching the electronics module to the ear covering member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of a non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a set of ear muffs, that include two ear muffs, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the set of ear muffs shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an ear muff shown in Figure 1 wherein the electronics module is detached from the ear cup.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of an electronics module according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an ear muff according to an embodiment of the invention in which the electronics module includes a wireless component.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an ear muff according to an embodiment of the invention wherein a boom microphone is attached to the electronics module.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an ear muff according to an embodiment of the invention in which the electronics module includes an entertainment component.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

The figures illustrate embodiments of a hearing protection means in accordance with the present invention. The hearing protection means is provided as an ear muff arrangement, that includes an ear covering member provided as an ear cup 10, a speaker 12 located inside the ear cup 10, and an electronics module 14 that is supported externally on the ear cup 10. The ear cup 10 includes contacts 16 that form part of coupling means to operatively connect the electronics module 14 to the speaker 12. In the embodiments illustrated, the electronics module 14 is removably retained in a recess 18 on the exterior of the ear cup 10. The recess 18 is provided on the exterior surface of the ear cup 10, opposed to a cushion 15 that is arranged to surround a user's ear in use.

The cushions 15 are flexible and conform to the head of the user around the ears of the user. The earmuffs suppress ambient sounds, from the environment in which the sound source of interest is located, from reaching the eardrums of the user. The suppression of the sounds by the earmuffs may be at least 15dB. A sound suppression of 15dB would generally be sufficient to suppress unwanted sounds in an environment such as a noisy restaurant. In environments that are noisier, a greater level of suppression is desirable. For example, in an environment such as a nightclub, suppression of approximately 3OdB is desirable. In other environments that are even noisier, greater suppression would be required. Some environments, where the ambient sound is at very high levels, e.g. in the vicinity of aircraft or other industrial environments, suppression of approximately 5OdB is desirable.

The electronics module 14 includes a plurality of lugs 17 protruding from a back panel 19 of the electronics module 14. A user may slide the electronics module 14 into the recess 18 to retain the electronics module 14 with the ear cup 10. The lugs 17 are guided via grooves in the recess 18, thus retaining the electronics module 14 with the ear cup 10, as illustrated in Figure 1. The lugs 17 are provided at the side edges of the back panel 19 of the electronics module 14. The grooves are provided at the side edges of the recess 18.

The coupling means includes a paired set of contacts 16 on the ear cup 10 and the electronics module 14, which are operatively coupled once the electronics module 14 is retained with the ear cup 10. The contacts 16 on the ear cup 10 are operatively coupled, or connected, to the speaker 12 in the ear cup 10.

Alternatively, the operative connection between the electronics module 14 and the speaker 12 may be wireless and thus not require any physical contact between those components to effect the operative connection.

Thus, the operative connection between the ear cup 10 and the electronics module 14 means that electrical signals can pass therebetween. The electronics module 14 may be detached from the ear cup 10, as illustrated in Figure 2. The detachment is achieved by sliding the electronics module 14 out of the recess 18.

However, other suitable means of removable attachment may be used, for example, a snap-on attachment.

Providing the electronics module 14 externally on the ear cup 10, in the manner herein described, means that the electronics module 14 is mounted directly on the ear cup 10.

In the present embodiment of the hearing protection means, there is provided a first ear muff 10 and second ear muff 10 that are suitable for positioning adjacent to each of a user's ears. Alternatively, one ear muff could be utilised, in conjunction with an ear plug, or other variations thereof.

In order for the electronics module 14 to function, some type of power source, such as a battery unit, is required. In the present embodiment, a battery unit is located in the electronics module 14 of the second ear muff 10, which is connected via a cable 20 to the electronics module 14 of the first ear muff 10. The cable 20 allows the passage of power and signalling between the two electronics modules 14.

Alternatively, a battery unit could be housed in each electronic module 14, thereby negating the need for the cable 20 to provide power to another electronic module 14.

In a further alternative, only one ear cup 10 is provided with an electronics module 14 and the battery unit is provided in that electronics module 14.

The cable 20 includes a bevelled connector 21 , so as to reduce strain if the cable 20 is aggressively urged away from the electronics module 14.

In this embodiment, the first and second ear muffs are arranged to be positioned adjacent to each of a user's ears by connecting them to each end of a band 22. The band 22 may be positioned across the top of a user's head in operation. Alternatively, the ear muffs could be mounted on a helmet, or other such suitable device, to position the ear muffs accordingly.

The electronics module 14 includes a sound delivery module, to deliver sound signals to the speaker, or speakers, 12 via the contacts 16 that form the coupling means. In this embodiment, the sound signals travel through the paired set of contacts 16 on the ear cup 10 and the electronics module 14.

In the present embodiment, the electronics module 14 includes a microphone aperture 24 and a microphone 26. As the microphone aperture 24 is not on the ear cup 10, the acoustical properties of the ear cup 10 are not compromised. With reference to Figure 4, the microphone 26 is located adjacent to the microphone aperture 24, within the electronics module 14.

The electronics module 14 includes a sound processing component 28, that processes the sound received from the microphone 26. The sound processing component 28 enhances the sound signal of interest relative to other sound received thus generating an enhanced sound signal of interest. More than one microphone 26 may be used in differing spatial locations, relative to the electronics module 14, to allow the sound processing component 28 to assess directional particulars of the sound received from the microphones 26. The sound processing component 28 combines this directional information, together with temporal information, spatial information, non-stationary information, (noise) envelope distribution information and spectral information to enhance a given signal of interest. This signal of interest can then be directed to the speaker(s) 12 via the sound delivery module.

Alternatively, the microphones 26 can be distributed along the band 22, or any other desirable location to enhance the acoustic properties of the sounds received.

As an alternative, an array of microphones 26 may be provided.

The microphone 26, or array of microphones 26, may be directional.

The electronics module 14 allows for user input using an input device of buttons on a keypad 30 through apertures in the front surface 32 of the electronics module 14, such that parameters such as power-on, power-off and volume-level may be adjusted. The keypad 30 is positioned between the sound processing component 28 and the front panel 32 of the electronics module 14. The sound processing component 28 is responsive to the depression of the keys of the keypad 30 to effect a desired user action.

In this embodiment, a microphone is located inside the ear cup 10. The sound captured by this ear cup microphone is used by a sound attenuation circuit to generate a cancellation signal to cancel unwanted noise that may penetrate the ear cup 10. The sound attenuation circuit is housed within the electronics module 14. The output from the ear cup microphone is provided to the sound attenuation circuit via the coupling means 16.

Alternatively, the sound attenuation circuit may be housed in the ear cup 10. In this case, power would be provided by the electronics module 14 to the sound attenuation circuit via the coupling means 16.

With reference to Figure 5, the electronics module may include a wireless component that facilitates communication between the electronics module 14 and other devices via a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth™. This may include communicating with a mobile phone, whereby a telephone conversation could be relayed using the sound delivery module to deliver the incoming sound data, and the microphone 26 to deliver outgoing sound data. Any other form of incoming and outgoing sound data could be exchanged with a wireless device using the wireless component.

With reference to Figure 6, a boom 34 with an attached microphone 36 may be removably attached to the electronics module 14, such that a user's voice could be captured at a close range to the boom microphone 36.

With reference to Figure 7, the electronics module 14 may include an entertainment module with a screen output device 38. One such entertainment module is an AM/FM radio transceiver, where the user can change channels via the button interface of the electronics module 14, and the entertainment module deliver the radio audio stream to the user via the sound delivery module.

The ear cup 10, including the cushion 15, form a passive hearing protector. The passive hearing protector provides sound attenuation appropriate for the level of hearing protection required. This has been previously described herein.

Dissociating the electronics module from the ear cup tends to simplify the repair of an ear muff, as the ear cup need not be disassembled in certain instances, which may otherwise compromise the attenuation properties of the ear cup.

By providing an interchangeable electronics module, electronics modules of differing functionality, or improved versions thereof, are easily installed by a user for operation with the ear cup. Use of a separate electronics module may improve the acoustical integrity of the ear cup from the acoustical integrity of the electronics module.

Ear muffs may require certification by a relevant regulatory authority. In the event that electronics are changed in ear muffs, the ear muff may need to be recertified by the authority. However, in the present invention the need for re-certification is reduced, because the electronics are housed in the separate electronics module, which is separate from the ear cup itself. Accordingly, the acoustical integrity of the ear cup of the present invention is distinct from the acoustical integrity of the electronics module.

However, in a further alternative, the electronics module 14 may be fixed to the ear cup 10 in a non-removable manner.

The ear muff of the present invention may, for example, be used in headphones and hearing aids.

The invention is susceptible to variations, modifications and/or additions other than those specifically described, and it is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations, modifications and/or additions which are within the scope of the following claims.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in the foregoing detailed description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention. Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the person skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

1. Hearing protection means comprising:

(i) at least one ear covering member;

(ii) speaker means located inside the at least one ear covering member;

(iii) an electronics module supported externally on said ear covering member; and

2. Hearing protection means according to claim 1 , characterised in that the electronics module is removably mounted on the ear covering member.

3. Hearing protection means according to claim 2, characterised in that the electronics module is physically supported on the ear covering member by a mechanical engagement.

4. Hearing protection means according to claim 3, characterised in that the electronics module is engageable with a compatible recess on the ear covering member.

5. Hearing protection means according to claim 2, characterised in that the electronics module is attachable to the ear covering member by at least one magnet.

6. Hearing protection means according to claim 2, characterised in that the electronics module is attachable by complementary connectors on the electronics module and the ear covering member, respectively.

7. Hearing protection means according to claim 1 , characterised in that the electronics module is fixed to the ear covering member.

8. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling means includes a paired set of contacts on said electronics module and said ear covering member, respectively.

9. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling means comprises a wireless coupling.

10. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hearing protection means is an ear muff.

11. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ear covering member is adapted to provide passive sound suppression of at least 15dB.

12. Hearing protection means according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the ear covering member is adapted to provide sound suppression substantially in the range of 15dB to 5OdB

13. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ear covering member is in the form of an ear cup.

14. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electronics module includes at least one microphone for receiving a sound signal of interest.

15. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electronics module comprises a microphone array for receiving a sound signal of interest.

16. Hearing protection means according to claim 14, characterised in that the at least one microphone is directional.

17. Hearing protection means according to claim 15, characterised in that the microphone array is directional.

18. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electronics module further comprises sound processing means for enhancing the sound signal of interest relative to other sound received to thereby generate an enhanced sound signal of interest.

19. Hearing protection means according to claim 17, characterised in that the sound processing means performs one or more of the following: spatial processing, spectral processing, temporal processing and post processing.

20. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electronics module includes an input device for receiving input from a user.

21. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electronics module includes sound attenuation circuitry for reducing feedback and unwanted noise.

22. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hearing protection means includes sound attenuation circuitry for reducing feedback and unwanted noise.

23. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electronics module includes a wireless component for wireless communication with other devices.

24. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electronics module further comprises a detachably retainable boom, the boom having an affixed microphone for capturing voice signals of a user.

25. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electronics module includes an entertainment module for the provision of audio entertainment to a user.

26. Hearing protection means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hearing protection means further comprises a microphone located inside the ear covering member.