Apparatus and method of forming a custom earpiece
US10250964B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R1/1058
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to custom-fit in-ear audio devices. The custom-fit earpieces disclosed herein may include features providing superior retention in a user's ear while also maintaining desirable comfort and sound quality. The superior retention is generally provided by a curable filler disposed in a bladder that is deformed to conform to the shape of a user's outer ear as the filler material is cured. It has been found that a desired comfort level and sound quality can be achieved in a custom-fit earpiece by physically separating or at least partially decoupling the audio output member from other portions of the earpiece that are designed to enable the retention of the custom-fit earpiece within the user's ear. In some configurations, one of the portions of the custom-fit earpiece that is designed to enable the retention of the custom-fit earpiece within the user's ear includes a curable filler material that is disposed within a bladder that is coupled to a portion of the custom-fit earpiece.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.