| WO/2014/120279 | EAR SOCK SYSTEMS |
| WO1998007062A1 | 1998-02-19 | |||
| WO1990009209A2 | 1990-08-23 | |||
| WO2004035141A1 | 2004-04-29 |
| US4670911A | 1987-06-09 | |||
| US20080023002A1 | 2008-01-31 | |||
| US7065219B1 | 2006-06-20 | |||
| FR2845308A1 | 2004-04-09 | |||
| GB694748A | 1953-07-29 | |||
| US5608567A | 1997-03-04 | |||
| EP1548911A1 | 2005-06-29 |
Claims
1. A combined eye and ear protection device comprising: a visor portion arranged to fit over the face of a user and having respective ends, and a pair of ear pieces, each adjustably mounted to a respective end of the visor, one or more of each ear pieces including an audio speaker.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said visor comprises material which is responsive to elevated light levels to become more opaque in the visible spectrum;
3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the visor portion is provided with visual display means, such as one or more LCD screens, to provide visually perceptible information or images to the wearer.
4. A device as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a rear view camera that can display an image of a view to the rear of the device.
5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the ear pieces incorporate noise suppressing materials.
6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising active noise cancelling functionality.
7. A device as in any preceding claim, wherein the ear pieces incorporate circumaural ear cushions to facilitate comfort and fit.
8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a head band, preferably formed from an elastic material, arranged to extend, in use, over the top of or behind the wearer's head to provide improved retention of the device on the wearer's head.
9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a respiratory face mask portion adapted to cover the nose or mouth and nose of the wearer, said face mask portion preferably incoφorating a filter means to protect from inhalation of noxious gases.
10. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the face mask portion is adapted for communication with an air supply. EP2009/003268
12
11. A device as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the face mask portion is removably attached to the visor portion of the device.
12. A device as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein a noxious gas detector may be provided which may be adapted to signal an alarm, for example an audible alarm, to the wearer when noxious gases are detected.
13. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device includes passive or active RFID tags for locating and/or identifying the device, for example for anti-theft purposes or to monitor usage of the device.
14. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, said device incorporating a GPS tracking device to allow the location of the device, and the wearer, to be determined.
15. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the visor portion is formed from a material, which is transparent in the visible spectrum and opaque to ultra-violet (UV) wavelengths.
16. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the visor portion is formed from a flexible and preferably resilient material.
17. A device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the resilience of the visor portion is such that the device is self-retaining on a user's head.
18. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the visor portion is formed of a scratch resistant material.
19. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the visor portion comprises a single interchangeable band of polycarbonate material.
20. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19, wherein the visor portion comprises a visor mounted within a resilient frame which allows adjustment on the users face, also provides protection to the visor from scratches and other impact damages such as accidental dropping .
21. A device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the visor is releasably mounted in the frame to allow to be changed to suit particular applications.
22. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the visor portion incorporates a mechanism to facilitate adjustment of the device to fit the head of the wearer.
23. A device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the ear defenders are adjustable relative to the visor by way of a push/pull ratchet mechanism to allow for size adjustment, increasing user comfort and ensuring the user's ears are fully concealed when the device is in use.
24. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the visor portion is arcuate and is ergonomically shaped to conform closely with the face of a wearer.
25. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the visor portion comprises a material selected from the group of electro-chromic or photo-chromatic materials, incorporating photo- chromatic capabilities, such that the visor is more opaque in increased light conditions and more transparent in reduced light conditions provides more comfort to a wearer, for example when a dentist's overhead lamp is in use.
26. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each audio speaker is arranged to connect to an audio device/player, preferably via a wireless connection.
27. A device as claimed in claim 25, wherein said wireless connection is housed in a docking station for receiving the device when not in use.
28. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 25, wherein the device incorporates an audio player, for example an MP3 player, and/or a video playback device.
29. A device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the device incorporates a memory device for storing music and/or images or may include a receiver for receiving transmitted signals, for example a radio receiver.
30. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device is provided with an internal power supply, such as one or more rechargeable batteries.
31. A device as claimed in claim 30, wherein the device further comprises a docking station for receiving the eye and ear protection device when not in use.
32. A device as claimed in claim 31, wherein the docking station includes charging circuitry for recharging the one or more batteries located within the eye and ear protection device when the device is mounted on the docking station.
5 33. A device as claimed in claim 31 or 32 wherein the docking station includes wireless communication means to communicate with the eye and ear protection device to transmit audio and/or video signals to the device.
34. A device as claimed in claim 33, wherein the docking station is connectable to an audio rv ..l
35. A device as claimed in any of claims 26 to 34, wherein the device includes control means for controlling the functionality of a music player. 5 36. A device as claimed in claim 35, wherein the control means comprises a remote control, which may be provided in a pendant to be worn around the wearer's neck.
37. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the visor portion and/or the ear pieces is adapted to receive gel pads or ice packs to provide a therapeutic treatment to the eyes and/or ears.0 |
Combined Eye and Ear Protection device
The present invention relates to a combined eye and ear protection device. In one application, the invention finds utility as an anxiety reduction device for medical and dental procedures, although it may be used in other fields including cconstruction and maintenance, manufacturing, medicine, leisure and fashion, and sport.
Attached eye and ear protection devices are known and they find minimal utility in industry where they are used to protect a wearer's ears and eyes from environmental noise and eye hazards such as dangerous fragments.
US 7,020,901 discloses an attached eye and ear protection device comprising a single piece of optically clear polycarbonate resin that provides unimpeded peripheral vision. The eye protective portion is functionally cooperative with, and acts as the adjustable head support for an ear protective portion comprising a pair of cup-like earmuffs, which include an attached ear seal to substantially reduce noise/sound levels.
US 6,012,812 discloses an attached eye and ear protection device including at least one speaker assembly, allowing a user to receive an audio signal from a remote source via a receiver. The speaker assembly includes a speaker head that can be inserted into a disposable protective ear insert; so that the audio signal is clearly audible to the user and so exterior noise is substantially muffled.
Eye protection devices are also employed in dental surgeries where they are used to protect one or both of the dentist's and patient's eyes from cross-infection, such as dental debris, including enamel, filling material and liquid overspray.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved combined eye and ear protection device.
According to the present invention there is provided a combined eye and ear protection device comprising: a visor portion arranged to fit over the face of a user and having respective ends, and a pair of ear pieces, each adjustably mounted to a respective end of the visor, one or more of each ear pieces including an audio speaker. Preferably said visor comprises material which is responsive to elevated light levels to become more opaque in the visible spectrum. The ear pieces may have either a supra-aural or circumaural fit.
The visor portion may be provided with visual display means, such as one or more LCD screens, to provide visually perceptible information or images to the wearer.
The combined eye and ear protection device of the invention finds particular utility in reducing anxiety in both medical and dental patients receiving treatment. Dental anxiety arises in particular in patients with dental phobia. For such patients, even thinking or hearing about going to the dentist can cause marked psychological distress, and the phobia can even interfere with social functioning. The fear of needles is another anxiety which this device will help to alleviate e.g. giving blood, anaesthetics. Also, before surgical procedures and during medical procedures such as colonoscopies this said device will help to reduce anxiety and reduce the amounts of sedation required.
The combined eye and ear protection device of the invention also finds particular utility in reducing eye and ear damage within manufacturing, construction, maintenance, sports and DIY industries. The combined eye and ear protection device may also be used in many other applications to provide audio and/or visual information to the wearer while protecting the wearer's eyes and ears. For example, the device can provide audio instruction to the wearer in relation to a wide range of activities and operations, can provide instantaneous translations to the wearer, for example from a tour guide, and can be used as a computer games headset to enhance an interactive computer game experience. It may also find use in military, space exploration, energy and rescue applications.
The protection device may be provided with a respiratory face mask portion adapted to cover the nose or mouth and nose of the wearer, said face mask portion incorporating a filter means to protect from inhalation of noxious gases. The face mask may be adapted for communication with an air supply. The face mask may be removably attached to the visor portion of the device.
RFID technology may be embedded into the combined eye and ear protection device to help prevent theft of this device and promote good health and safety practise. Passive RFID tags may be fixed to each device with RFID reader technology deployed at the facility entrances and exits. This creates the infrastructure required to determine if a device has been taken from a location by raising an alarm when an embedded RFID tag passes a reader. Furthermore access to such a facility controlled by RFID, could be restricted to users wearing a combined eye and ear protection device to encourage correct health and safety procedure. A GPS tracking device may be provided to allow the location of the device, and the wearer, to be determined.
Preferably, the visor portion is formed from a material, which is transparent in the visible spectrum and opaque to ultra-violet (UV) wavelengths. Protection against UV light protects the eyes from UV light used during the filling curing process. This property of the visor may also protect users from
welding flashes as UV radiation is generated from welding arcs therefore eliminating frontal and peripheral glares in the user's eye.
Preferably the frame and/or visor portion incorporates a push/pull ratchet mechanism to facilitate adjustment of the device to fit the head of the wearer. A material with inherent flexibility allows the device to be adjusted without the use of hinges or other jointed devices. This allows the device to be simple in construction and yet accommodate different sizes of user's head.
Preferably, the visor portion is arcuate and is ergonomically shaped to conform closely with the face of a wearer. In a dental application this facilitates both frontal and peripheral protection of the eye* from cross-infection, such as dental debris, including enamel, filling material and liquid overspray and also allows unrestricted access to the treatment area by the dentist. In an industrial application this facilitates both frontal and peripheral protection of the eyes from glares from welding arcs, and flying debris from various manufacturing or maintenance fabrication techniques.
Preferably, the visor portion comprises a material selected from the group of electro-chromic or photo-chromatic materials, incorporating photo-chromatic capabilities, such that the visor is more opaque in increased light conditions and more transparent in reduced light conditions provides more comfort to a wearer, for example when a dentist's overhead lamp is in use. This property may also reduce glares/flashes in the frontal and periphery of the wearer's eyes caused, for example, from industrial fabrication techniques such as welding.
The in-built speakers within each ear piece may deliver audio to a user, in the form of music, information or any other audible sounds, for example to help sooth and improve the user's experience whilst at the dentist or undergoing a medical procedure or to provide instructions, information or entertainment to the wearer. For example, the audio may comprise instructions relevant to a particular activity undertaken by the wearer or other information relevant to the wearer's activity.
Preferably, the ear defenders are provided with removable foam ear cushions. These cushions provide noise suppression from the surrounding environment, and facilitate delivery of sounds from an audio device/player. The cushions also provide increased comfort to a user by cushioning the ears and providing physical protection from the device. The foam cushions may be disposable, improving hygiene, as the cushions may be changed between one user and the next.
A wearer, using a control, more preferably a remote control, may control the volume level / radio channel (if available) / track position of the incoming audio. This increases comfort by allowing the
wearer to select a preferable audio output and volume level. Where provided, the docking station may provide wireless communication between the dental/medical combined eye and ear protection device and the remote control. It may also have a recharging functionality so that the dental/medical eye and ear device can be recharged when placed into it during periods of non-use.
Preferably in a dental/medical application, a remote control may be adapted to be mounted to the arm of the dental chair or held in the patient's hand, also during periods of non-use may be stored in the docking station. The remote control may provide a dentist/medical practitioner and the patient with a 'Mute' facility to allow for improved communication during procedures.
Au eiiibυdiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an eye and ear protection device and docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention and connectable to a conventional audio device/player; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the device of Figure 1 ;
Figure 3a is a front view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 3b is a side view of the device of Figure 1 with ear defenders in a retracted position;
Figure 3c is a side view of the device of Figure 1 with ear defenders in an extended position;
Figure 4 is an exploded view of an eye and ear protection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5a is a front view of the device of Figure 4;
Figure 5b is a plan view of the device of Figure 4;
Figure 5c is a side view of the device of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is the audio circuit for the eye and ear protection device of Figure 1 ; Figure 7 is the docking station circuitry (from Figure 1) of the eye and ear protection device;
Figure 8 is a Cross Section illustrating the Adjustment mechanism for both embodiments;
Figure 9 is a Detailed View of the Figure 8 Cross Section; and
Figure 10 is a detailed perspective view of an ear piece mounting arrangement for use with either embodiment of the invention.
Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown an eye and ear protection device for medical/dental use according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The device 1, comprises an arcuate polycarbonate visor 17. The visor 17 is formed of a photo-chromatic material which is more opaque in increased light conditions and more transparent in reduced light conditions to provide more comfort to a user when a dentist's overhead lamp is in use. The visor material is preferably also opaque to UV wavelengths. The visor 17 releasably fits into a frame 14 to be interchangeable.
Towards the centre of the visor 17 and frame 14 there is provided a recess 16 to accommodate the bridge of the nose of a user. The recess 16 may be provided with a pad for comfort. However, it will be seen that the invention can equally be implemented with any suitably shaped visor conforming sufficiently with a user's face in order to protect a user's eyes.
Mounted at each end of the visor 17 and frame 14 is a generally scallop shaped ear defender, one right 13, one left 10, each arranged to cover a respective ear of a user when in use. Each defender 13, 10 is attached to the respective visor and frame end by an adjustable push/pull connection mechanism 11,15 allowing each ear defender 10,13 to be extended and retracted with respect to the frame 14 to accommodate users having differing head sizes, as can be seen from Figures 3c and 3d. For additional stability (only need during vigorous activities) an adjustable head strap (not shown) may be provided extending between the ear defenders to extend over the top of and/or behind the wearer's head.
Each defender 10,13 houses an in-built speaker, wireless receiver module, LED's, charging connector and battery (see Figure 6 circuit diagram), which is wirelessly connected via a docking station 5 to a generic audio device/player 4 (shown in Figure 1). A remote control 2, comprising a mute button 3, allows the user to adjust the incoming audio volume and/or radio channel (if available) according to preference. The docking station 5 includes a seat 6 for receiving the remote control 2 when not in use.
An in-built speaker is housed within the body of each ear defender 10,13. Sound is delivered from the speaker through perforations in the inner face of each ear defender. A replaceable foam ear cushion 12 is stretched over the external surface of each ear defender to substantially close the defender around the user's ears during use of the protector.
The docking station 5 facilitates the locating during non-use periods of the eye and ear protection device 1, and the remote control 2. It will also allow a generic MP3 player 4 to be inserted via an input jack 9. During periods of non-use, recharging of the device 1 will take place via charging jacks located within locator pods 8 of the docking station 5. The docking station 5 will also be able to output audio through inbuilt speakers 7. Housed within the docking station 5 will be an audio player connector, wireless transmitter module, power supply/charging circuitry, external power supply, speakers, and charging connector (see Figure 7).
In an alternative embodiment the device 1 may incorporate an audio player, such as an MP3 player and/or radio. The device may incorporate docking ports for memory cards or other memory devices containing audio files.
The visor portion 17 may incorporate a visual display device, such as at least one LCD screen, to be visible by the wearer to allow the wearer to view still and/or video images. The device may incorporate a rear view camera.
Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, there is shown an industrial protection device 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The device 100 comprises an arcuate polycarbonate visor 31 for protecting the wearer's eyes. The visor 31 is formed of a photo-chromatic material which is more opaque in increased light conditions and more transparent in reduced light conditions to provide more comfort to a "«*.r when exposed to UV light e.g. welding arcs. The visor material is preferably also opaque to UV wavelengths. The visor fits into the frame 30 and is interchangeable.
The resting state of the protector is dictated by the natural tension produced by the form of the polycarbonate visor 31 (see dotted lines in Figure 5b) and the frame 30. The natural flex of the polycarbonate material of the visor 31 and the frame 30 allows the protector to be self-retaining on the user's head. This self retaining property of the device also applies to the first embodiment.
Towards the centre of the visor and frame there is provided a recess 29, preferably padded, to accommodate the bridge of the nose of a wearer.
At each end of the visor and frame is a generally oval shaped ear defender 22,26, which will specifically accommodate a right ear and left ear fit, one right 22, one left 26, arranged to cover a respective ear of a user when in use. Each defender 22, 26 is attached to a respective visor and frame end by an adjustable push/pull attachment mechanism 27,28 in a similar manner to the first embodiment, allowing each defender to be extended and retracted with respect to the visor and frame to accommodate users having differing head sizes. For additional stability (only needed during vigorous activities) an adjustable head strap 42 is provided arranged to extend around the back of the wearer's head, insertable into a receiving slot 25 on each ear piece 22,26. A circumaural foam ear cushion 24 is inserted into the surface of each ear defender to close the defender around the user's ears during use of the protector.
The each defenders in a basic form 22,26 house noise suppressing foam, RFID tags, and attachment slots for inserting a vibration support headband 23, 25. In a more sophisticated form the ear defenders may house noise cancelling circuitry, LED's, charging jacks, wireless receiver modules, noxious gas sensor and batteries.
In order to guard against inhalation of toxic fumes the headband has the facility to attach a respiratory face mask 40. This is connected to the frame 30 via snap fit connections to the underside of the lens frame and a second adjustable strap 41 navigates around the rear of the users head to provide a secure sealed fit. Furthermore, included, possibly within the ear defender component of 5 this device, is a noxious gas detection alarm which also alerts the wearer to the potential of inhaling toxic fumes. Thus the device improves eye, ear and respiratory protection. A display device, such as an LCD screen, may be provided in association with at least one side of the visor. The display device may display an image from a rear view camera 44. λ Kmiroc O nnA O 11111 ct«-o t<- tVio orliiietmont
As shown in Figure 10, each ear piece 10,13,22,26may be mounted in a frame portion by a swivel joint 46 to permit rotation of each ear piece about a respective horizontal axis parallel to the sides of the device to provide an improved fit. Combined with the flex movement of the lens frame (left and5 right), this swivel hinge (Up and down movement) will act as a universal joint. Therefore accommodating users with varying head shapes. This swivel hinge 46 is located at either side of each ear cushion and is connected into the respective slider plate on both ear defenders.
A holder 43 is provided on side of one of the ear pieces 26 for attaching a pen or a torch to the device 100.
LED lights (not shown) may be provided, preferably in the frame of the device, to provide illumination when the wearer is working in dark conditions.
The above embodiment(s) find particular utility in reducing anxiety in dental and medical patients receiving treatment. However, it will be seen that the invention will also have utility in any environment or application where a device may be required, such as for factory floor workers who
might otherwise be exposed to excessive light and noise levels, particularly light levels outside the visible spectrum. The invention also finds utility in the fields of DIY; construction & maintenance; manufacturing; medical; leisure & fashion; and sports. It also finds utility within the therapeutic industries to increase sensory stimulus. 5
The device may be used within the tourism industry or in many other applications wherein it is desired to provide a commentary or information to persons during activities, such as sightseeing or factory tours, wherein the eye and ear protection provided by the device may be complimented by the ability to provide audible information to the wearer. rv
Particularly when provided with visual display means, the device may be used as a virtual reality headset in gaming or other VR applications.
The device may incorporate a microphone to allow two way communication between a number of 5 wearers of such devices and/or to allow the wearer to record speech.
Other possible uses of the device are> GoIf ball detection and tracking
• Using RFID tracking technology the golf ball can be located in long grass; 0 • With the correct lenses, following the flight of the ball can be made easier.
Spectator Improvement
• Wireless transmission of audio commentary within sports arenas;
• With the correct lenses, following the flight of the ball can be made easier. Emergency Rescue Aids 5 • Within aeroplanes, trains, boats etc this multi-sensory eye, ear and respiratory protector will be able to guide you to the nearest exit and provide you with audio instruction;
• It will also contain a GPS tracking device to enhance survivor rescue. Sleeping Aid
• By blocking both light and noise this device can be used to aid sleep particularly within noisy and bright situations e.g. air travel.
Therapeutic Stimulus Head band
• During painful treatments e.g. waxing, audio can be transmitted to the client via the headset;
• Gel filled eye pads will massage the eyes simultaneously. Head Band Ice Pack/Wrap • This headband can be designed to be an icepack to aid recovery from trauma to both eyes and ears e.g. black eyes and cauliflower ears. Tour Communication Device
• Can be used within the tourism industry by tour guides to communicate with tourists;
• It can also translate communications to multi-lingual tour groups;
• Factory tours will be enhanced with the combination of correct eye and ear protection and improved communication by the tour guide. Underwater Tourism
• Snorkelling will be improved by including audio communication to help identify underwater objects.
Computer Games Headset
• This headset can be used to enhance the interactive computer game experience particularly within war games.
3D Multi Sensory Headset
• This headset with the correct flickering lens can be used within 3D studios and cinemas. Parachuting Headset
• Can be used to protect both eyes and ears during free fall; • Can also be used as an advance training device to communicate descent instructions if a parachutist encounters difficulty. Horse Riding Headset
• Can also be used as a training device to communicate riding instructions to groups of horse riders. • Jockeys can also employ this device during races - which would allow trainers to communicate instructions in real time. VR Headset
• Can be used to compete with existing Virtual Reality headsets SMOG Guard • The eye, ear and respiratory headset can be used by cyclists or pedestrians within highly polluted environments to commute to work and carry out daily activities. Dictaphone Functionality
• Embedded within the headset is the capability to record conversations for future reference. Rear view camera Functionality • Embedded within the headset towards the rear of the device is a camera which will allow visual imagery to be recorded and replayed. Lighting
• LED lighting will be included within the headset to improve visual awareness within low light situations. Bump Alarm
• Using sonar technology a bump alarm will alert the wearer of possible head collisions. Mobile Phone Tracker
• Using ones mobile phone the headset can be located if misplaced
The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.