Electronically enabled audio device

• US 7,967,433 B2
• Filed: 06/28/2010
• Issued: 06/28/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Oakley, Inc. (EssilorLuxottica SA)
• Original Assignee: Oakley, Inc. (EssilorLuxottica SA)
• Inventors: Jannard, James H, Julian, Jeffrey J
• Primary Examiner(s): DANG, HUNG XUAN
• Application Number:
  US12/825,284
• Publication Number:
  US 20100265455A1
• Time in Patent Office: 365 Days
• Field of Search: 351/158, 351/41, 351/156, 345/8, 345/7, 445/351, 445/350, 381/187, 381/183, 704/225, 704/270
• US Class Current: 351/158
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0176 characterised by mechanical features
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 11/10 Electronic devices other than hearing aids
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 3/003 Arrangements for fitting and securing to the head in the position of use

Abstract

Disclosed is an eyewear retention system, which may include any of a variety of electronics, including telecommunications receivers, transmitters, electronic storage devices, and head-up display driving circuitry.

Claims

1. An audio device comprising a speaker support configured to be coupled with an apparatus extending over the top of the head of a wearer in an as-worn position, the apparatus being configured to support eyewear in a line of sight of a wearer when the apparatus is positioned on the head of the wearer, the speaker support extending laterally along the head of the wearer so as to support at least a first earphone in a position such that the first earphone is directed toward at least a first ear of the wearer when the apparatus is positioned on the head of the wearer, the device further comprising a transmitter and a receiver supported by the support, the transmitter being configured to transmit a wireless signal from the support to at least one remote device, and the receiver being configured to receive a wireless signal from the at least one remote device, and circuitry configured to play music from a compressed audio source through the first earphone.

2. An audio device as in claim 1, further comprising a memory device supported by the support.

3. An audio device as in claim 1, wherein the support comprises a second speaker support.

4. An audio device as in claim 1, wherein the transmitter and receiver are configured to communicate music and telecommunications to the first earphone.

5. An audio device comprising a speaker support configured to be coupled with an apparatus extending over the top of the head of a wearer in an as-worn position, the apparatus being configured to support eyewear in a line of sight of a wearer when the apparatus is positioned on the head of the wearer, the speaker support extending laterally along the head of the wearer so as to support at least a first earphone in a position such that the first earphone is directed toward at least a first ear of the wearer when the apparatus is positioned on the head of the wearer, the device further comprising a transmitter and a receiver supported by the support, the transmitter being configured to transmit a wireless signal from the support to at least one remote device, and the receiver being configured to receive a wireless signal from the at least one remote device.

6. An audio device as in claim 5, further comprising circuitry configured to play music from a compressed audio source through the first earphone.

7. An audio device as in claim 5, further comprising a memory device and driver electronics configured to play media from the memory device.

8. An audio device as in claim 6, wherein the driver electronics comprise circuitry configured to play music from the memory device.

9. An audio device as in claim 5, wherein the transmitter and receiver are configured to communicate music and telecommunications to the first earphone.

10. An audio device as in claim 5, wherein the device is GPS enabled.

11. An audio device as in claim 5, wherein the device comprises a second speaker support.

12. An audio device as in claim 5, wherein the apparatus is an eyeglass.

13. An audio device comprising a speaker support configured to extend laterally along the head of a wearer in an as-worn position, the audio device comprising at least a first earphone connected to the speaker support so as to support the first earphone in a position such that the first earphone is directed toward at least a first ear of the wearer when the support is positioned adjacent to the head of the wearer, the device comprising a power supply carried by the support, the device further comprising a receiver and a transmitter configured for telecommunications and music, the receiver being configured to receive a wireless signal from the at least one remote device for emitting sound from the first earphone, and the transmitter being configured to transmit a wireless signal from the support to at least one remote device.

14. An audio device as in claim 13, further comprising a memory device supported by the support.

15. An audio device as in claim 13, further comprising circuitry configured to play media from the memory device.

16. An audio device as in claim 13, wherein the circuitry is configured to play music from the memory device.

17. An audio device as in claim 13, wherein the support comprises first and second components that extend across the head of the wearer.

18. An audio device as in claim 13, wherein the apparatus is an eyeglass.