Wearable computing device frame

• US 8,971,023 B2
• Filed: 03/21/2012
• Issued: 03/03/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/21/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Google Inc. (Alphabet Inc.)
• Inventors: Olsson, Maj Isabelle, Heinrich, Mitchell Joseph, Hebenstreit, Joseph John, Lapetina, John, Martin, Matthew Wyatt
• Primary Examiner(s): HAUGHTON, ANTHONY MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US13/425,951
• Publication Number:
  US 20130250503A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,077 Days
• Field of Search: 361/679.03, 345/8
• US Class Current: 361/679.03
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0156 with optionally usable elements
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/017 Head mounted
• 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 2200/04 Junctions between frame elements having a click function
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 2200/08 Modular frames, easily exchangeable frame parts and lenses
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 5/02 Bridges; Browbars; Intermediate bars nose engaging-surfaces G02C5/12
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 5/12 Nose pads; Nose-engaging surfaces of bridges or rims
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/005 Input arrangements through a video camera

Abstract

A device is configured to be worn on a user'"'"'s head. In one aspect, the device includes a center frame support and first and second side arms. Each side arm has a first end connecting to the center frame support and a free end remote from the first end. The device also includes an extension arm that projects from one of the side arms in a direction proximate the center frame support. The extension arm is configured to present information to the user via a display device. The center frame support and the first and second side arms form a band worn on the user'"'"'s head. In one embodiment, the free end of the first side arm is elongated relative to the free end of the second side arm to form an asymmetric U shape. In another embodiment, a removable or adjustable nose bridge couples to the center frame support.

Claims

1. A head-wearable device, the device comprising:

a center frame support including a first interlocking mechanism;

a first side arm having a first front end extending from a first end of the center frame support and a free end remote from the first front end;

a second side arm having a second front end extending from a second end of the center frame support and a free end remote from the second front end of the second side arm;

a second interlocking mechanism positioned on the first front end of the first side arm or the second front end of the second side arm, the second interlocking mechanism being configured to rotatably interlock with the first interlocking mechanism of the center frame support;

an extension arm projecting from one of the side arms in a direction proximate the center frame support, the extension arm being configured to present information to the user via a display device;

wherein the center frame support, the first side arm and the second side arm form a band to be worn on the user'"'"'s head, and the free end of the first side arm is elongated relative to the free end of the second side arm to form an asymmetric U shape.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the asymmetric U shape is provided in multiple sizes, the multiple sizes adapted to fit different ranges of head sizes.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the free end of the first side arm is enlarged relative to the free end of the second side arm, the enlarged free end housing at least one of circuitry and a power source employed by the display device.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein:

the asymmetric U shape provides multiple points of contact for the user'"'"'s head; and

the free end of the first side arm provides a balancing weight relative to the extension arm.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein an ear of the user becomes a fulcrum about which the weight of the extension arm is balanced against that of the free end of the first side arm.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the band includes a compliant inner portion and a resilient outer portion, the compliant inner portion being arranged to contact the user'"'"'s head.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the compliant inner portion comprises a unitary material that lines an interior surface of the resilient outer portion.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a releasable engagement mechanism configured to release the first interlocking mechanism from the second interlocking mechanism.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the interlocking includes rotatably inserting a key section of the first interlocking mechanism into a receptacle of the second interlocking mechanism.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first side arm or the second side arm is secured to the center frame support by a threaded fastener.

11. The device of claim 6, wherein the resilient outer portion is elastically deformable to fit the user'"'"'s head and is plastically deformable to allow the user to make adjustments to the shape of the band.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein:

the threaded fastener is at least partly concealed by a compliant inner portion of the band.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a nose bridge including a cross piece and an arm section, the arm section being configured to rest on the nose of the user.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the cross piece is removably coupled to the center frame support.

15. The device of claim 6, wherein the resilient outer portions of the first arm and the second arm are integrally formed with the center frame support as a single component.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the interlocking occurs when the center frame support and the first or second side arm engages and then rotates relative to each other.