AudioOptics

Abstract

This invention relates to a prescription eyeglass mounted sound reflective hearing aid device with sound reflectors that remove surrounding noise. The hearing aid device is comprised of a pair of eyeglasses with two molded half cone shaped directional sound reflectors. Both of the reflectors have an interior surface and an exterior surface. The reflectors take surrounding noise out of the wearer's perception, making it easier to listen to people.

Claims

1. A hearing aid structure, comprising: an eyeglass frame; at least one directional sound reflector; and at least one pivotal connector.

2. The hearing aid structure of claim 1, wherein said eyeglass frame is adapted to be worn in a substantially fixed position on the head of a user.

3. The hearing aid structure of claim 1, wherein said at least one directional sound reflector has an interior surface and an exterior surface.

4. The hearing aid structure of claim 1, wherein said at least one directional sound reflector takes the surrounding noise out of a user's perception.

5. The hearing aid structure of claim 1, wherein said eyeglass frame further comprising a cross-bow member and a pair of side templar members attached to said cross-bow member.

6. The hearing aid structure of claim 5, wherein said cross-bow member defines the rims for retaining a pair of lenses.

7. The hearing aid structure of claim 5, wherein said pair of side templar members are provided with curved portions at their rear end.

8. The hearing aid structure of claim 5, wherein each curved portion of said pair of side templar members is attached to said at least one pivotal connector.

9. The hearing aid structure of claim 5, wherein said at least one pivotal connector is connected to at least one directional sound reflector.

10. The hearing aid structure of claim 9, wherein the interior surface of said at least one directional sound reflector reflects sound into ear canal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TILE DRAWINGS

[0029] The invention will be better understood, and objectives other than those set forth above will become apparent, when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

[0030] FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of a pair of eyeglasses with two molded reflectors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a pair of prescription eyeglasses that are designated by the numeral. The eyeglasses include a frame 1 that may be made in various designs and from various types of plastic or other suitable materials. The component parts of the frame are of substantial dimensions in accordance with the present-day designs, thus making the combining of the hearing aid equipment with the frame readily possible. The eyeglass frame has the usual cross-bow member 2, which provides a pair of oval rims that are integrally formed in one piece. The rims enclose or surround the lenses 3 in the usual manner. Secured to the crossbow, either rigidly, slightly flexible, or pivotally connected thereto, are the templar members or temple bars 4 and 5. They extend rearwardly therefrom. The templar members extend adjacent to the side of the head of the user, and are provided with the customary curved portions 6 and 7 respectively, which are adapted to rest on the ears. The curved portions serve as ear mounts.

[0033] The side temple members 4 and 5 are of tubular construction and are generally made in one piece, so as to provide a solid bar type shape. The cross-bow is provided with the usual bridge, which connects the rims, and is adapted to rest on the nose of the user when the frame is mounted properly on the head of the user in a substantially fixed position.

[0034] The snap connectors are pivotally connected to a pair of directional sound reflectors 8. Both of the sound reflectors are each shaped in the form of a half cone. Each has an interior surface and an exterior surface that form a C shaped interface surface surrounding the rear portion of the user's ear. This construction leaves the front of the ear exposed for receiving sound.

[0035] The invention works by reflecting sound coming from in front of wearer into the ear canal. The interior surface of both of the directional sound reflectors reflects the sound into the ear canal. With this device, the wearer cannot only hear what is being said by those in front of him, but himself as well. The device does not require any battery or wiring. It does not require to be inserted into the ear.

[0036] The present invention is primarily directed towards enhancing the listening capabilities of a user at the beach, waterfalls, crowded sporting events, or the like, where the auditory signals are not focused towards the listener. However, the invention may be employed to enhance the auditory experience of a user in other listening environments as well.

[0037] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0038] The benefits and advantages that may be provided by the present invention have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any or all of the embodiments.

[0039] While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments are illustrative, and that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements to the embodiments described above are possible. It is contemplated that these variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the invention.