Description:
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)

1. Title of the invention – A NON-SURGICAL BONE CONDUCTION HEARING AID SPECTACLES WITH DETACHABLE TEMPLES

2. Applicant(s)

(a) NAME : WEHEAR INNOVATIONS PRIVATE LIMITED
(b) NATIONALITY:INDIAN
(c) ADDRESS: 805, Supath Apartment, Vijay Char Rasta, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009 India

3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

A NON-SURGICAL BONE CONDUCTION HEARING AID SPECTACLES WITH DETACHABLE TEMPLES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention related to a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples. More particularly, it is a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples which can be used as a hearing aid for user suffering from conductive hearing loss.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

More than 1 billion people worldwide are living with vision impairment because they do not get the care they need for conditions like short and far sightedness, glaucoma and cataract, according to the first World report on vision issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).

A large amount of population which requires glasses also uses earphones or headphones while performing various daily activities and over a prolonged period of time. Most of these audio devices are worn with the earphone buds in the ear canal or on the outer ear. The distance of the device is quite close to that of our ear’s eardrum, prolonged usage at high volume are potential dangers to the eardrum. A tear in the eardrum can cause serious hearing loss to the user. Since the ear is blocked by the earphone buds, sweat and moisture can invite ear infection as well.

Coming to hearing disabilities over 5% of the world’s population – or 430 million people – require rehabilitation to address their disabling hearing loss (432 million adults and 34 million children). It is estimated that by 2050 over 700 million people – or 1 in every 10 people – will have disabling hearing loss according to an article by World Health Organization. As per WHO estimates in India, there are approximately 63 million people, who are suffering from Significant Auditory Impairment; this places the estimated prevalence at 6.3% in Indian population.

A person who is not able to hear as well as someone with normal hearing – hearing thresholds of 20 dB or better in both ears – is said to have hearing loss. Hearing loss may be mild, moderate, severe, or profound. It can affect one ear or both ears and leads to difficulty in hearing conversational speech or loud sounds.

There are some inventions that uses bone conduction. One such invention is disclosed in patent “EP1967893B1” Title – “Bone conduction module for attaching on an eye glass, bone conduction hearing aid eye glass with such a module and method for the production of the bone conduction hearing aid eye glass”. The invention relates to a bone conduction module for putting on glasses, a bone conduction hearing aid glasses with such a bone conduction module and a method for their preparation.

Another devices that are present in the market are smart glasses, those glasses have speakers in the temples of the glasses. The speakers use air conduction to transmit sound which makes it a public listening session whether music or a phone call and also causes disturbance to people nearby the user.

There is sum of population that is a union of users that uses glasses as well as headphones or hearing aid simultaneously. This creates a need for a device that can easily cater both the needs of the user, while it being comfortable and ease to use. A device that removes the hassle of handling multiple devices.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The principle object of present invention is to overcome the drawbacks and limitations associated with prior technology by providing a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples with user preferred front rims.

One object of present invention is to provide a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples that can work with different front rims irrespective of the type of lenses.

One another object of present invention is to provide a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples that uses conduction through bone to transmit sound to the cochlea, to provide a private hearing experience.

Yet one object of present invention is to provide a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples which can stream sound from various devices as mobile phone, laptops, tablets or television set.

Yet one object of present invention is to provide a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples with seamless stereo sound across both inner ears by incorporating Truly Wireless Stereo Technology (TWS).

Yet one object of present invention is to provide a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples that transmit sound to the cochlea while keeping the outer ear canal unrestricted.

Yet one object of present invention is to provide a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples that reduces hassle for the user that uses both glasses and headphones or earphones of any kind.

Yet one object of present invention is to provide a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples which can operate as a non – surgical bone conduction hearing aid device.
Yet one object of present invention is to provide a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples that can be an assistive device for any user suffering from conductive hearing loss.

Yet one object of present invention is to provide a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples which has plurality of microphones to capture sound from the user’s surrounding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The present invention is all about a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples which can be used by people who use both glasses and headphones or earphones of any kind.

The main aspect of the present invention is to provide a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples comprising two detachable temple arms which has a main body; the main body encloses a plurality of components such as a PCB being capable to process a plurality of functions, a sound processor being capable to process various sounds, a battery to provide power, a transducer to transmit sound to the temporal bone, a membrane to hold the transducer, a silicone membrane to dampen the vibrations and enhance the sound, a button switch, a gesture control pad to control different functions of the non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples, a plurality of microphones preferably 4 to capture the surrounding sound from all directions of the user, a universal connection slot, a universal connection to mount user’s desired front rims, a pogo pin set to charge the non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples and a cover flap.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide user with flexibility to use their desired front rims and lenses. The universal connection enables the user to change their front rims according to their needs.

One another aspect of the present invention is use of bone conduction technology to eliminate potential hearing loss due to damage to the eardrums.

One more aspect of the present invention is the ability to stream sound from multiple sources, making them suitable for a number of use case scenarios and also keeping the sound isolated to the user.

Further aspect of the present invention is seamless stereo sound streaming across both the inner ears, to ensure pleasant listening experience.

Further aspect of the present invention is keeping the outer ear canal unrestricted, which enables the user to beware of their surrounding especially in case of an emergency.

Further aspect of the present invention is the hearing aid mode which does not require a surgical procedure to work and allows user to use them if they are suffering from any kind of conductive hearing loss.

Further aspect of the present invention is to provide binaural hearing by using multiple microphones, to make the user well aware of their surroundings in the hearing aid mode.

Further aspect of the present invention is to capture sound from 360o with the help of microphone from the surrounding and after processing it transfer it to transducer.

Further aspect of the present invention is that the non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples can be programmed according to the audiogram of a person which creates a customized audio profile for every individual and give the best results as a hearing Aid.

Furthermore, aspect of the present invention is to provide a hassle free and a more integrated device for user using both glasses and headphone or earphones of any kind.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

Fig. 1 is a Schematic presentation of thenon-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the detachable temple arm.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the detachable temple arm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the aforesaid drawbacks of the above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will now be described in greater detail. Also, the following description includes various specific details and are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that: without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure and its various embodiments there may be any number of changes and modifications described herein.

It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, the preferred, systems and methods are now described.

Thenon-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples is a device which caters to the users, who uses both glasses, headphone, earphones and any sort of hearing aid. The users can use their desired front rims irrespective of their lenses. It uses the principle of bone conduction and transmit sound to the inner ear via the temporal bone of the user. The non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples can be used as hearing aid to assist user suffering from any kind of conductive hearing loss.

According to main embodiment, a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) comprising detachable temple arms (1,2) having a main body (3), a PCB (4), a sound processor (5), a battery (6), a transducer (7), a membrane (8), a silicone membrane insulation cover (9), a button switch (10), a gesture control pad (11), a plurality of microphones (12), a universal connection slot (13), a universal connection (14), a front rims (15), a pogo pin (16), a cover flap (17), a screw slot (18) and a front rims connection (19); said detachable temple arms (1,2) being capable to secure the a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) over the ears of the user; said main body (3) which has a hollow section to house the PCB (4), the sound processor (5), the battery (6), the button switch (10), the gesture control pad (11), a plurality of microphones (12) and the universal connection slot (13); said cover flap (17) which has a cavity that encloses the membrane (8), the silicon membrane insulation cover (9), the transducer (7) and pogo pins (16); said PCB (4) being capable to process a plurality of functions; said sound processor (5) being capable to process sound signals from a plurality of microphones (12) and various sound streaming sources; said battery (6) being capable to supply electrical energy to the electrical components of the non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100); said transducer (7) being capable to produce vibrations based on the processed data; said membrane (8) which houses the transducer (7) within the cover flap (17); said silicone membrane insulation cover (9) which dampens the vibrations of the transducer (7) and enhances the sound; said button switch (10) being capable to perform a plurality of functions to their respective actions; said gesture control pad (11) being capable to register a plurality of gestures and send signals for their respective output to be performed; said plurality of microphones (12) being capable to capture the sounds produced in nearby surroundings of the user; said universal connection (14) which is mounted in the universal connection slot (13) within the detachable temple arms (1,2); said pogo pins (16) which are contact points for charging the said battery (6); wherein the non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) having the universal connection (14) enables user’s preferred front rims (15) by connecting the front rims connection (19).

According to one embodiment, the non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) in the present invention uses the principle of bone conduction, rather than the conventional air conduction headphone or earphones of any kind like over the ear, on ear, in ear, open back, closed back, semi open, noise cancelling and ear buds having wired or wireless connection.

According to one embodiment, a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100), in the present invention in which a transducer (7) is used to transmit vibrations to the inner ear of the user by staying in contact with the skin adjacent to the ear canal. The vibrations are transmitted to the temporal bone of the user. The cochlea senses the vibration in the temporal bone. The cochlear nerve carries auditory sensory information from the cochlea of the inner ear directly to the brain.

According to one embodiment, a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100), in the present invention in which the detachable temple arms (1,2) are connected wirelessly via Truly Wireless Stereo (TWS) technology. The Truly Wireless Stereo (TWS) allows seamless connection between the detachable temple arms (1,2) reducing audio dropouts.

According to one embodiment, a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) uses a plurality of microphones (12) being capable to capture sound. In the present invention 4 microphones are the preferred arrangement located in the detachable temple arms (1,2) , 2 of those microphones, 1 each on either sides capture the sound of the user’s surrounding and other 2 microphones, 1 each on either sides to capture sound for noise cancellation and calls. The data from the microphones is analyzed and is tuned to the user’s hearing pattern learnt over the usage of the non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100). The present invention uses open ear type setup to ensure the ear canal of the user remains completely unobstructed, keeping the user aware of their surroundings.

According to one embodiment, a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) in the present invention can be used as a hearing aid. The hearing mode allows the user to hear their surroundings capture by the plurality of microphones (12) and transmitted directly in to the inner ear. The mode is for user who might be suffering from hearing impairment. The plurality of microphones (12) on either side enables binaural hearing to create better spatial awareness for the user.

According to one embodiment, said non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) in the present invention has a universal connection slot (13) in the detachable temple arms (1,2). The universal connection (14) enables the user to use their preferred front rims (15) by connecting the front rims connection (19). The front rims (15) can have any lenses that the user might already be using or planning to use.

According to one embodiment, said non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples having cover flap (17) which is secured on to the main body by screwing it using the screw slot (18). The cover flap secures the membrane (8) which secures the transducer (7) and the silicon membrane insulation cover (9).

According to one embodiment, a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) the detachable temple arms (1,2) can be connected to various streaming sources like smartphones, television sets, laptops, tablets or any device with Bluetooth connectivity feature. The sound is kept isolated to the user with minimum sound leak.

All the embodiments of the present invention further explained through drawingsfpr the better understanding of the invention. Fig. 1 of the present invention illustrates an embodiment of a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) of the present invention. According to the present embodiment, said non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples comprising of detachable temple arms (1, 2) which are used to secure the non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) over the ears of the user. The main body (3) is the hollow section which houses various components in it. The membrane (8) which houses the transducer (7). The silicone membrane insulation cover (9) which dampens the vibrations and enhances the sound. The button switch (10) which performs a polarity of functions to their respective actions. The gesture control pad (11) which registers a plurality of gestures and send signal for their respective output to be performed. The plurality of microphones (12) which capture the sounds produced in nearby surroundings of the user. The universal connection (14) which is mounted in the universal connection slot (13) within the detachable temple arms (1, 2). The front rims (15) of the users preferred glasses. The pogo pins (16) which are contact points for charging the said battery (6). The cover flap (17) which encloses the membrane (8), the silicon membrane insulation cover (9), the transducer (7) and pogo pins (16). The screw slot (18) to screw the cover flap (17) with the main body (3). The front rims connection (19) are the connection already present in the front rims (15).

Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) of the present invention. According to the present embodiment comprising of a the detachable temple arms (1,2) having a main body (3) which houses the PCB (4) being capable to process a plurality of functions, a sound processor (5) being capable to process said sound signals from a plurality of microphones (12) and various sound streaming sources, a battery (6) being capable to supply electrical energy to the electrical components, a transducer (7) being capable to produce vibrations based on the processed data, a membrane (8) stays in contact with the skin adjacent to the ear canal to transmit the vibrations to the cochlea through the temporal bone of the user, a silicone membrane insulation cover (9), a button switch (10) which performs a polarity of functions to their respective actions, a gesture control pad (11) being capable to register a plurality of gestures and send signals for their respective output to be performed ,a universal connection slot (13) for mounting of universal connection (14) , a pogo pin (16) which are contact points for charging the said battery (6), a cover flap (17) which has a cavity that encloses the membrane (8), the silicon membrane insulation cover (9), the transducer (7) and pogo pins (16) and a screw slot (18) for screwing cover flap (17) to main body (3).

Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) of the present invention. According to the present embodiment comprising of the detachable temple arms (1, 2) having a main body (3), a plurality of microphones (12) and a gesture control pad (11).

Without further description, it is believed that one of ordinary skill in the art can, using the preceding description and the illustrative examples, make and utilize the present invention and practice the claimed methods. It should be understood that the foregoing discussion and examples merely present a detailed description of certain preferred embodiments. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and equivalents can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Reference Numerals:
100 - non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples
1,2 - Detachable temple arms
3 - Main body
4 - PCB
5 - Sound Processor
6 - Battery
7 - Transducer
8 - Membrane
9 - Silicone Membrane insulation cover
10 - Button Switch
11 - Gesture Control Pad
12 - Plurality of Microphones
13 - Universal Connection Slot
14 - Universal Connection
15 - Front rims
16 - Pogo pins
17 - Cover Flap
18 - Screw slot
19 - Front rims connection , Claims:Claims
We claim:-

1) A non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) comprising;

a detachable temple arms (1,2) having a main body (3), a PCB (4), a sound processor (5), a battery (6), a transducer (7), a membrane (8), a silicone membrane insulation cover (9), a power switch (10), a gesture control pad (11), a plurality of microphones (12), a universal connection slot (13), a universal connection (14), a front rims (15), a pogo pin (16), a cover flap (17) a screw slot (18) and a front rims connection (19);

said detachable temple arms (1,2) being capable to secure the non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) over the ears of the user;

said main body (3) which has a hollow section to house the PCB (4), the sound processor (5), the battery (6), the button switch (10), the gesture control pad (11), a plurality of microphones (12) and the universal connection slot (13);

said cover flap (17) which has a cavity that encloses the membrane (8), the silicon membrane insulation cover (9), the transducer (7) and pogo pins (16);

said PCB (4) being capable to process a plurality of functions;

said sound processor (5) being capable to process sound signals from a plurality of microphones (12) and various sound streaming sources;

said battery (6) being capable to supply electrical energy to the electrical components of the non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100);

said transducer (7) being capable to produce vibrations based on the processed data;

said membrane (8) which houses the transducer (7) within the cover flap (17);

said silicone membrane insulation cover (9) which dampens the vibrations of the transducer (7) and enhances the sound;

said button switch (10) being capable to perform a plurality of functions to their respective actions;

said gesture control pad (11) being capable to register a plurality of gestures and send signals for their respective output to be performed;

said plurality of microphones (12) being capable to capture the sounds produced in nearby surroundings of the user;

said universal connection (14) which is mounted in the universal connection slot (13) within the detachable temple arms (1,2);

said pogo pins (16) which are contact points for charging the said battery (6);
wherein the non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) having the universal connection (14) enables user’s preferred front rims (15) by connecting the front rims connection (19)

2) The non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transducer (7) being capable to produce vibrations based on the processed data; said membrane (8) stays in contact with the skin adjacent to the ear canal to transmit the vibrations to the cochlea through the temporal bone of the user.

3) The non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable temple arms (1,2) being capable to pair with each other via wireless connection.

4) The non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of microphones (12) being capable to capture the sounds produced in nearby surroundings of the user and are relayed to the sound processor and tuned according to the user’s hearing pattern and then converted to vibrational patterns by the transducer (7).

5) The non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable arms (1,2) has a hearing aid mode to assist a user suffering from hearing impairment.

6) The non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the universal connection (14) enables the user to change the front rims (15) as per their preference.

7) The non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover flap (17) is secured on the main body by screwing it using the screw slot (18).

8) The non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid spectacles with detachable temples (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable temple arms (1,2) can be connected to various streaming sources via wireless connection.

Date this 22nd April of 2023