U.S. patent application number 17/024347 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-07 for ear tips capable of capturing bioelectrical signals and providing nerve stimulation.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bose Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Bose Corporation. Invention is credited to Andrew D. Dominijanni, Corey Ann Le, Yang Liu, Harsh Anilkant Mankodi, Thomas J. Peters, JR., Shawn Prevoir.
Application Number | 20210000373 17/024347 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2021-01-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210000373 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Prevoir; Shawn ; et
al. |
January 7, 2021 |
EAR TIPS CAPABLE OF CAPTURING BIOELECTRICAL SIGNALS AND PROVIDING
NERVE STIMULATION
Abstract
A method of fabricating an ear tip including the steps of:
providing an ear tip for an earpiece including a body having first
and second ends, an inner wall extending between the first and
second ends, and an outer wall connected to the inner wall of the
body at the first end and tapering away from the inner wall toward
the second end; and forming a first electrically conductive element
along the outer surface of the outer wall and an inner surface of
the inner wall; or forming a first electrically conductive element
on an outer surface of the deformable outer wall and a second
electrically conductive element connected to the first electrically
conductive element, wherein the second electrically conductive
element extends along an inner surface of the outer wall and an
outer surface of the inner wall.
Inventors: |
Prevoir; Shawn;
(Northborough, MA) ; Dominijanni; Andrew D.;
(Waltham, MA) ; Peters, JR.; Thomas J.; (Sudbury,
MA) ; Mankodi; Harsh Anilkant; (Brighton, MA)
; Liu; Yang; (Sudbury, MA) ; Le; Corey Ann;
(Tyngsboro, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bose Corporation |
Framingham |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Bose Corporation
Framingham
MA
|
Appl. No.: |
17/024347 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16448849 |
Jun 21, 2019 |
10835145 |
|
|
17024347 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/0478 20060101
A61B005/0478; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00; A61B 5/0482 20060101
A61B005/0482; A61B 5/0496 20060101 A61B005/0496 |
Claims
1. A method of fabricating an ear tip, comprising the steps of:
providing an ear tip, wherein the ear tip comprises a body having
first and second ends, an inner wall extending between the first
and second ends to define a hollow passage, and a deformable outer
wall connected to the inner wall of the body at the first end and
tapering away from the inner wall toward the second end; and
forming at least one electrically conductive element on the
deformable outer wall, wherein at least part of the at least one
electrically conductive element extends along an inner surface or
an outer surface of the inner wall.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of forming the at least
one electrically conductive element comprises aligning a conductive
material with the ear tip.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of forming the at least
one electrically conductive element comprises heating the ear tip
above a vulcanization temperature of a material forming the ear tip
to bond the conductive material to a first portion of the ear
tip.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of forming the at least
one electrically conductive element comprises extending the at
least one electrically conductive element along an outer surface of
the outer wall and the inner surface of the inner wall.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of forming the at least
one electrically conductive element comprises extending the at
least one electrically conductive element along an inner surface of
the outer wall and the outer surface of the inner wall.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of forming the at least
one electrically conductive element comprises applying the at least
one electrically conductive element using screen printing or pad
printing or in-mold decorating.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one electrically
conductive element is an electrical circuit element.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of
silicone, polyurethane, polynorbornene, thermoplastic elastomer
(TPE), and/or fluoroelastomer.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one electrically
conductive element is comprised of a metal pad, metal button, metal
foil, metal-salt hybrid, polymeric composite, intrinsically
conductive polymer (ICP), and/or conductive fabric.
10. An ear tip for an earpiece, comprising: a body having first and
second ends, an inner wall extending between the first and second
ends to define a hollow passage to conduct acoustic energy, and a
deformable outer wall connected to the inner wall of the body at
the first end and tapering away from the inner wall toward the
second end; and a first electrically conductive element arranged on
an outer surface of the deformable outer wall, wherein the first
electrically conductive element extends along the outer surface of
the outer wall and an inner surface of the inner wall.
11. The ear tip of claim 10, wherein the deformable outer wall
forms a generally frustoconical shape around the inner wall.
12. The ear tip of claim 10, wherein the body is comprised of
silicone, polyurethane, polynorbornene, thermoplastic elastomer
(TPE), and/or fluoroelastomer.
13. The ear tip of claim 10, wherein the first electrically
conductive element is comprised of a metal pad, metal button, metal
foil, metal-salt hybrid, polymeric composite, intrinsically
conductive polymer (ICP), and/or conductive fabric.
14. The ear tip of claim 10, further comprising a second
electrically conductive element arranged in the body proximate to a
retaining structure of the ear tip.
15. An ear tip for an earpiece, comprising: a body having first and
second ends, an inner wall extending between the first and second
ends to define a hollow passage to conduct acoustic energy, and a
deformable outer wall connected to the inner wall of the body at
the first end and tapering away from the inner wall toward the
second end; a first electrically conductive element arranged on an
outer surface of the deformable outer wall; and a second
electrically conductive element connected to the first electrically
conductive element, wherein the second electrically conductive
element extends along an inner surface of the outer wall and an
outer surface of the inner wall.
16. The ear tip of claim 15, wherein the deformable outer wall
forms a generally frustoconical shape around the inner wall.
17. The ear tip of claim 15, wherein the body is comprised of
silicone, polyurethane, polynorbornene, thermoplastic elastomer
(TPE), and/or fluoroelastomer.
18. The ear tip of claim 15, wherein the first electrically
conductive element and/or the second electrically conductive
element is comprised of a metal pad, metal button, metal foil,
metal-salt hybrid, polymeric composite, intrinsically conductive
polymer (ICP), and/or conductive fabric.
19. The ear tip of claim 15, wherein the second electrically
conductive element is an electrical circuit element.
20. The ear tip of claim 15, further comprising a third
electrically conductive element arranged in the body proximate to a
retaining structure of the ear tip.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional Application of and claims
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/448,849 filed Jun.
21, 2019, and titled "Ear Tips Capable of Capturing Bioelectrical
Signals and Providing Nerve Stimulation," which application is
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to configurations for ear
tips for use with earpieces.
SUMMARY
[0003] This disclosure is directed to an ear tip that enables
capturing of bioelectrical signals and/or providing stimulation of
nerves through application of electricity.
[0004] In one aspect, a method of fabricating an ear tip configured
to detect one or more health parameters includes the steps of:
providing an ear tip, wherein the ear tip includes a body having
first and second ends, an inner wall extending between the first
and second ends to define a hollow passage, and a deformable outer
wall connected to the inner wall of the body at the first end and
tapering away from the inner wall toward the second end; and
forming at least one electrically conductive element on the
deformable outer wall, wherein at least part of the at least one
electrically conductive element extends along an inner surface or
an outer surface of the inner wall.
[0005] Implementations may include one or more of the following.
The step of forming the at least one electrically conductive
element can include: aligning a conductive material with the ear
tip; and heating the ear tip above a vulcanization temperature of a
material forming the ear tip to bond the conductive material to a
first portion of the ear tip. The step of forming the at least one
electrically conductive element includes extending the at least one
electrically conductive element along an outer surface of the outer
wall and the inner surface of the inner wall. The step of forming
the at least one electrically conductive element includes extending
the at least one electrically conductive element along an inner
surface of the outer wall and the outer surface of the inner wall.
The step of forming the at least one electrically conductive
element includes applying the first or second electrically
conductive element using screen printing, pad printing, or in-mold
decorating. The at least one electrically conductive element can be
embodied as an electrical circuit element. The body can be
comprised of silicone, polyurethane, polynorbornene, thermoplastic
elastomer (TPE), and/or fluoroelastomer. The at least one
electrically conductive element can be comprised of a metal pad,
metal button, metal foil, metal-salt hybrid, polymeric composite,
intrinsically conductive polymer (ICP), and/or conductive
fabric.
[0006] In a further aspect, an ear tip for an earpiece includes a
body having first and second ends, an inner wall extending between
the first and second ends to define a hollow passage to conduct
acoustic energy, and a deformable outer wall connected to the inner
wall of the body at the first end and tapering away from the inner
wall toward the second end. The ear tip further includes a first
electrically conductive element arranged on an outer surface of the
deformable outer wall, wherein the first electrically conductive
element extends along the outer surface of the outer wall and an
inner surface of the inner wall.
[0007] Implementations may include one or more of the following.
The deformable outer wall forms a generally frustoconical shape
around the inner wall. The body is comprised of silicone,
polyurethane, polynorbornene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and/or
fluoroelastomer. The first electrically conductive element is
comprised of a metal pad, metal button, metal foil, metal-salt
hybrid, polymeric composite, intrinsically conductive polymer
(ICP), and/or conductive fabric. The ear tip further includes a
second electrically conductive element arranged in the body
proximate to a retaining structure of the ear tip.
[0008] In another aspect, an ear tip for an earpiece includes a
body having first and second ends, an inner wall extending between
the first and second ends to define a hollow passage to conduct
acoustic energy from the acoustic driver, and a deformable outer
wall connected to the inner wall of the body at the first end and
tapering away from the inner wall toward the second end. The ear
tip further includes a first electrically conductive element
arranged on an outer surface of the deformable outer wall and a
second electrically conductive element connected to the first
electrically conductive element, wherein the second electrically
conductive element extends along an inner surface of the outer wall
and an outer surface of the inner wall.
[0009] Implementations may include one or more of the following.
The deformable outer wall forms a generally frustoconical shape
around the inner wall. The body is comprised of silicone,
polyurethane, polynorbornene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and/or
fluoroelastomer. The first electrically conductive element is
comprised of a metal pad, metal button, metal foil, metal-salt
hybrid, polymeric composite, intrinsically conductive polymer
(ICP), and/or conductive fabric. The second electrically conductive
element can be embodied as an electrical circuit element. The ear
tip can further include a third electrically conductive element
arranged in the body proximate to a retaining structure of the ear
tip.
[0010] Other features and advantages will be apparent from the
description and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer
to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally
being placed upon illustrating the principles of the various
examples.
[0012] FIG. 1 is an example earpiece.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example
earpiece.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an example configuration of the earpiece
shown in FIG. 2, shown in a cross-sectional view generally along
line 5-5 in FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an example configuration of the earpiece
shown in FIG. 2, shown in a cross-sectional view generally along
line 5-5 in FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an example configuration of the earpiece
shown in FIG. 2, shown in a cross-sectional view generally along
line 5-5 in FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates an example configuration of the earpiece
shown in FIG. 2, shown in a cross-sectional view generally along
line 5-5 in FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method of fabricating an
ear tip configured to detect one or more bioelectrical signals
and/or provide nerve stimulation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] This disclosure is directed to configurations of an ear tip
that can detect bioelectrical signals, for example,
electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, and other health parameters,
and/or deliver an electrical signal to the ear, for example, for
nerve stimulation. Typical EEG devices are comprised of a series of
electrodes attached to a skull cap. However, these devices are
uncomfortable, bulky, inconvenient, and not suitable for daily-life
situations. The present disclosure relates to an ear tip capable of
measuring bioelectrical signals such as EEG signals from the brain
and/or providing nerve stimulation. The ear tip includes a body
having first and second ends, an inner wall extending between the
first and second ends to define a hollow passage to conduct sound
waves, and an outer wall connected to the inner wall of the body at
the first end and tapering away from the inner wall toward the
second end. The ear tip further includes first and second
electrically conductive elements arranged on an outer surface of
the deformable outer wall.
[0020] The examples and implementations disclosed or otherwise
envisioned herein can be utilized with any suitable earpiece.
Examples of suitable earpieces include Bose.RTM. Sleepbuds.TM.
(manufactured by Bose Corporation of Framingham, Mass.), ear tips,
earbuds, in-ear headphones, over-the-ear headphones, noise-blocking
earplugs, and hearing aids. However, the disclosure is not limited
to these devices, and thus the disclosure and embodiments disclosed
herein can encompass any earpiece configured to be placed at least
partially within human ears.
[0021] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows an example earpiece
100 including an ear tip that is configured to fit at least
partially into a person's ear canal and a retaining structure
configured to hold the ear tip in place when worn. FIG. 2 is a
partial cross-sectional view of earpiece 100. The following should
be viewed in light of FIGS. 1-2. Earpiece 100 can include body 102,
and hollow passage 104, and retaining legs 106. Although FIGS. 1-2
show retaining legs 106 as one embodiment of a retaining structure,
this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. Any type of
retaining structure is contemplated. Alternatively, the retaining
structure can be omitted altogether. The retaining legs 106 are
optional.
[0022] Body 102 includes first end 108 and second end 110 opposite
the first end 108. Second end 110 is proximate to the retaining
legs 102. Body 104 further includes inner wall 107 extending
between the first end 108 and the second end 110. Inner wall 107
defines and surrounds hollow passage 104 which can be configured to
conduct sound waves. Body 102 also includes outer wall 112
connected to the inner wall 107 at the first end 108. Outer wall
112 tapers away from the inner wall 107 toward the second end 110.
In example aspects, outer wall 112 is frustoconical in shape. As
shown in FIGS. 1-2, outer wall 112 tapers toward the second end 110
but does not necessarily reach the second end 110. In alternate
embodiments not shown, outer wall 112 could extend to the second
end 110 or beyond second end 110. Body 102 can be made of any
suitable soft, flexible materials, including, for example,
silicone, polyurethane, polynorbornene (e.g., Norsorex.RTM.
material available from D-NOV GmbH of Vienna, Austria),
thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and/or fluoroelastomer.
[0023] Earpiece 100 includes electrically conductive elements 120,
122, and 124, which function as electrodes when positioned to
contact skin within the ear, which generally is a stable
environment offering good electrical and/or mechanical contact
between skin and electrodes. Although FIG. 1 shows one particular
configuration of an ear tip with electrically conductive elements
120 and 122 arranged on opposite sides of an outer surface of outer
wall 112 (configured to fit at least partially into a person's ear
canal), and electrically conductive element 124 arranged on body
102, this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and
any number of electrically conductive elements can be placed in any
configuration on earpiece 100 as long as the electrically
conductive elements are arranged to contact skin within the ear
when the earpiece is worn by a user. It should be appreciated that
only two electrically conductive elements may be used to function
as electrodes.
[0024] Examples of electrically conductive elements include a metal
pad, metal button, metal foils (e.g., gold, silver), metal-salt
hybrids (e.g., silver/silver-chloride), polymeric composites (e.g.,
rubbers compounded with conductive fillers such as carbon black,
carbon nanotubes, graphene, silver, glass-coated silver),
intrinsically conductive polymers (e.g.,
poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate or
PEDOT:PSS), and/or conductive fabric (e.g., fabrics with conductive
yarns, fabrics coated with conductive materials). Preferably, the
electrically conductive elements are made of soft, flexible
materials. The electrically conductive elements can be incorporated
on to the ear tip using an ink and applying it using screen
printing, pad printing, or in-mold decorating. Alternatively, the
conductive elements can be incorporated wholly on to the ear tip
via injection, transfer or compression molding.
[0025] Electrically conductive elements 120, 122, and/or 124 can
function as physiological electrodes for detecting bioelectrical
signals of an individual, including, for example,
electroencephalogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG),
electrocardiography (ECG), and electromyogram (EMG) signals, and
may also be used to detect pulse rate, respiration rate, body
temperature, sweat levels, and glucose, among other health
parameters. Monitoring of EEG in a wearable in-ear earpiece can be
used, for example, for sleep staging, stress detection, and/or
music-to-mood correlation. Monitoring of EOG in a wearable in-ear
earpiece can be used, for example, for sensing movement of an
individual's eyes. Electrically conductive elements 120, 122,
and/or 124 can also be used to deliver an electrical signal to the
ear, for example, for use in nerve stimulation.
[0026] Earpiece 100 may include an embedded integrated circuit, for
example, inside the body 102. In examples, earpiece 100 is
communicably coupled with an integrated circuit that is separate
and remotely located, for example, in a computer or a mobile
device. The integrated circuit can include a data processor, a
memory, and a communication processor. Commands to be executed by
the processor can be obtained via the communication processor. The
communication processor facilitates wired or wireless communication
for earpiece 100 and can be facilitated via one or more antennas,
for example. The communication processor can facilitate
communication with one or more networks or other devices, for
example, by using wireless methods that are known, including but
not limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, 4G, LTE, and/or ZigBee, among
others. Earpiece 100 can further include an embedded power source
(e.g., a battery) required to carry out various functionalities
involving the integrated circuit and the one or more electronic
components described herein.
[0027] Various example configurations of earpieces having
electrically conducting elements capable of capturing bioelectrical
signals and/or providing nerve stimulation are shown in FIGS. 3
through 6.
[0028] FIGS. 3 illustrates a configuration of earpiece 100 having
first and second electrically conductive elements 120 and 122
arranged on an outer surface of deformable outer wall 112.
Conductive elements 120 and 122 can be created, for example, by
punching holes in the deformable outer wall 112 and filing the
holes with silver/silver-chloride (Ag/AgCl). In FIG. 3, inner wall
107 includes first and second conductive leads 130 and 132 (e.g.,
metal-plated pads, such as gold-plated discs) that are configured
to electrically connect with first and second electrically
conductive elements 120 and 122 when outer wall 112 is deformed
toward inner wall 107 as earpiece 100 is placed in the ear of an
individual. The collapsing of outer wall 112 (shown in FIG. 3 in
the shape of an umbrella, or frustoconical) allows for contact of
electrically conductive elements 120 and 122 with respective
conductive leads 130 and 132 situated behind outer wall 112,
thereby establishing and transmitting electrical signals to
electronics (not shown) in body 102 of the earpiece 100.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates another configuration of earpiece 100
having first and second electrically conductive elements 120 and
122 arranged on an outer surface of deformable outer wall 112. In
FIG. 4, inner wall 107 includes first and second conductive pins
140 and 142 (e.g., pogo pins or spring loaded connectors) that are
configured to electrically connect with first and second
electrically conductive elements 120 and 122 when outer wall 112 is
deformed toward inner wall 107 as earpiece 100 is placed in the ear
of an individual. The collapsing of outer wall 112 (shown in FIG. 4
in the shape of an umbrella, or frustoconical) allows for contact
of electrically conductive elements 120 and 122 with respective
conductive pins 140 and 142 situated behind deformable outer wall
112, thereby establishing and transmitting electrical signals to
electronics (not shown) in body 102 of the earpiece 100.
Optionally, angled through-holes may be created in the deformable
outer wall 112 such that the conductive pins 140 and 142 align with
the through-holes when the outer wall 112 is collapsed when placed
in the ear.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a further configuration of earpiece 100
having first and second electrically conductive elements 120 and
122 arranged on an outer surface of deformable outer wall 112. In
FIG. 5, earpiece 100 includes first and second electrical circuit
elements 150 and 152 (e.g., conductive fabric, such as fabric
available from Eschler Textil GmbH and coated with
silver/silver-chloride) connected to first and second electrically
conductive elements 120 and 122. The first and second electrical
circuit elements 150 and 152 each extend along an inner surface of
deformable outer wall 112 and an outer surface of inner wall 107.
The electrical circuit elements are connected to electronics (not
shown) in body 102 of the earpiece 100, thereby allowing
transmission of electrical signals when earpiece 100 is placed in
the ear of an individual.
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration of earpiece 100 having
first and second electrically conductive elements 160 and 162
(e.g., conductive fabric, such as fabric available from Eschler
Textil GmbH and coated with silver/silver-chloride) each extending
along an outer surface of deformable outer wall 112 and an inner
surface of inner wall 107. The electrical circuit elements are
connected to electronics (not shown) in body 102 of the earpiece
100, thereby allowing transmission of electrical signals when
earpiece 100 is placed in the ear of an individual.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method of fabricating an
ear tip (e.g., earpiece 100) having two or more electrically
conductive elements (e.g., electrically conductive elements 120
and/or 122). In step 210, an ear tip is provided. For example, the
ear tip may include a body 102 having first and second ends 108 and
110, an inner wall 107 extending between the first and second ends
108 and 110 to define a hollow passage 104 to conduct acoustic
energy, and a deformable outer wall 112 connected to the inner wall
107 of the body 102 at the first end 108 and tapering away from the
inner wall 107 toward the second end 110, as illustrated for
example in FIG. 1 of the present disclosure.
[0033] In step 220, first and second electrically conductive
elements are formed on an outer surface of the deformable outer
wall of the ear tip. Examples of electrically conductive elements
include a metal pad, metal button, metal foils (e.g., gold,
silver), metal-salt hybrids (e.g., silver/silver-chloride),
polymeric composites (e.g., rubbers compounded with conductive
fillers such as carbon black, carbon nanotubes, graphene, silver,
glass-coated silver), intrinsically conductive polymers (e.g.,
poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate or
PEDOT:PSS), and/or conductive fabric (e.g., fabrics with conductive
yarns, fabrics coated with conductive materials). The electrically
conductive elements are preferably made of soft, flexible
materials. The electrically conductive elements can be incorporated
on to the ear tip using an ink and applying it using screen
printing, pad printing, or in-mold decorating. Alternatively, the
conductive elements can be incorporated wholly on to the ear tip
via injection, transfer or compression molding. It should be
appreciated that any number of electrically conductive elements
(e.g., two or more) can be placed in any configuration on an
earpiece as long as the electrically conductive elements are
arranged to contact skin within the ear when the earpiece is worn
by a user.
[0034] Optionally, in step 230, conductive material in the first
and second electrically conductive elements is aligned with the ear
tip and the ear tip is heated above a vulcanization temperature of
a material, causing the conductive material to bond to a first
portion of the ear tip.
[0035] The electrically conductive elements can also be
incorporated on to the ear tip using an ink and applying it using
screen printing, pad printing, or in-mold decorating. Further, the
conductive elements can be incorporated wholly on to the ear tip
via injection, transfer or compression molding.
[0036] To complete the electronic circuit and allow capability of
transmission of bioelectric signals and/or nerve stimulation, the
conductive elements may be connected to electronics (e.g.,
integrated circuit, power source, etc.) in the body of the
earpiece.
[0037] In one option, in step 240, first and second conductive
leads (e.g., spring pins or metal-plated pads) are formed on an
outer surface of the inner wall to electrically connect with the
first and second electrically conductive elements when the outer
wall is deformed toward the inner wall, as illustrated for example
in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the present disclosure.
[0038] In another option, in step 250, first and second
electrically conductive elements are formed along the outer surface
of the outer wall and extending along an inner surface of the inner
wall (e.g., using conductive fabrics, such as fabric available from
Eschler Textil GmbH and coated with silver/silver-chloride), as
illustrated for example in FIG. 6 of the present disclosure.
[0039] In a further option, in step 260, first and second
electrical circuit elements are formed and connected to the first
and second electrically conductive elements, with the first and
second electrical circuit elements each extending along an inner
surface of the outer wall and an outer surface of the inner wall
(e.g., using conductive fabrics, such as fabric available from
Eschler Textil GmbH and coated with silver/silver-chloride), as
illustrated for example in FIG. 6 of the present disclosure.
[0040] The various configurations of ear tips described in the
present disclosure may eliminate or reduce the need for hardwiring
of electrodes in earpieces and provide a more effective approach
for handling the electrode lead-out. Additionally, the various
configurations of ear tips described in the present disclosure
allow for in-ear EEG measurement and may also enable additional
features for earpieces and headsets, such as donning and doffing
detection. Further, the various configurations of ear tips
described in the present disclosure may be used to deliver an
electrical signal to the ear, for example, for nerve
stimulation.
[0041] While several inventive examples have been described and
illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing
the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the
advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or
modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive
examples described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art
will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials,
and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and
that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or
configurations will depend upon the specific application or
applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those
skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no
more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific
inventive examples described herein. It is, therefore, to be
understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way of
example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and
equivalents thereto, inventive examples may be practiced otherwise
than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive examples of
the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature,
system, article, material, and/or method described herein. In
addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,
articles, materials, and/or methods, if such features, systems,
articles, materials, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent,
is included within the inventive scope of the present
disclosure.
[0042] Other implementations are within the scope of the following
claims and other claims to which the applicant may be entitled.
* * * * *