Device, system, and method for listening to audio content in high temperature environments incompatible with operation of electronic devices

Abstract

The invention comprises a composite device (0) for listening to audio content in a sauna, wherein the composite device comprises a flexible tube (1) comprising a first segment (11) and a pair of second segments (12), wherein each second segment is shaped so as to enable connection with an ear of a person staying inside the sauna; and a container (3) shaped to house an audio content player, wherein the container is capable of being located outside the high-temperature environment, wherein the container is connected to an end portion of the first segment and is configured to transfer sound waves generated by the audio content player in reproducing audio content to the pair of second segments of the flexible tube.

Description

manual

[0001] This invention relates to a composite device, system, and method for listening to audio content in high-temperature environments, particularly saunas, where the temperature is extremely high and may damage or inhibit the operation of electronic devices such as mobile phones and audio file readers.

[0002] As we all know, personal entertainment devices, especially audio file players, have become an integral part of our daily lives. Because of this trend, people carry such electronic devices with them wherever they go, so that they can enjoy background audio, especially music, while they are engaged in their activities.

[0003] Background music can often be relaxing, especially under certain conditions. For example, a sauna provides a relaxing environment where people might want to enjoy audio and / or music accompaniment. However, such environments present conditions that can adversely affect the operation of electronic devices; in fact, sauna operating temperatures exceed 70°C. In such hot conditions, ordinary personal entertainment electronic devices cannot function and risk permanent damage. In fact, at these temperatures, the semiconductors in the devices (which themselves generate heat) are unable to dissipate heat to the surrounding environment, potentially reaching temperatures even well above 75°C. This is generally known to be the highest temperature that semiconductors designed for consumer electronics can withstand. Therefore, the potential consequences of using electronic devices in a sauna are obvious.

[0004] Therefore, sauna users who want to listen to audio or music while staying in the sauna will have to install high-powered speakers outside. These speakers must be powerful enough to allow the desired audio content to be transmitted through the sauna walls and vents into the sauna, so that the audio content can be heard inside. Of course, this solution has many drawbacks.

[0005] One drawback is that entertainment sources must be installed in normally quiet places, such as relaxation environments, which will create noise pollution in the entire external environment around the sauna.

[0006] Another drawback is that there is often more than one person in a sauna. The problem with the above solutions is that all users in the sauna are forced to hear the same audio content from outside, even if they do not want to listen to that type of audio content or if they want to enjoy a quiet environment.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve these and other problems by providing composite devices, systems and methods as set forth in the appended claims.

[0008] The basic idea of ​​this invention is to provide audio content (which may differ for each user) within a sauna room without using any electronic devices located within the sauna room. Instead, sound waves are transmitted to the ears of the person inside the sauna room via a plastic tube that receives sound waves generated by an audio file player device located outside the sauna room.

[0009] This allows for private listening to audio content within the sauna, while avoiding the use of speakers located outside the sauna.

[0010] Further advantageous features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

[0011] These features and further advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting example only, wherein:

[0012] - Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of a sauna room including the system according to the present invention;

[0013] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exterior wall of the sauna room;

[0014] - Figure 3 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B The invention is shown Figure 1 or Figure 2 The illustration shows different variations in the details of the connection between the interior and exterior of a sauna, providing coupling between a device located outside the sauna capable of reproducing audio content and a plastic tube substantially located inside the sauna that receives the sound waves generated by the device. This is because the tube... Figure 1 or Figure 2 Part of the opening protrudes from the wall of the sauna shown.

[0015] In this specification, any reference to "embodiment" indicates that a particular configuration, structure, or feature is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Therefore, expressions such as "in an embodiment" appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, any particular configuration, structure, or feature that addresses the same technical problem according to the teachings of the invention may be combined in one or more embodiments as deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the following references are used for brevity only and should not limit the scope or extension of the various embodiments.

[0016] Reference Figure 1The interior environment of sauna room S will be described below, which includes two side walls WL, a rear wall W, a front wall including the entrance, and a ceiling (not shown in the figure). At least one bench P may be provided inside sauna room S, on which users of sauna room S can sit. Of course, sauna room S includes all other components necessary for its operation; for the sake of brevity, these components are not shown as they are not specifically relevant to the present invention. The composite device 0 according to the invention is located inside sauna room S, which allows listening to audio content in a high-temperature environment such as that of sauna room S.

[0017] A first arrangement of the components constituting the composite device 0 includes a flexible tube 1, preferably made of silicone rubber, capable of withstanding operating temperatures up to 200-230°C. Alternatively, the tube 1 may also be made at least partially of a plastic material with good high-temperature resistance, such as one of the following materials:

[0018] - Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) has excellent heat resistance, withstanding temperatures up to 180-200°C. In fact, it is very durable, maintaining its shape and mechanical properties even at high temperatures;

[0019] - Polyetherimide (PEI) is known for its thermal stability and can withstand temperatures up to 200°C;

[0020] - Polysulfone (PSU) can withstand temperatures up to 180-190°C and has good chemical and mechanical resistance;

[0021] Polyethersulfone (PES) is a heat-resistant plastic that can withstand temperatures up to 180°C and has good chemical and heat resistance.

[0022] Preferably, the flexible tube 1 can be made by extrusion from one or more of the above-mentioned materials.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the tube 1 includes a first (main) segment 11 and at least one second (end) segment 12, which is shaped to couple with a human ear; preferably, the tube 1 includes a pair of end segments 12, wherein the diameter of the initial segment is larger than the diameter of each of the two end segments 12; such end segments 12 conveniently have an arched shape. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the tube 1 includes a bifurcation element H, where the first segment 11 branches into a pair of end segments 12. This bifurcation element H is adapted to separate sound waves flowing through it and is preferably shaped as an inverted "Y". In particular, the element H is made of one of the aforementioned plastic materials and can be made more rigid by filling the plastic with a small amount of glass resin. Obviously, the diameters of the different ends of the bifurcation element H must perfectly match the first segment 11 and the pair of end segments 12 (e.g., by interference fit).

[0024] In another embodiment, the bifurcation element is integrally formed with the first segment 11 and a pair of end segments 12 (e.g., molded from silicone rubber). Clearly, in this embodiment, special care must also be taken in designing the tube to ensure that the energy of the sound waves propagating within the tube 1 is evenly distributed along the tube 1 and evenly distributed to the two end segments 12, each end segment including an earpiece 2 located in its end portion, which will be further described below. As will be further explained below, this requirement is important when listening to music. This is achieved by properly designing the interior of the tube to ensure a uniform distribution of sound.

[0025] Each end portion 12 extending from the branch element H or the main tube 1 is equipped with a perforated cap or earplug 2 for insertion into the ear of the user of the sauna S. The element 2 can be thermally decoupled from the end portion 12 by a cylindrical pad made of heat-insulating material to prevent heat accumulated by the tubes 11 and 12 from reaching the user's ear.

[0026] Figure 1 The audio file player R is also shown in perspective, which will be described further below.

[0027] also, Figure 1 A second arrangement of elements constituting a composite device 0 for listening to (second) audio content in a high-temperature environment according to the invention is shown, which is the same as the previously described arrangement and uses the same reference numerals as those used in the previously shown portions.

[0028] The provision of a second or more arrangements of elements suitable for allowing the listening of audio content in a sauna stems from the idea of ​​allowing multiple users of the sauna to listen to different audio or music content (as will be further explained below).

[0029] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the outer wall of the sauna room. In this diagram, [the following is already shown]. Figure 1 All elements shown, whether clearly visible or visible from perspective, are identified by the same reference numerals. Figure 2 In addition to the elements already described, a container 3 (or two containers in the variant shown), preferably made of wood, can be seen located on the rear wall W of the sauna S, near a hole drilled in the rear wall W, through which a small portion of the first section 11 of the tube 1 can protrude (optionally, there is a slight interference between the diameter of the tube 1 and the diameter of the hole).

[0030] In order to seal the interior of sauna room S from the external environment, a pad can be installed in the hole drilled in the rear wall W to ensure that air inside sauna room S does not leak through the hole in the rear wall.

[0031] In container 3, the user of sauna S can place an audio file player R inside, which generates sound waves that are transmitted through tube 1 to the user's ear.

[0032] The way these sound waves generated by the speakers included in the player R are picked up by tube 1 will refer to... Figure 3 To describe in more detail.

[0033] In summary, the composite device 0 includes the following components:

[0034] - Flexible tube 1, which includes a first segment 11 and a second segment 12, wherein the second segment 12 is shaped to enable it to be coupled to the ear of a person who is staying in a high-temperature environment (i.e., sauna S).

[0035] - Container 3, which is shaped to accommodate an audio content player R, wherein the container 3 is located outside the high-temperature environment S, and wherein the container 3 is coupled to the first segment 11 and configured to transmit sound waves generated by the audio content player R reproducing the audio content to the second segment 12 of the flexible tube 1.

[0036] This allows for the private listening of customized audio content within sauna S, while avoiding the use of speakers located outside sauna S.

[0037] When using this invention, before entering sauna S, the user (or two users, when...) of sauna S... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, when there are two users, the user selects the audio content they wish to listen to in the sauna S on their own audio content player R and begins playback. The user then places it in the container 3, properly couples it to the protruding end of the tube 1, and enters the sauna S. Inside the sauna, possibly after sitting on a bench P, the user picks up both ends 12 of the tube 1 and inserts the earplugs 2 into their ears.

[0038] In other words, a method for listening to audio content in a high-temperature environment (e.g., a sauna S) using the composite device 0 according to the invention includes the following steps:

[0039] - Configure the audio content player R to reproduce at least one selected audio content;

[0040] - Insert the audio content player R into the container (3), which is included in the composite device 0 and located outside the sauna S;

[0041] - Enter sauna S and listen to at least one selected audio content via a pair of second segments 12 included in the composite device 0, each second segment being shaped to allow it to be coupled to a person's ear.

[0042] In this way, by coupling the speaker of the audio file player R to the portion of tube 1 that extends from the hole in the rear wall W, it is ensured that the sound waves generated outside the sauna S can reach the user's ears with good sound quality.

[0043] For this purpose, a coupling device capable of completely capturing sound waves generated by an audio file player R can be provided. Such a coupling device will also refer to… Figure 3 Further description.

[0044] It is worth mentioning that the user staying in sauna S can adjust the intensity of the sound waves reaching his / her ears by adjusting the diameter of the first segment 11, for example, by means of a sound flow regulator that uses a cavity surrounding the segment 11 on the outside, in which the first segment is placed. When the knurling wheel is rotated, the internal dimensions of the cavity change, and the knurling wheel, in conjunction with the internal shape of the cavity (e.g., a triangular prism), will cause the cavity to narrow or widen depending on the direction of rotation of the knurling wheel.

[0045] If tube 1 is equipped with a sound flow regulator, the user will have to set the volume of his / her audio file player R to a medium-high level before entering sauna S. If the volume of the incoming sound is subsequently too high, the user will be able to lower the volume without leaving sauna S. In other words, the composite device preferably also includes an adjustment device configured to change the cross-section of flexible tube 1 to control the average energy of the sound waves emitted by the audio content player R. This will advantageously allow the user to adjust the volume of the sound waves from within sauna S without using any electronic devices, thus enabling private listening to audio content within sauna S. Therefore, the use of any speakers located outside sauna S can be avoided.

[0046] In combination with or as an alternative to the above-described scheme, the first segment 11 of the flexible tube 1 preferably includes a first membrane located therein to block any airflow. In particular, the membrane may be made of the same material as the flexible tube and may be thin enough to bend only in the direction of the sound wave, thereby blocking continuous airflow in the opposite direction.

[0047] This advantageously helps protect the audio content player R from the hot airflow generated by convection circulation within the sauna S, thus allowing the user to listen to audio content privately within the sauna S. In any case, the purpose of this additional feature is to limit the operating temperature of the audio content player R, which, advantageously located outside the sauna, will be able to easily dissipate the heat received from pipe 1.

[0048] Similarly, refer to Figure 3 Furthermore, in conjunction with or as an alternative to the aforementioned scheme, the composite device 0 preferably includes an end portion of the flexible tube 11, referred to as the head 4, located at the end of the first segment 11 of the flexible tube 1, and configured to pick up sound waves generated by the audio content player R. Therefore, there is no direct contact between the audio content player R and the flexible tube 11, advantageously reducing heat transfer from the sauna S to the audio content player R, and allowing for private listening of audio content within the sauna S. This eliminates the need for any speakers located outside the sauna S.

[0049] Reference Figure 3A The diagram shows details X of the composite device 0, wherein the head 4 is preferably bell-shaped to increase the energy of the sound waves picked up by the head 4, thereby advantageously improving the private audio listening experience within the sauna S. In this way, the use of speakers located outside the sauna S can be avoided.

[0050] It must be pointed out that, without departing from the teachings of this invention, the flexible tube 1 may also pass through the side wall WL of the sauna room instead of the rear wall W.

[0051] Figure 3B The first variant is shown; for the sake of brevity, the following description will only highlight the parts that make this variant and subsequent variants different from the main embodiment described above; for the same reason, the same reference numerals will be used where possible, and one or more apostrophes will be added to indicate structurally or functionally equivalent elements.

[0052] Figure 3B Details X' of the composite device 0 are shown, highlighting that the composite device 0 may include a piezoelectric element 4' (e.g., a membrane made at least partially of lead zirconate titanate (LTZ) material) in place of the head 4; the piezoelectric element 4' is preferably located at the end of the first segment 11 of the flexible tube 1 and is configured to communicate with an audio content player R (e.g., via an audio jack cable or USB cable) and generate sound waves, which are then transmitted through the flexible tube 1 into the sauna S.

[0053] The disc-shaped piezoelectric element 4' should be advantageously and rigidly fixed to the wall of the container 3, near the end portion of the first segment 11 of the flexible tube 1 into the hole to be inserted.

[0054] In addition to generating sound waves, the piezoelectric element 4' also performs the function of protecting the audio content player R from the hot airflow that may come from inside the sauna S.

[0055] Furthermore, the use of piezoelectric element 4' advantageously allows for compensation of attenuation caused by the membrane (if present) along the flexible tube 1, since it is sufficient to drive the piezoelectric element 4' with a stronger signal. This further improves the private audio listening experience within the sauna S.

[0056] In this way, the use of speakers located outside sauna room S can be avoided.

[0057] In conjunction with the above, the composite device 0 preferably also includes a cooling element, such as a Peltier unit, a heat sink, a fan, etc., connected to the end portion of the first segment 11 of the flexible tube 1. This will prevent the piezoelectric element from absorbing excessive heat and deteriorating prematurely, and most importantly, will keep the temperature of the piezoelectric element 4' substantially constant, thereby producing a constant frequency response and advantageously reducing distortion. Therefore, the private audio listening experience within the sauna S can be further improved. In this way, the use of speakers located outside the sauna S can be avoided.

[0058] Some possible variations of the invention have been described above, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments can be implemented in practice, wherein multiple elements can be readily replaced with other technically equivalent elements. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the illustrative examples described above, but various modifications, improvements, or substitutions of equivalent parts and elements can be made without departing from the basic inventive concept as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A composite device (0) for listening to audio content in a high-temperature environment (S), wherein the high-temperature environment is a sauna, and the high-temperature environment is incompatible with the operation of electronic equipment, characterized in that, The composite device includes: - A flexible tube (1) comprising a first segment (11) and a pair of second segments (12), wherein each of the second segments (12) is shaped to couple with the ear of a person residing in the high-temperature environment (S), and - Container (3), which is shaped to hold an audio content player (R), The container (3) is located outside the high-temperature environment (S), and the container (3) is coupled to the end portion of the first segment (11) and configured to transmit sound waves generated by the audio content reproduced by the audio content player (R) to the pair of second segments (12) of the flexible tube (1).

2. The composite device (0) according to claim 1, wherein for each of the end portions of the second segment (12), the composite device (0) includes an earplug (2) which is also thermally decoupled from the end portion of the second segment (12) by means of a cylindrical pad made of thermal insulation material to prevent heat accumulated in the flexible tube (1) from being transferred to the user's ear.

3. The composite device (0) according to claim 1, comprising an adjustment device configured to change the diameter of the first segment (11) of the flexible tube (1).

4. The composite device (0) according to claim 1, wherein, The first segment (11) of the flexible tube (1) includes a first membrane located therein for blocking any airflow.

5. The composite device (0) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a head (4) located at the end of the first segment (11) of the flexible tube (1) and configured to pick up sound waves generated by the audio content player (R).

6. The composite device (0) according to claim 5, wherein the head (4) is bell-shaped.

7. The composite device (0) according to claim 5, comprising a piezoelectric element (4') located at the end of the first segment (11) of the flexible tube (1), wherein, The piezoelectric element (4') is configured to communicate with the audio content player (R) and generate the sound waves.

8. The composite device (0) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, comprising a cooling element capable of being located outside the sauna and coupled to the end portion of the first segment (11) of the flexible tube (1).

9. A system for listening to audio content in a high-temperature environment incompatible with the operation of electrical equipment, comprising: - The composite device (0) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and - Sauna room (S), the composite device (0) is coupled to the sauna room.

10. A method for listening to audio content in a high-temperature environment (S) using a composite device (0) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: - Configure the audio content player (R) to reproduce at least one selected audio content. - Insert the audio content player (R) into the container (3), which is included in the composite device (0) and located outside the sauna (S). - Enter the sauna (S) and listen to at least one selected audio content through a pair of second segments (12) of the flexible tube (1), the flexible tube (1) being included in the composite device (0), wherein each of the second segments (12) is shaped to be able to couple with a person's ear.

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