WO1999013682A2

WO1999013682A2 - Stereophonic spectacles

Info

Publication number: WO1999013682A2
Application number: PCT/US1998/019193
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Arnell; Thomas Ross; Marcus Lui; Steven Lee; Jean-Jacques L'henaff; Peter Poopat
Original assignee: Arnell/Ross Ltd.
Priority date: 1997-09-12
Filing date: 1998-09-11
Publication date: 1999-03-18
Also published as: WO1999013682A3; TW419908B

Abstract

A spectacle-stereo headphone combination (20) for connection to a portable personal music player which is stylish, convenient to use and technically suitable for real-life conditions. Embodiments which permit complete removal of the earphones (24, 26) provide a direct connection to the music player for one earphone through a plug (56, 58) which also connects to a jack (66) in one of the temple pieces (30, 32). Internal wiring passes through the temple-pieces (30, 32) and brow portion to a jack (66) in the other temple-piece which is plug-connected to a cable (54) for the other earphone. In one embodiment in which the earphones are captive, a single stereo cable is connected to the music player and to internal wiring in the spectacle frame (22) to provide connections to the two earphones (24, 26). The earphones (24, 26) are designed for storage in molded elastic inserts housed in recesses in the temple-pieces (30, 32). The recesses are open at the back so the earphones (24, 26) may be released simply by pushing out on the back of the insert. In a variant of this embodiment, an elastic head band is permanently attached to the temple-pieces. The wiring is provided by cables which pass through a channel in the head band and are directly connected to the earphones. The cables extend from and retract into the head band to permit convenient positioning of the earphones for use and storage. In another captive embodiment, the earphones are designed for storage behind the ear, and are pivotally mounted on telescoping arms which emanate from each temple-piece.

Description

STEREOPHONIC SPECTACLES

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to stereophonic spectacles, and more particularly to a spectacle- stereo headphone combination which overcomes many of the problems inherent in previously available devices of this kind.

BACKGROUND ART

Lightweight stereophonic headphones have become a virtual commodity with the popularity of portable personal music players. An outgrowth of this has been the suggestion to combine the earphones with eyeglass frames in a single unit.

Examples of stereo spectacles in the prior art are almost too numerous to mention, yet the concept has not resulted in a viable commercial product. Perhaps the most significant reason is psychological. Portable personal music players are used mainly to isolate the user from unpleasant activities such as commuting or to further enhance pleasurable activities.

In both instances, "making a statement" or projecting an image is an important component, so both style and functionality must be present for the product to be successful. Up to now, no one appears to have devised a construction which is stylish, convenient and technically suitable for use under real-life conditions. Eyeglass frames, whether fitted with clear or colored prescription lenses, or simply in the form of sunglasses with uncorrected lenses, have become a "designer" product, with aesthetically pleasing or trendy frames often costing several hundred dollars. Appearance is always an important factor in the purchasing decision. Incorporation of stereophonic sound capability into a frame must therefore enhance — or at least not detract — from the product image.

In terms of functionality, the major requirements are good quality sound without isolating the user from the environment (or conversely, effectively isolating the user from the environment) comfortable size and weight and convenient adjustability to the size of the user's head. The design must also provide convenient and protective storage for the earphones when not in use, and quick and convenient removal from storage and placement into use with minimum distraction of the user from other attention-requiring activities. Also of importance is adaptability to a wide range of frame styles, including one-piece hingeless and hinged frames, and both the bulky and lightweight styles currently popular.

The prior art has attempted to deal with the considerations noted above without apparent success.

One type of device seeks to reduce environmental isolation by placing the sound transducers in spaced relation to, instead of in or on the user's ears. Scofield United States

Patent 5,272,757, McManigal United States Patent 5,327,178 and Gluz United States Patent 5,335,285 are examples. A problem with this approach is that sound quality (which is generally lower with off the ear devices in any event) depends on the position of the transducers relative to the ears. An incidental problem is that spacing the earphones away from the ears of the user exposes others nearby to the user's entertainment.

Disregarding the latter problem, the ways for adjusting the transducer position shown in the above-mentioned patents are not completely satisfactory. These include complex mounting structures comprised of sleeves and elastic loops which slidably attach to the temple-pieces of the frames, and provide pivotal adjustment as well. Vogt United States Patent 5,606,703, Moore United States Patent 4,901,355, Raven United States Patent

5,164,987 and da Silva United States Patent 5,608,808 (in which the earphones are intended to be placed in or on the ears) show functionally similar devices.

While all of these constructions do permit adjustment, none may be easily separated from the frames, or otherwise conveniently stored. They must therefore be left hanging in place when not in use. The result is neither stylish nor practical.

Also, while removal from the ear may be less of a concern with spaced earphones, convenient and stylish storage when not in use is an important consideration with earphones intended for use in or on the ears.

One useful solution for adjustably positioning the earphones along the side of the head is shown in Ballein U.S. Patent No. 5,579,400 in Roberts British Patent No. 2,206,014, in

Cargle United States Design Patent No. 342,080 and in Gales United States Design Patent No. 352,300. These employ sliding segments at the ends of the temple pieces which effectively lengthen or shorten the temple pieces as needed, but do not show or suggest comprehensive solutions to the adjustability. (Ballein also shows a screw at the front of the temple piece to pivot the temple piece up and down relative to the brow portion, but this, like other screws in eyeglass frames, is likely to have the tendency to work loose).

The Vogt patent noted above also shows a earphone mount in the form of a spring- metal arm pivotally attached to the temple-piece, along which the earphone is slidably mounted. When not in use, the arm may be pivoted forward so the earphone rests on the front part of the temple-piece in what the patentee calls a socket, and which appears to be a small notch. Alternatively, the patentee suggests a pair of arms projecting from the temple piece to restrain the pivoting arm, but the actual nature of this is not described. This construction appears to be complex and costly to manufacture and assemble, and is also not stylish.

McCullough United States Patent 4,856,086 shows storage of the earphones in recessess, but the wires must be inserted into the recess before the earphones can be stored. This is likely to inconvenient and distracting to the user if it is to be done while the glasses are being worn.

Karppala United States Patent 4,888,805 (also pertaining to an on the ear transducer) discloses a mounting block attached to the temple-piece and similar block on the earphone. A semi-rigid wire having plugs at each end, and designed to mate with receptacles in the blocks, supports the earphones. When not in use, the wire is unplugged from the temple-piece receptacle. This construction appears to require complete removal of the earphones when not in use, and separation of the semi-rigid connecting wires from the earphones for convenient storage.

Another problem common to all types of stereophonic spectacles is that unless a receiver is built into the frame (as in the Vogt and Scofield patents), there must be a wire connection to each transducer from a remote program source. In the prior art, separate wires are usually connected from the program source to each transducer. This results in the conductors dangling free on the user's body. Sometimes the wires are connected together behind the user's head as in the Karppala patent identified above or are carried through a headband which runs from the ends of the temple pieces around the back of the user's head.

Such constructions are shown in the daSilva patent identified above, in Ciccone United States Patent No. 5,034,995 and in Gallimore United States Patent 4,882,769.

In Australian Patent No. W094/09398, there is suggested a single connection point, but no other features required for a convenient and stylish stereophonic spectacle design. As may be appreciated, there are numerous constructions available, but the correct combinations and/or modifications of these does not appear to have been found up to this time to provide a commercially successful product. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide simple but stylish solutions to the various problems described above which are economical to manufacture and assemble, which use existing hardware and technology to the maximum extent feasible, and are reliable and convenient to use. Several embodiments are disclosed, some of which permit complete removal of the earphones when not in use, and others in which the earphones are captive, i.e., remain attached to the frame at all times. All, however, are characterized by convenient attachment of the earphones to the frame (in the detachable embodiments), connection of the program source to the frame at only a single point, convenient engagement of the earphone with the ear for use, and correspondingly convenient removal and storage when not in use, thereby minimizing distraction while the user's attention is focused on other activities.

In one preferred embodiment, the eaφhones are permanently affixed to the frame by their electrical wires, and are stored, when not in use, in recesses on the temple-pieces. Each recess contains a molded insert of elastic material for receiving the earphone. Because of the elastic properties of the material, the earphone may simply snapped into place by pushing it into the insert. The recess is open at the back so the eaφhone may be released simply by pushing out on the back of the insert, i.e. from the "head" side of the temple-piece.

In this embodiment, a single cable having a stereo plug at one end provides the connection between the program source and a jack at the distal end of one of the temple- pieces. Wires from the jack are connected directly to the earphone for the adjacent ear, while a conductive path through the frame connects to the wire for the other eaφhone.

In a variant of this embodiment, a retaining headband similar to the type sold under the trademark "Croakie" is permanently attached to the distal ends of the temple pieces. The incoming cable attaches to a jack secured to the head band; a pair of two-wire cables emanate from the jack to provide a signal and ground path for each earphone. These pass through channels in the headband and exit at a point adjacent to points of connection to the temple- pieces. Each cable is designed with a stop mechanism which allows it to extend from the headband a predetermined distance for convenient storage, and to retract to avoid excess wire length during use. In a second preferred embodiment, the earphones are completely detachable. One earphone is plug-connected by a monophonic cable to a jack in the distal end of one of the temple-pieces. The connection to the program source is provided by a single stereo cable which is plug-connected to a jack at the distal end of the other temple piece. A monophonic cable emanates from the plug on the stereo cable and is connected directly to the second earphone. The program source for the first eaφhone is provided by a conductive path through the frame between the receptacles in the temple-pieces. A third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, except the jacks are located at a desired position between the proximal and distal ends of each temple-piece.

In a fourth embodiment, the transducers are designed for use in the ear and storage behind the ear. These are permanently attached to the frame by telescoping semi-rigid arms extending from each temple-piece, which, in turn are attached to pivoting eaφhones. The connection to the program source is provided by a single stereo cable which plugs into a stereo jack at the distal end of one of the temple-pieces. The incoming signals are electrically connected through the frames to the fixed ends of the telescoping arms, and a combination of moving and fixed conductive elements of which the arms themselves are comprised, provide signal paths to the eaφhones. The nature of the conductive path through the frame, will depend on the construction of the frame. In hingeless frames, the conductive paths may be provided solely by continuous wires. Channels are molded into the frame which allow the wires to pass from one temple- piece, through the brow or front portion of the frame, to the other temple-piece. The channels may completely or partially conceal the wires, depending on the "look" desired. In a hinged frame, wires molded into the temple-pieces are connected to the temple portion of the hinge, while wires molded into the brow-piece are attached to the brow portions of the hinges. Each of the hinge portions is constructed to provide separate electrically insulated sections, to serve as the signal and ground or return paths.

It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide an improved design for stereophonic spectacles.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved design for stereophonic spectacles which is stylish, convenient and technically suitable for use under real-life conditions.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an improved design for stereophonic spectacles in which incorporation of sound capability enhances, and does not detract from the image of the eyeglass frame.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved design for stereophonic spectacles which permits conveniently accommodate a range of head sizes. It is yet a further object of this invention to provide an improved design for stereophonic spectacles which permits quick and convenient removal from storage and placement into use, and similarly quick and convenient removal from use and placement into storage which minimizes distraction of the user from other attention-requiring activities.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide an improved design for stereophonic spectacles which is adaptable to a wide range of popular frame styles.

It is also an object of this invention to provide an improved design for stereophonic spectacles which is sufficiently simple and economical to manufacture and assemble to be practical.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is an overall view of one preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a portion of one of the temple-pieces shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the construction of the front of the eaφhone retaining receptacle;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of one temple-piece showing the earphone in place in its receptacle; FIG. 5 shows the connecting plug at the music player end of the connecting cable;

FIG. 6a is a view, partially cut away, and partially in section, of the distal end of one of the temple-pieces showing the program source jack;

FIG. 6b is a perspective view, partially in section, showing the construction of the jack shown in FIG 6a; FIG. 6c is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 6b;

FIG. 7a is a cut away view showing the construction of a suitable conductive hinge;

FIG. 7b is a cut away view of a (preferred) hinge design;

FIG. 8 is a partially cut away view showing the wire connection for the earphone attached to the other temple-piece; FIG. 9 is an overall view of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10a shows an overall view one of the temple plugs for the embodiment of FIG. 9; FIG. 10b is a sectional view showing the details of the plug shown in FIG 10a;

FIG. 11 shows the other temple plug and the connected earphone for the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 shows a side view of a third embodiment of the invention; FIG. 13 shows a portion of the under side of the temple-piece shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 illustrating one of the earphones in its operative position and the cable connection to the program source;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary view of the temple-piece and earphone shown in FIG. 15 illustrating the eaφhone in its stored position, as viewed from the head side;

FIG. 17 is a vertical section in the plane of FIG. 15 illustrating the construction of the end of telescoping arm which is attached to the temple-piece;

FIG. 18 is a cross-section taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 17 further illustrating the construction of the telescoping arm; FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing the construction of the end of the telescoping arm which is attached to the earphone;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along line 20-20 in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an overall view of a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in which a head band provides the means for connecting the incoming program source cable to the eaφhones; FIG. 22 is a pictorial view showing the details of the head band shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a side view of a variation of earphone receptacle for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 21;

FIGS. 23 A and 23B are sectional views taken along lines A- A and B-B in FIG. 23; and

FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along line 24-24 in FIG. 23 showing an eaφhone in place in the receptacle of FIG. 23.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring first to FIGS. 1 through 8, in one preferred embodiment, stereophonic spectacles 20 comprises an eyeglass frame 22 and a pair of stereo eaφhones 24 and 26. Frame 22 includes a brow portion 28, and two temple-pieces 30 and 32. Suitable lenses 34 and 36 are mounted in brow portion 28 is any conventional or suitable manner.

Eaφhones 24 and 26 are captive, i.e., permanently affixed to frame 22, and, when not in use, are stored in receptacles 38 and 40 in temple-pieces 30 and 32, respectively. Receptacles 38 and 40 are each comprised of a molded insert 42 contained in recesses 43 within each of the temple-pieces.

Referring to FIG. 1 , eaφhone 24, which is of conventional construction, is comprised of a suitable electromechanical transducer, not shown, mounted in a body 24a. An eaφiece 24b projects from one end of body 24a to engage snugly but comfortably in an operating position in the ear of the user. Eaφiece 24b can be resilient (e.g., formed of semi rigid foam or other flexible plastic material) or rigid, as desired. A flexible two-wire cable 24c extends outwardly from the opposite end of body 24a. The wires are connected to the transducer in a conventional manner. Earphones 24 and 26 are identical in construction.

With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, each insert 42 is formed of a resilient rubberlike material of any suitable or desired type such as flexible urethane, with a body cavity 44 of a shape suitable for receiving the eaφhone, and a flexible back wall 46 which projects outwardly as shown when the earphone is not in place. As described in more detail below, this provides a release mechanism for the stored earphone.

The back, top and bottom marginal portions 42a, 42b, and 42c, respectively, of insert

42 are secured to the adjacent marginal areas of recess 43 in any suitable or desired manner, such as by use of an adhesive bond 45. Alternatively, recess 43 can be formed with a marginal groove to receive outwardly projecting ribs on the margins of insert 42 in a snap fit, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

A marginal flap 48 defines an opening having approximately the same shape as the earphone, and, as illustrated best in FIG. 4, is slightly smaller in the transverse direction than the portion of the earphone with which it engages when the eaφhone is in place.

For convenient storage of wires 24c and 26c, grooves 49 may be molded in temple- pieces 30 and 32 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

Marginal flaps 48 also define an undercut marginal groove 50 which is approximately the same size transversely as the eaφhone. Because of the elastic properties of the material from which insert 42 is formed, the eaφhone may be snapped into, and retained in place simply by pushing it into body cavities 44. As will be appreciated, depending on the elastic properties of insert 42, by adjusting the size of marginal groove 50 in relation to the size and shape of the eaφhone, a tighter or looser fit may be achieved. Best results are also achieved if the ear-piece 24b of earphone 24 is relatively rigid compared to the flap portions 48.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, each recess 43 is formed with a passage entirely through the temple-piece from the outer side to the back side, i.e., the side adjacent to the user's head, thereby allowing access to the back side 52 of insert 42. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, with respect to earphone 26 and temple-piece 32, with the earphone stored in its recess, eaφiece 26b displaces the center portion 46 of insert 42 toward the head side of temple-piece 32 to the position indicated in outline in FIG. 3. (See, also, FIG. 1.) To release the eaφhone from storage, the wearer simply pushes outwardly on cavity back wall portion, and the eaφhone pops out.

An alternative construction for receptacles 38 and 40 is shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. Here, a temple-piece 350 contains a recess 352 which receives a resilient insert 354 similar to insert 42 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and secured in recess 352 in the manner described for insert 42. Insert 354 includes a first cavity 356 for receiving earpiece 364 of the earphone; the cavity being formed with a flexible back wall 358 to provide the release mechanism for the stored earphone, also as previously described.

The front end of recess 352 (i.e., that closest to the brow portion of the frame), is formed with a rearwardly extending lip or return 360. When the earphone 362 is in place, the margin of earpiece 364 rests within body cavity 356, with the earpiece behind lip 360 (compare 26b shown in FIG. 4). The elongated body portion of the earphone (corresponding to 24a in FIG. 1) rests in an elongated depression which forms a second cavity 366 communicating with earpiece cavity 356, and extending rearwardly along temple-piece 350. Body cavity 366 terminates in a rearwardly extending groove 368 adapted to receive and retain the earphone wire such as 26c shown in FIG. 4. As in FIGS. 1 and 4, a groove 370 may be molded in temple-piece 350 to receive the remainder of the eaφhone wire when the eaφhone is in the storage position.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 8, the connection to the program source is provided by a single three- wire stereo cable 54, with suitable plugs 56 and 58 at the program source and spectacle ends, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 5, plug 56 is of conventional construction with a body portion 60 and a three-channel connector prong 62. Body portion

60 and corresponding body portion 64 on plug 58 (see FIG. 4) may be of whatever shape suits the requirements of function and/or style, but it is preferable that at least body portion 64 be elongated and without a right angle bend.

Plug 58 is adapted to mate with a conventional three-conductor jack 66 located at the distal end of temple-piece 32. The jack is preferably a conventional device such as the type M2 jack which is commercially available from a variety of sources, but may be of any other suitable construction, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

For purposes of illustration, however, as shown in FIGS. 6b and 6c, jack 66 consists of a body portion 68 with an axial bore 69 designed to receive stereo plug 58. (It will be appreciated that FIG. 6b is rotated 180 degrees from the orientation shown in FIG. 6a, and that FIG. 6c is a vertical section relative to FIG. 6a). Jack 68 includes three contact members, two of which are shown at 70a and 70b in FIGS. 6b and 6c, and the third of which is shown at 70c in FIG. 6c. Contact member 70a is formed of a flat spring metal plate bent at the center to form a pair of opposed resilient arms 72a and 72b. The arm 72a is of sufficient length that a contact face 73 at its free end engages with contact tip 76 on stereo plug 58. The free end of arm 72b terminates in a perpendicular flag 74 which extends outwardly through body 68 to provide a connection point for signal wire 98 in a two-wire cable 90 (see FIG. 6a).

Contact member 70c (see FIG. 6c) is similar to contact member 70a except that spring arm 76a (which corresponds to arm 72a previously described) is shorter so its contact face 77 engages with contact ring 78 on plug 58. The outwardly extending flag portion 79 on contact member 70c provides a connection point for signal wire 86 in two-wire cable 26c.

The common ground connection for cables 90 and 24c is provided by contact member 70b. Contact member 70b consists of a single arm 82, one end of which is deformed outwardly at 83a to engage with conductive ring 80 on plug 58. The other end 83b is bent in the opposite direction and extends out of body 68 to provide a connection point for the two ground wires 88 and 95, in cables 26c and 90, respectively.

Cable 26c which comprises signal wire 86 and ground wire 88 passes through a strain sleeve 84 to provide the signal and ground paths for earphone 26 (see FIG. 4). Cable 90, comprising signal wire 89 and ground wire 95, provides the signal and ground paths for earphone 24. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8, earphone cable 24c exits from the distal end of temple-piece 30 through a strain relief sleeve 97. In the preferred embodiments, a pathway for cable 90 is provided through temple piece 32, brow portion 28 and temple-piece 30. This may be done by molding a channel into the frame portions when it is fabricated, or in any other suitable manner.

As will be appreciated, in a one-piece hingeless frames, cable 90 in FIG. 6a represents the internal portion of cable 24c which proceeds in an unbroken path to speaker 24. However, in a hinged frame, the hinges may provide the connections between the cable portions in the temple-pieces and the brow piece. There are many ways to accomplish this, one of which is conceptualized in FIG. 7a.

Here, hinge 92 connects cable 24c in temple-piece 30 to cable 100 in brow portion 28. Hinge 92 is formed of upper segment 94a suitably secured to brow portion 28 and lower segment 94b, suitably secured to temple-piece 30.

The signal wire 99a and ground wire 99b which comprise cable 24 are connected to conductive hinge segments 96a and 96b suitably secured to temple-piece 30, while the signal wire 100a and ground wire 100b which comprise cable 100 are connected to conductive hinge segments 96c and 96d, respectively, suitably secured to brow portion 28. Segment 94a is separated from segment 96a by an insulating ring 98a. Segment 94b is separated from segment 96d by an insulating ring 98b. Segments 96b and 96c are separated by insulating ring 98c. Lower segment 94b is internally threaded to engage a hinge screw (not shown). As will be appreciated, the huge screw may either be formed of a non-conductive material such as nylon, or an insulating tube (not shown) may be inserted through the huge segments to receive the huge screw while preventing contact between the screw and the hinge segments.

A preferred, and somewhat simpler hinge construction is shown in FIG. 7b. In this embodiment, hinge 200 is comprised of upper and lower conductive segments 202 and 204 suitably secured to the brow portion, and upper and lower conductive segments 206 and 208 suitably secured to the temple-piece. An insulating segment is provided between segments 206 and 208 to electrically isolate these segments from each other.

The signal wire 212a in the brow portion is connected to segment 202 while the ground wire 212b in the brow portion is connected to segment 204. Similarly, the signal wire 214a in the temple-piece is connected to segment 206 while the ground wire 214b in the brow portion is connected to segment 208. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the manner of attachment of the conductive segments to the temple-piece and the brow portion in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7b (and in the embodiment of FIG. 7a as well), will depend on the construction of the frame. For a plastic frame, each hinge segment may be comprised of a sleeve portion such as sleeve portion 216 and a flag portion such as flag portion 218. Sleeve portion 216 is adapted to receive a threaded hinge screw 220 which, in turn, is adapted to be threaded into a suitable receptacle 222 in the brow portion. An insulated sleeve 224 is provided on screw 220 to prevent a short circuit between segments 206 and 208 through the screw; alternatively, the screw itself may be formed of nylon or other suitably durable nonconductive material, if desired. Further, receptacle 222 may be eliminated, if desired, by internally threading sleeve portion 223 of huge portion 204 to receive screw 220.

Flag portion 218 of hinge segment 202 is designed to be molded into the brow portion. Perforations 226 may be provided into which the molding material may flow to provide a more secure connection.

FIGS. 9 through 11 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the invention in which the earphones are not captive, but are designed to plug into jacks at the distal ends of the temple pieces. Here, spectacle 102 includes temple-pieces 104 and 106, a brow portion 108, and earphones 1 10 and 112, the latter constructed in the manner described in connection with the first embodiment.

Earphone 110 is connected by a two wire cable 114, which terminates in a plug 116, to a single channel jack (not shown) fitted at the distal end 118 of temple-piece 104. Similarly, earphone 112 is connected by a two wire cable 120, which terminates in a plug 122, to a single channel jack (also not shown) fitted at the distal end 124 of temple-piece 106.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10a and 10b, plug 122 also provides connection to the music player through a two channel cable 126.

As best shown in FIG. 10, plug 122 consists of a body portion 230 and a coaxial probe generally designated 128. Probe 128 is comprised of an outer conductive segment 130, an intermediate conductive segment 236, and a central conductive segment 238. Inner segment

238 is separated from intermediate segment 236 by an insulated sleeve 240 while outer segment 130 is separated from intermediate segment 236 by an insulating sleeve 242.

The portion of outer segment 130 extending beyond body 230 is essentially cylindrical in shape. Intermediate conductive segment 236 is also generally of cylindrical shape, but includes an end portion of increased diameter to provide a conductive ring 134 on probe 128.

Central conducting segment 238 is also generally cylindrical but includes an enlarged generally tapered end 132 extending beyond intermediate conductive segment 236. Outer conductive segment 130 is electrically insulated from conductive ring portion 134 of intermediate conductive segment 236 by a radially extending portion 250 of insulating sleeve 242. Similarly, conductive ring segment 134 is separated from the tapered end 132 of inner conductive segment 238 by a radially extended portion 252 of insulating sleeve 240. Within body 230, probe 128 provides the means for connection of the signal and ground wires in cables 120 and 126. Signal wire 120a in cable 120 is attached to outer conductive segment 130 at 254, while the corresponding signal wire 126a in cable 126 is connected to outer conductive segment 130 at 256. Intermediate conductive segment 236 extends beyond outer conductive segment 130 within body 230 to provide a convenient point of attachment 258 for the second signal wire 126c in cable 126. Central conductive segment

238 extends outwardly beyond intermediate conductive segment 236 to provide a convenient point of attachment 260 for ground wire 126b in cable 126. Ground wire 120b in cable 120 may also be connected at point 260.

A radially extending segment 262 of inner insulating sleeve 240 electrically isolates the inwardly extending portions of inner conductive segment 238 and intermediate conductive segment 236. A similar radially extending portion 264 of outer insulating sleeve 242 separates the inwardly extending portion of intermediate conducting segment 236 from outer conducting segment 130.

As may be seen in FIG. 10b, the two signal channels and the ground path are accessible on probe 128 at outer conductive segment 130, conductive ring 134 and tapered probe tip 132 respectively, but since one channel is provided directly through cable 120 only the signal path accessible at conductive ring 134 and probe tip 132 need to be connected to the jack in temple-piece 124 (see FIG. 9). Accordingly, while the standard M2 jack may be used, (see FIG. 7B), only the two connecting points corresponding to the second channel and the ground path are utilized.

As in the case of the first embodiment, a cable embedded in the frame passes the signal and ground paths for earphone 110 from the jack in temple-piece 106 to temple-piece 104 (see FIG. 9). In a hinged frame, the construction described in connection with FIGS. 7a or 7b may be used to connect the embedded wires. FIGS. 12 and 13 show a third embodiment. This is a variant of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 through 11 in which the jacks in the temple-pieces are located at intermediate positions rather than at the distal ends. An enlarged projection 138 in temple- piece 140 receives a jack (not shown) which connects to a plug 142. This, as in the case of plug 122, connects directly to one of the eaφhones 144 by a single channel cable 145, and to the music player by a two channel cable 146. FIG. 13 shows the under side 148 of temple- piece 140, and plug 142 in its engaged position. FIGS. 14 though 20 show yet another embodiment of the invention in which the eaφhones are captive, and designed for storage behind and above the ear. This is particularly convenient for use with flat eaφhones designed for vertical insertion in the ear, (and in which the diaphragm of the transducer faces toward the front of the user's head).

In this embodiment, spectacle 150 has pivoting earphones 152 and 154 supported by telescoping arms 156 and 158 mounted in temple-pieces 160 and 162 respectively, which provide both support and the required signal paths. In use, the earphones are positioned as illustrated in FIG. 15, and inserted in the ear with side 152a, through which the sound emanates facing forward. For storage, as illustrated in FIG. 16, arm 156 is extended to move eaφhone 152 to a position adjacent the distal end of temple-piece 160, and the eaφhones are pivoted up to the position shown.

Referring still to FIG. 15, the connection to the music player is provided through a two-channel plug 188 which mates with a jack (not shown) which may also be an M2 type jack as illustrated in FIGS. 6a-6c, or of other suitable construction mounted in the distal end 190 of temple-piece 160. The cable for eaφhone 152 goes directly from the jack to telescoping arm 156 as described below, while the cable for earphone 154 is fed from the jack, through temple-piece 160 and brow portion 163 to a two- wire cable in temple-piece 158, as illustrated in FIG. 17. The routing of cables within the temple-pieces and the brow portion may be as described previously.

The construction of arm 158 is illustrated in FIGS. 17 through 20, but it will be understood that arm 156 is of the same construction. Generally, arm 158 is a coaxial structure with fixed and a sliding segments at the temple-piece end (see FIGS. 17 and 18), and a pivoting segment at the eaφhone end (see FIGS. 19 and 20). Referring first to FIGS. 17 and 18, a central conductive rod 164 is rigidly attached to temple-piece 160 at the forward end 168 in any suitable manner. The live wire 165 for earphone 154, which provides the signal path from the music player through the embedded cables in the frame, is also connected to rod 164 at end 168.

Fitted around rod 164 is a moving portion 169 which is comprised of several insulating and conductive coaxial tubes in fixed relation to each other. In direct sliding contact with rod 164 is a first conductive tube 170, surrounded by an insulating tube 172. This, in turn is surrounded by a second conductive tube 174 and an outer insulating sleeve 176.

Rod 164 extends sufficiently out beyond the opening 177 in temple-piece 160 (see FIG. 14) to provide the desired rigidity for arm 156. It will also be understood by one skilled in the art, that the position of telescoping arm 158 illustrated in FIG. 17 corresponds to the maximum extended position, i.e., the storage position shown in FIG. 16. Referring still to FIG. 17, outer sleeve 176 terminates within temple-piece 160, but short of the inner end 180 of moving portion 169. Adjacent to the end of sleeve 176 is a stationary contact finger 182 secured to the temple-piece, and attached to ground wire 184.

In operation, the signal path for live wire 165 is through the sliding contact between rod 164 and tube 170, while the signal path for ground wire 184 is through the sliding contact between tube 174 and fixed contact finger 182. Contact finger 182 is formed of spring material and includes an upwardly bent end portion 183 so that reliable contact with conductive tube 174 is maintained at all times, even if movable portion 169 is at its maximum retracted position.

To permit convenient movement of arm 158, a thumb grip 186 is secured to the under side of tube 174. The body 192 of thumb grip 186 travels in a blind slot 187 in the bottom of temple-piece 162. The outward travel of arm 158 is limited by the end wall 194 of slot 187.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, there is illustrated a preferred form of pivoting support for earphone 154. This consists of a connecting sleeve 196 secured to the sliding portion 169 of telescoping arm 158, and to housing 198 for speaker 154.

Housing 198 includes an elongated tubular end 195 which fits over the end of coupling sleeve 196. A circumferential slot 197 near the end of tubular portion 195 extends for a distance of 90° (see FIG. 20) and is adapted to receive a retaining dog 199 which extends radially outward from the lower surface of coupling sleeve 196. Wires 191 and 193 are connected respectively to sleeve portions 170 and 174 of arm 158. These are connected to the speaker in a conventional manner. Blind slot 197 cooperates with dog 199 to permit rotation of earphone 154 from the position as shown in FIG. 15 to the storage position shown in FIG. 16.

Turning now to FIGS. 21 and 22, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention which constitutes a variant of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Spectacle 300 includes brow portion 301, and temple-pieces 302 and 304, the latter having a storage receptacle 306 for an eaφhone 308. A similar storage receptacle, the temple side of which is shown at 310, is provided for the other earphone (not shown). The storage receptacles may be as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, or in FIGS. 23 and 24.

In this embodiment, instead of providing the electrical connections to jacks mounted in the temple-pieces, all electrical connections are provided through a headband 312 permanently secured to the distal ends of temple-pieces 302 and 304. The headband is formed of an elastic material and is of sufficient length to permit the spectacle to be worn loosely around the user's neck but also to fit comfortably on the head in the operative position.

As previously noted, the electrical connections are provided through headband 312. For this purpose, a male plug 314 on the end of cable 313 from the audio source is adapted to mate with a female plug 316 which in turn is connected to another stereo cable 318.

Cables 322 and 324 are adapted to move freely within the channel in headband 312 so that the length of the cables extending out of the headband to the speakers may be adjusted by pulling on the speakers or the cable 318. This allows shortening cables 322 and 324 to a convenient length when the speakers are in use, and lengthening the cables to allow the speakers to extend to the storage receptacles, and also to permit use of the earphones even when the spectacle 300 is hanging around the user's neck. One way to accomplish this, as illustrated in FIG. 22, is to provide a stop 320 molded on to or otherwise secured to cable 318 at a suitable position. Beyond this point, cable 318 splits into two separate single channel cables 322 and 324. These cables are threaded through a grommet 326 which provides a restrictive opening to the interior of headband 312.

A channel within the headband allows wires 322 and 324 to pass to the ends 328 and 330 at which temple-pieces 302 and 304 are connected to the head band. At end 328, cable

322 exits from the headband and is connected to speaker 311. At the other end 330, cable

324 exits the headband and is connected to speaker 308. Stops 332 and 334 on two wire cables 322 and 234, respectively, are provided to limit the outward movement of the cables.

Although several embodiments have been described and shown, it should be understood that numerous variations are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the plug and jack constructions shown are exemplary, as are the hinge designs. Other configurations for the conductive telescoping arms are also possible, as are the means for providing the attachment of the eaφhones to the telescoping arms. Other variations of the storage receptacles on the temple pieces beyond those illustrated are also within the scope of the invention.

Another possible variation within the scope of the invention would be for the distal ends of the temple-pieces themselves to terminate in conductive telescoping segments, with the earphone housing pivotally attached to the temple-pieces, rather than a separate arm.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is to be measured by the attached claims in light of the above description as understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Stereophonic spectacles adapted to provide first and second audio program signals to a user from a program source, comprising, in combination:

(a) an eyeglass frame including (i) two temple-pieces and (ii) a brow section;

(b) first and second ea╧åhones;

(c) a first program signal path connected to the first earphone for the first program signal;

(d) a second program signal path connected to the second earphone for the second program signal;

(e) storage receptacles for each earphone located in spaced relation to the user's ears; each storage receptacle comprising:

(i) a resilient body attached to one of the temple-piece;

(ii) a portion of the resilient body forming a cavity having a marginal configuration corresponding in shape to a portion of the earphone, and adapted to retain that earphone portion snugly when the ea╧åhone is being stored; and (iii) a further portion of the resilient body being formed to eject the ea╧åhone from the cavity thereby to release the earphone from storage.

2. Stereophonic spectacles as described in claim 1 in which each earphone includes support means to maintain the ea╧åhone in an operating position in contact with the user's ear.

3. Stereophonic spectacles as described in claim 1 in which each ea╧åhone includes an audio transducer and a ea╧åiece surrounding the transducer adapted to maintain the earphone in an operating position in contact with the user's ear.

4. Stereophonic spectacles as described in claim 3 in which each earpiece is formed of relatively rigid material, and is adapted to engage snugly in the opening of the user's ear.

5. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 1 in which each storage receptacle further comprises:

(a) a recess formed in the temple-piece adapted to receive and retain the resilient body;

(b) the recess having:

(i) a marginal configuration corresponding generally to that of the resilient body; and (ii) a portion permitting access to the ejection portion of the resilient body

6. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 5 in which:

(a) the ejection portion comprises the rear wall of the cavity in the resilient body, and

(b) the portion of the recess permitting access to the ejection portion is comprised of an opening in the back surface of the temple-piece.

7. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 5 in which the resilient body includes:

(a) a flap which forms the margin of the cavity, the opening defined by the marginal flap being smaller than the portion of the earphone which is received in the cavity; and

(b) an undercut marginal groove behind the marginal flap, the groove being of approximately the same size as the portion of the earphone with which it engages when the earphone is in the cavity.

8. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 5 in which:

(a) the front margin of the recess in the temple-piece is comprised of a rearwardly extending lip which overlies the front portion of the cavity in the resilient body;

(b) the cavity and the recess being so configured that a portion of the earphone rests under the lip when the earphone is in the storage receptacle.

9. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 8 in which the resilient body includes a second cavity for retaining a portion of the earphone other than that which rests under the lip at the front of the recess in the temple-piece.

10. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 9 in which the second cavity extends rearwardly from the first cavity along the temple-piece toward the user's ear.

11. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 10 further including a third cavity extending rearwardly from the second cavity along the temple-piece toward the user's ear and adapted to receive a portion of one of the program signal paths.

12. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 11 further including further receptacles in each temple-piece adapted to receive a portion of one of the program signal paths other than that adapted to be received in the third cavity.

13. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 1 further including:

(a) a stereo jack;

(b) the first program signal path being provided by a first conductor-pair connected to the stereo jack at one end, and to the first earphone at the other end;

(c) the second program signal path being provided by a second conductor-pair connected to the stereo jack at one end and to the second earphone at the other end; and

(d) a headband having its ends connected to the distal ends of the temple-pieces, the headband including:

(i) an interior passage for receiving the first and second conductor-pairs; (ii) an entrance opening for the first and second conductor-pairs to the interior passage; (iii) a first exit opening from the interior passage at one end of the headband for the first conductor-pair, (iv) a second exit opening from the interior passage at the other end of the headband for the second conductor-pair.

14. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 13 in which:

(a) the first and second conductor-pairs are movable within the interior passage; and further including

(b) means for limiting the extent of movement of the first and second conductor- pairs within the interior passage.

15. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 14 in which the limiting means comprises:

(a) first stop means positioned along the first and second conductor-pairs outside the entrance opening; and

(b) second stop means positioned along the first and second conductor-pairs within the interior passage;

(c) the first and second stop means being of such size as to be unable to pass through the entrance opening.

16. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 13 in which the first and second conductor- pairs are movable for a predetermined distance within the interior passage.

17. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 16 further including:

(a) a first movement limiter coupled to the first and second conductor-pairs outside the entrance opening; and

(b) a second movement limiter coupled to the first and second conductor-pairs within the interior passage;

(c) the distance between the first and second movement limiters corresponding to the predetermined distance of permitted movement of first and second conductor-pairs within the interior passage.

18. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 1 further including:

(a) a stereo jack;

(c) the second program signal path being provided by a second conductor-pair connected to the stereo jack at one end and to the second earphone at the other end;

(d) an interior passage formed in the two temple-pieces and the brow portion;

(e) the stereo jack being located in a portion of the interior passage in a first one of the temple-pieces; (f) the first and second conductor-pairs being connected to the stereo jack within the interior passage;

(g) the second conductor-pair extending through the interior passage from the first temple-piece to the second temple-piece;

(h) an exit opening in the first temple-piece through which the first conductor-pair exits to the first ea╧åhone; and (i) an exit opening in the second temple-pieces through which the second conductor-pair exits to the second earphone.

19. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 18 in which:

(a) the eyeglass frame is a continuous hingeless structure; and

(b) the second conductor pair is comprised of first and second continuous wires connected between the stereo jack and the second earphone.

20. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 18 in which:

(a) the eyeglass frame is comprised of first and second temple-pieces and a separate brow portion; and further including:

(b) a first hinge connecting the first temple-piece to the brow portion, and

(c) a second hinge connecting the second temple-piece to the brow portion;

(d) each hinge providing first and second separate electrically conductive paths between the brow portion and the respective first and second temple-pieces,

(e) the second conductor pair being further comprised of:

(i) a first two-conductor segment extending between the stereo jack and the first hinge, (ii) a second two-conductor segment extending between the first hinge and the second hinge, and (iii) a third two-conductor segment extending between the second hinge and the second earphone;

(f) with one conductor of each of the segments being connected together through the first electrical path in each of the hinges, and

(g) the second conductor of each of the segments being connected together through the second electrical path in each of the hinges.

21. Stereophonic spectacles comprising, in combination:

(a) an eyeglass frame including (i) two temple-pieces and (ii) a brow section;

(b) first and second ea╧åhones;

(c) a stereo cable for providing first and second program signal paths and a ground path from a program source;

(d) a connecting plug attached to the stereo cable; the connecting plug having first, second and third terminals therein connected respectively to the first and second program signal paths and the ground path in the cable means;

(e) a first electrical connector between the plug and the first earphone including: (i) a first wire connected at one end to the first terminal and at the other end to the first earphone, and (ii) a second wire connected at one end to the third terminal and at the other end to the first ea╧åhone, thereby to provide a signal path and a ground return for the first ea╧åhone;

(f) the connecting plug having a first probe portion electrically connected to the second terminal and a second probe portion connected to the third terminal;

(g) a jack adapted to receive the connecting plug, the jack having:

(i) a first contact portion adapted to engage with the first probe portion of the connecting plug, (ii) a second contact portion adapted to engage with the second probe portion of the connecting plug; (iii) a first terminal connected to the first contact portion; (iv) a second terminal connected to the second contact portion; (h) a second electrical connector between the jack and the second earphone including:

(i) a first wire connected at one end to the first terminal of the jack; (ii) a second wire connected at one end to the second terminal of the jack; and (i) a coupler connected to the other ends of the first and second wires in the second electrical connector for providing a connection to the second earphone, thereby to provide a signal path and a ground return for the second ea╧åhone.

22. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 21 further including:

(a) an interior passage in the frame,

(b) the first and second wires of the second connecting means extending from the first temple piece to the second temple piece through the interior passage.

23. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 22 in which:

(a) the coupler is comprised of a second jack having first and second terminals respectively connected to the first and second wires, and first and second contact portions connected respectively to the first and second terminals, and further including:

(b) a second plug having first and second probe portions adapted to engage with the first and second contact portions, and first and second terminals connected respectively to the first and second probe portions,

(c) a third wire connected to the first terminal on the second plug at one end and to the second earphone at the other end, and

(d) a fourth wire connected to the second terminal on the second plug at one end and to the second earphone at the other end.

24. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 23 in which:

(a) the eyeglass frame is a continuous hingeless structure; and

(b) the first and second wires in the second electrical connector are comprised of continuous conductors connected between the first and second jack means.

25. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 24 in which:

(a) the eyeglass frame is comprised of first and second temple-pieces and a separate brow portion; further including:

(b) a first hinge connecting the first temple-piece to the brow portion, and (c) a second hinge connecting the second temple-piece to the brow portion; (d) each hinge providing first and second separate electrically conductive paths between the brow portion and the respective first and second temple-pieces; in which: (e) the first wire in the second electrical connector includes first, second and third wire segments,

(i) the first wire segment extending through the first temple-piece, and being connected to the first jack at one end, and to the portion of the first hinge which provides the first conductive path at the other end,

(ii) the second wire segment extending through the brow portion, and being connected to the portion of the first hinge providing the first conductive path at the one end, and to the portion of the second hinge which provides the first conductive path at the one end, and

(iii) the third wire segment extending through the second temple-piece, and being connected to the second jack at one end, and to the portion of the second hinge which provides the first conductive path at the other end, and in which:

(f) the second wire in the second electrical connector includes first, second and third wire segments,

(i) the first wire segment extending through the first temple-piece, and being connected to the first jack at one end, and to the portion of the first hinge which provides the second conductive path at the other end,

(ii) the second wire segment extending through the brow portion, and being connected to the portion of the first hinge providing the second conductive path at the one end, and to the portion of the second hinge which provides the second conductive path at the one end, and

(iii) the third wire segment extending through the second temple-piece, and being connected to the second jack at one end, and to the portion of the second hinge which provides the second conductive path at the other end.

26. Stereophonic spectacles adapted to provide first and second audio program signals to a user from a program source, comprising, in combination:

(a) an eyeglass frame including (i) two temple-pieces and (ii) a brow section;

(b) first and second ea╧åhones; each earphone being comprised of: (i) an electromechanical transducer;

(ii) a body for supporting the transducer;

(c) each temple-piece including an adjustable support structure for one of the ea╧åhones;

(d) the support structure being comprised of:

(i) a first portion connected to the brow section of the frame; and (ii) a second portion connected to the housing of one of the ea╧åhones and slidable relative to the first section;

(e) first and second electrically conductive segments in the first and second portions, respectively, of the support structure in one of the temple-pieces, the first and second electrically conductive segments being in sliding electrically conductive relationship to each other;

(f) third and fourth electrically conductive segments in the first and second portions, respectively, of the support structure in the other temple-piece, the third and fourth electrically conductive segments being in sliding electrically conductive relationship to each other; and

(g) a first signal conductor connecting the fourth conductive segment to one of the earphones.

27. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 26 in which each support structure permits only limited relative motion between the two portions thereof.

28. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 27 further including a pivotable connector between the movable portions of each support structure and the respectively attached

earphone.

29. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 26 further including:

(a) an electrical coupler mounted in one of the temple-pieces for receiving the first and second program signals from the program source;

(b) a second signal conductor connecting the first audio program signal to the first conductive segment;

(c) a third signal conductor connecting the second conductive segment to the other earphone; and

(c) a fourth signal conductor connecting the second audio program signal to the third conductive segment.

30. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 29 further including pivot joints between the movable portions of each support structure and the respectively attached earphone.

31. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 30 including further electrically conducting segments in the pivot joints in movable electrically conductive relation to each other for connecting the first and third signal conductors through one of the pivot joints.

32. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 29 in which:

(a) the electrical coupler provides a ground path for the earphones accessible at a ground connection point; and further including:

(b) fifth and sixth electrically conductive segments in the respective first and second portions of the support structure in the first temple-piece, the fifth and

sixth electrically conductive segments being in sliding electrically conductive relation to each other;

(c) seventh and eighth electrically conductive segments in the respective first and second portions of the support structure in the second temple-piece, the seventh and eighth electrically conductive segments being in sliding electrically conductive relation to each other; (d) a fifth signal conductor connecting the eighth conductive segment to the first earphone to provide a ground connection for that ea╧åhone; and

(e) a sixth signal conductor connecting the ground connection in the coupler to the seventh conductive segment.

33. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 26 in which the electrically conductive segments in the first and second portions of each support structure are in coaxial relationship to each other.

34. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 26 in which:

(a) the electrical coupler provides a ground path for the earphones accessible at a ground connection point; and further including: (c) further signal conductors for coupling the ground connection point to each earphone.

35. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 34 in which the further signal conductors

include:

(a) further electrically conductive segments in the first and second portions of each support structure which are in sliding electrically conductive relation to each other, and

(b) means cooperating with the further electrically conductive segments to connect the ground connection point to each earphone.

36. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 35 further including a pivot joint between the movable portions of each support structure and the respectively attached ea╧åhone.

37. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 26 in which the first electrically conductive segments in the fixed portions of the first and second support structure are in coaxial relationship with the first and second conductive segments of the moving portions of the respective support structures.

38. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 37 in which:

(a) the first and second electrically conductive segments in the fixed portions of each support structure are electrically isolated from each other, and

(b) the first and second conductive segments in the moving portions of each support structure are electrically isolated from each other.

39. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 38 further including a pivot joint between the movable portions of each support structure and the respectively attached earphone.

40. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 26 further including a pivot joint between the movable portions of each support structure and the respectively attached earphone.

41. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 40 in which the first portion of each support means includes a projection cooperating with the second portion thereof to limit the relative motion between the two portions.

42. Stereophonic spectacles adapted to provide first and second audio program signals to a user from a program source, comprising, in combination:

(a) an eyeglass frame including (i) two temple-pieces and (ii) a brow section;

(b) first and second earphones;

(e) storage receptacles for each ea╧åhone located in spaced relation to the user's ears; each storage receptacle comprising:

(i) a cavity having a marginal configuration corresponding in shape to a portion of the ea╧åhone, and adapted to retain that earphone portion snugly when the earphone is being stored; and

(ii) a further portion formed to permit ejection of the earphone from the cavity thereby to release the earphone from storage.

43. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 42 in which the storage receptacle includes:

(a) a flap which forms the margin of the cavity, the opening defined by the marginal flap being smaller than the portion of the ea╧åhone which is received

in the cavity; and

(b) an undercut marginal groove behind the marginal flap, the groove being of approximately the same size as the portion of the earphone with which it engages when the ea╧åhone is in the cavity.

44. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 43 in which: (a) the front margin of the recess in the temple-piece is comprised of a rearwardly extending lip which overlies the front portion of the cavity in the resilient body;

45. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 44 further including a second cavity extending rearwardly from the first cavity along the temple-piece toward the user's ear and adapted to receive a portion of one of the program signal paths.

46. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 42 further including:

(a) a stereo connector;

(b) the first program signal path being provided by a first conductor-pair connected to the stereo connector at one end, and to the first earphone at the other end;

(c) the second program signal path being provided by a second conductor-pair connected to the stereo connector at one end and to the second earphone at the other end; and

(d) a headband having its ends connected to the distal ends of the temple-pieces,

the headband including:

47. Stereophonic spectacles adapted to provide first and second audio program signals to a user from a program source, comprising, in combination:

(a) an eyeglass frame including (i) two temple-pieces and (ii) a brow section;

(b) first and second ea╧åhones; each ea╧åhone being comprised of: (i) an electromechanical transducer;

(ii) a body for supporting the transducer;

(c) each temple-piece including an adjustable support structure for one of the earphones;

(d) the support structure being comprised of:

(i) a first portion connected to the brow section of the frame; and

(ii) a second portion connected to the housing of one of the ea╧åhones and slidable relative to the brow section of the frame; and (iii) a pivotable connector between the movable portions of each support structure and the respectively attached earphone.

48. Stereophonic spectacles as defined in claim 47 in which the first portion of each support means includes a projection cooperating with the second portion thereof to limit the relative motion between the two portions.