US 12001599

Here is a concise summary of US patent 12001599:

• Title: Head-worn device with connection region
• Assignee: Ingeniospec LLC
• Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
• Filing Date: 2023-11-27
• Issue Date: 2024-06-04
• Abstract: A pair of glasses with one or more embedded or partially embedded electrical components. The electrical components are much easier to operate. For example, you do not have to take an electronic device out from your pocket to use it. The electronic device may already be in your glasses, and you just have to turn it on.

Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes an eyewear for a user. It includes an eyewear frame, a first switch on the frame that has at least two operational states. These states can be changed by a user touching a surface of the frame without moving any mechanical part exposed to the outside. The eyewear also has a first electrical component within the frame that is electrically connected to this switch to perform a specific function.
• Claim 17: This claim covers an eyewear for a user comprising an eyewear frame, and electrical circuitry at least partially within that frame. It also includes a touch-sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame, designed to receive input through touch and provide it to the electrical circuitry to perform a function.
• Claim 28: This claim details an eyewear with a switch that has at least two operational states. These states are changed by sliding a finger across a touch-sensitive input surface on a frame, without any mechanical parts exposed to the outside moving. An electrical component within the frame is electrically coupled to this switch to perform a function.
• Claim 42: This claim describes an eyewear frame for a user that includes at least a front portion with two side portions, and two speakers (one in each side portion). It also features a connection region on one side portion with an electrical connector having two conductive pads for connecting to a counterpart connector. The frame further incorporates a rechargeable battery, a microphone, and wireless communication circuitry.
• Claim 45: This claim defines a headset that includes an electrical connector with a conductive pad designed to connect to a corresponding conductive contact of a counterpart connector. The headset also comprises a touch-sensitive input surface.

Uncertainty Note:
The legal status information provided states "Expired - Lifetime" while simultaneously listing a "Publication date 2024-06-04", "Application granted 2024-06-04", and "Anticipated expiration 2025-07-15". The "Expired - Lifetime" status appears to be contradictory given the very recent grant and publication dates and the anticipated expiration date. For granted patents, the term typically extends 20 years from the earliest priority date. The listed "Priority date 2004-07-28" with a 2024 grant date suggests the "Anticipated expiration 2025-07-15" is more plausible, potentially reflecting patent term adjustment for a continuation patent, rather than the "Expired - Lifetime" status.

Litigation Information (as of 2026-04-26):
The patent family is involved in litigation, including:

• A PTAB case, IPR2026-00143, which is currently pending.
• A US case filed in the Texas Western District Court, with case number 1:25-cv-00877.
• The first worldwide family litigation was filed.