Abstract: There are provided headphone which can provide a relatively small storage space when being carried around and which can prevent an unexpected breakage of the headphone. A headphone 1 includes a C-shaped headband 2, a band-plate-like arm part 3, a sound emission part 4 supported by the arm part 3, a first attachment portion 7 and a first maintaining body 48. The first attachment portion 7 rotatably connects the arm part 3 at a central portion of the sound emission part 4 on a side opposite to a sound emitting side of the sound emission part 4 about a first axis P1 along a width direction of the arm part 3. The first to maintaining body 48 maintains relative positions of the sound emission part 4 and the arm part 3 around the first axis P1.

Abstract: A headphone includes a headband, a pivot joint, and an ear cup. The pivot joint includes a first rod that is coupled rotatably to the headband and that defines a first axis, a second rod that defines a second axis, and an intermediate rod that interconnects the first and second rods. The pivot joint is rotatable relative to the headband about the first axis. The ear cup is coupled rotatably to the second rod of the pivot joint, and is rotatable relative to the pivot joint about the second axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to enhance an ear bud including a headband coupled to one or more ear pads. The ear pad being formed of a material for providing dampening of ambient sound and physiologic compression. For example, the pad can be formed of a visco-elastic foam having a thickness to provide noise reduction and sufficient comfort by avoiding excessive compression on any one part of the ear. The headband and the ear pad provide a force for compressing the tragus and antitragus to partially isolate the ear bud in the external auditory canal.

Abstract: In a headphone having a headband and two speaker units respectively pivotally mounted on the two distal ends of the headband, each speaker unit includes a speaker eccentrically positioned therein, an ear cushion covered on the front side of the speaker and having an eccentric opening, and a soft front covering the ear cushion and defining with the eccentric opening a sound chamber for enhancing the sound produced by the speaker and having sound holes for output of sound from the sound chamber to the user's ear.

Abstract: A headset has first and second connectors and first and second earphones. A first electrical pathway extends from a first contact point associated with the first connector to a first contact point associated with said second connector, a second electrical pathway extends from a second contact point associated with the first connector to a second contact point associated with the second connector, and a third electrical pathway extends from a third contact point associated with the first connector to a third contact point associated with the second connector. One or both earphones are connected between the first pathway and the third pathway and neither the first earphone nor the second earphone is connected between the first pathway and the second pathway. The first and second earphones may be mounted at fixed angles such that the earphones project rearwardly and outwardly over, in spaced relation to, and approximately parallel to, ears of a user.

Abstract: A personal audio device including a flexible headband is disclosed. The flexible headband includes a left and right headband portion. The headband has a longitudinal centerline which occupies a substantially single plane. The personal audio device also includes a left earphone, which is secured to a first end of the left headband portion, and a right earphone, which is secured to a first end of the right headband portion. A connector portion connects a second end of the left headband portion with a second end of the right headband portion. The connector portion is linearly adjustable, which enables a distance between the left headband portion and right headband portion to be variable. A change in the distance causes an inversely proportional change in bent compression force applied by a left earphone and applied by the right earphone.

Abstract: A headphone device includes a sound amplifying member, a connecting member and a fixing member. The sound amplifying member includes a first speaker and a second speaker for outputting a sound. The connecting member is interconnected between the first speaker and the second speaker and made of first flexible material. The connecting member is flexibly wound around the first speaker and the second speaker. The fixing member is coupled to the sound amplifying member for securing the connecting member thereon after the connecting member is wound around the first speaker and the second speaker.

Abstract: There is provided a headphone including a headband having flexibility; a slider having flexibility with the headband attached at one end, and a headphone unit attached at the other end; a slide groove, arranged at an end of the headband or the one end of the slider, for guiding a circling movement of the slider with respect to the headband; and a slider guide, having rigidity higher than the headband and the slider, for holding the one end of the slider at the end of the headband so that one surface of the slider facing one surface of the headband circling moves with respect to the one surface of the headband while being engaged to the slide groove. A headphone that can be thinned while suppressing lowering of the attachment property is provided.

Abstract: An ear warming article that can be comprised of a C-shaped resilient band, an outer sleeve and a speaker or other electronic device is described. The outer sleeve is dimensioned to contain the resilient band, and includes two insulating, ear-receiving portions as well as a first opening through which the resilient band can be inserted or removed to yield an assembled or disassembled article, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the article includes an electronic device having one or more speakers located at the ends of the resilient band; additional openings in the outer sleeve may exist for any control functionality associated with the electronic device(s). The outer sleeve can be comprised of a washable fabric material, particularly suitable as a means for interchangeable advertising (team logo, branding, etc.). In other embodiments, the ear warming article includes additional advertising and/or securing features.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a spreading head harness for headphones or headsets and to headphones or headsets having a spreading head harness of this kind. In order to provide a spreading head harness for headphones or headsets which automatically spreads when opening or widening and remains spread during use and in which the partial harnesses are automatically brought together again after use, it is suggested to use partial harnesses and/or connection members of which the end areas twist around the longitudinal axis relative to the spring regions, the end areas are bent relative to the curvature, and a mechanical tension is generated in the partial harness when mounted.

Abstract: There is provided an earphone comprising a hoop band (1) for receiving at least one ear pad (OM). The hoop band (1) has at least two hoop band portions (2a, 2b), wherein at least two of the hoop band portions (2a, 2b) are rotatably connected together by way of a rotary joint unit (5). In addition in the region of the rotary joint unit the hoop band has a spring unit (10) which couples the two hoop band portions together and thus exerts a spring force on the hoop band portions (2a, 2b), wherein the spring force is adjustable by adaptation of the coupling by way of a coupling means.

Abstract: Headphones include a head harness and two ear pieces provided to respective ends of the head harness. Each ear piece is movably coupled to the head harness by a ball and socket arrangement structured to allow spherical articulation of each ear piece with respect to the head harness.

Abstract: A behind-the-head personal audio set for a personal audio device is disclosed. The personal audio set has a headband portion sized to grasp the crown area of the wearer's head while aligning at least one ear cup adjacent to the wearer's ear. The headband portion defines a longitudinal, substantially horizontal, axis that substantially intersects the center of the ear cup. In disclosed preferred embodiments, the ear cup defines an ear engaging plane and the preferred geometry of this ear engaging plane with respect the headband portion's longitudinal axis and an axis of symmetry are also disclosed. Preferably, the headband portion and ear cup portion are integrally molded and ear loops are over-molded, or dual molded, thereto.

Abstract: There is provided headphones that include a pair of left and right earcups, an audio signal processing unit contained in the earcups, a headband connecting the left and right earcups respectively through a hanger, and a cord to supply a signal to the audio signal processing unit. In the headphones, a connection portion between the hanger and the headband is configured as an extension and contraction unit having a multistage structure including a small-diameter hollow member able to be taken in and out of a large-diameter hollow member, a part of the cord contained in the extension and contraction unit is spirally wound so as to be extended and contracted, nodes are placed respectively between the headband and the extension and contraction unit and between the hanger and the extension and contraction unit, and the respective nodes have a through-hole allowing penetration of the cord.

Abstract: A headset comprises an audio output device, an audio input device, and a wire. The audio output device plays outgoing audio data. The audio input device receives incoming audio data. The wire connects the audio input device to a sound device that interprets the incoming audio data. The wire is further configured to be an antenna to one of transmit and receive radio frequency signals. The wire is further connected to a transceiver.

Abstract: The ear speaker device includes a mount section that is provided with ear-hook sections, and rotation sections that rotate speaker movable sections with respect to the mount section. Tubular ducts are positioned more inside than the ear-hook sections in a natural state. When the ear speaker device is mounted, the speaker movable sections are rotated to the most outside positions. Then, the ear-hook sections are brought into contact with auricle base upper sections, respectively, and the speaker movable sections are rotated inwardly. In this manner, the tubular ducts can be positioned in the vicinity of the external acoustic meatus openings, respectively, of the listener without interfering with auricles and the like.

Abstract: An ear-mounted audio device keeper includes a retainer, having has first and second ends, and a clip assembly at the first end, the clip assembly securable to an ear-mounted audio device. Each clip assembly can at least partially encircle and be secured to the ear-mounted audio device. The retainer can include a flexible but not stiff leash or a flexible, resilient headband. Some examples comprise a clip assembly at both the first and second ends, each clip assembly securable to an ear-mounted audio device, such as an earbud earphone. The audio device keeper can be used to maintain control over earbud earphones with the leash placed on one side of the user's neck and audio wires are placed on the other side of the user's neck.

Abstract: Wearable holding apparatus and methods for securing and storing wireless or wired telecommunication and electronic devices. The apparatus includes a holding unit attached on a user's body or the clothing or accessories of a user or otherwise proximate to the user and having one or more cords attached to the device during both use and non-use. The device is not only convenient to use but is secured from loss. The cord can be dispensed from a cord retracting mechanism for use and the cord retracted back into the mechanism following use. The user can transition from storage of the devices to use of the devices using only one hand and without visual contact with the device or storage unit. The apparatus is small in size and light in weight to allow the user to wear a wireless hands-free device on the ear while attached to the holding unit during use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A pair of earphones designed to be worn in or on the ear of a user, comprising at least one element for connecting a headband; a pair of ear clips or ear buds comprising a removably-attached headband; and a kit comprising (i) a pair of earphones designed to be worn in or on the ear of a user, comprising at least one element for connecting a headband; and (ii) a headband designed to be connected to said pair of earphones is provided.

Abstract: A behind-the-head personal audio set for a personal audio device is disclosed. The personal audio set has a headband portion sized to grasp the crown area of the wearer's head while aligning at least one ear cup adjacent to the wearer's ear. The headband portion defines a longitudinal, substantially horizontal, axis that substantially intersects the center of the ear cup. In disclosed preferred embodiments, the ear cup defines an ear engaging plane and the preferred geometry of this ear engaging plane with respect the headband portion's longitudinal axis and an axis of symmetry are also disclosed. Preferably, the headband portion and ear cup portion are integrally molded and ear loops are over-molded, or dual molded, thereto.

Abstract: There is provided a headphone with a behind-the-head headband comprising at least one transducer and a behind-the-head headband for receiving the transducer. The behind-the-head headband further comprises first and second contact locations for resting against a temporal bone of a wearer of the headphone. The spacing between the transducer and the first or second contact location can be adjusted. By virtue of the possibility of adjusting the spacing with respect to the contact location the transducer can be positioned exactly over the auditory channel of the headphone wearer without pressure points on the ear.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide headphones having no headband in which left and right driver units are connected by a cord passed behind the neck, wherein the headphones will not slip off if hung on the shoulders when not being used and are intended to improve fashionableness; in headphones 10 having no headband in which left and right driver units 2L, 2R are connected by a cord 4 passed behind the neck, the middle part of this cord is inserted into a cylindrical belt 11a, and also end members 12, 12 which fix the cord 4 and this cylindrical belt 11a are provided at both ends of this cylindrical belt 11a to form a belt-like strap portion 11; and further this cylindrical belt 11a is provided with a print or decoration which is pliable and flexible when being bent, for example.

Abstract: A modular personal audio set and related system of use is disclosed. The modular personal audio set has a connector for detachably securing different mating-fittings for engaging jacks of different audio products is disclosed. Preferably, the personal audio set is a headset and the connector is positioned along a wire that extends from the mating fitting to the audio driver of the personal audio set. More preferably, the connector also has a microphone and microphone activation button thereon.

Abstract: In headphones in which headphone units are worn on the head via a headband having a predetermined urging force, a substantially constant urging force is always obtained without being influenced by a difference in width and shape of the user's head. In headphones 100 including a headphone unit 200 in which an electroacoustic transducer is incorporated in a housing 210; and a head wearing means (for example, a headband 110) for supporting the headphone unit 200 via a hanger member, the headphone unit 200 being held at the ear position of the head in a state of being urged by the head wearing means, the hanger member is a support frame 120 arranged around the housing 210 of the headphone unit 200, and the headphone unit 200 is supported on the support frame 120 via a plurality of constant force spiral springs 130.

Abstract: An earmuff structure for headset or ear protector includes two earmuff shells and two integrally injection molded speaker mounting plates that are screwed to an inner side of the earmuff shells and each has a central hole for receiving a speaker therein. The speaker mounting plates are provided at a rear surface with wall portions of predetermined heights. The wall portions on one of the speaker mounting plates are formed from outer bottom surfaces of two battery compartments formed on a front surface of the speaker mounting plate at two sides of the central hole. With the speaker mounting plates, batteries and speakers may be quickly assembled to form the earmuffs or disassembled for replacement. The wall portions on each speaker mounting plate cooperates with a foam located behind the speaker to define a space functioning like a cabinet, creating clear and high quality stereo sounds output from the speakers.

Abstract: A reversible behind-the-head mounted personal audio set that may be worn on either a wearer's left or right ear is disclosed. The behind-the-head headband occupies a substantially horizontal plane and a headset-mounting portion is pivotally secured to the headband at a first pivot so that the center of the earphone is positioned below the plane of the headband. In one embodiment, a boom microphone is pivotally secured to the headset mounting portion at a second pivot axis spaced apart from said first pivot axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an earphone storage structure comprising a necklace, two fasteners formed in the two ends of the necklace respectively and a stopper formed in the necklace. The size of the fasteners is less than the size of the stopper and the size of the earphones. Therefore, the earphone may couple with the necklace with the fasteners fastening the earphones. Moreover, the stopper and the fasteners may together determine the extendable distance of the earphones.

Abstract: A headphone has a headband and two earpieces each connected to the headband so as to be pivotable about at least two pivot axes. The two pivot axes intersect one another at a point of intersection that is positioned on or near a central axis of the earpiece, respectively. Arms connect the earpieces to the headband, wherein the arms define a first one of the two pivot axes, respectively. A second one of the two pivot axes is fixedly arranged on the headband, respectively. In this way, the earpieces are rotatable about the arms and the arms are rotatable relative to the headband about the second pivot axes.

Abstract: A headphone has a headband and two earpieces each connected to the headband so as to be pivotable relative thereto. When assuming a Cartesian coordinate system having a Z plane that is a symmetry plane of the headphone, having a Y plane that is positioned perpendicularly to the Z plane and extends through a center of the headband, and having an X plane that is positioned perpendicularly to the Z and Y planes at any desired height, a pivot axis is provided between the headband and the earpiece, respectively, wherein the pivot axis is positioned at an angle of at least 10° relative to the X, Y, and Z planes, respectively.

Abstract: An earphone set includes two earphones and a connecting device. Each of the earphones has a sound output device respectively. The connecting device is connected to the two earphones. It is characterized in that the two earphones output sound signals in the same direction.

Abstract: An ear warming article that can be comprised of a C-shaped resilient band, an outer sleeve and a speaker or other electronic device is described. The outer sleeve is dimensioned to contain the resilient band, and includes two insulating, ear-receiving portions as well as a first opening through which the resilient band can be inserted or removed to yield an assembled or disassembled article, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the article includes an electronic device having one or more speakers located at the ends of the resilient band; additional openings in the outer sleeve may exist for any control functionality associated with the electronic device(s). The outer sleeve can be comprised of a washable fabric material, particularly suitable as a means for interchangeable advertising (team logo, branding, etc.). In other embodiments, the ear warming article includes additional advertising and/or securing features.

Abstract: Apparatus that prevents the end of a tube that covers a band of a headphone apparatus from being exposed and that, when a cord for transferring an audio signal or the like passes through the tube covering the band, prevents the cord from becoming wound around the band. A headphone apparatus is equipped with a band that is connected to left and right housings to which drivers are directly or indirectly attached and a tube that covers the band and is constructed so that a through-hole, into which the band and tube are inserted, is formed in each of the housings. The headphone apparatus includes fixing members that are inserted into ends of the tube that have been inserted into the through-holes and press the ends of the band against the through-holes. Also, the tube covering the band is constructed so that an internal space is partitioned in a lengthwise direction into two spaces.

Abstract: An MP-3 player includes a first speaker portion in which a speaker is mounted so as to be positioned at an ear of a user, an electric device portion which is mounted in the first speaker portion and provided with electric parts for reproducing sounds from an MP-3 file, a second speaker portion in which a speaker is mounted so as to be positioned at the other ear of the user; and a wearing means for connecting the first speaker portion and second speaker portion which is worn on the user's head. The speaker portions and the main body are integrally formed into a headphone or back-phone arrangement, thereby minimizing the size of the MP-3 player. Further, a separate wire is not needed in the MP-3 player, thereby reducing the trouble such as a short of the wire.

Abstract: An audio device has an electroacoustic transducer mounted on a clamp for converting an electric signal into an acoustic signal, an electromechanical vibration transducer for converting the electric signal into a mechanical vibration, and an abutting member having the electromechanical vibration transducer therein and mounted on the clamp so that the electromechanical vibration transducer is contacted with a cervix of a user when the audio device is worn on the head of the user.

Abstract: An earphone comprises a main body and an ear hanger. The main body is to be placed at an entrance of an external auditory meatus of an ear of a user. The main body includes a loudspeaker received therein. The ear hanger is connected to the main body. The ear hanger is adapted to be mounted on the ear. The ear hanger has a curved shape. The ear hanger comprises a core and a sheathing member for surrounding at least part of the core so as to provide a dual structure. The core is formed of hard material and the sheathing member is formed of elastic material.

Abstract: A flexible and manipulable wearable personal audio system for use with contemporary portable entertainment and other audio devices. The system includes a flexible manipulable member, speakers, and an audio source in communication with the speakers. A light source is provided optionally. The flexible manipulable member can be adjusted within a range of shapes and lengths. Speakers positioned within the flexible and manipulable member are excited by signals from an audio source. The audio source can be hard-wired to the speakers or be in communication with them using a wireless connection.

Abstract: A waterproof recreational audio device and method that transmits sound via transcutaneous bone conduction provides high fidelity musical signals to a user. The device can be worn on the head of a user and integrated into various types of headgear. The device is tunable for sound quality and comfort by adjusting and moving the sound transmitting transducers around the head of the user. The present invention uses commercially available transducers to produce sounds in the low, mid and high frequency ranges. A sound source for the musical signal can also be provided as part of the waterproof recreational audio device. Controls enable the user to select volume levels for the high, mid and low frequency ranges, while a volume limiter restricts the mid range to a preset maximum volume level to allow external ambient sounds to be heard via the ear canal and protects the hearing of the user.

Abstract: A chin loop headset comprising two acoustic transducers, and two side pieces, to the upper ends of which are fixed respective ones of the transducers and the upper ends of which can be moved elastically away from each other and which are connected together at their lower ends. The distance between the upper ends is adjustable at the connection of the lower ends.

Abstract: A lightweight communications headset includes a headband adapted to be worn on user's head. A speaker housing is carried by the headband and defines an acoustic chamber. A speaker mounted within projects sound waves into the acoustic chamber. The headband carries a pair of earpieces which are positionable adjacent to the user's ears for delivering sound thereto. The acoustic chamber is coupled to earpieces through acoustic passages which transmit sound waves produced in the acoustic chamber to the earpieces. The earpieces preferably include removable in-ear inserts, which may be constructed for insertion into the auditory canals of the user's ears. Since the in-ear inserts are removable, the headset can readily be configured for a variety of applications.

Abstract: A headphone includes two earphones attached to a headband by flexible adjusting bands for properly positioning and orienting the earphones with respect to ears of a wearer. Each earphone has a casing inside which a front-position speaker, a rear-position speaker, a middle-position speaker between the front-position and rear-position speakers and a lower-position speaker below the front-position, rear-position and middle-position speakers are arranged. The headband forms a casing inside which two top-position speakers are mounted, respectively associated with the earphones. The speakers are arranged to generate a multi-channel surrounding sound. The headphone also forms a chamber inside which a fan is fixed for generation of airflow to remove heat from the wearer.

Abstract: An ear warming article that can be comprised of a C-shaped resilient band, an outer sleeve and a speaker or other electronic device is described. The outer sleeve is dimensioned to contain the resilient band, and includes two insulating, ear-receiving portions as well as a first opening through which the resilient band can be inserted or removed to yield an assembled or disassembled article, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the article includes an electronic device having one or more speakers located at the ends of the resilient band; additional openings in the outer sleeve may exist for any control functionality associated with the electronic device(s). The outer sleeve can be comprised of a washable fabric material, particularly suitable as a means for interchangeable advertising (team logo, branding, etc.). In other embodiments, the ear warming article includes additional advertising and/or securing features.

Abstract: A headset capable of being donned with one hand comprises a headband with a variety of possible hinges disposed between the edges of the headband. In response to flexing the hinge by bringing the edges of the headband towards each other, the headband opens up sufficiently to allow a user to place the headband comfortably over his head, releasing the hinge to provide a snug fit.

Abstract: A headphone 10 has a pair of sound generating units 16 designed to be placed adjacent to ears of a user and a vibration generating unit 14 designed to be placed on a back neck of the user. In response to an audio signal, the sound generating units 16 generate acoustic sound and then provide it to the ears. Simultaneously with this, in response to the audio signal, the vibration generating unit generates vibrations to be provided to the back neck of the user. Then, the user will perceive the acoustic sound through ears and the vibrations through the back neck simultaneously. This provides the user with a dynamic sound effect.

Abstract: An audio headphone is disclosed having a pair of earpiece speakers affixed to an adjustable leaf spring such as to allow the headphone to affix to a user's head in such a manner as to align the speakers with the user's ears. The speakers are in electrical communication with a stereo, CD player, MP-3 player, or the like by a communication cable that terminates in a modular interconnection housing. The modular interconnection housing has a male communication connector protruding from one end, and a female communication connector received at the opposite end. The male communication connector is designed to provide electrical communication with the audio signal, and the female communication connector is designed to provide parallel electrical communication with the male communication connector.

Abstract: An earphone set includes two earphones and a connecting device. Each of the earphones has a sound output device respectively. The connecting device is connected to the two earphones. It is characterized in that the two earphones output sound signals in the same direction.

Abstract: In a neckband type headphone device there is provided a band onto which speaker units are connected to both ends thereof. These speaker units are worn on the left and right ears. The band has a shape wherein the area close to the connecting part between both speaker units forms a curve and passes above or below the ears of the listener when it is wound in a circular shape and extended.

Abstract: A headset with both a bone conduction speaker (1) and a microphone (2) is: excellent in fittingness to a wearer's head; free from any feeling of physical disorder; comfortable in use for a long period of time; and, substantially free from howling produced between the bone conduction speaker (1) and the microphone (2), and has its headband (3) run round the back part and the top part of the head. The headband (3) has its opposite ends carry a pair of head pads (5) held in abutting contact with opposite sides of the head. At least one of the head pads (5) carries both the bone conduction speaker (1) and the microphone (2).

Abstract: A combination hat and headset device (the “hatset”) for improved comfort, hygiene, and consistent microphone placement. The headset is a combination of speaker(s) or microphone(s) for use in communicating with some other system, such as a telephone or computer system. The hat supports the weight of the headset and provides a buffer between the headset and the user. The hat is separable from the headset, so it can be washed independently of the headset. The hat and headset are easily separable, so the hat may be user-specific while the headset is shared among multiple users. The headset is specifically designed to be able to fit any head, with several independent adjustments available for variations in ear and mouth shape, size, and position, and head proportions. The microphone boom is designed to be temporarily movable away from the user's mouth, and then rapidly and accurately restored to a formerly selected position.

Abstract: Stereo apparatus having angled speakers so as to direct sound at a desired angle relative to the ears of the listener. The disclosed arrangements enhance the stereo sound effect and provide accurate stereo imaging, as well as sound stage expansion, through the proper placement and orientation of speaker units relative to the ears of a listener. The speaker units may be positioned at optimum angles of incidence and distances relative to the ears of a listener. Adjustable positioning means are provided to enable control over the horizontal spatial dimension of the stereo sound. The speaker units may be fixed at a preset orientation, or pivotally mounted for positional adjustment by the listener. Speaker units and releasable mounts may be provided for attachment to eyeglass-style temple pieces for added convenience and comfort. A number of mounting arrangements for simplifying selection of the desired earphone angle are disclosed.

Abstract: A headset assembly includes an electronics housing and a replaceable battery. The battery includes a recessed region for limiting contact between the battery housing and the electrical contacts of the electronics housing. The contacts of the battery include raised regions for concentrating the electrical contact regions between the battery and the electronics housing, and to further clean the electrical contacts of the electronics housing during slideable insertion of the battery into the electronics housing.