Abstract: A hands-free personal communication device is worn about a user's neck. The communication device includes an elongated elastic neckband for supporting the communication device about the user's neck. The elastic neckband has memory characteristic and is bendable along its length such that the neckband is formable into and out of various selectable positions. An acoustic output device is attached to the neckband and positioned near an ear of the user when the communication device is worn about the user's neck. A microphone is attached to an end of the neckband. A detachable earbud may be attached to an end of the neckband.

Abstract: The present invention provides an earphone system having a first primary earphone having a portion for contacting a portion of an ear of a user; a first secondary earphone releasably connected to the primary earphone to define a first earphone assembly, the first secondary earphone having a portion for contacting a portion of an ear of a user; and a member for electrically connecting the primary earphone and the secondary earphone to a source of an electrical signal representative of an audible sound.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed and claimed herein relate to a family of cable assemblies which are adapted for use with personal headphones. Various configurations of the assemblies are disclosed herein, each of which provide some combination of many diverse features, including: (1) capability for converting a passive headphone into an active noise reducing headphone; (2) capability for converting a personal stereo headphone for use with a mobile phone; (3) capability for integrating two audio sources for use with a single set of headphones; and (4) capability for wireless communications between the cable assembly and any one or more of the audio sources and headphones.