Abstract: An ear tip includes a body configured to be mounted onto an earbud. The body includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first wall extending between the first and second ends. The first wall defines and surrounds a hollow passage that is configured to conduct sound waves. The first wall is configured to engage a nozzle on the earbud. The first wall includes a ring that is formed of a rigid material and engages the nozzle. The ring includes at least one C-shaped member with at least one gap and a compliant material is molded around the ring and fills the gap.

Abstract: An ear tip includes a body configured to be mounted onto an earbud. The body includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an inner wall extending between the first and second ends. The inner wall defines and surrounds a hollow passage that is configured to conduct sound waves. The body also includes an outer wall that is connected to the inner wall at the first end and extends away from the inner wall toward the second end. The inner wall has an oblong cross-sectional shape that is configured to accommodate a corresponding nozzle on the earbud. The inner wall includes a ring that is formed of a rigid material and engages and conforms to the oblong shape of the nozzle, which inhibits improper mounting and rotation of the ear tip relative to the nozzle.

Abstract: An earpiece includes an earbud that supports at least one electrode, and an ear tip that includes a hydrogel. The ear tip is configured to be coupled to the earbud such that the hydrogel overlies the at least one electrode and such that the hydrogel is disposed between the at least one electrode and the user's skin when the earpiece is worn.

Abstract: An ear tip includes a body configured to be mounted onto an earbud. The body includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an inner wall extending between the first and second ends. The inner wall defines and surrounds a hollow passage that is configured to conduct sound waves. The body also includes an outer wall that is connected to the inner wall at the first end and extends away from the inner wall toward the second end. The inner wall has an oblong cross-sectional shape that is configured to accommodate a corresponding nozzle on the earbud. The inner wall includes a ring that is formed of a rigid material and engages and conforms to the oblong shape of the nozzle, which inhibits improper mounting and rotation of the ear tip relative to the nozzle.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to compositions with omniphobic properties, and methods of preparing the compositions thereof. The omniphobic compositions can be used as coatings to make omniphobic materials, which can be used to manufacture a variety of apparatuses such as wearable devices, e.g., hearing aids.

Abstract: An ear tip for an earpiece including a body, an insertion end, and a retention structure. Some examples include an elongated fin along a portion of an outer leg of the retention structure. Some examples include an extended insertion end configured to insert further into a user's ear canal and including a mushroom cap for providing contact with an interior portion of the user's ear canal and to form an acoustic seal. Some examples may include an umbrella associated with the insertion end, between the mushroom cap and the body. Electrically conductive elements may be associated with any of the elongated fin, the umbrella, and the mushroom cap, to provide electrical contact with the user's skin for sensing electrical signals or for delivery of electrical stimulation.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to compositions of a soft touch material, and methods of preparing the compositions thereof. The compositions are suitable for use in apparatuses such as wearable devices, e.g., in-ear earpieces.

Abstract: A method of forming a device having a compliant member includes providing an elastomeric layer in an uncured state. The elastomeric layer is pre-cured to increase its viscosity. Subsequently, a bobbin and housing, each having an end, can be positioned such that their ends extend at least partially into the elastomeric layer. The elastomeric layer is cured to secure it to the bobbin housing. Examples of pre-cure and cure operations include one or more of a thermal cure, evaporative cure and ultraviolet cure, and the application of moisture, microwave energy and chemical additive. Due to the increased viscosity after the pre-cure, the migration of elastomeric material is substantially reduced relative to an uncured elastomeric material. The reduction in elastomeric material migration results in smaller menisci formed along the walls of the housing and bobbin, and reduced thinning of the compliant member formed at their ends.

Abstract: A method of forming a device having a compliant member includes applying heat to a thermoplastic elastomer to maintain the thermoplastic elastomer in a softened state. The thermoplastic elastomer is extruded in the softened state as a film of thermoplastic elastomer. One or more of a bobbin and a housing, each having and end, is positioned such that the end extends at least partially into the film of thermoplastic elastomer. The positioning occurs when the thermoplastic elastomer is in the softened state and/or the bobbin and/or housing is at a temperature that is greater than a temperature of the film of thermoplastic elastomer. The film is cooled so that the bobbin and/or housing are secured to the film and so that the thermoplastic elastomer is in a state that exhibits rubber-like properties.

Abstract: An earpiece includes an earbud that supports at least one electrode, and an ear tip that includes a hydrogel. The ear tip is configured to be coupled to the earbud such that the hydrogel overlies the at least one electrode and such that the hydrogel is disposed between the at least one electrode and the user's skin when the earpiece is worn.

Abstract: Headphone ear tips are made with an outer surface that changes its coefficient of friction. The outer surface is coated with photochromic compound, hierarchical microstructures, fibers formed through electrostatic flocking, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An example composition includes a cloth, which has on each side thereof, a first waterproofing agent, a barrier which inhibits or prevents environmental degradation, and an elastomeric barrier including a second waterproofing agent. Another example composition includes a cloth with a phenolic resin coating having, on each side thereof, a first waterproofing agent, a barrier which inhibits or prevents environmental degradation, and an elastomeric barrier including a second waterproofing agent.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to compositions including viscoelastic materials. The compositions are suitable for use in earpieces such as in-ear earpieces.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to materials that includes phase change materials. The materials are suitable for use in acoustical devices such as headphones.

Abstract: A method of forming a device having a compliant member includes providing an elastomeric layer in an uncured state. The elastomeric layer is pre-cured to increase its viscosity. Subsequently, a bobbin and housing, each having an end, can be positioned such that their ends extend at least partially into the elastomeric layer. The elastomeric layer is cured to secure it to the bobbin housing. Examples of pre-cure and cure operations include one or more of a thermal cure, evaporative cure and ultraviolet cure, and the application of moisture, microwave energy and chemical additive. Due to the increased viscosity after the pre-cure, the migration of elastomeric material is substantially reduced relative to an uncured elastomeric material. The reduction in elastomeric material migration results in smaller menisci formed along the walls of the housing and bobbin, and reduced thinning of the compliant member formed at their ends.

Abstract: Headphone ear tips are made with an outer surface that changes its coefficient of friction. The outer surface is coated with photochromic compound, hierarchical microstructures, fibers formed through electrostatic flocking, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming a device having a compliant member includes applying heat to a thermoplastic elastomer to maintain the thermoplastic elastomer in a softened state. The thermoplastic elastomer is extruded in the softened state as a film of thermoplastic elastomer. One or more of a bobbin and a housing, each having and end, is positioned such that the end extends at least partially into the film of thermoplastic elastomer. The positioning occurs when the thermoplastic elastomer is in the softened state and/or the bobbin and/or housing is at a temperature that is greater than a temperature of the film of thermoplastic elastomer. The film is cooled so that the bobbin and/or housing are secured to the film and so that the thermoplastic elastomer is in a state that exhibits rubber-like properties.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to compositions having an elastomer and phase change materials, materials having an ability to provide one or more sensations upon contact with a person's skin, or a combination thereof. The compositions are suitable for use in earpieces such as in-ear earpieces.