AUDIO DEVICE CARRIER FOR HEADWEAR
A carrier for an audio device attaches to the adjustment strap at the back of an adjustable cap, visor or other headwear. Windows in the face of the pocket allow access to controls of the audio player. The carrier includes headphones with short cords having a length to comfortably reach a wearer's ears from the player mounted at the back of the headwear. A soft wide loop is provided on the back of the pocket of the carrier, approximately midway between the top and bottom of the carrier. The wide loop is sized to receive the adjustment strap of the adjustable headwear, and resist side to side twisting, sliding and pitching of the carrier relative to the strap.
This application is a nonprovisional of and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application 61/312,663, filed Mar. 10, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to carriers for electronic devices and, more particularly, to a carrier adapted for attachment to the adjustment strap or structure at the back of headwear.
BACKGROUNDOften, people carry portable audio players to listen to recorded music or programs or, depending upon the capabilities of the player, to listen to radio broadcasts. This is typically done while exercising, working or otherwise traveling.
To facilitate carrying such devices, many holsters have been devised. Some attach an audio player to a user's belt or arm. Others comprise pockets or other retainers (e.g., elastic bands) attached to the brim or panels of a cap (e.g., baseball cap).
While the known carrying devices may serve their intended purpose, they have shortcomings. Attachment to a belt or arm means that earphone cords must extend across the wearer's body, which is an annoyance and risks snagging. Attachment to the brim of a cap creates an unusual weight distribution. Additionally, items hanging from the brim distract the wearer and impede visibility. Attachment to a panel of the cap creates discomfort when the cap is worn.
What is needed is a carrier adapted for attachment to the adjustment strap of adjustable headwear with earphone cords having a length sufficient to reach from the held player to a person's ears without substantial slack.
The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTo solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, a carrier for an audio device is provided. The carrier attaches to the adjustment strap at the back of an adjustable cap, visor or other headwear. The carrier provides a pocket for securely holding a small electronic device such as audio player. Windows (e.g., apertures) in the face of the pocket allow access to controls of the audio player. The windows are sized and positioned to expose the controls, which may vary from audio player device to device. The carrier includes headphones with short cords having a length to comfortably reach a wearer's ears from the player mounted at the back of the headwear. A soft wide loop is provided on the back of the pocket of the carrier, approximately midway between the top and bottom of the carrier. The wide loop is sized to receive the adjustment strap of the adjustable headwear. The width of the loop resists side to side twisting. The size of the loop resists sliding and pitching of the carrier relative to the strap. The softness of the loop provides comfort to the wearer.
Optionally, a supplemental band may be provided to facilitate securing the device to headwear lacking an adjustable band, such as bike helmets. The band may comprise a strip of webbing with hook and loop fasteners. The band may be threaded through openings in the back of the helmet. The free ends of the band may be fastened to form a loop. Then the band may serve as the adjustable strap, to which the carrier may be attached.
An exemplary carrier system for headwear includes a headwear with a front and back and a strap at the back of the headwear. The carrier has an interior space defining a pocket for receiving an electronic audio device. The carrier further includes a front panel and a rear panel, a top with an opening for receiving the electronic audio device in the pocket, and a loop on the rear panel, the loop I similar to a loop on pants for receiving a belt, being configured to receive the strap at the back of the headwear. The loop is preferably soft. A clip may be attached to the headwear for use in lieu of a strap. The carrier is attached to the strap at the back of the headwear. Earphones include a pair of earbuds, an audio jack and cables coupling the earbuds to the audio plug, the length of the cables being less than twelve inches, or less than eleven inches, or less than ten inches, or about ten, nine or eight inches. A closure such as a snap, strap or lid may be provided at the top opening of the carrier. The front panel of the carrier may include at least one window, which may have a transparent covering. The strap at the back of the headwear may be a removable strap (e.g., a hook strap or a hook and loop strap such as a Velcro® strap) attached to the back of the headwear. By way of example and not limitation, the headwear may be a baseball cap, a visor, a beanie, a headband, a hair band, a helmet, or goggles. In one embodiment, the carrier is comprised of a resilient elastomeric material and includes a hingedly connected cover at the top of the carrier. The pocket may be waterproof with a waterproof audio plug junction.
The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where:
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. Any dimensions and proportions provided in the drawings are provided for exemplary purposes only, not to limit the invention to any particular size or relative sizes, except as may be expressly set forth in claims. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the types of materials, configuration, shapes, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or proportions shown in the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONReferring to
Windows (e.g., apertures) 206, 207 in the face of the carrier 205 allow access to a display and controls of the audio player 200. The windows 206, 207 may be sized and positioned to expose the controls, which may vary from audio player device to device. Permanent (e.g., transparent plastic) or removable coverings may be provided over the windows. Alternatively, the windows 206, 207 may be uncovered openings in the carrier 205.
The carrier 205 includes headphones (e.g., earphones a/k/a ear buds) 220, 225 with short cords having a length to comfortably reach a wearer's ears from the player mounted at the back of the headwear. The length is less than 12 inches per cord, and preferably about 10 inches per cord. The short cords of the headphones obviate tucking away, binding, dangling and entangling of excess cord.
Heretofore, earphones with cords having a length less than 12 inches have not been commercially available. Therefore, to accommodate consumers who may carry a music device, such as in a breast pocket of a shirt, manufacturers have devised various devices to wind and wrap-up the substantial excess cord. Such a device is inconvenient and results in a ball of wound cord that repeatedly strikes the wearer or constitutes a lump in a pocket.
After considerable experimentation, it was found that a cord of about 8 to 10 inches in length can extend from the back of a hat to a wearer's ears for various headwear. Various hats were evaluated, including baseball caps, helmets and beanies. Various size hats were evaluated. Adult and child size hats were evaluated. It was found that a cord length of about 8 to 10 inches is adequate to reach a wearer's ears in all test cases. It was also found that a cord length of about 8 to 10 inches is adequate to allow adjustment of the headwear in all cases. It was further found that a cord length of about 8 to 10 inches is adequate to allow at least partial removal of the hat with the earphones in place. While an 8 to 10 inch length provided some slack, the slack was not substantial and did not appreciably increase risk of snagging or constitute an annoyance.
It was found that a cord length of less than 12 inches provided other unexpected, but substantial, benefits. The weight of the minimal excess cord does not pull down on the ear buds and potentially dislodge them from the ear. The withdrawing effect of excess cord can be particularly troublesome during high impact activity such as running. In contrast, conventional the weight of full length conventional cords tended to gradually dislodge and eventually remove the earbuds, especially during physical activity. Even loosening earbuds in one's ears degrades perceived sound quality.
Another unexpected advantage is sound performance. The earphones with a cord length of 12 inches or less tended to have better quality sound than earphones having the same earbuds, but a conventional longer cord (e.g., 24 inches or more). It is believed that the improved sound quality may be attributed to lower resistance and impedance associated with the shorter length cable. Indeed, experiments showed a perceptible improvement in amplitude (i.e., the sound output was louder). Low bass sounds and high treble sounds were crisper and clearer with a cord of 12 inches or less in length.
Because, heretofore, earphones with cord lengths of 12 inches or less were not commercially available, they had to be manufactured for the subject invention. The earphones comprise audio output devices (ear buds) suitable for placement outside of the ear canal, without fully enveloping the ear. The audio output devices are connected to a an audio jack, e.g., a TS or TRS or TRRS connecter, 3.5 or 2.5 mm, or a proprietary connector for the device to which the earphones connect. The cords are shielded to preserve signal strength and guard against hum.
Locating the carrier at the back of the headwear, as shown in
A wide loop 215 is provided on the back of the pocket of the carrier 205, approximately midway between the top and bottom of the carrier. The loop is a pant-style loop for receiving a belt-like strap. It may be comprised of a strip of material attached to the back panel. It may lie substantially flat against the back panel until it is urged away from the back panel. The opening defined by the loop may only be realized by urging the loop material away from the back panel. The opening defined by the loop is sufficient to receive the strap (or a clip). The wide loop 215 is sized to receive the adjustment strap 115 of the adjustable headwear 100. A conventional belt loop for a waist belt is about 2 inches, which is too large. After extensive experimentation, a loop opening of no greater than 1.25 inches accommodates most headwear adjustment straps, which is typically about 1 inch in width for a baseball cap. Such width of the loop 215 resists side to side twisting and translational movement of the carrier relative to the cap. The size of the loop 215 resists sliding and pitching of the carrier relative to the strap.
The loop is preferably soft and/or cushioned, such as padded or quilted. Softness of the loop 215 provides comfort to the wearer.
The loop 215 preferably does not stretch appreciably under the weight of the carrier and its carried contents. A material (e.g., nylon webbing) with a tight weave is preferred to reduce elasticity. An inelastic material maintains a secure fit and reduces the tendency of the carrier to move (e.g., bounce) during strenuous activity. An elastic material may be used, so long as the elastic material exhibits adequate structural integrity to avoid appreciable stretching under the weight of the carrier and its carried contents.
A closure band 210, flap or lid is provided to retain the device 200 in the compartment defined by the carrier 205. The closure is releasably closed by snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or other form of releasably connection. The closure may cover a portion or the entirety of the opening of the carrier 205. In one embodiment, the closure may cover the entire opening of the carrier 205 to provide a weatherproof enclosure.
When the carrier is mounted on an adjustment strap of headwear, a portion of the loop 215 may contact the back of the wearer's head. A user familiar with the player may access controls through the windows 206, 207 while wearing the carrier, even though the controls may not be visible to the user. If necessary, the user may remove the headwear to adjust the controls. After the controls are properly set, the headwear may be returned to the user's head.
The headwear is not limited to a baseball cap. Rather, the headwear may be any type of headwear that either has a strap or pocket in the rear or that can be fitted with a strap or pocket in the rear. Thus, for example, in
As another example, the headwear may comprise a hair band 335, as in
As additional examples, the headwear may comprise goggles 350, as in
Windows (e.g., apertures) 370, 380 in the face of the carrier 365 allow access to a display and controls of the audio player. The windows 370, 380 may be sized and positioned to expose the controls, which may vary from audio player device to device. Permanent (e.g., transparent plastic) or removable coverings may be provided over the windows. Alternatively, the windows 370, 380 may be uncovered openings in the carrier 365.
Referring now to
The hinged top cover 410 may be urged open by pivoting it along the hinged joint 430. Opening the top cover as shown in
In an alternative embodiment of the exemplary molded resilient carrier 400, a window 440 is provided as shown in
In another embodiment, an exemplary carrier is configured to provide visibility in the dark. The carrier may be comprised of materials (e.g., fabrics, leather, vinyl or the like) impregnated or coated with luminous or phosphorescent inks, dyes or paints. In addition to or in lieu of the luminous or phosphorescent substances, a reflector, such as a retroreflector, may be attached to the visible surface of the carrier. Thus, illustratively, when a headlight of a car illuminates the retroreflector, reflected light is directed towards the car and its driver (rather than in all directions as with diffuse reflection). Concomitantly, a pedestrian can see luminous or phosphorescent substances in the dark without any incident light beam striking the carrier.
In yet another embodiment, the carrier may be attached to a clip that is attached to the back of a helmet. The clip may include a removable (e.g., snap fit or threadedly removably) or pivotable crossbar that fits through the loop 215 on the back of the carrier. The carrier, therefore, is attached to the crossbar of the clip, which is attached to the helmet. The clip may be glued, adhered or otherwise bonded to the back of the helmet.
In yet another embodiment, a waterproof carrier is provided. The carrier comprises a waterproof material (e.g., a waterproof fabric, vinyl or other waterproof material suitable for carrier construction), a watertight locking closure (e.g., a zipper storage bag style closure), and a sealed audio headphone jack. The sealed audio headphone jack includes a short cord and headphone plug within the carrier. The plug connects to the headphone jack of the electronic device. Waterproof headphones having the characteristics described above (e.g., length less than 12 inches) connect to the sealed audio headphone jack.
In another embodiment, the carrier may include an optional inflatable element. The inflatable element may close (i.e., seal) the top opening when inflated. The inflatable element may also comprise a protective inflatable envelope into which an electronic device may be inserted. When inflated, the envelope provides a snug fit. Sliding and rattling of the contained electronic device are virtually eliminated. The envelope may be inflated to accommodate various size electronic devices—the smaller the device, the greater the inflation.
While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components, types of components, sizes of components, configuration of components, and brands of components, including variations in order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.
Claims
1. A carrier system for headwear comprising:
- a headwear with a front and back and a strap at the back of the headwear; and
- a carrier with an interior space defining a pocket for receiving an electronic audio device, said carrier further including a front panel and a rear panel, a top with an opening for receiving the electronic audio device in the pocket, and a loop on the rear panel, said loop being configured to receive the strap at the back of the headwear, and said carrier being attached to the strap at the back of the headwear; and
- earphones comprising a pair of earbuds, an audio plug and cables coupling the earbuds to the audio plug, the length of said cables being less than twelve inches.
2. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, a closure at the top opening of the carrier.
3. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, a closure strap at the top opening of the carrier.
4. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, a lid at the top opening of the carrier.
5. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the loop being soft.
6. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the length of the cables being less than eleven inches.
7. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the length of the cables being less than ten inches.
8. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the length of the cables being about ten inches.
9. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the length of the cables being about nine inches.
10. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the length of the cables being about eight inches.
11. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the front panel of said carrier including at least one window.
12. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the front panel of said carrier including at least one window with a transparent covering.
13. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the strap at the back of the headwear being a removable strap attached to the back of the headwear.
14. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the strap at the back of the headwear being a removable hook strap of a hook and loop fastener attached to material comprising the back of the headwear.
15. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the strap at the back of the headwear being a removable hook and loop fastener strap attached to the back of the headwear.
16. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the headwear comprising a wearable object from the group consisting of:
- a baseball cap,
- a visor,
- a beanie,
- a headband,
- a hair band,
- a helmet, and
- goggles.
17. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, said carrier being comprised of a resilient elastomeric material.
18. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 17, said carrier further comprising a hingedly connected cover at the top of the carrier.
19. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 17, said pocket being waterproof, and said carrier including a waterproof audio plug junction.
20. A carrier system for headwear comprising:
- a headwear with a front and back and a clip at the back of the headwear; and
- a carrier with an interior space defining a pocket for receiving an electronic audio device, said carrier further including a front panel and a rear panel, a top with an opening for receiving the electronic audio device in the pocket, and a loop on the rear panel, said loop being configured to engage the clip at the back of the headwear, and said carrier being attached to the clip at the back of the headwear; and
- earphones comprising a pair of earbuds, an audio jack and cables coupling the earbuds to the audio jack, the length of said cables being less than twelve inches.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 10, 2011
Publication Date: Sep 15, 2011
Inventor: Steven D. Petitt (Atlantic Beach, FL)
Application Number: 13/045,143
International Classification: A42B 3/04 (20060101); A42B 1/24 (20060101);