Abstract: A suction cup headphone apparatus capable of enclosing an ear of a user by way of suction and delivering audible sound. The apparatus comprises a suction cup, a loudspeaker unit, and a housing unit. The suction cup is mounted to the housing unit. The loudspeaker unit is mounted inside the suction cup. The apparatus is placed over the ear. The user applies repeated pressure to the distal end of the suction cup. This forces air out of the suction cup, creating a suction seal between the apparatus and the ear and/or head of the user. The suction seal can keep the apparatus on the user's ear without the necessity of a band until the user removes the apparatus.

Abstract: An acoustically-sealed electronic device assembly comprising a first housing component, a second component, and a sealing element. The first housing component may have a locking element. The second component may have a threaded channel extending at least partially along a perimeter of the second component. The threaded channel may be sized to receive the locking element. The sealing element may be positioned at an interface between the first housing component and the second component. The locking element of the first housing component may be moved from a first non-engaged position to a second engaged position within the threaded channel of the second component. The sealing element may be compressed by the first housing component and the second component to form an acoustic seal at the interface.

Abstract: A headphone comprising: two headphone earcups each comprising: an earcup housing defining an active chamber that acoustically couples a sound output side of a speaker to an ear of a user, and an inactive chamber that surrounds the active chamber; and a passive valve assembly configured to open in response to a positive pressure and a negative pressure within the active chamber to fluidly couple the active chamber to the inactive chamber and equalize a pressure between the active chamber and the inactive chamber.

Abstract: A head-worn sound reproduction device is provided in the form of left and right earphones, which can either be clipped to each ear or mounted on other headgear. The earphones deliver high fidelity audio to a user's eardrums from near-ear range, in a lightweight form factor that is fully “non-blocking” (allows coupling in and natural hearing of ambient sound). Each earphone has a woofer component that produces bass frequencies, and a tweeter component that produces treble frequencies. The woofer outputs the bass frequencies from a position close to the ear canal, while the tweeter outputs treble frequencies from a position that is either close to the ear canal or further away. In certain embodiments, the tweeter is significantly further from the ear canal than the woofer, leading to a more expansive perceived “sound stage”, but still with a “pure” listening experience.

Abstract: A set of headphones and audio system comprises a first set of buttons for controlling a volume level of transmitted audio to the headphones and a second set of buttons for controlling a volume level of external audio played by the headphones. The transmitted audio comprises audio received from an audio source such as an electronic device and the external audio comprises surrounding ambient noise received by a microphone coupled to the headphones. With the first set of controls and the second set of controls a user is able to adjust the volume level of the transmitted audio and the volume level of the external audio in order to listen to the transmitted audio while still interacting with the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A headset includes a first earcup, a second earcup, and a headband. The headband includes a connecting member having a first end coupled to the first earcup and a second end coupled to the second earcup. A cushion is disposed below the connecting member. The cushion extends between the first end and the second end. The cushion includes a middle region configured to have a first density and adjacent side regions configured to have a second density that is higher than the first density.

Abstract: A transport and/or storage container with integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless earphones comprising a container housing, at least one receiving unit for at least partially receiving a rechargeable wireless earphone, and an electrical container charging contact for connecting the transport and/or storage container to an electrical energy source, wherein the receiving unit has an electrical coupling contact cooperating with an electrical earphone charging contact of a rechargeable wireless earphone when it is placed in the receiving unit for recharging and wherein the electrical container charging contact and the electrical coupling contact are in the form of mutually complementary electrical contacts.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an arcuate headband with a continuous band having left and right side portions joining at an apex. The left and right side portions terminate in respective arcuate ends. A head rest band spans between the side portions and is connected to the side portions below the apex and spaced from the apex. Left and right ear cups that define respective centers and respective peripheries are respectively attached to the arcuate ends of the left and right side portions. The arcuate ends of the left and right side portions are juxtaposed with the respective peripheries and are distanced from the respective centers of the respective ear cups. The left and right ear cups are cambered inward from front to back and each include an element that couples a respective arcuate end segment to a hinge inside the respective ear cup.

Abstract: Ear buds may have optical proximity sensors and accelerometers. Control circuitry may analyze output from the optical proximity sensors and the accelerometers to identify a current operational state for the ear buds. The control circuitry may also analyze the accelerometer output to identify tap input such as double taps made by a user on ear bud housings. Samples in the accelerometer output may be analyzed to determine whether the samples associated with a tap have been clipped. If the samples have been clipped, a curve may be fit to the samples. Optical sensor data may be analyzed in conjunction with potential tap input data from the accelerometer. If the optical sensor data is ordered, a tap input may be confirmed. If the optical sensor data is disordered, the control circuitry can conclude that accelerometer data corresponds to false tap input associated with unintentional contact with the housing.

Abstract: A set of headphones and audio system comprises a first set of buttons for controlling a volume level of transmitted audio to the headphones and a second set of buttons for controlling a volume level of external audio played by the headphones. The transmitted audio comprises audio received from an audio source such as an electronic device and the external audio comprises surrounding ambient noise received by a microphone coupled to the headphones. With the first set of controls and the second set of controls a user is able to adjust the volume level of the transmitted audio and the volume level of the external audio in order to listen to the transmitted audio while still interacting with the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A headphone earpiece cover includes an ear touching piece composed of a material; a headphone facing piece composed of the material and integrally connected to the ear touching piece; an elastic band integral with the headphone facing piece and surrounding an inner cavity; and the material being a moisture wicking material; the inner cavity is to receive an earpiece of a headphone; the elastic band secures the cover to the earpiece; and the ear touching piece and headphone facing piece surround the earpiece and prevent direct contact with the earpiece.

Abstract: A headphone includes two audio output devices and a headband connected between the two audio output devices. The headband includes a rubber block and at least one shape memory alloy wire. The shape memory alloy wire is at least partially embedded in the rubber block. The rubber block has at least one cutout.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an eyewear accommodating headset with adaptive and variable ear support. An example headset may comprise an ear cup with two or more distinct sections that differ in one or more characteristics. A first section is adaptively configured to accommodate a temple piece of a pair of eyeglasses of a wearer of the headset, and a second section is configured to maintain contact with a temple of the wearer of the headset. The different sections may comprise different foams (or different parts of foam, each with different characteristics). The characteristics may comprise hardness and/or density. Another example headset may comprise an ear cup with a divot that accommodates the temple piece of the eyeglasses.

Abstract: A wireless earphone that comprises a transceiver circuit for receiving streaming audio from a data source over a local ad hoc wireless network. When the data source and the earphone are out of range, they transition automatically to an infrastructure wireless network. If there is no common infrastructure wireless network for both the data source and the speakerphone set, the earphone connects to a host server via an available wireless network.

Abstract: Provided herein are wireless earbud systems that include a pair of earbuds connected at opposite ends of a lanyard. One or both earbuds may be connected to the lanyard by a releasable connection, that allows the (or each) earbud to be selectively attached to, detached from and reattached to the lanyard (or other lanyard). The earbuds contain electronics, but the lanyard is free of electrical connections. In certain examples, the wireless earbud system includes multiple lanyards of the same or different styles, colors, materials, or the like. The releasable connection allows the first and second earbuds to be selectively attached and detached from any one of the multiple lanyards, to allow a user to selectively choose and replace lanyards and/or earbuds. Each earbud may include a respective magnet (or one earbud includes a magnet and the other includes a magnetically attractable material) arranged such that the earbuds are magnetically attracted to each other, when brought together.

Abstract: Some headphone systems include two ear cups, a headband assembly, an interface system and a control system. Each ear cup may include an ear cup enclosure, an ear pad assembly, a speaker system and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly may be disposed within the ear cup enclosure such that it is not visible from outside the ear cup. The headband assembly may connect with each of the ear cups via the hinge assembly. The interface system may include at least one interface and a plurality of input source buttons disposed on at least one of the ear cups. Each of the input source buttons may be configured for selecting a source of audio data received via the at least one interface. The control system may be configured for controlling the speaker system to reproduce audio data received via the interface and selected by one of the input source buttons.

Abstract: One or more earbuds comprise one or more external connectors for removably coupling the earbuds with an additional article. The one or more earbuds are additionally able to comprise magnets for removably coupling with each other. In some embodiment, the one or more earbuds are configured to removably couple with a base unit. Based on a coupling and decoupling of the one or more earbuds with the base unit, a signal is sent to control a remotely located electronic device.

Abstract: A driver assembly including a driver module having a driver frame and a diaphragm coupled to the driver frame, the driver frame defining a front volume chamber coupled to a first side of the diaphragm and a back volume chamber; an internal control leak formed through the driver frame to couple the front volume chamber to the back volume chamber; and a first driver vent and a second driver vent formed through the driver frame to couple a second side of the diaphragm to the back volume chamber, wherein a centroid of the first driver vent is aligned with a centroid of the second driver vent.

Abstract: Disclosed is an earphone including a housing, a speaker unit accommodated in the housing, and a printed circuit board (PCB) accommodated in the housing, disposed below the speaker unit, and configured to provide an electrical signal to the speaker unit. Here, the speaker unit includes a first diaphragm, a first voice coil fixed to the first diaphragm, at least one magnet disposed below the first diaphragm, a frame which accommodates the first diaphragm, the first voice coil, and the magnet, and a substrate which receives and transmits an electrical signal from the PCB to the first voice coil. The substrate is disposed on an upper side of the speaker unit. The earphone further includes a connection pin.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to earphone device supports and earphone support cases. In embodiments described herein, an earphone support is configured to be securely positioned over an earphone device. The earphone support includes a main body with a supporting element extending therefrom. The supporting element has a curvature shaped to follow a contour of the earphone device such that it clips onto to the earphone device. In additional embodiments described herein, an earphone support case is configured to securely store the earphone supports and mate with an earphone device case. The earphone support case has a main body coupled to a lid by a hinge. The main body includes a plurality of earphone support mounts. Each of the earphone support mounts are configured to support one of a plurality of earphone supports such that each earphone support is securely positioned within the earphone support case.

Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.

Abstract: A set of headphones and audio system comprises a first set of buttons for controlling a volume level of transmitted audio to the headphones and a second set of buttons for controlling a volume level of external audio played by the headphones. The transmitted audio comprises audio received from an audio source such as an electronic device and the external audio comprises surrounding ambient noise received by a microphone coupled to the headphones. With the first set of controls and the second set of controls a user is able to adjust the volume level of the transmitted audio and the volume level of the external audio in order to listen to the transmitted audio while still interacting with the surrounding environment.

Abstract: One or more earbuds comprise one or more external connectors for removably coupling the earbuds with an additional article. The one or more earbuds are additionally able to comprise magnets for removably coupling with each other. In some embodiment, the one or more earbuds are configured to removably couple with a base unit. Based on a coupling and decoupling of the one or more earbuds with the base unit, a signal is sent to control a remotely located electronic device.

Abstract: For earwear with multiple support members supporting multiple configurations, methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed. One apparatus includes a first support member configured to contact a first portion of a user's head, a second support member configured to contact a second portion of the user's head different than the first, a positioner that moves the first support member and the second support member between a first configuration where the first support member is extended and the second support member is retracted, and a second configuration the first support member is retracted and the second support member is extended.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a signal cable and a coupler. The signal cable comprises: a first signal connector at a first end of the signal cable, and a second signal connector at a second end of the signal cable. The coupler is configured to be supported by the signal cable. The coupler comprises: a first fastener configured to constrain the first signal connector, a second fastener configured to constrain the second signal connector, and a third fastener configured to hold an article.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a middle housing; a frame including a first frame and a second frame, each of which have one end respectively coupled to both the left and right sides of the middle housing; a body housing coupled to the frame such that electronic parts are loaded therein; and a frame adjusting part for adjusting an angle between the first frame and the second frame or an arrangement thereof. The electronic device includes the frame adjusting part capable of changing the angle of a band hung around the neck of changing the angle of a band hung around the neck of a user, and thus is conveniently removed and can be stably fixed when worn.

Abstract: Most computer operating systems are able to automatically configure the coupled computer peripheral audio device for use with the computer operating system without the need for installation of a specific driver. However, when these computer peripheral audio devices are detected by the computing system, a generic audio device control configuration is often assigned to them and whatever customised settings previously configured by the user will be lost and replaced with a new set of unfamiliar setting. This poses much inconvenience and hassle to gainers when they use a different computing system or machine. Described according to an embodiment of the invention is a headset device and a device profile management method, operating on a computing cloud, comprising steps for receiving client data provided by a computing system detecting coupling of an audio device thereto and for retrieving configuration data corresponding to the client data for use in configuring the audio device by the computing system.

Abstract: One or more sensors are configured to contextualize a series of user generated movements to control one or more electronic devices. For example, a set of earphones comprises one or more sensors for sensing a location of the earphones. The one or more sensors enable earphones such as a pair of bluetooth or earphones wirelessly coupled to a bluetooth enabled electronic device, the capability to understand the configuration of use of the earphones. Based on a location and use or non-use of the earphones, one or more contextual responses is able to be applied for a given action. In addition, a garment comprises one or more sensors for sensing a motion of a user as the garment is being used. The one or more sensors allow the user to control one or more electronic devices through a series of user generated movements.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing device including: a holding section configured to hold a card that stores personal information; and a main body that is provided with the holding section and connectable to a strap section including a sound collection unit and an acoustic output unit, in which the main body encloses a sound signal processing unit configured to process a sound acquired at least by the sound collection unit and a processing unit configured to execute predetermined processing on a basis of the personal information stored in the card held by the holding section.

Abstract: A compliant constrained headband spring for audio headphones includes a headband spring element and a stiffness enhancing element coupled to the headband spring element. The compliant constrained headband spring exhibits a first stiffness in an open position and a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness when closed beyond a predetermined point.

Abstract: The shell for a mobile device comprises one or more functional modules attached to the shell and a connector, the functional module being capable of being electrically connected to the mobile device via the connector and a first interface of the mobile device, for providing a corresponding function for the mobile device. Such a shell can not only provide protection function for the mobile device but also can enhance the performance of the mobile device, enrich the function of the mobile device and promote the user's experience in using the mobile device.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a headphones device and a vehicle headrest. The headphones device includes a first speaker disposed in a first speaker housing, a second speaker disposed in a second speaker housing, and a headband connecting the first speaker housing to the second speaker housing. The vehicle headrest includes a recessed channel shaped and dimensioned to receive the headband, the first speaker housing, and the second speaker housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a binaural audio signal processing device. The binaural audio signal processing device includes a binaural renderer and an extra exciter. The binaural renderer receives an audio signal, and outputs a binaural-rendered audio signal by performing binaural rendering on the received audio signal. The extra exciter generates a stimulation to a body of a user, wherein the stimulation corresponds to the binaural-rendered audio signal.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a headphones device and a vehicle headrest. The headphones device includes a first speaker disposed in a first speaker housing, a second speaker disposed in a second speaker housing, and a headband connecting the first speaker housing to the second speaker housing. The vehicle headrest includes a recessed channel shaped and dimensioned to receive the headband, the first speaker housing, and the second speaker housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ear gear (100; 200), such as headphones, headset, ear protection or similar, having a pair of earpieces (102, 103; 203), being attached generally to a respective end region (106, 107; 206, 207) of an interconnecting headband (108; 208). Each earpiece is adjustably associated with the headband, for adjustment of the position of the earpieces relative to the headband. The ear gear further comprises at least two extending legs (106A, 106B, 107A, 107B; 206A, 206B, 207A, 207B) provided at the end region (106, 107; 206, 207) at the headband, and arm members (110, 111; 211) that at one end (110A, 111A; 211A) are attached to a respective earpiece. Further, the ear gear comprises an end cap (110E, 111E; 211E) provided at the respective headband end region (106, 107; 206, 207). At least one of the extended legs is rotatably arranged to each end cap (110E, 111E; 211E), such that the end cap can rotate relative to the at least one leg (106A, 106B, 107A, 107B; 206A, 206B, 207A, 207B).

Abstract: An earphone keeper having a jack clip to attach to an audio jack, several earphone clips to attach to respective speaker housings of a pair of earphones, and securement features that releasably couple the earphone clips to the jack clip, is disclosed. More particularly, an embodiment includes a magnet in the jack clip to magnetically attract soft magnetic inserts in the earphone clips such that the speaker housings are releasably retained at the audio jack and cable portions of the earphones resist tangling. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Media cord managing zipper systems in accordance with the present invention may comprise a zipper slider and a pull tab. Prongs may extend from the pull tab on opposing sides of a longitudinal axis of the pull tab. The prongs may be shaped to hold portions of a media cord in a cavity of the pull tab. The media cord managing zipper system may be incorporated into articles of clothing, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Abstract: A compliant constrained headband spring for audio headphones includes a headband spring element and a stiffness enhancing element coupled to the headband spring element. The compliant constrained headband spring exhibits a first stiffness in an open position and a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness when closed beyond a predetermined point.

Abstract: A variety of different implementations of waterproof headphone designs are disclosed as well as techniques for producing the same. The disclosed headphones may include one or more features which increase the buoyancy of the headphones.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for managing a cord, for example a headphone cord includes a first connector configured to connect to a second connector, creating a connection point such that the cord can be wrapped around the connection point. A third connector can also be included configured to attach a cord portion or a plug to a different cord portion when the cord is wrapped around the connection point.

Abstract: A head-mounted impact sensing and warning device includes a band adapted to be worn around at least a portion of the head or helmeted area of a user; an impact sensing device configured to sense an impact sustained by the head or the helmeted area of the user; at least one visual indicating device operatively coupled to the impact sensing device, the at least one visual indicating device configured to produce a visual indicator when the impact sensing device senses an impact that exceeds a predetermined impact level, thereby providing a visual alert that the impact sustained by the head or the helmeted area of the user exceeded the predetermined impact level; and a unit housing containing the impact sensing device and the at least one visual indicating device, the unit housing being coupled to the band or the helmeted area.

Abstract: A low profile earphone cover comprising a layer of soft, minimally absorbent mesh fabric and a flexible adhesive layer configured for affixing the cover on the ear pad of an earphone. The earphone cover is minimally visible, maintaining the original appearance of earphone. The earphone cover protects the ear pad from damage from sweat and bacteria and increases the comfort of the user by drawing sweat away from the surface of an ear's auricle.

Abstract: A waterproof structure for a microphone includes a single-directional sound head disposed within an upper sleeve, which is disposed above a fixing seat having two fixing end portions, wherein a peripheral wall interconnecting the fixing end portions is formed with an insert hole. An empty tube is inserted into the insert hole in the fixing seat. Top and bottom covers are mounted respectively on the upper fixing end portion of the upper sleeve and a lower fixing end portion of the fixing seat, wherein each of the top and bottom covers is formed with a central through hole. Three pieces of breathable waterproof fabric are disposed between the top cover and the upper fixing end portion of the upper sleeve and another six pieces are disposed between the bottom cover and the lower fixing end portion of the fixing seat.

Abstract: Headsets with non-occluding earbuds are disclosed. The earbud includes a non-occluding housing having a directional sound port offset with respect to a center axis of the earbud. The housing can have an asymmetric shape amenable to in-the-ear retention. Additionally, the housing can have a seamless or nearly seamless construction even though two or more parts are joined together to form the housing. Front and back volumes can exist for a driver of the earbud, and embodiments of this invention use mid-mold and rear-mold structures to achieve desired performance from the earbud. For example, the mid-mold structure can be used to tune the front volume while the rear-mold structure can be used to tune the back volume. Apertures may also be included in the housing to further improve the performance of the earbud.

Abstract: The utility model relates to an earphone with air release valve, comprising a shell, the shell is provided with an earphone rear cavity for accommodating a sounding unit, the sounding unit is placed in the earphone rear cavity and fixedly connected with the shell, the side of the shell facing the human ear is connected with an ear pad, the earphone is provided with an air release hole on the earphone shell between the earphone rear cavity and the earphone sound chamber cavity, and the air release hole is provided with an air release valve which automatically opens due to the increase of pressure. Therefore, when the people wear the earphone or transmit the earphone, the instantaneous pressure wave produced in the sound chamber cavity can be discharged from the air release valve.

Abstract: An acoustic device having a neck loop that is constructed and arranged to be worn around the neck. The neck loop includes housing that defines an acoustic volume, a first acoustic driver located at a first distal end of the housing and acoustically coupled to the housing, and a second acoustic driver located at a second distal end of the housing, opposite the first distal end and acoustically coupled to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing headphone/earbud/transducer wires through a clasping structure created when the earbuds are connected. The coupling of the headphones may create a clasping structure whereby the headphone wire can be coiled and then held in place, preventing the wires from knotting or tangling. When the headphones are connected to one another, there may exist a space between them, serving as a closed loop around the coiled headphone wires. When the headphones are unconnected, however, no such loop exists. The width of the loop may be approximately the same thickness of the coiled headphone wires so that friction holds the wires in place.

Abstract: Disclosed is a headset and a cover component for a connection port in a housing portion of a headset, wherein the cover component is movable relative to the position of the connection port, where the cover component is arranged to at least partly enclose at least a part of the housing portion, and where the cover component is configured to be: arranged in a first position where the connection port is uncovered by the cover component, and where a cable is configured to be inserted into the connection port; and arranged in a second position where the connection port is covered by the cover component.

Abstract: A headphone assembly is provided that includes two earpieces coupled by a flexible connecting wire. Each earpiece includes a single large button disposed on a distal side of the earpiece, thereby enabling a wearer to operate the system, even without direct access thereto.

Abstract: Headphones are provided that can be formed into one or more loops of sufficient size to be worn as an accessory when the headphones are not in use. The one or loops can be formed by a magnetic closure. The headphones can be worn as a necklace, a bracelet, or around the waist. The cord of the headphones can be accessorized with one or more additional components including a chain, a thread, multiple threads, a wire, a string of beads, or a string of charms.