Particular Support Structure Patents (Class 381/374)
  • Publication number: 20150146908
    Abstract: An ambient and audio earphone system having a right-side earbud and a left-side earbud operatively connected to a detachable electronic clasp that is in communication with an electronic pendant for controlling the operation of the ambient and audio earphone system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: David Kalhok
  • Patent number: 9042590
    Abstract: A positioning and retaining structure for an in-ear earpiece. An outer leg and an inner leg are attached to each other at an attachment end and attached to a body of the earpiece at the other end. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure have a stiffness that is greater when force is applied to the attachment end in a counterclockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg than when force is applied to the attachment end in a clockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg. The positioning and retaining structure position an earpiece associated with the earpiece in a user's ear and retains the earpiece in its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan C. Silvestri, Eric M. Wallace, Kevin P. Annunziato, Ian M. Collier, Michael Monahan
  • Publication number: 20150139470
    Abstract: A hearing article having an acoustic decoupling section is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a hearing article described herein includes a tether having a first end attached to a first hearing device, a first acoustic decoupling section proximate the first end, and a substantially straight intermediate section. The acoustic decoupling section comprises a predetermined shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Jacob H. Ely
  • Publication number: 20150139471
    Abstract: A system for securing headphone transducers is provided. In one aspect of the present invention, the system comprises a first transducer device having a first mechanical housing, which has an outer surface and an inner surface. A first coupling device is affixed to the outer surface of the first mechanical housing of the first transducer device. A second transducer device has a second mechanical housing, which has an outer surface and an inner surface. A second coupling device is affixed to the outer surface of the second mechanical housing of the second transducer device. The first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device when in close proximity to each other, such that the inner surfaces of the first and second mechanical devices are opposed to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: KADDAN ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick Sean HARPER
  • Patent number: 9036847
    Abstract: A glasses apparatus which works in conjunction with a display apparatus which operates in a multi-view mode to combine and output a plurality of contents. The glasses apparatus includes: a first interface module which receives a synchronization signal in a first wireless communication method; first and second glasses mounted on a glasses frame and which are driven in synchronization with one of the plurality of contents based on the synchronization signal; a second interface module which receives an audio signal of at least said one content in a second wireless communication method; a controller which selects an audio signal of said one content from among audio signals corresponding to the plurality of contents, and an audio outputter which outputs the audio signal of the selected content, and which is integrally formed with the glasses frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jea-hee Han, Je-hwan Seo, Ju-won Cho
  • Patent number: 9036854
    Abstract: Audio equipment comprising a signal generating module (26) arranged to output signals to a pair of speakers (20), wherein the speakers (20) are mounted upon respective housings (18), adapted to be carried by a glasses frame unit (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Marcus Lewis
  • Patent number: 9036850
    Abstract: An augmented custom fit headset (300) is disclosed. The augmented headset (300) can include: a wearable module (310) configured to be worn around a user's head including an outer band structure (312) with left and right ends (314) and (316), at least one of the left and right ends (314) and (316) having an inner facing cavity (318); earpiece modules (322) and (324) including left and right speakers (326) and (328) connected to the left and right ends (314) and (316); and a removable inner band (330) including a plug portion (332), the plug portion (332) being snap connected to the inner facing cavity (318), defining a snap connector (336). Advantageously, this structure provides an improved removable inner band (330), which is effective, economical, reliable and easy to use. Also, this construction helps to allow the plug portion (332) to remain in place, during use, and can slightly deflect or bend inwardly, to facilitate insertion and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: David W. Larmour, Carl A. Cepress, Scott A. Wilke, Mark D. Zaveson
  • Patent number: 9036851
    Abstract: Electrical signals corresponding to sound are received at a wire, and sound is generated at a speaker connected to the wire. The sound is resonated in a cavity of a shell housing the speaker, and then passed along a transmission tube toward a pinna of a user's ear without directing the sound directly toward the user's ear canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Yan-Ru Peng
  • Patent number: 9031275
    Abstract: A headset (1) comprising an attachment device (2) for attaching the headset (1) to the head of a user and a speaker housing (3). The speaker housing 3 is connected slidable along and rotatable about a first axis (X) to the attachment device (2), such that it can be placed into a selected longitudinal and angular position within a longitudinal interval (LI) and an angular interval (AI). The longitudinal interval (LI) comprises a first zone (Z1) and a second zone (Z2), and the speaker housing (3) can rotate through a first angular interval (AI1), when in the first zone (Z1) and through a second angular interval (AI2), when in the second zone (Z2). The first angular interval (AI1) is larger than the second angular interval (AI2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventor: Brian Brødsgaard
  • Patent number: 9014409
    Abstract: An earcup assembly for a headset may include a housing having a first side adapted to engage the head of a user when in use and a second side opposite thereto. A recess provided in the second side of the housing receives and stores a battery. A battery door is arranged to slidably engage the second side of the housing such that the battery door may be moved between a first, open position in which the recess is accessible to a user and a second, closed position in which the recess is covered by the battery door. Preferably, the earcup assembly includes active noise reduction circuitry. One or a pair of such earcup assemblies may be arranged to form a headset, wherein the assemblies are coupled to a headband via yokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Andre Steyn, Aran Pudney
  • Patent number: 9008345
    Abstract: An earphone device includes a housing having a driver unit, and a sound guide tube mounted on a front surface of the housing to protrude from the front surface, in which the sound guide tube is disposed at a position deviated from a center position of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Matsuo, Takashi Ohta, Koji Nageno, Tomohiro Ito
  • Publication number: 20150086059
    Abstract: A headset system for interchangeable wearing styles is disclosed. A retention element is detachably coupled to an earpiece, allowing the headset to interchange between a headband, ear loop and neckband wearing style. The retention element comprises a security element that prevents rotation of the earpiece when coupled, providing a stable and ergonomic wearing experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Gougherty, John Kelley, Erik Tews
  • Patent number: 8989426
    Abstract: A positioning and retaining structure for an in-ear earpiece. An outer leg and an inner leg are attached to each other at an attachment end and attached to a body of the earpiece at the other end. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure have a stiffness that is greater when force is applied to the attachment end in a counterclockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg than when force is applied to the attachment end in a clockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg. The positioning and retaining structure position an earpiece associated with the earpiece in a users ear and retains the earpiece in its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan C. Silvestri, Eric M. Wallace, Kevin P. Annunziato, Ian M. Collier, Michael Monahan
  • Patent number: 8976993
    Abstract: A system for securing headphone transducers is provided. In one aspect of the present invention, the system comprises a first transducer device having a first mechanical housing, which has an outer surface and an inner surface. A first coupling device is affixed to the outer surface of the first mechanical housing of the first transducer device. A second transducer device has a second mechanical housing, which has an outer surface and an inner surface. A second coupling device is affixed to the outer surface of the second mechanical housing of the second transducer device. The first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device when in close proximity to each other, such that the inner surfaces of the first and second mechanical devices are opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kaddan Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Sean Harper
  • Patent number: 8976995
    Abstract: An ear unit for stably fitting in an ear includes a first surface facing inwardly toward the ear, a second, opposite surface facing outwardly from the ear and an outer circumferential surface formed between the first and second surfaces. The outer circumferential surface is shaped as a decremental curve. The distance between the ends of the decremental curve is approximately equal to the distance between a first cavity formed under the tragus of the ear and second cavity covered by the lower node of the antihelix of the ear. The first surface is provided with a curvature that provides a contact surface that substantially conforms to the concha, providing an improved attachment, thereby enabling the ear unit to fit closely against the concha when the ear unit is positioned into the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Freebit AS
    Inventor: Richard Steenfeldt Berg
  • Publication number: 20150063622
    Abstract: An audio headset includes a pair of earphones and a nape-band. The earphones are secured to the nape-band at respective ends of the nape-band. A pair of suspension elements each have (i) a first end connected to the headset at a location in front of a user's respective ear when the user is wearing the headset, and (ii) a second end connected to the headset at a location behind the user's respective ear when the user is wearing the headset. As such, each suspension element at least partially wraps around a portion of a top of a respective ear of the user to support the headset when the headset is being worn by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Eric M. Wallace
  • Patent number: 8971562
    Abstract: A headphone can have at least one wireless audio reproducing element attached to a headband. The headband may have parietal and temporal features with the temporal feature contacting a user's temporal bone and the parietal feature having a curvilinear extension from the temporal feature that contacts a predetermined portion of a user's parietal bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: WR Nine Ventures LLC
    Inventors: Mark Clayton, John Grayson Estes, Phillip Dale Lott
  • Patent number: 8929582
    Abstract: A positioning and retaining structure for an in-ear earpiece. An outer leg and an inner leg are attached to each other at an attachment end and attached to a body of the earpiece at the other end. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure have a stiffness that is greater when force is applied to the attachment end in a counterclockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg than when force is applied to the attachment end in a clockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg. The positioning and retaining structure position an earpiece associated with the earpiece in a users ear and retains the earpiece in its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan C. Silvestri, Eric M. Wallace, Kevin P. Annunziato, Ian M. Collier, Michael Monahan
  • Patent number: 8929581
    Abstract: A headphone apparatus is provided that may include a headphone and a writing surface. The headphone may include a headband, supports, and earpieces. The writing surface may be attached to a portion of the headphone. The writing surface may comprise a surface adapted to be written and erased on repeatedly, such as a dry-erase panel. The headphone apparatus may also include an eraser, which may be adapted to substantially and repeatedly erase what is written on the writing surface. The eraser may be slidably attached to at least a portion of the writing surface. Alternatively, the eraser may be attached to a portion of the headphone and/or the writing surface removably and/or via a flexible material. The headphone apparatus may further include a writing apparatus, which may be attached to a portion of the headphone apparatus and/or the writing surface removably and/or via a flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Zeikos Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Kost
  • Patent number: 8913774
    Abstract: The present invention provides a double earphone structure and an electronic device. The double earphone structure comprises a primary earphone assembly having a primary earphone rod, and a secondary earphone assembly having a secondary earphone rod which can be in snapping connection with the primary earphone rod. When desired in use, the secondary earphone rod is detached from the primary earphone rod, and the primary earphone receiver and the secondary earphone receiver can be used simultaneously so as to obtain dual-channel, stereo effect. When not in use, the secondary earphone rod is connected with the primary earphone rod via a snapping structure, so it is convenient to retract the double earphone structure into an earphone cable retracting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Xinjiang Tiandi Group
    Inventor: Daqing Zheng
  • Patent number: 8897480
    Abstract: There is provided an in-ear earphone having a housing (50) for receiving an electroacoustic transducer and an expansion adaptor unit (20) which is coupled to the housing (50) of the in-ear earphone. The expansion adaptor unit (20) has an expansion unit (20) with an upper portion (26) having a curvature for fitting into a crus inferius anthelicis, an anti-helix and/or a concha of an ear of a user. The expansion adaptor unit further has at least one coupling element for coupling the upper portion (26) to the housing (50) of the in-ear earphone, wherein the expansion unit (20) has at least two flexible legs (22, 25) as coupling elements, wherein one leg (22) is coupled to a first end (28) of the upper portion (26) and a second leg (25) is coupled to a second end (29) of the upper portion (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Chee Keong Tan, Yuen Shen Wong
  • Patent number: 8891798
    Abstract: Headphones can be configured such that back surfaces of the speaker housings can be coupled to form a loop enabling users to wear the headphones around their necks when the speakers are not in use. In various embodiments, faces of the respective speaker housings may comprise asymmetrical, complementary surfaces. In such embodiments, the users can distinguish between the speakers intended to correspond with respective right and left stereo channels by tactile feel. In some embodiments, the interlocking of the housing structures can be achieved by magnetic force to maintain the coupling when the speakers are not in use but can be decoupled by the user without undue effort. In some embodiments, the speaker housings are configured to constrain the housings to a specific orientation when mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Emmanuel J M Laffon de Mazieres, Adam K. Cybart, Nicholas Ryan Gilmour, Marc Rene Walliser, Chi Chiu Kwok
  • Patent number: 8873790
    Abstract: Non-occluding earbuds and methods for making the same are disclosed. The earbud has a non-occluding housing having a directional port positioned offset with respect to a center axis of the housing. The directional port may be constructed to project acoustic signals into the user's ear canal. In addition, the directional port can include separate openings or ports for different front volumes existing within the housing. Front and back volumes can exist for each speaker contained within the housing, and embodiments of this invention use a midmold structure that enables the front volumes to be tuned independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hayashida, Jonathan Aase, Julian Hoenig
  • Publication number: 20140314265
    Abstract: A set of headphones comprises first and second earpiece assemblies connected by a headband. At least one of the first and second earpiece assemblies comprises a housing, with a rotatable speaker arranged within the housing and configured to rotate independently of the housing about a designated axis of the earpiece assembly responsive to actuation of a control mechanism. The speaker may be configured to rotate about the designated axis without requiring that the headphones be removed from a head of a user. For example, the rotatable speaker of the earpiece assembly may be configured to rotate between at least first and second positions associated with respective internal and external listening modes in which a front side of the speaker is configured to face in respective inward and outward directions. The rotatable speaker may be further configured to rotate into at least one intermediate position between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: LSI Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph M. Freund
  • Patent number: 8861766
    Abstract: A headphone set has at least one speaker section. The speaker section includes a baffle having at least one sound emitting hole, a surrounding wall formed on the baffle so that the surrounding wall protrudes from the baffle and surrounds the sound emitting hole, a speaker unit installed within the surrounding wall and having a first surface to face the sound emitting hole and an opposite second surface, a unit case provided as touching the surrounding wall and covering the second surface of the speaker unit, a first cavity existing as enclosed by the unit case and the second surface of the speaker unit, and a housing provided as touching the baffle and covering the unit case, a second cavity existing as enclosed by the housing, the unit case, and the baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Ouryouji
  • Patent number: 8861767
    Abstract: Audio headphones for personalizing a wearer's headphones by inserting a variety of interchangeable décor strips onto a headband of the headphones. The interchangeable décor strips may include many different designs, colors and materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Monster, LLC
    Inventors: Noel Lee, Jacky Hsiung, Kendrew Lee
  • Patent number: 8861769
    Abstract: A headphone device includes a first audio output module, a second audio output module, and a head module connected between the first and second audio output modules that are located at both ends of the head module respectively. The head module stays bent when in use and stays straight when in compact storage. Thus the form factor of the headphone device in compact storage is relatively smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yin Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 8855353
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a headset device, an audio device and methods of receiving a radio signal via the headset device, wherein the headset device comprises at least one first conductor for supplying an audio signal to a respective ear-piece, a second conductor arranged in a loop configuration for providing a magnetic antenna, and a connector (50) having at least one respective first connecting portion (3, 4) for providing a connection to the at least one first conductor (140), a second connecting portion (1) for providing a connection to a first end of the second conductor (70), and a third connecting portion (2) for providing a connection to a second end of the second conductor (70), wherein an output of the magnetic antenna is provided between the second and third connecting portions (1, 2). At the audio device, an impedance transformer (10) is coupled to the second and third connecting portions at its primary side and to an amplifier (20) at its secondary side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventor: Cor Meesters
  • Patent number: 8848958
    Abstract: A hearing aid retainer accessory is provided for use with a hearing aid having a housing with a longitudinal end face portion comprising a mechanical connection terminal and an electrical connection point. The hearing aid retainer accessory comprises a retainer element with a first end face portion having a first mechanical connection means configured to be engageable to a mechanical connection terminal of a longitudinal end face portion of a housing of a hearing aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventor: Morten Friis Karlsen
  • Patent number: 8848965
    Abstract: A device for preventing the tangling of cords associated with in-ear earphones is disclosed. The device includes an annular portion and a sectioned membrane disposed interior to the annular portion. The annular portion is formed of an elastomeric material. The sectioned membrane includes a plurality of separate sections where each section is configured to be displaced independently of another section. The sectioned membrane is configured to grip a cord associated with a pair of in-ear earphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Garret W. Glaser
  • Patent number: 8848957
    Abstract: A hearing aid retainer accessory to be used together with a hearing aid is provided having a housing with a relatively large diameter longitudinal end face portion and a relatively smaller diameter hook-end to which a hook is attached. The hearing aid retainer accessory comprises an elongated string with a first end portion and a second portion, a first attaching means connected to the first end portion and a second attaching means connected to the second portion, wherein the first attaching means is attachable to a hook of a hearing aid, the second attaching means is attachable to a longitudinal end face portion of a housing of a hearing aid, such that a retaining ring is formed of both the geometry of a hearing aid and the elongated string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventor: Morten Friis Karlsen
  • Patent number: 8842871
    Abstract: Headsets are provided with integrated switch assemblies. An integrated switch assembly can include a switch hidden from view by a housing. The switch can be activated when a user applies pressure to the housing. The housing may include a flexible housing cover that, when depressed, may engage the switch contained within the housing. When engaged, the switch may move or snap to a switch activation position within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventors: M. Evans Hankey, Eric B. Daniels
  • Patent number: 8831265
    Abstract: A restraint device for a pair of headphones having a pair of earphones, an audio plug, and a pair of wires coupling the pair of earphones to the audio plug, wherein the restraint device includes a body of a material, wherein the material includes an interior channel, wherein the interior channel is configured to have the pair of wires be slidably disposed therein, wherein the interior channel is configured to have the audio plug be removably disposed therein, wherein the interior channel is configured to restrain relative movement of the pair of wires with respect to the audio plug when the pair of wires and the audio plug are disposed adjacently within the interior channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: David Pang, Jeffrey Pang, Caroline Pang, Stephen Y. F. Pang
  • Patent number: 8824720
    Abstract: A detachable earphone is disclosed. The detachable earphone comprises an audio plug; an earplug; and an earphone cable connecting the audio plug to the earplug, wherein at least one of the audio plug and the earplug forms a joining portion, at least one end of the earphone cable forms an insertion portion, and the insertion portion is detachably engaged in the joining portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Bang Wu, Zhi-Hua Lin, Yi Xiong
  • Patent number: 8818012
    Abstract: An adjustable, dual speaker element earphone. One of the speaker elements is sized to fit into the cavum concha of the listeners ear and the other element is not. A hinged joint may allow the larger speaker element may be rotated about a vertical axis of the hinged joint so that the larger speaker element can be rotated towards or away from the listener's ear. The speaker elements may be connected such that sounds produced by both speaker elements emanate from different respective sound openings defined in a surface of the smaller speaker element. Also, one or both of the speaker elements may be operably connected to a hanger bar that is sized and configured to rest on an upper portion of the listener's ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Koss Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Pelland, Ronaldo J. Santiago, James J. Potter, Mandy M. Johnson, Allan G. Mlodzikowski, Michael J. Koss
  • Patent number: 8818011
    Abstract: A noise-reducing headset, comprising a suspending arm, a connection device, and an ear cover part is disclosed. An engaging device is disposed on both ends of the suspending arm, wherein a position fixing part is disposed on one end of each of the engaging devices. Both ends of each of the connection device are respectively provided with a pivot joint part and an opening for engaging the engaging device. One side of the connection device is provided with a hollow slot. The hollow slot is communicated with the opening such that the position fixing part adjusts the distance the suspending arm entering into the connection device. Moreover, the ear cover part is connected to the pivot joint part of the connection device such that the noise-reducing headset can be collapsed inward by using the pivot joint part to make the noise-reducing headset convenient for a user to take along.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: High Rainbow Ent, Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Chun-Chieh Chen
  • Patent number: 8798305
    Abstract: A system for securing headphone transducers is provided. In one aspect of the present invention, the system comprises a first transducer device having a first mechanical housing, which has an outer surface and an inner surface. A first coupling device is affixed to the outer surface of the first mechanical housing of the first transducer device. A second transducer device has a second mechanical housing, which has an outer surface and an inner surface. A second coupling device is affixed to the outer surface of the second mechanical housing of the second transducer device. The first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device when in close proximity to each other, such that the inner surfaces of the first and second mechanical devices are opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Kaddan Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Sean Harper
  • Publication number: 20140211976
    Abstract: An audio listening device having a damped ball joint type interface between an ear-cup assembly and a headband assembly is provided. For example, the audio listening device can include a headband assembly comprising at least one end; an ear-cup assembly pivotably engaged to the at least one end of the headband assembly by an engagement structure, the engagement structure comprising at least two cooperatively coupled curved surfaces; and a damper rim coupled to the ear-cup assembly and to the at least one end of the headband assembly, wherein the damper rim is configured to at least partially constrict movement of the ear-cup assembly relative to the headband assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Brunner, Gregoire Vandenbussche
  • Patent number: 8781148
    Abstract: The present inventive subject matter provides a headphone with a cord support that permits storage of a cord. The headphone can be moved between a closed configuration and an open configuration through extension or eversion of a headphone element or elements. In the open configuration, a structure or a surface is exposed that provides a support for winding and storage of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: DEI Headquarters, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Andrew Minarik, Michael DiTullo, Quinn Slater Huffstetler, Cormac Eubanks, Anthony Meredith
  • Patent number: 8774441
    Abstract: A headphone includes: a housing, a hanger, and a bracket accommodated in the housing. The hanger includes: a connecting portion formed in a ring-shape; and a pair of engagement portions opposite to each other in a radial direction of the connecting portion and supports the housing unit to allow the housing unit to rotate. The bracket includes: a flexible curved base; and a pair of protrusions protruding at both ends of the base portion in directions away from each other on an axis penetrating the both ends. The housing includes a pair of through holes at positions corresponding to the pair of engagement portions. The pair of protrusions is rotatably engaged with the pair of engagement portions through the pair of through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: JVC Kenwood Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 8774442
    Abstract: An earphone single-shaft structure includes a head strip, a cap body, and a single-shaft component. The single-shaft component is located at a housing of the cap body and connected to the head strip. The single-shaft component includes a body, a rotating shaft, a shaft hole, a pivot area and swinging areas. When the head strip rotates for a first angle about the pivot area, two ends of the head strip are located on one side of each swinging area, so that the cap body rotates in a first direction, and when the head strip rotates for a second angle about the pivot area, the two ends of the head strip are located on the other side of each swinging area, so that the cap body rotates in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Jetvox Acoustic Corp.
    Inventor: To-Teng Huang
  • Patent number: 8767996
    Abstract: Method and devices for providing audio signals with increased bass sensation are provided. Headphones and cars can filter and amplify low frequency audio signals, which are then sent to a haptic device in the headphone. Customizable sound profiles based on user settings, or matched to a specific song or genre, can be sent to the headphones to improve the auditory experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics of Silicon Valley, Inc.
    Inventors: Rocky Chau-Hsiung Lin, Thomas Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 8761430
    Abstract: The present invention provides an item of jewelry containing headphones, or a headset, enabling a wearer to interface with electronic devices. In particular, the present invention provides a necklace containing headphones or a headset, enabling a wearer to interface with electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: PCS Wireless, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8755555
    Abstract: A set of adjustable and convertible headphones includes a headband, an adjustment member, and an earpiece. The adjustment member is connected to the headband by a hinge; earpiece has a channel receiving the adjustment member and is slidably connected to the adjustment member. Rotation of the adjustment member with respect to the headband is spring-loaded in only one direction. The adjustment member and the earpiece in combination include a detent mechanism for resisting sliding movement of the earpiece with respect to the adjustment member. The adjustment member may be completely removed from the channel, thereby disconnecting the earpiece from the headband. The earpiece may then be replaced by another ear covering (e.g., an earmuff, an ear protector, etc.) as desired. The replacement ear covering may include an audio speaker, for example an audio/earmuff combination earpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: The Echo Design Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Dougherty, Steven D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8750541
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a head-mountable support structure, a transducer array coupled to the support structure, and a processor configured to control the transducer array to radiate ultrasonic waves toward an ear of a user of the head-mountable support structure. The ultrasonic waves are audible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Jianchun Dong, Eliot Kim, Mitchell J. Heinrich
  • Publication number: 20140153765
    Abstract: A listening device (120; 220; 320), such as a pair of headphones, is provided for wearing by a user. It contains two or more sound emitters for directing sound to each ear (2) of the user. At least one of the sound emitters (116; 216, 316) is positioned such that sound is emitted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the ear canal (10) of the ear, and towards the wall of the concha (6) of the ear (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Nanyang Technological University
    Inventors: Woon Seng Gan, Ee Leng Tan
  • Patent number: 8743533
    Abstract: Electronic device assemblies may have multiple parts. A first electronic device assembly structure may be attached to a second electronic device assembly structure using a locking member. The locking member may include a tip portion that is inserted into a guiding channel in the assembly and a disposable portion that breaks away from the tip portion during assembly. Barbs on the locking member tip may resist retraction of the tip following assembly. A cam locking structure may help hold the first and second structures together. Locking features may resist longitudinal motion between the first and second structures. Snap features may provide a fail-safe mechanism to prevent disassembly of the assembly following an accidental dislodgement of the tip portion. The tip portion and assembly structures may be configured to resist bowing in the assembly structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Craig M. Stanley
  • Patent number: 8712089
    Abstract: A positioning and retaining structure for an in-ear earpiece. An outer leg and an inner leg are attached to each other at an attachment end and attached to a body of the earpiece at the other end. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure have a stiffness that is greater when force is applied to the attachment end in a counterclockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg than when force is applied to the attachment end in a clockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg. The positioning and retaining structure position an earpiece associated with the earpiece in a users ear and retains the earpiece in its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan C. Silvestri, Eric M. Wallace, Kevin P. Annunziato, Ian M. Collier, Michael Monahan
  • Patent number: 8712088
    Abstract: A positioning and retaining structure for an in-ear earpiece. An outer leg and an inner leg are attached to each other at an attachment end and attached to a body of the earpiece at the other end. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure have a stiffness that is greater when force is applied to the attachment end in a counterclockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg than when force is applied to the attachment end in a clockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg. The positioning and retaining structure position an earpiece associated with the earpiece in a users ear and retains the earpiece in its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan C. Silvestri, Eric M. Wallace, Kevin P. Annunziato, Ian M. Collier, Michael Monahan
  • Patent number: 8699740
    Abstract: A headphone sound-generating structure includes a sound-generating module and a plurality fastening elements. The sound-generating module includes a first perforated plate, a first ring-shaped spacer, a diaphragm assembly, a second ring-shaped spacer, a second perforated plate, and a second ring-shaped mounting frame, which are sequentially superposed in a receiving space defined on an ear cup. The fastening elements are extended through third mounting holes of the second ring-shaped mounting frame and fourth mounting holes of the ear cup to thereby quickly secure the sound-generating module to the ear cup to complete a headphone sound-generating structure, which can be manufactured at lowered cost and increased good yield, and allows convenient maintenance without wasting any material. A method of assembling the headphone sound-generating structure is also introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fortune Grand Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yuan Chiang, Chuan-Chun Ma