Headgear Patents (Class 381/376)
  • Patent number: 11771169
    Abstract: A hearing protection device has a base (11) configured for connecting to a lateral portion of a protective helmet (1), an ear cup (20) configured for covering an ear of a user, and a support (30) connecting the ear cup (20) to the base (11). The support (30) has a first arm (31) and a second arm (32) each having an upper part connected to the base (11) by at least one connection member (50) and a lower part connected to the ear cup (20). The at least one connection member (50) is elastically deformable to allow relative movement of the upper part of the first arm (31) relative to the upper part of the second arm (32). The hearing protection device is movable between an active position, in which the ear cup (20) is configured to cover the ear of the user, and an inactive position, in which the ear cup (20) is configured to be spaced apart from the ear of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: MSA Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Clément Ginguenaud, Amaury Sicre, Alois Chabanne, Nicolas Prely
  • Patent number: 11516575
    Abstract: The sleep-enabling headwear may comprise a headband, a left insert, a right insert, a left acoustic device, and a right acoustic device. The sleep-enabling headwear may be adapted to attenuate and/or mask ambient acoustic noise so that a user may sleep undisturbed. The headband may be adapted to hold the left insert, the right insert, the left acoustic device, the right acoustic device, or combinations thereof in place covering a user's ears. The left insert and the right insert may attenuate the ambient acoustic noise before the ambient acoustic noise reaches the user's ears. The left acoustic device and the right acoustic device may mask the ambient acoustic noise by playing an audio program into the user's ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Sandra Leigh Warlick
  • Patent number: 11463794
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an audio intelligent wearable device, and relates to the technical field of outdoor apparels. The audio intelligent wearable device comprises a knitted hat, a fixed ring, a first shell and two earphone modules, wherein the fixed ring is inlaid on a front of the knitted hat, knitted pockets are sewn at two sides of the knitted hat symmetrically, the first shell is inlaid inside the fixed ring, and an earphone cable is arranged between the first shell and each of the earphone modules. According to the present disclosure, the earphone cables are stored by winding the earphone cables inside a winch through a cable storage mechanism so as to avoid the condition that when being exposed, the earphone cables are easily damaged, and meanwhile, the user experience can also be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Shenzhen Calion Power Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Guanghuo Guo
  • Patent number: 11438684
    Abstract: An earphone device, a headphone device, and an audio playing device are provided. The earphone device is configured to be used with a headset accessory. The earphone device includes a first earphone unit and a cable. The cable further includes a splitter, and the splitter is electrically connected to each of an earphone plug and the first earphone unit. The splitter has a jack. The first earphone unit has a through hole provided for insertion of the headset accessory, such that the headset accessory is detachably connected to the first earphone unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: DEXIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ho-Lung Lu
  • Patent number: 11328702
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an acoustic device including a microphone array, a processor, and at least one speaker. The microphone array may be configured to acquire an environmental noise. The processor may be configured to estimate a sound field at a target spatial position using the microphone array. The target spatial position may be closer to an ear canal of a user than each microphone in the microphone array. The processor may be configured to generate a noise reduction signal based on the environmental noise and the sound field estimation of the target spatial position. The at least one speaker may be configured to output a target signal based on the noise reduction signal. The target signal may be used to reduce the environmental noise. The microphone array may be arranged in a target area to minimize an interference signal from the at least one speaker to the microphone array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Le Xiao, Jinbo Zheng, Chengqian Zhang, Fengyun Liao, Xin Qi
  • Patent number: 11282523
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a web-enabled mobile device operating voice assistant manager software configured and programmed to receive a request for a web-enabled operation, construct a voice command configured to implement the operation using a device-level voice assistant, and provide a voice indication of the operation result when the voice assistant is activated with the constructed voice command. In an illustrative example, the requested operation may be user designated in a web-enabled device visual interface. The operation may be an action, including, for example, user actions recorded from the visual interface, including text selection, form input, taps, or clicks, permitting construction of a voice command configured to implement the actions. In some examples, the operation may be a data retrieval operation providing a result vocalized to the user through the web-enabled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Lucyd Ltd
    Inventor: Harrison Gross
  • Patent number: 11146874
    Abstract: A loudspeaker assembly for on-ear headphones, to be arranged on and/or over the ear, includes a housing in which a woofer is arranged and configured to emit low frequency sound waves along a low frequency sound beam axis toward the wearer's the ear. At least one tweeter is arranged in the housing and configured to emit high frequency sound waves along a high frequency sound beam axis toward the wearer's the ear. The at least one tweeter is a MEMS loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: USound GmbH
    Inventors: Ferruccio Bottoni, Andrea Rusconi Clerici Beltrami, Thomas Gmeiner, Hannes Pomberger, Alois Sontacchi
  • Patent number: 11013289
    Abstract: A hard hat with an integral communication system including a hat assembly and a communication assembly is disclosed. The hard hat has a visor and is secured around the head of a user with a head harness. The hard hat includes speakers and a microphone. Importantly, there is a control box having a microprocessor, a wireless communication module and a channel selector. There are buttons used to power on the communications system and to activate the microphone. Once a user is ready to communicate with another user wearing a similar hard hat and on a same communication channel, one of the buttons is pressed and the user can speak, which will result in the microphone picking up the sound and sending it to another user's speakers. Thereby allowing wearers of the hard hat to be able to communicate wirelessly effortlessly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Raymond Lucero
  • Patent number: 10972598
    Abstract: A bone conduction headset includes a support member having a U-shape, a pair of bone conduction speakers respectively provided to a first end of the support member and a second end of the support member, the second end being opposite to the first end, a microphone coupled to the first end, and a mute switch provided to either the first end or the second end, and configured to perform a control to lower volume on the pair of bone conduction speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Suguru Nakao, Hiroshi Kunimoto
  • Patent number: 10499138
    Abstract: An electronic headphone band with waterproofed electronic components is disclosed. The headphone band is suitable to be used in any kind of activity, including water activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: KLK Ventures LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Kimble, Weylin Stewart
  • Patent number: 9936280
    Abstract: A machine washable headband including a headphones system that is waterproof when submerged up to about one meter deep for up to about thirty minutes, the headphones system including a battery compartment, an electronics and control compartment, an inductive charging antenna, and a pair of speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Alex Cantwell
  • Patent number: 9794677
    Abstract: A headphone that has a support structure that is adapted to sit on a head or upper torso of a user, a first acoustic driver carried by the support structure such that the first acoustic driver is located off of an ear of the user, wherein the first acoustic driver has front and rear sides and sound is radiated from both sides of the first acoustic driver, and a structure that defines a first acoustic chamber on the front side of the first acoustic driver and with at least one opening therein, and a second acoustic chamber on the rear side of the first acoustic driver and with at least one opening therein. At low frequencies a polar pattern of the first acoustic driver behaves approximately like a dipole, and at high frequencies a polar pattern of the first acoustic driver exhibits a higher order directional pattern. A second acoustic driver can be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Mihir D. Shetye, Ryan C. Silvestri
  • Patent number: 9621973
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a device includes at least one transducer configured to vibrate within a first frequency range to generate a signal audible by a wearer of the device. The device includes the first material, which has an acoustic impedance at one or more frequencies within the first frequency range that is substantially similar to an acoustic impedance of the wearer's skin at the one or more frequencies. The device includes a second material that has an acoustic impedance at one or more frequencies within the first frequency range that substantially differs from an acoustic impedance of an environment of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd
    Inventors: Mark Stauber, Olivier Bau, Junyeon Cho, Gabriel Reyes
  • Patent number: 9513157
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to providing an at least one audio source to at least one user. Certain aspects relate to selectively modifying an at least one first sound source to be provided to the at least one user, wherein the at least one first sound source is combined with an at least one second sound source, and wherein the selectively modifying is performed relative to the at least one audio source based at least in part on at least some specific information of the at least one first sound source. Other aspects relate to selectively modifying the at least one first sound source to be provided to the at least one user relative to the at least one second sound source based at least in part on at least some specific information of the at least one first sound source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, William Henry Mangione-Smith, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9438975
    Abstract: A novelty article of attire including a novelty device. The novelty device includes a visual output/illumination feature; a processor controlling the novelty device; an actuator associated with the processor and actuating the visual output/illumination feature; a sound receiver operably connected to the actuator and the processor; and a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Alexander Mariasov
  • Patent number: 9392352
    Abstract: A wearable apparatus comprising a body attachment portion configured to attach to a wearer's body part. The wearable apparatus comprises an ear device connected to the body attachment portion by an ear device connection member. In some examples, the apparatus comprises a storage element, configured to store and retain the ear device with the apparatus. In some examples, the body attachment portion is reconfigurable between a first configuration for attachment at a first body part and a second configuration for attachment at a second body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Earlug Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Broadfoot
  • Patent number: 9277310
    Abstract: An audio playback system for an audio signal generated by an audio output device includes a generally U-shaped headphone arrangement having two opposing ends each terminating with an audio transducer. A top enclosure of the headphone arrangement includes a remote control holder, a personal attachment holder, and a headphone circuit. A remote control is adapted for selective engagement with the remote control holder of the headphone arrangement and is fixable to a personal attachment and worn by the user. Control signals are transmitted to the headphone arrangement by the remote control in response to the person interacting with the remote control. The headphone circuit alters the audio output of the headphone circuit in accordance thereto. The headphone circuit receives the audio signal directly from the audio output device, the network, or indirectly from the remote control. The remote control is also adapted for controlling the audio output device and network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Nohr, Doug Sandau
  • Patent number: 9124974
    Abstract: A hat mounted music system includes a semi-rigid hatband and a flexible crown and hat bill mounted to the hatband. A retaining pocket is mounted to the hatband and is sized and shaped to hold a portable music player. First and second headphone mounts are located to align with the ears of a user. The mounts have first and second hinges. First portions of the hinges are attached to the hatband and second portions of the hinges are attached to the mounts. The hinges permit movement of the mounts from a first, open position to a second, listening position. First and second headphone modules are adapted to fit the headphone mounts. Connection wires connect the player to the headphone modules. The headphone mounts are spring-loaded and are retained in the second position by a latching mechanism. A release device allows the headphone mounts to return to the first, open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Flynn
  • Patent number: 9071903
    Abstract: A piece of headgear or hat is capable of holding and storing an audio device and a earphone or headphone assembly either while the headgear or hat is in use or while it is stored. The headgear or hat has a pocket accessible from an exterior layer to accept and store the audio device and allow a user to manipulate and use the audio device without removing the headgear or hat. The headgear or hat also has a plurality of apertures so that the common wire set of the earphones or headphones can be threaded between the interior and exterior layers and contained therein. The left and right wire sets of the earphone or headphone assembly are contained within a series of hangers or a hanging band. The earphone or headphone assembly and the audio device are removable from the headgear or hat for repair, replacement or cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventor: John Crockran, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9031254
    Abstract: A headphone or a headset having at least a first and a second earphone unit is provided, the first and second earphone units being interconnected via a connecting band, the connecting band having a first end configured to connect to the first earphone unit and a second end configured to connect to the second earphone unit, wherein at least the first earphone unit comprises a first transceiver, and at least the first end of the connecting band comprises a second transceiver, the first and second transceivers being configured to inductively connect, thereby connecting the first earphone unit to conducting elements in the connecting band. It is an advantage of using an inductive connection between the earphone unit and the connecting band that no wires need to be transferred from the earphone unit to the connecting band. Hereby, a 360 degree rotation of the joint may be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventor: Stefan Heise
  • Patent number: 8976957
    Abstract: The present arrangements relate to a microphone boom assembly. A first microphone can be positioned proximate to a first aperture defined in a first side of the microphone boom through which acoustic signals propagate to the first microphone, and a second microphone can be positioned proximate to a second aperture defined in a second side of the microphone through which the acoustic signals propagate to the second microphone. The first microphone can be connected to a first side of a flexible printed circuit at a first location and the second microphone connected to a second side of the flexible printed circuit at a second location, the flexible printed circuit mounted into the microphone boom with a bend in the flexible printed circuit positioned between the first location and the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Peter Pavlov, Peng Jiang, Ryan Patrick Rye
  • Publication number: 20140369544
    Abstract: A hat mounted music system includes a semi-rigid hatband and a flexible crown and hat bill mounted to the hatband. A retaining pocket is mounted to the hatband and is sized and shaped to hold a portable music player. First and second headphone mounts are located to align with the ears of a user. The mounts have first and second hinges. First portions of the hinges are attached to the hatband and second portions of the hinges are attached to the mounts. The hinges permit movement of the mounts from a first, open position to a second, listening position. First and second headphone modules are adapted to fit the headphone mounts. Connection wires connect the player to the headphone modules. The headphone mounts are spring-loaded and are retained in the second position by a latching mechanism. A release device allows the headphone mounts to return to the first, open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Flynn
  • Publication number: 20140328508
    Abstract: A hat of the present invention includes at least opening to define a pocket extending along the peripheral edge of the hat. A speaker device includes a plurality of components removably connected with one another to form a uniformed piece thereby allowing the user to insert the speaker device into the pocket to allow the user to wear the hat and listed to sounds. The speaker device includes a pair of speakers, a controller unite connected to one of the speakers and a battery unit including a battery for supplying power to the speakers and the controller unit. The battery unit is connected to another speaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Emily Ann Jacks, Louis Karl Barth
  • Patent number: 8855351
    Abstract: An earphone plug for receiving sound signals, having a first headphone cord connected to the earphone plug having a first length, and a second headphone cord connected to the earphone plug having a second length is provided. A first earphone body connected to the first headphone cord is provided for converting the sound signals to audible sounds. A second earphone body, connected to the second headphone cord, is provided for converting the sound signals to audible sounds. An attachment mechanism coupled to at least a portion of the first headphone cord or the second headphone cord for securing the earphone to an article of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Shawn R. Alstad
  • Patent number: 8855352
    Abstract: An earphone plug for receiving sound signals, having a first headphone cord connected to the earphone plug having a first length and a second headphone cord connected to the earphone plug having a second length is provided. A first earphone body connected to the first headphone cord is provided for converting the sound signals to audible sounds. A second earphone body, connected to the second headphone cord, is provided for converting the sound signals to audible sounds. A flexible strap, having a portion thereof in communication with one of at least a portion of the first headphone cord and the second headphone cord is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Shawn R. Alstad
  • Patent number: 8848966
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a flexible strap, having a portion thereof in communication with at least a portion of a headphone cord is provided. The flexible strap is secured to an article of clothing for wearing the headphone cord in combination with the article of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Shawn R. Alstad
  • 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: 8818467
    Abstract: A headset system (10) comprising a headset unit (1) and a detachable wearing device (4). The headset unit (1) comprises a microphone arm (3), which is movable between a compact position and an extended position. A proximity sensor (29; 33) in the headset unit (1) detects whether the microphone arm (3) is in the compact position or the extended position. The headset unit (1) and the wearing device (4) are adapted to be movably attached to each other, so that the headset unit (1) can be moved between a use position and a rest position. The proximity sensor (29; 33) detects, when the headset unit (1) is moved into the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventor: Michael Sorensen
  • Patent number: 8804992
    Abstract: A headset for use with electronic communications devices such as a cellular telephone and which includes a unitary, one-piece headband that includes a hair comb. The one-piece headband also includes a volume control and an on/off switch and an aerial wire intertwined with the teeth of the comb. Earbuds are also attached to the one-piece headband to be integral and unitary therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Melissa P. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8798693
    Abstract: An ear-level device which can be operable in multiple modes supports a voice menu by which more complex functions executable by the ear-level device or by a companion module can be selected using input at the ear-level device. By pushing a button on an earpiece for example, a voice menu is activated announcing a set of functions such as voice dial, last number redial and so on. When the function that the user wants is announced, the user presses the same button which activates the execution of the function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Sound ID
    Inventors: Ephram Cohen, Nicholas R. Michael, Caslav V. Pavlovic, Michael R. Jones
  • Publication number: 20140193020
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: The Ketchum Group, Inc., dba, Outdoor Technology
    Inventors: Charles Krissman, Michael Craig Krisztal
  • 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: 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: 8761431
    Abstract: An adjustable headset has a support portion that rests on a user's head when the headset is worn in an upright orientation and rests on a user's neck or shoulders when the headset is worn around the user's neck. The adjustable headset also includes a pair of arm assemblies attached to the support portion and having first arm portions and second arm portions. The adjustable headset also includes a pivoting mechanism that pivotably couples the first and second arm portions. The pivoting mechanism allows the pivoting of the second arm portion relative to the first arm portion so that the second arm portion can be pivoted between a first position where the headset can be worn by the user on their head and a second position when the headset is worn around the user's neck to direct sound at the user's ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Joelise, LLC
    Inventor: Joel Dewayne Jackson
  • Patent number: 8737664
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are discussed for controlling resonance in in-the-ear headphones. Resonance effects resulting from wave reflection and superposition can occur in the cavity formed by the port tube of an earbud and the wearer's ear canal. In this invention, acoustically resistive structures are provided to create sound diffusion in the cavity. In one embodiment, a spring coil with several adjustable parameters is inserted into the port tube. In another embodiment, a pattern of grooves is carved into the inner surface of the port tube. Porous filters can also be used in conjunction with both of the embodiments described above. The result of providing the resistive structures in an earbud is a flattened cavity frequency response and improved sound quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Victor M. Tiscareno, Kurt Stiehl
  • Patent number: 8737667
    Abstract: An earphone device having a biological information measuring apparatus, structured to facilitate insertion into a user's ear or to absorb vibration generated by external movement before or after the insertion. To this end, the earphone device includes a speaker portion, a sensor housing rotatably coupled with the speaker portion, a shaft provided in the speaker portion and the sensor housing to couple the speaker portion with the sensor housing such that the speaker portion and the sensor housing rotate together, a support housing coupled with the shaft to pass the shaft therethrough, the support housing supporting rotation of the speaker portion and the sensor housing, and a stopper portion provided in the shaft and the support housing to rotate the speaker portion and the sensor housing and then stop them before or after insertion into a user's ear, thereby facilitating the insertion or urging the speaker portion to contact the user's ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jung-Taek Oh, Min-Hyoung Lee
  • Patent number: 8712072
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to mobile devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide one or more antennas embedded into headsets and/or earphone for mobile devices. In an embodiment, an antenna wire having a length of about 100 mm to 150 mm is implement as a part of a headset or an earphone that has an overall length of at least 90 cm, where the antenna wire is substantially insulated from the audio wire(s). The headset or earphone is connected to a mobile device that receives television signals from the antenna. In a specific embodiment, a mobile device includes a connection circuit that is configured to separate television signals form audio signals. In an exemplary embodiment, various components of the mobile device positioned at predetermine location away from the connection circuit to reduce noise and/or interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Telegent Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lapoe Lynn, Hongbin Tong
  • Patent number: 8699733
    Abstract: An embodiment of a hearing assistance device comprises a housing, a power source, a radio circuit, an antenna and a transmission line. The radio circuit is within the housing and electrically connected to the power source. The antenna has an aperture, and the radio circuit is at least substantially within the aperture. The transmission line electrically connects to the antenna to the radio circuit. Various antenna embodiments include a flex circuit antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Beau Jay Polinske, Jorge F. Sanguino, Jay Rabel, Jeffrey Paul Solum, Michael Helgeson, David Tourtelotte
  • Patent number: 8699741
    Abstract: A communication device (1), such as a headset, comprising a housing (2) with a housing wall (3) encapsulating a housing interior (13). An electronic circuit (11) is arranged in the housing interior (13), the electronic circuit (11) comprising a first momentary switch (8) and a first actuation member (6), which can be operated by a user from the outside of the housing (2), and which is adapted to actuate the first momentary switch (8). A second actuating member (7; 22), which can be operated by a user from the outside of the housing (2), is adapted to actuate the first momentary switch (8). The second actuating member (7) is adapted to move independently from the first actuating member (6). Further embodiments have multiple conductors in the switch for multiple functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventor: Klaus Hestehave
  • Patent number: 8688036
    Abstract: A wireless communications headset system for double hearing protection systems that eliminates the problems associated with typical wireless communications systems. The system employs a magnetic-field coupled wireless link from a loop transmitter to a magnetic field receiver. Current through the transmitter wire loops generates magnetic flux which passes through a communications earplug. The earplug has a receiver for converting the magnetic flux to electrical voltage, and this voltage is used to drive a speaker within the earplug. The transmitter can be easily installed into aviation headsets. The loop transmitter has an open center sized so that it fits around the pinna of the human ear enabling a close position to the communications earplug. This close position is advantageous if an efficient system is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Red Tail Hawk Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Parkins, Mike Bartos
  • Patent number: 8666738
    Abstract: A biometric-sensor assembly, e.g., for acoustic reflectometry of the vocal tract. In one embodiment, the sensor assembly includes a dental appliance for in-mouth mounting, an acoustic sensor attached to the dental appliance, and an optional headset. The dental appliance enables secure placement of the acoustic sensor in the mouth of the user, e.g., for tracking movements of the tongue and/or other internal articulators of the vocal tract. A boom arm of the headset can be used for holding an additional acoustic sensor and/or a miniature video camera, e.g., for tracking movements of the lips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Lothar Benedikt Moeller
  • Patent number: 8611075
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting dock with an integral jack for digital audio players, preferably that incorporate a built-in clip, including, but not limited to the iPod Shuffle® and iPod Nano® manufactured by Apple, Inc. The dock includes a tapered and beveled mounting stem that inserts into the audio player's clip and a jack that inserts into and provides electrical connection with the audio player's audio port. The stem and jack are positioned and aligned so as to enable simultaneous mounting and electrical connection with the audio player, thereby effecting connection with a desired output device, such as earphones, with one hand in a single motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Zane Carter
  • Patent number: 8605931
    Abstract: A combined headphone set including a speaker assembly. The headphone set includes a headband having a speaker headphone on opposing ends of the headband. Each of the speaker headphones includes an exterior speaker for public listening and an interior speaker for personal listening by the user. One of the speaker headphones includes switching means for listening to the interior speaker or to the exterior speaker or to the interior and exterior speakers simultaneously from each of the speaker headphones. Each of the speaker headphones includes an audio signal wire connected from an output jack of an audio device to the speaker headphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Allan Amsel
  • Patent number: 8582755
    Abstract: An earbud headset, a handset including the same, and methods of operating the headset and handset are provided. In one embodiment, an earbud headset includes a speaker portion that is retractable into and extendable from a base portion, thereby allowing for a thin profile form factor. Advantageously, the earbud headset allows for more convenient storage and/or integration with a handset such that a user may carry the handset and headset much like a single item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Bradford, Jay Wilson, Claude Zellweger
  • Patent number: 8581700
    Abstract: A wearable device is worn by a person participating in an event in which a plurality of other people are participating and wearing other wearable devices. The wearable device includes a request unit for transmitting a request signal to other wearable devices that are in a predetermined range, and receiving a response to the request signal from each of the other wearable devices, and a communication unit for determining, with use of the received responses, one or more of the other wearable devices to be a communication partner, and performing data communication with the determined one or more other wearable devices. The data received in the communication is data collected by the one or more other wearable devices determined to be communication partners, and the data is used as a profile component when creating a profile of the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kawamura, Masayuki Misaki, Ryouichi Kawanishi, Masaki Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8565457
    Abstract: An embodiment of a hearing assistance device comprises a housing, a power source, a radio circuit, an antenna and a transmission line. The radio circuit is within the housing and electrically connected to the power source. The antenna has an aperture, and the radio circuit is at least substantially within the aperture. The transmission line electrically connects to the antenna to the radio circuit. Various antenna embodiments include a flex circuit antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Beau Jay Polinske, Jorge F. Sanguino, Jay Rabel, Jeffrey Paul Solum, Michael Helgeson, David Tourtelotte
  • Patent number: 8542859
    Abstract: A configurable audio system for use in a plurality of different settings includes a set of speaker assemblies that can be attached, detached and reattached to a plurality of different accessories configured for use in specific settings (e.g., ski goggles, or conventional headphones). In one implementation, each accessory comprises a set of engagement assemblies for detachably receiving the set of speaker assemblies. For example, a strap on a pair of goggles can comprise a set of engagement assemblies affixed in-line with the strap. By contrast, a traditional headphone band can comprise a pair of engagement assemblies that extend from each opposing end of the traditional headphone band. In either case, each engagement assembly of the goggle strap or the traditional headphone band is configured in size and shape to attach to, and detach from, each speaker assembly, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Skullcandy, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard P Alden
  • Patent number: 8526658
    Abstract: A musical travel cap assembly provides music to sooth a child while traveling. The assembly includes a main body having a crown section and opposed ear sections extending from the crown section. A pair of speakers is provided with each the speaker being positioned adjacent to an interior surface of the main body. Each speaker is further positioned adjacent to an associated one of the ear sections. A pocket is coupled to the main body and a music player is positioned in the pocket. The music player is operationally coupled to the speakers whereby music from the music player is played through the speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Inez Houston
  • Publication number: 20130202144
    Abstract: A sound delivery device is provided which includes a headband having a first end and a second end, and an earpiece and a speaker are mounted adjacent the first end of the headband. The earpiece is constructed and arranged to be rotatable with respect to the speaker to optimize comfort, fit, and performance. The earpiece can include a cylindrical section constructed and arranged to cooperate with a spherical section of a joint, and arranged to be rotatable with respect to the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Jacob Meyberg, Ruperto Navarro, Alan W. Grattan
  • Patent number: 8503711
    Abstract: A hat mounted music system includes a semi-rigid hatband and a flexible crown and hat bill mounted to the hatband. A retaining pocket is mounted to the hatband and is sized and shaped to hold a portable music player. First and second headphone mounts are located to align with the ears of a user. The mounts have first and second hinges. First portions of the hinges are attached to the hatband and second portions of the hinges are attached to the mounts. The hinges permit movement of the mounts from a first, open position to a second, listening position. First and second headphone modules are adapted to fit the headphone mounts. Connection wires connect the player to the headphone modules. The headphone mounts are spring-loaded and are retained in the second position by a latching mechanism. A release device allows the headphone mounts to return to the first, open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Flynn