Single Band Patents (Class 381/378)
  • Patent number: 8867774
    Abstract: There is provided a portable audio output device that can be stably hooked over a user's external ear. A cord 2 is curved so as to be hooked over a user's external ear A. A speaker unit 10 has a holding unit 13 that holds the cord 2. The holding unit 13 holds the cord 2 in a position on the cord 2 away from an end 2a such that the cord 2 is curved between the end 2a and a portion thereof held by the holding unit 13. The holding unit 13 is configured such that the cord 2 can move relative to the holding unit 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Taichi Nokuo
  • Patent number: 8861770
    Abstract: An assembly for holding a personal speaker relative to a user's ear. A headband assembly can include a band, a sleeve attached to an end of the band, and an arm moveably secured to the sleeve. The sleeve can include a pair of laterally opposed detent channels, and the arm can include a pair of spring-loaded bearings. Each spring-loaded bearing can engage one of the laterally opposed detent channels. The headband assembly can be adjusted by moving the arm relative to the sleeve. An arm of the headband assembly can be pivotally secured to a yoke by a magnetic pivot arrangement. The magnetic pivot arrangement can include a groove, a protrusion, and magnetic elements. A yoke can be pivotally secured to a housing by housing pivot arrangement. The housing pivot arrangement can include a pin extending from the yoke and a collar retained in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Koss Corporation
    Inventors: Nick S. Blair, Stephen Fiacchino, Michael J. Koss, Michael J. Koss, Jr., Michael J. Pelland
  • Publication number: 20140270313
    Abstract: An earphone folding device and assembly thereof is provided, and includes a first head strap, a second head strap, a connecting base, a pivoting shaft, an elastic member and a button. When the elastic member is in a status of release, the elastic member is abutted against the button, so that the engaging portion is fastened with the engaging block, and the first head strap and the second head strap are positioned in a coaxial position. When the pressing portion is pressed, the elastic member is in a status of compression, so that the engaging portion is detached from the engaging block, and the second head strap is rotated about the pivoting shaft so that the first head strap and the second head strap are positioned in a parallel position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Jetvox Acoustic Corp.
    Inventor: To-Teng HUANG
  • Publication number: 20140254855
    Abstract: The ear speaker device includes a mount section that is provided with ear-hook sections, and rotation sections that rotate speaker movable sections with respect to the mount section. Tubular ducts are positioned more inside than the ear-hook sections in a natural state. When the ear speaker device is mounted, the speaker movable sections are rotated to the most outside positions. Then, the ear-hook sections are brought into contact with auricle base upper sections, respectively, and the speaker movable sections are rotated inwardly. In this manner, the tubular ducts can be positioned in the vicinity of the external acoustic meatus openings, respectively, of the listener without interfering with auricles and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukimasa YAMAGUCHI, Makoto Yamagishi, Satoshi Suzuki
  • 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: 8792668
    Abstract: A headphone with a headband is provided where the headband is adapted to ensure contact between an earpad and the head or ear of the user, and with: a speaker unit; an outer frame comprising a proximal perimeter with two first pivotal hinge points at diametrically opposed positions with respect to the speaker; a middle frame, having a proximal and a distal perimeter, hinged for pivotal movement with respect to the outer frame about a first axis defined by a line through the two first hinge points, and where the middle frame comprises second pivotal hinge points at diametrically opposed positions with respect to the speaker; and an inner frame having a proximal and a distal perimeter hinged for pivotal movement with respect to the middle frame, about a second axis defined by a line through the two second hinge points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sennheiser Communications A/S
    Inventors: Peter Vestergaard Værum, Dennis W. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20140205129
    Abstract: An assembly for holding a personal speaker relative to a user's ear. A headband assembly can include a band, a sleeve attached to an end of the band, and an arm moveably secured to the sleeve. The sleeve can include a pair of laterally opposed detent channels, and the arm can include a pair of spring-loaded bearings. Each spring-loaded bearing can engage one of the laterally opposed detent channels. The headband assembly can be adjusted by moving the arm relative to the sleeve. An arm of the headband assembly can be pivotally secured to a yoke by a magnetic pivot arrangement. The magnetic pivot arrangement can include a groove, a protrusion, and magnetic elements. A yoke can be pivotally secured to a housing by housing pivot arrangement. The housing pivot arrangement can include a pin extending from the yoke and a collar retained in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: KOSS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nick S. Blair, Stephen Fiacchino, Michael J. Koss, Michael J. Koss, JR., Michael J. Pelland
  • Publication number: 20140205130
    Abstract: An assembly for holding a personal speaker relative to a user's ear. A headband assembly can include a band, a sleeve attached to an end of the band, and an arm moveably secured to the sleeve. The sleeve can include a pair of laterally opposed detent channels, and the arm can include a pair of spring-loaded bearings. Each spring-loaded bearing can engage one of the laterally opposed detent channels. The headband assembly can be adjusted by moving the arm relative to the sleeve. An arm of the headband assembly can be pivotally secured to a yoke by a magnetic pivot arrangement. The magnetic pivot arrangement can include a groove, a protrusion, and magnetic elements. A yoke can be pivotally secured to a housing by housing pivot arrangement. The housing pivot arrangement can include a pin extending from the yoke and a collar retained in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Koss Corporation
    Inventors: Nick S. Blair, Stephen Fiacchino, Michael J. Koss, Michael J. Koss, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140193021
    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: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Melissa P. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8761428
    Abstract: A behind-the-head mounted personal audio set that allows a mono-aural personal audio device to be worn in either a wearer's left or right ear without the need to remove or detach individual components of the personal audio sent and mount is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the personal audio device has two earphone portions and the mount allows the audio device to operate in either mono or stereo modes wherein one of the earphones may be moved away from a wearer's ear when needed, such as when driving. A boom microphone is preferably pivotally secured to one of the earphone portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventor: Dominic Amae
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140153766
    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: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: JETVOX ACOUSTIC CORP.
    Inventor: To-Teng HUANG
  • Patent number: 8737668
    Abstract: An assembly for holding a personal speaker relative to a user's ear. A headband assembly can include a band, a sleeve attached to an end of the band, and an arm moveably secured to the sleeve. The sleeve can include a pair of laterally opposed detent channels, and the arm can include a pair of spring-loaded bearings. Each spring-loaded bearing can engage one of the laterally opposed detent channels. The headband assembly can be adjusted by moving the arm relative to the sleeve. An arm of the headband assembly can be pivotally secured to a yoke by a magnetic pivot arrangement. The magnetic pivot arrangement can include a groove, a protrusion, and magnetic elements. A yoke can be pivotally secured to a housing by housing pivot arrangement. The housing pivot arrangement can include a pin extending from the yoke and a collar retained in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Koss Corporation
    Inventors: Nick S. Blair, Stephen Fiacchino, Michael J. Koss, Michael J. Koss, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140140562
    Abstract: An earphone winding structure includes: a first cap, a second cap, a connection portion, a signal line and a winding component. The winding component is located at the first cap, and includes a body, a shaft and a housing. The housing is connected to the shaft and bent into an opening state or a closing state with the shaft as the center. When the housing is bent into the opening state, the shaft is exposed and is used for winding the signal line, and when the housing is bent into the closing state, the housing covers the body and the signal line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: JETVOX ACOUSTIC CORP.
    Inventor: To-Teng HUANG
  • 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: 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: 8565468
    Abstract: There is provided a headphone including a headband having flexibility; a slider having flexibility with the headband attached at one end, and a headphone unit attached at the other end; a slide groove, arranged at an end of the headband or the one end of the slider, for guiding a circling movement of the slider with respect to the headband; and a slider guide, having rigidity higher than the headband and the slider, for holding the one end of the slider at the end of the headband so that one surface of the slider facing one surface of the headband circling moves with respect to the one surface of the headband while being engaged to the slide groove. A headphone that can be thinned while suppressing lowering of the attachment property is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Ito, Hiroaki Ishiguro, Yuusuke Oosato
  • Publication number: 20130272560
    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: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher Dougherty, Steven D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8559665
    Abstract: There is provided a headset having a head band, at least one fork for receiving an earpiece and a receiving portion between an end of the head band and one of the forks. The fork is arranged pivotably about a pivot axis. The fork has a first end having a support element. The receiving portion has a slider having at least two receiving positions. The support element engages into one of the at least two receiving positions of the slider and thus limits the maximum deflection of the fork about the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Axel Schmidt, Jan Peter Kuhtz, Olaf Leske, Olav Nisse, Christian Grone, Hatem Foudhaili, Martin Streitenberger, Irene Strueber
  • Publication number: 20130243236
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to wireless headphone devices adapted to be worn as jewelry when in a storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Go-Def, Inc.
    Inventors: Rich Chamness, Randi Labrier
  • Publication number: 20130195309
    Abstract: An adjustable ear warmer is disclosed. The ear warmer has a band and ear portions coupled to the band. The band and the ear portions are slideably coupled so that the band and the ear portions can move relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: 180S, INC.
    Inventors: Amy TANKERSLEY, Paul REEDER, Erika BRAUN, George CAMPBELL, Jennifer GOFF
  • Publication number: 20130195308
    Abstract: An adjustable ear warmer is disclosed. The ear warmer has a band and ear members coupled to the band. The band and the ear members are slidably coupled so that the band and the ear members can move relative to each other. In one embodiment, the ear warmer has headphones that are removably coupled to the ear members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: 180S, INC.
    Inventors: Amy TANKERSLEY, Paul REEDER, Erika BRAUN, George CAMPBELL, Jennifer GOFF
  • Patent number: 8488814
    Abstract: This acoustic headset (2) comprises: two lateral acoustic modules (4, 6) comprising a mechanical bone excitation transducer (20, 22) which is capable of transmitting the sound signal to the auditory nerve by bone conduction, a flexible upper curved member (8) and a rigid rear curved member (10) for connecting the acoustic modules (4, 6). Each acoustic module (4, 6) comprises: a plate (16, 18) for lateral abutment against the sides of the skull, an articulation (24, 26) between the abutment plate (16, 18) and the transducer (20, 22), a spring for return movement, in terms of rotation about the axis of articulation (24, 26), of the transducer (20, 22) relative to the plate (16, 18) towards a rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Elno Societe Nouvelle
    Inventors: Patrick Robuchon, Jean-François Cavelier, Monique Mitte
  • Patent number: 8488804
    Abstract: A headset comprises an audio output device, an audio input device, and a wire. The audio output device plays outgoing audio data. The audio input device receives incoming audio data. The wire connects the audio input device to a sound device that interprets the incoming audio data. The wire is further configured to be an antenna to one of transmit and receive radio frequency signals. The wire is further connected to a transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Bellows
  • Publication number: 20130136293
    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: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Monster Cable Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel Lee, Jacky Hsiung, Kendrew Lee
  • Patent number: 8442258
    Abstract: A headphone including a headband, an ear cup attached to the headband, a baffle plate fixed to the ear cup and having a rib wall at its periphery, an ear pad engaged with the baffle plate, and a gas permeable buffer between the ear cup and the baffle plate, wherein the buffer and the rib wall prevent a reduction in volume of a front air chamber caused by lateral pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Tominori Kimura
  • Patent number: 8434493
    Abstract: The adjustable mouth shield device provides an adjustably fitted mouth shield with adjustable headband for secure fit. The adjustable headband is fastened to the padded earpiece. The straight first extension from the earpiece is angled downwardly and forwardly to terminate in a swivel joint providing almost 360 degrees of swivel. The second extension is arced both downwardly and forwardly. The u-shaped mouthpiece is fitted to the adjustable spring mount for horizontal pivot of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may, by virtue of the swivel joint and the spring mount, be moved completely away from a user's mouth and, in turn, pivoted and swiveled to be directly in front of the user's mouth. The inward curves at the distal end of the mouthpiece aid in sliding on the disposable pads that shield a user from objects, foods and other materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventors: Eric McGhie, Darrell Harvey
  • Publication number: 20130083955
    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: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: JVC KENWOOD CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takayuki MIYAZAWA
  • Publication number: 20130039524
    Abstract: The present invention is a headband that includes a base headband with two sides that is worn around a user's head, a pair of ear buds that provide music and sound to the user that are inserted into the user's ears while the headband is in use and a pair of sound wires with a proximal end and a distal end that are in communication with the ear buds. The headband also includes a slot with a front that includes a dear window disposed on the front of the slot that holds an audio playing device such as an MP3 player and a pair of storage apertures disposed on the base headband to store the ear buds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Brandon Jones
  • Patent number: 8351640
    Abstract: A multi-directional sound emission means and a system having same are disclosed. The system comprises a speaker body and sound emission devices coupled to both ends of the speaker body. The sound emission devices each include a sound emission means for directionally emitting sound towards multiple directions. The sound emission means includes a base, a loudspeaker disposed on the base, and a plurality of hollow mechanical sound conducting elements. The loudspeaker has an opening where the sound is emitted. Each hollow mechanical sound conducting element has an inner opening end and an exterior opening end opposite to the inner opening end. The exterior opening ends are directed towards desired multiple directions, respectively. The inner opening ends are in sound communication with the opening of the loudspeaker such that sound from the loudspeaker is emitted along the desired multiple directions through the sound conducting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: IAG Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwangwu Chang
  • Patent number: 8328782
    Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles which include one or more barrier members comprising a light-weight nonwoven laminate that has been treated with a hydrophobic surface coating intended to render such components impermeable to liquids having relatively low surface tensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Kemal Vatansever Catalan
  • Patent number: 8325962
    Abstract: There is provided headphones that include a pair of left and right earcups, an audio signal processing unit contained in the earcups, a headband connecting the left and right earcups respectively through a hanger, and a cord to supply a signal to the audio signal processing unit. In the headphones, a connection portion between the hanger and the headband is configured as an extension and contraction unit having a multistage structure including a small-diameter hollow member able to be taken in and out of a large-diameter hollow member, a part of the cord contained in the extension and contraction unit is spirally wound so as to be extended and contracted, nodes are placed respectively between the headband and the extension and contraction unit and between the hanger and the extension and contraction unit, and the respective nodes have a through-hole allowing penetration of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ishida, Naotaka Tsunoda
  • Publication number: 20120288131
    Abstract: A headphone with a headband is provided where the headband is adapted to ensure contact between an earpad and the head or ear of the user, and with: a speaker unit; an outer frame comprising a proximal perimeter with two first pivotal hinge points at diametrically opposed positions with respect to the speaker; a middle frame, having a proximal and a distal perimeter, hinged for pivotal movement with respect to the outer frame about a first axis defined by a line through the two first hinge points, and where the middle frame comprises second pivotal hinge points at diametrically opposed positions with respect to the speaker; and an inner frame having a proximal and a distal perimeter hinged for pivotal movement with respect to the middle frame, about a second axis defined by a line through the two second hinge points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Vestergaard VAERUM, Dennis W. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8295530
    Abstract: Headphones comprising a headband (10) having a first and second end. A first and second earpiece (20) is attached to the first and second end of the headband (10), respectively. The headband comprises a first and second spring layer (11, 12) and an intermediate dampening layer (13) arranged between the first and second spring layer (11, 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Axel Grell
  • Patent number: 8249267
    Abstract: There is provided an earphone comprising a hoop band (1) for receiving at least one ear pad (OM). The hoop band (1) has at least two hoop band portions (2a, 2b), wherein at least two of the hoop band portions (2a, 2b) are rotatably connected together by way of a rotary joint unit (5). In addition in the region of the rotary joint unit the hoop band has a spring unit (10) which couples the two hoop band portions together and thus exerts a spring force on the hoop band portions (2a, 2b), wherein the spring force is adjustable by adaptation of the coupling by way of a coupling means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Olaf Leske, Olav Nisse
  • Patent number: 8213667
    Abstract: Headphones include a head harness and two ear pieces provided to respective ends of the head harness. Each ear piece is movably coupled to the head harness by a ball and socket arrangement structured to allow spherical articulation of each ear piece with respect to the head harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nixon, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Nelson, Eric Crane, Yves Behar, Joshua Morenstein, Pichaya Puttorngul, Serge Beaulieu, Matthew Swinton
  • Patent number: 8213666
    Abstract: A set of headphones is configured with an integrated accessory receiving space and a device connector that interface with a variety of different interchangeable accessories. The accessories can range from a personal media player that can render audio, such as MP3 (Moving Pictures Expert Group, MPEG-1, audio layer 3) content, to rechargeable battery packs, storage devices, and modules that can support wireless communication between the headphones and other devices such as media centers, game consoles, and personal computers (“PCs”). A user can pick an accessory and snap it into the receiving space of the headphones. When so installed, the accessory becomes physically and functionally embedded so that its functionality becomes seamlessly integrated with operation of the headphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Groesch
  • Patent number: 8204267
    Abstract: There is thus provided an earphone having a hoop band (100) for receiving at least one electroacoustic reproduction transducer. The hoop band has at least two hoop band portions (110, 120) which respectively include an angle, wherein at least two of the hoop band portions (110, 120) are rotatably connected together. The hoop band also has at least one adjusting unit (20) for adjusting and fixing the angle, wherein the adjusting unit is coupled to the first and second hoop band portions (110, 120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Olaf Leske, Olav Nisse
  • Patent number: 8204265
    Abstract: An ear warming article that can be comprised of a C-shaped resilient band, an outer sleeve and a speaker or other electronic device is described. The outer sleeve is dimensioned to contain the resilient band, and includes two insulating, ear-receiving portions as well as a first opening through which the resilient band can be inserted or removed to yield an assembled or disassembled article, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the article includes an electronic device having one or more speakers located at the ends of the resilient band; additional openings in the outer sleeve may exist for any control functionality associated with the electronic device(s). The outer sleeve can be comprised of a washable fabric material, particularly suitable as a means for interchangeable advertising (team logo, branding, etc.). In other embodiments, the ear warming article includes additional advertising and/or securing features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventors: David R. Siskin, Joel A. Schechter
  • Publication number: 20120093351
    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: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Allan AMSEL
  • Publication number: 20120082333
    Abstract: A behind-the-head mounted personal audio set that allows a mono-aural personal audio device to be worn in either a wearer's left or right ear without the need to remove or detach individual components of the personal audio sent and mount is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the personal audio device has two earphone portions and the mount allows the audio device to operate in either mono or stereo modes wherein one of the earphones may be moved away from a wearer's ear when needed, such as when driving. A boom microphone is preferably pivotally secured to one of the earphone portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventor: Dominic Amae
  • Patent number: 8147270
    Abstract: A sleeve for storing a Y-shaped cord without tangling and a method of managing a Y-shaped cord by grouping a plurality of the cord loose ends in the sleeve, each into a separate portion, forming a closed loop. The sleeve is triangular-shaped, having a conical sidewall with an open top end and an open bottom end. Inside the sleeve, the ends of the cord are separated by at least one fastener. The closed loop makes it less likely that the cord will tangle with other objects or with itself. If the cord does tangle when in the closed loop, the topology of the closed loop makes untangling the cord simpler and quicker than if the ends were loose. When using the Y-cord, the sleeve remains on the cord, not interfering with the cord functioning and not easily lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey Wescott
  • Patent number: 8111859
    Abstract: A headgear assembly is provided with an integrated music or other sound player supportable therein. The headgear assembly includes a headband or cap with pouches therein for various portions of the music player. In particular, a left speaker pouch is provided for a left speaker, a right speaker pouch is provided for a right speaker and a player pouch is provided for a sound player. A wire harness is also provided to preferably removably attach the speakers to the sound player. The headband or cap with the pouches therein holds the player and speakers directly adjacent a head of the user, and with the speakers directly over ears of the user. Controls on the player are accessed through a window in an outer panel of the headband or cap to allow user access. The player, wire harness and speakers are all substantially concealed within the headgear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Aaron M. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8107664
    Abstract: The invention discloses a cap with a bluetooth headset which is in the technology field of daily supplies, including a cap body. The cap body has a bluetooth headset which comprises a transceiver and two acoustic generators on the right and left respectively, the transceiver is set at either position of the cap body, each of the acoustic generators are respectively set at a side of the cap body corresponding to the ears. A piece of lead is used to connect the transceiver and acoustic generators. Compared with prior art, the invention provides dual-track voice, so as to make communication clearer, reduce noise influence on environment. The acoustic generators are fixed on both sides of the cap body so firmly that it is not prone to be dropped and lost, even under movement states, it is still very firm. The invention is applicable to outside activities, travel, riding etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Yongzhong Mao
  • Patent number: 8094858
    Abstract: What is provided is an eyewear retention device comprising two ends, wherein each end is adapted for removable connection to an earpiece of an eyewear device; an audio device located at or substantially near at least one of the ends, wherein the audio device is adapted to play one or more audio signals for transmission to one or more surfaces of a human auditory passage at a location proximate to and outside of the ear, if the strap is connected to the earpiece of the eyewear device and worn in combination with the eyewear device; a receiver electrically connected to the audio device, wherein the receiver is adapted to receive the one or more audio signals, wherein the receiver is further adapted to remotely communicate with a sound transmission device; and a power source electrically connected to the audio device and to the receiver that is adapted to supply power to the audio device and the receiver. In one embodiment the audio device is adapted to connect the strap to the earpiece of the eyewear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph Adam Thiel, Ryan David Wells
  • Patent number: 8094859
    Abstract: An earphone antenna device operable to be connected with a wireless communication terminal device includes: earphone cables, connected with earphone sections, respectively, for supplying audio signals; an audio cable one end of which is connected with the wireless communication terminal device and the other end is connected with the earphone cables; and a coaxial cable one end of which is connected with the wireless communication terminal device and the other end is connected with a pair of string-shaped antenna elements integrated with the earphone cables. The earphone cables are insulated from the antenna elements and the audio cable is insulated from the coaxial cable. This provides a dipole antenna device and an earphone antenna device hardly influenced by noises from the wireless communication terminal device and noises transmitted via the audio cable. Further, a wireless communication terminal device to be connected with the antenna devices is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Suematsu, Miyoshi Yamauchi, Motofumi Yamaguchi, Mitsuhiro Noboru
  • Patent number: 8055005
    Abstract: A Bluetooth earphone and a lanyard structure thereof are provided. The Bluetooth earphone includes an earphone body and a lanyard structure. The lanyard structure includes a lanyard and a clip element. The lanyard is disposed on the clip element. The clip element includes two hooks gripping the earphone body for combining the lanyard structure with the earphone body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsin Liu, Chung-Chun Wu, Jui-Chi Liao
  • Publication number: 20110188696
    Abstract: A headphone including a headband, an ear cup attached to the headband, a baffle plate fixed to the ear cup and having a rib wall at its periphery, an ear pad engaged with the baffle plate, and a gas permeable buffer between the ear cup and the baffle plate, wherein the buffer and the rib wall prevent a reduction in volume of a front air chamber caused by lateral pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Tominori Kimura
  • Patent number: 7970159
    Abstract: A noise reducing headset has one or more of the following features: (a) pair of earcups each seated in a yoke assembly mechanically coupled by a headband enclosing a flat spring formed with a slot that runs the length of the spring accommodating electrical wires electrically interconnecting electrical elements in the earcups, (b) each earcup having active noise reducing circuitry, (c) each earcup including a loudspeaker driver located off center in the earcup to allow an internal cavity inside each earcup to accommodate a loudspeaker driver, a microphone and an electronic printed circuit board and one of a battery and plug assembly, (d) one of the earcups accommodating a detachably secured plug assembly having a sensitivity switch covered by the earcup when the plug assembly is fully seated in the earcup, (e) the other earcup having a battery door that may be opened to allow insertion and removal of the battery and covered by a yoke assembly when the headset is worn by a user with the battery fully seated in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventors: David Kleinschmidt, Leonid Pavlotsky, Roman Sapiejewski
  • Publication number: 20110116674
    Abstract: A headphone capable of preventing inadvertent damage is disclosed. The headphone includes a C-shaped headband, a strip-shaped arm portion, a sound emitting portion supported by the arm portion, a first connecting section, and a torsion-coil spring 16. The first connecting section connects the arm portion 3 to the headband 2 rotatably about a first axis parallel to a direction from the headband 2 toward the arm portion 3. The torsion-coil spring 16 is constructed to bias the arm portion 3, when the arm portion 3 is rotated about the first axis P1, toward a neutral position in which the arm portion 3 becomes parallel to the headband 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicants: PIONEER CORPORATION, TOHOKU PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michihito Asakura, Oriaki Nihei