HEAD PRESSURE RELIEF HOLDER

Abstract

A flexible head pressure relief bracket comprises an elongated support element extending in a first direction; a first strut structure attached to the elongated support element and extending from it towards a first head end; and a second strut structure attached to the elongated support element and extending from it towards a second head end opposite the first head end. The first and second strut structures are designed to distribute the pressure and / or weight of the elongated support element over the area of ​​the head covered by the strut structures. At least two struts of the first and second strut structures have different lengths.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a flexible head pressure relief bracket, in particular for relieving the head from headphones. BACKGROUND

[0002] Headphones, especially after prolonged use, can become uncomfortable due to their weight. Larger, higher-quality headphones sometimes also have built-in microphones, which further increases the weight. While the weight can be partially offset by wearing the headphones over the ears, this additional pressure can also be bothersome. Furthermore, some studies have shown that the weight of headphones can lead to slight, though presumably reversible, changes in the bone structure of the skull. This can be more pronounced in e-gamers, as they often wear heavy, high-quality headphones for extended periods. This can lead to permanent changes, particularly in younger gamers whose skull bone structure is not yet fully developed.

[0003] The task, therefore, is to at least reduce such changes and also to improve the wearing comfort of headphones over a longer period of time.

[0004] This problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Further developments and embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The inventor recognized that the aforementioned problems could be largely avoided by using a flexible head pressure relief mount with improved weight distribution of the headphones on the head, without compromising wearing comfort. This flexible head pressure relief mount can be adjusted to different head sizes and shapes, thus allowing the headphones to grow with the child and / or teenager.

[0006] The flexible head pressure relief mount can be used with various headphones, so it can be used as an additional accessory independent of a specific headphone.

[0007] The inventor proposes, in several aspects, a flexible head pressure relief support, particularly for headphones, which features a retaining element extending in a first direction, especially an elongated one. This retaining element is designed to accommodate the headband of a headphone, so that optionally, movement of the headband in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is restricted. This ensures that the headband of the headphones does not slip during wear, or only slips together with the flexible head pressure relief support.

[0008] To distribute the weight over a larger head area, the flexible head pressure relief bracket, according to the proposed principle, comprises a first strut structure attached to the elongated support element and extending from it towards a first head end. In some aspects, this can also be a single, continuous strut structure, which is divided into a first and a second strut structure by the support element. Furthermore, a second strut structure is provided. This is also attached to the elongated support element and extends towards a second head end opposite the first head end. In other words, the first and second strut structures point in different directions. In this context, the two strut structures can also be attached to opposite sides of the elongated support element.

[0009] According to the invention, the first and second strut structures are designed to distribute the pressure and / or weight of the elongated holding element over the areas of the head covered by the strut structures. Furthermore, at least two struts of the first strut structure have different lengths. Likewise, at least two struts of the second strut structure have different lengths. This ensures adaptation and improved weight distribution. In some aspects, the strut structures are of equal length, i.e., symmetrical around the holding element.

[0010] The strut structure distributes the weight of the headband from the headband to a larger area of ​​the head. This reduces pressure on individual areas of the head and spreads it over a wider surface. The strut structure, running in both opposite directions, also ensures a secure fit. Depending on the design of the strut structure, additional functionality can be implemented.

[0011] For example, it is conceivable to attach the retaining device to the strut structure in a detachable way, allowing it to be individually adjusted to different head shapes. Conversely, various retaining devices can be connected to the strut structure in this manner. This is particularly advantageous when the retaining device is specifically designed for a headband of the headphones. In some cases, the retaining device can also be attached to the headphones themselves, thus forming an integral part of both the headphones and the flexible head pressure relief support.

[0012] In several other aspects, the strut structure can be implemented in a cap or other textile, resulting in further possible shapes and color schemes. Particularly in the field of e-gaming, a flexible head pressure relief support can be used for marketing or advertising purposes through additional visual designs such as logos, names, etc. The shape of the strut structure itself also lends itself well to this.

[0013] Another aspect concerns the design of the elongated retaining element. In some versions, the elongated retaining element comprises a U-profile extending along the first direction, designed to accommodate the stirrup. Optionally, at least one strut of the first and second strut structures is connected to the base of the profile. In another version, a pressure relief element extending in the first direction is provided, to which the first and second strut structures are attached. The pressure relief element is either part of the elongated retaining element, or the latter can be attached to the pressure relief element, for example, by being mounted onto it. In some versions, the retaining element is an integral part of the stirrup.

[0014] In some other aspects, a closure flap is provided on the retaining element used to attach the headband of the headphones. The closure flap can be designed so that it extends over the headband when closed. Alternatively, or additionally, in some other aspects, a closure flap is provided for attaching the headband. When closed, this closure flap optionally extends over the headband. As a further alternative, an elongated hook-and-loop fastener strip with hooks can be provided, optionally extending along the first direction and interacting with a loop section attached to the headband.

[0015] Similarly, in some other aspects, at least one Velcro fastener is present, which, when fully opened and unfolded, extends towards the first and second head end and, when closed, forms a tunnel to accommodate the bar. In some aspects, the bar may also be attached to the retaining element by means of a snap fastener, a rail, or another device that creates a frictional connection.

[0016] In several other aspects, the retaining device exhibits a curvature in a plane perpendicular to the first and second directions, which in particular follows the shape of a user's head between the ears. The material of the retaining device, as well as the strut structure, is in some respects a dimensionally stable yet flexible material.

[0017] Several other aspects concern the shape and design of the strut structures. In some aspects, the struts of the first and second strut structures, extending towards the head ends, comprise a multitude of links. Adjacent links are connected via an axis of rotation, which is essentially parallel to a plane defined by the first and second struts. This allows the proposed flexible head pressure relief bracket to be rolled up or folded, thus enabling space-saving storage. In some aspects, the first and second strut structures are under tension when unfolded, providing a retaining resistance and holding the head pressure relief bracket in the unfolded position. A user can overcome this resistance by applying force, thereby folding the strut structure.In some other aspects, rotation around the axis of rotation is limited, so that a maximum angle between two adjacent links lies in a range between 180° and 220°.

[0018] In some other aspects, at least two adjacent links of a strut structure have different lengths. Likewise, it is possible that two links of adjacent struts in the first and / or second strut structure have the same length.

[0019] In some aspects, the struts of the first and second strut structures extend towards the first and second head ends, respectively. In some aspects, the struts may be essentially parallel to each other. In some aspects, some central struts of the first and / or second strut structures may be parallel to each other, while the outer struts, on the other hand, extend outwards, i.e., away from the central struts.

[0020] In some other aspects, two adjacent struts of the first and second strut structures have different lengths. In this context, struts located further out, i.e., at a greater distance from the central struts, are shorter than struts located further inwards. The lengths of struts that are opposite each other as part of the first and / or second strut structures also differ in some aspects. This makes the flexible head pressure relief bracket asymmetrical. In particular, struts in one strut structure may be shorter than the lengths of struts in the other strut structure. This ensures correct positioning of the flexible head pressure relief bracket on the head.

[0021] In some further aspects, the ends of the struts opposite the elongated support element of at least one of the first and second support structures are connected to each other. This increases the stability of the first and / or second strut structure. The connection can, for example, have a U-shape or a parabolic shape. In some aspects, the connection is located at the end of the struts. In other aspects, connecting struts are arranged between the ends of the struts and the support element to advantageously increase stability. In this context, in some aspects, a strut can be provided in one of the first and / or second strut structures, which is oriented essentially parallel to the elongated support element. Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or second strut structure can have at least one strut that crosses another strut.

[0022] In some other aspects, the distance between two adjacent struts of the first and / or second strut structure changes with increasing distance from the elongated support element. For example, the distance between the two adjacent struts may increase. Alternatively, the distance between two adjacent struts of the first and / or second strut structure may also decrease with increasing distance from the elongated support element. In some aspects, the aforementioned distance increases in one strut structure while decreasing in the other.

[0023] In some other aspects, at least two struts of the first and / or second strut structure, viewed from the elongated support element, exhibit a different and, in particular, opposite curvature. In other words, the first and / or second strut structure opens up with increasing distance from the support element.

[0024] The first and / or second strut structure may have the same shape in some aspects. However, the size may differ to define a preferred orientation. Having the same shape and size is advantageous because it allows for flexibility when placing the earphones on a head, without relying on the attachment of the retaining device to the headband.

[0025] Several aspects address the adaptation to the head shape. Since the head has a different, usually more pronounced, curvature towards the ears than towards the first and / or second end of the head, this is taken into account in some aspects by varying the curvature of the flexible head pressure relief support. In some aspects, the strut structure running towards the first and / or second end of the head thus exhibits a first curvature. In the essentially perpendicular direction to this first curvature, the strut structure exhibits a second curvature, which results from a virtual connecting line between the struts of the respective strut structure, with the first and second curvatures being different.

[0026] Several other aspects concern the further processing of the flexible head pressure relief bracket. In some versions, the bracket incorporates a fabric, particularly in the form of a cap, in which the first and / or second strut structure is at least partially integrated. In other versions, the struts of the first and / or second strut structure are encased in a foam material. Besides aesthetic considerations, such as the printing of marketing logos, the foam or fabric further reduces the pressure of the bracket and headphones on the head. The material of the first and second strut structure may be plastic. In other versions, the material of the first and second strut structure is a flexible yet dimensionally stable material, such as a malleable metal. The same applies to the retaining mechanism. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Further aspects and embodiments according to the proposed principle will be revealed in relation to the various embodiments and examples, which are described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a version of a headphone with a conventional headband; Fig. Figure 2 represents a first embodiment of a flexible head pressure relief bracket with an inserted headband of a headphone according to the proposed principle; Fig. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a flexible head pressure relief bracket with an inserted headband of a headphone according to the proposed principle; Fig. Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of a flexible head pressure relief bracket with an inserted headband of a headphone according to the proposed principle; Fig. Figure 5 represents a further embodiment of a flexible head pressure relief bracket with an inserted headband of a headphone according to the proposed principle; Fig. Figure 6 shows a fifth embodiment of a flexible head pressure relief bracket with an inserted headband of a headphone according to the proposed principle; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following embodiments and examples illustrate various aspects and their combinations according to the proposed principle. The embodiments and examples are not always to scale. Likewise, various elements may be enlarged or reduced to highlight specific aspects. It is understood that the individual aspects and features of the embodiments and examples shown in the figures can readily be combined without affecting the principle of the invention. Some aspects exhibit a regular structure or shape. It should be noted that minor deviations from the ideal shape may occur in practice without contradicting the inventive concept.

[0029] Furthermore, the individual figures, features, and aspects are not necessarily depicted at the correct size, and the proportions between the individual elements may not be entirely accurate. Some aspects and features are emphasized by being shown enlarged. However, terms such as "above," "above," "below," "below," "larger," "smaller," and the like are correctly represented in relation to the elements within the figures. Thus, it is possible to deduce such relationships between the elements from the illustrations.

[0030] Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows a configuration of a conventional headphone on a human head. The headphone 2 has two padded earcups and a headband 20 connecting these earcups. The two padded earcups rest around the ears and serve to attenuate sound. Depending on the configuration, the headband 20 has padding that rests against the surface of the head. Fig. Figure 1B shows the side view of the head 1 with the front head end 11 and the rear head end 10. The thick line illustrates the pressure distribution of the headphones, and in particular the headband, on the head. The pressure exerted by the headband is distributed over a relatively small area of ​​the head, which is essentially as shown in Fig. 1A shown below the bar and laterally along the long side of the bar in a small area.

[0031] If the headband is incorrectly adjusted, so that the earcups don't fit snugly and cover the ear, this can lead to increased pressure on the head. Even with correctly positioned earcups, the headphones' own weight is still high enough that prolonged wear can cause discomfort or even damage hair and hairstyles.

[0032] The Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 now shows various embodiments of the proposed principle of a flexible head pressure relief bracket.

[0033] The Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B represents a first embodiment that is independent of the specific headphones. As an additional accessory, this allows various headphones to be used without compromising wearing comfort. The head pressure relief bracket 3 comprises an elongated retaining element 30 extending in a first direction. This element lies essentially parallel to a headband 20 of a headphone 2. The retaining element 30 is designed to accommodate a headphone headband, thus restricting movement of the headband in a second direction perpendicular to the first. This is achieved as described in the Fig. 2B is indicated by a recess 35 in the elongated retaining element 30, into which the bracket 20 is inserted. In this embodiment, the bracket can be lifted out of the retaining element, so that the head pressure relief bracket and the bracket can be attached independently of each other. This allows the head pressure relief bracket to be used with a variety of different headphones.

[0034] Alternatively, hook-and-loop fastener loops (not shown) can be used to fix the bar in this recess 35 and prevent it from slipping in one direction. The edges of the recess 35 can be rounded, but depending on the design, they can also have a different shape. In this example, they are the same height, but this can also be varied. In an alternative design, a loop that can be closed with hook-and-loop fasteners can be provided instead of the recess. In this case, the bar is placed on a rail of the retaining device and then fixed to it with the loop. Instead of a recess, the retaining device can also have one or more clips into which the bar can be inserted and thus fixed.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the retaining element 30 and the bracket are reversibly connected to each other via a screw or other mechanism. This means that both elements can only be placed on or removed from the head together. In this case, the recess is no longer strictly necessary, as slippage is already prevented by the connection.

[0036] The flexible head pressure relief bracket 3 now comprises a first strut structure 31 directed forward toward the face and a second strut structure 32 directed backward. The first strut structure is attached to the elongated support element facing forward, and the second strut structure is attached to the opposite side of the support element. Each strut structure comprises a plurality of parallel struts, each rounded at its exposed end. In one embodiment, these ends may be spherical to prevent injury. The struts are slightly flexible. As in the Fig. As shown in 2A, the struts of the first strut structure and the struts of the second strut structure are arranged opposite each other. Adjacent struts of each strut structure are of different lengths in this configuration, except for the two central struts, which are the same length. The length of the struts of each strut structure decreases from the inside out. Furthermore, the same number of struts are provided for the first and second strut structures. However, this is just one possible configuration; the number can also differ.

[0037] This design distributes the pressure and weight of the headband over a larger area of ​​the head along the struts. The struts can be integrated into the fabric of a cap or surrounded by foam, rubber, or another flexible material. The struts are flexible and independently movable while maintaining their shape. They are typically made of plastic, but in some cases, other materials such as fiberglass-reinforced plastics or carbon fiber composites may also be used. The same applies to the retaining element, which, depending on the design, can include metals such as titanium or aluminum rails in addition to the materials mentioned above.

[0038] In this case, the struts are arranged parallel to each other. This allows, for example, small plates of different shapes to be clipped into two adjacent struts (not shown). These plates are used for marketing purposes and bear, for example, a logo, a name, or other elements. With a suitable design, such plates can be attached to either two adjacent struts or just one, and thus positioned as desired.

[0039] In the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B shows a further embodiment. In this version, the first and second strut structures are not symmetrically formed as in the previous versions. Fig. 2A and 2B, but rather the second strut structure 32 extending towards the rear end of the head comprises a common endpoint 50, towards which all struts of the second strut structure converge. As a result, the struts are not parallel to each other, but their distance from each other decreases continuously with increasing distance from the holding element.

[0040] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 3A, the struts of the second strut structure 32 are essentially straight; however, a different shape, for example an outwardly curved shape, is also possible, especially for the outer struts. The struts of the first strut structure 31 towards the front head end are also not parallel, but directed outwards. Thus, their spacing increases with increasing distance from the holding element. However, it would be possible to use parallel struts similar to the design of the Fig. 2. A circumferential rim 50 at the front head end mechanically connects all struts and ends as in Fig. 3B is shown in this configuration approximately at the front forehead level. The number of struts in the first and second strut structures is the same, but can also differ.

[0041] The design of the Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B shows a similar design to the previous version. However, the first and second strut structures are reversed. Furthermore, the number of struts in the first and second strut structures differs, with the number of struts extending towards the rear end being greater than the number extending towards the front. The thickness or cross-section of the struts, as well as their shape, can vary. Possible cross-sectional shapes include circular, square, or rectangular.

[0042] Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B shows a further embodiment in which two intersecting support struts 52 are attached to the holding element. Each of the two strut structures also includes a number of struts 53 extending substantially parallel to the holding element 30, which are attached to the two intersecting support struts 52. The support struts 52 can also extend under the holding element and be attached to the opposite side, or they can have multiple attachment points on the holding element. In this embodiment, the ends of the parallel struts of the second strut structure are open, i.e., the second strut structure does not include a circumferential edge strut. The first strut structure, however, has such an edge strut 51. In the embodiments shown, the edge strut 51 is also attached to the holding element 30, thus providing improved stability.

[0043] Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B shows a further embodiment. The two strut structures are essentially symmetrical and each comprises several outwardly extending struts that are attached to the retaining element 30 and whose ends are each connected to a circumferential edge strut 51, which in turn is attached to the retaining element. Several struts of a central area 31, 41 of the first and second strut structures are arranged essentially parallel, while the struts located further out in areas 40, 30 are also curved outwards. The curvature is the same in each case; however, it can alternatively be provided that the curvature increases the further out the respective strut is located (i.e., with a greater distance from the central area).

[0044] Each strut structure also includes a curved support strut 35. Its curvature runs towards the respective head end, i.e., its point nearest to the retaining element 30 is in the central area 41, 31 of the strut structure, while the respective ends of the support struts 35 are curved towards the ears, see Fig. 6B. In addition, the first strut structure has a further support strut 36, which runs parallel to the holding element. In this embodiment, the support struts 35 and 36 are connected to each other, although other embodiments are also conceivable.

[0045] Another design shown in top view Fig. 7. As can be seen, the flexible head pressure relief bracket 3, like the other versions, exhibits a rather oval and elliptical shape in top view. This results in at least two curves, namely one longitudinal and one transverse, which are designed to follow the shape of the head. The longitudinal curves, i.e., towards the first and second ends of the head, are also slightly different to accommodate the head shape. The other versions of the head pressure relief bracket 3 can be designed in the same way. The struts are attached to the retaining element by means of a hinged connection, allowing both strut structures to fold upwards.

[0046] Furthermore, each strut comprises several links connected to each other via a rotatable axis. The axes are designed such that rotation is limited to a certain point, meaning the links can rotate, for example, only between 20° and 200°, with the lower limit imposed by the geometric dimensions. The parallel links of each strut in the first and second strut structures are of equal length. The link length of a strut decreases from the inside out, meaning the length of a link decreases with increasing distance from the supporting element. This allows the strut structure to be rolled up, so to speak.

[0047] The designs presented here, especially the first and second strut structures, can also be combined independently of each other. In other words, it is possible to combine a first strut structure of an implementation shown in the figures with a second strut structure (e.g., the first strut structure shown in Fig. 3 with the second strut structure of the Fig. 2A). Variations are also possible. Furthermore, the strut structures can be attached to the retaining device for the bracket in different ways. Support struts can also run parallel to the retaining device or be curved, depending on the design, and like the struts, their length, number, material, and shape can vary.

[0048] Similarly, the design of the retaining element in one embodiment can be combined with the strut structures of other embodiments. The head pressure relief bracket can be made of different materials and can be covered with fabric or foam. Furthermore, the head pressure relief bracket can also be integrated into a cap or other head covering, allowing for various modifications without significantly deviating from the principle of operation according to the invention.

Claims

[1] Having a flexible head pressure relief mount, especially for headphones, comprising: - An elongated holding element extending in a first direction; - A first strut structure attached to the elongated retaining element and extending from it towards a first head end; - A second strut structure attached to the elongated retaining element and extending from it towards a second head end opposite the first head end; wherein the first and second strut structures are designed to distribute the pressure and / or weight of the elongated holding element onto the area of ​​the head covered by the strut structures and at least two struts of the first strut structure have different lengths; and at least two struts of the second strut structure have different lengths. [2] Flexible head pressure relief bracket according to claim 1, wherein the retaining means is configured to engage with a headband and / or to receive a headband of a headphone, so that optionally a movement of the headband in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is restricted. [3] Flexible head pressure relief bracket according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elongated retaining means is characterized by at least one of the following elements and / or properties: - A U-profile extending along the first direction, designed to receive the stirrup, with optionally at least one strut of the first and second strut structure connected to the base side of the profile; and / or - A pressure relief element extending in the first direction, to which the first and second strut structures are attached, and a retaining element mounted on or connected to the pressure relief element for attaching the bracket to it; and / or - A closure flap designed to secure the temple, the closure flap optionally extending over the temple when closed; and / or - An elongated hook-and-loop fastener with barbs, which optionally extends along the first direction and interacts with a loop section attached to the hanger; and / or - At least one Velcro fastener which, when open, extends towards the first and second head end and, when closed, forms a tunnel to accommodate the bar; and / or - The bracket is attached to the elongated retaining element by forming a frictional connection; and / or - A curvature running in a plane perpendicular to the first and second directions, which in particular follows a head shape between the ears of a user; and / or - A dimensionally stable, yet flexible material. [4] Flexible head pressure relief bracket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the struts of the first and second strut structure comprise a plurality of links, with adjacent links being connected via an axis of rotation which are arranged substantially parallel to a plane spanned by the first and second directions. [5] Flexible head pressure relief bracket according to claim 4, wherein - rotation about the axis of rotation is restricted such that a maximum angle between two adjacent links lies in a range between 180° and 220°; and / or - at least two adjacent members of a strut structure have different lengths; and / or - two links of adjacent struts of the first and / or second strut structure have the same length. [6] Flexible head pressure relief bracket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the strut structure extending towards the first and / or second head end has a first curvature and a second curvature in the first direction, which is formed by a virtual connecting line between the struts of the respective strut structure, wherein the first and second curvatures are different. [7] Flexible head pressure relief bracket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the struts of the first and second strut structure taper towards the first and second head end respectively; and / or wherein two adjacent struts of the first and second strut structure have different lengths. [8] Flexible head pressure relief bracket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ends of the struts opposite the elongated retaining means of at least one of the first and second support structures are connected to each other. [9] Flexible head pressure relief bracket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between two adjacent struts of the first and / or the second strut structure increases with increasing distance from the elongated retaining means. [10] Flexible head pressure relief bracket according to one of the preceding claims, in which the distance between two adjacent struts of the first and / or the second strut structure decreases with increasing distance from the elongated retaining means. [11] Flexible head pressure relief bracket according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least two struts of the first and / or second strut structure have a different and in particular opposite curvature as seen from the elongated retaining means. [12] Flexible head pressure relief bracket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first and / or second strut structure has at least one strut which is oriented substantially parallel to the elongated retaining means; and / or wherein at least one of the first and / or second strut structure has at least one strut which crosses another strut. [13] Flexible head pressure relief bracket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second strut structure have the same shape. [14] Flexible head pressure relief support according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fabric, in particular in the form of a cap, in which the first and / or second strut structure is at least partially implemented and / or in which struts of the first and / or second strut structure are surrounded by a foam material. [15] Flexible head pressure relief bracket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a material of the first and / or the second strut structure comprises a plastic or a malleable metal.

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