Pressure reducing valve for headphones

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pressure relief valve for a headset. The headset includes two headset earmuffs, each of which includes an earmuff shell defining an active chamber that acoustically couples a sound output side of a speaker to a user's ear and a passive chamber surrounding the active chamber; and a passive valve assembly configured to open in response to positive and negative pressures within the active chamber to fluidically couple the active chamber to the passive chamber and equalize pressure between the active and passive chambers.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a non-provisional application of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 082344, filed on September 23, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] One aspect of the present invention relates to a valve for a headphone including a pressure relief valve for relieving pressure experienced by a user wearing a closed-back headphone. Other aspects are also described and claimed. Background Art

[0004] Whether listening to a portable media player while traveling or a stereo or theater system at home, consumers often choose headphones. Headphones typically include a pair of earcups that surround the user's ears and are held together by a headband. Headphones can be categorized into two general categories based on the design of the earcups: closed-back earcups or open-back earcups. Closed-back earcups surround the user's ears and have a sealed (enclosed) back. Open-back earcups also surround the user's ears, but have backs that are open to the surrounding environment.

[0005] Both closed-back and open-back designs have their own acoustic advantages and disadvantages. For example, closed-back earmuffs can provide good sound isolation because they are isolated from ambient noise. In addition, the size and clamping force of the earmuffs can be modified to further improve sound isolation. Features of closed-back designs, such as the sealed back of the earmuffs, their size, and clamping force, allow the design to mechanically or passively attenuate ambient noise. However, due to the closed design of closed-back earmuffs, pressure changes within the portion of the earmuffs surrounding the user's ears can be uncomfortable. On the other hand, open-back earmuffs can feel more open to the user but may not be ideal in noisy environments because their passive attenuation may not be as good as that of closed-back designs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a headphone earmuff, such as a closed-back headphone earmuff, having a valve that relieves pressure from a front chamber of a driver (e.g., a speaker) positioned therein. The valve may include a movable member, such as a valve, located between the system's front chamber (e.g., an active chamber) and a passive chamber or chamber. The movable member may open in response to pressure within the front chamber to connect the front chamber to the passive chamber or chamber. The front chamber may be considered an "active" chamber or chamber because it experiences pressure changes caused by sound pressure waves directed into the chamber or chamber from the sound output side of the driver (e.g., a speaker). An "active" chamber or chamber may be any chamber or chamber that experiences pressure changes and / or circulation caused by sound pressure waves or another situation that causes pressure changes (such as pressing the earmuff against the ear, running, jumping, etc.). A passive chamber or chamber is one that does not have sound pressure waves directed into it from a driver (e.g., a speaker) and / or does not experience pressure changes and / or circulation similar to an active chamber, and is therefore referred to herein as a "passive" chamber or chamber. A passive cavity or chamber can be another cavity or chamber that is separate from the driver front and rear chambers of a speaker (e.g., an active chamber) so that it does not directly receive sound pressure input from the speaker. For example, the passive cavity or chamber can be acoustically isolated from the rear chamber and further isolated from the front chamber (when the valve is closed). The passive cavity can be, for example, another system cavity or the surrounding environment.

[0007] The opening of the valve connects the front chamber to the passive chamber to balance the pressure. For example, when the pressure exceeds a certain threshold (e.g., positive pressure), the valve can open in one direction. In other aspects, when the pressure is less than a certain threshold (e.g., negative pressure), the valve can open in the opposite direction. In some aspects, the valve may include two separate check valves, one that opens only in response to a first pressure that does not meet a certain threshold (e.g., positive pressure), and one that opens only in response to a second pressure that does not meet a certain threshold (e.g., negative pressure). In other aspects, the valve may include two valves, one that opens only in response to a first pressure (e.g., positive pressure), and one that opens only in response to a second pressure (e.g., negative pressure). In other words, a valve (or check valve) that opens in response to one pressure may not open in response to another pressure. The valve and / or check valve may open independently of each other so that one can be closed and the other can be opened. In one aspect, the valve can include a hinge and / or a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring system) that biases the valve in a closed position to facilitate opening / closing the valve in response to a desired pressure. In some aspects, the valve can be a silicone valve, wherein the valve is formed by a slit in a silicone film, and the biasing mechanism is the same material as the valve. In addition, the valve and / or valve opening can be used to adjust the valve so that it opens in response to a desired pressure and / or opens at a desired speed in response to pressure. For example, the weight of the valve and / or the area of ​​the opening or associated passive cavity can be changed to increase and / or reduce the speed at which it opens and / or open the pressure required for it. Representatively, a light valve covering a large valve opening and / or cavity will cause the valve to open faster, while a heavy valve covering a small valve opening and / or cavity will cause the valve to open more slowly. As previously described, the pressure (or pressure change) in the front chamber that causes the valve to open can be caused by the following situations: sound pressure waves from a driver (e.g., a speaker), the user pressing the earmuff against the ear, running, jumping, etc., or a combination of any of these situations. Depending on the various situations, a valve that opens slower or faster may be desired. For example, a valve that opens faster may be desired to alleviate the large pressure changes that may occur when the earmuff is pressed against the user's ear, while a valve that opens slower may be desired when the pressure change is a small pressure change caused by running or jumping. In addition, in some aspects, the earmuff can have a leakage vent, an air pressure vent ("B vent"), or other types of vents or openings that connect the front chamber to a passive cavity or chamber to further help relieve pressure in the earmuff. For example, the vent can be formed in another part of the valve or earmuff, which can be used to connect the front chamber to the passive cavity or chamber.

[0008] On the other hand, a headset includes two earmuffs, each earmuff including an earmuff housing defining an active chamber and a passive chamber, the active chamber acoustically coupling a sound output side of a speaker to a user's ear, the passive chamber surrounding the active chamber; and a passive valve assembly configured to open in response to a pressure change (e.g., a positive or negative pressure change) within the active chamber to fluidically couple the active chamber to the passive chamber and equalize the pressure between the active and passive chambers. In some aspects, the active chamber forms a front chamber of the speaker, which is acoustically isolated from a rear chamber of the speaker and sized to surround the user's ear. In some aspects, the passive chamber is closed to the surrounding environment and acoustically isolated from the rear chamber of the speaker. In other aspects, the passive chamber is open to the surrounding environment. The passive chamber can be acoustically isolated from the rear chamber of the speaker. The valve assembly can include a first valve configured to open only in a first direction in response to a positive pressure change exceeding a threshold pressure. The valve assembly may include a second valve configured to open only in a second direction, opposite the first direction, in response to a negative pressure change that is less than a threshold pressure. The valve assembly may include a valve coupled to the earphone housing by a biasing mechanism that biases the valve toward a closed position. In some aspects, the valve assembly may include a check valve. In some aspects, the headphone earmuff may also include a leakage vent that couples the active chamber to the passive chamber or the surrounding environment. In some aspects, sound pressure waves output by the sound output side of the speaker may induce a positive pressure in the active chamber and open the valve assembly. In some aspects, the positive or negative pressure is caused by a user pressing at least one of the pair of headphone earmuffs against the user's ear. In some aspects, the headphone earmuff is a closed-back headphone earmuff.

[0009] In another aspect, a closed-back headphone earmuff includes an earmuff housing defining a front chamber, a rear chamber, and an outer chamber, the front chamber being acoustically coupled to the sound output side of a driver, the rear chamber being coupled to the rear side of the driver and acoustically isolated from the front chamber, and the outer chamber being acoustically isolated from the rear chamber of the driver; and a valve assembly positioned between the front chamber and the outer chamber, wherein the valve assembly is configured to move in a first direction in response to a first pressure within the front chamber and in a second direction, different from the first direction, in response to a second pressure within the front chamber, and wherein movement of the valve assembly in the first and second directions opens the front chamber to the outer chamber to equalize pressure between the front and outer chambers. In some aspects, the valve assembly includes a first valve configured to open in the first direction and a second valve configured to open in the second direction. In some aspects, when the second valve opens in the second direction, the first valve remains closed, and when the first valve opens in the first direction, the second valve remains closed. In other aspects, the size of the first valve or the second valve is adjusted to change the speed at which the first valve or the second valve opens in response to the first pressure or the second pressure. The first pressure can be a positive pressure within the front chamber that is greater than a threshold pressure. In some aspects, the second pressure can be a negative pressure within the front chamber that is less than the threshold pressure. In some aspects, a leakage vent can be formed in the valve assembly that couples the front chamber to the outer chamber.

[0010] The above summary does not include an exhaustive list of all aspects of the present disclosure. It is contemplated that the present invention includes all systems and methods that can be implemented by all suitable combinations of the various aspects summarized above and disclosed in the detailed description below and particularly pointed out in the claims filed with this patent application. Such combinations have particular advantages not specifically recited in the above summary. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In the drawings, several aspects are shown by way of example and not limitation, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements. It should be noted that reference to "one" or "an" aspect in this disclosure is not necessarily the same aspect and means at least one.

[0012] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating one aspect of a headphone earcup having a valve assembly is shown.

[0013] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating another aspect of a headphone earcup having a valve assembly is shown.

[0014] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 or Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of one aspect of a valve assembly.

[0015] Figure 4 Shown Figure 1 or Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of one aspect of a valve assembly.

[0016] Figure 5 Shown Figure 1 or Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of one aspect of a valve assembly.

[0017] Figure 6 Shown Figure 1 or Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of one aspect of a valve assembly.

[0018] Figure 7 A simplified schematic diagram is shown of one aspect of the electronics in which a valve assembly may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In this section, we will explain several preferred aspects of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. Whenever the shapes, relative positions, and other aspects of the components described are not clearly defined, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the components shown, which are shown for illustrative purposes only. In addition, although many details are set forth, it should be understood that some aspects of the present disclosure can be practiced without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and technologies are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one aspect of a headset earmuff with a valve assembly is shown. It should be understood that the figures illustrate only one earmuff of a pair of left and right earmuffs of the headset 100, which may be connected via a headband (not shown). Therefore, each of the features described with reference to the earmuff of the headset 100 shown in the figures should be understood to apply to the other earmuff of the headset 100. The earmuff housing 102 forms a shell that is sized to surround and cover a user's ear. In this aspect, the earmuff housing 102 includes a first chamber 104 defining an active cavity or front cavity 106 and a second cavity 108 defining a passive cavity 110. When the headset 100 is positioned on the user's head, the first chamber 104 and the front cavity 106 can surround the ear 112. In some cases, an earmuff cushion 118 can be positioned around the first chamber 104 of the earmuff housing 102 to ensure a comfortable fit and / or to seal the earmuff around and / or to the user's ear. The second chamber 108 and the passive cavity 110 may be substantially closed chambers and / or cavities, both of which are positioned behind the first chamber 104 (e.g., Figure 1). For example, the second chamber 108 and the passive cavity 110 can be part of a system cavity surrounding other system components enclosed within the housing 102 but not serving a specific acoustic function. The housing 102 can also define a third chamber 114 that encloses another cavity or rear cavity 116. The rear cavity 116 of the third chamber 108 can be acoustically isolated from the passive cavity 110 of the second chamber 108 and the active cavity 106 of the first chamber 104.

[0021] A driver 116 for outputting a music signal in the direction of the ear 112 can be mounted within the housing 102. The driver 116 can be any type of electroacoustic transducer (e.g., a loudspeaker) having a pressure-sensitive diaphragm and circuitry configured to generate sound in response to an audio electrical signal input. The audio electrical signal can be a music signal input to the driver 120 by a sound source 122. The sound source 122 can be any type of audio device capable of outputting an audio signal, such as an audio electronic device such as a portable music player, a home stereo system, or a home theater system capable of outputting an audio signal. The first chamber 104 defining the front cavity 106 can be acoustically coupled to the sound output side 120A of the driver 120 and cause sound to be transmitted from the driver 120 to the user's ear 112. In this regard, the dimensions of the first chamber 104 and the front cavity 106 can be designed to surround the ear, as previously described. The third chamber 114 defining the rear cavity 116 may be acoustically coupled to the rear side 120B (eg, the non-sound output side) of the driver 120 and acoustically isolated from the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 108, as previously described.

[0022] To improve the acoustic performance and comfort of the headset 100, the headset 100 may include a valve assembly 124. The valve assembly 124 may include a movable member 126 positioned above an opening 128 formed through the earcup housing 102. The opening 128 is located between the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 108. Therefore, when the movable member 126 is in the closed position, the opening 128 is covered and the first chamber 104 is not open to the second chamber 108. In other words, in the open position, air cannot travel between the front chamber 106 and the outer chamber 110. On the other hand, when the movable member 126 is in the open position, the opening 128 is uncovered and the first chamber 104 is open to the second chamber 108. In other words, air can travel between the front chamber 106 and the outer chamber 110. In this regard, the valve assembly 124 can be used to equalize the pressure within the first chamber 104 and / or the pressure between the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 108. For example, when a pressure above a desired threshold occurs within the first chamber 104, the valve assembly 124 can open, such that the first chamber 104 is open to the second chamber 108, and air can be transferred from the first chamber 104 to the second chamber 108 to relieve (e.g., reduce) the pressure. Figures 3 to 6 The specific operation of the valve assembly 124 is described in more detail.

[0023] The valve assembly 124 can be a passive valve or a mechanical valve that is used to equalize the pressure within the first chamber 104 by opening and / or closing the first chamber 104 to the second chamber 108. The valve assembly 124 can be considered a passive valve (as opposed to an active valve) because it can be opened or closed in the absence of an electrical input. For example, the valve assembly 124 can open or close in response to the pressure, pressure changes, and / or pressure differential within the first chamber 104 and / or between the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 108. Therefore, the valve assembly 124 can also be considered a pressure-sensitive valve. This is in contrast to an active valve that requires an electrical input to open or close the valve.

[0024] Additionally, in some aspects, the first chamber 104 can include additional openings or vents 202 leading to passive cavities and / or chambers, such as Figure 2 Representatively, in some aspects, the vent 202 can vent the first chamber 104 to the ambient environment 204 surrounding the housing 102. For example, the vent 202 can be a b-vent that extends from the front cavity 106 through the housing 102 to the ambient environment. In other aspects, the vent 202 can be formed in the valve assembly 124, as will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 5 The vent 202 can also help relieve pressure within the front chamber 106. For example, in some aspects, the vent 202 can allow a constant flow of air between the ambient environment 204 and the front chamber 106 to relieve small pressures and / or pressure variations within the front chamber 106, while the valve assembly 124 opens in response to larger and / or more sudden pressures and / or pressure variations within the front chamber 106 to relieve larger pressure variations.

[0025] Now refer to Figures 3 to 6 Certain aspects and operation of the valve assembly 124 are described. Representatively, Figures 3 to 6 Shown is a reference Figures 1 to 2 An enlarged cross-sectional side view of the valve assembly. Figure 3 , Figure 3A valve assembly 124 is shown, comprising a movable member 126 positioned above an opening 128 formed in a wall 308 between a front chamber 106 (e.g., an active chamber) and an outer chamber 110 (e.g., a passive chamber). As previously described, the front chamber 106 can be an active chamber defined by a driver front chamber, while the outer chamber 110 can be a passive chamber within an outer chamber of the earphone housing and / or the surrounding environment. The movable member 126 can be any type of valve capable of opening in response to pressure or pressure changes within the front chamber 106 to equalize pressure within and / or between the front chamber 106 and the outer chamber 110. Representatively, the movable member 126 can include a first valve 302A and a second valve 302B movably coupled to the wall 308 at pivot points 304A and 304B, respectively. In some aspects, each of the first valve 302A and the second valve 302B can be operated to open independently of the other in a single direction and in response to different pressures and / or pressure changes. For example, in one aspect, the first valve 302A can be operated in response to a pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold pressure (P TH1 ) and opens only in the direction indicated by the arrow (e.g., into the outer chamber 110) due to a first pressure or pressure change (P1). For example, the first pressure or pressure change (P1) can be a positive pressure (e.g., a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure) and / or exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure (P TH1 ) (e.g., a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure and / or the sound pressure output by the speaker). Typically, the first pressure or pressure change (P1) can be a rapid increase in pressure caused by the user pressing the earmuff against the ear, running, and / or jumping. Valve 302A can be adjusted to open in response to this specific pressure change, as shown by the dotted line. Once the pressure between the outer chamber 110 and the front chamber 106 is equalized, valve 302A can be further adjusted to return to the closed position.

[0026] On the other hand, valve 302B remains closed in response to the first pressure or pressure change (P1). Conversely, valve 302B may instead open only in the direction indicated by the corresponding arrow (e.g., into the front chamber 106) in response to the second pressure change (P2). The second pressure or pressure change (P2) may be different from the first pressure or pressure change (P1). For example, the second pressure or pressure change (P2) may be a negative pressure (e.g., a pressure less than atmospheric pressure) and / or a pressure within the front chamber 106 less than a predetermined threshold pressure (P2). TH2) (e.g., a pressure less than atmospheric pressure and / or the sound pressure output by the speaker). Representatively, the second pressure or pressure change (P2) can be a rapid decompression caused by the user removing the earmuffs from the user's head, running, and / or jumping. Valve 302B can be adjusted to open only in the direction indicated by the arrow (e.g., into the front chamber 106) in response to the second pressure or pressure change (P2). However, valve 302A remains closed and does not open in response to the second pressure or pressure change (P2). In this regard, valves 302A and 302B can be understood as being adjusted to open only in response to different pressures and / or pressure changes, such that one valve opens and the other remains closed. Opening only one valve at a time helps regulate the airflow between chambers 106 and 110. For example, in some cases, a positive pressure may occur in the first chamber 106 and a negative pressure may occur in the outer chamber 110 at the same time. The first valve 302A will open in response to the positive pressure in the first chamber 106. However, the second valve 302B may only open into the front chamber 106. Since the second valve 302B cannot open in the direction of the outer chamber 110, the negative pressure within the outer chamber 110 will not cause it to open. In this regard, air is allowed to move from the front chamber 106 to the outer chamber 110 due to the opening of the first valve 302A, but air is blocked from moving from the outer chamber 110 to the front chamber 106 due to the closing of the second valve 302B. This, in turn, equalizes the pressure within the front chamber 106.

[0027] The valves 302A-302B can be coupled to the housing wall 308 at pivot points 304A-304B. The pivot points 304A-304B can be hinges that allow the valves 302A-302B to open only in the previously discussed directions (e.g., P1 or P2) in response to a desired pressure. In some aspects, the hinges can be formed from the same material as the valves 302A-302B, while in other aspects, the hinges can be made from a different material. For example, in some aspects, the valves can be silicone valves, and the valves 302A-302B can be formed by cutting slits in a silicone film. In this aspect, the hinges will also be formed from the same silicone material as the valves 302A-302B. In other aspects, the valves can be made from other materials, and the valves 302A-302B can be coupled to the wall at the pivot points 304A-304B via another type of hinge, and in some cases, can also include a biasing mechanism. For example, the pivot points 304A-304B can include springs or other biasing mechanisms to bias the valves 302A-302B toward the closed position. In this regard, the valves 302A-302B can remain closed until a desired pressure and / or pressure change occurs, and then be opened and returned to the closed position when the pressures are equalized.

[0028] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of another aspect of the valve assembly 124. Specifically, Figure 4 The valve assembly 124 in is substantially similar to the valve assembly previously discussed, except that the valve assembly further includes a vent 306 within the valve to further assist in equalizing pressure. For example, in some aspects, the vent 306 can allow for a constant flow of air between the front chamber 106 and the outer chamber 110. In this regard, the vent 306 can be used to mitigate small pressures and / or pressure changes within the front chamber 106, while the valve assembly 124 can be adjusted to open only in response to larger and / or more sudden pressures and / or pressure changes within the front chamber 106 to mitigate larger pressure changes. The vent 306 can be a b vent and in addition to and / or in place of the previously referenced Figure 2 The housing b is used for ventilation.

[0029] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of another aspect of the valve assembly 124. Specifically, Figure 5 The valve assembly 124 in is substantially similar to the valve assemblies previously discussed, except that the valve assembly is a single valve 302 that includes a vent 306 therethrough. For example, the valve assembly 124 may include a single check valve or a plurality of check valves that include valves that open in a single direction to equalize pressure in response to a particular pressure and / or pressure change. In some aspects, although not shown, the valve assembly 124 may include two different valves 302 covering different openings 128 within the housing wall 308 to mitigate different pressure occurrences (e.g., negative and positive pressure changes), as previously described. The vent 306 may be a b vent and in addition to and / or in lieu of the previously referenced Figure 2 The housing b is used for ventilation.

[0030] Furthermore, as previously discussed, any one or more of the previously discussed valve assemblies 124 can be tuned to open in response to a specific pressure and / or pressure change. For example, in some aspects, the weight of the valves (e.g., valves 302A-302B), the size of the valve openings (e.g., opening 128), and / or the size of the associated passive cavities (e.g., outer cavity 110) can be specifically selected so that the valve assemblies 124 open and / or close in response to a desired pressure. For example, Figure 6As shown, the size of valve opening 128 (S1) or valve 302 (S2) can be specifically selected so that the valve responds to a desired pressure and opens at a desired rate. Typically, as previously described, the size of the valve can be varied to change its weight, thereby increasing and / or decreasing its speed of opening and / or the pressure required to open it. Furthermore, the size of opening 128 and / or associated cavity 110 can be increased or decreased to allow for a larger or smaller area for air exchange, thereby increasing and / or decreasing the speed at which the valve opens and / or closes. Typically, a light valve covering a large valve opening and / or cavity will cause valve 302 to open more quickly. On the other hand, a heavy valve covering a small valve opening and / or cavity will cause valve 302 to open more slowly. As previously described, the pressure (or pressure change) within the cavity before the valve opens may be caused by acoustic pressure waves from a driver (e.g., a speaker), a user pressing the earmuff against their ear, running, jumping, etc., or any combination of these. Depending on the circumstances, a slower or faster-opening valve may be desirable. For example, a faster opening valve may be desired to mitigate large pressure changes that may occur when the earcup is pressed against the user's ear, while a slower opening valve may be desired for smaller pressure changes caused by running or jumping.

[0031] Figure 7 A simplified schematic diagram of one aspect of the electronics of the valve assembly described herein is shown. For example, Figures 1 to 2 Headset 100 is an example of a system that may include some or all of the circuits illustrated by electronic device 700 .

[0032] The electronic device 700 may include, for example, a power supply 702, a storage device 704, a signal processor 706, a memory 708, a processor 710, a communication circuit 712, and an input / output circuit 714. In some aspects, the electronic device 700 may include more than one of each circuit component, but for simplicity, only the circuit components are shown. Figure 7 In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions of certain components may be combined or omitted, and the functions not shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 6 Additional components or fewer components than those shown in FIG may be included in, for example, headset 100 .

[0033] The power supply 702 can provide power to the components of the electronic device 700. In some aspects, the power supply 702 can be coupled to an electrical grid, such as, for example, a wall outlet. In some aspects, the power supply 702 can include one or more batteries for powering the headset or other types of electronic devices associated with the headset. As another example, the power supply 702 can be configured to generate power from a natural source (e.g., solar energy using solar cells).

[0034] The storage device 704 may include, for example, a hard drive, flash memory, cache, ROM, and / or RAM. Furthermore, the storage device 704 may be local and / or remote from the electronic device 700. For example, the storage device 704 may include integrated storage media, removable storage media, storage space on a remote server, wireless storage media, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the storage device 704 may store data such as, for example, system data, user profile data, and any other relevant data.

[0035] Signal processor 706 may be, for example, a digital signal processor for real-time processing of a digital signal converted from an analog signal by, for example, input / output circuit 714. After processing of the digital signal has been completed, the digital signal may then be converted back to an analog signal.

[0036] The memory 708 may include any form of temporary storage such as RAM, buffers, and / or cache. The memory 708 may also be used to store data used to operate electronic device applications (eg, operating system instructions).

[0037] In addition to the signal processor 706, the electronic device 700 may further include a general-purpose processor 710. The processor 710 is capable of interpreting system instructions and processing data. For example, the processor 710 is capable of executing instructions or programs, such as system applications, firmware applications, and / or any other applications. In addition, the processor 710 has the ability to execute instructions in order to communicate with any or all components of the electronic device 700.

[0038] The communication circuit 712 can be any suitable communication circuit that operates to initiate a communication request, connect to a communication network, and / or transmit communication data to one or more servers or devices within the communication network. For example, the communication circuit 712 can support Wi-Fi (e.g., 802.11 protocol), One or more of high frequency systems, infrared, GSM, GSM plus EDGE, CDMA, or any other communication protocols and / or any combination thereof.

[0039] The input / output circuit 714 can convert (and, if necessary, encode / decode) analog signals and other signals (e.g., physical contact input, physical movement, analog audio signals, etc.) into digital data. The input / output circuit 714 can also convert digital data into any other type of signal. The digital data can be provided to the processor 710, storage device 704, memory 708, signal processor 706, or any other component of the electronic device 700, and can be received from the above-mentioned components. The input / output circuit 714 can be used to interact with any suitable input or output device. In addition, the electronic device 700 may include a dedicated input circuit associated with an input device, such as, for example, one or more proximity sensors, accelerometers, etc. The electronic device 700 may also include a dedicated output circuit associated with an output device, such as, for example, one or more speakers, headphones, etc.

[0040] Finally, the bus 716 may provide a data transfer path for transferring data to, from, or between the processor 710, storage device 704, memory 708, communication circuitry 712, and any other components included in the electronic device 700. Figure 7 Although shown as a single component, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the electronic device 700 may include one or more components.

[0041] Although certain aspects have been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that such aspects are merely illustrative of the broad disclosure and not restrictive, and that the disclosure is not limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, as various other modifications may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the description is to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive. Furthermore, to assist the Patent Office and any reader of any patent issued upon this application in interpreting the appended claims, applicants wish to point out that they do not intend any appended claim or claim element to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless the phrase "means for" or "step for" is expressly used in a particular claim.

Claims

1. A headset comprising: Two headphone ear cups, each including: an earmuff shell defining an active chamber, a passive chamber, and an opening, the active chamber acoustically coupling a sound output side of a speaker to an ear of a user, the passive chamber surrounding the active chamber, the opening being located between the active chamber and the passive chamber; and a passive valve assembly coupled to the opening and comprising a first valve member configured to move only in a first direction in response to a first pressure within the active chamber and a second valve member configured to move only in a second, different direction opposite to the first direction in response to a second pressure within the active chamber to allow fluid to pass through the opening between the active chamber and the passive chamber to equalize pressure between the active chamber and the passive chamber.

2. The headphone of claim 1 , wherein the active chamber forms a front chamber of the speaker that is acoustically isolated from a rear chamber of the speaker and is sized to surround the ear of the user.

3. The headphone of claim 1, wherein the passive chamber is closed to the surrounding environment and acoustically isolated from a back chamber of the speaker. The headset of claim 1 , wherein the passive chamber is open to the surrounding environment.

5. The headphone of claim 1, wherein the passive chamber is acoustically isolated from a back chamber of the speaker. 6 . The headset of claim 1 , wherein the first valve member comprises a first valve configured to open only in the first direction, and the first pressure is a positive pressure exceeding a threshold pressure.

7. The headset of claim 1, wherein the second valve member comprises a second valve configured to open only in a second different direction opposite to the first direction, and the second pressure is a negative pressure less than a threshold pressure.

8. The headset of claim 1, wherein the first valve member or the second valve member comprises a valve coupled to the earcup housing by a biasing mechanism that biases the valve toward a closed position.

9. The headset of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly comprises a check valve.

10. The headset of claim 1, further comprising a leakage vent coupling the active chamber to the passive chamber or an ambient environment.

11. The headphone of claim 1, wherein a sound pressure wave output by the sound output side of the speaker causes a positive pressure change in the active chamber and opens the valve assembly.

12. The headset of claim 1, wherein the first pressure or the second pressure is a positive pressure change or a negative pressure change caused by the user pressing at least one of the headset ear cups against the user's ear.

13. The headset of claim 1, wherein the headset earcups are closed-back headset earcups.

14. A closed-back headphone earmuff, comprising: an earmuff shell defining a front cavity acoustically coupled to a sound output side of a driver, a rear cavity coupled to a rear side of the driver and acoustically isolated from the front cavity, and an outer cavity acoustically isolated from the rear cavity of the driver; and a valve assembly coupled to a single opening between the front chamber and the outer chamber, wherein the valve assembly includes a first valve member and a second valve member, the first valve member being configured to move in a first direction in response to a first pressure within the front chamber, the second valve member moving in a second direction different from the first direction in response to a second pressure within the front chamber, and the second valve member remaining closed when the first valve member moves in the first direction, and wherein movement of the valve assembly in the first and second directions opens the front chamber to the outer chamber to equalize pressure between the front chamber and the outer chamber.

15. The headphone earmuff of claim 14, wherein the first valve member comprises a first valve configured to open in the first direction, and the second valve member comprises a second valve configured to open in the second direction.

16. The headphone earmuff of claim 14, wherein the first valve member remains closed when the second valve member opens in the second direction.

17. The headphone earmuff of claim 14, wherein a size of the first valve member or a size of the second valve member is adjusted to change a speed at which the first valve member or the second valve member opens in response to the first pressure or the second pressure.

18. The headphone earmuff of claim 14, wherein the first pressure comprises a positive pressure within the front chamber that is greater than a threshold pressure.

19. The headphone earmuff of claim 14, wherein the second pressure comprises a negative pressure within the front chamber that is less than a threshold pressure.

20. The headphone earmuff of claim 14, further comprising a vent formed in the valve assembly, the vent coupling the front cavity to the outer cavity.

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