Adjustable headphones

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an adjustable headset, which comprises: a headband assembly; and two earpieces, wherein the two earpieces are respectively attached to two ends of the headband assembly; wherein the headband assembly comprises: a first slender member and a second slender member, wherein the first slender member and the second slender member each extend over a portion of the length of the headband assembly, at least one of the slender members is capable of moving along the length of the headband assembly and comprises a first length portion and a second length portion, wherein the second length portion has a greater bending strength than the first length portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an adjustable headset, and in particular to a headset capable of applying an adjustable clamping force to a wearer. Background Art

[0002] Headphones, especially cordless headphones, have become increasingly popular in recent years, and people prefer to wear them when doing various activities, such as when exercising in a gym, during daily activities, or when riding the subway. Usually, headphones need to provide a strong clamp to prevent them from slipping when the wearer is exercising in the gym. On the other hand, when the wearer is in daily activities, a loose clamp of the headphones may be preferred for long-term comfortable wearing. In addition, sometimes the wearer wants the headphones to provide a moderate clamp so that when they are in a noisy environment, such as when riding the subway, a sealing function is provided. There are headphones with adjustable headbands to fit the wearer's head size. However, such headphones can neither provide a relatively large range of adjustable clamping force nor provide precise adjustment of the clamping force. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an adjustable headset, comprising: a headband assembly; and two earpieces, the two earpieces being respectively attached to two ends of the headband assembly; wherein the headband assembly comprises: a first slender member and a second slender member, the first slender member and the second slender member each extending over a portion of the length of the headband assembly, at least one of the slender members being capable of moving along the length of the headband assembly and comprising a first length portion and a second length portion, the second length portion having a greater bending strength than the first length portion.

[0004] Optionally, each of the elongated members is movable along the length of the headband assembly and includes a first length portion and a second length portion, the second length portion having a greater bending strength than the first length portion.

[0005] Optionally, the first slender member and the second slender member are capable of moving between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, a majority of the first length portion of each of the first slender member and the second slender member overlaps with the second length portion of the other of the first slender member and the second slender member, and in the second position, the first length portion of each of the first slender member and the second slender member does not overlap with the second length portion of the other of the first slender member and the second slender member.

[0006] Optionally, in the second position, only a portion of the first length portions of the first elongated member and the second elongated member overlap each other.

[0007] Optionally, the first length portion of each of the elongate members extends from its corresponding second length portion and towards the second length portion of the other elongate member.

[0008] Optionally, the first length portion of each of the elongated members extends from its corresponding second length portion and towards the second length portion of the other elongated member, and wherein the second length portions of the elongated members are closer to each other in the first position than in the second position.

[0009] Optionally, the headband assembly has a maximum bending strength in the first position and a minimum bending strength in the second position.

[0010] Optionally, the first length portion has a smaller width than the second length portion.

[0011] Optionally, the first length portion has a smaller thickness than the second length portion.

[0012] Optionally, the first length portion is formed from a material having a lower flexural modulus than the second length portion.

[0013] Optionally, the headband assembly further comprises an actuator for moving the first elongated member and the second elongated member.

[0014] Optionally, rotation of the actuator causes the first elongated member and the second elongated member to move in opposite directions along the length of the headband assembly.

[0015] Optionally, the actuator includes a gear, and each of the first length portions of the first slender member and the second slender member includes a rack meshing with the gear of the actuator, and rotation of the actuator causes the first slender member and the second slender member to move in opposite directions along the length of the headband assembly.

[0016] Optionally, the actuator includes a ratchet, and each of the first length portions of the first slender member and the second slender member includes a ratchet portion that engages with the ratchet of the actuator, and rotation of the actuator causes the first slender member and the second slender member to move in opposite directions along the length of the headband assembly.

[0017] Optionally, the actuator frictionally engages each of the first length portions of the first and second elongated members, and rotation of the actuator moves the first and second elongated members in opposite directions along the length of the headband assembly.

[0018] Optionally, the headband assembly further comprises a housing, and the first elongated member and the second elongated member are mounted in the housing and are movable in the housing.

[0019] Optionally, the shell includes an upper shell portion, which includes a slender base portion and a plurality of side wall portion pairs, each pair of the side wall portion pairs having two opposing side wall portions, one side wall portion extending downward from one side of the base portion, and the other side wall portion extending downward from the other side of the base portion, wherein at least some of the side wall portions are formed with inwardly extending flanges, and the lower surface of the base portion, the side wall portions and the flanges define a channel for receiving the slender member and cooperate to facilitate movement of the slender member.

[0020] Optionally, at least some of the side wall portion pairs have holes formed in each of the opposing side wall portions, and the holes in the opposing side wall portions are configured to receive rollers that cooperate with the lower surface of the base portion, the side wall portions and the flange to facilitate movement of the slender member.

[0021] Optionally, the lower surface of the base portion is formed with a plurality of ribs to facilitate movement of the elongate member.

[0022] Optionally, the actuator further comprises an actuator body connected to the gear and a folding ring pivotably connected to the actuator body to facilitate rotation of the actuator.

[0023] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be or will become apparent to those skilled in the art after studying the following drawings and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features and advantages are intended to be included in this description, within the scope of the present disclosure, and protected by the accompanying claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and the description. The components in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but the emphasis is placed on illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, in the drawings, the same reference numerals represent corresponding parts in different views.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a front view of a headset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A top view of a headset;

[0027] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A front view of a headband assembly of a headset;

[0028] Figure 4A Shown in minimum clamping force position Figure 3 An exploded view of the headband assembly;

[0029] Figure 4Bis another exploded view showing a portion of the headband assembly as viewed from a bottom view;

[0030] Figure 5 It is in the minimum clamping force position Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a headband assembly;

[0031] Fig. 6A is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA;

[0032] Figure 6B is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB;

[0033] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The minimum clamping force position is shown Figure 3 A top view of a headband assembly with certain components of the headband assembly removed for clarity;

[0034] Figure 7C is along Fig. 7A Cross-sectional views taken along lines CC, DD and EE;

[0035] Figure 8 Shown at maximum clamping force position Figure 3 An exploded view of the headband assembly;

[0036] Fig. 9 The maximum clamping force position is shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a headband assembly;

[0037] Fig.10 The maximum clamping force position is shown Figure 3 A top view of a headband assembly with certain components of the headband assembly removed for clarity;

[0038] Fig.11 is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line FF. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the present disclosure, when a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein may make the subject matter of the present disclosure unclear, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0040] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the / said" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprise", "contain", "include" and / or "cover" specify the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or increase of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the terms "and / or" and the symbol " / " are intended to include any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. In addition, although the terms first, second, etc. can be used here to describe various elements, parts, steps or calculations, these elements, parts, steps or calculations should not be limited by these terms, instead these terms are only used to distinguish one element, part, step or calculation from another. For example, the first component can be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the first calculation can be referred to as the second calculation; similarly, the first step can be referred to as the second step; all of these do not deviate from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] For the purpose of clarifying use in the pending claims and thereby informing the public, the phrase " , ,......and <n> At least one of "or"< / n> , ,......and <n>At least one of, or a combination of them” is defined by the applicant in the broadest sense, superseding any other implied definition before or after, unless the applicant explicitly states otherwise, to refer to one or more elements selected from the group consisting of A, B, ... and N, that is, any combination of one or more of elements A, B, ... or N includes any one of the elements alone or in combination with one or more of the other elements, which may also include additional elements not listed in combination.

[0042] As used herein, the term "overlapping" means that the overlapping components are in the same position along the length of the headband assembly. The term "lengthwise" or "longitudinal direction" means a direction along an arc or curve defined by the centerline of the headband assembly.

[0043] The present disclosure provides a headset that can provide a relatively wide range of adjustable clamping force and precise adjustment of the clamping force.

[0044] < / n> Figure 1 and Figure 2 A headset 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein Figure 1 shows a front view of the headset, and Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows a top view of the headset. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the headset 10 includes a headband assembly 100 and two earpieces 202 , 204 attached to the ends 102 , 104 of the headband assembly 100 , respectively.

[0045] Figure 3 A front view of the headband assembly 100 is shown. Figure 4A-4B , Figure 5 , Figure 6A-6B , Figure 7A-7B The minimum clamping force position of the headband assembly 100 is shown, wherein Figure 4A-4B An exploded view of the headband assembly 100 is shown, Figure 5 , Figure 6A-6B is a cross-sectional view of the headband assembly 100, Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is a top view of the headband assembly 100 .

[0046] As shown in the figure, the headband assembly 100 includes an upper shell 110, a lower shell 120, an intermediate bracket 122, a first movable elongated member 130, a second movable elongated member 140 and a knob 150. Figure 4A-4B and Figure 5 As clearly shown in FIG. 1 , the upper housing 110 includes an elongated base portion 118 and a plurality of side wall portion pairs 112. Each side wall portion pair 112 has two opposing side wall portions 112, one side wall portion 112 extending downwardly from one side of the base portion, and the other side wall portion extending downwardly from the other side of the base portion. Figure 4B As clearly shown, some of the side wall portions 112 are formed with flanges extending inwardly from the lower ends of the side wall portions. Some of the side wall portion pairs have holes formed in each of the opposing side wall portions, wherein the holes in the opposing side wall portions are aligned with each other so that rollers can be received in the holes in the opposing side wall portions. As shown, the lower surface of the base portion 118, the side wall portions 112 and the flanges 114 define a channel for receiving the slender members 130, 140. The rollers 116 cooperate with the lower surface of the base portion 118, the side wall portions 112 and the flanges 114 to guide and facilitate the movement of the slender members 130, 140. As shown in FIG. Figure 4B As shown, the lower surface of the base portion 118 is formed with a plurality of ribs to facilitate movement of the elongated members 130 , 140 .

[0047] like Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As clearly shown, the movable elongated member 130 includes a wide strip portion 134 and a narrow strip portion 132. The narrow strip portion 132 extends from the end of the narrow strip portion 134 toward the movable elongated member 140. The narrow strip portion 132 is formed with a row of teeth for meshing with the gear 152 of the knob 150. The wide strip portion 134 is formed with a groove 136 extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated member. The guide assembly (rod and wheel) 138 is positioned in the groove 136 for guiding the movement of the movable elongated member 130. Similarly, the movable elongated member 140 includes a wide strip portion 144 and a narrow strip portion 142. The narrow strip portion 142 extends from the end of the wide strip portion 144 toward the movable elongated member 130. The narrow strip portion 142 is formed with a row of teeth for meshing with the gear 152 of the knob 150. The wide strip portion 144 is formed with a groove 146 extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated member. The guide assembly 148 is positioned in the groove 146 for guiding the movement of the movable elongated member 140 .

[0048] like Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the teeth of the narrow strip portion 142 of the movable elongated member 140 mesh with the gear 152 from the upper side, while the teeth of the narrow strip portion 132 of the movable elongated member 130 mesh with the gear 152 from the lower side. In this configuration, the counterclockwise rotation of the gear 152 will move the movable elongated member 140 toward the movable elongated member 130, and move the movable elongated member 130 toward the movable elongated member 140, and thus will move the movable elongated members 130, 140 closer to each other. On the other hand, the clockwise rotation of the gear 152 will move the movable elongated member 140 away from the movable elongated member 130, and move the movable elongated member 130 away from the movable elongated member 140, and thus cause the movable elongated members 130, 140 to move further apart from each other.

[0049] As from Fig. 7A As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the guide assemblies 138, 148 contact the grooves 136, 146, respectively, and thus prevent the movable elongated members 130, 140 from moving further apart from each other, and thus Fig. 7A The position shown in is the farthest apart position of the movable elongated members 130, 140. On the other hand, Fig.10 The most proximal position of the movable elongated members 130, 140 is shown. Thus, rotation of the knob 150 may move the movable members 130, 140 to Fig. 7A The location shown and Fig.10 the positions shown, and any intermediate positions therebetween.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when the headset 10 is in its resting position, the earpieces 202, 204 are close to each other. When the headset 10 is worn by the wearer, the headband assembly 100 needs to be expanded so that the headset 10 can accommodate the wearer's head, and this expansion of the headband assembly 100 will generate a clamping force on the wearer's head. The clamping force applied by the movable elongated members 130, 140 of the headband assembly 100 can be calculated by the following formula:

[0051] δ=M*ε,

[0052] M=W*T 3 / 12,

[0053] Where T: thickness; W: width; M: bending moment; δ: stress; ε: strain.

[0054] Figure 7C is along Fig. 7A The cross-sectional view of line CC, line DD and line EE. Figure 7C As shown, the active elongated members 130 and 140 have a constant thickness T, so the M value of the active elongated members mainly depends on the W value. The narrow strip portions 132 and 142 have a width W much smaller than the width of the narrow strip portions 134 and 144, so the narrow strip portions 132 and 142 have a much smaller M value than the width of the narrow strip portions 134 and 144. Fig. 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 6B As shown, in Fig. 7A In the position shown, the narrow strip portion 132 of the elongated member 130 does not overlap with the wide strip portion 144 of the elongated member 140, and the narrow strip portion 142 of the elongated member 140 does not overlap with the wide strip portion 134 of the elongated member 130. Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, in Fig.10 In the position shown, a large portion of the narrow strip portion 132 of the elongated member 130 overlaps with a large portion of the wide strip portion 144 of the elongated member 140, and a large portion of the narrow strip portion 142 of the elongated member 140 overlaps with a large portion of the wide strip portion 134 of the elongated member 130. Therefore, Fig. 7A The combined M value of the movable elongated members 130 and 140 in the dotted line area is Fig.10 The combined M value of the dotted line area is much smaller. In the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the movable elongated members 130 and 140 are made of stainless steel, and the upper shell is made of plastic with a modulus much smaller than that of stainless steel. Therefore, the total M value of the corresponding part of the headband assembly 100 mainly depends on the combined M value of the movable elongated members 130 and 140. Fig.10 Compared to the headset 10 in the position shown, Fig. 7A The headset 10 in the illustrated position exerts a much smaller clamping force on the wearer.

[0055] As described above, rotation of the knob 150 may move the movable elements 130, 140 to Fig. 7A The location shown and Fig.10 The positions shown, and any intermediate positions between these two positions. Fig. 7A The positions shown in Fig.10 In addition to the positions shown in , the headset 10 can also apply to the wearer any intermediate clamping force between the clamping forces applied in the two positions. In addition, the gear-rack configuration of the present disclosure can accurately control the position of the movable elongated members 130, 140, and thus can accurately control the clamping force applied by the headset 10. Therefore, the headset 10 has the technical advantages of being able to provide a relatively large range of adjustable clamping forces and accurate adjustment of the clamping force.

[0056] As shown, the knob 150 includes a gear 152, a knob body connected to the gear, and a pivotable ring 156 pivotally connected to the knob body. The pivotable ring 150 can be rotated away from the knob body to facilitate the rotation of the knob 150, and can be rotated back to the knob body as shown in the figure. Figure 4A and Figure 5 Storage location shown.

[0057] Figure 4A-4B , Figure 5 , Figure 6A-6B , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A specific housing structure of the present disclosure is shown for guiding and facilitating the movement of the elongated members 130, 140. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this specific structure, and any suitable structure capable of guiding and facilitating the movement of the elongated members 130, 140 therein is within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the structure shown includes flanges 114 and rollers 116 for supporting the elongated members 130, 140. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the upper housing may include only flanges or only rollers.

[0058] The accompanying drawings show the specific structure of the knob 150. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific structure of the knob, and any suitable structure that can rotate the gear is within the present disclosure. For example, any suitable actuator that can rotate the gear can be used in the present disclosure.

[0059] In the particular embodiment shown in the drawings, a gear-rack arrangement is used to drive the movement of the elongated members 130, 140. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an arrangement, and any suitable mechanism that can drive the movement of the elongated members can be used in the present disclosure. For example, the actuator may include a threaded portion, and the narrow band portions 132, 142 may each include a rack that engages with the threaded portion of the actuator, and the rotation of the actuator causes the first elongated member and the second elongated member to move in opposite directions along the length of the headband assembly. For example, the actuator may include a ratchet, and the narrow band portions 132, 142 may each include a ratchet portion that engages with the ratchet of the actuator, and the rotation of the actuator causes the first elongated member and the second elongated member to move in opposite directions along the length of the headband assembly. For example, the actuator may frictionally engage with each of the first length portions of the narrow band portions, and the rotation of the actuator causes the first elongated member and the second elongated member to move in opposite directions along the length of the headband assembly.

[0060] In the specific embodiment shown in the drawings, a first slender member and a second slender member, both having a narrow strip portion and a wide strip portion, are used to provide a first length portion with a smaller bending strength and a second length portion with a larger bending strength. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any slender member that can provide a first length portion with a smaller bending strength and a second length portion with a larger bending strength can be used in the present disclosure. For example, the first slender member and the second slender member can have a first length portion with a smaller thickness and a second length portion with a larger thickness, respectively, to provide a first length portion with a smaller bending strength and a second length portion with a larger bending strength. For example, the first length portion can be formed by a material with a smaller bending modulus, and the second length portion can be formed by a material with a larger bending modulus, so as to provide a first length portion with a smaller bending strength and a second length portion with a larger bending strength.

[0061] Systems and methods have been generally described to aid understanding of the details of the present invention. In some cases, well-known structures, materials and / or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present invention. In other instances, specific details have been given in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms, such as to adapt to specific systems or devices or situations or materials or components, without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosure and description herein are intended to illustrate rather than limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present disclosure is not subject to any restrictions except according to the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An adjustable headset, comprising: Headband assembly; as well as two earphones, the two earphones being respectively attached to two ends of the headband assembly; The headband assembly comprises: a first elongated member and a second elongated member, each of the first elongated member and the second elongated member extending over a portion of the length of the headband assembly, at least one of the elongated members being movable along the length of the headband assembly and comprising a first length portion and a second length portion, the second length portion having a greater bending strength than the first length portion, The headband assembly further comprises a housing, and the first elongated member and the second elongated member are mounted in the housing and are movable in the housing, The shell includes an upper shell portion, which includes a slender base portion and a plurality of side wall portion pairs, each pair of the side wall portion pairs having two opposing side wall portions, one side wall portion extending downward from one side of the base portion, and the other side wall portion extending downward from the other side of the base portion, wherein at least some of the side wall portions are formed with inwardly extending flanges, and the lower surface of the base portion, the side wall portions and the flanges define a channel for receiving the slender member and cooperate to facilitate movement of the slender member.

2. The adjustable headset of claim 1 , wherein each of the elongated members is movable along the length of the headband assembly and comprises a first length portion and a second length portion, the second length portion having a greater bending strength than the first length portion.

3. The adjustable headset according to claim 2, wherein the first slender member and the second slender member are capable of moving between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, a majority of the first length portion of each of the first slender member and the second slender member overlaps with the second length portion of the other of the first slender member and the second slender member, and in the second position, the first length portion of each of the first slender member and the second slender member does not overlap with the second length portion of the other of the first slender member and the second slender member.

4. The adjustable headphone of claim 3, wherein in the second position, only a portion of the first length portions of the first and second elongated members overlap each other.

5. The adjustable headphone of claim 3, wherein the first length portion of each of the elongated members extends from its corresponding second length portion and toward the second length portion of another elongated member.

6. An adjustable headset according to claim 5, wherein the first length portion of each of the slender members extends from its corresponding second length portion and toward the second length portion of another slender member, and wherein the second length portions of the slender members are closer to each other in the first position than in the second position.

7. The adjustable headphones of claim 3, wherein the headband assembly has a maximum bending strength in the first position and a minimum bending strength in the second position.

8. The adjustable headphone according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first length portion has a smaller width than the second length portion.

9. The adjustable headphone according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first length portion has a smaller thickness than the second length portion.

10. The adjustable headphone according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first length portion is formed from a material having a lower flexural modulus than the second length portion.

11. The adjustable headset according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the headband assembly further comprises an actuator for moving the first elongated member and the second elongated member.

12. The adjustable headset of claim 11, wherein rotation of the actuator causes the first and second elongated members to move in opposite directions along the length of the headband assembly.

13. The adjustable headset of claim 11, wherein the actuator comprises a gear, and each of the first length portions of the first elongated member and the second elongated member comprises a rack meshing with the gear of the actuator, and rotation of the actuator causes the first elongated member and the second elongated member to move in opposite directions along the length of the headband assembly.

14. The adjustable headset of claim 11, wherein the actuator includes a ratchet, and each of the first length portions of the first elongated member and the second elongated member includes a ratchet portion that engages with the ratchet of the actuator, and rotation of the actuator causes the first elongated member and the second elongated member to move in opposite directions along the length of the headband assembly.

15. The adjustable headset of claim 11, wherein the actuator frictionally engages each of the first length portions of the first and second elongated members, and rotation of the actuator causes the first and second elongated members to move in opposite directions along the length of the headband assembly.

16. An adjustable headphone according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the side wall portion pairs have a hole formed in each of the opposing side wall portions, and the holes in the opposing side wall portions are configured to receive rollers that cooperate with the lower surface of the base portion, the side wall portions and the flange to facilitate the movement of the slender member.

17. The adjustable headphone of claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the base portion is formed with a plurality of ribs to facilitate the movement of the elongated member.

18. The adjustable headphone of claim 13, wherein the actuator further comprises an actuator body connected to the gear and a folding ring pivotally connected to the actuator body to facilitate rotation of the actuator.

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