On-ear headphones with staggered perforations

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a supra-aural headphone with staggered perforations, the supra-aural headphone comprising at least one ear pad defining an ear face configured to engage with a user's ear when the user wears the headphone, the ear face comprising a perforated area comprising a plurality of staggered elongated perforations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to supra-aural headphones. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to supra-aural headphones with staggered perforations. Background Art

[0002] Headphones are a pair of ear pads with speaker drivers that are worn on or around the head above the user's ears. Headphones convert electrical signals into corresponding sounds. Headphones allow a single user to listen to an audio source alone, as opposed to speakers, which emit sound outdoors for anyone nearby to listen. Headphones are also called ear speakers, earpieces, or head-mounted receivers. Circum-aural (i.e., "over-ear") and ear pad (i.e., "on-ear") headphones usually use a band on the top of the head to keep the speaker in place. Another type, known as earplugs, includes a separate unit that fits into the outer ear or ear canal of the user. During longer use, all headphones can cause discomfort to the user's ears, so it is important that the headphones are designed to be comfortable for the user.

[0003] For supra-aural headphones whose ear pads are flat and abut the user's ears, during prolonged use, the ear pads press against the user's ears and create discomfort. One of the problems with known supra-aural headphones is that the pressure is particularly significant in the center of the ear, i.e., on the tragus and antitragus. Therefore, there is a need for an improved supra-aural headphone that provides good comfort to the user. Summary of the invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate the above-mentioned deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art, and to at least solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a comfortable supra-aural headphone.

[0006] It is another object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a headphone having a soft and stretchable layer adjacent to a user's ear.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a supra-aural headphone which produces reduced pressure on the user's ears compared to known headphones.

[0008] It is another object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a headphone with long term comfort.

[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided a supra-aural headphone comprising at least one ear pad. The at least one ear pad defines an ear face. The ear face is configured to engage with an ear of a user when the headphone is worn by the user. The ear face comprises a perforated area. The perforated area comprises a plurality of staggered elongated perforations.

[0010] In this context, the term "supra-aural headphones" is used to refer to headphones that have one or two ear pads that press against the ears rather than surround the user's ears. Supra-aural headphones, i.e., their pads, are configured to rest on the ears. These typically do not completely surround or wrap around the ears. This type of headphone is sometimes referred to as an ear-cushion headphone.

[0011] An alternative solution for on-ear headphones is circum-aural headphones with annular ear pads. However, this type of ear cup has various disadvantages in terms of acoustic sealing and in terms of production control and size fit. On-ear headphones tend to be smaller and lighter than circum-aural headphones. In this application, the main focus is on on-ear headphones. The term headphone can be used interchangeably with the term headphone. The headphone may include at least one microphone. The headphone may include an antenna for connecting to an audio signal source, such as a radio, mobile phone, laptop computer, video game console, electronic musical instrument, amplifier, etc.

[0012] Headphones with one ear pad are often referred to as mono headphones. The other end of a mono headset often has a support, which is sometimes referred to as a T-bar. A headset may alternatively have two ear pads interconnected with a band. The band may be configured to rest on the top of the user's head. Headphones with two ear pads are often referred to as binaural headphones or stereo headphones. Often the two ear pads are the same size and may have different perforation patterns to indicate which ear pad will be worn on the user's left ear and which will be worn on the user's right ear. These indicators may be embedded within the pattern.

[0013] In this context, an ear pad will be interpreted as a unit comprising at least one speaker that provides sound to the user. The ear pad generally has a circular shape. The ear pad may include a plurality of electronic components. These components may be responsible for signal processing and general functions of the headset. The speaker and the electronic components may be placed in a housing. The housing may be made of hard and rigid plastic to provide the general shape of the ear pad. The housing may be an inner ear pad. The housing may then be encapsulated with one or more layers of soft material to ensure good comfort for the user. The soft cushion may form an outer ear pad. The ear pad may be pressed against the user's ear, thereby enabling an acoustic seal to be achieved during use and the headset to fit securely on the user's head. In order to ensure a good acoustic seal and secure fit of the headset during use, the surface of the ear pad that engages the ear is generally a flat continuous surface. This surface is generally made of PU artificial leather, ensuring a good feel on the ear. The ear pad may be removably attached to the band on the head. In addition, the ear surface may be removably attached to the housing using the electronics of the ear pad.

[0014] The ear surface is a surface configured to be in direct contact with and directly adjacent to the ear of a user. In the case where the outer ear pad comprises more than one layer, the ear surface may be the outer top layer of the ear pad. The ear surface is configured to engage with the ear of the user when the headphone is worn by the user. The ear surface may be flat and have a plurality of perforations in succession.

[0015] The perforated area is generally the central portion of the ear surface formed by a plurality of perforations organized in a well-defined adjacent pattern. The perforated area may be located on the ear surface to directly cover the ear canal and abut the tragus and anti-tragus. Generally, the pattern of the perforated area may be any shape, such as circular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, oval, straight line, etc.

[0016] The perforated area includes perforations and non-perforated areas formed between adjacent and / or neighboring perforations. The main purpose of the perforations is to allow sound to pass through the ear surface, thereby enabling and improving the listening experience. In the case where the outer ear pad includes more than one layer and if the layer below the top layer can allow sound to pass through, the perforations can be produced in the top layer on the outside of the ear pad. Alternatively, the perforations can extend all the way through the outer ear pad to the housing to allow sound from the speaker to reach the user's ear.

[0017] The plurality of perforations in adjacent patterns are staggered. In other words, adjacent perforations of adjacent patterns are arranged in any of a variety of zigzag, alternating or overlapping configurations. That is, perforations in adjacent patterns alternate with areas without perforations. The perforations may all have the same shape and size.

[0018] In the present context, the term "staggered" may be interpreted as an arrangement wherein the leading edge of one perforation is in front of an adjacent perforation in an adjacent pattern.

[0019] In this context, the term "elongated" may be interpreted such that the perforation width is smaller than the perforation length. That is, the elongated perforation is long relative to its width. The width of the perforation may be determined by the material used for the ear surface, its type and / or thickness. The minimum width of the perforation may be about 0.5 mm.

[0020] By forming elongated perforations in a staggered manner in the ear surface, the ear surface has increased softness and stretchability, resulting in improved flexibility of the ear surface, thereby providing better user comfort compared to known headphones. Such an ear surface produces reduced pressure on the user's ear and enables prolonged use of the headphone without causing any discomfort. That is, pressure points on the ear surface with softness and flexibility on the protruding ear portion are avoided.

[0021] According to some embodiments, at least two elongated perforations have different sizes. At least two elongated perforations in the same pattern may have different sizes. Moreover, at least two perforations in adjacent patterns may have different sizes. The size difference may be a difference in the length of the perforations and / or a difference in the width of the perforations. Perforations with different lengths and / or widths increase the stretchability of the perforated area, thereby increasing the flexibility of the entire ear surface.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the plurality of perforations are arranged in concentric circles. At least two perforations from two adjacent circles may be in a staggered form. In this embodiment, the perforated area is circular, typically centered at the center of the ear pad. The perforated area may include at least three concentric circles. The first smallest concentric circle may include three or more elongated perforations of the same or different sizes. The next concentric circle may include at least one more perforation than the first circle. The space between two perforations in the same circle will be referred to as a bridge. The bridge in one circle is typically formed next to the perforations of the adjacent circle. In this way, the perforations of the adjacent circles are in a staggered form. In addition, when the bridge is formed adjacent to the perforations on both sides, a labyrinth is formed starting from the center of the perforated area and toward the outer boundary of this area. That is, it is impossible to draw a straight line from the center of the perforated area to the outer boundary along the bridge (i.e., between the perforations) without crossing at least one perforation. This means that a longer distance or path can be achieved from the outside of the perforated area to its center or to the contact point with the ear geometry (such as the tragus and / or antitragus) when passing through adjacent bridge portions. Achieving a longer distance means that the material is softer and therefore the contact point with the ear is subject to less pressure. This perforation structure improves the elasticity, stretchability and softness of the ear surface, thereby providing improved comfort for the headphone user. Instead of concentric circles, the perforations can be arranged in any other concentric pattern, such as concentric polygons (squares, pentagons, hexagons, etc.), concentric ellipses, concentric stars, etc. The same principles, structures and advantages apply to this pattern.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the plurality of perforations are arranged in parallel straight lines. At least two perforations from two adjacent lines are in a staggered form. In this embodiment, the perforated area can take any shape, because the parallel lines can have different lengths. It can take a quadrilateral shape, such as a trapezoid, a square, a rectangle or a rhombus, usually with its center in the center of the ear pad. The perforated area can include at least three parallel line patterns arranged side by side. The line patterns can have different lengths compared to each other. Two adjacent perforated line patterns are usually separated by a distance approximately equal to the width of the perforation. The space between two perforations in the same line pattern will be referred to as a bridge. The bridge in one line pattern is usually formed next to the perforations of the adjacent line pattern. In this way, the perforations of the adjacent line patterns are in a staggered form. That is, the front edge of a perforation in one line pattern is in front of the adjacent perforation in the adjacent line pattern. Therefore, when the bridge is closed with perforations on both sides, a zigzag is formed starting from one side of the perforated area and toward the opposite side of this area. That is, it is not possible to draw a straight line along the bridge, i.e. between the perforations, from one side of the perforated area to the opposite side of this area without crossing at least one perforation. This perforation structure improves the elasticity, stretchability and softness of the ear surface, thereby providing improved comfort for the headphone user. In particular, the softness and elasticity of the perforated area are improved, thereby improving the comfort of the user.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the perforated area occupies at least 3% and at most 50% of the entire ear surface. Typically, the perforated area occupies the area of ​​the ear surface overlapping the tragus, antitragus and ear canal. In order to provide good sound characteristics, that is, to allow sound to leave the ear pad, and also to improve the elasticity of the ear surface, the perforated area can occupy a minimum of 3% of the central part of the ear surface. In order to maintain the rigidity and durability of the ear surface, the perforated area can occupy up to 50% of the ear surface. The perforated area can occupy a minimum of 40%, such as 30%, such as 20%, such as 10%. The perforated area can occupy up to 45%. Moreover, a large perforated area may cause undesirable sounds, such as noise, to enter the user's ears. Typically, the size of the perforated area can be limited by the application of the on-ear headphone, i.e., by the intended use, by the desired sound performance, and / or by the desired acoustic sealing level.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the ear pad includes at least one layer made of foam material. The foam material improves the softness of the ear pad, thereby improving the comfort of the user when using the headphone. The foam layer may include a double layer of foam. The foam may allow sound from the speaker to reach the user's ear. Alternatively, the foam material may define a hole below the perforated area. That is, there may be no foam between the housing with the speaker and other electronic devices for signal processing and the ear surface.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the ear surface is made of a plastic material, such as polyurethane and / or artificial leather material. Alternatively, any other material that provides acceptable durability can be used for the ear surface. For example, various fabrics, films, leathers, etc. with shaped elongated staggered perforations can be used. A mesh made of, for example, a fabric can be arranged below the ear surface with perforations.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the perforations are at least 1 mm long. According to some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the perforations is at least 1:2, resulting in elongated perforations. The elongated perforations increase the elasticity of the ear surface, allowing this surface to deform easily in different directions. When the ear (e.g., the tragus) is pressed against the ear pad, the surface can deform and stretch more than, for example, a surface with non-elongated circular holes.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the ear surface is substantially flat. Generally, a flat surface results in a more comfortable headphone because it rests on the outer ear and allows the user to have a clear understanding of the sound sources in the environment.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the plurality of perforations are arranged so that a labyrinth is formed when starting from the center of the perforated area and toward the outer boundary of the perforated area. That is, a curved inter-bridge line is generated by the interconnected bridges of adjacent patterns (formed between two adjacent perforations within the same pattern). The perforations are formed by cutting the material of the ear surface perpendicular to the stretching direction of the material, thereby making the labyrinth longer, resulting in a softer and more stretchable ear surface. Since the material of the ear surface stretches along the bridge, and therefore along the curve (labyrinth), this formation of perforations will result in an increase in the stretchability of this structure compared to conventional structures of the same material.

[0030] The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the present disclosure only by way of illustration. Those skilled in the art will understand from the guidance of the detailed description that changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosure disclosed herein is not limited to the specific parts of the described device or the steps of the described method, because such device and method can change. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments, not for limitation. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the articles "one", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements, unless the context clearly stipulates otherwise. Therefore, for example, references to "a unit" or "the unit" can include several devices, etc. In addition, the words "comprise", "include", "contain" and similar expressions do not exclude other elements or steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The above objects as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood by referring to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 A conventional ear pad is schematically shown with circular perforations forming a perforated area.

[0034] Figure 2 Schematically shows an on-ear headphone according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a supra-aural headphone worn by a user;

[0036] Figure 4 An ear pad having perforations arranged in concentric circles is shown;

[0037] Figure 5 An ear pad having perforations arranged in parallel straight lines is shown;

[0038] Figure 6 schematically shows cross-sections of two different ear pad embodiments; and

[0039] Figure 7 is a graph showing elasticity data of various types of ear pads. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals always represent the same elements. Therefore, the same elements will not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended to serve as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, the embodiments shown do not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a specific embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment, and may be practiced in any other embodiment even if not shown or explicitly described as such.

[0041] Figure 1 A conventional ear pad with circular perforations P forming a perforated area is schematically shown. In this prior art implementation, a straight line L can be drawn between adjacent concentric circles. This implementation suffers from discomfort that accumulates during wearing of a headset with such an ear pad.

[0042] Figure 2A supra-aural headphone 200 is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. The supra-aural headphone 200 includes two ear pads 202 interconnected with a band 204. The headphone 200 may include only one ear pad 202, and the other may be replaced by a support rod for holding the headphone in place. The ear pad 202 defines an ear face 206 that is configured to engage with the ear of the user when the headphone 200 is worn by the user. The ear face 206 includes a perforated area 208. The perforated area 208 includes a plurality of staggered elongated perforations 210.

[0043] Figure 3 Schematically, a supra-aural headset 200 is shown being worn by a user 300. The ear pad 202 is arranged on and abuts the ear 302 of the user. After prolonged wear, two contact points, the tragus 304 and the anti-tragus 306, are primarily exposed to pressure from the ear pad 202. By having the headset 200 with elongated staggered perforations, the contact points 304 and 306 are exposed to reduced pressure. Thus, an improved headset is provided to the user 300 compared to prior art headsets.

[0044] Figure 4An ear pad 202 with perforations 210 is shown. The perforation area 208 includes six concentric circular patterns 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406. The ear surface 206 is substantially flat. It can be seen that the elongated perforations 210 of different patterns have different sizes. That is, the length of the perforations varies. At least two perforations 210 from two adjacent circular patterns are arranged in a staggered structure. The staggered structure results in a maze 408 formed by a bridge 410. The space between two perforations 210 in the same circle is called a bridge 410. The bridge 410 in a circle (such as 406) is usually formed next to the perforations of the adjacent circle 405. In this way, the perforations 210 of the adjacent circles are in a staggered structure. When the bridge 410 overlaps the perforations on both sides, the maze 408 starts from the center of the perforation area 208 and forms toward the outer boundary of this area. The formed labyrinth 408 is a line along which the material of the ear surface can stretch. Since the labyrinth 408 is longer than a straight line, this material is more stretchable than a material with non-staggered circular holes. That is, it is impossible to draw a straight line from the center of the perforated area 208 to the outer boundary along the bridge 410, that is, between the perforations 210, without passing through at least one perforation 210. This means that a longer distance can be achieved from the outside of the perforated area 208 to its center or to the contact point with the ear geometry (such as the tragus and / or the antitragus). Achieving a longer distance means that the material is softer, so the contact point with the ear is subjected to less pressure. This perforated structure improves the elasticity, stretchability and softness of the ear surface, thereby providing improved comfort for the headphone user. Instead of concentric circles, the perforations can be arranged in any other concentric pattern, such as concentric polygons (squares, pentagons, hexagons, etc.), concentric ellipses, concentric stars, etc. The same principles, structures and advantages also apply to this pattern. In some embodiments, the perforated area 208 may have a diameter in the range between 15 mm and 40 mm, the ear pad surface may be in the range between 50 mm and 75 mm wide and approximately 55 mm to 90 mm long. The perforations may occupy approximately 100 mm. 2 Up to 250mm 2 , and the ear surface can be about 2000mm 2 Up to 5000mm 2 The perforations 210 may be at least 1 mm long, and the width to length ratio of the perforations may be at least 1:2.

[0045] Figure 5An ear pad 202 with a perforated area 208 is shown, wherein the perforations 210 are arranged in parallel straight lines 500. At least two perforations from two adjacent lines are in a staggered configuration. That is, the front edge of one perforation 511 in the second line pattern 502 is in front of the adjacent perforation 510 in the adjacent line pattern 501. Therefore, when the bridge is closed on both sides with perforations, a labyrinth 508 is formed starting from one side of the perforated area 208 and towards the opposite side of this area. That is, it is impossible to draw a straight line along the bridge, i.e. between the perforations, starting from the left side of the perforated area 208 to the opposite right side of this area without crossing at least one perforation 210. This perforated structure improves the elasticity, stretchability and softness of the ear surface, thereby providing improved comfort for the headphone user. In particular, the softness and elasticity of the perforated area are improved, thereby improving the comfort of the user.

[0046] Figure 6 Two different ear pad embodiments are schematically shown in cross-section. Figure 6 The ear pad 202 shown in FIG. a) may include a pad frame 600 and a sealing ring 608. The ear pad 202 may also include an annular foam layer 602 so that the area below the housing is hollow to allow sound from the speaker to reach the user's ear. The ear surface 206 may be made of an artificial leather material. The perforated area 208 is formed below the holes formed in the annular foam 602 so that sound can reach the user's ear. The fabric mesh 610 may be arranged below the perforated area 208. Figure 6 b) The embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 6 The embodiment shown in FIG. a) of FIG. 6 is different in the way the foam is used. That is, in FIG. a), the foam layer 602 is uniform, while the embodiment shown in FIG. b) uses two different foams, an outer foam 604 and an inner foam 606. The outer foam 604 and the inner foam 606 typically have different densities. The present invention can utilize both types of foam arrangements.

[0047] Figure 7 is a graph showing elasticity data for various types of ear pads. The graph shows how the force to which the contact point of the user's ear is subjected (horizontal axis) depends on the degree of deformation of the ear surface (vertical axis). The top curve 700 represents a conventional ear pad with circular perforations. It can be seen that even for a small deformation E5, the force applied to the ear is high. The group of three curves 701 also shows a prior art ear pad with slightly improved comfort. And finally, the last group of three curves 702 shows three different embodiments of the present application. It can be seen that even for large degrees of deformation, the user's ear is subjected to small forces and therefore low pressures. Lower pressures mean that the user has good comfort even after long periods of use.

[0048] Although specific features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, the description and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents, as well as combinations of the various embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0049] List of reference numerals

[0050] 200 On-ear headphones

[0051] 202 Ear pads

[0052] 204 Belt

[0053] 206 Ear

[0054] 208 Perforated Area

[0055] 210 Piercing

[0056] 300 users

[0057] 302 User's Ear

[0058] 304 Tragus

[0059] 306 Antitragus

[0060] 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406 circular pattern

[0061] 408 Labyrinth Department

[0062] 410 Bridge

[0063] 500, 501, 502 line patterns

[0064] 508 The twists and turns department

[0065] 510, 511 adjacent perforations

[0066] 600 Pad frame

[0067] 602 Annular Foam Layer

[0068] 604, 606 Outer foam layer and inner foam layer of different density

[0069] 608 Seal

[0070] 610 Fabric Net

[0071] 700, 701 Elasticity curve of prior art

[0072] 702 Elasticity curve of the present invention

Claims

1. An on-ear headphone, comprising at least one ear pad, the at least one ear pad defining an ear surface, the ear surface being configured to engage with an ear of a user when the user wears the headphone, the ear surface comprising a perforated area, the perforated area comprising a plurality of staggered elongated perforations, wherein: The perforated area occupies at least 3% and at most 50% of the entire ear surface, the perforation is at least 1 mm long, and the width-to-length ratio of the perforation is at least 1:

2.

2. The on-ear headphone according to claim 1, wherein: At least two of the elongated perforations have different sizes.

3. The on-ear headphone according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of perforations are arranged in concentric circles, wherein at least two of the perforations from two adjacent circles are in a staggered structure.

4. The on-ear headphone according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of the perforations are arranged in parallel straight lines, wherein at least two of the perforations from two adjacent lines are in a staggered structure.

5. The on-ear headphone according to claim 1, wherein: The ear pad comprises at least one layer made of foam material.

6. The on-ear headphone according to claim 1, wherein: The ear surface is made of plastic material and / or artificial leather material.

7. The on-ear headphone according to claim 1, wherein: The ear surface is flat.

8. The on-ear headphone according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of perforations are arranged such that a labyrinth is formed when starting from the center of the perforated area and moving toward an outer boundary of the perforated area.

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