Earplug ear cushions with multiple foams of different properties

Abstract

A headset, earphone, and earpads are disclosed that attenuate audio noise through an acoustic seal of the ear. The earpads are configured to be disposed on the earphones. The earpads are configured to be disposed on the user's ear when the user wears the headset in its intended position. The earpads include a first foam having a first property. The earpads include a second foam having a second property. The second foam at least partially surrounds the first foam. The second foam is configured to at least partially abut / approach at least a portion of the user's ear. The first and second properties are distinct.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a headset, earphone, and earpads for attenuating audio noise through an acoustic seal of the ear. The earpads are configured to be disposed on the earphones. The earpads are configured to be disposed on the user's ear when the user wears the earphones in their intended position. The earpads include a first foam having a first property. The earpads include a second foam having a second property. Background Technology

[0002] Headphones are used to transmit audio to a user wearing them. In addition to transmitting audio to the user, headphones can also provide attenuation of audio noise from the user's surroundings. This attenuation can be passive noise attenuation and / or active noise attenuation, such as active noise cancellation (ANC). Passive noise attenuation can be performed by providing an acoustic seal between the user's ear and ear canal. Earpads are acoustic components used to define the interface between the headphones and the user's ear. Earpads typically consist of a single foam with specific acoustic and mechanical properties, partially or completely encased in a thin layer of low-permeability material.

[0003] EP3188494 A1 discloses a headset (1) including a first over-ear headphone (2); and a retaining member (4) for holding the headset (1) on a user's head and forcing the first over-ear headphone (2) against the user's head. The first headphone (2) includes: a headphone shell (8) having a first shell side (12) facing the user's head (5) when worn; a first annular ear pad (9) having a first hardness; and a first abutting surface (16) for abutting against the user's head. The first ear pad (9), together with the first shell side (12) and the user's head (5), defines a first cavity (13). The first headphone (2) includes a second ear pad (10) having a second hardness and a second abutting surface (17) for abutting against the user's head (5) on the first shell side (12) next to the first ear pad (9), wherein the second ear pad (10) has a second hardness greater than the first hardness.

[0004] There is a need for an improved earpad configured to attenuate audio noise by providing an acoustic seal to the user's ear and ear canal. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention discloses an earpad that attenuates audio noise by acoustically sealing the ear. The earpad is configured to be disposed on headphones. The earpad is configured to be disposed on the user's ear when the user wears the headphones in their intended position. The earpad includes a first foam having a first property. The earpad includes a second foam having a second property. The second foam at least partially surrounds the first foam. The second foam is configured to at least partially abut / approach at least a portion of the user's ear. The first property and the second property are different.

[0006] Ear pads are configured to be placed on the headphones. The headphones can be headphones for use with headphones. Headphones can include one or two earpieces. One or two earpieces can include ear pads. Users can wear headphones / headphones to listen to audio, such as music or radio. Users can wear headphones / headphones to make telephone calls or video conferences with remote participants. Users can wear headphones / headphones to achieve noise cancellation from ambient noise / sound. Headphones / headphones can transmit audio to the user's ears while simultaneously performing ambient noise cancellation.

[0007] The earpads are configured to attenuate audio noise by providing an acoustic seal between the ear and / or the user's ear canal. The acoustic seal provides no leakage or only very little leakage. Therefore, when the earpads are placed on the user's ears, they provide no or very little sound leakage between the earpads and the user's skin. This ensures that the user's ears will receive only the audio transmitted electronically through the headphones' speakers or acoustically through other designed / intentional acoustic leakage in the headphones. The user's ears will receive little or no audio leakage between the earpads and the user's ear skin.

[0008] The ear pads are configured to be positioned on the user's ears when the user wears the headphones in the intended position. Therefore, the ear pads or headphones can be a type called in-ear headphones, rather than over-ear, loop-ear, or earbud headphones. In-ear headphones are configured to be placed on the user's ears. This contrasts with over-ear or loop-ear headphones, which are configured to surround the entire ear and be placed on the user's skin behind the ear at the back of the head, and also at the hair / head area and near the ear on the face. In-ear headphones also contrast with earbud headphones, which are configured to be placed inside the user's ear canal, for example, outside the ear canal.

[0009] The ear pad includes a first foam having a first property. The ear pad includes a second foam having a second property. The first foam and the second foam can be different foams. The first foam and the second foam can have different properties. The foam properties can be physical properties.

[0010] The second foam at least partially surrounds the first foam. The second foam may enclose, cover, completely or entirely surround the first foam, or at least partially surround the first foam. The second foam may surround the first foam in a plane, for example in one or two dimensions, rather than in three dimensions.

[0011] The second foam is configured to at least partially abut and / or be close to at least a portion of the user's ear. Therefore, the second foam is configured to contact at least a portion of the user's ear. If the headphones are in-ear type, then when the user wears the headphones, the headphones and ear pads are thus placed on the user's ear. Consequently, the second foam, as the outer foam surrounding the first inner foam, will abut and be close to at least a portion of the user's ear.

[0012] The first foam can also be configured to be at least partially adjacent to and / or close to at least a portion of the user's ear.

[0013] The first foam can be the "inner" foam of the ear pad. For example, the first foam can be soft (e.g., softer than the second foam) because it is configured to contact the central part of the outer ear, which is harder than the auricle and earlobe. When the first foam is soft, it will provide improved comfort for the user because it will contact the hard cartilage of the ear.

[0014] The second foam can be an "outer" foam of the ear pad. For example, the second foam can be not soft (e.g., firmer than the first foam) because it is configured to contact the auricle and earlobe, both of which are softer parts of the ear. Therefore, when the second foam is firmer, it will provide comfort to the user because it will be in contact with the softer cartilage of the ear.

[0015] The first property and the second property are different. Therefore, the first foam and the second foam can be different foams with different properties.

[0016] The advantage of ear pads is that they provide an improved acoustic seal relative to the user's outer ear.

[0017] The advantage is that the ear pads have two or more types of foam combined with a specific geometry, as this can result in optimal attenuation and acoustic seal.

[0018] The advantage is that two types of foam are used in the ear pads because these two types of foam have different properties. The human outer ear (auricle) does not have a uniform hardness or a uniform surface, and a single foam limits how well the ear pads fit the ear in order to achieve the best seal with the ear pads.

[0019] The second foam can provide: when incoming sound / noise first impacts the external second foam, the second foam can remove or reduce the low frequencies of the sound / noise.

[0020] The advantage is that the second foam can have a high density, thus the second foam can be configured to prevent air / sound from passing through it.

[0021] The advantage is that the second foam can be configured to provide attenuation of a second frequency of sound, where the second frequency is a frequency below the value F, for example, a frequency below 1 to 2 kHz. This is because the second foam is dense, for example, has a high density (e.g., higher density than the first foam), and / or because the second foam has low permeability (e.g., lower permeability than the first foam), thus the second foam may not allow air / sound to pass through the second foam, thereby preventing low frequencies from passing through the second foam.

[0022] The advantage is that the first foam can be soft (e.g., softer than the second foam), and therefore the first foam can be configured to fit the shape of the ear, thereby providing an acoustic seal by reducing / preventing leakage between the first foam and the ear.

[0023] The advantage is that the first foam can be configured to provide attenuation of a first frequency of sound, where the first frequency is a frequency higher than the value F. By preventing leakage between the first foam and the ear, the first foam can provide attenuation of the first frequency of sound, for example, frequencies higher than 1 to 2 kHz, which would otherwise pass through the first foam.

[0024] Therefore, the advantage of ear pads is that the combination of two different types of foam provides users with improved acoustic seal and comfort when wearing ear pads.

[0025] Also disclosed are ear pads for attenuating audio noise through an acoustic seal of the ear, the ear pads being configured to be positioned on the headphones and placed on the user's ear when the user wears the headphones in their intended position, the ear pads comprising:

[0026] -The first foam possessing primary properties; and

[0027] - A second type of foam possessing secondary properties;

[0028] The second bubble at least partially surrounds the first bubble.

[0029] The second foam is configured to be at least partially adjacent to / close to at least a portion of the user's ear; and

[0030] The first property and the second property are different;

[0031] Among them, the first and second properties are hardness; and

[0032] The first foam has a first hardness value, and the second foam has a second hardness value, wherein the second hardness value is higher than the first hardness value.

[0033] Also disclosed is a headset comprising at least one earpiece having ear pads according to any of the disclosed embodiments.

[0034] Headphones may include one or two earpieces. The earpieces include ear pads as disclosed above and below. The earpieces may include speaker housings. Speakers may be disposed within the speaker housings for transmitting audio to the user's ears. Headphones may also include microphones, such as microphone boom arms, for capturing the user's voice. When the user wears the headphones in a desired position on their head, the earpieces may be positioned on a headband configured to be positioned on the user's head. The headband may have earpieces at each end, meaning the headphones may include two earpieces. Headphones may also have one earpiece at one end, meaning the headphones may include one earpiece. If the headphones include microphone boom arms, the microphone boom arms may be positioned on the headband, for example, connected to a speaker housing.

[0035] In some embodiments, the second foam at least partially surrounds the first foam in a first plane parallel to the user's ear / head. The second foam may completely surround the first foam in the first plane. The second foam may partially surround the first foam in the first plane.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first foam and the second foam are concentric with each other. Therefore, the first foam and the second foam may share the same center point or the same axis. The first foam and the second foam may be coaxial and / or circularly symmetrical, etc. The first foam and the second foam may be completely concentric with each other, or there may be an offset between the centers of the first foam and the second foam.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first foam has an outer circumference and the second foam has an inner circumference, with the outer circumference of the first foam abutting the inner circumference of the second foam. Therefore, the two foams can be tightly abutted, can match each other, and can have perfectly corresponding surfaces, etc. This provides a tight fit between the two foams to seal them together and prevent leakage channels between them. The two foams can be bonded together. The first foam and / or the second foam can be bonded to the speaker housing of the headphones.

[0038] The first foam can also have an inner circumference, for example, if there is an exposed speaker hole at the center of the first foam. The first foam can be disc-shaped, for example, having only an outer circumference and no inner circumference.

[0039] The second foam may also have an outer circumference that defines the outer edge of the ear pad.

[0040] The first and second foams can be ring-shaped.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first foam and the second foam are shaped as circular, cylindrical, polygonal, or spherical. Therefore, the first foam and the second foam can be, for example, circular, oval, or elliptical. The first foam and the second foam can have the same shape, such as the same type of shape. The first foam and the second foam can have different shapes, such as different types of shapes. The first foam and the second foam can have different dimensions. The first foam can be smaller than the second foam.

[0042] In some embodiments, the ear pad has a first length between about 4 cm and about 8.5 cm in a first direction and a second length between about 4 cm and about 8.5 cm in a second direction. Therefore, the first length in the first direction can be in the range of about 4 cm to about 8.5 cm, for example, between about 4.5 cm and about 8 cm, between about 5 cm and about 7.5 cm, between about 5.5 cm and about 7 cm, or between about 6 cm and about 6.5 cm. Similarly, the second length in the second direction can be in the range of about 4 cm to about 8.5 cm, for example, between about 4.5 cm and about 8 cm, between about 5 cm and about 7.5 cm, between about 5.5 cm and about 7 cm, or between about 6 cm and about 6.5 cm.

[0043] The first length can be referred to as the length of the ear pad.

[0044] The second length can be referred to as the width of the ear pad.

[0045] The first length in the first direction can be substantially equal to the second length in the second direction, so the ear pad can be circular.

[0046] The first length in the first direction can be greater than the second length in the second direction. The first length in the first direction can be less than the second length in the second direction. Therefore, the ear pad can be oval or egg-shaped.

[0047] The first length of the ear pad can be evenly distributed between the first and second foams. Alternatively, the first length of the ear pad can be unevenly distributed between the first and second foams. Therefore, the size of the first foam within the first length of the ear pad can be approximately half the first length. Alternatively, the size of the first foam within the first length of the ear pad can be less than half the first length. Alternatively, the size of the first foam within the first length of the ear pad can be greater than half the first length. Therefore, the size of the second foam within the first length of the ear pad can be approximately half the first length. Alternatively, the size of the second foam within the first length of the ear pad can be less than half the first length. Alternatively, the size of the second foam within the first length of the ear pad can be greater than half the first length.

[0048] The second length of the ear pad can be evenly distributed between the first and second foams. Alternatively, the second length of the ear pad can be unevenly distributed between the first and second foams. Therefore, the size of the first foam within the second length of the ear pad can be approximately half the second length. Alternatively, the size of the first foam within the second length of the ear pad can be less than half the second length. Alternatively, the size of the first foam within the second length of the ear pad can be greater than half the second length. Therefore, the size of the second foam within the second length of the ear pad can be approximately half the second length. Alternatively, the size of the second foam within the second length of the ear pad can be less than half the second length. Alternatively, the size of the second foam within the second length of the ear pad can be greater than half the second length.

[0049] The first foam may have an outer circumference and an inner circumference. The second foam may have an inner circumference and an outer circumference. The first and second foams may be annular.

[0050] In the first length of the ear pad, the length of the first foam at its outer circumference can be approximately 5 cm. In the second length of the ear pad, the length of the first foam at its outer circumference can also be approximately 5 cm.

[0051] In the first length of the ear pad, the length of the first foam at its inner circumference can be approximately 2.5 cm. In the second length of the ear pad, the length of the first foam at its inner circumference can also be approximately 2.5 cm.

[0052] Therefore, in the first length and the second length, the size of the first foam can be approximately 2.5 cm.

[0053] In the first length of the ear pad, the length of the second foam at its outer circumference can be approximately 7.5 cm. In the second length of the ear pad, the length of the second foam at its outer circumference can be approximately 6.5 cm.

[0054] In the first length of the ear pad, the length of the second foam at its inner circumference can be approximately 5 cm. In the second length of the ear pad, the length of the second foam at its inner circumference can also be approximately 5 cm.

[0055] Therefore, the size of the second foam in the first length can be approximately 2.5 cm. The size of the second foam in the second length can be approximately 1.5 cm.

[0056] The ear pads may also have a third length in the third direction, ranging from about 0.5 cm to about 3.0 cm. Therefore, the third length in the third direction can be in the range of about 0.5 cm to about 3.0 cm, for example, between about 1.0 cm and about 2.5 cm, or for example, between about 1.5 cm and about 2.0 cm.

[0057] The third length can be referred to as the thickness of the ear pad.

[0058] When the ear pads are positioned on the user's ear in their intended location, the first direction can be a substantially vertical direction. Therefore, the first direction can be along the longitudinal direction of the outer ear, for example, from the earlobe toward the helix.

[0059] When the ear pads are positioned on the user's ear in their intended location, the second direction can be a substantially horizontal direction. Therefore, the second direction can be along the lateral direction of the outer ear, for example, from the tragus toward the helix.

[0060] The first and second directions can be perpendicular to each other, for example, substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0061] When the ear pads are positioned on the user's ear in their intended location, the first and second directions may be parallel (e.g., substantially parallel) to the plane of the user's ear / head.

[0062] The third direction can be perpendicular to the first and second directions, for example, substantially perpendicular.

[0063] Therefore, when the ear pads are positioned on the user's ear in their intended location, the third direction can extend outward and around the periphery from the plane of the outer ear defined by the tragus and the helix. When the ear pads are positioned on the user's ear in their intended location, the third direction can be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the user's ear / head.

[0064] In the first direction, the first length can be greater than the third length upwards from the third direction. In the second direction, the second length can be greater than the third length upwards from the third direction.

[0065] In some embodiments, the ear pad is configured to cover at least a portion of the ear canal, at least a portion of the concha, at least a portion of the tragus, at least a portion of the tragus, and / or at least a portion of the helix of the ear. In some embodiments, the ear pad is configured to expose at least a portion of the helix and / or at least a portion of the earlobe. Therefore, the ear pad can be an in-ear type. Therefore, the ear pad is not configured to surround the ear, such as surrounding the helix, earlobe, etc. Therefore, the ear pad may not be configured as an over-ear type or an in-ear type.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first property and the second property are one or more of the following:

[0067] -Thickness, and / or

[0068] -Memory, and / or

[0069] -Density; and / or

[0070] - Breathability; and / or

[0071] -hardness.

[0072] The first and second foams can be open-cell foam, memory foam, polyester foam, plastic foam, etc. The second foam can be so-called YM-80 foam. The first foam can be so-called YM635 foam. The first and second foams can be made of materials such as propylene oxide polymers, ethylene oxide polymers, and / or toluene diisocyanate (TDI).

[0073] The first foam may have a first thickness value, and the second foam may have a second thickness value. The second thickness value may be higher than the first thickness value. Alternatively, the second thickness value may be equal to or lower than the first thickness value.

[0074] The first bubble may have a first memory value, and the second bubble may have a second memory value. The second memory value may be higher than the first memory value. Alternatively, the second memory value may be equal to or lower than the first memory value.

[0075] The first foam may have a first density value, and the second foam may have a second density value. The second density value may be higher than the first density value. Alternatively, the second density value may be equal to or lower than the first density value.

[0076] The first foam may have a first air permeability value, and the second foam may have a second air permeability value. The second air permeability value may be lower than the first air permeability value. Alternatively, the second air permeability value may be equal to or higher than the first air permeability value.

[0077] The first foam may have a first hardness value, and the second foam may have a second hardness value. The second hardness value may be higher than the first hardness value. Alternatively, the second hardness value may be equal to or lower than the first hardness value.

[0078] Therefore, in some embodiments, the first foam has a first hardness value, the second foam has a second hardness value, and the second hardness value is higher than the first hardness value. Thus, the second foam can be harder than the first foam.

[0079] In some embodiments, the second hardness value is in the range of approximately 15 to 30 Asker F, and the first hardness value is in the range of approximately 3 to 15 Asker F.

[0080] Therefore, in some embodiments, the first foam has a first density value, the second foam has a second density value, and the second density value is higher than the first density value. Thus, the second foam can have a higher density than the first foam.

[0081] In some embodiments, the second density value is approximately 75 to 85 kg / m³. 3 Within the range, and where the first density value is approximately 55 to 65 kg / m³ 3 Within the range.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first foam is configured to conform to the shape of the ear, thereby providing an acoustic seal by reducing / preventing leakage between the first foam and the ear. This may be due to the first foam having a relatively low hardness value. An advantage is that the first foam can be soft (e.g., softer than the second foam), and therefore the first foam can be configured to conform to the shape of the ear, thereby providing an acoustic seal by reducing / preventing leakage between the first foam and the ear.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first foam is configured to provide attenuation of a first frequency of sound, wherein the first frequency is a frequency higher than the value F. The advantage is that the first foam can be configured to provide attenuation of a first frequency of sound, wherein the first frequency is a frequency higher than the value F. Because leakage between the first foam and the ear is prevented, the first foam can provide attenuation of a first frequency of sound, for example, frequencies higher than 1 to 2 kHz, which would otherwise pass through the first foam at higher frequencies.

[0084] In some embodiments, the second foam is configured to prevent air / sound from passing through it. This may be due to the relatively high density of the second foam and / or due to its relatively low permeability. An advantage is that the second foam can have a high density, thereby allowing it to be configured to prevent air / sound from passing through it.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second foam is configured to provide attenuation of a second frequency of sound, wherein the second frequency is a frequency below a value F. An advantage is that the second foam can be configured to provide attenuation of a second frequency of sound, wherein the second frequency is a frequency below a value F, for example, a frequency below 1 to 2 kHz. This is because the second foam is dense, for example, having a relatively high density (e.g., higher than the density of the first foam), and / or because the second foam has low permeability (e.g., lower than the permeability of the first foam), thus the second foam may not allow air / sound to pass through the second foam, thereby preventing low frequencies from passing through the second foam.

[0086] In some embodiments, the ear pads are configured to be disposed on the speaker housing of the headphones. In some embodiments, a second foam at least partially surrounds the speaker housing of the headphones.

[0087] The speaker housing may include a panel. The speaker may be positioned at the center of the panel. The speaker may protrude / point toward a first surface of the panel. Earpads may be disposed on the first surface of the panel. When the user wears the headphones in the intended position on their ears, the first surface of the panel is configured to point toward the user's ears.

[0088] The speaker housing may include a flat surface and protrusions extending from the panel. Earpads may be configured to conform to / fit the shape of at least a portion of the speaker housing. A second foam may be configured to conform to / fit at least a portion of the panel and / or at least a portion of the protrusions of the speaker housing.

[0089] In some embodiments, the ear pads include a cover that protects the first and second foams. The cover may be made of a material such as fabric or textiles such as synthetic leather.

[0090] The present invention relates to various aspects, including the ear pads described above and below, and corresponding ear pads, headphones, headsets, hearing devices, systems, system components, methods, devices, kits, uses and / or product devices, each producing one or more benefits and advantages described in conjunction with the aspects first mentioned, and each having one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in conjunction with the aspects first mentioned and / or disclosed in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0091] The above and other features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0092] Figure 1 An example of an ear pad used to attenuate audio noise through an acoustic seal of the ear is shown schematically.

[0093] Figure 2 An example of a headset including ear pads is shown schematically.

[0094] Figure 3 An example of headphones including ear pads with a first foam and a second foam is shown schematically.

[0095] Figure 4 An example of an ear pad comprising a first foam and a second foam is shown schematically.

[0096] Figure 5a and Figure 5b An example of an ear pad comprising a first foam and a second foam is shown schematically.

[0097] Figure 6 An example of an ear pad is shown schematically.

[0098] Figure 7 The attenuation curves of ear pads with different foam materials are schematically shown.

[0099] Figure 8a and Figure 8b The attenuation curves of ear pads with different foam materials are schematically shown. Detailed Implementation

[0100] Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. Therefore, similar elements will not be described in detail with respect to each figure. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, the illustrated embodiments do not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. Aspects or advantages described in connection with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment and may be practiced in any other embodiment, even if not so shown or so explicitly described.

[0101] Throughout the entire document, identical or corresponding parts use the same reference numerals.

[0102] Figure 1 An example of an earpad 2 for attenuating audio noise through an acoustic seal of the ear 4 is schematically shown. The earpad 2 is configured to be disposed on an earphone (not shown). The earpad 2 is configured to be disposed on the user's (not shown) ear 4 when the user wears the earphone in its intended position. The earpad 2 includes a first foam 10 having a first property. The earpad 2 includes a second foam 12 having a second property. The second foam 12 at least partially surrounds the first foam 10. The second foam 12 is configured to at least partially abut / close to at least a portion of the user's ear 4. The first property of the first foam and the second property of the second foam are different.

[0103] Figure 1 The second foam 12 is further shown to at least partially surround the first foam 10 in a first plane parallel to the user's ear 4 / head.

[0104] Figure 2 An example of a headset 14 including an earphone 6 with ear pads 2 is shown schematically.

[0105] The earphone 14 includes one earphone 6 or two earphones 6. Figure 2In this design, the headset 14 has two earpieces, one for each of the user's ears. Earpiece 6 includes ear pads 2 as disclosed above and below. Earpiece 6 includes a speaker housing 16. A speaker (not shown) is disposed within the speaker housing 16 for transmitting audio to the user's ears. The headset 14 may also include a microphone (not shown), such as a microphone boom arm (not shown), for capturing the user's voice. When the user wears the headset 14 in the intended position on their head, the earpiece 6 can be arranged on a headband 20, which is configured to rest on the user's head. The headband 20 may have earpiece 6 at each end, i.e., the headset 14 may include two earpieces 6, or the headband 20 may have only one earpiece 6 at one end. If the headset 14 includes a microphone boom arm, the microphone boom arm may be arranged on the headband 20, for example, connected to the speaker housing 16.

[0106] Figure 3 An example of an earphone 6 including an earpad 2 with a first foam 10 and a second foam 12 is schematically shown. The earphone 6 includes a speaker housing 16. A speaker 18 is disposed in the speaker housing 16 for transmitting audio to the user's ear. The first foam 10 and / or the second foam 12 may be bonded to the speaker housing 16 of the earphone 6.

[0107] The second bubble 12 at least partially surrounds the first bubble 10.

[0108] The first foam 10 and the second foam 12 are concentric with each other. Therefore, the first foam and the second foam can share the same center point 22 or the same axis 22. The first foam 10 and the second foam 12 can be coaxial and / or circularly symmetrical. The first foam 10 and the second foam 12 can be completely concentric with each other, or there can be an offset between the centers of the first foam 10 and the second foam 12.

[0109] The first foam 10 has an outer circumference 24, and the second foam 12 has an inner circumference 26, with the outer circumference 24 of the first foam 10 closely abutting the inner circumference 26 of the second foam 12. Therefore, the two foams can be closely abutting each other, can match each other, and can have completely corresponding surfaces, etc.

[0110] For example, if there is a hole in the center of the first foam 10 exposing the speaker 18, the first foam 10 may also have an inner circumference 28.

[0111] The second foam 12 may also have an outer circumference 30 that defines the outer edge of the ear pad 2.

[0112] The first foam 10 and the second foam 12 are annular. The first foam 10 and the second foam 12 are shaped into cylinders. The first foam 10 and the second foam 12 are circular, oval, or elliptical. The first foam 10 and the second foam 12 can have the same shape, for example, the same type of shape. The first foam 10 and the second foam 12 have different dimensions. The first foam 10 is smaller than the second foam 12.

[0113] Figure 4 An example of an ear pad 2 comprising a first foam 10 and a second foam 12 is schematically shown. The ear pad 2 is configured to be placed on the user's ear 4.

[0114] The second foam 12 at least partially surrounds the first foam 10 in a first plane parallel to the user's ear 4 / head.

[0115] The ear pad 2 has a first length 32 in a first direction 34. The first length can be between about 4 cm and about 8.5 cm.

[0116] The ear pad 2 has a second length 36 in the second direction 38. The second length can be between about 4 cm and about 8.5 cm.

[0117] Therefore, the first length 32 can be equal to, longer than, or shorter than the second length 36.

[0118] The first length 32 can be referred to as the length of the ear pad 2.

[0119] The second length 36 can be referred to as the width of the ear pad 2.

[0120] When the ear pad 2 is positioned on the user's ear 4, the first direction 34 can be substantially vertical. Therefore, the first direction 34 can be along the longitudinal direction of the outer ear 4, for example, from the earlobe toward the helix.

[0121] When the ear pad 2 is positioned on the user's ear 4 as intended, the second direction 38 can be substantially horizontal. Therefore, the second direction 38 can be along the lateral direction of the outer ear 4, for example, from the tragus toward the helix.

[0122] The first direction 34 and the second direction 38 can be perpendicular to each other, for example, substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0123] When the ear pad 2 is positioned on the user's ear 4, the first direction 34 and the second direction 38 may be parallel to the plane of the user's ear 4 / head, for example, substantially parallel to the plane of the user's ear 4 / head.

[0124] Figure 5a and Figure 5b An example of an ear pad 2 comprising a first foam 10 and a second foam 12 is shown schematically.

[0125] Figure 5a The earphone 6, including ear pads 2, is shown. The ear pads 2 have a third length 40 on a third direction 42. The third length can be between approximately 0.5 cm and approximately 3.0 cm.

[0126] The third length 40 can be referred to as the thickness of the ear pad 2.

[0127] Figure 5b It is shown that the third direction 42 can be perpendicular to the first direction 34 and the second direction 38, for example, substantially perpendicular.

[0128] Therefore, when the ear pad is positioned on the user's ear in its intended location, the third direction 42 can extend outward and around the periphery from the plane of the outer ear defined by the tragus and the helix. When the ear pad 2 is positioned on the user's ear in its intended location, the third direction 42 can be substantially perpendicular to the plane 44 of the user's head, see, for example... Figure 4 .

[0129] In the first direction 34, the first length 32 can be greater than the third length upwards. In the second direction, the second length can be greater than the third length upwards.

[0130] Figure 6 An example of ear pad 2 on ear 4 is shown schematically.

[0131] Ear pad 2 is used to attenuate audio noise through an acoustic seal of ear 4. Ear pad 2 is configured to be disposed on headphones. When a user wears the headphones in their intended position, ear pad 2 is configured to be disposed on the user's ear 4. Ear pad includes a first foam 10 having a first property. Ear pad 2 includes a second foam 12 having a second property. Second foam 12 at least partially surrounds first foam 10. Second foam 12 is configured to at least partially abut / close to at least a portion of the user's ear 4. First foam 10 is configured to at least partially abut / close to at least a portion of the user's ear 4.

[0132] The ear pad 2 is configured to cover at least a portion of the ear canal, at least a portion of the concha, at least a portion of the tragus, at least a portion of the tragus and / or at least a portion of the helix of the ear.

[0133] The ear pad 2 is configured to expose at least a portion of the helix and / or at least a portion of the earlobe.

[0134] When the user wears the headphones in the intended position, the ear pads 2 are configured to be positioned on the user's ears 4. Therefore, the ear pads 2, or the headphones, can be referred to as in-ear type, rather than over-ear or in-ear. In-ear headphones are configured to be placed on the user's ears 4. This contrasts with over-ear headphones, which are configured to surround the entire ear and rest on the user's skin behind the ear at the back of the head, and also at the hair / head area above the ear, and near the face. In-ear headphones also contrast with in-ear headphones, which are configured to be positioned within the user's ear canal, for example, outside the ear canal.

[0135] The earpad 2 is configured to attenuate audio noise by providing an acoustic seal over the ear 4 and / or through the user's ear canal. The acoustic seal provides no leakage or only very little leakage. Therefore, when the earpad 2 is placed on the user's ear 4, the earpad 2 provides no sound leakage or only very little sound leakage between the earpad 2 and the user's skin. This ensures that the user's ear 4 will receive only the audio transmitted electronically through the headphones' speakers. The user's ear 4 will receive little or no audio leakage between the earpad 2 and the user's ear 4 skin.

[0136] The second foam 12 is configured to at least partially abut and / or be close to at least a portion of the user's ear 4. Therefore, the second foam 12 is configured to contact at least a portion of the user's ear 4. If the headphones are of the in-ear type, then when the user wears the headphones, the headphones and the ear pad 2 are thus placed on the user's ear 4. Consequently, the second foam 12, as the outer foam surrounding the ear pad of the first inner foam 10, will abut and be close to at least a portion of the user's ear 4.

[0137] The first bubble 10 can also be configured to be at least partially adjacent to and / or close to at least a portion of the user's ear 4.

[0138] The first foam 10 can be the "inner" foam of the ear pad 2. For example, the first foam 10 can be soft (e.g., softer than the second foam 12) because the first foam 10 is configured to contact the central part of the outer ear 4, which is harder than the auricle and earlobe. When the first foam 10 is a soft foam, it will provide improved comfort to the user because it will contact the hard cartilage of the ear 4.

[0139] The second foam 12 can be an "external" foam of the ear pad 2. For example, the second foam 12 can be not soft (e.g., firmer than the first foam 10) because the second foam 12 is configured to contact the auricle and earlobe of the ear, which are both softer parts of the ear 4. Therefore, when the second foam 12 is a firmer foam, it will provide comfort to the user because it will contact the softer cartilage of the ear 4.

[0140] Ear pad 2 provides an improved acoustic seal relative to the user's outer ear 4.

[0141] The ear pads 2 feature two or more types of foam combined with a specific geometry, which can result in optimal attenuation and acoustic sealing.

[0142] The second foam 12 can provide: when incoming sound / noise first impacts the external second foam 12, the second foam 12 provides the removal or reduction of low frequencies of sound / noise.

[0143] The second foam 12 can have a high density, thereby the second foam 12 can be configured to prevent air / sound from passing through the second foam 12.

[0144] The second foam 12 can be configured to provide attenuation of a second frequency of sound, wherein the second frequency is a frequency below the value F, for example, a frequency below 1 to 2 kHz. This is because the second foam 12 is dense, for example, has a high density (e.g., higher than the density of the first foam 10), thereby potentially preventing air / sound from passing through the second foam 12, thus preventing low frequencies from passing through the second foam 12.

[0145] The first foam 10 can be soft (e.g., softer than the second foam 12), so the first foam 10 can be configured to fit the shape of the ear 4, thereby providing an acoustic seal by reducing / preventing leakage between the first foam 10 and the ear 4.

[0146] The first foam 10 can be configured to provide attenuation of a first frequency of sound, where the first frequency is a frequency higher than the value F. By preventing leakage between the first foam 10 and the ear 4, the first foam 10 can provide attenuation of the first frequency of sound, for example, frequencies higher than 1 to 2 kHz, which would otherwise pass through the first foam.

[0147] When wearing the ear pad 2 on ear 4, the combination of two different foams in ear pad 2 provides the user with improved acoustic seal and comfort.

[0148] Figure 7 The earpads are illustrated schematically with measurements, the only difference being that the foam materials provide very different attenuation curves. The x-axis shows the sound / noise frequency in Hz. The y-axis shows the sound / noise attenuation provided by the earpad foam in dB. These two graphs are measurements of two different foams. The full-line graph shows the stiffer foam (e.g., the second foam) and shows that the stiffer foam provides more attenuation for frequencies below F (e.g., below approximately 700 Hz). The dashed-line graph shows the softer foam (e.g., the first foam) and shows that the softer foam provides more attenuation for frequencies above F (e.g., above approximately 700 Hz).

[0149] The frequency F can also be approximately 1 to 2 kHz.

[0150] Therefore, as can be seen from the figure, ear pads with a combination of two (or more) types of foam and a specific geometry can result in optimal attenuation / acoustic seal.

[0151] Figure 8a and Figure 8b The earpads are illustrated schematically by measurements, with the only difference being that the foam materials provide very different attenuation curves. The x-axis shows the sound / noise frequency in Hz. The y-axis shows the sound / noise attenuation provided by the earpad foam in dB.

[0152] exist Figure 8a In the diagram, the two graphs represent measurements of two different types of foam. The dashed graph shows a stiffer foam, "Single Foam A," such as the second foam, and it can be seen that the stiffer foam provides more attenuation for frequencies below F (e.g., below approximately 1000 Hz). The dashed graph shows a softer foam, "Single Foam B," such as the first foam, and it can be seen that the softer foam provides more attenuation for frequencies above F (e.g., above approximately 1000 Hz).

[0153] The frequency F can also be approximately 1 to 2 kHz.

[0154] Therefore, as can be seen from the figure, ear pads with a combination of two (or more) types of foam and a specific geometry can result in improved attenuation / acoustic seal.

[0155] The two different single foams used in this diagram are foam A and foam B. Foam A is stiffer and has lower air permeability, while foam B is softer and has higher air permeability.

[0156] exist Figure 8b The three graphs show measurements for two different types of single and double foams. The dashed graph shows a stiffer foam, "single foam A," such as the second foam, and it can be seen that the stiffer foam provides more attenuation for frequencies below F (e.g., below approximately 1000 Hz). The dashed graph shows a softer foam, "single foam B," such as the first foam, and it can be seen that the softer foam provides more attenuation for frequencies above F (e.g., above approximately 1000 Hz). The full-line graph shows a double foam, which includes foam A on an outer foam and foam B within an inner foam.

[0157] The frequency F can also be approximately 1 to 2 kHz.

[0158] Therefore, as can be seen from the figure, ear pads with a combination of two (or more) types of foam and a specific geometry can result in improved attenuation / acoustic seal.

[0159] The two different single foams used in this diagram are foam A and foam B. Foam A is stiffer and has lower air permeability, while foam B is softer and has higher air permeability. The double foams used in this diagram include foam A on the outer foam and foam B in the inner foam.

[0160] In addition to the advantage of better attenuation, improved comfort is also achieved. User testing indicates that the firmer foam A is uncomfortable for extended use when used alone. User testing also indicates that the softer foam B is less comfortable when used alone, as users can feel the harder parts of the headphone shell through the softer foam.

[0161] This invention provides a solution that is very simple to implement. The foam used can be selected and implemented without difficulty through repeated trials.

[0162] 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 can be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, the specification and drawings are considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0163] project:

[0164] 1. An ear pad for attenuating audio noise through an acoustic seal of the ear, the ear pad being configured to be disposed on headphones, the ear pad being configured to be disposed on the user's ear when the user wears the headphones in a intended position, the ear pad comprising:

[0165] -The first foam possessing primary properties; and

[0166] - A second type of foam possessing secondary properties;

[0167] The second bubble at least partially surrounds the first bubble.

[0168] The second foam is configured to be at least partially adjacent to / close to at least a portion of the user's ear; and

[0169] The first property is different from the second property.

[0170] 2. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second foam at least partially surrounds the first foam in a first plane parallel to the user's ear / head.

[0171] 3. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first foam and the second foam are concentric with each other.

[0172] 4. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first foam has an outer circumference, and wherein the second foam has an inner circumference, and wherein the outer circumference of the first foam is adjacent to the inner circumference of the second foam.

[0173] 5. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first foam and the second foam are shaped as a circle, cylinder, polygon or sphere.

[0174] 6. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ear pad has a first length in a first direction between about 4 cm and about 8.5 cm, and a second length in a second direction between about 4 cm and about 8.5 cm.

[0175] 7. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ear pad is configured to cover at least a portion of the ear canal, at least a portion of the concha, at least a portion of the tragus, at least a portion of the tragus, and / or at least a portion of the helix of the ear, and wherein the ear pad is configured to expose at least a portion of the helix and / or at least a portion of the earlobe.

[0176] 8. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first property and the second property are one or more of the following:

[0177] -Thickness, and / or

[0178] -Memory, and / or

[0179] -Density; and / or

[0180] - Breathability; and / or

[0181] -hardness.

[0182] 9. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first foam has a first hardness value, and the second foam has a second hardness value, and wherein the second hardness value is higher than the first hardness value.

[0183] 10. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second hardness value is in the range of about 15 to 30 Asker F, and the first hardness value is in the range of about 3 to 15 Asker F.

[0184] 11. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first foam has a first density value, and the second foam has a second density value, and wherein the second density value is higher than the first density value.

[0185] 12. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second density value is approximately 75 to 85 kg / m³. 3 Within this range, and where the first density value is approximately 55 to 65 kg / m³ 3 Within the range.

[0186] 13. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first foam is configured to conform to the shape of the ear, thereby providing an acoustic seal by reducing / preventing leakage between the first foam and the ear.

[0187] 14. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first foam is configured to provide attenuation of a first frequency of sound, wherein the first frequency is a frequency higher than the value F.

[0188] 15. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second foam is configured to prevent air / sound from passing through the second foam.

[0189] 16. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second foam is configured to provide attenuation of a second frequency of sound, wherein the second frequency is a frequency lower than the value F.

[0190] 17. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ear pad is configured to be disposed on the speaker housing of the headphones, and wherein the second foam at least partially surrounds the speaker housing of the headphones.

[0191] 18. The ear pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ear pad includes a cover protecting the first foam and the second foam.

[0192] 19. A headset comprising at least one earphone having an ear pad according to any of the preceding claims.

[0193] Reference List

[0194] 2 ear pads

[0195] 4. Ears

[0196] 6. Headphones

[0197] 10 The First Bubble

[0198] 12 The Second Bubble

[0199] 14. Headphones

[0200] 16 Speaker housings

[0201] 18 speakers

[0202] 20 headbands

[0203] 22. Center point or central axis

[0204] 24. Outer circumference of the first foam

[0205] 26. Inner circumference of the second foam

[0206] 28 The inner circumference of the first foam

[0207] 30. Outer circumference of the second foam

[0208] 32 First Length

[0209] 34 First Direction

[0210] 36 Second Length

[0211] 38 Second Direction

[0212] 40 Third Length

[0213] 42 Third-party

[0214] 44 User Head Plane

Claims

1. An ear pad for attenuating audio noise through an acoustic seal of the ear, the ear pad being configured to be disposed on an earphone, the ear pad being configured to be disposed on the user's ear when the user wears the earphone in a predetermined position on the earphone, the ear pad comprising: -The first foam possessing primary properties; as well as - A second type of foam possessing secondary properties; The second foam at least partially surrounds the first foam. The second foam is configured to at least partially adjoin / close to at least a portion of the user's ear; and The first property and the second property are different; Wherein, the first property and the second property are hardness; and Wherein, the first foam has a first hardness value, and the second foam has a second hardness value, wherein the second hardness value is higher than the first hardness value.

2. The ear pad of claim 1, wherein, The second foam at least partially surrounds the first foam in a first plane parallel to the user's ear / head.

3. The ear pad of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first foam and the second foam are concentric.

4. The ear pad of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first foam has an outer circumference, while the second foam has an inner circumference, and wherein the outer circumference of the first foam is adjacent to the inner circumference of the second foam.

5. The ear pad of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The ear pad has a first length between 4 cm and 8.5 cm in a first direction and a second length between 4 cm and 8.5 cm in a second direction.

6. The ear pad of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The ear pad is configured to cover at least a portion of the ear canal, at least a portion of the concha, at least a portion of the tragus, at least a portion of the tragus, and / or at least a portion of the helix of the ear, and wherein the ear pad is configured to expose at least a portion of the helix and / or at least a portion of the earlobe.

7. The ear pad of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first property and the second property are one or more of the following: -Thickness, and / or -Memory, and / or -Density; and / or - Breathability.

8. The ear pad of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first foam is configured to fit the shape of the ear, thereby providing an acoustic seal by reducing / preventing leakage between the first foam and the ear; and wherein the first foam is configured to provide attenuation of a first frequency of sound, wherein the first frequency is a frequency higher than a value F, the value F being between 1 and 2 kHz.

9. The ear pad of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The second foam is configured to prevent air / sound from passing through the second foam; and wherein the second foam is configured to provide attenuation of a second frequency of sound, wherein the second frequency is a frequency lower than the value F.

10. A headset comprising at least one earphone having an ear pad according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images