Earphone

Abstract

The invention relates to an earphone. The present disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in earmuff and ear-hook earphone designs. Designs are discussed that reduce headphone size and allow small form factor storage configurations. User convenience features are also discussed that include synchronizing the headphone stem position and automatically detecting the orientation of the headphone on the user's head. Various power saving features, design features, sensor configurations, and user comfort features are also discussed.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention divisional application with the application date of September 22, 2017, the application number of 202110899469.3, and the invention name of "earphone". The invention divisional application 202110899469.3 is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of September 22, 2017, the application number of 201780058416.0, and the invention name of "earphone". Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments described herein generally relate to various headphone features. More specifically, the various features help improve the overall user experience by incorporating sensor arrays and new mechanical features into headphones. Background Art

[0003] Headphones have been used for more than 100 years now, but the design of the mechanical frame for holding the earpiece against the user's ear has remained somewhat unchanged. For this reason, some headphones are difficult to transport easily without using a bulky box or by wearing them visibly around the neck when not in use. Conventional interconnections between the earpieces and the band often use brackets around the perimeter of each earpiece, which increases the overall bulk of each earpiece. In addition, the user of the earphones needs to manually verify that the correct earpiece is aligned with the user's ear when the user wants to use the earphones. Therefore, it is desirable to improve upon the aforementioned deficiencies. Summary of the invention

[0004] This disclosure describes several improvements to over-the-ear and over-the-ear headphone frame designs.

[0005] The present invention discloses an earpiece, which includes the following components: an earpiece housing; a speaker, which is arranged in the central part of the earpiece housing; and a pivot mechanism, which is arranged at a first end of the earpiece housing, the pivot mechanism includes a pole and a spring, the spring is configured to resist the rotation of the earpiece housing relative to the pole, and the spring includes a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the pole, and the second end is connected to the earpiece housing.

[0006] The present invention discloses headphones, which include the following components: a first earpiece; a second earpiece; a headband assembly, which includes a headband spring; a first pivot assembly, which couples the first earpiece to a first side of the headband assembly, the first pivot assembly includes a first pole and a first pivot spring, the first pivot spring is configured to resist rotation of the first earpiece relative to the first pole, the first pivot spring includes a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the first earpiece, and the second end is connected to the first pole; and a second pivot assembly, which couples the second earpiece to a second side of the headband assembly, the second pivot assembly includes a second pole and a second pivot spring, the second pivot spring is configured to resist rotation of the second earpiece relative to the second pole, the second pivot spring includes a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the second earpiece, and the second end is connected to the second pole.

[0007] The present invention discloses headphones, which include the following components: a first earpiece; a second earpiece; a headband assembly, which includes a headband spring; a first pivot assembly and a second pivot assembly, which connect opposite sides of the headband assembly to the corresponding first and second earpieces, each of the pivot assemblies is basically enclosed within the corresponding first and second earpieces, and the rod of each of the pivot assemblies connects its corresponding pivot assembly to the headband assembly.

[0008] Disclosed herein is a headset comprising the following components: a first earpiece; a second earpiece; and a headband coupling the first earpiece and the second earpiece together and configured to synchronize movement of the first earpiece with movement of the second earpiece, thereby maintaining a distance between the first earpiece and a center of the headband substantially equal to a distance between the second earpiece and a center of the headband.

[0009] Disclosed herein are headphones comprising the following components: a headband having a first end and a second end, the second end being opposite the first end; a first earpiece coupled to the headband at a first distance from the first end; a second earpiece coupled to the headband at a second distance from the second end; and a cable routed through the headband and mechanically coupling the first earpiece to the second earpiece, the cable being configured to maintain the first distance substantially the same as the second distance by changing the first distance in response to a change in the second distance.

[0010] Disclosed herein is a headset comprising the following components: a first earpiece; a second earpiece; a headband assembly coupling the first earpiece and the second earpiece together and comprising an earpiece synchronization system configured to change a first distance between the first earpiece and the headband assembly simultaneously with a change in a second distance between the second earpiece and the headband assembly.

[0011] Disclosed herein is a headset comprising the following components: a first earpiece; a second earpiece; a headband connecting the first earpiece to the second earpiece; an earpiece position sensor configured to measure the angular orientation of the first earpiece and the second earpiece relative to the headband; and a processor configured to change an operating state of the headset based on the angular orientation of the first earpiece and the second earpiece.

[0012] The present invention discloses headphones, which also include: a headband; a first earpiece pivotally connected to a first side of the headband and having a first rotation axis; a second earpiece pivotally connected to a second side of the headband and having a second rotation axis; an earpiece position sensor configured to measure an orientation of the first earpiece relative to the first rotation axis and an orientation of the second earpiece relative to the second rotation axis; and a processor configured to: place the headphones in a first operating state when the first earpiece is biased from a neutral state of the first earpiece in a first direction and the second earpiece is biased from a neutral state of the second earpiece in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and place the headphones in a second operating state when the first earpiece is biased from the neutral state of the first earpiece in a second direction and the second earpiece is biased from the neutral state of the second earpiece in the first direction.

[0013] The present invention discloses a headset, which includes the following components: a headband; a first earpiece, which includes a first earpiece housing; a first pivot mechanism, which is arranged in the first earpiece housing, the first pivot mechanism includes a first pole base portion and a first orientation sensor, the first pole base portion protruding through an opening defined by the first earpiece housing, the first pole base portion is coupled to a first portion of the headband, and the first orientation sensor is configured to measure an angular orientation of the first earpiece relative to the headband; a second earpiece, which includes a second earpiece housing; a second pivot mechanism, which is arranged in the second earpiece housing, the second pivot mechanism includes a first pole base portion and a first orientation sensor, the first pole base portion protruding through an opening defined by the first earpiece housing, the first pole base portion is coupled to a first portion of the headband, and the first orientation sensor is configured to measure an angular orientation of the first earpiece relative to the headband; A second pole base portion and a second orientation sensor, the second pole base portion protruding through an opening defined by the second earpiece housing, the second pole base portion being coupled to a second portion of the headband, the second orientation sensor being configured to measure an angular orientation of the second earpiece relative to the headband; and a processor, which sends a first audio channel to the first earpiece when sensor readings received from the first orientation sensor and the second orientation sensor are consistent with the first earpiece covering a first ear of the user, and is configured to send a second audio channel to the first earpiece when the sensor readings are consistent with the first earpiece covering a second ear of the user.

[0014] The present invention discloses headphones comprising the following components: a first earpiece having a first ear pad; a second earpiece having a second ear pad; and a headband coupling the first earpiece to the second earpiece, the headphones being configured to move between an arched state and a flat state, in which the flexible portion of the headband is bent along its length and in which the flexible portion of the headband is flattened along its length, the first earpiece and the second earpiece being configured to fold toward the headband in the flat state, thereby causing the first ear pad and the second ear pad to contact the flexible headband.

[0015] The present invention discloses headphones, which include the following components: a first earpiece; a second earpiece; and a headband assembly, which is connected to both the first earpiece and the second earpiece, the headband assembly including a connecting rod and an eccentric locking mechanism, the connecting rod is pivotally connected together, the eccentric locking mechanism connects the first earpiece to the first end of the headband assembly and has a first stable position and a second stable position, in the first stable position, the connecting rod is flattened, and in the second stable position, the connecting rod forms an arch.

[0016] The present invention discloses headphones, which include the following components: a first earpiece; a second earpiece; and a flexible headband assembly, which is connected to both the first earpiece and the second earpiece, the flexible headband assembly including a hollow link and a bistable element, the hollow links are pivotally connected together and define an internal volume within the flexible headband assembly, the bistable element is disposed within the internal volume and is configured to resist the flexible headband assembly from transitioning between a first state and a second state, in the first state, a central portion of the hollow link is straightened, and in the second state, the hollow link forms an arch.

[0017] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example the principles of the described embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like structural elements, and wherein:

[0019] Figure 1A A front view of an exemplary set of over-ear or on-ear headphones is shown;

[0020] Figure 1B shows headphone stems extending different distances from a headband assembly;

[0021] Figure 2A showing a perspective view of a first side of an earphone having a synchronized earphone stem;

[0022] Figure 2B to Figure 2C They are shown respectively Figure 2A The earphone is shown in cross-section along section lines AA and BB;

[0023] Figure 2D Shows Figure 2D a perspective view of the opposite side of the headset shown;

[0024] Figure 2E Shows Figure 2D The earphone shown is a cross-sectional view according to the section line CC;

[0025] Figure 2F to Figure 2G showing a perspective view of a second side of an earphone having a synchronized earphone stem and an integrated spring band;

[0026] FIG. 2H to FIG. 2I They are shown respectively Figure 2F to Figure 2G The earphone is shown in cross-section along section lines DD and EE;

[0027] Figure 3A An exemplary headset having a headband assembly configured to synchronize position adjustment of its earpieces is shown;

[0028] Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the headband assembly when the earphone is extended to its maximum size;

[0029] Figure 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the headband assembly when the headset is collapsed to a smaller size;

[0030] Figures 3D to 3F showing a perspective top view and a cross-sectional view of a headband assembly configured to synchronize earpiece positions;

[0031] Figure 3G to Figure 3H shows a top view of the handset synchronization assembly;

[0032] FIG. 3I to FIG. 3J Shown with Figure 3G to Figure 3H A flat schematic diagram of another earpiece synchronization system similar to that shown;

[0033] Figure 3K to Figure 3L Shows suitable for combining Figure 3G to Figure 3J A cross-sectional view of an earphone 360 ​​of any of the earphone synchronization systems shown in ;

[0034] Figure 3M to Figure 3N Shows Figure 3G to Figure 3H A perspective view of the handset sync system shown in a retracted position and an extended position and a data sync cable;

[0035] Fig.3O Shows a portion of the cover structure and how the handset sync system can be routed through the included reinforcement members of the cover structure:

[0036] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B A front view of an earphone 400 having an off-center pivoting earpiece is shown;

[0037] Figure 5A An exemplary pivot mechanism including a torsion spring is shown;

[0038] Figure 5B Shown is positioned behind the earpiece's cushion Figure 5A The pivot mechanism shown in ;

[0039] Fig. 6A shows a perspective view of another pivot mechanism including a leaf spring;

[0040] FIG. 6B to FIG. 6D Shows the use of Fig. 6A The range of motion of the earpiece of the pivot mechanism shown in ;

[0041] Fig. 6E Shows Fig. 6A An exploded view of the pivot mechanism shown in ;

[0042] Fig. 6F shows a perspective view of another pivot mechanism;

[0043] Figure 6G Yet another pivot mechanism is shown;

[0044] FIG. 6H to FIG. 6I Shows Figure 6G The pivot mechanism shown in , with one side removed to illustrate the rotation of the pole base in different positions;

[0045] Figure 6J The device is shown in the earpiece housing. Figure 6G a cutaway perspective view of a pivot assembly of;

[0046] Figures 6K to 6L shows a partially cut-away side view of the pivot assembly positioned within the earpiece housing with the coil spring in a relaxed state and a compressed state;

[0047] Fig. 7A shows various positions of a spring band suitable for use in a headband assembly;

[0048] Figure 7B shows an example of how the spring force is based on the spring rate Fig. 7A A curve diagram showing the change in displacement of the spring hoop shown in FIG.

[0049] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B A solution for preventing discomfort caused by headphones being too tight around a user's neck is shown;

[0050] FIG. 8C to FIG. 8D shows how separate different joints may be arranged along the underside of the spring band to prevent the spring band from returning to a neutral position;

[0051] FIG. 8E to FIG. 8Fshows how the springs that engage the headband assembly to the earpieces can cooperate with the spring band 700 to set the actual amount of force applied by the earphones to the user;

[0052] FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B Another way to limit the range of motion of a pair of headphones using a low spring rate band is shown;

[0053] Fig. 10A shows a top view of an exemplary head of a user wearing headphones;

[0054] Fig. 10B Shows Fig. 10A Front view of the headset shown in;

[0055] FIG. 10C to FIG. 10D Shows Fig. 10A A top view of the headset shown in and how the earpieces of the headset can be rotated around corresponding rocking axes;

[0056] FIG. 10E to FIG. 10F A flow chart describing a control method is shown, which may be scrolled upon detecting rotation and / or yaw of the earpiece relative to the headband;

[0057] Figure 10G shows a system-level block diagram of a computing device 1070 that can be used to implement the various components described herein;

[0058] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C A foldable headset is shown;

[0059] FIG. 11D to FIG. 11F shows how the earpieces of a foldable headset can be folded toward the outwardly facing surface of the deformable band region;

[0060] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B An earphone embodiment is shown that can be transformed from an arched state to a flat state by pulling on opposite sides of a spring band;

[0061] FIG. 12C to FIG. 12D side views showing the collapsible mast region in an arched state and a flat state, respectively;

[0062] Fig.12E Shows Fig.12D A side view of one end of the earphone shown in ;

[0063] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B A partial cross-sectional view of an earphone using an off-axis cable to transition between a domed state and a flat state is shown;

[0064] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C shows a partial cross-sectional view of an earphone having a foldable stem region at least partially constrained by an elongated pin that delays flattening of the earphone through a first portion of travel of an earpiece of the earphone;

[0065] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15F Various views of the headband assembly 1500 from different angles and in different states are shown;

[0066] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16B A headband assembly is shown in a folded state and an arched state; and

[0067] FIG. 17A to FIG. 17B A view showing another foldable headset embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Headphones have been produced for many years, but there are still many design issues. For example, the functionality of the headband associated with headphones is usually limited to only the mechanical connection for keeping the earpieces of the headphones on the user's ears and providing an electrical connection between the earpieces. The headband tends to significantly increase the volume of the headphones, making storage of the headphones a problem. The poles that connect the headband to the earpieces, which are designed to accommodate the adjustment of the orientation of the earpieces relative to the user's ears, also add to the volume of the headphones. The poles that connect the headband to the earpieces to accommodate the elongation of the headband typically allow the center portion of the headband to be offset to one side of the user's head. This offset configuration may look a bit strange and may also make the headphones less comfortable to wear depending on the headphone design.

[0069] While some advances such as wirelessly delivering media content to headphones have alleviated the problem of tangled cords, this type of technology introduces its own set of problems. For example, since wireless headphones require battery power to operate, a user who leaves a wireless headphone turned on may inadvertently drain the battery of the wireless headphone, rendering it unusable until a new battery can be installed or the device is recharged. Another design problem with many headphones is that the user typically has to figure out which earpiece corresponds to which ear to prevent the situation where the left audio channel is presented to the right ear and the right audio channel is presented to the left ear.

[0070] The solution for the unsynchronized positioning of the earpiece is to introduce an earpiece synchronization component in the form of a mechanical mechanism arranged in the headband, which synchronizes the distance between the corresponding ends of the earpiece and the headband. This type of synchronization can be performed in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the earpiece synchronization component can be a cable extending between two poles that can be configured to synchronize the movement of the earpiece. The cable can be arranged into a loop, wherein the different sides of the loop are attached to the corresponding poles of the earpiece, so that the movement of one earpiece away from the headband causes the other earpiece to move the same distance away from the opposite end of the headband. Similarly, pushing one earpiece toward one side of the headband will translate the other earpiece toward the same distance on the opposite side of the headband. In some embodiments, the earpiece synchronization component can be a rotating gear embedded in the headband, which can be configured to engage the teeth of each pole to keep the earpieces synchronized.

[0071] A solution to the conventional bulky connection between the earphone pole and the earpiece is to use a spring-driven pivot mechanism to control the movement of the earpiece relative to the hoop. The spring-driven pivot mechanism can be positioned near the top of the earpiece, thereby allowing it to be incorporated in the earpiece rather than outside the earpiece. In this way, the pivoting function can be built into the earpiece without increasing the overall volume of the earpiece. Different types of springs can be used to control the movement of the earpiece relative to the headband. The specific examples including torsion springs and leaf springs are described in detail below. The spring associated with each earpiece can cooperate with the spring in the headband to set the force applied to the user's head wearing the earphone. In some embodiments, the spring in the headband can be a low elastic rate spring configured to minimize the force variation applied on the head of a wide range of users with different head sizes. In some embodiments, the travel of the low rate spring in the headband can be limited to prevent the headband from being clamped too tightly around the user's neck when worn around the neck.

[0072] One solution to the problem of large headband form factor is to design the headband to be flattened against the earpieces. Flattening the headband allows the arched geometry of the headband to be compressed into a flat geometry, thereby allowing the earpieces to achieve a size and shape suitable for more convenient storage and transportation. The earpieces can be attached to the headband via a foldable post area that allows the earpieces to fold toward the center of the headband. The force applied to fold each earpiece into the headband is transmitted to a mechanism that pulls on the corresponding end of the headband to flatten the headband. In some embodiments, the post can include an over-center locking mechanism that prevents the earpieces from inadvertently returning to the arched state without the need to add a release button for converting the earpieces back to the arched state.

[0073] A solution to the power management problem associated with wireless headsets includes incorporating an orientation sensor into the headset, which can be configured to monitor the orientation of the earpiece relative to the cuff. The orientation of the earpiece relative to the cuff can be used to determine whether the earpiece is being worn on the user's ear. This information can then be used to place the earpiece in standby mode or completely turn off the earpiece when the earpiece is not determined to be positioned on the user's ear. In some embodiments, the earpiece orientation sensor can also be used to determine which ear of the user the earpiece currently covers. The circuit system in the headset can be configured to switch the audio channel routed to each earpiece to match the determination about which earpiece is on which ear of the user.

[0074] The following refers to Figures 1 to Fig. 17B These and other embodiments are discussed. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with reference to these drawings is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0075] Symmetrical retractable handset

[0076] Figure 1A A front view of an exemplary pair of over-ear or supra-aural headphones 100 is shown. The headphones 100 include a band 102 that interacts with stems 104 and 106 to allow adjustability of the size of the headphones 100. Specifically, stems 104 and 106 are configured to be independently offset relative to the band 102 to accommodate a plurality of different head sizes. In this way, the position of the earpieces 108 and 110 can be adjusted to position the earpieces 108 and 110 directly over the user's ears. Unfortunately, as shown in FIG. Figure 1B As can be seen in FIG. 1 , this type of configuration allows the posts 104 and 106 to become mismatched relative to the cuff 102 . Figure 1B The configuration shown in may be uncomfortable for the user and lacks aesthetics. In order to solve these problems, the user should be forced to manually adjust the poles 104 and 106 relative to the cuff 102 to achieve the desired appearance and comfortable fit. Figure 1A to Figure 1B Also shown is how the stems 104 and 106 extend downwardly to the center portion of the earpiece 108 to allow the earpiece 108 to rotate to accommodate the curvature of the user's head. As mentioned above, the portion of the stems 104 and 106 extending downwardly around the earpiece 108 increases the diameter of the earpiece 108.

[0077] Figure 2A shows a configuration that solves Figure 1A to Figure 1B 200 of the headband 202 of the problem shown in the figure. The headband 202 is shown without a decorative covering to show the internal features. Specifically, the headband 202 may include a wire loop 204, which is configured to synchronize the movement of the poles 206 and 208. The wire guide 210 may be configured to maintain the curvature of the wire loop 204 that matches the curvature of the leaf springs 212 and 214. The leaf springs 212 and 214 may be configured to define the shape of the headband 202 and to apply force on the user's head. Each of the wire guides 210 may include an opening, and the opposite sides of the wire loop 204 and the leaf springs 212 and 214 may pass through the opening. In some embodiments, the opening of the wire loop 204 may be limited by a low friction bearing to prevent significant friction from hindering the movement of the wire loop 204 through the opening. In this way, the wire guide 210 defines the path that the wire loop 204 extends between the pole housings 216 and 218. The wire loop 204 is coupled to both the pole 206 and the pole 208 and functions to maintain the distance 120 between the earpiece 122 and the pole housing 116 substantially the same as the distance 124 between the earpiece 126 and the pole housing 118. A first side 204-1 of the wire loop 204 is coupled to the pole 206, and a second side 204-2 of the wire loop 204 is coupled to the pole 208. Since opposite sides of the wire loop are attached to the poles 206 and 208, movement of one of these poles results in movement of the other pole in the same direction.

[0078] Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of a portion of the rod column housing 116 according to section line AA is shown. Specifically, Figure 2B 204. The protrusion 228 of the stem 206 is shown to engage a component of the wire loop 204. Because the protrusion 228 of the stem 206 is coupled to the wire loop 204, when the user of the headset 100 pulls the earpiece 222 further away from the stem housing 216, the wire loop 204 is also pulled, causing the wire loop 204 to loop through the headband 202. The looping of the wire loop 204 through the headband 202 adjusts the position of the earpiece 226, which is similarly coupled to the wire loop 204 via the protrusion of the stem 208. In addition to forming a mechanical connection with the wire loop 204, the protrusion 228 can also be electrically coupled to the wire loop 204. In some embodiments, the protrusion 228 can include a conductive path 230 that electrically couples the wire loop 204 to electronic components within the earpiece 222. In some embodiments, the wire loop 204 may be formed of a conductive material such that signals may be transmitted between components within the earpieces 222 and 226 via the wire loop 204 .

[0079] Figure 2C Another cross-sectional view of the rod column housing 116 according to the section line BB is shown. Specifically, Figure 2C It is shown how the wire loop 204 engages a pulley 232 within the pole housing 216. The pulley 232 minimizes any friction created by the earpiece 222 moving closer to or further away from the pole housing 216. Alternatively, the wire loop 204 can be routed through a static bearing within the pole housing 216.

[0080] Figure 2D Another perspective view of the headset 200 is shown. In this view, it can be seen that the first side 204-1 and the second side 204-2 of the wire loop 204 are offset laterally as they cross from one side of the headband 202 to the other side. This can be achieved by gradually offsetting the opening defined by the wire guide 210 so that when the sides 204-1 and 204-2 reach the pole housing 218, the second side 204-2 is centered and aligned with the pole 208, as shown in FIG. Figure 2E shown.

[0081] Figure 2E It is shown how the second side 204-2 is engaged by the protrusion 234. Because the poles 206 and 208 are attached to the respective first and second sides of the wire loop 204, pushing the earpiece 226 toward the pole housing 218 also causes the earpiece 222 to be pushed toward the pole housing 216. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Another advantage of the configuration shown in is that the wire loop 204 is always under stress regardless of the direction of travel of the poles 206 and 208. This keeps the force required to extend or retract the earpieces 222 and 226 consistent, regardless of direction.

[0082] Figure 2F to Figure 2G A perspective view of earphone 250 is shown. Earphone 250 is similar to earphone 200, except that only a single leaf spring 252 is used to connect pole housing 254 to pole housing 256. In this embodiment, wire loop 258 can be positioned to either side of leaf spring 252. Instead of being positioned directly below one side of wire loop 258, poles 262 and 260 can be positioned directly between the two sides of wire loop 258 and connected to one side of wire loop 258 via the arms of poles 260 and 262.

[0083] Figure 2H and Fig.2I A cross-sectional view of the interior of the mast housings 254 and 256 is shown. Figure 2H A cross-sectional view of the mast housing 254 according to section line DD is shown. Figure 2H It is shown how the post 260 may include a laterally projecting arm 268 that engages the wire loop 258. In this way, the laterally projecting arm 268 couples the post 260 to the wire loop 258 so that when the earpiece 264 is moved, the earpiece 266 is held in an equivalent position. Fig.2I A cross-sectional view of the mast housing 256 according to section line EE is shown.

[0084] Fig.2I It is shown how the wire loop 258 may be routed within the pole housing 256 by pulleys 270 and 272. By routing the wire loop 258 over the pole 262, any interference between the wire loop 258 and the pole 206 may be avoided.

[0085] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C shows a configuration to solve Figure 1A to Figure 1B Another headphone implementation of the problem. Figure 3A Headphones 300 are shown including a headband assembly 302. Headband assembly 302 is coupled to earpieces 304 and 306 via posts 308 and 310. The size and shape of headband assembly 302 may vary depending on how much adjustability is desired for headphones 300.

[0086] Figure 3B 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the headband assembly 302 when the headset 300 is extended to its maximum size. Specifically, Figure 3B It is shown how the headband assembly 302 includes a gear 312 that is configured to engage teeth defined by the ends of each of the posts 308 and 310. In some embodiments, the posts 308 and 310 can be prevented from being completely pulled out of the headband assembly 302 by the spring pins 314 and 316 by engaging the openings defined by the posts 308 and 310.

[0087] Figure 3C 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the headband assembly 302 when the headset 300 is collapsed to a smaller size. Specifically, Figure 3C Gear 312 is shown to synchronize the positions of posts 308 and 310 based on any movement of post 308 or post 310 being transferred to the other post by gear 312. In some embodiments, the stiffness of the housing defining the exterior of headband assembly 302 can be selected to match the stiffness of posts 308 and 310 to provide a headband with a more consistent feel to the user of headphones 300.

[0088] Figure 3D An alternative embodiment of the posts 308 and 310 is shown. The cover that conceals the ends of the posts 308 and 310 has been removed to more clearly show the features of the mechanism that synchronizes the positions of the posts. The post 308 defines an opening 318 that extends through a portion of the post 308. One side of the opening 318 has teeth that are configured to engage the gear 320. Similarly, the post 310 defines an opening 322 that extends through a portion of the post 310. One side of the opening 322 has teeth that are configured to engage the gear 320. Because the opposite sides of the openings 318 and 322 engage the gear 320, any movement of one of the posts 308 and 310 causes the other post to move. In this way, the earpieces positioned at the ends of each of the posts 308 and 310 are synchronized.

[0089] Figure 3E A top view of poles 308 and 310 is shown. Figure 3E Also shown is the outline of a cover 324 for concealing the gear connection opening defined by the posts 308 and 310 and controlling the movement of the ends of the posts 308 and 310 . Figure 3F A cross-sectional side view of the posts 308 and 310 covered by a cover 324 is shown. The gear 320 may include a bearing 326 for defining an axis of rotation for the gear 320. In some embodiments, the top of the bearing 326 may protrude from the cover 324, thereby allowing a user to adjust the earpiece position by manually rotating the bearing 326. It should be understood that the user may also adjust the earpiece position by simply pushing or pulling on one of the posts 308 and 310.

[0090] Figure 3GA flat schematic diagram of another earpiece synchronization system is shown that utilizes a wire loop 328 within a headband 330 (the rectangular shape is used only to illustrate the position of the headband 330 and should not be understood as being used only for exemplary purposes) to synchronize the distance between each of the earpieces 304 and 306 and the headband 330. Pole wires 332 and 334 couple the respective earpieces 304 and 306 to the wire loop 328. The pole wires 332 and 334 may be made of metal and welded to opposite sides of the wire loop 328. Because the pole wires 332 and 334 are coupled to opposite sides of the wire loop 328, movement of the earpiece 306 in direction 336 causes the pole wire 332 to move in direction 338. Thus, moving the earpiece 306 to a position closer to the headband 330 also moves the pole wire 332, which results in bringing the earpiece 304 closer to the headband 330. In addition to showing the new position of earpieces 304 and 306 after being moved closer to headband 330, Figure 3H Also shown is how moving earpiece 304 in direction 340 automatically moves earpiece 306 further away from headband 330 in direction 342. Although not shown, it should be understood that headband 330 may include various reinforcement members to maintain wire loop 328 and pole wires 332 and 334 in the shape shown.

[0091] FIG. 3I to FIG. 3J Shown with Figure 3G to Figure 3H A similar flat schematic diagram of another earpiece synchronization system is shown. Fig. 3I 328. It is shown how the ends of the posts 344 and 346 can be directly connected to each other without an intervening wire loop. By extending the posts 344 and 346 into a pattern, having a similar shape to the wire loop 328, a similar result can be achieved without the need for an additional wire loop structure. The movement of the posts 344 and 346 is assisted by the reinforcing members 348, 350 and 352, which help prevent the posts 344 and 346 from buckling when the position of the earpieces 304 and 306 are being adjusted. The reinforcing members 348-352 can define channels through which the posts 344 and 346 pass smoothly. These channels can be particularly useful in positions where the posts 344 and 346 are bent. Although not defining a curved channel, the reinforcing member 352 still serves the important purpose of limiting the direction of travel of the ends of the posts 344 and 346 to directions 354 and 356. Movement in direction 356 causes the earpieces to move toward the headband 330, as shown in FIG. Figure 3J Movement in direction 354 causes earpieces 304 and 306 to move further away from headband 330 .

[0092] Figure 3K to Figure 3L Shows suitable for combining Figure 3G to Figure 3J A cross-sectional view of an earphone 360 ​​of any of the earphone synchronization systems shown in FIG. Figure 3KHeadphones 360 are shown with the earpieces retracted and stem lines 332 and 334 extending out of headband 330 to engage and synchronize the position of stem assembly 362 with the position of stem assembly 364. Stem 334 is illustrated as being coupled to a support structure 366 within stem assembly 364, which allows extension and retraction of stem 334 to keep stem assembly 362 synchronized with stem assembly 364. As shown, stem assembly 362 is disposed within a channel defined by headband 330 that allows stem assembly 362 to move relative to headband 330. Figure 3K Also shown is how the data sync cable 368 can extend through the headband 330 and wrap around a portion of both the pole wire 334 and the pole wire 332. By wrapping around the pole wires 332 and 334, the data sync cable 356 can act as a reinforcement member for preventing buckling of the pole wires 332 and 334. The data sync cable 356 is generally configured to exchange signals between the earpieces 304 and 306 in order to keep the audio accurately synchronized during playback operation of the headset 360.

[0093] Figure 3L It is shown how the coil configuration of the data sync cable 368 accommodates the extension of the pole assemblies 362 and 364. The data sync cable 368 may have a coated outer surface that allows the pole wires 332 and 334 to slide through the central opening defined by the coil. Figure 3L It also shows how earpieces 304 and 306 remain the same distance from the center portion of headband 330.

[0094] Figure 3M to Figure 3N Shows Figure 3G to Figure 3H A perspective view of the handset sync system in retracted and extended positions and the data sync cable 368 is shown in FIG. Figure 3M It is shown how pole wire 332 includes an attachment feature 370 that at least partially surrounds a portion of wire loop 328. In this way, pole wire 332, pole wire 334, and support structure 366 move along with wire loop 328. Figure 3M Also shown are dashed lines illustrating how the cover of headband 330 may at least partially conform to wire loop 328 , pole line 332 , and pole line 334 .

[0095] Fig.3O A portion of a cover structure 372 is shown and how the earpiece synchronization system can be routed through a stiffening member 374 of the cover structure 372. The stiffening member 374 helps guide the wire loop 328 and the pole wire 332 along a desired path. In some embodiments, the cover structure 372 can include a spring mechanism that helps keep the earpiece secured to the user's ear.

[0096] Off-center pivoting earpiece

[0097] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4BA front view of an earphone 400 having an off-center pivoting earpiece is shown. Figure 4A A front view of a headset 400 including a headband assembly 402 is shown. In some embodiments, the headband assembly 402 may include an adjustable hoop and a pole for customizing the size of the headset 400. Each end of the headband assembly 402 is illustrated as being coupled to the top of an earpiece 404. This is different from conventional designs, which place a pivot point at the center of the earpiece 404 so that the earpiece can pivot naturally in the direction of allowing the earpiece 404 to move to an angle where the earpiece 404 is positioned parallel to the surface of the user's head. Unfortunately, this type of design typically requires a bulky arm extending to either side of the earpiece 404, thereby significantly increasing the size and weight of the earpiece 404. By positioning the pivot point 406 near the top of the earpiece 404, the associated pivot mechanism components can be encapsulated in the earpiece 404.

[0098] Figure 4B Shown is an exemplary range of motion 408 of each in earpiece 404. Range of motion 408 can be configured to adapt to most users based on the research carried out to average head size measurement. This more compact configuration can still perform the same function as the more traditional configuration described above, which includes applying force and setting up acoustic seal by the center of earpiece. In some embodiments, range of motion 408 can be about 18 degrees. In some embodiments, range of motion 408 may not have a defined stop point, but gradually becomes more difficult to deform as it moves away from the neutral position more and more. The pivot mechanism component can include a spring element, which is configured to apply a moderate retention force to the user's ear when the earphone is used. Once earphone 400 is no longer worn, the spring element just can also return the earpiece to the neutral position.

[0099] Figure 5AAn exemplary pivot mechanism 500 for use in the upper portion of the earpiece is shown. The pivot mechanism 500 can be configured to accommodate movement around two axes, thereby allowing the roll and yaw of the earpiece 404 relative to the headband assembly 402 to be adjusted. The pivot mechanism 500 includes a post 502, which can be coupled to the headband assembly. One end of the post 502 is positioned in a bearing 504, which allows the post 502 to rotate around a rocking axis 506. The bearing 504 also couples the post 502 to a torsion spring 508, which resists the rotation of the post 502 relative to the earpiece 404 around a rolling axis 510. Each of the torsion springs 508 can also be coupled to a mounting block 512. The mounting block 512 can be fixed to the inner surface of the earpiece 404 by a fastener 514. The bearing 504 can be rotatably coupled to the mounting block 512 by a bushing 516, which allows the bearing 504 to rotate relative to the mounting block 512. In some embodiments, the rolling axis and the rocking axis can be substantially orthogonal relative to each other. In this context, substantially orthogonal means that, although the angle between the two axes may not be exactly 90 degrees, the angle between the two axes should remain between 85 and 95 degrees.

[0100] Figure 5A A magnetic field sensor 518 is also shown. The magnetic field sensor 518 can take the form of a magnetometer or a Hall effect sensor capable of detecting the movement of a magnet within the pivot mechanism 500. Specifically, the magnetic field sensor 518 can be configured to detect the movement of the post 502 relative to the mounting block 512. In this way, the magnetic field sensor 518 can be configured to detect when the headset associated with the pivot mechanism 500 is worn. For example, when the magnetic field sensor 518 takes the form of a Hall effect sensor, the rotation of the magnet coupled to the bearing 504 can cause the polarity of the magnetic field emitted by the magnet to saturate the magnetic field sensor 518. Saturation of the Hall effect sensor by the magnetic field causes the Hall effect sensor to send a signal to other electronic devices within the headset 400 through the flexible circuit 520.

[0101] Figure 5BThe pivot mechanism 500 positioned behind the pad 522 of the earpiece 404 is shown. In this way, the pivot mechanism 500 can be integrated in the earpiece 404 without infringing on the space usually reserved for opening to accommodate the user's ear. The close-up view 524 shows a cross-sectional view of the pivot mechanism 500. Specifically, the close-up view 524 shows a magnet 526 positioned in the fastener 528. When the pole 502 rotates around the rolling axis 510, the magnet 526 rotates with it. The magnetic field sensor 518 can be configured to sense the rotation of the field emitted by the magnet 526 when rotating. In some embodiments, the signal generated by the magnetic field sensor 518 can be used to activate and / or deactivate the earphone 400. This can be particularly effective at the following time: the neutral state of the earpiece 404 corresponds to the bottom end of each earpiece 404, so as to cause the earpiece 404 to rotate away from the angle of the user's head when worn by most users. By designing the earphone 400 in this manner, the rotation of the magnet 526 away from its neutral position can serve as a trigger that the earphone 400 is in use. Accordingly, the movement of the magnet 526 back to its neutral position can serve as an indicator that the earphone 400 is no longer in use. The power state of the earphone 400 can be matched to these indications to save power when the earphone 400 is not in use.

[0102] Figure 5B The close-up view 524 of also shows how the post 502 can twist within the bearing 504. The post 502 is coupled to a threaded cap 530 that allows the post 502 to twist around the rocking axis 506 within the bearing 504. In some embodiments, the threaded cap 530 can define a mechanical stop that limits the range of motion within which the post 502 can twist. The magnet 532 is disposed within the post 502 and is configured to rotate with the post 502. The magnetic field sensor 534 can be configured to measure the rotation of the magnetic field emitted by the magnet 532. In some embodiments, a processor that receives a sensor reading from the magnetic field sensor 534 can be configured to change an operating parameter of the headset 400 in response to the sensor reading indicating that the angular orientation of the magnet 532 relative to the rocking axis has changed by a threshold amount.

[0103] Fig. 6AA perspective view of another pivot mechanism 600 is shown, which is configured to fit within the top of the earpiece 404 of the headset. The overall shape of the pivot mechanism 600 is configured to conform to the space available within the top of the earpiece. The pivot mechanism 600 utilizes a leaf spring instead of a torsion spring to resist the movement of the earpiece 404 in the direction indicated by the arrow 601. The pivot mechanism 600 includes a post 602 having one end disposed within a bearing 604. The bearing 604 allows the rod 602 to rotate around a rocking axis 605. The bearing 604 also couples the post 602 to the first end of the leaf spring 606 through a spring rod 608. The second end of each of the leaf springs 606 is coupled to a corresponding one of the spring retainers 610. The spring retainers 610 are illustrated as being transparent so that the position at which the second end of each of the leaf springs 606 engages the central portion of the spring retainer 610 can be seen. This positioning allows the leaf spring 606 to bend in two different directions. The spring retainer 610 couples the second end of each leaf spring 606 to an earpiece housing 612. In this way, the leaf spring 606 creates a flexible connection between the post 602 and the earpiece housing 612. The pivot mechanism 600 may also include wiring 614 configured to route electrical signals between the two earpieces 404 through the headband assembly 402 (not shown).

[0104] FIG. 6B to FIG. 6D The range of motion of earpiece 404 is shown. Figure 6B The earpiece 404 is shown in a neutral state, wherein the leaf spring 606 is in an undeflected state. Figure 6C The leaf spring 606 is shown deflected in a first direction, and Fig.6D The leaf spring 606 is shown deflected in a second direction opposite to the first direction. FIG. 6C to FIG. 6D Also shown is how the area between the cushion 522 and the earpiece housing 612 can accommodate the deflection of the leaf spring 606.

[0105] Fig. 6E An exploded view of the pivot mechanism 600 is shown. Fig. 6E A mechanical stop is shown that governs the amount of rotation possible about the rocking axis 605. The post 602 includes a protrusion 616 that is configured to travel within a channel defined by an upper rocking bushing 618. As shown, the channel defined by the upper rocking bushing 618 has a length that allows for greater than 180 degrees of rotation. In some embodiments, the channel can include a detent that is configured to define a neutral position for the earpiece 404. Fig. 6E Also shown is a portion of the pole 602 that can accommodate a yaw magnet 620. The magnetic field emitted by the magnet 620 can be detected by a magnetic field sensor 622. The magnetic field sensor 622 can be configured to determine the rotation angle of the pole 602 relative to the rest of the pivot mechanism 600. In some embodiments, the magnetic field sensor 622 can be a Hall effect sensor.

[0106] Fig. 6E Also shown is a rolling magnet 624 and a magnetic field sensor 626, which can be configured to measure the amount of deflection of the leaf spring 606. In some embodiments, the pivot mechanism 600 can also include a strain gauge 628, which is configured to measure the strain generated in the leaf spring 606. The strain measured in the leaf spring 606 can be used to determine how much the leaf spring is being deflected in which direction. In this way, a processor receiving the sensor reading recorded by the strain gauge 628 can determine whether the leaf spring 606 is bent and in which direction it is bent. In some embodiments, the reading received from the strain gauge can be configured to change the operating state of the headphones associated with the pivot mechanism 600. For example, the operating state can be changed from a playback state in which the media is being presented by a speaker associated with the pivot mechanism 600 to a standby state or an inactive state in response to the reading from the strain gauge. In some embodiments, when the leaf spring 606 is in an undeflected state, this can indicate that the headphones associated with the pivot mechanism 600 are not worn by the user. In other embodiments, the strain gauge can be positioned on the headband spring. For this reason, stopping playback based on this input can be very convenient because it allows the user to maintain the position in the media file until the headset is placed back on the user's head, at which time the headset can be configured to resume playback of the media file. The seal 630 can close the opening between the stem 602 and the outer surface of the earpiece to prevent the ingress of foreign particles that might interfere with the operation of the pivot mechanism 600.

[0107] Fig. 6F A perspective view of another pivot mechanism 650 is shown that differs in some respects from the pivot mechanism 600. The leaf spring 652 has a different orientation than the leaf spring 606 of the pivot mechanism 600. Specifically, the orientation of the leaf spring 652 differs by approximately 90 degrees from the orientation of the leaf spring 606. This results in the thick dimension of the leaf spring 652 resisting rotation of the earpiece associated with the pivot mechanism 650. Fig. 6F Also shown are a flex circuit 654 and a board-to-board connector 656. The flex circuit can electrically couple the strain gauges positioned on the leaf spring 652 to a circuit board or other conductive pathway on the pivot mechanism 650. Electrical signals can be routed through a distal end 658 of the pivot mechanism 650, which allows electrical signals to be routed between the earpieces.

[0108] Figure 6GAnother pivot assembly 660 is shown attached to the earpiece housing 612 by fasteners 662 and brackets 663. The pivot assembly 660 can include a plurality of coil springs 664 arranged side by side. In this way, the coils 664 can act in parallel, thereby increasing the resistance provided by the pivot assembly 660. The coil springs 664 are held in place and stabilized by pins 666 and 668. The actuator 670 transfers any force received from the rotation of the pole base 672 to the coil springs 664. In this way, the coil springs 664 can form a desired resistance to the rotation of the pole base 674.

[0109] FIG. 6H to FIG. 6I The pivot assembly 660 is shown with one side removed to illustrate the rotation of the pole base 674 in different positions. FIG. 6H to FIG. 6I It is shown how rotation of the post base 672 causes rotation of the actuator 670 and compression of the coil spring 664.

[0110] Figure 6J A cutaway perspective view of the pivot assembly 660 disposed within the earpiece housing 612 is shown. In some embodiments, the post base 672 can include a bearing 674, as shown, for reducing friction between the post base 672 and the actuator 670. Figure 6J Also shown is how bracket 663 may define a bearing for securing pin 666 in place. Pins 666 and 668 are also shown defining a flat recess for securely holding coil spring 664 in place. In some embodiments, the flat recess may include a protrusion extending into the central opening of coil spring 664.

[0111] Figures 6K to 6L A partially cut-away side view of the pivot assembly 660 positioned within the earpiece housing is shown with the coil spring 664 in a relaxed state and a compressed state. Figure 6K The movement that occurs when shifting from the first position to the second position of maximum deflection is clearly shown. Figure 6K and Figure 6L Also shown is a mechanical stop 676 which helps limit the amount of rotation that can be achieved by the earpiece housing relative to the pole base.

[0112] Low elasticity ratio band

[0113] Fig. 7AA plurality of positions of a spring band 700 suitable for use in a headband assembly are shown. The spring band 700 may have a low elasticity ratio that causes the force generated by the band in response to the deformation of the spring band 700 to vary slowly with displacement. Unfortunately, the low elasticity ratio also causes the spring to undergo a greater amount of displacement before applying a specific force. The spring band 700 is illustrated in different positions 702, 704, 706, and 708. Position 702 may correspond to the spring band 700 being in a neutral state, in which the spring band 700 does not apply any force. At position 704, the spring band 700 may begin to apply a force that pushes the spring band 700 back toward its neutral state. Position 706 may correspond to the position where a user with a smaller head bends the spring band 700 when using headphones associated with the spring band 700. Position 708 may correspond to the position of the spring band 700 where a user with a larger head bends the spring band 700. The displacement between positions 702 and 706 can be large enough that the spring band 700 applies enough force to keep the earphone associated with the spring band 700 from falling off the user's head. In addition, due to the low elasticity ratio, the force applied by the spring band 700 at position 708 can be small enough so that the use of the earphone associated with the spring band 700 is not high enough to cause discomfort to the user. Generally speaking, the lower the elasticity ratio of the spring band 700, the smaller the change in the force applied by the spring band 700. Like this, the use of the low elasticity ratio spring band 700 can allow the earphone associated with the spring band 700 to provide a more consistent user experience for users with different head sizes.

[0114] Figure 7B A graph illustrating how the spring force varies based on the displacement of the spring band 700 based on the elasticity ratio is shown. Line 710 may represent that the spring band 700 makes its neutral position equivalent to position 702. As shown, this allows the spring band 700 to have a relatively low elasticity ratio that still passes through the desired force in the middle of the range of motion of a specific pair of headphones. Line 712 may represent that the spring band 700 makes its neutral position equivalent to position 704. As shown, a higher elasticity ratio is required to achieve the desired force applied in the middle of the desired range of motion. Finally, line 714 represents that the spring band 700 makes its neutral position equivalent to position 706. The spring band 700 is arranged to have a profile consistent with line 714 should result in the spring band 700 not applying any force at the minimum position of the desired range of motion, and at the maximum position, the force applied is more than twice compared to the spring band 700 whose profile is consistent with line 710. While configuring the spring band 700 to travel through a greater amount of displacement before the desired range of motion has obvious benefits when wearing an earphone associated with the spring band 700, it may not be desirable for the earphone to return to position 702 when worn around the user's neck. This may result in the earphone being uncomfortably tight against the user's neck.

[0115] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B A solution for preventing discomfort caused by a headset 800 utilizing a low elasticity rate band being too tight around a user's neck is shown. The headset 800 includes a headband assembly 802 that engages an earpiece 804. The headband assembly 802 includes a compression band 806 that is coupled to an inwardly facing surface of the spring band 700. Fig. 8A The spring band 700 is shown in position 708, which corresponds to the maximum deflection position of the earphone 800. The force applied by the spring band 700 can act as a deterrent to stretching the earphone 800 beyond this maximum deflection position. In some embodiments, the outwardly facing surface of the spring band 700 can include a second compression band that is configured to resist deflection of the spring band 700 beyond position 708. As shown, the joint 806 of the compression band 806 has little effect when the spring band is in position 708 because none of the lateral surfaces of the joint 808 are in contact with an adjacent joint 808.

[0116] Figure 8B The spring band 700 is shown in position 706. At position 706, the joint 808 contacts the adjacent joint 808 to prevent the spring band 700 from further displacement toward position 704 or 702. In this way, the compression band 806 can prevent the spring band 700 from compressing the neck of the user of the headset 800 while maintaining the beneficial effects of the low elasticity rate elastic band 700. FIG. 8C to FIG. 8D It shows how separate, different joints 808 may be arranged along the underside of the spring band 700 to prevent the spring band 700 from returning beyond the position 706 .

[0117] FIG. 8E to FIG. 8F It shows how using springs to control the movement of the headband assembly 802 relative to the earpieces 804 can change the force applied by the earphones 800 to the user when compared to the force applied by the spring band 700 alone. Fig. 8E A force 810 applied by the spring band 700 and a force 812 applied by a spring that controls movement of the earpiece 804 relative to the headband assembly 802 are shown. Figure 8F An exemplary curve is shown, illustrating how forces 810 and 812 provided by at least two different springs can vary based on spring displacement. Force 810 does not begin to act just before the desired range of motion because the compression band prevents the spring band 700 from fully returning to a neutral state. Therefore, the amount of force imparted by force 810 begins at a much higher level, resulting in a smaller variation in force 810. Figure 8F Also shown is force 814, the result of forces 810 and 812 acting in series. By arranging the springs in series, the ratio at which the resulting forces change as the earphone 800 changes shape to accommodate the size of the user's head is reduced. In this way, the dual spring configuration helps provide a more consistent user experience to a user base that includes a wide variety of head shapes.

[0118] FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B Another way to limit the range of motion of a pair of headphones 900 using a low spring rate cuff 902 is shown. Fig. 9A The cable 904 is shown in a relaxed state due to the earpieces 904 being pulled apart. The range of motion of the low elasticity rate cuff 902 can be limited by the cable 904 that performs a function similar to that of the compression band 806, engaging due to tension rather than compression. The cable 904 is configured to extend between the earpieces 906 and is coupled to each of the earpieces 906 by an anchoring feature 908. The cable 904 can be held above the low elasticity rate cuff 902 by a wire guide 910. The wire guide 910 can be connected to the Figures 2A to 2G , except that the wire guide 910 is configured to elevate the cable 904 above the low elastic rate band 902. The bearings of the wire guide 910 can prevent the cable 904 from catching or becoming undesirably tangled. It should be noted that the cable 904 and the low elastic rate band 902 can be covered by a decorative cover. It should also be noted that in some embodiments, the cable 904 can be connected to the low elastic rate band 902. Figures 2A to 2G The embodiments shown in are combined to produce a headset capable of synchronizing earpiece positions and controlling the range of motion of the headset.

[0119] Fig. 9B It is shown how the cable 904 tightens and eventually stops further movement of the earpieces 906 closer together as the earpieces 906 are brought closer together. In this way, a minimum distance 912 between the earpieces 906 can be maintained, which allows the headset 900 to be comfortably worn around the neck of a wide range of users without pressing the user's neck too tightly.

[0120] Left / right ear detection

[0121] Fig. 10A A top view of an exemplary head of a user 1000 wearing earphones 1002 is shown. Earpieces 1004 are depicted on opposite sides of the user 1000. The headband that engages the earpieces 1004 is omitted to show the features of the head of the user 1000 in more detail. As shown, the earpieces 1004 are configured to rotate around the swing axis so that they can be positioned flush with the head of the user 1000 and slightly toward the facial orientation of the user 1000. In a study conducted on a large group of users, it was found that, on average, the earpieces 1004 were offset above the x-axis when located on the user's ears, as shown. In addition, for more than 99% of the users, the angle of the earpieces 1004 relative to the x-axis was above the x-axis. This means that only a statistically irrelevant portion of the users of the earpieces 1002 should have a head shape that causes the earpieces 1004 to be oriented in front of the x-axis. Fig. 10B A front view of the headset 1002 is shown. Specifically, Fig. 10BShown is a yaw rotation axis 1006 associated with the earpiece 1004 and how both the earpiece 1004 are oriented toward the same side of the headband 1008 that engages the earpiece 1004 .

[0122] FIG. 10C to FIG. 10D A top view of headset 1002 is shown and how earpiece 1004 can rotate about yaw rotation axis 1006 . FIG. 10C to FIG. 10D Also shown are the earpieces 1004 joined together by the headband 1008. The headband 1008 may include a yaw position sensor 1010, which may be configured to determine the angle of each of the earpieces 1004 relative to the headband 1008. The angle may be measured for a neutral position of the earpiece relative to the headband 1008. The neutral position may be a position where the earpieces 1004 are oriented directly toward the center area of ​​the headband 1008. In some embodiments, the earpieces 1004 may have springs that return the earpieces 1004 to the neutral position when no external force is applied. The angle of the earpiece relative to the neutral position may be changed in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. For example, in Fig. 10C 1, earpiece 1004-1 is biased in a counterclockwise direction about rotation axis 1006-1, and earpiece 1004-2 is biased in a clockwise direction about rotation axis 1006-2. In some embodiments, sensor 1010 can be a transit time sensor configured to measure the angular change of earpiece 1004. The associated illustrated pattern indicated as sensor 1010 can represent an optical pattern that allows accurate measurement of the amount of rotation of each of the earpieces. In other embodiments, sensor 1010 can be employed in conjunction with Figure 5B and Figure Fig. 6E In some embodiments, sensor 1010 can be used to determine which ear of the user each earpiece is covering. Since earpieces 1004 are known to be oriented behind the x-axis for almost all users, when sensor 1010 detects that both earpieces 1004 are oriented toward one side of the x-axis, headset 1002 can determine which earpiece is on which ear. For example, Fig. 10C A configuration is shown where earpiece 1004-1 may be determined to be on the user's left ear and earpiece 1004-2 may be on the user's right ear.In some embodiments, circuitry within earphone 1002 may be configured to adjust the audio channels so that the correct channel is delivered to the correct ear.

[0123] Similarly, Fig. 10DThe configuration of earpiece 1004-1 on the right ear of the user and earpiece 1004-2 on the left ear of the user is shown.In some embodiments, when the earpiece is not oriented towards the same side of the x-axis, earphone 1002 can request further input before changing the audio channel.For example, when earpiece 1004-1 and 1004-2 are all detected as biased in the clockwise direction, the processor associated with earphone 1002 can determine that earphone 1002 is not currently in use.In some embodiments, earphone 1002 can include an override switch, for the user to want to flip the audio channel independently of the left / right audio channel routing logic associated with yaw position sensor 1010.In other embodiments, one or more other sensors can be activated to confirm the position of earphone 1002 relative to the user.

[0124] FIG. 10E to FIG. 10F A flow chart is shown describing a control method that may be performed upon detecting roll and / or yaw of the earpiece relative to the headband. Fig. 10E A flow chart describing a response to detecting a rotation of an earpiece relative to an earphone headband around a rocking axis is shown. The rocking axis may extend through a point located near the junction between each earpiece and the headband. When the earphone is being used by a user, the rocking axis may be substantially parallel to a vector that intersects the sagittal anatomical plane and the coronal anatomical plane defining the user. At 1052, the rotation of the earpiece around the rocking axis may be detected by a rotation sensor associated with a pivot mechanism. In some embodiments, the pivot mechanism may be similar to the pivot mechanism 500 or the pivot mechanism 600 showing the rocking axes 506 and 605. At 1054, it may be determined whether a threshold associated with the rotation around the rocking axis has been exceeded. In some embodiments, the rocking threshold may be met at any time when the earpiece passes through the surface facing the ear of the two earpieces and may directly face each other. At 1056, in the case where at least one of the earpieces passes through the threshold and both earpieces are determined to be oriented in the same direction, the audio channels routed to the two earpieces may be exchanged. In some embodiments, the user may be notified of the change in the audio channel. In some embodiments, the amount of scrolling detected by the pivot mechanism can be considered in determining how to allocate audio channels.

[0125] Fig.10FA flow chart describing a response to detecting the rotation of an earpiece relative to an earphone headband around a rolling axis is shown. The rolling axis may pass through a point located near the junction between each earpiece and the headband. When the earphone is being used by a user, the rolling axis may be substantially parallel to a vector that defines the intersection of the sagittal anatomical plane and the axial anatomical plane of the user. At 1062, the rotation of the earpiece around the swing axis may be detected by a rotation sensor associated with a pivot mechanism. In some embodiments, the pivot mechanism may be similar to the pivot mechanism 500 or the pivot mechanism 600 that respectively shows the rolling axis 510 and the rolling axis 601. At 1064, it may be determined whether a threshold associated with the rotation around the rolling axis has been exceeded. In some embodiments, the threshold may be met when a spring that controls the rotation of the earpiece relative to the headband is required to apply force. In some embodiments, a position sensor such as a Hall effect sensor may be configured to measure the angle of the earpiece relative to the rolling axis. At 1066, when the rolling angle of the earpiece relative to the headband indicates that the earphone has changed from a use state to a non-use state or vice versa, the operating state of the earphone is changed.

[0126] Figure 10G 1070 is a system-level block diagram of a computing device 1070 that can be used to implement various components described herein according to some embodiments. In particular, this detailed view shows that the FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D Various components of the earphone 1002 are shown. Figure 10GAs shown, the computing device 1070 may include a processor 1072 representing a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the computing device 1070. The computing device 1070 may include a first earpiece 1074 and a second earpiece 1076 engaged by a headband assembly, and these earpieces include speakers for presenting media content to the user. The processor 1072 may be configured to transmit the first audio channel and the second audio channel to the first earpiece 1074 and the second earpiece 1076. In some embodiments, the first orientation sensor 1078 may be configured to transmit the orientation data of the first earpiece 1074 to the processor 1072. Similarly, the second orientation sensor 1080 may be configured to transmit the orientation data of the second earpiece 1076 to the processor 1072. The processor 1072 may be configured to exchange the first audio channel with the second audio channel based on the information received from the first orientation sensor 1078 and the second orientation sensor 1080. The data bus 1082 can facilitate data transfer between at least the battery / power supply 1084, the wireless communication circuit system 1084, the wired communication circuit system 1082, the computer-readable memory 1080, and the processor 1072. In some embodiments, the processor 1072 can be configured to instruct the battery / power supply 1084 based on information received by the first orientation sensor 1078 and the second orientation sensor 1080. The wireless communication circuit system 1086 and the wired communication circuit system 1088 can be configured to provide media content to the processor 1072. In some embodiments, the processor 1072, the wireless communication circuit system 1086, and the wired communication circuit system 1088 can be configured to transmit information and receive information from the computer-readable memory 1090. The computer-readable memory 1090 can include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., a hard disk drive) and include a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the computer-readable memory 1090.

[0127] Foldable headphones

[0128] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B An earphone 1100 is shown having a deformable form factor. Fig.11AA headset 1100 is shown that includes a deformable headband assembly 1102 that can be configured to mechanically and electrically couple earpieces 1104. In some embodiments, the earpieces 1104 can be ear cups, and in other embodiments, the earpieces 1104 can be on-ear earpieces. The deformable headband assembly 1102 can be coupled to the earpieces 1104 through a foldable stem region 1106 of the headband assembly 1102. The foldable stem region 1106 is arranged at opposite ends of the deformable cuff region 1108. Each of the foldable stem regions 1106 can include an eccentric locking mechanism that allows each of the earpieces 1104 to remain in a flat state after rotating relative to the deformable cuff region 1108. The flat state refers to a change in the curvature of the deformable cuff region 1108 to become flatter than in the arched state. In some embodiments, the deformable cuff region 1108 can become very flat, but in other embodiments, the curvature can be more variable (as shown in the following figures). The over-center locking mechanism allows the earpiece 1104 to remain in the flat state until the user rotates the over-center locking mechanism back away from the deformable band region 1108. In this way, the user does not need to search for a button to change states, but simply performs the intuitive action of rotating the earpiece back to its arched state position.

[0129] Fig. 11B One of the earpieces 1104 is shown rotated into contact with the deformable cuff region 1108. As shown, rotation of only one of the earpieces 1104 relative to the deformable cuff region 1108 causes half of the deformable cuff region 1108 to flatten. Fig. 11C The second of the earpieces is shown rotated relative to the deformable band region 1108. In this way, the earphone 1100 can be easily moved from the arched state (ie, Fig.11A ) into a flat state (i.e., Fig. 11C ). In the flat state earphone, the size of the earphone 1100 can be reduced to a size equivalent to that of two earphones arranged end to end. In some embodiments, the deformable band area can be pressed into the cushion of the earphone 1104, thereby substantially preventing the headband assembly 1102 from adding to the height of the earphone 1100 in the flat state.

[0130] FIG. 11D to FIG. 11F It is shown how the earpiece 1104 of the headset 1150 may be folded towards the outwardly facing surface of the deformable band region 1108 . Fig.11D The earphone 11D is shown in the arched state. Fig.11E 1108, one of the earpieces 1104 is folded toward the outwardly facing surface of the deformable band region 1108. Once the earpiece 1104 is in position as shown, the force applied in moving the earpiece 1104 to this position can place one side of the deformable headband assembly 1102 in a flat state while the other side remains in an arched state. Fig.11F, the second earpiece 1104 is also illustrated as being folded relative to the outwardly facing surface of the deformable cuff region 1108 .

[0131] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B An earphone embodiment is shown in which the earphone can be transformed from an arched state to a flat state by pulling on opposite sides of a spring band. Fig. 12A The headset 1200 in a flat state is shown, which can be, for example, the headset 1100 shown in FIG. 11. In the flat state, the earpieces 1104 are aligned in the same plane so that each of the ear pads 1202 faces substantially the same direction. In some embodiments, the headband assembly 1102 contacts opposite sides of each of the ear pads 1202 in the flat state. The deformable band region 1108 of the headband assembly 1102 includes a spring band 1204 and a segment 1206. The spring band 1204 can be prevented from returning the headset 1200 to the arched state by locking a component of the foldable stem region 1106 that applies tension on each end of the spring band 1204. The segment 1206 can be connected to an adjacent segment 1206 by a pin 1208. The pin 1208 allows the segments to rotate relative to each other so that the shape of the segment 1206 can be kept together, but can also change shape to accommodate the arched state. Each of the segments 1206 may also be hollow to accommodate the spring band 1204 passing through each of the segments 1206. The center or base key segment 1206 may include a fastener 1210 that engages the center of the spring band 1204. The fastener 1210 isolates the two sides of the spring band 1204, thereby allowing the earpiece 1104 to be rotated sequentially to a flat state, such as Fig. 11B shown.

[0132] Fig. 12A Also shown are each of the foldable pole regions 1106, which include three rigid links joined together by a pin that pivotally couples together the upper link 1212, the middle link 1214, and the lower link 1216. The movement of the links relative to each other may also be at least partially controlled by a spring pin 1218, which may have a first end coupled to a pin 1220 that couples the middle link 1214 to the lower link 1216 and a second end that engages within a channel 1222 defined by the upper link 1212. The second end of the pin spring 1218 may also be coupled to the spring band 1204 so that as the second end of the spring pin 1218 slides within the channel 1222, the force applied to the spring band 1204 varies. Once the first end of the spring pin 1218 reaches an over-center locking position, the headset 1200 may snap into a flat state. The over-center locking position holds the earpiece 1104 in a flat position until the first end of the spring pin 1218 is moved far enough to be released from the over-center locking position. At that time, the earpiece 1104 returns to its arched state position.

[0133] Fig. 12BThe earphone 1200 is shown arranged in an arched state. In this state, the spring band 1204 is in a relaxed state, wherein minimal force is being stored within the spring band 1204. Thus, the neutral state of the spring band 1204 can be used to define the shape of the headband assembly 1102 in the arched state when not being actively worn by a user. Fig. 12B Also shown is the resting state of the second end of the spring pin 1218 within the channel 1222, and how the corresponding reduction in force on the end of the spring band 1204 allows the spring band 1204 to assist the earphone 1200 in assuming the arched state. FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B 1204 , substantially all of spring band 1204 is shown, but spring band 1204 would typically be hidden by segment 1206 and upper link 1212 .

[0134] FIG. 12C to FIG. 12D Side views of the foldable mast region 1106 are shown in an arched state and a flat state, respectively. Fig. 12C Shown is how the force 1224 applied by the spring pin 1218 operates to maintain the links 1212, 1214, and 1216 in an arcuate state. Specifically, the spring pin 1218 maintains the links in an arcuate state by preventing the upper link 1212 from rotating around the pin 1226 and away from the lower link 1216. Fig.12D It is shown how the force 1228 applied by the spring pin 1218 operates to maintain the links 1212, 1214, and 1216 in the flat state. This bistable behavior is made possible by the spring pin 1218 being displaced to the opposite side of the rotation axis defined by the pin 1226 in the flat state. In this way, the links 1212 to 1216 can operate as an over-center locking mechanism. In the flat state, the spring pin 1218 resists the transition of the earphone from the flat state to the arched state; however, a sufficiently large rotational force applied by the user on the earpiece 1104 can overcome the force applied by the spring pin 1218 to transition the earphone between the flat state and the arched state.

[0135] Fig.12E A side view of one end of the earphone 1200 in a flat state is shown. In this view, the ear pad 1202 is illustrated as having a contour configured to conform to the curvature of the user's head. The contour of the ear pad 1202 can also help prevent the headband assembly 1102, and in particular the segments 1206 that make up the headband assembly 1102, from protruding significantly further vertically than the ear pad 1202. In some embodiments, the depression of the central portion of the ear pad 1202 can be caused at least in part by the pressure exerted thereon by the segments 1206.

[0136] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B A partial cross-sectional view of an earphone 1300 is shown using an off-axis cable to transition between a domed state and a flat state. Fig.13AA partial cross-sectional view of the earphone 1300 in the arched state is shown. The earphone 1300 differs from the earphone 1200 in that when the earpiece 1104 is rotated toward the headband assembly 1102, the cable 1302 is tightened to flatten the deformable band region 1108 of the headband assembly 1102. The cable 1302 can be made of a highly elastic cable material such as Nitinol. TM , nickel-titanium alloy. Close-up view 1303 shows how the deformable band region 1108 can include multiple sections 1304, which are fastened to the spring band 1204 by fasteners 1306. In some embodiments, the fasteners 1306 can also be secured to the spring band 1204 by O-rings to prevent the fasteners 1306 from rattling when the earphone 1300 is in use. The center section of the sections 1304 can include a sleeve 1308 that prevents the cable 1302 from sliding relative to the center section of the sections 1304. Other sections 1304 can include metal pulleys 1310 that keep the cable 1302 from being subjected to a significant amount of friction when the cable 1302 is pulled to flatten the earphone 1300. Fig.13A Also shown is how each end of the cable 1302 is secured to a rotation fastener 1312. As the foldable pole region 1106 rotates, the rotation fastener 1312 holds the ends of the cable 1302 from twisting.

[0137] Fig. 13B A partial cross-sectional view of the earphone 1300 in the flat state is shown. The rotational fastener 1312 is shown in another rotational position to accommodate changes in the orientation of the cable 1302. The new position of the rotational fastener 1312 also creates an over-center locking position that prevents the earphone 1300 from inadvertently returning to the arched state, as described above for the earphone 1200. Fig. 13B Also shown is how the curved geometry of each of the segments 1304 allows the segments 1304 to rotate relative to each other in order to transition between the arched state and the flat state. In some embodiments, the cable 1302 can also operate to limit the range of motion of the spring band 1204, similar in some respects to FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B The embodiments shown are similar.

[0138] Fig.14A An earphone 1400 is shown that is similar to earphone 1300. Specifically, earphone 1400 also uses cable 1302 to flatten deformable cuff region 1108. In addition, the center portion of cable 1302 is held by center section 1304. In contrast, lower link 1216 of foldable stem region 1106 is flattened relative to Fig. 12A As the earpiece 1104 rotates about the axis 1402 toward the deformable cuff region 1108, the spring pin 1404 is configured to extend during a first portion of the rotation, as shown in FIG. Fig. 14BIn some embodiments, the extension of the spring pin 1404 may allow the earpiece to rotate approximately 30 degrees from the initial position. Once the spring pin 1404 reaches its maximum length, further rotation of the earpiece 1104 about the axis 1402 causes the cable 1302 to be pulled, which causes the deformable cuff region 1108 to change from an arched geometry to a flat geometry, as shown in FIG. Fig. 14C The delayed pulling motion changes the angle at which the cable 1302 is initially pulled. The changed initial angle can make it less likely that the cable 1302 will get tangled when the earphone 1400 transitions from the arched state to the flat state.

[0139] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15F Various views of the headband assembly 1500 are shown from different angles and in different states. The headband assembly 1500 has a bi-stable configuration that accommodates transitions between a flat state and a domed state. FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C The headband assembly 1500 is shown in an arched state. Bistable wires 1502 and 1504 are illustrated within a flexible headband housing 1506. The headband housing can be configured to change shape to accommodate at least a flat state and an arched state. The bistable wires 1502 and 1504 extend from one end to the other end of the headband housing 1506 and are configured to apply a clamping force to the user's head through earpieces attached to opposite ends of the headband assembly 1500 to securely hold an associated pair of headphones in place during use. Fig. 15C Specifically shown is how the headband housing 1506 can be formed from a plurality of hollow connectors 1508 that can be hinged together and cooperatively form a cavity within which the bistable wire 1502 can transition between configurations corresponding to an arched state and a flat state. Because the connector 1508 is hinged on only one side, the connector can only move to the arched state in one direction. This helps avoid the unfortunate situation of the headband assembly 1500 being bent in the wrong direction, thereby positioning the earpiece in the wrong direction.

[0140] FIG. 15D to FIG. 15F The headband assembly is shown in a flat state. Because the ends of the bistable wires 1502 and 1504 have passed through an off-center point where the ends of the wires 1502 and 1504 are higher than the center portion of the bistable wires 1502 and 1504, the bistable wire 1502 now helps to maintain the headband assembly 1500 in a flat state. In some embodiments, the bistable wire 1502 can also be used to carry signals and / or power from one earpiece to another earpiece through the headband assembly 1500.

[0141] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16B The headband assembly 1600 is shown in a folded state and an arched state. Fig.16A The headband assembly 1600 is shown in an arched state. Fig. 15C and Fig.15FA headband assembly similar to the embodiment shown in includes a plurality of hollow connectors 1602 that cooperatively form a flexible headband housing that defines an interior volume. A passive coupling hinge 1604 may be positioned within a central portion of the interior volume and couples the bistable elements 1606 together. Fig.16A Bistable elements 1606 and 1608 are shown in an arched configuration to resist forces acting to squeeze opposite sides of headband assembly 1600. Once opposite sides of headband assembly 1600 are pushed together in the directions indicated by arrows 1610 and 1612 with a force sufficient to overcome the resistance created by bistable elements 1606 and 1608, headband assembly 1600 can be moved from Fig.16A The arched state shown in Fig. 16B The passive coupling hinge 1604 accommodates the earphone assembly 1600 being folded about a central region 1614 of the headband assembly 1600 . Fig. 16B It is shown how passive coupling hinge 1604 flexes to accommodate the flat state of headband assembly 1600. Bistable elements 1606 and 1608 are shown configured in a folded configuration to bias opposite sides of headband assembly 1600 toward each other, thereby resisting inadvertent state changes. Fig. 16B The folded configuration shown has the beneficial effect of taking up a significantly less amount of space by allowing the open area defined by the headband assembly 1600 for accommodating the user's head to collapse so that the headband assembly 1600 can take up less space when not in active use.

[0142] FIG. 17A to FIG. 17B Various views of a foldable headset 1700 are shown. Specifically, Fig.17A A top view of the headset 1700 in a flat state is shown. The headband 1702 extending between the earpieces 1704 and 1706 includes a wire 1708 and a spring 1710. In the flat state shown, the wire 1708 and spring 1710 are straight and in a relaxed or neutral state. Fig. 17B 1700 is shown in a side view in the arched state. The earphone 1700 can be moved from the headband 1702 by rotating the earpieces 1704 and 1706 away from the headband 1702. Fig.17A The flat state shown transitions to Fig. 17B Earpieces 1704 and 1706 each include an eccentric mechanism 1712 that applies tension to the ends of wire 1708 to maintain wire 1708 in a stressed state so as to maintain the arched state of headband 1702. Wire 1708 helps maintain the shape of headband 1702 by applying force at multiple locations along spring 1710 through wire guides 1714, which are distributed at regular intervals along headband 1702.

[0143] Although each of the above improvements has been discussed in isolation, it should be understood that any of the above improvements can be combined. For example, a synchronized telescoping earpiece can be combined with a low elasticity ratio cuff embodiment. Similarly, an off-center pivoting earpiece design can be combined with a deformable form factor earphone design. In some embodiments, each type of improvement can be combined to produce an earphone with all of the described advantages.

[0144] Disclosed herein is a headset comprising the following components: a first earpiece; a second earpiece; and a headband, the headband coupling the first earpiece and the second earpiece together and configured to synchronize movement of the first earpiece with movement of the second earpiece, thereby maintaining a distance between the first earpiece and a center of the headband substantially equal to a distance between the second earpiece and a center of the headband.

[0145] In some embodiments, the headband includes a cable loop through which a cable is routed.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first pole of the first earpiece is coupled to the cable loop and the second pole of the second earpiece is coupled to the cable loop.

[0147] In some embodiments, the cable loop is configured to route electrical signals from the first earpiece to the second earpiece.

[0148] In some embodiments, the headband includes two parallel leaf springs that define the shape of the headband.

[0149] In some embodiments, the headband includes a gear disposed in a central portion of the headband and meshing with gear teeth of a stem associated with the first earpiece and the second earpiece.

[0150] In some embodiments, the headband includes: a wire loop disposed within the headband; a first pole wire coupling the first earpiece to a first side of the wire loop; and a second pole wire coupling the second earpiece to a second side of the wire loop.

[0151] In some embodiments, the headset also includes a data sync cable that extends from the first earpiece to the second earpiece through a channel defined by the headband, the data sync cable carrying signals between electronic components of the first earpiece and the second earpiece.

[0152] In some embodiments, a first portion of the data synchronization cable is coiled around a first pole wire and a second portion of the data synchronization cable is coiled around a second pole wire.

[0153] Disclosed herein is an earphone comprising the following components: a headband having a first end and a second end, the second end being opposite the first end; a first earpiece coupled to the headband at a first distance from the first end; a second earpiece coupled to the headband at a second distance from the second end; and a cable routed through the headband and mechanically coupling the first earpiece to the second earpiece, the cable being configured to maintain the first distance substantially the same as the second distance by changing the first distance in response to a change in the second distance.

[0154] In some embodiments, the cable is disposed in a loop, and the first earpiece is coupled to a first side of the loop, and the second earpiece is coupled to a second side of the loop.

[0155] In some embodiments, the headset further includes stem housings coupled to opposite ends of the headband, each of the stem housings enclosing a pulley around which a cable is wrapped.

[0156] In some embodiments, the headphones also include a wire guide that runs over the headband and defines a path for the cable to pass through the headband.

[0157] The present invention discloses an earphone, which includes the following components: a first earphone; a second earphone; a headband assembly, which connects the first earphone and the second earphone together, and includes an earphone synchronization system, which is configured to change a first distance between the first earphone and the headband assembly simultaneously with a change in a second distance between the second earphone and the headband assembly.

[0158] In some embodiments, the headset further includes a first member and a second member coupled to opposite ends of the headband assembly, each of the first member and the second member being configured to telescope relative to a channel defined by a respective end of the headband assembly.

[0159] In some embodiments, wherein the earpiece synchronization system comprises: a first pole wire coupled to the first earpiece; and a second pole wire coupled to the second earpiece.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first pole line is coupled to the second pole line in a channel disposed within a central region of the headband assembly.

[0161] In some embodiments, the headset further includes a reinforcement member disposed within the headband assembly and defining a channel in which the first pole line and the second pole line are coupled together.

[0162] In some embodiments, the earpiece synchronization system includes a first pole wire wherein a first end is coupled to a first earpiece and a second end is coupled to a second end of a second pole wire, and wherein the first end of the second pole wire is coupled to a second earpiece.

[0163] In some embodiments, the second end of the first pole string is oriented in the same direction as the second end of the second pole string.

[0164] Disclosed herein is a headset comprising the following components: a first earpiece; a second earpiece; a headband coupling the first earpiece to the second earpiece; an earpiece position sensor configured to measure an angular orientation of the first earpiece and the second earpiece relative to the headband; and a processor configured to change an operating state of the headset based on the angular orientation of the first earpiece and the second earpiece.

[0165] In some embodiments, changing the operational state of the headset includes switching audio channels routed to the first earpiece and the second earpiece.

[0166] In some embodiments, the earpiece position sensor is configured to measure the position of the first earpiece and the second earpiece relative to respective roll axes of the earpieces.

[0167] In some embodiments, the earpiece position sensor comprises a transit time sensor.

[0168] In some embodiments, the headset also includes a pivot mechanism that couples the first earpiece to the headband, wherein the earpiece position sensor includes a Hall effect sensor positioned within the pivot mechanism and configured to measure the angular orientation of the first earpiece.

[0169] In some embodiments, the operating state is a playback state.

[0170] In some embodiments, the headset also includes an auxiliary sensor disposed within the first earpiece and configured to confirm the sensor reading provided by the earpiece position sensor.

[0171] In some embodiments, the auxiliary sensor is a strain gauge.

[0172] The present invention discloses headphones, which also include: a headband; a first earpiece pivotally connected to a first side of the headband and having a first rotation axis; a second earpiece pivotally connected to a second side of the headband and having a second rotation axis; an earpiece position sensor configured to measure an orientation of the first earpiece relative to the first rotation axis and an orientation of the second earpiece relative to the second rotation axis; and a processor configured to: place the headphones in a first operating state when the first earpiece is biased from a neutral state of the first earpiece in a first direction and the second earpiece is biased from a neutral state of the second earpiece in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and place the headphones in a second operating state when the first earpiece is biased from the neutral state of the first earpiece in a second direction and the second earpiece is biased from the neutral state of the second earpiece in the first direction.

[0173] In some embodiments, in a first operating state, the left audio channel is routed to the first earpiece, and in a second operating state, the left audio channel is routed to the second earpiece.

[0174] In some embodiments, the earpiece position sensor is a transit time sensor.

[0175] In some embodiments, the headset also includes a pivot mechanism configured to accommodate rotation of the first earpiece about the first rotation axis and about a third rotation axis substantially orthogonal to the first rotation axis.

[0176] In some implementations, one of the earpiece position sensors is positioned on a bearing that accommodates rotation of the first earpiece about the first axis of rotation.

[0177] In some embodiments, the earpiece position sensor includes a magnetic field sensor and a permanent magnet.

[0178] In some embodiments, the magnetic field sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

[0179] In some embodiments, the pivot mechanism includes a leaf spring that accommodates rotation of the earpiece about the third axis of rotation.

[0180] In some embodiments, the earpiece position sensor includes a strain gauge positioned on the leaf spring for measuring rotation of the first earpiece about the third axis of rotation.

[0181] The present invention discloses a headset, which includes the following components: a headband; a first earpiece, the first earpiece includes a first earpiece housing; a first pivot mechanism, which is arranged in the first earpiece housing, the first pivot mechanism includes a first pole base portion and a first orientation sensor, the first pole base portion protruding through an opening defined by the first earpiece housing, the first pole base portion is coupled to a first portion of the headband, and the first orientation sensor is configured to measure an angular orientation of the first earpiece relative to the headband; a second earpiece, the second earpiece includes a second earpiece housing; a second pivot mechanism, which is arranged in the second earpiece housing, the second pivot mechanism Includes a second pole base portion and a second orientation sensor, the second pole base portion protruding through an opening defined by a second earpiece housing, the second pole base portion coupled to a second portion of the headband, the second orientation sensor configured to measure an angular orientation of the second earpiece relative to the headband; and a processor, which sends a first audio channel to the first earpiece when sensor readings received from the first orientation sensor and the second orientation sensor are consistent with the first earpiece covering a first ear of a user, and is configured to send a second audio channel to the first earpiece when the sensor readings are consistent with the first earpiece covering a second ear of the user.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first pivot mechanism accommodates rotation of the first earpiece about two substantially orthogonal axes of rotation.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first orientation sensor and the second orientation sensor are magnetic field sensors.

[0184] The present invention discloses headphones comprising the following components: a first earpiece having a first ear pad; a second earpiece having a second ear pad; and a headband coupling the first earpiece to the second earpiece, the headphones being configured to move between an arched state and a flat state, in which the flexible portion of the headband is bent along its length and in which the flexible portion of the headband is flattened along its length, the first earpiece and the second earpiece being configured to fold toward the headband in the flat state, thereby causing the first ear pad and the second ear pad to contact the flexible headband.

[0185] In some embodiments, the headband includes a foldable stem region at each end of the headband that couples the headband to the first earpiece and the second earpiece and allows the earpieces to be folded toward the headband.

[0186] In some embodiments, the foldable stem region includes an over-center locking mechanism that prevents the earphones from inadvertently transitioning from the flat state to the arched state.

[0187] In some embodiments, the headgear is formed from a plurality of hollow links.

[0188] In some embodiments, the headset further includes a data synchronization cable electrically coupling the first earpiece and the second earpiece and extending through the hollow connecting rod.

[0189] The present invention discloses headphones, which include the following components: a first earpiece; a second earpiece; and a headband assembly, which is connected to both the first earpiece and the second earpiece, the headband assembly including a connecting rod and an eccentric locking mechanism, the connecting rod is pivotally connected together, the eccentric locking mechanism connects the first earpiece to the first end of the headband assembly and has a first stable position and a second stable position, in the first stable position, the connecting rod is flattened, and in the second stable position, the connecting rod forms an arch.

[0190] In some embodiments, the headband assembly also includes one or more wires extending through the linkage.

[0191] In some embodiments, one or more of the links includes a pulley for carrying one or more wires.

[0192] In some embodiments, one of the links defines a channel for an over-center locking mechanism.

[0193] In some embodiments, the headset transitions from the second stable position to the first stable position when the first earpiece and the second earpiece are folded toward the headband assembly.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first earpiece includes an ear pad having an outwardly facing surface, the outwardly facing surface defining a channel sized to receive a portion of the headband assembly in the first stable position.

[0195] The present invention discloses headphones, which include the following components: a first earpiece; a second earpiece; and a flexible headband assembly, which is connected to both the first earpiece and the second earpiece, the flexible headband assembly including a hollow link and a bistable element, the hollow links are pivotally connected together and define an internal volume within the flexible headband assembly, the bistable element is disposed within the internal volume and is configured to resist the flexible headband assembly from transitioning between a first state and a second state, in the first state, a central portion of the hollow link is straightened, and in the second state, the hollow link forms an arch.

[0196] In some embodiments, the bistable element has a first geometry when the flexible headband assembly is in the first state and has a second geometry different from the first geometry when the flexible headband assembly is in the second state.

[0197] In some embodiments, the bistable element comprises a wire extending through a hollow link.

[0198] In some embodiments, the earphone also includes an over-center mechanism through which the cord extends.

[0199] In some embodiments, the wire is in a stressed state when the flexible headband assembly is in the first state, and is in a neutral state when the flexible headband assembly is in the second state.

[0200] In some embodiments, each of the hollow links has a rectangular geometry.

[0201] In some embodiments, the hollow links are coupled together by pins.

[0202] In some embodiments, one or more of the hollow links include a pulley configured to guide one or more of the bistable elements through the flexible headband assembly.

[0203] In some embodiments, the flexible headband assembly further includes a spring band extending through the flexible headband assembly.

Claims

1. A headset, comprising: First receiver; as well as A first pivot mechanism is coupled to the first earpiece and is operable to enable the first earpiece to rotate about a first axis.

2. The headset of claim 1, further comprising a headband having opposing first and second ends and coupled to the first earpiece at the first end via a first stem.

3. The headset according to claim 2, wherein: The first pivot mechanism is coupled to the first post.

4. The headset according to claim 3, wherein: The first pivot mechanism includes: a first coil spring; a first actuator having a housing having a first hole sized and formed to receive the rod column; and a first bearing disposed in the first hole between the first actuator and the rod column, the first bearing being configured to allow the first pivot mechanism to rotate about a second axis different from the first axis.

5. The headset according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising: Second handset; as well as A second pivot mechanism is coupled to the second earpiece and is operable to enable the second earpiece to rotate about a third axis.

6. The headset according to claim 5, wherein: The second pivot mechanism includes: a second coil spring; a second actuator having a housing having a second hole sized and formed to receive the post; and a second bearing disposed in the second hole between the second actuator and the post, the second bearing being configured to allow the second pivot mechanism to rotate about a fourth axis different from the third axis.

7. The headset according to claim 5, wherein: The headband is coupled to the second earpiece at the second end via a second stem.

8. A headset, comprising: First receiver; Second handset; as well as A headband assembly is coupled between the first earpiece and the second earpiece.

9. The headset according to claim 8, wherein: The headband assembly includes a frame defining a central opening and a cover spanning the central opening and coupled to the frame.

10. The headset of claim 8, further comprising one or more earpiece position sensors configured to measure angular orientations of the first earpiece and the second earpiece about respective first and second rotational axes.

11. The headset of claim 10, further comprising an auxiliary sensor disposed within the first earpiece and configured to confirm a sensor reading provided by the earpiece position sensor.

12. The headset according to claim 11, wherein The auxiliary sensor includes a strain gauge.

13. The earphone according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The first earpiece is configured to receive a first audio channel and the second earpiece is configured to receive a second audio channel, and wherein the headset further comprises a processor configured to switch the first audio channel and the second audio channel routed to the first earpiece and the second earpiece based on the angular orientation of the first earpiece and the second earpiece.

14. The headset of claim 8, wherein: The first earpiece includes a first pivot mechanism configured to accommodate rotation of the first earpiece about a first rotation axis and about a second rotation axis orthogonal to the first rotation axis; as well as The second earpiece includes a second pivot mechanism configured to accommodate rotation of the second earpiece about a third rotation axis and about a fourth rotation axis orthogonal to the third rotation axis.

15. The headset of claim 8, further comprising a processor configured to: place the headset in a first operating state when the first earpiece is biased from a neutral state of the first earpiece in a first direction and the second earpiece is biased from a neutral state of the second earpiece in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and place the headset in a second operating state when the first earpiece is biased from the neutral state of the first earpiece in a second direction and the second earpiece is biased from the neutral state of the second earpiece in the first direction; wherein in the first operating state, the left audio channel is routed to the first earpiece, and in the second operating state, the left audio channel is routed to the second earpiece.

16. A headset, comprising: a first earpiece configured to receive a first audio channel; a second earpiece configured to receive a second audio channel; a first sensor configured to sense rotation of the first earpiece about a swing axis; a second sensor configured to sense rotation of the first earpiece about a roll axis; as well as A processor is operably coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor.

17. The headset of claim 16, wherein: The processor is configured to determine, based on input from the first sensor, whether rotation of the first earpiece about the roll axis exceeds a roll threshold.

18. The headset of claim 17, wherein: If the processor determines that the first earpiece is rotated about the rocking axis beyond the rocking threshold, the processor is configured to swap the audio channels of the first earpiece and the second earpiece so that the first earpiece receives the second audio channel and the second earpiece receives the first audio signal.

19. The headset according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein: The processor is configured to determine, based on input from the second sensor, whether the first earpiece is rotated about the scroll axis beyond a scroll threshold.

20. The headset of claim 19, wherein: If the processor determines that the first earpiece has been rotated about the roll axis beyond the roll threshold, the processor is configured to change an operational state of the headset.

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