Adjustable and electrically conductive headband for mechanically supporting and electrically coupling opposing earphones

Abstract

An adjustable headband assembly for use with earphones for physically and electrically coupling two opposing earphones. The headband is adjustable and electrically conductive in the length direction and conducts an audio signal (analog or digital) from one earphone to the other. At least a portion (and, in some embodiments, a majority) of the headband may be partially exposed (e.g., non-insulated) along the length direction.

Description

[0001] Priority Statement

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 556,442, filed on February 22, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless headphones offer freedom of movement, ideal for those who dislike being tied to devices, while wired headphones ensure a reliable connection and generally provide superior sound quality. Wired headphones receive audio signals via a physical connection, such as a 3.5mm headphone jack or a USB port. The audio signal, in analog or digital form, is transmitted directly from the source device (such as a smartphone, computer, or audio player) to the headphones via a cable. For analog audio signals (common in traditional 3.5mm jacks), the audio is transmitted as an electrical signal over the cable. Small drivers built into the headphones convert this electrical signal into sound waves that the user can hear. If the connection is digital (such as USB or Lightning), the audio signal remains digital until it reaches the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) inside the headphones or source device. The DAC converts the digital signal into an analog signal, which is then converted into sound waves by the headphone's drivers.

[0004] Wireless headphones receive audio signals via wireless technologies such as Bluetooth. The source device (such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer) encodes the audio signal into a digital format and transmits it wirelessly to the headphones. The headphones have a built-in receiver that captures and decodes the transmitted digital signal. After decoding, the signal passes through a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) inside the headphones. The DAC converts the digital signal into an analog signal and sends it to the headphone driver unit, which then converts it into sound waves that the user can hear.

[0005] Headphones also come in different types. In-ear headphones are small and portable, fitting snugly in the ear canal, making them ideal for use on the go. On-ear headphones offer both comfort and noise isolation. Over-ear headphones, on the other hand, completely cover the ears, providing immersive sound and excellent noise isolation, making them ideal for extended listening sessions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one general aspect, the present invention relates to an earphone including a first earphone and a second earphone, and a headband assembly connecting the first and second earphones. The headband assembly includes a length-adjustable and conductive headband for transmitting audio signals (analog or digital) from the first earphone to the second earphone. The headband can also transmit signals other than audio signals, such as a wake-up signal (digital or analog) from one earphone to the other. In various embodiments, at least a portion (and in some embodiments, most of) of the headband is partially exposed (e.g., uninsulated) along its length.

[0007] In various embodiments, the headband assembly includes a first support member connected to a first earpiece and a second support member connected to a second earpiece. The headband may include: a conductive, length-adjustable first pair of straps to provide a first electrical path between the first and second supports; and a conductive, length-adjustable second pair of straps to provide a second electrical path between the first and second supports. In some embodiments, each strap pair may be at least partially (e.g., substantially) exposed along its length, for example, non-insulated.

[0008] The headphones can be wired or wireless. In a wireless implementation, only one of the headphones includes radio circuitry for receiving audio, and the headband transmits the audio signal (and other possible signals) to the other headphone. In a wired implementation, only one of the headphones may include a wired connection to an audio source, and the headband similarly transmits the audio signal to the other headphone. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The various aspects and advantages described herein can be understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a headband assembly for use with headphones or headsets, wherein the headband assembly includes an adjustable headband and two support members located at both ends of the adjustable headband, the adjustable headband containing two spaced-apart pairs of conductive strips;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the headband assembly, wherein the housing mount includes a first housing mount, and each conductive strip pair is located within the first housing mount;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the headband assembly, wherein the headband assembly further includes a second housing mount, and each conductive strip pair is located within the second housing mount;

[0013] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The middle 4-4 line is cut off Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the headband assembly, mainly showing the first conductive band pair of two conductive band pairs, wherein the first conductive band pair includes a first band mounted on a first support member of two support members and mounted on a second housing mount, and wherein the first conductive band pair includes a second band mounted on a second support member of two support members and mounted on a first housing mount;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A detailed view of the second housing mount shown in the cross-sectional view, wherein the second housing mount includes an outer portion and an inner portion, and the inner portion includes a mounting post for securing one end of the first strip body of the first conductive strip pair to the second housing mount;

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A detailed view of the first housing mount shown in the cross-sectional view, wherein the first housing mount includes an outer portion and an inner portion, and wherein the outer portion includes a mounting post for securing one end of the second strip of the first conductive strip pair to the first housing mount;

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the headband assembly, wherein the outer portion of the first housing mount includes a central rib having holes for receiving mounting posts of the inner portion of the first housing mount;

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the headband assembly, wherein the outer portion of the first housing mount also includes a mounting post for securing one end of the second body of the first conductive strip pair to the first housing mount and for securing one end of the second body of the second conductive strip pair of the two conductive strip pairs to the first housing mount.

[0018] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the headband assembly, wherein the outer portion of the second housing mount includes a central rib having holes for receiving mounting posts of the inner portion of the second housing mount, and wherein the end of the first body of the first conductive strip pair includes holes for receiving mounting posts of the inner portion of the second housing mount, and wherein the end of the first body of the second conductive strip pair includes holes for receiving another mounting post of the inner portion of the second housing mount.

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 1A partial perspective view of the headband assembly, wherein the interior portion of the second housing mount includes mounting posts extending therefrom, these mounting posts being configured to be received within a central rib of the exterior portion of the second housing mount; and

[0020] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the first and second conductive strip pairs of the headband assembly;

[0021] Figure 12 This is a side view of an earphone with a headband assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 13 This is a side perspective view of an earphone with a headband assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 14 This is a front view of headphones with a headband assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 15 This is a top view of an earphone with a headband assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 16 This is a block diagram of one of the headphones according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] The corresponding reference characters in each view represent the corresponding components. The examples provided herein illustrate various aspects of this disclosure in one form, and these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Before explaining various aspects of the testing equipment, systems, and methods for containers to be filled in a filling line, it should be noted that the scope of the exemplary description is not limited to the details of the component structures and arrangements shown in the drawings and specifications. The exemplary description can be applied to other aspects, variations, and modifications, and can be implemented or performed in various ways. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the terminology and expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. It should also be understood that one or more aspects, expressions, and / or examples described below can be combined with any one or more of the other aspects, expressions, and / or examples described below.

[0028] Headphones typically include a pair of drivers (or speakers), one for each of the user's ears. A driver is a transducer that converts electrical energy into sound energy, thereby driving the air to produce sound pressure waves. Many headphone types include a headband (or support) for mounting each driver at one end of a headband. The headband typically sits above the user's head and supports each driver close to the user's ears. In many cases, headphones typically include wires for receiving electrical current to each driver in the form of an audio signal. In one case, this wire includes a ground wire, a first wire for the left ear driver, and a second wire for the right ear driver. In another case, the wire also includes a third wire for transmitting audio picked up by a microphone. In any case, the wires can be connected to the headphones in several different ways.

[0029] In one example, the wires, including a ground wire, a first conductor, and a second conductor, terminate at a plug or jack, for example, in a tip / ring / sleeve configuration. Somewhere between the earphone and the plug, the wires branch off so that the first conductor can be directly connected to a first driver unit in the first earphone housing, and the second conductor can be directly connected to a second driver unit in the second earphone housing. In this example, the headband of such earphones does not need to be designed to transmit electrical signals from the first earphone housing to the second earphone housing.

[0030] In another example, the wires, including the ground wire, the first conductor, and the second conductor, do not branch off for each earphone shell. Instead, they connect to one of the two earphone shells, with the first conductor connected to the first driver unit, while the audio signal carried by the second conductor must be transmitted to the second driver unit of the opposite earphone shell in another manner. In one example, a single cable is used and mounted on the headband support to transmit the audio signal and ground path of the second cable to the second earphone shell. However, this arrangement limits the headband's adjustability, and if the headband is adjustable, the cable may be subjected to repeated stress, eventually leading to cable failure. In another example, the audio signal carried by the second cable can be transmitted wirelessly to the second driver unit of the second earphone shell. However, in some cases, this may increase the cost and / or complexity of the headphones because additional circuitry needs to be added to the second earphone shell. Additional circuitry increases potential points of failure. Furthermore, the reliability of wireless audio transmission may be lower than that of physical contact transmission.

[0031] This document discloses an adjustable headband assembly for use with headphones and / or headsets, such as for physically supporting and electrically coupling opposing headphones. The headband assembly is length-adjustable in two opposing positions along its length and is configured to provide independent conductive paths between opposing headphone housings. In at least one instance, the conductive paths are partially or completely exposed. In other words, the conductive paths are not insulated. In another instance, the conductive paths are partially or completely insulated.

[0032] Figure 1-11 A headband assembly 100, for example, for use with headphones and / or headsets, is shown. Figure 12-15 An earphone 400 with a headband assembly 100 is shown, to which a left earphone 402a and a right earphone 402b are connected, each earphone having a driver unit or speaker. The driver units / speakers of earphones 402a and 402b produce sound, and a user of earphones 400 can wear earphones 400 with earphones 402a and 402b respectively close to the user's ears, and for example, with the headband assembly 100 placed over the user's head.

[0033] For details, please refer to the following: Figures 1-11 The headband assembly 100 includes a first support member 110, a second support member 115, and an adjustable headband 120 for physically supporting and electrically coupling opposing headphones. In at least one embodiment, the support members 110 and 115 constitute the headphone housing, where the circuitry and drive unit are located within the headphone housing. In another embodiment, the support members 110 and 115 are fixed portions of the headphone housing, to which the adjustable headband 120 can be mounted. In this embodiment, the electrical path provided by the headband is transmitted from the support members 110 and 115 to the main body portion of the headphone housing, where the circuitry and / or drive unit are located in any suitable manner, such as... Figure 12-15 The headphones 402a and 402b are shown in the embodiments. In at least one instance, the electrical path is transmitted via wires. In another instance, for example, the conductive path provided by the headband is directly mounted on a PCB board within the support assembly, and circuit traces on the PCB board can be used, for example, to transmit these paths to circuitry and / or drive units.

[0034] The headband 120 includes a first (e.g., front) conductive strip pair 130 and a second (e.g., rear) conductive strip pair 160 separated by a gap 121. The conductive strip pair 130 includes a first (e.g., right) strip body 140 and a second (e.g., left) strip body 150. The conductive strip pair 160 includes a first (e.g., right) strip body 170 and a second (e.g., left) strip body 180. The conductive strip pairs 130 and 160 are expandable and retractable along their length (e.g., between support members 110 and 115), thereby changing the size / length of the headband 120 to accommodate different head sizes and facilitating storage by making the headband 120 more compact. As described above, the conductive strip pairs 130 and 160 are conductive. In at least one embodiment, one of the conductive strip pairs 130 and 160 is used to transmit audio signals and / or other (non-audio) signals, while the other of the conductive strip pairs 130 and 160 is used to transmit a ground path. Other conductive strip pairs are also considered. In at least one instance, another conductive strip pair is used to transmit microphone audio signals. In at least one instance, one or more additional conductive strip pairs are used to transmit balanced audio signals on headband 120.

[0035] In various embodiments, the headband 120 also includes a first housing mount 200 and a second housing mount 300. As will be discussed in more detail below, housing mounts 200 and 300 provide positions for the ends of each body of each conductive strip pair 130 and 160, and also include channels or cavities in which each body of each conductive strip pair can slide relative to the channels or cavities. Housing mounts 200 and 300 allow the user to adjust the headband 120 while maintaining conductivity between the bodies of each conductive strip pair 130 and 160.

[0036] The first conductive strip pair 130 includes a first strip body 140 and a second strip body 150. The strip bodies 140 and 150 are slidable relative to each other along the length direction via the first housing mounting base 200 and the second housing mounting base 300.

[0037] The first strip 140 includes a lower end 141 for mounting within a support member 110. The lower end 141 includes a mounting hole 142 and is mounted to the support member 110 by any suitable means (e.g., rivets, pins, and / or fasteners). The lower end 141 also includes electrical leads mounted thereon for transmitting electrical pathways to desired locations, such as another drive unit and / or circuitry. In at least one instance, the electrical leads are directly soldered to the lower end 141; however, any suitable electrical connection method can be used. The first strip 140 extends through and is movable relative to a first housing mount 200 and also includes an upper end 143 fixedly mounted to a second housing mount 300.

[0038] The second strip 150 includes a lower end 151 for mounting within a support member 115. The lower end 151 includes a mounting hole 152 and is mounted to the support member 115 by any suitable means (e.g., rivets, pins, and / or fasteners). The lower end 151 also includes electrical leads mounted thereon for transmitting electrical pathways to desired locations, such as another drive unit and / or circuitry. In at least one instance, the electrical leads are directly soldered to the lower end 151; however, any suitable electrical connection method can be used. The second strip 150 extends through and is movable relative to the second housing mount 300 and also includes an upper end 153 fixedly mounted to the first housing mount 200.

[0039] The second conductive strip pair 160 includes a first strip body 170 and a second strip body 180. Strip bodies 170 and 180 are slidable relative to each other along their length via a first housing mounting base 200 and a second housing mounting base 300.

[0040] The first strip 170 includes a lower end 171 for mounting within a support member 110. The lower end 171 includes a mounting hole 172 and is mounted to the support member 110 by any suitable means (e.g., rivets, pins, and / or fasteners). The lower end 171 also includes electrical leads mounted thereon for guiding electrical pathways to desired locations, such as another drive unit and / or circuitry. In at least one instance, the electrical leads are directly soldered to the lower end 171; however, any suitable electrical connection method can be used. The first strip 170 extends through and is movable relative to a first housing mount 200 and also includes an upper end 173 fixedly mounted to a second housing mount 300.

[0041] The second strip 180 includes a lower end 181 for mounting within a support member 115. The lower end 181 includes a mounting hole 182 and is mounted to the support member 115 by any suitable means (e.g., rivets, pins, and / or fasteners). The lower end 181 also includes electrical leads mounted thereon for transmitting electrical pathways to desired locations, such as another drive unit and / or circuitry. In at least one instance, the electrical leads are directly soldered to the end face 181; however, any suitable electrical connection method can be used. The second strip 180 extends through and is movable relative to the second housing mount 300 and also includes an upper end 183 fixedly mounted to the first housing mount 200.

[0042] As Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the first conductive strip pair 130 and the second conductive strip pair 160 are spaced apart from each other (see gap or spacer 121) to prevent short circuits in the circuits containing the conductive strip pairs 130 and 160. In at least one embodiment, the housing mounts 200 and 300 also act as spacers to maintain a distance between the conductive strip pairs 130 and 160. In at least one embodiment, one or more additional spacers (e.g., plastic inserts) may be used at one or more locations along the conductive strip pairs 130 and 160 to ensure that the conductive strip pairs 130 and 160 do not contact each other. In at least one embodiment, the housing mounts 200 and 300 are positioned such that the conductive strip pairs 130 and 160 do not contact each other from a fully unfolded configuration to a fully folded or retracted state.

[0043] Currently, the main reference is... Figures 4-10 The housing mounts 200 and 300 are configured such that the headband 120 has an independent adjustable position while maintaining electrical contact between the mating conductive strips within each belt pair. (Reference) Figure 5 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 The second housing mount 300 includes an outer portion 310 and an inner portion 320. The outer portion 310 includes a central rib 311 located between the belt pairs 130 and 160 for effectively separating the belt pairs 130 and 160. The central rib 311 has a plurality of holes 312 for receiving mounting posts or protrusions 321 of the inner portion 320. The mounting posts can be secured in the holes 312 by adhesive or any mechanical means (e.g., snap-fit, press-fit, and / or threaded connection). The second belt bodies 150 and 180 are slidably supported within the second housing mount 300. The ends 143 and 173 of the first belt bodies 140 and 170 are secured to the second housing mount 300 by protrusions 360 extending from the inner portion 320 and extending into the holes 144 and 174 on the ends 143 and 173 of the first belt bodies 140 and 170, respectively. The protrusion 360 may include any suitable securing mechanism, such as a press-fit, adhesive and / or rivet structure, to secure the ends 143, 173 to the second housing mount 300.

[0044] Still referencing Figure 5 and Figure 9The ends 143, 173 also include flared or bent tips 145, 175, which are bent to contact and engage with the second belt bodies 150, 180. These tips 145, 175 can provide a tight fit while still allowing relative movement and electrical conduction between the first belt bodies 140, 170 and the second belt bodies 150, 180. In at least one instance, the ends 143, 173 do not include flared or bent tips, but are aligned along their length. In addition to the flared tips 145, 173, any portion of the ends 143, 173 or the belt bodies 140, 170 may also include recesses and / or brushes, or replace the flared tips 145, 175. Any suitable electrical contact aids may be used between the belt bodies of each belt pair 130, 160 to ensure electrical conduction. The inner portion 320 also includes a flange or ridge 325 against which the tips 145, 175 abut. In at least one embodiment, the flange 325 prevents the tips 145, 175 from dislodging from the second housing mount 300 and helps to secure the ends 143, 173 within the second housing mount 300. In at least one embodiment, the width of the tips 145, 175 gradually decreases towards their ends, thereby reducing the contact area between the tips 145, 175 and the opposing strips 150, 180. This arrangement reduces adjustment resistance while maintaining electrical conductivity.

[0045] As Figure 9 As shown, holes 144, 174 and their corresponding protrusions 360 are at least generally circular. In at least one instance, holes 144, 174 and / or protrusions 360 are polygonal and / or irregular in shape.

[0046] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8The first housing mount 200 includes an outer portion 210 and an inner portion 220. The outer portion 210 includes a central rib 211 extending between belt pairs 130 and 160 to effectively separate them. The central rib 211 has a hole 212 for receiving a mounting post or protrusion of the inner portion 220. The mounting post can be secured within the hole 212 using adhesive or any mechanical means (e.g., snap-fit, press-fit, and / or threaded connection). First belt bodies 140, 170 are slidably supported within the first housing mount 200. Ends 153, 183 of second belt bodies 150, 180 are securely mounted to the first housing mount 200 via protrusions 260 extending from the outer portion 210 and into holes 154, 184 defined on the ends 153, 183 of the second belt bodies 150, 180. The protrusion 260 may include any suitable securing mechanism, such as a press-fit, adhesive and / or riveting structure, to secure the ends 153, 183 to the first housing mount 200.

[0047] In at least one instance, in addition to, or in place of, the mounting posts of each housing mount 200, 300, the housing mount 200, 300 includes one or more other connection methods to secure the opposing internal and external portions together, such as mechanical connections, welding, and / or adhesives. Any suitable fasteners or combinations thereof can be used, such as screws, rivets, bolts, nails, clips, pins, magnets, etc. Any suitable fastening method or combination thereof can be used, such as welding, ultrasonic welding, press-fit, adhesives, hooks and loops, glue, brazing, tape wrapping, crimping, etc. In at least one instance, a hinge can be used between the upper and lower portions of the housing mount 200, 300 to facilitate access to conductive fabric, for example, to facilitate replacement of the conductive fabric. In at least one instance, the means of connecting the upper and lower portions include permanent connections, semi-permanent connections, and / or non-permanent connections.

[0048] Still referencing Figure 6 and Figure 8The ends 153, 183 also include flared or bent tips 155, 185, which are bent to contact and engage with the first strip bodies 140, 170. These tips 155, 185 can provide a tight fit while still allowing relative movement and electrical conduction between the first strip bodies 140, 170 and the second strip bodies 150, 180. In at least one embodiment, the ends 153, 183 do not include flared or bent tips, but are aligned along their length. In addition to the flared tips 155, 185, any portion of the ends 153, 183 or the strip bodies 150, 180 may also include recesses and / or brushes, etc. Any suitable electrical contact aids may be used between the strip bodies of each conductive strip pair 130, 160 to ensure electrical conduction. In at least one embodiment, each conductive strip pair 130, 160 includes several different types of electrical contact aids. In at least one instance, one or more conductive fabrics are used in one or more conductive strip pairs 130, 160 to enhance the electrical connection between the strips of each strip pair 130, 160. In at least one instance, the conductive fabric is a conductive cloth. In at least one instance, the conductive fabric can be a non-woven fabric, woven fabric, sewn fabric, knitted fabric, cut fabric, and / or braided fabric, etc. In at least one instance, the conductive fabric is composed of conductive fibers or a combination of conductive and non-conductive fibers. In at least one instance, the conductive fabric is used in one or both of the strip pairs 130 and 160. In at least one instance, the conductive fabric is used in one or both housing mounts 200 and 300. In at least one instance, the conductive fabric is used for one or both sliding contact points of each strip pair 130 and 160. In at least one instance, the conductive fabric has a C-shaped cross-sectional profile, wherein the conductive fabric contacts the upper surface plane of the first strip body and contacts the lower surface plane of the second strip body that slides in contact with the first strip body. In at least one instance, the conductive fabric is continuous and extends completely around the two contacting strip bodies. In at least one instance, an electrically insulating material and / or structure is used between adjacent conductive fabrics within each housing mount 200, 300 to reduce the likelihood of a short circuit occurring between opposing strip pairs 130, 160 within the housing mount 200, 300.

[0049] The outer portion 220 also includes a flange or ridge 235 against which the tips 155, 185 abut. In at least one embodiment, the flange 235 prevents the tips 155, 185 from dislodging from the first housing mount 200 and further facilitates securing the ends 153, 183 within the first housing mount 200. In at least one embodiment, the width of the tips 155, 185 gradually decreases towards their ends, thereby reducing the contact area between the tips 155, 185 and the opposing strips 140, 170. This arrangement reduces adjustment resistance while maintaining electrical conductivity.

[0050] As Figure 8 As can be seen, the holes 154, 184 and the corresponding protrusions 260 are at least generally circular. In at least one instance, the holes 154, 184 and / or the protrusions 260 include polygonal and / or irregular shapes.

[0051] The conductive strips 140, 150, 170, and 180 may be made of any suitable conductive material. In at least one example, the conductive strips 140, 150, 170, and 180 are all made of the same material. In at least one example, the conductive strips 140, 150, 170, and 180 are made of one or more different materials. In at least one example, the conductive strips 140, 150, 170, and 180 are made of a conductive material, such as steel, copper, gold, silver, brass, zinc, etc. In at least one example, the conductive strips 140, 150, 170, and 180 undergo any suitable surface treatment, such as polishing, brushing, or no polishing. In at least one example, the conductive strips 140, 150, 170, and 180 are made of spring-tempered stainless steel. In at least one example, the flared end of the headband assembly 100 is biased towards the opposite strip by a spring force to maintain electrical contact with the opposite strip.

[0052] The conductive strips 140, 150, 170, and 180 can have any suitable width. In at least one instance, the width of one or more of the strips 140, 150, 170, and 180, or the strip pairs 130 and 160, varies along their length; in other instances, the width of the strips is uniform. In at least one instance, one or more of the conductive strips 140, 150, 170, and 180 have a circular cross-sectional profile instead of a rectangular cross-sectional profile as shown. In at least one instance, one of the strip pairs 130 and 160 has a circular profile, while the other of the strip pairs 130 and 160 has a rectangular cross-sectional profile. In at least one instance, the first strips 140 and 170 have a circular profile, while the second strips 150 and 180 have a rectangular profile, and vice versa. Similar choices also apply to other properties, such as material, width, height, etc. For example, the first strips 140 and 170 have a first width, while the second strips 150 and 180 have a second width different from the first width.

[0053] In at least one instance, the headband assembly 100 is wireless; that is, the audio source content is transmitted wirelessly to the headphone assembly 100. In such an instance, one of the headphone housings 402a (or 402b) may contain radio circuitry (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) for receiving the audio source content to be played to the user by the headphone assembly 100. In such an instance, the headband 120 may transmit audio signals to a driver unit in another headphone housing 402b (or 402a) (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 12-15 In other instances, the headband assembly 100 is used with wired headphones, where the audio source content cable extends only to one of the headphone shells (e.g., Figure 12-15 One of the earphones 402a and 402b, while the headband 120 is used to transmit audio and / or non-audio signals to another earphone shell, as described herein.

[0054] In at least one instance, the conductive strips 130, 160 are completely or at least mostly (e.g., most) exposed or uninsulated along their length. In at least one instance, the conductive strips 130, 160 are not wrapped with insulating material and are protected only in areas such as where the housing mount is located and / or where the strips 130, 160 extend into the support assembly.

[0055] In at least one embodiment, the strap pairs 130, 160 include a telescopic connector in addition to the flared tips, or a telescopic connector replaces the flared tips. In at least one embodiment, the strap pair has a circular cross-sectional profile, wherein one of the first strap body 140 and the second strap body 170 is hollow, and the other of the first strap body 140 and the second strap body 170 is located within the hollow strap body. This configuration can provide a telescopic mechanism for adjusting the headband assembly 100. In this embodiment, electrical signals can be transmitted over the entire circumference of the strap bodies 140, 170.

[0056] As described above, one of the earphones 402a, 402b may include radio circuitry for receiving (and transmitting) wireless signals, and the headband 120 may transmit signals to the other earphone 402b, 402a. Figure 16 This is a block diagram of headphones 402a and 402b that incorporate this type of radio circuitry. For ease of explanation, Figure 16 Suppose that earphone 402a has a radio circuit, while earphone 402b does not.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the headset 402a includes transceiver circuitry 410 and associated peripheral components. The peripheral components of the headset 402a may include a power supply 422, a microphone 424, one or more acoustic transducers 426 (e.g., driver units or speakers), and an antenna 428. The transceiver circuitry 410 and peripheral components may be housed within the housing of the headset 402a.

[0058] In various implementations, the transceiver circuit 100 can be implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC), such as a system-on-a-chip (SoC), which facilitates miniaturization of the headphone assembly. This design is advantageous if the headphone 402a is relatively small, such as an in-ear headphone. However, in other implementations, components of the transceiver circuit 410 can be implemented by two or more discrete integrated circuits or other components; for example, a processor, memory, and radio frequency (e.g., Wi-Fi) module can use separate integrated circuits.

[0059] Power source 422 may include, for example, a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery (or multiple battery packs). In embodiments where power source 422 includes a rechargeable battery, for example, when headset 402a is connected to the power source via USB port 425. Power source 422 may be coupled to power control module 423 of transceiver circuitry 410, which controls and monitors power source 422.

[0060] Acoustic transducer 426 may be a speaker element for transmitting sound to the user of headset 400. Another headset 402b also includes a transducer. According to various embodiments, headsets 402a, 402b may include one or more acoustic transducers 426. In embodiments with multiple transducers, one transducer may be larger than another, and a frequency divider circuit (not shown) may transmit high-frequency signals to the smaller transducer and low-frequency signals to the larger transducer.

[0061] Antenna 428 can receive and transmit wireless signals via a wireless network or link (e.g., a Bluetooth link). Among other functions, the radio frequency (e.g., Bluetooth) module 430 of transceiver circuitry 410, which communicates with antenna 428, can modulate and demodulate the signals transmitted and received by antenna 428. Radio frequency module 430 communicates with baseband processor 432, which performs other functions required for headset 402a to communicate using Bluetooth (or other wireless communication) protocols.

[0062] The baseband processor 432 can communicate with the processor unit 434, which may include a microprocessor 436 and a digital signal processor (DSP) 438. The microprocessor 436 can control various components of the transceiver circuitry 410. For example, the DSP 438 can perform various sound quality enhancements on the digital audio received by the baseband processor 432, including noise cancellation and sound equalization. The processor unit 434 can communicate with volatile memory unit 440 and non-volatile memory unit 442. The memory management unit 444 can control the processor unit's access to memory units 420 and 422. The volatile memory 440 may include, for example, random access memory (RAM) circuitry. The non-volatile memory unit 442 may include read-only memory (ROM) and / or flash memory circuitry. Memory units 420 and 422 may store firmware executed by the processor unit 434.

[0063] A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 445 can convert digital audio from processor unit 434 into an analog signal for coupling the audio signal to acoustic transducer 426. Furthermore, DAC 445 can be coupled to headband 120 to transmit the audio signal to a transducer in another earphone 402b. In another embodiment, headband 120 can conduct digital audio signals to another earphone 402b, in which case the other earphone 402b may include a DAC for converting the digital audio signal into an analog signal for playback by the transducer / drive unit of the other earphone 402b.

[0064] return Figure 16 An I2S interface 446 or other suitable serial or parallel bus interface can provide an interface between the processor unit 434 and the DAC 445. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC), also communicating with the I2S interface 446, can convert the analog audio signal picked up by the microphone 424 for processing by the processor unit 434.

[0065] like Figure 16As shown, earphone 402a may include a "TWS" (True Wireless Stereo) circuit 451, which can be connected to a power on / off user control (not shown) of earphone 402a, through which the user of earphone 400 can turn earphone 400 on or off. When the user activates the power on / off user control, the TWS circuit 451 sends a signal (digital or analog) via the headband to a corresponding TWS circuit (not shown) in another earphone 402b to wake up (or turn off, if already on) the other earphone 402b accordingly. In this implementation, only one earphone 402a may have a power on / off user control, thus eliminating the need to provide a user power control on each earphone. The power on / off user control can be implemented, for example, as a physical button, a mechanical slide switch, a capacitive touch sensor, a proximity (e.g., infrared) sensor, or a rotation control. Earphone 402a (and correspondingly earphone 402b communicating via the TWS circuit) can also be controlled to turn on / off via voice commands picked up by microphone 424 and processed by processor 434.

[0066] like Figure 12-15 As shown, frames 460a and 460b mechanically connect supports 110 and 115 to headphones 402a and 402b. Frames 460a and 460b may be made of materials such as plastic. Each frame 460a and 460b may include wires (not shown) for electrically connecting headphones 402a and 402b to headband 120. Headphones 400 may also have foam pads 470a and 470b near mounting bases 110 and 115 to cushion the user's head when wearing headphones 400.

[0067] Figure 12-15 The earphones 402a and 402b shown are on-ear earphones. Other embodiments of earphone 400 may employ in-ear or over-ear earphones.

[0068] Therefore, one general aspect of the present invention relates to an earphone including a first earphone and a second earphone, and a headband assembly connecting the first earphone and the second earphone. The headband assembly includes an adjustable and conductive headband. The headband includes a first conductive band pair to provide a first electrical path between the first earphone and the second earphone, wherein the first conductive band pair includes a first band body mounted on a first support member connected to the first earphone; and a second band body mounted on a second support member connected to the second earphone, wherein the first band body and the second band body are movable relative to each other while maintaining electrical conductivity. The headband also includes a second conductive band pair to provide a second electrical path between the first support member and the second support member, wherein the second conductive band pair includes a first band body mounted on the first support member; and a second band body mounted on the second support member, wherein the first band body and the second band body of the second conductive band pair are movable relative to each other while maintaining electrical conductivity.

[0069] In various embodiments, at least a portion of the first conductive strip pair is non-insulated along its length; and at least a portion of the second conductive strip pair is non-insulated along its length. Preferably, the majority of the first conductive strip pair is non-insulated along its length, and the majority of the second conductive strip pair is non-insulated along its length.

[0070] In various implementations, the headband assembly also includes a first support member connected to the first earpiece and a second support member connected to the second earpiece.

[0071] In various embodiments, the headband further includes a first housing mount and a second housing mount, wherein: a first body of the first conductive band pair is mounted on the lower end of the first support member; a first body of the first conductive band pair is mounted on the upper end of the first housing mount; a second body of the first conductive band pair is mounted on the lower end of the first support member; a second body of the first conductive band pair is mounted on the upper end of the second housing mount; a first body of the second conductive band pair is mounted on the lower end of the first support member; a first body of the second conductive band pair is mounted on the upper end of the first housing mount; a second body of the second conductive band pair is mounted on the lower end of the first support member; and a second body of the second conductive band pair is mounted on the upper end of the second housing mount.

[0072] In various embodiments, the first housing mount includes a first adjustable clamp, and the second housing mount includes a second adjustable clamp.

[0073] In various embodiments, the first housing mount includes a mounting post extending into a hole defined in the upper end of each first belt body, and the second housing mount includes a mounting post extending into a hole defined in the upper end of each second belt body.

[0074] In various implementations, the upper end of each first strip and each second strip includes a spring-biased tip to maintain electrical contact between the strips of each conductive strip pair.

[0075] In various implementations, one of the first and second strips in each conductive strip pair includes a recess that extends from one of the first and second strips to the other.

[0076] In various implementations, the first housing mount includes an upper portion and a lower portion that snap together, the snap-fit ​​being achieved by a pin extending from one of the upper and lower portions and a corresponding hole defined in the other of the upper and lower portions.

[0077] In various implementations, the second housing mount includes an upper portion and a lower portion that snap together, the snap-fit ​​being achieved by a pin extending from one of the upper and lower portions and a corresponding hole defined in the other of the upper and lower portions.

[0078] In various implementations, the first housing mount includes a central rib that provides effective spacing between each pair of conductive strips.

[0079] In various implementations, the second housing mount includes a central rib that provides effective spacing between each pair of conductive strips.

[0080] In various embodiments, a first earpiece receives an audio signal to be played, and a headband transmits the audio signal to a second earpiece for playback. In various embodiments, the first earpiece includes radio circuitry for wirelessly receiving the audio signal, while the second earpiece does not include radio circuitry. In various embodiments, the radio circuitry includes Bluetooth circuitry. In various embodiments, the first earpiece includes a wired connection for receiving the audio signal.

[0081] In various implementations, most of the headband is not insulated along its length.

[0082] In another general aspect, the present invention relates to an earphone including a first earphone and a second earphone, and a headband assembly connecting the first and second earphones, wherein the headband assembly includes a length-adjustable and conductive headband, and wherein the headband is used to transmit audio signals from the first earphone to the second earphone. In various embodiments, the majority of the headband is non-insulated along its length.

[0083] Although several forms have been illustrated and described, the applicant does not intend to limit the scope of the appended claims to these details. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents to these forms without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the structure of each element associated with a said form can also be described as a means of providing the function performed by that element. Additionally, if materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may also be used. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all modifications, combinations, and variations falling within the scope of the disclosed forms. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, modifications, and equivalents.

[0084] In summary, this document describes the numerous benefits of employing the concepts described herein. The foregoing description of one or more forms is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the specific forms disclosed. Modifications or variations may be made in accordance with the foregoing teachings. One or more forms were chosen and described to illustrate the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the various forms and modifications suitable for particular uses. The claims submitted herein are intended to define the overall scope.

Claims

1. Headphones, including: First earphone and second earphone; as well as A headband assembly connecting a first earphone and a second earphone, wherein the headband assembly includes an adjustable and conductive headband, and wherein the headband includes: A first conductive band pair is provided to provide a first electrical path between the first earphone and the second earphone, wherein the first conductive band pair includes: A first strap body, which is mounted on a first support member connected to the first earphone; and The second band is mounted on a second support member connected to the second earphone, wherein the first band and the second band move relative to each other while maintaining electrical conductivity; A second conductive strip pair is provided to provide a second electrical path between the first support and the second support, wherein the second conductive strip pair includes: A first belt body, which is mounted on the first support member; and The second strip is mounted on the second support member, wherein the first and second strips of the second conductive strip pair move relative to each other while maintaining electrical conductivity.

2. The headphones as claimed in claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the first conductive strip pair is non-insulated along its length; and At least a portion of the second conductive strip pair is non-insulated along its length.

3. The headphones as described in claim 2, wherein: Most of the first conductive strip pair is non-insulated along its length; and Most of the second conductive strip pair is non-insulated along its length.

4. The headphones of claim 1, wherein the headband assembly further comprises: A first support member connected to the first earphone; as well as A second support member connected to the second earphone.

5. The headphones of claim 1, wherein the headband further comprises a first housing mounting base and a second housing mounting base, wherein the first body of the first conductive strip pair is mounted on the lower end of the first support member, wherein the first body of the first conductive strip pair is mounted on the upper end of the first housing mounting base, wherein the second body of the first conductive strip pair is mounted on the lower end of the first support member, wherein the second body of the first conductive strip pair is mounted on the upper end of the second housing mounting base, wherein the first body of the second conductive strip pair is mounted on the lower end of the first support member, wherein the first body of the second conductive strip pair is mounted on the upper end of the first housing mounting base, wherein the second body of the second conductive strip pair is mounted on the lower end of the first support member, and wherein the second body of the second conductive strip pair is mounted on the upper end of the second housing mounting base.

6. The earphone of claim 5, wherein the first housing mounting base includes a first adjustable clamp, and the second housing mounting base includes a second adjustable clamp.

7. The earphone of claim 5, wherein the first housing mounting base includes a mounting post extending into a hole defined in the upper end of each first strap, and the second housing mounting base includes a mounting post extending into a hole defined in the upper end of each second strap.

8. The earphone of claim 7, wherein the upper end of each first band and the upper end of each second band include a spring-biased tip to maintain electrical contact between the bands of each conductive band pair.

9. The earphone of claim 7, wherein one of the first and second strap bodies of each conductive strap pair includes a recess extending from one of the first and second strap bodies to the other of the first and second strap bodies.

10. The earphone of claim 5, wherein the first housing mounting includes an upper portion and a lower portion that snap together, the snap-fit ​​being achieved by a pin extending from one of the upper portion and a corresponding hole defined in the other of the upper portion and the lower portion.

11. The earphone of claim 5, wherein the second housing mounting includes an upper portion and a lower portion that snap together, the snap-fit ​​being achieved by a pin extending from one of the upper portion and a corresponding hole defined in the other of the upper portion and the lower portion.

12. The earphone of claim 10, wherein the first housing mount includes a central rib that provides effective spacing between each pair of conductive strips.

13. The earphone of claim 11, wherein the second housing mount includes a central rib that provides effective spacing between each pair of conductive strips.

14. The headphones as claimed in claim 13, wherein: The first earphone is used to receive the audio signal to be played; and The headband transmits audio signals to the second earphone, which then plays the audio.

15. The headphones of claim 14, wherein the first headphones include radio circuitry for wirelessly receiving audio signals, and the second headphones do not include radio circuitry.

16. The earphone of claim 15, wherein the radio circuitry includes Bluetooth circuitry.

17. The headphones of claim 14, wherein the first headphones include a wired connection for receiving audio signals.

18. The headphones as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The first earpiece is used to receive an audio signal to be played by the first earpiece; and The headband transmits audio signals to the second earphones for playback.

19. The headphones of claim 18, wherein the first headphones include radio circuitry for wirelessly receiving audio signals, and the second headphones do not include radio circuitry.

20. The earphone of claim 19, wherein the radio circuitry includes Bluetooth circuitry.

21. The headphones of claim 18, wherein the first headphones include a wired connection for receiving audio signals.

22. The headphones of claim 18, wherein the majority of the headband is non-insulated along its length.

23. The headphones of claim 15, wherein the headband also conducts non-audio signals.

24. The headphones of claim 23, wherein the first headphones include a power on / off user control, and the second headphones do not include a power on / off user control.

25. Headphones, including: First earphone and second earphone; as well as A headband assembly connecting the first and second earphones, wherein the headband assembly includes a length-adjustable and conductive headband, wherein the headband is used to conduct audio signals from the first earphone to the second earphone.

26. The headphones of claim 25, wherein the majority of the headband is non-insulated along its length.

27. The headphones as claimed in claim 26, wherein: The first earpiece is used to receive an audio signal to be played by the first earpiece; and The headband transmits audio signals to the second earphones, which then play the audio.

28. The headphones of claim 27, wherein the first headphones include radio circuitry for wirelessly receiving audio signals, and the second headphones do not include radio circuitry.

29. The headphones of claim 28, wherein the headband further transmits non-audio signals.

30. The headphones of claim 29, wherein the first headphones include a power on / off user control, and the second headphones do not include a power on / off user control.

31. The headphones of claim 27, wherein the first headphones include a wired connection for receiving audio signals.

32. The headphones as claimed in claim 25, wherein: The headband assembly includes: The first support member connected to the first earphone; and The second support member is connected to the second earphone; and The headband includes: A conductive, length-adjustable first strip pair to provide a first electrical path between the first support and the second support; and A conductive, length-adjustable second pair of straps provides a second electrical path between the first support and the second support.

33. The headphones as claimed in claim 32, wherein: Most of the first conductive strip pair is non-insulated along its length; and Most of the second conductive strip pair is non-insulated along its length.

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