Headphones with storage compartment

Abstract

Headphones include first and second earcups each including an interior portion and an exterior portion. A storage compartment is disposed on the exterior portion of at least one of the first and second earcups and includes a first housing assembly having a plurality of inner magnets and including a cavity formed therein, and a second housing assembly connected to the first housing assembly for limited movement with respect thereto and having a plurality of outer magnets. The storage compartment has a closed configuration with the second housing assembly overlying the first housing assembly such that the cavity is inaccessible, and an open configuration with the second housing assembly moved with respect to the first housing assembly while remaining connected thereto such that the cavity is accessible. The storage compartment is stabilized in the closed configuration and the open configuration by attraction between the plurality of inner magnets and outer magnets.

Description

HEADPHONES WITH STORAGE COMPARTMENTTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments relate to headphones with a storage compartment, such as for storing a dongle or USB adapter.BACKGROUND

[0002] Ovcr-thc-car headphones arc a popular choice for consumers due to their comfortable design and excellent sound quality. Wireless headphones of this type offer the advantages of greater convenience, mobility, flexible connectivity, and improved comfort as compared with wired headphones. In order to establish a wireless connection between the headphones and a computer, the headphones may be paired to the computer via Bluetooth or another wireless technology. However, if the computer does not have built-in wireless capability or if a more reliable wireless connection is desired over a greater range, a dongle or USB adapter may be used in a USB port of the computer to enable wireless communication between the headphones and the computer.

[0003] The dongle acts as a wireless receiver and transmitter, allowing the computer to send audio signals to the headphones and receive signals from the headphones. A dongle often supports plug-and-play functionality without needing to install separate software drivers on the computer. Depending on the specific features of the wireless headphones, the dongle may also support additional features such as microphone input, volume control, or audio enhancements, and provides improved audio processing, audio performance, and voice quality compared with direct pairing to the computer. The dongle may be provided with the wireless headphones or purchased separately. In most cases, the dongle is designed to be separate or detachable from the headphones, and it is desirable to avoid misplacement or loss of the dongle by the user.SUMMARY

[0004] In one or more embodiments, headphones include a first earcup and a second earcup each including an interior portion arranged to cover an ear of a user and an exterior portion. A headband is arranged to be positioned over a top of a head of the user and is operably connected to the first earcup and the second earcup. A storage compartment is disposed on the exterior portion of at least one of the first earcup or the second earcup. The storage compartment includes a first housing assembly having a plurality of inner magnets and including a cavity formed therein, and a second housing assembly connected to the first housing assembly for limited movement with respect thereto and having a plurality of outer magnets. The storage compartment has a closed configuration with the second housing assembly overlying the first housing assembly such that the cavity is inaccessible, and the storage compartment has an open configuration with the second housing assembly moved with respect to the first housing assembly while remaining connected thereto such that the cavity is accessible. The storage compartment is stabilized in the closed configuration and in the open configuration by attraction between the plurality of inner magnets and the plurality of outer magnets.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the second housing assembly is configured for linear movement with respect to the first housing assembly.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the second housing assembly is configured for rotational movement with respect to the first housing assembly in a plane generally parallel to the first housing assembly.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the cavity is configured to removably receive and secure a dongle therein.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the cavity includes a liner which lines at least part of the cavity and includes flexible flanges configured to engage the dongle to prevent movement of the dongle within the cavity.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the first housing assembly includes a base housing extending outwardly from the exterior portion and an inner module received within the base housing, wherein the plurality of inner magnets and the cavity are provided in the inner module.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the second housing assembly includes an outer module secured to a top cover, wherein the plurality of outer magnets are provided in the outer module.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, when the storage compartment is in the closed configuration, a first pair of the plurality of inner magnets is aligned with a first pair of the plurality of outer magnets and a second pair of the plurality of inner magnets is aligned with a second pair of the plurality of outer magnets, and when the storage compartment is in the open configuration, the first pair of the plurality of outer magnets is aligned with the second pair of the plurality of inner magnets.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, headphones include a first earcup and a second earcup each including an interior portion arranged to cover an ear of a user and an exterior portion. A headband is arranged to be positioned over a top of a head of the user and is operably connected to the first earcup and the second earcup. A storage compartment is disposed on the exterior portion of at least one of the first earcup or the second earcup. The storage compartment includes a first housing assembly having a plurality of inner magnets, the first housing assembly having a cavity at a first end thereof and including first and second tabs at a second end thereof, and a second housing assembly connected to the first housing assembly for limited linear movement with respect thereto, the second housing assembly having a plurality of outer magnets and including first and second rails configured to receive the first and second tabs, respectively. The storage compartment has a closed configuration with the second housing assembly overlying the first housing assembly such that the cavity is inaccessible, and the storage compartment has an open configuration with the second housing assembly moved linearly away from the first housing assembly while remaining connected thereto such that the cavity is accessible, the open configuration achieved by the first and second tabs moving along the first and second rails, respectively. The storage compartment is stabilized in the closed configuration and in the open configuration by attraction between the plurality of inner magnets and the plurality of outer magnets.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the first and second tabs are provided in the inner module.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the first and second rails are provided in the outer module.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the first housing assembly includes a stop member and the second housing assembly includes a transverse wall, wherein linear movement of the second housing assembly with respect to the first housing assembly is limited by abutment of the stop member with the transverse wall.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, headphones include a first earcup and a second earcup each including an interior portion arranged to cover an ear of a user and an exterior portion. A headband is arranged to be positioned over a top of a head of the user and operably connecting the first earcup and the second earcup. A storage compartment is disposed on the exterior portion of at least one of the first earcup or the second earcup. The storage compartment includes a first housing assembly having a plurality of inner magnets, the first housing assembly including a pivot hole at a first end thereof, an arcuate channel at a second end thereof, and a cavity formed therein, and a second housing assembly connected to the first housing assembly for limited rotational movement with respect thereto, the second housing assembly having a plurality of outer magnets and including a pivot pin configured to be received in the pivot hole and a guide pin configured to be received in the arcuate channel. The storage compartment has a closed configuration with the second housing assembly overlying the first housing assembly such that the cavity is inaccessible, and the storage compartment has an open configuration with the second housing assembly rotated away from the first housing assembly while remaining connected thereto such that the cavity is accessible, the open configuration achieved by the pivot pin rotating in the pivot hole and the guide pin moving along the arcuate channel. The storage compartment is stabilized in the closed configuration and in the open configuration by attraction between the plurality of inner magnets and the plurality of outer magnets.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the pivot hole and the arcuate channel are provided in the inner module.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the pivot pin and the guide pin are provided in the outer module.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, rotational movement of the second housing assembly with respect to the first housing assembly is limited by abutment of the guide pin with a terminal end of the arcuate channel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of headphones with a storage compartment in a closed configuration according to one or more embodiments;

[0021] FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of headphones with the storage compartment in an open configuration and movable via linear motion according to one or more embodiments;

[0022] FIGURE 3 is an exploded view of a first housing assembly including a base housing and an inner module, and a second housing assembly including an outer module and a top cover according to one or more embodiments;

[0023] FIGURE 4 is a top perspective view of the first housing assembly including the inner module received in the base housing according to one or more embodiments;

[0024] FIGURE 5 is a bottom perspective view of the outer module of the second housing assembly according to one or more embodiments;

[0025] FIGURE 6 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the storage compartment in a closed configuration according to one or more embodiments;

[0026] FIGURE 7 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the storage compartment in an open configuration according to one or more embodiments;

[0027] FIGURE 8 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the storage compartment in an open configuration according to one or more embodiments;

[0028] FIGURE 9 is an enlarged, cut-away view of the storage compartment in an open configuration with a stop member of the inner module engaging a transverse wall of the outer module according to one or more embodiments;

[0029] FIGURE 10 is an enlarged, cut-away view of the inner module of FIG. 4 and the received dongle;

[0030] FIGURE 11 is a top view of a storage compartment in an open configuration and movable via rotational motion according to one or more embodiments;

[0031] FIGURE 12 is a top view of an inner module of the storage compartment of FIG. 11 according to one or more embodiments;

[0032] FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of an outer module of the storage compartment of FIG. 11 according to one or more embodiments; and

[0033] FIGURE 14 is illustration of the storage compartment of FIG. 11 in an open configuration illustrating the pivot point and magnet spacing according to one or more embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0035] With reference first to FIG. 1, headphones 100 according to one or more embodiments are illustrated. Such over-the-ear headphones 100 include a first earcup 102 and a second earcup 104. Each of the first earcup 102 and the second earcup 104 has an interior portion 106 arranged to cover a user’s ears, and an opposing exterior portion 108. The interior portion 106 of each ofthe first earcup 102 and the second earcup 104 may include a cushion 110 to provide increased comfort, reduce pressure, provide a better fit, and help isolate external sounds. A headband 112 is operably connected to the first earcup 102 and the second earcup 104 and is arranged to be positioned over the top of the user’s head. The headband 112 provides stability and helps distribute the weight of the headphones 100, and may optionally include padding or cushioning for added comfort. Although not shown, it is understood that the headband 112 may include adjustable sliders to allow a user to adjust the size of the headphones 100 to fit their head comfortably. A yoke 114 connects each of the first earcup 102 and the second earcup 104 to the headband 112, acting as a pivot point to allow the first earcup 102 and the second earcup 104 to rotate horizontally and vertically. This enables the first earcup 102 and the second earcup 104 to be adjusted and positioned for better fit and improved comfort on the user’s head and ears.

[0036] Each of the first earcup 102 and the second earcup 104 includes a driver or transducer (not shown) which, as is known in the art, may include a magnet, voice coil, and diaphragm for converting electrical signals into acoustic signals in communication with an audio source. Controls and connectors may be built into the first earcup 102 and the second earcup 104 such as, but not limited to, volume controls, playback controls (play / pause, skip, etc.), and a microphone. It is understood that the features of headphones 100 are not intended to be limited to the particular configuration shown and described herein. For example, headphones 100 with a single earcup are also contemplated.

[0037] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, one or both of the first earcup 102 and the second earcup 104 includes a storage compartment 116 disposed on the exterior portion 108 for storing an item such as a dongle D, a USB adapter, or other headphone-associated device when not in use. In the embodiments shown and described herein, the storage compartment 116 includes a first housing assembly 118 provided in the first carcup 102, but this is merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. The storage compartment 116 further includes a second housing assembly 120 movably connected to the first housing assembly 118 which allows access to the dongle D when it is to be inserted or removed therefrom. The storage compartment 116 provides a convenient, integrated, and dedicated solution for storing the dongle D onboard the headphones 100 when the dongle D is not in use, keeping the dongle D safe but easily accessible.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the first housing assembly 118 includes a base housing 122 extending outwardly from the exterior portion 108 which may be generally cylindrical as shown in FIGS. 2-4. The base housing 122 may be formed integrally with the exterior portion 108 or affixed thereto. The first housing assembly 118 further includes an inner module 124 that is received and secured within the base housing 122 via fasteners, adhesive, or press fit, for example. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the second housing assembly 120 includes an outer module 126 which is secured to a top cover 128, again via fasteners, adhesive, press fit, or the like. Of course, it is also contemplated that the base housing 122 and the inner module 124 could be integrally formed, and / or that the outer module 126 and the top cover 128 could be integrally formed. The base housing 122, the inner module 124, and the outer module 126 may be constructed from a plastic or other suitable material. The top cover 128 may be generally planar or convex, but is not limited to any particular surface shape or texture, and may be constructed from plastic, aluminum, or another suitable material.

[0039] The storage compartment 116 has a closed configuration as shown in FIG. 1 where the second housing assembly 120 completely overlies the first housing assembly 118, such that access to the dongle D is prevented. The storage compartment 116 has an open configuration as shown in FIG. 2 wherein the second housing assembly 120 is positioned such that the first housing assembly 118 is accessible to allow for the removal and insertion of the dongle D in the storage compartment 116. The second housing assembly 120 may be movable with respect to the first housing assembly 118 to provide the closed configuration of the storage compartment 116 and the open configuration of the storage compartment 116 whether the user is wearing the headphones 100 or not.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the second housing assembly 120 is movable with respect to the first housing assembly 118 in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the first housing assembly 118. In one embodiment, the second housing assembly 120 is configured for linear movement with respect to the first housing assembly 118. In another embodiment, the second housing assembly 120 is configured for rotational movement with respect to the first housing assembly 118. Other embodiments which provide a combination of linear movement androtational movement of the second housing assembly 120 with respect to the first housing assembly 118 may also be possible.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, the inner module 124 may be generally circular with a generally planar upper surface 130, wherein the upper surface 130 has a longitudinal axis 132 defining a first end 134 and a second end 136 of the inner module 124. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1- 9, the longitudinal axis 132 corresponds to the direction of linear movement of the second housing assembly 120 with respect to the first housing assembly 118. A cavity 138 dimensioned and configured for receiving a dongle D, a USB adapter, or the like therein is formed in the inner module 124 and may be disposed adjacent to the first end 134. The dongle D is shown herein as having an L-shaped body, but it is understood that other shapes and configurations of dongles, USB adapters, or other accessories are also contemplated. In one or more embodiments, the cavity 138 is configured such that when the dongle D is received therein, the dongle D does not extend above the upper surface 130 of the inner module 124. While a particular shape and dimensions of the cavity 138 are shown and described herein, it is understood that other configurations of the cavity 138 are fully contemplated.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the cavity 138 includes a liner 140 (FIG. 10) which lines at least part of the cavity 138, wherein the liner 140 may be a soft, flexible material such as, but not limited to, rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The liner 140 may be configured to snugly receive the dongle D to suppress any rattling or movement of the dongle D within the cavity 138. In one or more embodiments, the liner 140 may include a finger well 142 (e.g., semicircularshaped) formed therein which creates a gap between the liner 140 and the dongle D sufficient for a user’s thumb or finger to be at least partially received therein to dislodge and remove the dongle D from the cavity 138. The liner 140 may also include flexible flanges 144 adjacent the upper surface 130 of the inner module 124 which create an undercut shape thcrcbcncath and arc designed to engage and hold the dongle D to further prevent movement inside the cavity 138.

[0043] With reference again to FIG. 4, a first tab 146 and a second tab 148 may be formed at the second end 136 of the inner module 124, projecting upwardly from the upper surface 130 and spaced apart across the longitudinal axis 132. The first tab 146 and the second tab 148 may eachinclude a support portion 150 extending upwardly generally perpendicular to the upper surface 130, and a slider portion 152 extending inwardly from the support portion 150 toward the longitudinal axis 132. In one or more embodiments, a stop member 154 is disposed at the second end 136 of the inner module 124 between the first tab 146 and the second tab 148 along the longitudinal axis 132 and oriented toward the first end 134 of the inner module 124. The stop member 154 is configured to limit the extent of movement of the second housing assembly 120 with respect to the first housing assembly 118 as described further below.

[0044] As best shown in FIG. 5, the outer module 126 may be generally circular with a generally planar lower surface 156, wherein the lower surface 156 has a longitudinal axis 158 defining a first end 160 and a second end 162 of the outer module 126 and corresponding to the direction of linear movement of the second housing assembly 120 with respect to the first housing assembly 118. The outer module 126 includes a first slot 164 and a second slot 166 extending therethrough along the longitudinal axis 158 and spaced apart across the longitudinal axis 158. The outer module 126 further includes a first rail 168 and a second rail 170 projecting downwardly from the lower surface 156 and overlying the first slot 164 and the second slot 166, respectively. The first rail 168 and the second rail 170 may each include a support portion 172 extending downwardly generally perpendicular to the lower surface 156, and a slider portion 174 extending outwardly from the support portion 172 away from the longitudinal axis 158. A transverse wall 176 extends downwardly from the lower surface 156 between the support portions 172 toward the first end 160 of the outer module 126.

[0045] In the description above, it is understood that terms such as, but not limited to, “upper” and “lower” and “upwardly” and “downwardly” are used herein with reference to the orientation of components in the drawings, and are not intended to be limiting. It is also understood that while a particular configuration of the tabs 146, 148 and the rails 168, 170 has been shown and described herein, alternative profiles (e.g., T-shaped, V-shaped, etc.), dimensions, or greater or lesser numbers of these complementary components are fully contemplated. Furthermore, it is understood that the location of the tabs 146, 148 and the rails 168, 170 could be reversed, such that the tabs 146, 148 would be disposed on the outer module 126 and the rails 168, 170 would be disposed on the inner module 124.

[0046] With continuing reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first tab 146 and the second tab 148 are configured to engage with and slide along the first rail 168 and the second rail 170, respectively, to provide linear movement of the second housing assembly 120 with respect to the first housing assembly 118. More particularly, the second housing assembly 120 may be movably connected to the first housing assembly 118 by inserting the first tab 146 and the second tab 148 through the first slot 164 and the second slot 166, respectively, such that the slider portion 152 of each tab 146, 148 engages with the slider portion 174 of each rail 168, 170. When the second housing assembly 120 is moved with respect to the first housing assembly 118, the first tab 146 and the second tab 148 are slidable along the first rail 168 and the second rail 170, respectively, to move the second housing assembly 120 from a closed configuration overlying the first housing assembly 118 where the cavity 138 is inaccessible to an open configuration at least partially moved away from the first housing assembfy 118 where the cavity 138 is accessible.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the linear movement of the second housing assembly 120 with respect to the first housing assembly 118 may be limited by engagement of the stop member 154 on the inner module 124 with the transverse wall 176 of the outer module 126, as best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. With such a configuration, an open configuration of the storage compartment 116 can be achieved where the dongle D is accessible but the second housing assembly 120 remains connected to the first housing assembly 118 such that there is not a risk of the second housing assembly 120 being removed completely and possibly misplaced or lost.

[0048] As discussed above with respect to the location of the tabs 146, 148 and rails 168, 170, it is understood that the stop member 154 could alternatively be provided on the outer module 126 and the transverse wall 176 could be provided on the inner module 124. It is also understood that alternative configurations of mechanical structures which abut to limit the linear movement of the second housing assembly 120 with respect to the first housing assembly 118 arc fully contemplated.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the inner module 124 includes a plurality of inner magnets 178 embedded therein or attached thereto, and the outer module 126 includes a plurality of outer magnets 180 embedded therein or attached thereto, as best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The innermodule 124 and the outer module 126 may each include recesses 182 for receiving the plurality of inner magnets 178 and the plurality of outer magnets 180, respectively, such that the plurality of inner magnets 178 may be generally flush with the upper surface 130 of the inner module 124 and the plurality of outer magnets 180 may be generally flush with the lower surface 156 of the outer module 126. The polarity of the plurality of inner magnets 178 is arranged to be opposite to the polarity of the plurality of outer magnets 180 to create magnetic attraction therebetween. The magnetic attraction forces between the plurality of inner magnets 178 on the inner module 124 and the plurality of outer magnets 180 on the outer module 126 creates a secure connection between the inner module 124 and the outer module 126, and thus securely positions the second housing assembly 120 with respect to the first housing assembly 118 as described further below.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of inner magnets 178 and the plurality of outer magnets 180 may each include four spaced magnets as shown, wherein the plurality of inner magnets 178 may be spaced generally equidistantly from each other and the plurality of outer magnets 180 may be spaced generally equidistantly from each other. The plurality of inner magnets 178 may include a first pair 184 of magnets adjacent the first end 134 of the inner module 124 and a second pair 186 of magnets adjacent the second end 136 of the inner module 124, and the plurality of outer magnets 180 may include a first pair 188 of magnets adjacent the first end 160 of the outer module 126 and a second pair 190 of magnets adjacent the second end 162 of the outer module 126. Furthermore, when the storage compartment 116 is in the closed configuration with the second housing assembly 120 aligned with and completely overlying the first housing assembly 118, the first pair 184 of the plurality of inner magnets 178 may be aligned with the first pair 188 of the plurality of outer magnets 180, and the second pair 186 of the plurality of inner magnets 178 may be aligned with the second pair 190 of the plurality of outer magnets 180, as illustrated in FIG. 6. As such, the magnetic attraction creates stability of the position of the components in the closed configuration and biases the components towards that position.

[0051] In order to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration of the storage compartment 116, a force is applied to overcome the magnetic attraction of the aligned plurality of inner magnets 178 and plurality of outer magnets 180. Once initially moved from the closed configuration, a continuum of different open positions are possible for the second housingassembly 120 with respect to the first housing assembly 118 until the stop member 154 abuts the transverse wall 176 at the open configuration which represents the end limit for linear movement of the second housing assembly 120 away from the first housing assembly 118. To prevent the second housing assembly 120 from accidentally sliding backwards from the open configuration towards the closed configuration while the user is still in the process of dislodging or inserting the dongle D, the plurality of inner magnets 178 and the plurality of outer magnets 180 can also be used to secure the storage compartment 116 in the open configuration.

[0052] Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, in the open configuration of the storage compartment 116, the second pan- 186 of the plurality of inner magnets 178 may be aligned with the first pair 188 of the plurality of outer magnets 180 as shown in FIG. 7 to ensure that the second housing assembly 120 is stabilized in position with respect to the first housing assembly 118. In order to move back to the closed configuration of the storage compartment 116 when desired, a force is applied to overcome the magnetic attraction of the aligned second pair 186 of magnets and first pair 188 of magnets.

[0053] Of course, it is understood that the number and positioning of the plurality of inner magnets 178 and the plurality of outer magnets 180 is not intended to be limiting and that other configurations are fully contemplated. Furthermore, other numbers or positions of magnets can be aligned in the closed configuration or open configuration to provide an attractive force between the second housing assembly 120 and the first housing assembly 118, or multiple open configurations could be possible.

[0054] Turning now to FIGS. 11-14, in one or more embodiments, the second housing assembly 120 can be configured to be rotatable with respect to the first housing assembly 118 in order to provide an open configuration and a closed configuration of the storage compartment 116. It is understood that the description provided above with respect to FIGS. 1-10 may be equally applicable to the components described below with respect to FIGS. 11-14. As shown, the inner module 124 includes a pivot hole 192 at a first end 194 of a transverse axis 196 of the inner module 124. An arcuate channel 198 is formed at a second end 200 of the transverse axis 196 and may be generally symmetric about the transverse axis 196, having an initial end 202 adjacent the cavity138 and a terminal end 204. In one non-limiting example, a length of the arcuate channel 198 may correspond to approximately a 60 degree arc from the pivot hole 192, symmetric about the transverse axis 196. Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. 13, the outer module 126 includes a pivot pin 206 extending downwardly from the lower surface 156 at a first end 208 of a transverse axis 210 of the outer module 126. A guide pin 212 extends downwardly from the lower surface 156 offset from the transverse axis 210 so as to overlie the arcuate channel 198 adjacent the initial end 202 thereof.

[0055] With continuing reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14, the plurality of inner magnets 178 may have a configuration wherein the first pair 184 of magnets are disposed on a first side 214 of the transverse axis 196 and the second pair 186 of magnets are disposed on a second side 216 of the transverse axis 196. In one or more embodiments, the configuration of the first pair 184 of magnets and the second pair 186 of magnets are a mirror image across the transverse axis 196. Tn such a configuration, one of each of the first pair 184 of magnets and the second pair 186 of magnets are positioned in spaced relationship across the transverse axis 196 in proximity to and equidistant from the pivot hole 192, and one of each of the first pair 184 of magnets and the second pair 186 of magnets is disposed adjacent the initial end 202 and the terminal end 204 of the arcuate channel 198, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the first pair 184 of magnets are colinear with the pivot hole 192 and the second pair 186 of magnets are colinear with the pivot hole 192. As shown in FIG. 13, the first pair 188 and second pair 190 of the plurality of outer magnets 180 have a configuration on the outer module 126 that corresponds with the first pair 184 and the second pair 186 of the plurality of inner magnets 178 on the inner module 124, respectively. Of course, it is understood that the configuration of the pivot hole 192, arcuate channel 198 and placement of the inner and outer pluralities of magnets 178, 180 is merely exemplary and is not intended to be limiting.

[0056] In operation, the pivot pin 206 is configured to be received in the pivot hole 192, and the guide pin 212 is configured to be received in the arcuate channel 198. In the closed configuration of the storage compartment 116 where the second housing assembly 120 is aligned with and overlies the first housing assembly 118, each one of the plurality of inner magnets 178 may be aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of outer magnets 180. As such, the magneticattraction creates stability of the position of the components in the closed configuration and biases the components towards that position.

[0057] In order to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration of the storage compartment 116 wherein the dongle D may be dislodged or inserted, a force is applied to overcome the magnetic attraction of the aligned plurality of inner magnets 178 and plurality of outer magnets 180. Once initially moved from the closed configuration, a continuum of different open positions are possible for the second housing assembly 120 with respect to the first housing assembly 118 as the second housing assembly 120 rotates with respect to the first housing assembly 118 about the pivot point created by the pivot pin 206 rotating in the pivot hole 192. During this rotation, the guide pin 212 moves along the arcuate channel 198 until the guide pin 212 abuts the terminal end 204 thereof at the open configuration which represents the end limit for rotation of the second housing assembly 120 away from the first housing assembly 118.

[0058] To prevent the second housing assembly 120 from accidentally sliding backwards from the open configuration towards the closed configuration while the user is still in the process of dislodging or inserting the dongle D, the plurality of inner magnets 178 and the plurality of outer magnets 180 can also be used to secure the storage compartment 116 in the open configuration. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, in the open configuration of the storage compartment 116, the second pair 186 of the plurality of inner magnets 178 may overlie and be attracted to the first pair 188 of the plurality of outer magnets 180 to ensure that the second housing assembly 120 is stabilized in position with respect to the first housing assembly 118, as shown in FIG. 14. In order to move back to the closed configuration of the storage compartment 116 when desired, a force may be applied to overcome the magnetic attraction of the aligned second pair 186 of magnets and first pair 188 of magnets.

[0059] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally,the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. Headphones, comprising: a first earcup and a second earcup each including an interior portion arranged to cover an ear of a user and an exterior portion; a headband arranged to be positioned over a top of a head of the user and operably connected to the first earcup and the second earcup; and a storage compartment disposed on the exterior portion of at least one of the first earcup or the second earcup, the storage compartment including a first housing assembly having a plurality of inner magnets and including a cavity formed therein, and a second housing assembly connected to the first housing assembly for limited movement with respect thereto and having a plurality of outer magnets, wherein the storage compartment has a closed configuration with the second housing assembly overlying the first housing assembly such that the cavity is inaccessible, and the storage compartment has an open configuration with the second housing assembly moved with respect to the first housing assembly while remaining connected thereto such that the cavity is accessible, wherein the storage compartment is stabilized in the closed configuration and in the open configuration by attraction between the plurality of inner magnets and the plurality of outer magnets.

2. The headphones of claim 1, wherein the second housing assembly is configured for linear movement with respect to the first housing assembly.

3. The headphones of claim 1, wherein the second housing assembly is configured for rotational movement with respect to the first housing assembly in a plane generally parallel to the first housing assembly.

4. The headphones of claim 1, wherein the cavity is configured to removably receive and secure a dongle therein.

5. The headphones of claim 4, wherein the cavity includes a liner which lines at least part of the cavity and includes flexible flanges configured to engage the dongle to prevent movement of the dongle within the cavity.

6. The headphones of claim 1, wherein the first housing assembly includes abase housing extending outwardly from the exterior portion and an inner module received within the base housing, wherein the plurality of inner magnets and the cavity are provided in the inner module.

7. The headphones of claim 1, wherein the second housing assembly includes an outer module secured to a top cover, wherein the plurality of outer magnets are provided in the outer module.

8. The headphones of claim 1, wherein when the storage compartment is in the closed configuration, a first pair of the plurality of inner magnets is aligned with a first pair of the plurality of outer magnets and a second pair of the plurality of inner magnets is aligned with a second pair of the plurality of outer magnets, and when the storage compartment is in the open configuration, the first pair of the plurality of outer magnets is aligned with the second pair of the plurality of inner magnets.

9. Headphones, comprising: a first earcup and a second earcup each including an interior portion arranged to cover an ear of a user and an exterior portion; a headband arranged to be positioned over a top of a head of the user and operably connected to the first earcup and the second earcup; and a storage compartment disposed on the exterior portion of at least one of the first earcup or the second carcup, the storage compartment including a first housing assembly having a plurality of inner magnets, the first housing assembly having a cavity at a first end thereof and including first and second tabs at a second end thereof, and a second housing assembly connected to the first housing assembly for limited linear movement with respect thereto, the second housing assemblyhaving a plurality of outer magnets and including first and second rails configured to receive the first and second tabs, respectively, wherein the storage compartment has a closed configuration with the second housing assembly overlying the first housing assembly such that the cavity is inaccessible, and the storage compartment has an open configuration with the second housing assembly moved linearly away from the first housing assembly while remaining connected thereto such that the cavity is accessible, the open configuration achieved by the first and second tabs moving along the first and second rails, respectively, wherein the storage compartment is stabilized in the closed configuration and in the open configuration by attraction between the plurality of inner magnets and the plurality of outer magnets.

10. The headphones of claim 9, wherein the cavity is configured to removably receive and secure a dongle therein.

11. The headphones of claim 9, wherein the first housing assembly includes a base housing extending outwardly from the exterior portion and an inner module received within the base housing, wherein the plurality of inner magnets, the first and second tabs, and the cavity are provided in the inner module.

12. The headphones of claim 9, wherein the second housing assembly includes an outer module secured to a top cover, wherein the plurality of outer magnets and the first and second rails are provided in the outer module.

13. The headphones of claim 9, wherein the first housing assembly includes a stop member and the second housing assembly includes a transverse wall, wherein linear movement of the second housing assembly with respect to the first housing assembly is limited by abutment of the stop member with the transverse wall.

14. The headphones of claim 9, wherein when tire storage compartment is in the closed configuration, a first pair of the plurality of inner magnets is aligned with a first pair of the pluralityof outer magnets and a second pair of the plurality of inner magnets is aligned with a second pair of the plurality of outer magnets, and when the storage compartment is in the open configuration, the first pair of the plurality of outer magnets is aligned with the second pair of the plurality of inner magnets.

15. Headphones, comprising: a first earcup and a second earcup each including an interior portion arranged to cover an ear of a user and an exterior portion; a headband arranged to be positioned over a top of a head of the user and operably connecting the first earcup and the second earcup; and a storage compartment disposed on the exterior portion of at least one of the first earcup or the second earcup, the storage compartment including a first housing assembly having a plurality of inner magnets, the first housing assembly including a pivot hole at a first end thereof, an arcuate channel at a second end thereof, and a cavity formed therein, and a second housing assembly connected to the first housing assembly for limited rotational movement with respect thereto, the second housing assembly having a plurality of outer magnets and including a pivot pin configured to be received in the pivot hole and a guide pin configured to be received in the arcuate channel; wherein the storage compartment has a closed configuration with the second housing assembly overlying the first housing assembly such that the cavity is inaccessible, and the storage compartment has an open configuration with the second housing assembly rotated away from the first housing assembly while remaining connected thereto such that the cavity is accessible, the open configuration achieved by the pivot pin rotating in the pivot hole and the guide pin moving along the arcuate channel, wherein the storage compartment is stabilized in the closed configuration and in the open configuration by attraction between the plurality of inner magnets and the plurality of outer magnets.

16. The headphones of claim 15, wherein the cavity is configured to removably receive and secure a dongle therein.

17. The headphones of claim 15, wherein the first housing assembly includes a base housing extending outwardly from the exterior portion and an inner module received within the base housing, wherein the plurality of inner magnets, the pivot hole, the arcuate channel, and the cavity are provided in the inner module.

18. The headphones of claim 15, wherein the second housing assembly includes an outer module secured to a top cover, wherein the plurality of outer magnets, the pivot pin, and the guide pin are provided in the outer module.

19. The headphones of claim 15, wherein rotational movement of the second housing assembly with respect to the first housing assembly is limited by abutment of the guide pin with a terminal end of the arcuate channel.

20. The headphones of claim 15, wherein when the storage compartment is in the closed configuration, a first pair of the plurality of inner magnets is aligned with a first pair of the plurality of outer magnets and a second pair of the plurality of inner magnets is aligned with a second pair of the plurality of outer magnets, and when the storage compartment is in the open configuration, the first pair of the plurality of outer magnets is aligned with the second pair of the plurality of inner magnets.

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