Headphones with off-center pivoting earpiece

Abstract

To provide listening devices, earpieces and headphones that improve the overall user experience by incorporating an array of sensors and new mechanical features.SOLUTION: An earpiece 2500 comprises: an earpiece housing defining an interior volume; an earpiece cover 2504 covering a central opening of the earpiece housing; an annular earpiece cushion 2506 surrounding an ear-receiving region of the earpiece 2500; a speaker disposed within the interior volume of the earpiece housing; a carrier 2524 coupled to the earpiece housing; and an optical sensor 2520 coupled to the carrier 2524.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application is related to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 17 / 023,231, filed September 16, 2020, entitled "HEADPHONES WITH OFF-CENTER PIVOTING EARPIECE," U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 17 / 023,234, filed September 16, 2020, entitled "HEADPHONES WITH ROTATABLE USER INPUT MECHANISM," U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 17 / 023,239, filed September 16, 2020, entitled "SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR EARPIECE CUSHION," U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 17 / 023,240, filed September 16, 2020, entitled "WIRELESS HEADPHONES WITH SLOT ANTENNA," and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 17 / 023,240, filed September 16, 2020, entitled "HEADPHONES WITH ON-HEAD This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 17 / 023,243, filed September 16, 2020, entitled "EARPIECE WITH CUSHION RETENTION," and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 17 / 023,244, filed September 16, 2020, entitled "EARPIECE WITH CUSHION RETENTION," the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0002] The described embodiments relate generally to headphones, such as over-the-ear and on-ear headphones, and more specifically, various features help improve the overall user experience by incorporating arrays of sensors and new mechanical features into the headphones. [Background technology]

[0003] Headphones have been around for many years. Consumers have become accustomed to regular, essentially annual, improvements in size, functionality, and other design aspects of the various electronic devices they use in their daily lives, including devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers, as well as listening devices such as earbuds and headphones. Thus, while numerous headphone designs exist on the market, new and improved designs are continually sought to meet consumer demands and preferences. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure describes numerous improvements to circumaural and supraaural headphone designs. The headphones can include space- and weight-saving components that improve user comfort when wearing the headphones. The headphones can include a headband connected to an upper portion of an earpiece. The earpiece can include a pivot mechanism that can enable rotation of the earpiece relative to the headband with the application of a certain force. The rotation of the earpiece can be measured by one or more sensors in the pivot mechanism to determine the orientation of the earpiece. The orientation of the earpiece can be used to determine whether the headphones should be changed between an operating mode and a standby mode.

[0005] The headphones can also include earpieces with cushions having variable thicknesses. The variable thickness cushions can be more comfortable for the user and can provide a better seal between the cushion and the user's head. The improved seal can reduce external noise that can reach the user. Various headphones can also include headbands with multiple components formed into a single headband. The headband can be optimized for a clamping force that provides a snug and comfortable fit for the user and does not degrade over time. The headband can include a mesh component that can form to the user's head when the headphones are worn.

[0006] The headphones described herein can include an antenna for receiving and transmitting radio frequency (RF). The antenna can receive and transmit RF waves over multiple frequency ranges using capacitive components. The antenna can include a plate for increasing transmission of RF radiation and can be oriented within the earpiece to direct the RF waves toward the user.

[0007] The headphones can include inputs that can be optimized for the user. The resistance of the input to depression and rotation can be optimized to allow the user to feel when the input is depressed and / or rotated. Damping material can also be positioned within the input to reduce noise that may be generated when components contact each other. For example, damping material can be placed between two metal elements to reduce or prevent noise from being generated when the metal components are in contact.

[0008] The headphones can include a detection system for determining when they are put on or taken off. The detection system can emit light toward the user and detect reflected light. The reflected light can be used to determine whether the user is present and whether their ear is positioned within the earpiece. When the user's ear is within the earpiece, the headphones can be placed into an operational mode.

[0009] A listening device is disclosed, the listening device including: a first earpiece; a headband having a first end coupled to the first earpiece, the first earpiece comprising: an earpiece housing defining an interior volume; a speaker disposed within the interior volume; a pivot mechanism coupled to the earpiece housing and operable to allow the earpiece housing to rotate separately from the headband along a first axis, the pivot mechanism comprising: an opening sized and shaped to receive one of the first or second ends of the headband; first and second pivot rods; a first cylinder having a first channel and coupled to the first pivot rod; a first piston that fits within the first channel and is coupled to the second pivot rod; and a first compression spring at least partially surrounding the first piston and the first cylinder and positioned to compress against the opening while opposing rotation of the pivot mechanism about the first axis.

[0010] An earpiece is disclosed, the earpiece including: an earpiece housing defining an interior volume; a speaker disposed within the interior volume; a pivot mechanism disposed at a first end of the earpiece housing and operable to allow the earpiece housing to rotate along a first axis, the pivot mechanism having an opening sized and shaped to receive a first end of a headband; first and second pivot rods; a first cylinder having a first channel; and a second cylinder having a second channel, the first cylinder and the second cylinder coupled to the first pivot rod. a first piston positionable within the first channel and a second piston positionable within the second channel, the first and second pistons coupled to a second pivot rod; a first compression spring at least partially surrounding the first piston and the first cylinder; and a second compression spring at least partially surrounding the second piston and the second cylinder and positioned to compress against the opening while opposing rotation of the pivot mechanism about the first axis.

[0011] A headphone is disclosed, the headphone comprising: a first earpiece housing defining a first interior volume; and a first pivot mechanism coupled to the first earpiece housing and operable to allow the first earpiece to rotate about a first axis, the first pivot mechanism comprising: a first opening sized and shaped to receive a first end of a headband; first and second pivot rods; a first cylinder having a first channel and coupled to the first pivot rod; a first piston fitted within the first channel and coupled to the second pivot rod; and a first compression spring at least partially surrounding the first piston and the first cylinder and positioned to compress against the first opening while opposing rotation of the first pivot mechanism about the first axis. a second earpiece comprising: a second earpiece housing defining a second interior volume; and a second pivot mechanism coupled to the second earpiece housing and operable to allow the second earpiece to rotate about a second axis, the second pivot mechanism comprising: a second opening sized and shaped to receive a second end of the headband; third and fourth pivot rods; a second cylinder having a second channel and coupled to the third pivot rod; a second piston fitted within the second channel and coupled to the fourth pivot rod; and a second compression spring at least partially surrounding the second piston and the second cylinder and positioned to compress against the second opening while opposing rotation of the second pivot mechanism about the second axis.

[0012] Disclosed are headphones including a headband and an earpiece coupled to one end of the headband, the earpiece including: an earpiece housing defining an opening; a button assembly positionable within the opening, the button housing having a top and a bottom and defining a channel with a central axis; a crown axially aligned with the central axis and configured to move into engagement with the button housing; a damper positioned between the top of the button housing and the crown and configured to damp vibrations generated when the crown engages the button housing; a hub coupled to the crown and positioned within the channel, the hub translatable along and rotatable about the central axis, the hub including one or more markings and configured to engage with the compressible dome when the hub is translated toward an interior of the earpiece housing; and seals positioned between the hub and the button housing, one of the seals having a variable diameter and only a portion of the seal contacts the hub and the button housing.

[0013] An earpiece is disclosed that includes: an earpiece housing defining an opening; a button assembly positionable within the opening, the button housing having an upper and lower portion and defining a channel with a central axis; a crown axially aligned with the central axis and configured to move into engagement with the upper portion of the button housing; a first damper positioned between the button housing and the crown and configured to dampen vibrations caused when the crown engages with the button housing; a hub coupled to the crown and to the channel and translatable along and about the central axis, the hub including one or more markings and configured to engage with the lower portion of the button housing and to engage with the compressible dome when the hub is translated toward an interior of the earpiece housing; and a second damper positioned between the hub and the lower portion of the button housing and configured to dampen vibrations when the hub engages with the lower portion of the button housing.

[0014] A listening device is disclosed that includes: an earpiece having an earpiece housing that defines an opening; a button assembly positionable within the opening, the button housing having an upper and lower portion and defining a channel with a central axis; a crown axially aligned with the central axis and configured to move into engagement with the upper portion of the button housing; a hub coupled to the crown and positioned within the channel, the hub translatable along and rotatable about the central axis, the hub including one or more markings and configured to engage with the compressible dome when the hub is translated toward an interior of the earpiece housing; and seals positioned between the hub and the button housing, a first seal positioned adjacent the upper portion of the button housing and configured to form a watertight seal, and a second seal positioned between the hub and the compressible dome, the first seal having a variable diameter, and only a portion of the seal contacting the hub and the button housing.

[0015] A headphone is disclosed, the headphone including: a headband assembly; a first earpiece coupled to a first end of the headband assembly; and a second earpiece coupled to a second end of the headband assembly, each of the first and second earpieces comprising an earpiece housing, an acoustic driver disposed within the earpiece housing, and an earpiece cushion assembly coupled to the earpiece housing to cooperatively define a cavity sized to accommodate a user's ear, the earpiece cushion assembly comprising: an annular earpiece cushion; and a support structure disposed between the annular earpiece cushion and the earpiece housing, the support structure comprising cantilevered support members distributed along a periphery of the cavity and protruding into the cavity.

[0016] An earpiece suitable for use with over-the-ear headphones is disclosed, the earpiece including an earpiece housing and an earpiece cushion assembly coupled to the earpiece housing to cooperatively define a cavity sized to accommodate a user's ear, the earpiece cushion assembly including an annular earpiece cushion, a support structure disposed between the annular earpiece cushion and the earpiece housing, the support structure including cantilevered support members distributed around the cavity and protruding into the cavity, and an acoustic driver.

[0017] Disclosed are headphones including first and second earpieces, each of the earpieces comprising an earpiece housing, an acoustic driver disposed within the earpiece housing, an earpiece cushion assembly coupled to the earpiece housing, each earpiece cushion assembly comprising an annular earpiece cushion and a support structure disposed between the annular earpiece cushion and the earpiece housing, the support structure being distributed around the annular earpiece cushion and supporting the annular earpiece cushion; and a headband assembly mechanically coupling the first and second earpieces.

[0018] Disclosed are earpieces for a pair of headphones, the earpiece comprising: a conductive earpiece housing defining an interior volume having a central region and an outer region surrounding the central region, the conductive earpiece housing including a portion defining a ground plane component for an antenna, the conductive earpiece housing having an elongated slot formed through the ground plane component; and a slot antenna disposed within the outer region of the interior volume and electrically coupled to the ground plane component, the slot antenna comprising a frame formed from a radio frequency transparent material and defining an inner cavity sealed within the interior volume, the frame including a tongue having first and second opposing surfaces protruding away from the inner cavity and a distal end facing the elongated slot and extending between the first and second opposing surfaces, the distal end of the tongue allowing radio frequency waves to enter the inner cavity through the elongated slot, the outer remainder of the frame being plated with one or more layers of metal that prevent radio frequency waves from entering the inner cavity.

[0019] Disclosed are earpieces for a pair of headphones, the earpieces comprising a conductive earpiece housing defining an interior volume having a central region and an outer bulged region surrounding the central region, the conductive earpiece housing including a portion defining a ground plane component for an antenna, the conductive earpiece housing having an elongated rectangular slot formed therethrough; a radio circuit disposed within the interior volume; an audio processing circuit disposed within the interior volume and operably coupled to the radio circuit; a microphone disposed within the interior volume and operably coupled to the audio processing circuit; a speaker disposed within the central region of the interior volume and operably coupled to the audio processing circuit; and a microphone disposed within the bulged region of the interior volume. a slot antenna disposed on and operably coupled to a radio circuit, the slot antenna comprising: a frame formed from a rigid radio frequency transparent material and defining an interior cavity within an interior volume, the frame including a tongue having first and second opposing surfaces protruding away from the interior cavity and a distal end facing the elongated rectangular slot and extending between the first and second opposing surfaces, the distal end of the tongue allowing radio frequency waves to enter the interior cavity through the elongated slot, the remainder of the exterior of the frame being plated with one or more layers of metal that prevent radio frequency waves from entering the interior cavity; and a ground connection between the slot antenna and a ground plane component of a conductive earpiece housing.

[0020] Disclosed are earpieces for a pair of headphones, the earpieces comprising: an earpiece housing defining an interior volume having a central region and an outer region surrounding the central region, the earpiece housing including an elongated slot and an acoustic opening formed through the earpiece housing adjacent the elongated slot; and a slot antenna disposed within the outer region of the interior volume and including a frame formed from a radio frequency transparent material and defining an interior cavity sealed within the interior volume, the frame including a support structure extending into the interior cavity and a tongue projecting away from the interior cavity. a slot antenna comprising: a tongue having one and second opposing surfaces and a distal end facing the elongated slot and extending between the first and second opposing surfaces, the distal end of the tongue allowing radio frequency waves to enter the inner cavity through the elongated slot and the remainder of the exterior of the frame being plated with one or more layers of metal that prevent radio frequency waves from entering the inner cavity; and an acoustic pathway at least partially defined by an acoustic vent having an opening aligned with the acoustic opening, the acoustic pathway acoustically coupling the acoustic opening to the interior volume.

[0021] Disclosed are earpieces for a pair of headphones, the earpieces comprising: an earpiece housing defining an interior volume, the earpiece housing having an inner side extending at a first angle around a central opening of the earpiece housing and a first opening formed through the inner side; an earpiece cover coupled to the earpiece housing and covering the central opening, the earpiece cover having a plurality of sound openings formed through a central region of the earpiece cover, an outer side extending around the central region and aligned with the inner side of the earpiece housing and extending above the inner side, and a second opening formed through the outer side and aligned with the first opening; an annular earpiece cushion coupled to the earpiece housing surrounding an ear-receiving region of the earpiece; and an earpiece cushion disposed within the interior volume and configured to receive the earpiece cushion. a speaker positioned to direct acoustic energy into an ear-receiving area of ​​the earpiece through a plurality of sound openings in the bar; a carrier coupled to the earpiece housing and positioned over the first and second openings, the carrier having a body formed between first and second opposing major surfaces, the first major surface facing the ear-receiving area and the second major surface including a mounting portion positioned at a second angle relative to the earpiece housing that is different from the first angle; and an optical sensor comprising an optical emitting device and an optical receiving device, coupled to the mounting portion of the carrier, the optical sensor being positioned to emit radiation through the body of the carrier and through the first and second openings into the ear-receiving area and to receive reflected radiation through the first and second openings and back through the body of the carrier.

[0022] An earpiece is disclosed, the earpiece comprising: an earpiece housing defining an interior volume, the earpiece housing having an inner side extending at a first angle around a central opening of the earpiece housing and a first opening formed through the inner side; an annular earpiece cushion coupled to the earpiece housing surrounding an ear-receiving region of the earpiece; a speaker disposed within the interior volume and positioned to direct acoustic energy into the ear-receiving region of the earpiece; and a carrier coupled to the earpiece housing and positioned over the first opening, the carrier comprising: and a carrier having a body formed between a first and second opposing major surface, the first major surface facing the ear-receiving area and the second major surface including a mounting portion disposed at a second angle relative to the earpiece housing that is different from the first angle; and an optical sensor comprising an optical emitting device and an optical receiving device, coupled to the mounting portion of the carrier, the optical sensor being positioned to emit radiation through the body of the carrier and through the first opening into the ear-receiving area, and to receive reflected radiation through the first opening and back through the body of the carrier.

[0023] An earpiece is disclosed comprising: an earpiece housing defining an interior volume, the earpiece housing having an interior side extending at a first angle around a central opening of the earpiece housing and a first opening formed through the interior side; an annular earpiece cushion coupled to the earpiece housing surrounding an ear-receiving area of ​​the earpiece; a speaker disposed within the interior volume and positioned to direct acoustic energy into the ear-receiving area of ​​the earpiece; and an optical sensor coupled to the interior side of the earpiece housing, the optical sensor comprising an optical emitting device and an optical receiving device, and positioned to emit radiation into the ear-receiving area through the first opening and receive reflected radiation through the first opening.

[0024] A headphone earpiece is disclosed, the headphone earpiece comprising: a housing defining an interior volume; an earpiece cover disposed within the interior volume and comprising a first magnet and a metal shunt, the metal shunt being positioned between the earpiece cover and the first magnet; and an earpiece cushion assembly removably coupled to the housing, the earpiece cushion assembly comprising: an annular earpiece cushion coupled to a frame; and a magnetic element disposed between the earpiece cushion and the frame, wherein when the earpiece cushion assembly is coupled to the housing, the magnetic element is magnetically coupled to the first magnet, and the first magnet is configured to direct magnetic flux through the magnetic element to secure the earpiece cushion assembly to the housing.

[0025] An earpiece is disclosed, the earpiece comprising: a housing defining an interior volume; a central portion coupled to the housing and positioned within the interior volume; an annular shelf surrounding the central portion; a sidewall extending around a central opening of the earpiece cover between the central portion and the annular shelf; a first magnet and a metal shunt positioned on the annular shelf, the metal shunt being positioned between the earpiece cover and the first magnet; a speaker positioned within the interior volume and positioned to direct acoustic energy through the central portion of the earpiece cover; and a removable earpiece cover. an earpiece cushion assembly comprising: a frame coupled to the housing and having a central portion; an annular surface surrounding the central portion of the frame; a sidewall extending around the central portion of the frame between the central portion and the annular surface; an earpiece cushion coupled to the annular surface of the frame; and a magnetic element disposed on the annular surface between the earpiece cushion and the frame, the magnetic element magnetically coupled to a first magnet when the earpiece cushion assembly is coupled to the housing, the first magnet configured to direct magnetic flux through the magnetic element to secure the earpiece cushion assembly to the housing.

[0026] An earpiece is disclosed that includes: a housing defining an interior volume; an earpiece cover coupled to the housing and comprising a central portion disposed within the interior volume, an annular shelf surrounding the central portion, a sidewall extending around a central opening of the earpiece cover between the central portion and the annular shelf, and a first magnet positioned on the annular shelf; and an earpiece cushion assembly removably coupled to the earpiece cover and comprising: a frame having a central portion, an annular surface surrounding the central portion of the frame, a sidewall extending around the central portion of the frame between the central portion and the annular surface, the earpiece cushion coupled with the annular surface of the frame, and a magnetic element positioned on the annular surface between the earpiece cushion and the frame, wherein the magnetic element is magnetically coupled with the first magnet when the earpiece cushion assembly is coupled to the housing, the first magnet being configured to direct magnetic flux through the magnetic element to secure the earpiece cushion assembly to the housing.

[0027] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] The disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which reference numerals designate like structural elements and in which:

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 shows a front view of an exemplary set of over-ear or on-ear headphones.

[0030] [Figure 2A] 1 shows a simplified front view of an exemplary set of over-ear or on-ear headphones. [Figure 2B] 1 shows a simplified front view of an exemplary set of over-ear or on-ear headphones.

[0031] [Figure 3A] 1 shows a simplified front view of headphones with off-center pivoting earpieces according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 1 shows a simplified front view of headphones with off-center pivoting earpieces according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pivoting mechanism according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of various components of the pivot mechanism shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of various components of the pivot mechanism shown in FIG. 4A.

[0034] [Figure 4D] 4B shows a portion of the pivot mechanism shown in FIG. 4A.

[0035] [Figure 4E] 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the pivoting mechanism shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4F] 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the pivoting mechanism shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4G] 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the pivoting mechanism shown in FIG. 4A.

[0036] [Figure 4H] FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of various components of the pivot mechanism shown in FIG. 4A.

[0037] [Figure 4I] 4B shows a perspective view of a portion of the pivot mechanism shown in FIG. 4A.

[0038] [Figure 4J] 4B shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pivot mechanism shown in FIG. 4A.

[0039] [Figure 5A]10 illustrates a locking mechanism for attaching the earpiece to the headband stem, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] 10 illustrates a locking mechanism for attaching the earpiece to the headband stem, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5C] 10 illustrates a locking mechanism for attaching the earpiece to the headband stem, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5D] 10 illustrates a locking mechanism for attaching the earpiece to the headband stem, according to some embodiments.

[0040] [Figure 6A] 10 illustrates another locking mechanism for attaching the earpiece to the headband stem, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6B] 10 illustrates another locking mechanism for attaching the earpiece to the headband stem, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6C] 10 illustrates another locking mechanism for attaching the earpiece to the headband stem, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6D] 10 illustrates another locking mechanism for attaching the earpiece to the headband stem, according to some embodiments.

[0041] [Figure 7] 1 shows a perspective view of an earpiece that contacts the side of a user's head.

[0042] [Figure 8A] 1A and 1B show perspective views of an earpiece housing and cushion frame configured to support an earpiece cushion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] [Figure 8B] 8B shows a perspective view of an earpiece cushion suitable for use with the earpiece housing and cushion frame shown in FIG. 8A.

[0044] [Figure 8C] 8B illustrates an embodiment of a support structure that can take the form of an insert that is not integrally formed with the cushion frame shown in FIG. 8A.

[0045] [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D illustrates how the support structure shown in FIG. 8C can include webbing that creates a loose mechanical coupling between adjacent cantilevered support members.

[0046] [Figure 9A] 1 shows a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating how the earpiece defines a cavity sized to receive a user's ear.

[0047] [Figure 9B] 10A-10C illustrate cross-sectional views of a portion of an earpiece showing one of the cantilevered support members integrally formed with the cushion frame according to some embodiments.

[0048] [Figure 9C] 10A-10C illustrate cross-sectional views of a portion of an earpiece that does not include one of the cantilevered support members, according to some embodiments.

[0049] [Figure 10A] 8D shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of an earpiece cushion assembly according to some embodiments that utilizes the support structure shown in FIG. 8C. [Figure 10B] 8D shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of an earpiece cushion assembly according to some embodiments that utilizes the support structure shown in FIG. 8C.

[0050] [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one side of an earpiece cushion assembly having a support structure embedded within a protective cover, according to some embodiments.

[0051] [Figure 12]1 shows a perspective view of headphones according to some embodiments of the present disclosure being worn by a user.

[0052] [Figure 13A] 13A-13C show perspective views of various embodiments of components that make up the canopy structure of the headphones shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 13B] 13A-13C show perspective views of various embodiments of components that make up the canopy structure of the headphones shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 13C] 13A-13C show perspective views of various embodiments of components that make up the canopy structure of the headphones shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 13D] 13A-13C show perspective views of various embodiments of components that make up the canopy structure of the headphones shown in FIG. 12.

[0053] [Figure 13E] 1 is a simplified diagram of a mesh assembly that can be incorporated into a headband, according to some embodiments. [Figure 13F] 1 is a simplified diagram of a mesh assembly that can be incorporated into a headband, according to some embodiments. [Figure 13G] 1 is a simplified diagram of a mesh assembly that can be incorporated into a headband, according to some embodiments.

[0054] [Figure 14A] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a multi-component headband, according to some embodiments. [Figure 14B] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a multi-component headband, according to some embodiments.

[0055] [Figure 14C] 14B shows a further view of the multi-component headband of FIG. 14A. [Figure 14D] 14B shows a further view of the multi-component headband of FIG. 14A.

[0056] [Figure 15A] 1 illustrates a vibration damping device according to some embodiments. [Figure 15B] 1 illustrates a vibration damping device according to some embodiments. [Figure 15C] 1 illustrates a vibration damping device according to some embodiments.

[0057] [Figure 16A] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary acoustic configuration within an earpiece according to some embodiments that may be applied in many of the earpieces described above.

[0058] [Figure 16B] 16B shows the exterior of the earpiece shown in FIG. 16A with the input panel removed to show the shape and size of the interior volume associated with the speaker assembly.

[0059] [Figure 16C] 1 illustrates a microphone mounted within an earpiece according to some embodiments.

[0060] [Figure 17A] 1 illustrates an earpiece including a slot antenna according to some embodiments.

[0061] [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a simplified cross-sectional view of the earpiece of FIG. 17A according to some embodiments.

[0062] [Figure 17C] FIG. 17B is a simplified plan view of the earpiece of FIG. 17A according to some embodiments.

[0063] [Figure 17D] FIG. 17B is a simplified cross-sectional view of the earpiece of FIG. 17A taken along line A-A', according to some embodiments.

[0064] [Figure 17E] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot antenna according to some embodiments without the earpiece shown.

[0065] [Figure 17F] 17B shows a diagram of the slot antenna of FIG. 17A according to some embodiments.

[0066] [Figure 17G] 17B is a simplified cross-sectional view of the earpiece of FIG. 17A taken along line BB' to illustrate an acoustic channel formed through the earpiece, according to some embodiments.

[0067] [Figure 17H-I] Figure 17H ​​is a simplified cross-sectional view of the earpiece of Figure 17A along line B-B' to show an acoustic channel formed through the earpiece, according to some embodiments. Figure 17I is a detailed view of a portion of the cross-section of the earpiece of Figure 17H, according to some embodiments.

[0068] [Figure 17J] FIG. 17C is a simplified diagram of a portion of the acoustic channel of FIG. 17H, according to some embodiments.

[0069] [Figure 17K] 17I is another portion of the acoustic channel of FIG. 17I according to some embodiments.

[0070] [Figure 17L] 17I, according to some embodiments.

[0071] [Figure 18] 1 shows a perspective view of a pair of headphones according to some embodiments.

[0072] [Figure 19A] 19 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a user input button for use with the headphones of FIG. 18, according to some embodiments. [Figure 19B] 19 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a user input button for use with the headphones of FIG. 18, according to some embodiments.

[0073] [Figure 19C] FIG. 19C is a perspective view of components of the input button of FIGS. 19A and 19B, according to an embodiment.

[0074] [Figure 19D] FIG. 19C is a plan view of components of the input button of FIGS. 19A and 19B, according to some embodiments.

[0075] [Figure 20A] 19 is a simplified cross-sectional view of another exemplary user input button for use with the headphones of FIG. 18, according to some embodiments. [Figure 20B] 19 is a simplified cross-sectional view of another exemplary user input button for use with the headphones of FIG. 18, according to some embodiments. [Figure 20C] 19 is a simplified cross-sectional view of another exemplary user input button for use with the headphones of FIG. 18, according to some embodiments. [Figure 20D] 19 is a simplified cross-sectional view of another exemplary user input button for use with the headphones of FIG. 18, according to some embodiments.

[0076] [Figure 21] 19 is a simplified cross-sectional view of another exemplary button for use with the headphones of FIG. 18, according to some embodiments.

[0077] [Figure 22A] 19 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary button for use with the headphones of FIG. 18, according to some embodiments. [Figure 22B] 19 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary button for use with the headphones of FIG. 18, according to some embodiments.

[0078] [Figure 23] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process for on-ear detection using on-ear detection, according to some embodiments.

[0079] [Figure 24] 1 shows the earpiece of a headphone positioned over a user's ear.

[0080] [Figure 25A] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an earpiece with an on-ear detection system, according to some embodiments.

[0081] [Figure 25B] 25B illustrates various components for use with the on-ear detection system of FIG. 25A, according to some embodiments.

[0082] [Figure 26A] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a coupling component of an earpiece according to some embodiments.

[0083] [Figure 26B] 26B illustrates a portion of the combined components of the earpiece of FIG. 26A according to some embodiments.

[0084] [Figure 26C] 26B illustrates the alignment direction of the coupling components of the earpiece of FIG. 26A according to some embodiments. [Figure 26D] 26B illustrates the alignment direction of the coupling components of the earpiece of FIG. 26A according to some embodiments.

[0085] [Figure 27A] 26B illustrates an exemplary cushion identification system for use with the earpiece of FIG. 26A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 27B] 26B illustrates an exemplary cushion identification system for use with the earpiece of FIG. 26A, according to some embodiments.

[0086] [Figure 28A] 26B illustrates another exemplary cushion identification for use with the earpiece of FIG. 26A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 28B] 26B illustrates another exemplary cushion identification for use with the earpiece of FIG. 26A, according to some embodiments.

[0087] [Figure 29A] 10A-10C show cross-sectional views of various cushions for use with headphones, according to some embodiments. [Figure 29B] 10A-10C show cross-sectional views of various cushions for use with headphones, according to some embodiments.

[0088] [Figure 29C] 10A-10C show cross-sectional views of various cushions for use with headphones, according to some embodiments.

[0089] [Figure 30] 1 illustrates exemplary headphones including earpieces joined together by a headband in a flattened position according to some embodiments.

[0090] [Figure 31] 1 shows a carrying case with headphones positioned inside. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0091] Representative examples of applications of the methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are provided solely to add context and to aid in understanding the described embodiments. Thus, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the described embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, and therefore the following examples should not be construed as limiting.

[0092] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of the description, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, but these examples are not to be construed as limiting, and therefore other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments.

[0093] Although headphones have been manufactured for many years, numerous design issues remain. For example, over-ear headphones tend to be large and bulky, making them less desirable for use outside of a studio or home environment. One factor contributing to the undesirable size and / or weight of some headphones is the earpiece pads that seal the headphone earpieces around the user's ears to provide passive acoustic noise cancellation / blocking during headphone use. Earpiece pads are generally larger and / or thicker than necessary for any particular user, resulting in the pads being unable to create a robust acoustic seal for any user of the headphones. This additional padding is often necessary to allow the pads to accommodate users with various head sizes and shapes. For example, users may have protruding bones that the earpiece pads must accommodate.

[0094] As another example, some headphones are uncomfortably heavy and / or provide a less-than-ideal fit for many users. The location where the headband connects to the earpieces can be part of the problem with some such headphones. For example, many conventional headphones connect the headband at the midpoint of the earpieces, allowing the earpieces to swivel. However, this can create an uncomfortable and / or undesirable fit for the user because one portion of each earpiece (e.g., the bottom) can apply pressure to the user's head, while another portion (e.g., the top) can leave a gap that allows external sounds to be heard.

[0095] As yet another example, some headphones are susceptible to undesirable noises that can be generated and heard during use of the headphones when a user activates an input button or similar feature to control one or more aspects of the headphones. For example, some input buttons may include a metal portion that contacts another metal component to activate a particular function of the headphones. The contact of the metal components can cause them to vibrate, and because the headphones are directly on the user's ear, this can create a slight noise that can be heard by the user, making for a less than ideal user experience.

[0096] As described herein, the inventors have developed solutions to address the above-mentioned shortcomings, as well as other shortcomings of some currently available headphones. Unless otherwise specified, the various solutions described herein can be used individually or collectively in any suitable combination to improve the headphone user experience.

[0097] One solution devised by the inventors and described herein to reduce the weight and / or size of headphones is to reduce the thickness of the earpiece pad and selectively reinforce it with a support structure including a plurality of discrete cantilevered support members distributed around the periphery of the central opening defined by each earpiece cushion assembly. The cantilevered support members have a size and shape that increases the stiffness of the earpiece pad and allows the cantilevered support members to flex sufficiently to conform to the contours of the user's head. The support structure allows a first region of the earpiece pad to receive only a minimal amount of force so that it is fully supported by one or more of the cantilevered support members that remain in a non-deflected position. This first region of the earpiece pad may correspond to a concave or flat area of ​​the user's head. The support structure also allows a second region of the earpiece pad to receive a greater amount of force to deform due to one or more cantilevered support members deflecting to accommodate movement of the material comprising the earpiece pad in the second region. Each of the separate cantilevered support members can deflect independently, thereby allowing the amount of force exerted by the support structure to vary dramatically between adjacent cantilevered support members. For example, a first cantilevered support member may exert very little force on the earpiece pad while a second adjacent cantilevered support member may undergo a significant amount of deflection. In this way, the earpiece pad can change shape significantly without relying on thick padding while maintaining a consistent amount of force against the portion of the user's head surrounding the user's ear.

[0098] One solution described herein for improving headphone fit for some users involves changing the location where the headband connects to the earpieces. For example, the headband can connect to the earpieces at the top portion of the earpieces, as opposed to the central region, as is the case with many conventional earpieces. The earpieces can include pivot mechanisms that connect to the ends of the headband and allow the earpieces to pivot at the top portion of each earpiece. The earpieces and pivot mechanisms can further be designed to apply relatively consistent pressure across the entire contact surface of the user's head. Consistent pressure can provide a more comfortable fit for the user, create a better seal, and reduce the amount of external noise that can enter the earpieces. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the pivot mechanism can couple the stem of the headband to the headphone earpieces using a spring-driven pivot mechanism that controls the movement of the earpiece relative to the band. The spring-driven pivot mechanism can be positioned near the top of the earpiece, allowing it to be integrated into the earpiece instead of being external to the earpiece. In this way, the earpieces can be equipped with pivot functionality without increasing the overall bulk of the headphones. Different types of springs may be utilized to control movement of the earpieces relative to the headband. Specific examples including compression springs are described in detail below. The springs associated with each earpiece, in conjunction with the headband, can set the amount of force applied to a user wearing the headphones. In some embodiments, the headband can include multiple components formed together to minimize variation in the force exerted across a large spectrum of users with different head sizes.

[0099] One solution described herein to noise that may be generated by certain user input controls is to position a damping material between components that contact each other. The damping material can reduce noise caused by the components touching.

[0100] These and other embodiments are described below with reference to Figures 1-31. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to those figures is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0101] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of exemplary headphones 100 suitable for use in the described embodiments. The headphones 100 can include a headband assembly 102 that can be configured to mechanically and electrically couple earpieces 104. The headband assembly 102 can include a headband 108 and a stem 106. The headband 108 can include multiple components and / or layers formed together into a single piece. For example, the headband 108 can include material layered around a central structure. In some embodiments, the earpieces 104 can take the form of earcups sized and shaped to fit over and / or around a user's ears (i.e., some embodiments are associated with circumaural headphones), while in other embodiments, the earpieces 104 can take the form of on-ear earpieces sized and shaped to fit over a user's ears (i.e., some embodiments are associated with supraaural headphones).

[0102] The earpieces 104 may be joined to opposing ends of the headband assembly 102 by stems 106 of the headband assembly 102. The stems 106 are disposed on opposing ends of the headband 108, allowing the earpieces 104 to be independently oriented toward the surface of the user's head. The stems 106 may rotate along one or more axes (e.g., along a yaw axis 114 and / or a roll axis 116). The stems 106 of the earpieces 104 also allow the earpieces 104 of the headphones 100 to be folded and / or oriented in a storage position. In some embodiments, the earpieces 104 may be detachable from the stems 106. For example, the earpieces 104 may be detached and removed from the headband assembly 102.

[0103] Each earpiece 104 can include an earpiece housing 112 and an earpiece cushion assembly 110 coupled to the earpiece housing 112. The earpiece housing 112 defines a cavity within which electrical components such as a speaker, microphone, sensors, and printed circuit board are housed. In various embodiments, the earpiece housing 112 can be or can include a one-piece aluminum structure. The earpiece cushion assembly 110 can include a deformable material configured to deform to conform to the curvature of the user's head and can reduce and / or prevent sound from entering or exiting the earpiece 104. The deformable material can be, for example, silicone or foam, and can be encased in a layer of leather or textile material to provide decorative and comfort features for a user of the headphones 100. In some embodiments, each earpiece cushion assembly 110 can include multiple layers of different deformable materials and / or can include one or more portions with different acoustic properties, as described below.

[0104] In some embodiments, the processor and wireless communication module may be located in one or both earpieces 104. The wireless communication module provides more convenient cord-free use of headphones 100. Headphones 100 may also include a wired headphone jack for receiving media. Headphones 100 can receive media via wired and / or wireless communication from one or more of a smartphone, television, computer, stereo, or any suitable media source. In addition to helping manage incoming media being received via a wired or wireless receiver, the processor may also be configured to manage sensors that help provide services such as headphone direction determination (e.g., to determine which stereo channel to send to which earpiece 104) and active noise cancellation. In some embodiments, the processor may store media received from a media source. For example, the processor may store media for later playback by headphones 100.

[0105] Various embodiments of the headphones 100 include user input controls 118 for controlling one or more aspects of the headphones. For example, the user input controls 118 can control media playback (e.g., play or pause) and / or audio volume, answering and / or ending calls, and other functions of the headphones 100. The user input controls 118 can be or include buttons, knobs, touch sensors, or any suitable input device. While FIG. 1 shows two user input controls 118, the number of separate controls is not limited to any particular number and can vary from 0 to 4, 6, or more in various embodiments. Also, in some embodiments, the user input controls 118 can be implemented by a single input control area, such as a touchscreen, that can detect a user's touch and identify gestures across a touch-sensitive area formed along an outer portion of the earpiece housing 112. In still other embodiments, the input controls can be in the form of one or more buttons disposed along the periphery of the earpiece housing 112, as discussed with respect to some exemplary embodiments discussed herein. Swivel earpiece (moment component)

[0106] 2A and 2B show front views of an exemplary pair of previously known over-the-ear or on-ear headphones 200. The headphones 200 include a headband 202 coupled to earpieces 204 at a pivot point 206. The pivot point 206 is located at the center of the earpieces 204, allowing the earpieces to pivot relative to the headband 202. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B , the earpieces 204 can pivot through a range of motion 208. A pivot point 206 located at the midpoint of the earpieces 204 allows the earpieces to pivot so that they are positioned approximately parallel to the surface of the user's head. Unfortunately, positioning the pivot point 206 at the center of the earpieces 204 necessitates bulky arms extending to either side of the earpieces 204, thereby significantly increasing the size and weight of the earpieces 204.

[0107] In contrast to the headphone design shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , embodiments of the present disclosure include headphones 300 with off-center pivoting earpieces. Headphones 300 can be the same as or similar to headphones 100, although headphones 300 can have additional and / or alternative components. FIGS. 3A and 3B show a front view of headphones 300, which can include a headband assembly 302 and earpieces 304. Both ends of headband assembly 302 can be coupled to the tops of earpieces 304 via pivot mechanisms 306. In some embodiments, pivot mechanisms 306 allow earpieces 304 to pivot about pivot points spaced from the top edge of each earpiece 304 by no more than 20 percent or no more than 10 percent of the height (H) of earpiece 304. This differs from existing headphones 200, in which pivot points 206 are located at or near the center of earpiece 204. The earpiece 304 can pivot about a pivot mechanism 306 through a range of motion 308. The range of motion 308 can be configured to accommodate the head sizes of most users based on studies conducted on average head size measurements.

[0108] Despite the compact configuration of headphones 300, the headphones can still perform the same functions as more traditional configurations of headphones 200, including applying force through the center of earpieces 304 and establishing an acoustic seal. In some embodiments, range of motion 308 can range from 10 degrees to 25 degrees. In further embodiments, range of motion 308 may not have defined stops (e.g., hard stops), but instead may become progressively less flexible as it moves away from a neutral position (e.g., a position where earpieces 304 are a minimum distance from each other). Pivot mechanism 306 can include spring elements configured to apply a retaining force to a user's ears when headphones 300 are in use. The spring elements can also urge the earpieces back to the neutral position when headphones 300 are no longer being worn.

[0109] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a pivot mechanism 400 according to some embodiments. The pivot mechanism 400 may represent the pivot mechanism 306 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and may be positioned on an upper portion of an earpiece, such as the earpiece 304 according to some embodiments. The pivot mechanism 400 may be configured to accommodate movement about multiple axes, thereby allowing both roll and yaw adjustment of the earpiece 304 relative to the headband assembly 302. For example, the pivot mechanism 400 may rotate about a yaw axis 402 and a roll axis 404. The pivot mechanism 400 may include an opening 406 defined at least in part by a collar 409. The opening 406 may be sized and shaped to receive a portion of the headband assembly 302. The collar 409 may receive and engage the headband assembly 302 (e.g., via a latch component that may couple the headband assembly 302 and the collar 409). The openings 406 can receive the headband assembly 302 (e.g., each opening in the left and right earpieces on opposite sides of the headband can receive one of two stems, such as stem 1208 discussed below), and can enable rotation of the earpieces 304 about the yaw axis 402 and / or the roll axis 404.

[0110] One or more seals 408 may be positioned to at least partially, and in some embodiments completely, surround opening 406 and seal the ingress of opening 406 from external contaminants and / or moisture. For example, face seal 408a may be positioned to seal against the face of the pivot mechanism, and O-ring seal 408b may be positioned to seal around the portion of headband assembly 302 positioned within opening 406. Seals 408 may be made from compressible or similar materials.

[0111] One or more compression springs 410 can oppose rotation of the pivoting mechanism 400 about the roll axis 404. The compression springs 410 can be separated and held in place by one or more spacers 412, which can prevent lateral movement of the compression springs 410. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B , the one or more spacers 412 can include multiple tubular sections that slide on rods 413. As described below, two compression springs 410 can be coupled to the spacer by the arrangement of pistons 450. The spacer 412 is not limited to the specific implementation shown in FIG. 4B . As an example, in some embodiments, the spacer 412 can be a bar or similar component with two grooves formed therein, spaced apart at a desired distance for mounting the springs.

[0112] In various embodiments, one or more connectors 414 may extend from the pivot mechanism 400 to electrically couple components attached to the pivot mechanism 400 with the headband assembly 302. For example, the connectors 414 may electrically couple the two earpieces 304 to each other through the headband assembly 302.

[0113] 4B and 4C show the various components of the pivot mechanism 400 in an exploded state. The pivot mechanism 400 can include a roll bar 416 and a base 418 (the base 418 is also visible in FIG. 4A ), which can serve as a central hub for receiving the various components. The base 418 can also include a mounting portion 446 that allows the pivot mechanism to be attached to an earpiece housing by fasteners 448. The base 418 can receive a magnet 420 that can cooperate with a sensor configured to determine whether the headphones 300 are being worn (as described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4D ). A latch plate 422 can also be positioned within the pivot mechanism 400 to secure a portion of the headband assembly 302 (as described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B ).

[0114] Seals 424 may be positioned between the roll bar 416 and the faceplate 426 (also visible in FIG. 4A ) to seal against ingress of moisture and / or dust into the pivot mechanism 400. For example, dynamic seal 424a may be used to seal against ingress between the faceplate 426 and the roll bar 416. Similarly, O-ring 424b may be positioned inside the pivot mechanism 400 to provide an additional seal against ingress. Dynamic seal 424a may include a resilient material that allows for movement of the pivot mechanism, for example, movement about the roll axis 404. Seals 424a, 424b (collectively referred to herein as “seals 424”) may be or include an elastomeric seal (e.g., silicone) and / or any suitable material for sealing against ingress against external particles and / or moisture.

[0115] FIG. 4C illustrates various electronic connectors that may be included in some embodiments of the pivot mechanism 400. Various flex connectors 428 may be used to connect various sensors within the pivot mechanism 400 with processing components. For example, flex connector 428a may be used to connect Hall effect sensors with processing components (as described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4D). Flex connector 428b may be used to connect headband receptacle 430 with processing components. Flex connector 428b may be a dynamic flex connector that can move in response to rotation of the pivot mechanism 400 (e.g., movement about yaw axis 402). Flex connector shield 432 may be positioned within the pivot mechanism 400 to guide and / or protect flex connector 420b during movement of flex connector 420b. Flex connector 420b may be electrically coupled to cable 434, which may enable movement of the pivot mechanism 400 about roll axis 404. For example, the cable 434 can have a length that allows the cable 434 to extend from a starting position as the pivoting mechanism 400 moves about the roll axis 404 .

[0116] 4D shows magnets 420 and sensors 436 positioned within the pivoting mechanism 400. The magnets 420 may be positioned in opposing orientations (e.g., a first magnet has a north pole facing outward from the pivoting mechanism 400, and a second magnet has a south pole facing outward from the pivoting mechanism 400). The opposing poles of the magnets 420 may generate a magnetic flux that travels between the two magnets. The sensor 436 may be or include a Hall Effect sensor and / or a sensor capable of detecting changes in the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 420. The magnet 420 may rotate about the roll axis 404 (e.g., as the pivoting mechanism 400 rotates about the roll axis 404), which may cause a change in the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 420. The sensor 436 may detect changes in the magnetic flux that can be used to determine that the pivoting mechanism 400 is rotating about the roll axis 404. The sensor 436 can detect changes in magnetic flux to determine when the headphones 300 are being worn or not being worn by a user based on the pivot mechanism 400 rotating about the roll axis 404. For example, a user can rotate the pivot mechanism 400 about the roll axis 404 when the earpieces 304 are pulled away from each other. Pulling the earpieces 304 away from each other can indicate that the headphones 300 are being worn or not being worn. A magnetic flux shield 438 can be positioned over the magnet 420 (e.g., between the magnet 420 and the surrounding environment) to reduce or prevent magnetic flux from exiting the pivot mechanism 400. For example, the magnetic flux shield 438 can reduce or prevent magnetic flux from exiting the pivot mechanism 400 and interfering with electronic components positioned within the earpieces 304.

[0117] 4E and 4F show cross-sectional views of the pivot mechanism 400. FIG. 4E shows the pivot mechanism 400 in a relaxed position (e.g., with no torque applied to the pivot mechanism 400). For example, the pivot mechanism 400 may be in the relaxed position when the headphones 300 are not being worn and / or when the headphones 300 are in a storage configuration. FIG. 4F shows the pivot mechanism 400 in a rotated position (e.g., with a torque applied to the pivot mechanism 400 and / or the headphones 300). For example, the pivot mechanism 400 may be in the rotated position when the earpieces 304 are pulled apart and / or when the headphones 300 are positioned on a user's head. Traditionally, the force required to pivot the pivot mechanism 400 increases continuously the further the pivot mechanism 400 is pivoted away from the relaxed state (i.e., it is relatively easy to initiate rotation of the earpiece 304, but the further the earpiece 304 is rotated, the more difficult it becomes to rotate the earpiece 304). In various embodiments described herein, the compression spring 410 may be mounted at an angle 449 relative to the yaw axis 402 that allows the force required to pivot the pivot mechanism 400 to remain relatively constant as the pivot mechanism pivots away from the relaxed state (i.e., the same force can be used to rotate the earpiece 304 regardless of the earpiece's rotational position). A pivoting force that remains relatively constant can improve user comfort by allowing earpieces 304 for various head sizes to apply the same force to a user's head. For example, the force that the earpiece 304 applies to a user with a large head is the same or similar to the force that the earpiece 304 applies to a user with a smaller head.

[0118] One or more compression springs 410 may be positioned to allow the pivoting mechanism 400 to rotate about a roll axis 404. As shown in Figures 4E and 4F, the roll axis 404 extends out from the page facing straight ahead to the viewer and is represented as a dot. The compression springs 410 may be preloaded with a force and positioned at an angle relative to the yaw axis 402. The force 440 from the compression springs 410 may be resolved into vertical force vectors 440a (i.e., a vertical force) and 440b (i.e., a horizontal force).

[0119] The compression spring 410 may be attached at a first end 437 to the rotation beam 441 at a first pivot point 456. The first end 437 of the compression spring 410 may be attached to the rotation beam 441 at a horizontal distance 443 and a vertical distance 445 away from the roll axis 404. The second end 439 of the compression spring 410 may be attached to the substrate 418 at a second pivot point 458. (i.e., the compression spring 410 may span between the first pivot point 456 and the second pivot point 458). The compression spring 410 may be mounted at the first pivot point 456 and the second pivot point 458 such that it is at an angle 449 relative to the yaw axis 402. The angle 449 may be in the range of 10 degrees to 80 degrees (e.g., 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, or 80 degrees). In some embodiments, angle 449 can range from 15 degrees to 60 degrees. In various embodiments, compression spring 410 can be preloaded with a force before being attached to first pivot point 456 and second pivot point 458.

[0120] When the pivoting mechanism 400 is in a relaxed position, the compression spring 410 may be in the position shown in FIG. 4E . For example, the compression spring 410 has a first end 437 at a horizontal distance 443 a and a vertical distance 445 a away from the roll axis 404 and at an angle 449 a relative to the yaw axis 402. The torque generated by the compression spring 410 is the result of a vertical force vector 440 a multiplied by the horizontal distance 443 and a horizontal force vector 440 b multiplied by the vertical distance 445. In various embodiments, the horizontal force vector 440 b may be approximately aligned with the roll axis 404 (i.e., the vertical distance 445 is approximately zero), and the resulting torque may be approximately zero. The vertical force vector 440 a multiplied by the horizontal distance 443 a can provide a resistive torque that can resist movement of the pivoting mechanism 400.

[0121] Applying torque to the pivoting mechanism 400 can cause the pivoting mechanism 400 to rotate about the roll axis 404, thereby causing rotation of the roll bar 416. The pivoting beam 441 can be attached to the roll bar 416 such that rotation of the roll bar 416 about the roll axis 404 causes the pivoting beam 441 to rotate about the roll axis 404. In various embodiments, the pivoting beam 441 and roll bar 416 can rotate about the roll axis 404 between about 10 degrees and about 30 degrees. For example, the pivoting beam 441 and roll bar 416 can rotate about the roll axis 404 about 20 degrees.

[0122] As the rotation beam 441 rotates about the roll axis 404, the first end 437 of the compression spring 410 can move a vertical distance away from the roll axis 404. In the resulting rotational position, as shown in FIG. 4F , the compression spring 410 can have its first end at a horizontal distance 443b and a vertical distance 445b away from the roll axis 404 and at an angle 449b relative to the yaw axis 402. The compression spring 410 can generate a greater force opposing rotation due to the increased compression of the compression spring 410. A horizontal force vector 440b can be positioned at a vertical distance 445b away from the roll axis 404, which can provide a torque that counteracts (i.e., subtracts from) the increased torque caused by the compression of the compression spring 410. In various embodiments, the torque generated by the horizontal force vector 440b positioned at a vertical distance 445b away from the roll axis is approximately equal to the increased force from the compression of the compression spring 410. The force required to rotate the pivoting mechanism 400 about the roll axis 404 can remain approximately the same regardless of the pivot position of the pivoting mechanism 400 (i.e., the force used to rotate the pivoting mechanism 400 about the roll axis 404 does not need to increase significantly as the pivoting mechanism 400 moves away from the relaxed state).

[0123] FIG. 4G shows a cross-sectional view of compression spring 410, and FIG. 4H shows an exploded view of compression spring 410. Compression spring 410 may include a piston 450 that fits within a channel 451 of a cylinder 452. Both piston 450 and cylinder 452 are at least partially surrounded by compression spring 410 (e.g., a portion of piston 450 and cylinder 452 extend beyond the length of compression spring 410). Piston 450 and cylinder 452, respectively, may be attached to pivot mechanism 400 at pivot points 456 and 458, respectively. Piston 450 may engage cylinder 452 (e.g., piston 450 may fit within channel 451 of cylinder 452) and may slide relative to cylinder 452 as pivot mechanism 400 rotates. The piston 450 engaging the cylinder 452 can reduce or prevent lateral deflection of the compression spring 410 as the compression spring 410 compresses in response to rotation of the rotating pivot mechanism 400. For example, the piston 450 engaging the cylinder 452 can prevent the compression spring 410 from bending and / or curving laterally. In some embodiments, the piston 450 can engage the cylinder 452 to provide additional resistance to rotation of the pivot mechanism 400. For example, the cylinder 452 can provide resistance to sliding of the piston 450.

[0124] Each pivot point 456 and 458 can be or include a bar (e.g., rod 415 or rod 413) that allows piston 450 and cylinder 452 to rotate about the respective pivot point. For example, first pivot point 456 can be or include rod 415, and second pivot point 458 can be or include rod 413. Piston 450 can slide in and out of cylinder 452 as pivot mechanism 400 pivots, which can prevent compression spring 410 from bending (e.g., flexing) during compression.

[0125] The pivot mechanism 400 may be attached to the headband assembly 302 via a collar 409. FIG. 4I shows the pivot mechanism 400 with the headband assembly 302 positioned within the collar 409. The collar 409 may define an opening 406 that may receive the headband assembly 302. The collar 409 and / or the headband assembly 302 may include an orientation component 460 that may orient the headband assembly 302 and prevent rotation of the headband assembly 302 relative to the collar 409 when the headband assembly 302 is inserted into the collar 409. The orientation component 460 may be positioned on an inner surface of the collar 409 and extend into the opening 406. The orientation component 460 may engage with the headband assembly 302 to position the headband assembly 302 within the collar 409 (e.g., to generally coaxially align the headband assembly 302 with the collar 409 and / or orient the headband assembly 302 relative to the collar 409). Orientation component 460 can be or include metal, rubber, or similar suitable material.

[0126] FIG. 4J shows a cross section of the pivot mechanism 400 with the headband assembly 302 positioned within the collar 409 of FIG. 4I. In various embodiments, the orientation component 460 can be or include a keyway 460a and / or one or more bumpers 460b. The keyway 460a can engage with a notch 462 in the headband assembly 302. The keyway 460a can orient the headband assembly 302 relative to the collar 409 and prevent the headband assembly 302 from rotating relative to the collar 409. The keyway 460a can allow the headband assembly 302 to be inserted into the collar 409 in only one orientation (e.g., the notch 462 is aligned with the keyway 460A). The notch 462 engaging with the keyway 460a can prevent the headband assembly 302 from rotating relative to the collar 409. The bumpers 460b can help position the headband assembly 302 within the collar 409. For example, the bumper 460b can generally align the center of the insert portion 464 of the headband assembly 302 with the central axis of the collar 409 (ie, the yaw axis 402). Detachable earpieces

[0127] In various embodiments, earpieces 304 may be removably attached to headband assembly 302. For example, a user may desire to have two or more sets of earpieces 304 of different colors or different designs. As another example, a user may desire to have earpieces with audio components specifically designed or calibrated for different types of music (e.g., classical music versus electronic music genres) or other uses. As yet another example, a user may desire to remove earpieces for more compact storage options for the headphones.

[0128] Some embodiments allow the earpieces 304 to be removed by the user for storage and / or replaced with another set of earpieces. In some embodiments, the earpieces 304 may be attached using a latching mechanism that is somewhat difficult for the user to unlatch, so that the earpieces are less likely to be accidentally detached. For example, a latch plate 422 (shown in FIG. 5C ) may be used to connect the headband assembly 302 to the pivot mechanism 400. FIG. 5A shows the latch plate 422 in a latched position. In the latched position, the latch plate 422 may be held in place by a compression spring 502, which may prevent the stem 504 of the headband assembly 102 from being removed from the pivot mechanism 400. As shown in FIG. 5D , the stem 504 may include a notched portion 506 having a smaller diameter that engages with the latch plate 422 when the latch plate 422 is in the latched position.

[0129] 5C , the latch plate 422 can include an opening 508 (e.g., an asymmetric opening) that is wider than the diameter of the stem 504 on the first end 508a and approximately the same diameter as the notched portion of the stem 504 on the second end 508b (i.e., the second end 508b can have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the unnotched portion of the stem 508a). In various embodiments, the latch plate 422 can engage and hold the stem 504 in place by positioning the latch plate 422, allowing the stem 504 to be inserted through the first end 508a of the opening. The latch plate 422 and / or the stem 504 can be moved laterally until the stem 504 is positioned at the second end 504b of the opening (e.g., until a portion of the latch plate 422 engages the notched portion 506 of the stem 504). The stem 504 may be held in place by the latch plate 422 because the diameter of the stem 504 is too large to fit through the second end 508b of the opening (e.g., the stem 504 cannot be pulled through the second end 508b of the opening in the latch plate 422). In some embodiments, the latch plate 422 is moved to position the stem 504 at the transmitting end of the opening by a compression spring 502. The compression spring 502 may apply a constant force to the latch plate 422 to hold it in place (e.g., prevent the latch plate 422 from moving to a position that would allow the stem 504 to be removed).

[0130] 5B shows the stem 504 unlatched from the latch plate 422. The stem 504 can be unlatched (i.e., removed) from the latch plate 422 by laterally moving the latch plate 422 until the stem 504 is positioned at the first end 504a. The stem 504 can then be removed from the opening 508 (e.g., by pulling the stem through the opening 508). Unlatching the stem 504 from the latch plate 422 can allow the stem 504 to be removed from the pivot mechanism 400 and / or the earpiece 304. In various embodiments, the latch plate 422 can include an engagement point 510 for engaging with a pivot tool. The pivot tool can be used to laterally move the latch plate 422 from the latched position to the unlatched position. The pivot tool can be or can include a tool that is external to the earpiece 304. For example, an external pivot tool can engage engagement point 510 through an opening in earpiece 304. However, the pivot tool can be or include an internal mechanism that engages latch plate 422.

[0131] 6A-6D illustrate another exemplary latch mechanism 600 that can be used to connect headband assembly 302 to pivot mechanism 400. Latch mechanism 600 can create an essentially permanent coupling between the earpiece and the stem such that the earpiece cannot be easily removed by a user. However, latch mechanism 600 advantageously allows a manufacturer to, for example, assemble the headband and earpiece separately, test the earpiece using appropriate equipment before attaching it to the headband, and then, if a given earpiece meets the manufacturer's requirements, attach the earpiece to the headphones in an essentially permanent manner.

[0132] In some embodiments, the latch mechanism 600 can be a semicircular piece of material that can be expanded and return to its original shape (i.e., the latch mechanism 600 can be deformed and return to its original shape). The latch mechanism 600 can be or include steel, plastic, aluminum, or any suitable material that allows it to return to a relaxed state after being compressed. The latch mechanism 600 can have a relaxed diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the stem 604 and can be expanded to have a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the stem 604. The latch mechanism 600 can be inserted into the opening 406 defined by the collar 602 before the stem 604 is inserted into the opening 406. The collar 602 can represent the collar 409 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The stem 604 can engage the latch mechanism 600 and move (e.g., push) the latch mechanism down the collar 602. The stem 604 may include a tapered edge 606 that may engage with the latch mechanism 600 to force the latch mechanism 600 down the collar 602. The stem 604 may also include a notch 608 that has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the stem 604. In various embodiments, the notch 608 may have a diameter that is approximately the same as the diameter of the latch mechanism 600 in its relaxed state.

[0133] 6B-6D show cross-sectional views of the latch mechanism 600 and stem 604 inserted into the collar 602. The latch mechanism 600 can be moved down the collar 602 until it reaches a recess 610 in the collar 602. FIG. 6C shows the latch mechanism 600 expanded into the recess 610. The tapered edge 606 allows the latch mechanism 600 to expand into the recess 610 as the stem 604 is moved down the collar 602. The latch mechanism 600 can remain expanded within the recess 610 by the stem 604 having a diameter larger than the relaxed diameter of the latch mechanism 600. The stem 604 can continue to move down the collar 602 until the stem 604 is seated in the collar 602 and / or the notch 608 is generally aligned with the latch mechanism 600, and the latch mechanism 600 will remain in the recess 610. 6D shows the latch mechanism 600 locked in place over the notch 608. The latch mechanism 600 can retract and engage the notch 608 when the notch 608 is moved down the collar 602 and aligned with the latch mechanism 600. When the latch mechanism 600 engages the notch 608, it can extend into the recess 610, preventing the stem 604 from being removed from the collar 602 or making removal extremely difficult for a user. For example, removing the stem 604 from the collar 602 can require reorienting the latch mechanism 600. In various embodiments, a tool can be inserted into the opening 406 to disengage the latch mechanism 600 from the notch 608 and expand the latch mechanism 600 into the recess 610. The stem 604 can then be removed from the collar 602. Cantilever support member for ear pad

[0134] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the earpiece 104 contacting the side of a user's head 702. This view illustrates how the sides of a user's head 702 can vary widely. One reason earpiece cushion assemblies tend to be robust in thickness is to accommodate the various skull contours commonly found on the sides of a user's head. The dashed lines in FIG. 7 indicate the variation in distance the earpiece cushion assembly 110 must overcome to conform to the skull contours, thereby preventing sound waves from entering or exiting the area directly adjacent to the user's ear. A conventional solution to this is to make the earpiece cushion assembly 110 thick enough to accommodate the illustrated variations for most users. Note that while FIG. 7 illustrates gradual variations in the skull, some skull contours can be much more abrupt. For example, some users may have protruding bones that create rapid changes in the outer curvature of the user's head.

[0135] 8A shows a perspective view of an earpiece housing 112 and a cushion frame 802 configured to support an earpiece cushion, according to some embodiments. The cushion frame 802 can include a support structure including a plurality of radially distributed cantilevered support members 804 that protrude toward a central region of the cushion frame 802 and that can move independently of adjacent ones of the cantilevered support members 804. The curvature of the cantilevered support members 804 can curve upward and away from the earpiece housing 112 to match the curvature of the earpiece cushion. The cantilevered support members 804 can be particularly useful for reinforcing a portion of the earpiece cushion located proximate the central region of the cushion frame 802.

[0136] While the cantilever support members are shown in some cases as being separate from adjacent cantilever support members by their own width, it should be understood that in some configurations the cantilever support members will be much closer. For example, cantilever support members 804 may be separated by a space just large enough to prevent interference between adjacent cantilever support members during deflection of one or more of the cantilever support members 804.

[0137] FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of an earpiece cushion 806 suitable for use with the earpiece housing 112 and cushion frame 802 shown in FIG. 8A. As shown, the earpiece cushion 806 has an annular shape defining a central opening 808 sized to receive a user's ear. In some embodiments, the earpiece cushion 806 may be formed by performing a subtractive machining operation on a block of open-cell foam. Alternatively, the earpiece cushion 806 may be formed by an injection molding operation. It should be noted that other elastic materials besides foam may be used to form the earpiece cushion 806, including, for example, latex and silicone materials. The resulting earpiece cushion 806 may have a thickness of approximately 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 inch.

[0138] FIG. 8C illustrates a separate support structure 812 that can take the form of an insert and is not integrally formed with the cushion frame 802, as shown in FIG. 8A. Instead, the support structure 812 can be positioned on or glued to the cushion frame 802. In some embodiments, the cantilevered support members 804 can vary in length and / or thickness. Thickening or thinning of certain cantilevered support members 804 can be implemented to customize the response of the support structure 812 for a particular user or class of users. Fabricating the support structure 812 in the form of an insert allows for greater user customization, as the support structure 812 can be 3D printed from a polymer or other deformable material after measuring the user's head to achieve a custom fit. For users with a head contour similar to that shown in FIG. 7, the cantilevered support members 804-1 through 804-6 can be less reinforced because these cantilevered support members 804 are expected to experience greater bending than normal due to the larger cranial contours immediately above and below the user's ears. Cantilever support members 804-7 through 804-11 may include more reinforcement because these cantilever support members 804 may be expected to experience a much smaller amount of bending due to their positioning over a more concave portion of the user's head.

[0139] 8D illustrates how, in some embodiments, support structure 812 can include webbing 810 that forms a loose mechanical coupling between adjacent cantilevered support members 804. In particular, webbing 810 is shown extending between adjacent cantilevered support members 804-7 and 804-8. This allows the curvature of earpiece cushion assembly 110 to be partially constrained. For example, if cantilevered support member 804-7 experiences a significant amount of flexion to accommodate a particularly pronounced skull contour, but cantilevered support member 804-8 does not contact that particular skull contour, webbing 810 can distribute a portion of the force localized on cantilevered support member 804-7 to cantilevered support member 804-8. Distributing the force in this manner can avoid excessive shear forces that could result in fatigue or failure of earpiece cushion 806 or other components adjacent support structure 812.

[0140] The strength and / or stiffness of the material used to form the webbing 810 can be selected to achieve a desired amount of force transmission between adjacent cantilevered support members 804. Generally, the webbing 810 is more flexible than the material used to form the cantilevered support members 804. Examples of possible stretchable materials for connecting adjacent cantilevered support members 804 include woven polyester, spandex, etc. In some embodiments, the webbing 810 can be constructed of a stiffer material / fabric, but can leave a desired amount of slack between adjacent cantilevered support members, thereby only distributing force to adjacent cantilevered support members 804 once a threshold amount of deflection is experienced. In other embodiments, the webbing can take the form of an elastic cord that extends through an opening in each of the cantilevered support members 804 or has a separate cord between each of the cantilevered support members 804. The webbing 810 can include a pocket that fits over each end of the cantilevered support members 804 to help bind the cantilevered support members 804 together. Alternatively, the webbing 810 may be adhesively bonded to adjacent cantilevered support members 804. In some embodiments, the webbing 810 may be positioned only between selected ones of the cantilevered support members 804. For example, the cantilevered support members 804 on the sides of the earpiece 104 may all be connected, but the webbing may be omitted from the cantilevered support members 804 on the top surface of the earpiece 104. In some embodiments, the webbing 810 may include padding that helps hide the presence of the separate cantilevered support members 804 when an owner of the headphones 100 runs a finger along the inner edge of the earpiece cushion assembly 110.

[0141] 9A shows a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating how the earpiece 104 defines a cavity 902 sized to receive the ear 904 of a user 702. The inward-facing surface of the earpiece cushion assembly and the adjacent inner surface of the earpiece housing 112 operate to form an undercut 903 sized to accommodate the helix and earlobe of the ear 904 of the user 702. The headband assembly 102 typically includes a spring (e.g., a leaf spring) adjusted to apply sufficient force to compress the earpiece 104 sufficiently so that the earpiece cushion assembly forms an acoustic seal with the exterior surface of the user's 702's head. The cavity 902 is cooperatively defined by the earpiece housing 112 and the earpiece cushion assembly 110. As shown, the undercut 903 of the cavity 902 accommodates the helix and earlobe of the ear 904 of the user 702, leaving sufficient space. This undercut increases the amount of area of ​​earpiece cushion assembly 110 that contacts user 702 without unduly increasing the overall size of earpiece 104. The larger surface area of ​​the earpiece cushion assembly helps to evenly distribute the forces exerted by headband assembly 102 on user 702 through earpiece 104, thereby increasing the comfort of headphones 100. Figure 9A also shows the location of acoustic driver 905 (i.e., speaker) within earpiece housing 112 and how it may be directed into cavity 902 and subsequently into the ear canal 904.

[0142] FIG. 9B shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the earpiece 104, showing one of the cantilevered support members 804 integrally formed with the cushion frame 802. The cushion frame 802 provides a channel in which the earpiece cushion 806 can rest and be supported. The cantilevered support member 804 is shown to serve, among other purposes, to conform to and support the downward-facing surface of the earpiece cushion 806 of the earpiece cushion assembly 110. The earpiece cushion assembly 110 also includes a protective cover 906 wrapped around the earpiece cushion 806 and may be formed from one or more layers of fabric or leather. In addition to providing a premium and comfortable feel to the earpiece cushion assembly 110, the protective cover 906 also serves to conceal the presence of the cantilevered support member 804. The cantilevered support member 804 may have resistance to flexing, such that when the earpiece 104 is initially pressed against the side of the user's head, the earpiece cushion 806 compresses prior to any cantilevered support member 804. In locations where the earpiece cushion assembly 110 contacts a cavity in the user's head, one or more of the cantilevered support members 804 located proximate that cavity may not move at all. This occurs because the amount of compression experienced by the earpiece cushion 806 is insufficient for that portion of the earpiece cushion 806 to resist compression beyond the resistance of the corresponding cantilevered support member 804 to initial deflection. In locations or areas where the earpiece cushion assembly 110 contacts a raised area of ​​the user's head, the cantilevered support members 804 begin to deflect when a portion of the earpiece cushion 806 exceeds a threshold amount of compression, thereby creating a deflection of the cantilevered support member 804 equivalent to further compression of the earpiece cushion 806. This results in both compression and deflection until the earpiece cushion assembly 110 conforms to the various contours of the user's head and creates a robust acoustic seal around the user's ear.

[0143] 9B also shows how earpiece cushion assembly 110 is engaged by earpiece housing 112. In some embodiments, earpiece housing 112 can include recesses that are engaged by snaps on cushion frame 802, which help secure cushion frame 802 to earpiece housing 112. While the components located within earpiece housing 112 are not shown, it should be noted that some of this space is filled with electronics supporting one or more acoustic drivers, media processing, and other sensors supporting headphones 100.

[0144] 9C shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the earpiece 104 without one of the cantilevered support members 804. This leaves a large amount of the earpiece cushion 806 unsupported. For this reason, the spacing between the cantilevered support members 804 is important, as both the size of the gap between the cantilevered support members 804 and the size and shape of the cantilevered support members 804 can be adjusted to achieve a desired overall stiffness of the earpiece cushion assembly 110.

[0145] 10A and 10B show cross-sectional views of an alternative configuration of earpiece cushion assembly 110 utilizing a separate support structure 812 (see FIG. 8C ). In particular, support structure 812 and one of cantilevered support members 804 are shown positioned on cushion frame 802. In some embodiments, support structure 812 may be adhesively bonded to cushion frame 802. In some embodiments, cushion frame 802 may include alignment features, such as a slightly recessed area, for positioning support structure 812. When protective covers are secured to either side of cushion frame 802, support structure 812 is locked in place due to compression between protective cover 906 and earpiece cushion 806.

[0146] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of one side of an earpiece cushion assembly 110 having a support structure 812 embedded within a protective cover 906. Incorporating or embedding the support structure 812 within the protective cover 906 can be achieved when the protective cover 906 is formed from a knit fabric, thereby allowing the cantilevered support member 804 to be embedded within the weave of the knit fabric. In some embodiments, incorporating the support structure 812 within the protective cover 906 can include using a higher-strength material, such as stainless steel or titanium, having a thickness of approximately 0.5 to 2 millimeters. This profile thickness allows the support structure 812 to maintain a desired level of rigidity without unduly interfering with the weave pattern of the protective cover 906. Incorporating the protective cover and support structure 812 can reduce the time it takes to complete the final assembly of the headphones 100. Final assembly time is reduced because the two parts are now a single piece, which facilitates handling, and because coupling the protective cover to the cushion frame 802 also attaches the support structure 812. This incorporation of multiple parts can also improve part alignment, as successful coupling of one part to the cushion frame 802 will result in successful coupling of the other parts. Mesh Canopy Headband

[0147] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of headphones 1200 being worn by a user. Headphones 1200 can include the same or similar components as headphones 100, although headphones 1200 can include additional and / or alternative components not included in headphones 100. Headphones 1200 can include earpieces 1202 joined together by a headband 1204. Headband 1204 can include a stem 1208 that connects headband 1204 to earpieces 1202. Stem 1208 includes a telescoping member 1210 that extends and retracts within a headband housing 1212 to resize headphones 1200 based on the size of a user's head. In some embodiments, telescoping member 1210 can be configured to translate a distance ranging from approximately 10 mm to 50 mm. For example, telescoping member 1210 can translate a distance of 34 mm.

[0148] The headband housing 1212 can define a central opening configured to accommodate a layer of conformable mesh assembly 1214 configured to distribute pressure evenly across the user's head. The central opening can be defined by two headband arms 1216 of the headband housing 1212. In some embodiments, the headband arms 1216 can have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and can adjust the routing of conductive paths configured to synchronize the operation of the earpieces 1202. The headband arms can also include spring members configured to retain the shape of the headband arms 1216 and help keep the headphones 1200 securely attached to the user's head.

[0149] The earpieces 1202 may also include a user interface 1206 positioned on the exterior of any one or more of the earpieces 1202. In some embodiments, the user interface 1206 may be configured to allow a user to manipulate settings and media playback. For example, the user interface 1206 may be or include buttons configured to receive user input and change volume, next / previous track, pause, stop, etc. In further embodiments, the user interface 1206 may be positioned on either side of the stem 1208. The user interface 1206 may be positioned on the earpiece 1202, such that the user can determine which interface they are interacting with based on the position of the user interface 1206 relative to the stem 1208. For example, a first button of the user interface 1206 may be positioned closer to the user's face and on the side of the stem 1208 that controls audio playback. In some embodiments, user interface 1206 can include a crown assembly and elongated buttons the same as or similar to input 1808 and input 1806 described below with respect to FIGS.

[0150] 13A-13E show perspective views of various embodiments of the components that make up the canopy structure of the headphones 1200 shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 13A shows a perspective view of a conformable mesh assembly 1214 and an enlarged view showing a cross-sectional view of a portion of the periphery of the conformable mesh assembly 1214. As shown, the periphery of the conformable mesh assembly 1214 includes a locking mechanism 1302 overmolded around the edge of the mesh material 1218. The mesh material 1218 may be formed from nylon, PET, unidirectional or bidirectional elastic fabric, or a polyether-polyurea copolymer having a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm. The locking mechanism 1302 may be formed from a durable, resilient thermoplastic material such as TR90 and, in some cases, extends through an opening in the mesh material 1218. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 1302 may define an alignment feature in the form of a notch 1304, which may help confirm precise alignment of the central opening with the conformable mesh assembly 1214.

[0151] FIG. 13B shows the headband housing 1212 and how the locking features 1302 of the conformable mesh assembly 1214 may be aligned with the channels defined by the headband arms 1216 of the headband housing 1212 before pressure 1305 is applied to the conformable mesh assembly 1214 to engage the locking features 1302 within the channels. FIG. 13C shows the channels 1306 defined by the headband arms 1216, as well as the central opening 1308 defined by the headband arms 1216. The channel 1306 may have an internal T-shape configured to receive and retain the locking features 1302 of the conformable mesh assembly 1214. FIG. 13D shows the conformable mesh assembly 1214 positioned within the central opening 1308.

[0152] FIG. 13E illustrates how the mesh material 1218 forming the majority of the conformable mesh assembly 1214 can have a substantially uniform consistency / mesh pattern. The mesh material 1218 can be elastic to prevent an excessive amount of force from being applied to a user's head. FIG. 13F illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the conformable mesh assembly 1214 includes a first mesh material 1218 extending across a central portion of the conformable mesh assembly 1214 and a second mesh material 1230 extending across a peripheral portion of the conformable mesh assembly 1214. The first mesh material 1218 can be formed from a more elastic / compliant material than the second mesh material 1230, allowing the central portion of the conformable mesh assembly 1214 to deform substantially more than the peripheral portion of the conformable mesh assembly 1214. This also makes the peripheral portion of the conformable mesh assembly stronger and less likely to tear or be damaged.

[0153] FIG. 13G illustrates how conformable mesh assembly 1214 can include three different types of mesh material 1218, 1230, and 1222, thereby allowing the conformable portion to be gradually stiffer toward the periphery. In some embodiments, the stiffness of conformable mesh assembly 1214 can be more gradually varied across its area. In particular, the mesh can include mesh with a gradually varying mesh size, such that the central portion of conformable mesh assembly 1214 has a substantially lower spring constant than the periphery of conformable mesh assembly 1214. In this manner, the portion of the mesh material likely to experience the greatest displacement has the lowest spring constant, thereby reducing the likelihood of force concentration at a particular point or area of ​​the user's head, significantly improving comfort. In some embodiments, the placement of reinforcing members can be used in combination with mesh material 1218 to vary the amount of force transmitted to the user by the mesh material comprising conformable mesh assembly 1214. In some embodiments, voids can be left in the central region of mesh material 1218 to reduce forces within the central region of mesh material 1218. Multi-component headband

[0154] FIG. 14A shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-component headband 1400 including two arms 1416. The multi-component headband 1400 can be used with earpieces 104 to form headphones 100. The multi-component headband 1400 can include a spring 1402 (e.g., a central spring) surrounded by one or more layers of material. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, which are simplified cross-sectional views of one of the arms 1416, the multi-component headband 1400 can include a spring 1402 made of metal and surrounded by multiple layers 1404 of material (e.g., plastic). In various embodiments, different materials are used for each layer. For example, the first layer 1404a can be or include a hard plastic material, the second layer 1404b can be or include a soft plastic layer, and the third layer can be or include a plastic with decorative properties. Channels 1406 may be formed in spring 1402 and / or material 1404. Cutouts 1408 may be formed in the layer of material 1404 to receive a material. For example, cutouts 1408 may receive a mesh as described with reference to Figures 13A-13E.

[0155] In various embodiments, the multi-component headband 1400 can be adjusted to have a clamping force within a desired range. In various embodiments, the clamping force ranges from about 4 Newtons to about 6 Newtons. For example, the clamping force can be 4.8 Newtons to 5.4 Newtons. The clamping force can improve user comfort and provide a better acoustic seal for the earpieces than conventional headbands. Adjusting the multi-component headband 1400 can also prevent the multi-component headband 1400 from relaxing over time, thereby preventing the clamping force of the multi-component headband 1400 from falling outside the desired range. The multi-component headband 1400 can be conditioned by heating and cooling the headband over one or more cycles. The heating cycle can relax the multi-component headband 1400, thereby preventing or reducing future headband relaxation. For example, the multi-component headband 1400 can have a clamping force higher than the desired range and can be subjected to thermal cycling until the clamping force is within the desired range.

[0156] 14C and 14D illustrate multiple parts that may be joined to form a multi-component headband 1400. The multi-component headband 1400 may include a spring 1402 connected to two yokes 1410. The yokes 1410 may be welded to the spring 1402 on opposite ends of the spring 1402. The yokes 1410 may each receive an arm connected to an earpiece 104. The springs 1402 may include a channel 1406 along the length of the arms 1416. The channel 1406 may receive a cable 1412 for transmitting electronic signals between the earpieces 104. In various embodiments, a portion of the cable 1412 may include a dummy cable that does not transmit electronic signals. The cable 1412 may be wrapped around a portion of the yoke 1410 to allow movement of the earpieces relative to the multi-component headband 1400. For example, the coiled cable 1412 can allow arms positioned within the yoke 1410 to extend away from the multi-component headband 1400 . vibration damper

[0157] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to headphones that include a rigid material that is lightweight and provides a comfortable fit for the wearer. For example, earpieces such as earpiece 104 can include a rigid material (e.g., a metal material). FIG. 15A is a simplified diagram of a pair of headphones 1500 according to some embodiments. Headphones 1500 can represent headphones 100 as well as other embodiments of headphones according to the present disclosure and described herein. As shown in FIG. 15A , headphones 1500 include earpieces 1504 that can contact each other when a force 1502 is applied to one or both of the earpieces 1504. Force 1502 can cause the earpieces 1504 to contact each other. If the earpieces 1504 are made of a rigid material (e.g., metal), components inside the earpieces may be impacted by a sudden deceleration caused by the earpieces 1504 contacting each other.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 15B , any one or more of the components may be mounted on a board 1506 (e.g., a main logic board (MLB)) made of a semi-rigid material. The board 1506 may flex in response to an impact caused by the earpieces 1504 touching each other. The impact may cause components 1508 mounted on the board 1506 to move. For example, bending the board 1506 may cause the components 1508 to move along direction 1510. The movement of the components 1508 may damage the components 1508 (e.g., causing calibration errors or failure). If the components 1508 (e.g., sensitive electronic components) are subjected to repeated movements caused by bending the board 1506 (e.g., thousands of times), failure may occur.

[0159] In various embodiments, the effects of a shock caused by the earpieces 1504 touching can be reduced using one or more masses 1512 positioned on the board 1506. The masses 1512 can be positioned to reduce the acceleration of the board 1506 caused by the shock caused when the earpieces 1504 touch each other. Reducing the acceleration of the board 1506 can reduce bending of the board 1506 and movement of the components 1508. The masses 1512 can be or include a high-density material (e.g., tungsten) attached to the board. The masses 1512 can be static or dynamic masses that can move in response to movement of the board 1506.

[0160] 15C illustrates various mounting locations for the masses 1512 on the board 1506. In some embodiments, the masses 1512 and / or components 1508 can be mounted in optimized locations on the board 1506 to reduce flexing of the board 1506. For example, the masses 1512a, 1512b, and 1512c can be mounted in various locations on the board 1506 based on the components 1508 mounted on the board and / or the sensitivities of the components 1508. For example, the location of the masses 1512 can be optimized to reduce flexing of the board at locations where the components 1508 (e.g., sensitive electronic components such as accelerometers) are mounted. In various embodiments, the material of the board 1506 can additionally or alternatively be optimized to reduce the stiffness of the board 1506, thereby reducing flexing of the board 1506.

[0161] In some embodiments, the board 1506 can be attached using shock absorbing material 1514. For example, the shock absorbing material 1514 can be attached between the board 1506 and the component to which the board 1506 is attached. The shock absorbing material 1514 can additionally or alternatively be attached between a fastener and the board 1506. The shock absorbing material 1514 can absorb some of the force caused by bending of the board 1506. Reducing bending of the board 1506 can reduce movement of the component 1508 attached to the board 1506. Earpiece Assembly

[0162] 16A shows a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary acoustic configuration within earpiece 1600 that may be employed in any of the earpieces described above. The acoustic configuration may include a speaker assembly 1602, which may include a diaphragm 1604 and a conductive coil 1606. The conductive coil 1606 may be configured to receive an electric current to generate a moving magnetic field that interacts with magnetic fields emitted by permanent magnets 1608 and 1610. The interaction between the magnetic fields may cause diaphragm 1604 to vibrate, generating sound waves that exit the earpiece assembly, for example, through perforated wall 1609. In some embodiments, perforated wall 1609 may include one or more openings, for example, to allow one or more sensors to detect objects adjacent perforated wall 1609. A central region of the permanent magnet 1608 may be drilled through to define an opening 1612 that allows air in the rear volume behind the diaphragm 1604 to fluidly communicate with the interior volume 1614 through the mesh layer 1616, thereby increasing the effective size of the rear volume of the speaker assembly 1602. The interior volume 1614 extends to an air vent 1618. The air vent 1618 may be configured to further increase the effective size of the rear volume of the speaker assembly 1602. The rear volume of the speaker assembly 1602 may be further defined by a speaker frame member 1620 and a housing 1622. In some embodiments, the housing 1622 may be separated from the speaker frame member 1620 by approximately 1 mm. The speaker frame member 1620 defines an opening 1624 that allows sound waves to travel under an adhesive channel 1626 defined by a protrusion 1628 in the speaker frame member 1620. In various embodiments, housing 1622 may be positioned such that at least a portion protrudes from earpiece 1600. For example, housing 1622 may be or include a button positioned for user interaction.

[0163] FIG. 16B shows the exterior of the earpiece 1600 with the housing 1622 removed to show the shape and size of the interior volume associated with the speaker assembly 1602. As shown, the central portion of the earpiece 1600 includes permanent magnets 1608 and 1610. A speaker frame member 1620 includes a recessed area that defines an interior volume 1614. The interior volume 1614 can have a width of approximately 20 mm and a height of approximately 1 mm, as shown in FIG. 16A. At the end of the interior volume 1614 is an opening 1624 defined by the speaker frame member 1620 that is configured to allow the rear volume to continue down an adhesive channel 1626 and extend to an air vent 1618 that faces outward from the earpiece 1600.

[0164] 16C shows a cross-sectional view of a microphone mounted within earpiece 1600. In some embodiments, microphone 1630 is secured across an opening 1632 defined by speaker frame member 1620. Opening 1632 is offset from microphone inlet 1634, which prevents a user from viewing opening 1632 from outside earpiece 1600. In addition to providing improved aesthetics, this offset opening configuration also tends to reduce the occurrence of microphone 1630 picking up noise from air swiftly passing by microphone inlet 1634. slot antenna

[0165] In some embodiments, the earpiece 104 may include a housing made from a material that obstructs and / or blocks radio frequency (RF) radiation. For example, the earpiece 104 may include aluminum and / or similar metals that insulate the earpiece from RF radiation. However, when an RF antenna is positioned inside the earpiece, the RF radiation needs a way to travel through the housing.

[0166] Some embodiments form one or more slots 1702 (i.e., empty spaces or openings) through the earpiece housing to allow RF radiation to enter and / or exit the housing. The slots 1702 can include elongated slots 1702 formed in the housing 1704. FIG. 17A is a simplified perspective view of an earpiece 1700 including an elongated slot 1702 formed in the housing 1704 with an earpiece cushion 1701 attached to the housing. The earpiece 1700 can represent one or both of the earpieces 104 shown in FIG. 1. A slot antenna (shown in FIG. 17B as RF antenna 1706) can be formed in the housing 1704. For example, the housing can define a ground plane component for the slot antenna, and the elongated slot 1702 can be formed through a portion of the ground plane component of the housing that forms part of the antenna. In some embodiments, the earpiece housing 1704 has a curvature along the outer portion of its thickness, and the elongated slot 1702 may be formed through the apex of the curvature (i.e., through the widest part of the housing).

[0167] FIG. 17B is a simplified cross-sectional view of earpiece 1700 taken along its length. As shown in FIG. 17B, housing 1704 forms an interior volume including central region 1705a and annular bulged region 1705b surrounding the central region. For example, annular bulged region 1705b may extend 360 degrees around central region 1705a. For convenience, the combined interior volume of central region 1705a and annular bulged region 1705b may be referred to herein as "interior volume 1705." Housing 1704 may be made of and / or include a conductive material (e.g., aluminum) and may be or include a rigid or semi-rigid structure that forms interior volume 1705. RF antenna 1706, which in some embodiments may be a slot antenna, may be positioned within annular bulged region 1705b of interior volume 1705.

[0168] Housing 1704 can have an opening on the front side of the housing that allows components such as acoustic driver 1708 to be placed within the housing. Cover 1707 can be attached to the housing in the area of ​​the opening, for example, positioned over central region 1705a to complete the enclosure of interior volume 1705. Cover 1707 can include one or more openings 1707a that allow sound waves generated by acoustic driver 1708 to exit housing 1704. In some embodiments, cover 1707 can be made from plastic or a similar rigid material.

[0169] Various components of earpiece 1700 may be positioned within interior volume 1705. For example, acoustic driver 1708 (e.g., a speaker) and / or electronic components 1709 (e.g., components that may be electrically coupled to radio circuitry, audio processing circuitry, and / or a main logic board (MLB)) may be positioned within central region 1705a of interior volume 1705. Acoustic driver 1708 may be electrically coupled to electronic components 1709 to generate sound from audio data, for example, received wirelessly through RF antenna 1706 and processed by electronic components 1709 for output via acoustic driver.

[0170] Earpiece cushion 1701 may be coupled to housing 1704 at an outer annular portion of housing 1704. The shape and structure of earpiece 1700, including earpiece cushion 1701 and housing 1704, allows acoustic driver 1708 to be somewhat recessed from the outer annular portions of earpiece cushion 1701 and housing 1704 to allow the earpiece to accommodate the user's ear. The area between acoustic driver 1708 and earpiece cushion 1701 may be front volume 1717. When the headphones are worn and earpiece cushion 1701 is pressed against the user's head, front volume 1717 may be fully or partially sealed, which may pressurize front volume 1717. Front volume 1717 may be fluidly coupled to a relief port (e.g., opening 1703 a) that allows pressure to be released from front volume 1717. Rear volume 1719 can increase the efficiency of the system at certain frequencies (e.g., low frequencies) and / or allow tuning of the acoustic driver. Rear volume 1719 can be fluidly coupled to one or more outputs (e.g., opening 1703b), for example, via an acoustic channel.

[0171] In some embodiments, RF antenna 1706 can receive RF radiation and / or direct RF radiation out of housing 1704 through slot 1702. Slot 1702 can be formed through housing 1704. For example, slot 1702 can be formed through housing 1704 at the bottom of the housing (i.e., the portion of the housing opposite the earpiece where the stem is coupled to the earpiece). A location along the bottom of the housing is advantageous because when earpiece 1700 is positioned on a user's head, it can receive or transmit RF radiation to or from a host electronic device (e.g., a smartphone streaming music) through the slot, so that when the host device is in the user's pants pocket, the antenna's radiation vector is directed toward the host electronic device (a common scenario).

[0172] 17D is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of earpiece 1700 taken through line A-A', and thus through a portion of RF antenna 1706. As shown in FIG. 17D , RF antenna 1706 can include a frame 1713 that defines a cavity 1714. Frame 1713 can be or include a radio frequency transparent material (e.g., a hard plastic made from an injection molding process) and can be formed in any suitable shape to define cavity 1714. Frame 1713 can be plated with one or more layers of backing material 1716 to form RF antenna 1706. In some embodiments, an end face of tongue 1725 extending adjacent to and along a majority of slot length 1712 can be or include a material that allows RF radiation to enter and exit RF antenna 1706 through tongue 1725, and the metal plating can substantially surround cavity 1714. 17D , tongue 1725 can include first and second opposing surfaces 1726 and 1728 that protrude away from cavity 1714, and an end face 1724 that extends between the first and second opposing surfaces and faces slot 1702. Cavity 1714 can direct RF radiation out of slot 1702 via tongue 1725. Tongue 1725 can be or include a radio-transparent and / or radio-opaque material. For example, end face 1724 can be or include a radio-transparent material that allows RF radiation to enter and exit tongue 1725. Cavity 1714 can be a void (e.g., filled with air) to provide at least RF energy loss to the RF radiation.

[0173] In various embodiments, the slot 1702 can function as an antenna for the earpiece 1700. For example, a transmission line for high frequency signals can be electrically coupled to the housing 1704 and receive / emit RF emissions through the slot 1702. In such embodiments, the slot antenna 1706 may not need to be positioned within the earpiece 1700. However, the antenna 1706 can be located within the earpiece 1700 and a transmission line for high frequency signals can be electrically coupled to the housing 1704, with either or both being capable of receiving / emitting RF emissions. The slot 1702 can direct RF emissions to the interior of the earpiece, for example, into the cavity 1714. In further embodiments, the RF emissions can be received within the cavity 1714 without having to pass through the tongue 1725 (e.g., the RF emissions may not need to pass through the end face 1724).

[0174] In some embodiments, the backing 1716 (e.g., metal plating) can include multiple separate layers of metal plating. The backing 1716 can reflect RF radiation that would otherwise be directed into the earpiece away from the housing 1704 (e.g., via slots 1702), forming a hollow rear slot antenna. Reflecting RF radiation away from the housing 1704 can reduce latency by increasing the efficiency of the RF antenna 1706. For example, in one particular embodiment, the RF antenna can have a 3 db improvement with the backing 1716.

[0175] The backing 1716 and / or the thickness of the material used for the backing 1716 can be optimized for different RF frequency bands. For example, the thickness of the backing 1716 can be optimized for 2.4 GHz. However, the backing 1716 can be optimized for any suitable high frequency (e.g., 5 GHz). The backing 1716 can be or include layers of copper, nickel, and / or gold. Each of the layers can have the same thickness, or different layers can have different thicknesses. For example, the backing 1716 can include a first layer of copper about 15 μm to 30 μm thick, a second layer of nickel about 5 μm thick, and a third layer of gold less than 5 μm thick.

[0176] In various embodiments, the slot 1702 may be sealed from external elements by a seal 1720. The seal 1720 seals some or all of the slot 1702, preventing or reducing the ingress of moisture and / or dust into the housing 1704 while still allowing RF radiation to exit through the slot 1702. The seal 1720 may also prevent the slot 1702 from widening due to forces on the housing 1704. For example, the seal 1720 may keep the slot 1702 approximately the same width when a force is applied to the housing 1704. The seal 1720 may be or include an epoxy or similar material suitable for sealing the slot 1702. In some embodiments, the portion of the seal 1720 facing the outside of the housing 1704 may be finished with the housing 1704. Co-finishing the seal 1720 and the housing 1704 can allow the seal 1720 and the housing 1704 to present an aesthetically pleasing design with minimal or no gaps.

[0177] In various embodiments, the frame 1713 can include one or more stabilizing structures. For example, the frame 1713 can include ribs 1736 that extend into the cavity 1714 and can provide additional structure and / or support for the RF antenna 1706.

[0178] In various embodiments, the RF antenna 1706 may be used as a connection point for one or more (e.g., mechanical and / or electrical) components. For example, the RF antenna 1706 may be positioned within the housing 1704 and serve as a mechanical coupling point for the microphone 1730. The microphone 1730 may be positioned between the housing 1704 and the RF antenna 1706 and operatively coupled to receive sound through a microphone opening 1703 c formed through the housing 1704. The RF antenna 1706 may serve as reinforcement to hold the microphone 1730 in place. The RF antenna 1706 may additionally or alternatively be an electrical connection point for components within the earpiece 1700. For example, the RF antenna 1706 may be connected to a common ground shared by the housing 1704 via foam 1722 positioned against the housing 1704. The RF antenna 1706, acting as a common ground, may provide a ground connection to other components within the earpiece 1700. In various embodiments, electrical circuitry 1732 (e.g., a flexible or flex circuit) may be coupled to the microphone 1730. The electrical circuitry 1732 may be routed around (e.g., over) the RF antenna for audio processing or connection to other components within the earpiece 1700.

[0179] In various embodiments, the earpieces 1700 can communicate with each other to coordinate the use of the RF antennas 1706, for example, to reduce latency between the device and the earpieces 1700. The earpieces 1700 may communicate with each other via wired and / or wireless connections. In various embodiments, the earpieces 1700 can each have an RF antenna 1706 and can each receive some or all of the data from the device to avoid data loss. In some embodiments, one earpiece 1700 can have an RF antenna 1706 to receive data and transmit that data (e.g., audio data) to the other earpiece 1700 via a wired connection. In further embodiments, the earpieces 1700 can communicate to determine which earpiece 1700 has a better connection with a host device, such as a smartphone or other electronic device, which transmits data to one or both of the earpieces 1700. The earpiece 1700 with the better connection with the device can receive data from the device.

[0180] The RF antenna 1706 may be designed to allow the antenna to transmit and / or receive RF radiation over one or more RF bands. The elongated slot 1702 may have length and width dimensions that determine the operating wavelength of the antenna. In some embodiments, the slot 1702 may have a width ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm and a length ranging from 60 mm to 90 mm. For example, the slot 1702 may have a width 1740 of approximately 1.2 mm and a length 1748 of approximately 80 mm. In various embodiments, the slot 1702 may be sized and shaped for RF radiation in a particular frequency band. For example, in some embodiments, the slot 1702 may be sized and shaped to allow RF radiation to travel through the housing 1704 at 2.4 GHz. In other embodiments, the slot 1702 and / or the transceiver 1715 may be sized and shaped to allow RF radiation to travel through the housing 1704 at 5 GHz or any suitable high frequency.

[0181] Because physics dictates that the size of the radiating element of the RF antenna 1706 is a function of the desired resonance, some embodiments add passive elements to the antenna pattern to effectively shift the tuning of the antenna to a specific frequency. For example, the slot 1702 can be divided into two or more segments to tune the RF antenna 1706 to one or more high frequencies, as shown in FIG. 17E . The segments can be defined by one or more tuning elements 1742 (e.g., passive elements, capacitive elements, and / or surface mount technology (SMT) pads) positioned within the antenna pattern defined by the slot 1702 and tongue 1725. For example, FIG. 17E shows the slot 1702 of the RF antenna 1706 divided into two segments by the tuning elements 1742. The different segments can enable the RF antenna 1706 to have multiple antenna resonant frequencies. Multiple antenna resonant frequencies can enable RF radiation in multiple frequency bands. 17F, tuning component 1742 can divide the slot antenna into two segments, with length 1748a used to generate an RF band at a first frequency (e.g., 2.4 GHz) and length 1748b used to generate an RF band at a second frequency (e.g., 5 GHz). The frequencies can be generated simultaneously by RF antenna 1706 (e.g., RF antenna 1706 can generate RF emissions at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz simultaneously), or the frequencies can be generated one at a time.

[0182] For an efficient antenna design, the cavity 1714 should be large and hollow. In some embodiments, the cavity 1714 can effectively double as both an acoustic volume for the bass response port and a pressure relief vent for the front volume. FIG. 17G is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of the earpiece 1700 taken through line B-B′. As shown in FIG. 17G , an acoustic channel 1754 can be formed through the cavity 1714 and the backing 1716 within a portion of the RF antenna 1706. The acoustic channel 1754 can form a channel between the inside of the housing 1704 and the opening 1711. The acoustic channel 1754 can be created by forming openings 1756 and 1758 in the RF antenna 1706. The openings 1756 and 1758 can be sized to be less than the diameter of an RF wavelength, allowing air to pass while preventing RF energy from passing through. In some embodiments, openings 1756 and 1758 have a diameter of 3 mm or less. Acoustic channel 1754 can be used as a pressure relief for air displaced by the acoustic driver. Acoustic channel 1754 can additionally or alternatively provide a channel for air to reach microphone 1730.

[0183] In various embodiments, acoustic channels to front volume 1717 and / or rear volume 1719 may be formed separately from cavity 1714. FIG. 17H is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of earpiece 1700 taken through line B-B′ showing an alternative acoustic channel 1760, and FIG. 171 is a detailed view of FIG. 17H. Acoustic channel 1760 may acoustically couple front volume 1717 with an opening (e.g., opening 1703) in housing 1704. In various embodiments, acoustic channel 1760 may be defined by hollow fasteners 1762 (e.g., hollow screws), frame 1764, and vents 1766 that allow air to flow from front volume 1717 and / or rear volume 1719 out of housing 1704 (e.g., via opening 1703).

[0184] 17J shows a top view of front volume 1717 including acoustic driver 1708, hollow fastener 1762, and fastener 1768. Front volume 1717 may be defined by seal 1770, which may prevent air from escaping from front volume 1717. Hollow fastener 1762 may allow air to exit front volume 1717, for example, to alleviate pressure buildup that may occur when earpiece 1700 is worn by a user. Hollow fastener 1762 and fastener 1768 may couple acoustic driver 1708 to frame 1764. Frame 1764 may hold acoustic driver 1708 in position within earpiece 1700 (e.g., center acoustic driver 1708 relative to housing 1704).

[0185] 17K and 17L, the frame 1764 can include one or more acoustic channels 1760. For example, acoustic channel 1760a can couple the hollow clamp 1762 with the vent 1766, and acoustic channel 1760b can couple the rear volume 1719 with the vent 1766. The vent 1766 can include acoustic channels 1760a and 1760b and can allow air from the front volume 1717 and the rear volume 1719 to exit the earpiece 1700 through respective openings 1772a and 1772b. The openings 1772a and 1772b can be aligned with the openings 1703 in the housing 1704. User Interface

[0186] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a user interface on headphones that allows a user to control one or more functions of the headphones, such as audio playback. For example, a user may want to control audio volume, play / pause audio, advance to the next track, and / or go to the previous track. In use, the headphones are placed directly over the user's ears, so any noise generated by headphone components that mechanically interact with each other is amplified and may be disruptive or annoying to the user. The headphone user interface may include various aspects to reduce component noise and assist the user in interacting with the interface.

[0187] 18 is a simplified perspective view of a pair of headphones 1800 including first and second inputs 1806, 1808 (e.g., user controls) located on one of the headphones' earpieces 1804. The headphones 1800 may represent headphones 100 or any of the other headphone embodiments of the present disclosure. The inputs 1806, 1808 can be or include buttons located along an upper portion of one of the earpieces 1804. In some embodiments, the inputs 1806, 1808 may be located on opposite sides of the headband assembly 1802. For example, the inputs 1806, 1808 may be positioned such that the user knows which input button they are interacting with based on the location of the input button relative to the headband assembly 1802. The inputs 1806, 1808 may be received within a housing 1810 of the earpiece 1804. For example, the housing 1810 may include openings that allow a first portion of the inputs 1806, 1808 (e.g., the portion that the user directly connects to) to be outside the housing 1810 and a second portion to be inside the housing 1810.

[0188] Each of inputs 1806, 1808 can take the form of a button or any other input control, but in some embodiments, input 1806 is an elongated button and input 1808 is a rotatable and depressible button. Figures 19A-21 show examples of inputs 1806 and 1808 that can be used with headphones 1800.

[0189] In various embodiments, the input 1808 can include a button that can perform more than one function (e.g., the button can be pressed and rotated). FIGS. 19A and 19B are cross-sectional views of an exemplary input 1808 for use with the headphones 1800 of FIG. 18. FIG. 19A shows the input 1808 in an uncompressed state, and FIG. 19B shows the input 1808 in a compressed state. A portion of the input 1808 can be received within the housing 1810 via a button housing 1902 (e.g., a sleeve) that defines a cavity 1904. The button housing 1902 can help secure one or more components of the input 1808 to the housing 1810 and can act to help seal against intrusion into the cavity 1904. In various embodiments, a portion of the input 1808 can extend from the button housing 1902 and / or the housing 1810 to form a crown 1906. Crown 1906 may include materials and / or features to assist a user in rotating and / or depressing input 1808. For example, crown 1906 may include grooves that allow a user to more easily grip the crown and rotate input 1808. Crown 1906 may be coupled to a stem 1908 that extends into button housing 1902 and engages with a coupling component 1910, sometimes referred to herein as a hub.

[0190] 19C, which is a perspective view of a coupling component 1910 according to some embodiments, the coupling component can include a channel 1912 (e.g., a central channel) that extends the entire length to receive the stem 1908. The coupling component 1910 and stem 1908 can be joined via the channel 1912 such that rotating the crown 1906 rotates the stem 1908 and the coupling component 1910.

[0191] In various embodiments, the coupling component 1910 can include markings on at least a portion of its outer surface. The markings can be formed based on the properties of the material of the coupling component 1910. For example, the markings can be areas of discoloration on the surface of the coupling component 1910. In some embodiments, the markings can be fabricated (e.g., etched, laser etched, and / or machined) on the outside of the coupling component 1910. As shown in FIG. 19C , the coupling component 1910 can include a groove 1914 completely around the periphery of the coupling component 1910 extending between the upper and lower rims of the component. The groove 1914 forms an encoder portion that can be detected by a sensor 1916 to detect movement of the coupling component 1910 (e.g., movement caused by a user applying force to the crown 1906). For example, the sensor 1916 can detect rotational and / or translational movement of the coupling component 1910. The grooves 1914 may allow for greater accuracy in detecting rotational and / or translational movement of the coupling component 1910 compared to detecting rotational and / or translational movement using discoloration or similar markings on the outer surface of the coupling component 1910. For example, the grooves 1914 may reduce noise detected by the sensor 1916, which may increase the sensitivity of the detection system.

[0192] The sensor 1916 can be or include an optical sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a capacitive sensor, a light sensor, an image sensor, a pressure sensor, or a force sensor, or any suitable sensor for detecting data associated with the input 1808. In various embodiments, the sensor 1916 can include an optical transmitter 1917 (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)) and an optical receiver 1919 (e.g., an optical receiver and / or a photodiode). The transmitter can direct light toward the coupling component 1910, which is reflected back to the receiver 1919. In some embodiments, part or all of the button housing 1902 (e.g., the portion between seals 1924a and 1924b) can include a coating to prevent emitted light from being reflected by the button housing 1902 and creating noise in the system. For example, the coating can absorb light in the wavelength range of 700 nm to 900 nm. The sensor 1916 may be electrically coupled to an electrical control circuit (e.g., an audio control circuit) that can receive the optical data and determine whether the input 1818 is being rotated. The electrical control circuit can determine the direction and magnitude of the rotation of the input 1818 and adjust the audio output (e.g., volume up or volume down).

[0193] Coupling component 1910 can couple stem 1908 with stop 1918. Stop 1918 can include a step 1920 extending around its outer surface. Step 1920 can have a larger diameter than button housing 1902 and can help seal button housing 1902 and / or cavity 1904 against intrusion when input 1808 is in an uncompressed state.

[0194] In various embodiments, seals 1924a, 1924b, 1924c, and / or 1924d (e.g., O-rings) may be positioned in and around cavity 1904 to seal cavity 1904 and / or button housing 1902 against ingress of foreign objects and / or moisture. The seals are collectively referred to herein as “seals 1924” and can be or include a self-lubricating material. Seal 1924a may be positioned within cavity 1904, for example, near an upper portion of coupling component 1910. Seal 1924a may seal cavity 1904 against ingress to prevent debris and / or moisture from reaching coupling component 1910 and / or sensor 1916. Seal 1924a may also prevent light from entering cavity 1904. For example, seal 1924a may be black to prevent possible light contamination into cavity 1904. By preventing light from entering cavity 1904, better sensor data can be collected by sensor 1916. Seal 1924b can aid in the alignment of stem 1908, coupling component 1910, and / or stop 1918 within button housing 1902. For example, seal 1924b can be or include an O-ring that prevents or reduces lateral movement of stem 1908, coupling component 1910, and / or stop 1918.

[0195] As shown in FIG. 19D , any one or more of the seals 1924 can be or include an O-ring 1940. The O-ring 1940 can include a larger diameter portion 1942 and a smaller diameter portion 1944. The larger diameter portion 1942 can have an inner surface 1946 that can engage with the stop 1918 and / or stem 1908 and an outer surface 1948 that can engage with the button housing 1902. The larger diameter portion 1942 can reduce contact points compared to an O-ring having a constant diameter. For example, the O-ring 1940 can be positioned between the button housing 1902 and the stop 1918, with the larger diameter portion 1942 engaging the button housing 1902 and the stop 1918 and the smaller diameter portion 1944 not engaging the button housing 1902 and the stop 1918. Reducing contact points can reduce friction and / or resistance created by the O-ring 1940, thereby reducing the force required to compress the input 1808. The O-ring 1940 can be or include silicone, plastic, a self-lubricating material, and / or any suitable material.

[0196] As shown in FIG. 19B , seals 1924a and / or 1924b can move with stop 1918 (e.g., vertically) to seal against intrusion of button housing 1902 (i.e., as the crown moves vertically, intrusion remains sealed by seals 1924a and / or 1924b). Seals 1924c and 1924c can be positioned between crown 1906 and button housing 1902 to help seal against intrusion of button housing 1902 and / or cavity 1904. In some embodiments, seal 1924 can vary the force required to compress input 1808. For example, seal 1924a can be made of a material that reduces the force required to compress input 1808. Seal 1924 can be or include a compressible and / or self-lubricating material. In various embodiments, seal 1924 can be or include silicone, rubber, or any suitable material.

[0197] 19B shows input 1808 in a compressed state. In the compressed state, stop 1918 can engage dome 1926. Dome 1926 can be or include a flexible and resilient material that collapses or flexes at a predetermined force level and returns to its original shape when the force is removed. For example, dome 1926 can be or include rubber and / or silicone. Dome 1926 collapses (e.g., in response to stop 1918 depressing dome 1926) and can cause contact component 1928 to generate an electrical signal (e.g., by completing an open circuit on contact component 1928). The electrical signal can indicate that a user has triggered the input (e.g., press input 1808).

[0198] In various embodiments, the dome 1926 may be optimized to withstand a certain amount of applied force before collapsing (i.e., the click ratio of the dome 1926). Increasing forces can be applied to the dome 1926 (e.g., by a user) (e.g., via the crown 1906) until the dome 1926 can no longer resist the force and begins to collapse. The force at which the dome 1926 begins to collapse is the peak force of the dome 1926. The peak force can be a single force value or a range of force values. For example, the dome 1926 can have a peak force of 4N to 8N. The dome 1926 reaching the peak force and collapsing can provide feedback to the user. For example, as the dome 1926 collapses, the force required to move the dome 1926 decreases, alerting the user that an action has occurred.

[0199] A force can continue to be applied to the dome 1926 until the dome 1926 contacts the contact component 1928. A force ratio (e.g., click ratio) can be determined for the dome 1926 by subtracting the trough force from the peak force and dividing the resulting number by the peak force. As an illustrative example, if the peak force (i.e., the force required to collapse the dome 1926) is 6 N and the trough force (i.e., the force required to bring the dome 1926 into contact with the contact component 1928 after the dome 1926 has collapsed) is 1 N, the resulting force ratio is 0.83 (i.e.,

number

[0200] In various embodiments, damping material 1930 may be positioned between components to reduce or prevent vibrations (e.g., noise) when the components are in contact. Noise generated by components contacting each other is of greater concern when the components are made of or include metal. In conventional headphones, these metal components can contact each other, creating contact noise that is unpleasant to the user. Damping material 1930 may be positioned between components (e.g., metal components) to reduce noise generated by the components when they contact each other. In various embodiments, damping material 1930 may be positioned between crown 1906 and button housing 1902 to reduce noise generated when crown 1906 contacts button housing 1902 (e.g., when crown 1906 is pressed). Damping material 1930 may extend into button housing 1902 and be curved so that it is positioned between the underside of crown 1906 and button housing 1902. Additionally or alternatively, step 1920 can be or include a damping material 1930 to reduce noise generated when step 1920 engages button housing 1902 (e.g., when crown 1906 is released). Damping material 1930 can be a component having an annular opening (e.g., a collar or channel). Damping material 1930 can be or include plastic (e.g., soft plastic), rubber, silicone, foam, and / or similar materials that reduce noise when components come into contact.

[0201] In embodiments, it may be desirable to not rotate the stop 1918 directly on the dome 1926, as continued rotation on the dome 1926 could cause damage. Additionally, it may be desirable to optimize the force required to rotate the input 1808. FIGS. 20A-20D show cross-sectional views of various components for use with the input 1808 of FIG. 18. FIG. 20A includes a coupling component 1910 positioned within the cavity 1904. A retaining component 2002 may be coupled to the coupling component 1910 and laterally held in place within the cavity 1904 by a bearing 2004. A decoupler may be positioned within the cavity 2008 of the retaining component 2002. The decoupler 2006 may include a rotation surface 2010 for engaging the retaining component 2002. The rotation surface 2010 may enable rotation of the coupling component 1910. Rotation on the rotation surface 2010 allows rotation of the input 1808 without rotation on the dome 1926.

[0202] 20B-20D show components that can be used with the components of FIG. 20A to optimize the rotational force of the input 1808. Optimizing the rotational force can allow a user to make precise selections using rotation of the input 1808 without having to apply excessive force. The rotational force can be optimized by changing the resistance between the decoupler 2006 and the retaining component 2002. FIG. 20B shows the use of a shim 2012 positioned within a cavity 2008 of the retaining component 2002 to vary the frictional force between the decoupler 2006 and the retaining component 2002. Different sized shims 2012 can be used to optimize the rotational force of the components used with the input 1808. FIG. 20C shows the use of an expansion component 2014 positioned within the decoupler 2006 to adjust the frictional force between the decoupler 2006 and the retaining component 2002. The expansion component 2014 can include a spring 2016 that can be changed to optimize the rotational force. 20D illustrates the use of a resilient material 2018 (e.g., a seal) to adjust the resistance force. Similar to the shim 2012, the resilient material 2018 can be varied until the rotational force is optimized.

[0203] 21 , a cross section of an exemplary input 1806 is shown. The input 1806 can have the same or similar components as the input 1808, although the input 1806 can have additional and / or alternative components. Two sleeves 2102 and 2104 can be received in respective openings 2106 and 2108 in the housing 1810. The sleeves 2102, 2104 can define respective cavities 2110 and 2112. The cavities 2110, 2112 can receive respective stems 2114 and 2116. The stems 2114, 2116 can be connected via a plate 2117 such that applying a force to the plate 2117 moves the stems 2114, 2116 downward within the sleeves 2102, 2104. The plate can be or include a metal and / or similar material that can be resistant to bending and / or flexing. In various embodiments, the length of the stems 2114, 2116 can be optimized for alignment within the sleeves 2102, 2104. For example, the stems 2114, 2116 can be made longer for better alignment within the sleeves 2102, 2104. A bushing 2118 can be positioned between the stems 2114, 2116 and the sleeves 2102, 2104 to align the stems 2114, 2116 within the sleeves 2102, 2104 and / or reduce friction between the stems 2114, 2116 and the sleeves 2102, 2104, respectively. The bushing 2118 can be or include a self-lubricating material to reduce friction. In various embodiments, a portion of the bushing 2118 can be positioned above the sleeve 2104 (e.g., between

[0204] In various embodiments, the stems 2114, 2116 can be inserted into the sleeves 2102, 2104, and the sleeves 2102, 2104 can be positioned within the openings 2106, 2108. In various embodiments, the openings 2106, 2108 can have different diameters. For example, the opening 2108 can have a smaller diameter than the opening 2106. The difference in diameter of the openings 2106, 2108 can aid in alignment of the input 1806. The opening 2108 can be an interference fit with the sleeve 2104, and the opening 2106 can be a clearance fit with the sleeve 2102. The differential fit can allow some lateral movement of the sleeve 2102 within the opening 2106. The lateral movement of the sleeve 2102 within the opening 2106 can allow the stem 2114 to remain aligned within the sleeve 2102 during installation of the sleeve 2102. The sleeves 2102, 2104 may be positioned within the openings 2106, 2108 and secured in place (eg, glued or secured with fasteners).

[0205] In various embodiments, the stems 2114, 2116 may be connected via a connector 2120. The connector 2120 may join the stems 2114, 2116, such that movement of the two stems 2114, 2116 may result in movement of the connector 2120. The connector 2120 may be positioned above a dome 2126 (e.g., a collapsible dome). The dome 2126 may be the same as or similar to the dome 1926. For example, the dome 2126 may be or include a deformable material that can be compressed and return to its original shape. In various embodiments, the dome 2126 may be optimized to have a high force (i.e., click ratio) to enhance user feedback that the input 1806 has been pressed. The dome 2126 may collapse and make contact with a contact component 2128. Contact by the dome 2126 may cause the contact component 2128 to generate an electrical signal. The contact component 2128 may be electrically connected to one or more electrical components within the earpiece 1804. For example, the contact component 2128 may be electrically connected to an audio control circuit. The contact component 2128 may send an electrical signal to the audio control circuit, which may adjust the audio output (e.g., play, pause, next track, skip track). In some embodiments, the electrical signal may cause the audio control circuit to switch the earpiece 1804 between two or more modes (e.g., a noise cancellation mode and a listening mode).

[0206] In various embodiments, the input 1806 can include one or more seals (e.g., seals 2124a-2124d, collectively referred to herein as "seals 2124") that can be positioned within the sleeves 2102, 2104. The seals 2124 can seal the cavities 2110, 2112 against intrusion of foreign objects and / or moisture. The seals 2124 can additionally or alternatively aid in aligning the stems 2114, 2116 within the sleeves 2102, 2104. In various embodiments, any one or more of the seals 2124 can be or include an O-ring. For example, seals 2124a and 2124c can be or include a self-lubricating O-ring that can help reduce friction of the stems 2114, 2116 when the input 1806 is depressed. In further embodiments, seals 2124b and 2124d can be or include an O-ring with a portion of the O-ring having a larger diameter. Portions of the seals 2124b, 2124d having larger diameters can reduce the contact points between the seals 2124b, 2124d and the sleeves 2102, 2104 and / or bushing 2118, thereby reducing the friction generated by the seals 2124b, 2124d.

[0207] In various embodiments, inputs 1806 and 1808 may include deformable domes (e.g., domes 2126 and 1926, respectively). As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B , dome 2200 may be or include a deformable material that can collapse and return to its original shape. In various embodiments, dome 2200 may include a low-friction surface 2202. Low-friction surface 2202 may be attached to dome 2200 and / or may be or include treating a portion of the material of dome 2200. Low-friction surface 2202 may interface with stop 1918 of input 1808 and / or connector 2120 of input 1806. Low-friction surface 2202 may be or include a low coefficient of friction (e.g., silicon, silicon dioxide, and / or a self-lubricating material). In various embodiments, low-friction surface 2202 may be formed by irradiating an upper portion of dome 2200 with UV light. For example, a top portion of dome 2200 comprising silicon can be irradiated with UV light to form silicon dioxide. In some embodiments, low friction surface 2202 can be or include a replaceable shim. The shim can be replaced to optimize the friction of low friction surface 2202. In further embodiments, low friction surface 2202 can be or include a lubricant deposited on dome 2200.

[0208] In various embodiments, dome 2200 can include one or more features for engaging low-friction surface 2202. For example, dome 2200 can include protrusion 2204. Protrusion 2204 can be used to align low-friction surface 2202 with dome 2200. Protrusion 2204 can additionally or alternatively be used to retain low-friction surface 2202 on dome 2200.

[0209] In various embodiments, the dome 2200 may be positioned above a sheet 2206 (e.g., a deformable sheet). The dome 2200 may be formed directly on the deformable sheet and / or may be joined to the deformable sheet using adhesive and / or fasteners that extend through a portion of the dome 2200 and the sheet 2206. The sheet 2206 may be deformed by the dome 2200 to bring the conductive film 2208 into contact with the electrical traces 2210 (e.g., electrical contacts that are separated to form an open circuit). The conductive film 2208 may contact the electrical traces 2210 to complete an electrical circuit. The electrical traces 2210 may be electrically connected to one or more electrical circuits within the earpiece 1804 and may transmit an electrical signal to the electrical circuit when the conductive film 2208 contacts the electrical traces 2210.

[0210] 22B , the dome 2200 may include a conductive material 2212. For example, as shown in FIG. 22B , the dome 2200 may include a conductive insert 2214. In embodiments having the conductive material 2212, the conductive film 2208 may not need to be positioned between the dome 2200 and the electrical traces 2210. For example, the conductive insert 2214 may engage the electrical traces 2210 to close an electrical circuit between the electrical traces 2210 and transmit a signal to an electrical circuit within the earpiece 1804. In various embodiments, the conductive material 2212 may be positioned on an exterior surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the dome 2200. The conductive material 2212 may be or include conductive silicone and / or similar conductive materials. Overhead Detection

[0211] It may be desirable to determine when headphones 100 are being worn by a user and when headphones 100 are not being worn by a user. For example, when headphones 100 are not being worn, the headphones can be placed in a low-power mode (e.g., a sleep mode or a standby mode), and when headphones are being worn, the headphones can change from the low-power mode to a high-power mode that can enable or activate features that are not available in the low-power mode. Additionally or alternatively, when headphones 100 are determined to be being worn by a user, audio playback can automatically start (e.g., audio can start playing), and when headphones 100 are determined not to be being worn by a user, audio playback can automatically stop (e.g., audio can be paused).

[0212] While it may be desirable and beneficial to determine when headphones are placed on a user's head, making such a determination accurately in all use-case scenarios may be difficult. Some embodiments of the present disclosure may implement a multi-step process to accurately make such a determination. FIG. 23 illustrates an example process 2300 that may be used by a pair of headphones disclosed herein to detect when a user is wearing the pair of headphones. As shown in FIG. 23 , the pair of headphones may begin in a low-power operating state, such as a sleep state, standby state, or low-power state (block 2302), in which only certain components, e.g., one or more sensors in the headphones that can detect environmental changes, receive power and are operational. In some embodiments, the low-power state (block 2302) may be an intermediate power state. For example, in some embodiments, the headphones may have an extremely low-power (or deep-sleep) state, in which the headphones may be stored in a charging case for an extended period of time while consuming minimal power. The headphones may exit the deep-sleep state, for example, when they are removed from their case, and enter a second low-power state in which certain sensors that did not receive power in the deep-sleep state receive power.

[0213] In some embodiments, sensors are operational while the headphones are in the low power state 2302 to detect whether the earpieces are being pulled apart or otherwise rotated. Process 2300 can be a multi-step process in which circuitry within the headphones (e.g., a processor or other type of controller) determines whether the headphones are being worn based on readings from different sensors. For example, a mechanism that allows the earpieces to rotate and pivot, such as the pivot mechanism 400 described above, can be utilized to provide an initial indication that a user may have put on, or is about to put on, a pair of headphones. Sensors associated with the pivot mechanism can detect that the earpieces have been bent or pulled outward by detecting a change in the angle of the earpieces relative to the headband along the roll axis 404 (block 2304). If such an angle change is greater than a predetermined amount (e.g., greater than 10 degrees, or greater than 15 degrees, or greater than 20 degrees), it can indicate that the earpieces have been moved to a wearable configuration, and process 2300 can proceed to the next step in its over-the-head detection algorithm. On the other hand, if the roll axis sensor detects that the earpieces have been pulled away but not by a sufficient amount to indicate that the headphones are on or about to be placed on the user's ears (i.e., the change in angle is less than a predetermined amount), process 2300 can keep the headphones in a low power state 2302.

[0214] However, making an over-the-head detection determination in block 2304 based on sufficient movement of the earpieces relative to the roll axis may result in a false trigger. For example, a user may pull the earpieces away in preparation for putting on the headphones, but then change their mind and move the headphones away. Therefore, some embodiments may use a second set of sensors, such as optical sensors or another suitable type of proximity sensor, or other sensors that can determine whether the user's ears or other objects are placed within the inner portion of the earpieces, to confirm and make a final determination that the headphones are being put on (block 2306). In some embodiments, an optical emitting device and optical receiver may be included in one or both earpieces as a second sensor. The optical emitting device may emit one or more beams of radiation from the earpieces toward where the user's ears would be if the headphones were placed on the user's head. Radiation reflected from the user's ears may then be detected by the optical sensor when the headphones are being worn. Next, for example, if the intensity of the detected radiation exceeds a predetermined threshold, the detected radiation can be sent to a processor to confirm that the headphones are placed on the user's head (block 2306, yes). If the radiation is not reflected (or the radiation is below a threshold intensity value), an embodiment can determine that the headphones are not on the user's ears (block 2306, no), and process 2300 can keep the headphones in low power state 2302.

[0215] When process 2300 determines that the earpiece has rotated along the roll axis by more than a predetermined amount 2308 and the second set of sensors determines that the headphones are on the user's ear, process 2300 can change the operating state of headphones 100 from a low power state 2302 (e.g., a mode in which radio circuitry that transmits and receives audio data between the headphones and a host device is not operating) to a higher power operating mode (e.g., a mode in which audio data can be transmitted wirelessly between the headphones and a host device).

[0216] It should be noted that relying on the output from the second sensor without making the initial determination in block 2304 may also lead to false positives. For example, the second sensor (or set of sensors) used in block 2306 may generate a false positive sensor signal indicating that the headphones are being worn if the headphones are placed with the earpieces resting on a reflective surface, such as a white tabletop. Thus, by combining the sensor readings from blocks 2304 and 2306, embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a reliable indication of when a user is wearing a pair of headphones.

[0217] Some embodiments of the present disclosure further relate to optical sensors that can generate highly accurate sensor readings that can be used in block 2306 for improved over-head detection determination compared to previously known optical sensors. In some cases, it is relatively easy with a simple optical sensor, such as a combination of a light emitting diode and a photodiode, to detect reflected radiation that may indicate when the headphones are over a user's ear. For example, FIG. 24 shows a simplified cross-section of an earpiece 2400 that includes a sensor 2402 (e.g., an optical sensor) for determining when the headphones 100 are being worn or not worn by a user 2405. The earpiece 2400 can define a region 2408 within the inner periphery of the earpiece in which a portion of the user 2405 (e.g., the user's ear) can be positioned. The sensor 2402 can be positioned within the earpiece 2400 and oriented to detect whether the user's ear is positioned within the region 2408. For example, sensor 2402 can emit light radiation in region 2408 and detect whether any portion of the emitted light is reflected back to a light sensor within sensor 2402 .

[0218] In many use-case scenarios, the photodiode in sensor 2402 can easily detect the light emitted from the LED in sensor 2402 when the headphones are on the user's head. However, certain circumstances can make such detection more difficult and result in false negative determinations. For example, users can have hair colors with varying levels of reflectivity, some of which can adversely affect the sensor's reading, resulting in a false determination that the headphones are not being worn. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to optical sensors that can detect when a user's ear is placed within region 2408 in use-case scenarios where other sensors may produce false negative readings.

[0219] 25A is a simplified diagram of a portion of an earpiece 2500 including an on-ear detection optical sensor, according to some such embodiments. The earpiece 2500 may represent one or both of the earpieces 104 discussed with respect to FIG. 1 or any other earpiece described in this disclosure. The earpiece 2500 may include a housing 2502 and a cover 2504 (e.g., an earpiece cover) attached to the housing 2502, the cover including a plurality of perforated holes that allow sound from an acoustic driver disposed within the housing to be directed from the housing 2502 to the user's ear. An earpiece cushion assembly 2506 may be attached to the housing 2502 and the cover 2504.

[0220] The sensor 2520 (e.g., an optical sensor) can be attached to the housing 2502 and oriented to detect a portion of the user (e.g., the user's ear) positioned within a region 2505 of the inner periphery of the earpiece cushion assembly 2506. For example, the sensor 2520 can have a field of view (FOV) 2522 (the area from which light is emitted from the sensor and the area from which the sensor can detect reflected light) that is a relatively wide cone that surrounds a large area within region 2505, but is still limited to the inner periphery of the earpiece cushion assembly. The sensor 2520 can be an electro-optical device that includes one or more emitters (e.g., one or more vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, VCSELs) and optical receivers (e.g., an array of optical sensors). In some embodiments, the sensor 2520 includes a single nanosecond-pulsed VCSEL laser in the infrared wavelength range and a beam steering device that can direct the laser pulse at different individual fields of view within the larger FOV 2522 of the sensor 2520.

[0221] In some embodiments, the sensor 2520 further includes an array of SPADs as receivers capable of detecting reflected beams from within the FOV 2522. Thus, when the earpiece 2500 is placed on the user's head, the sensor 2520 emits collimated beams of pulsed radiation at different locations within the FOV 2522. The pulsed laser beam may reflect off the user (e.g., from the user's ear or the portion of the user's skull surrounding the ear) and be detected by the SPAD array optical receiver. A processor or similar control circuitry (not shown) within the earpiece 2400 may be coupled to the sensor 2520 to control the timing of the laser pulses and receive the detection signals generated by the optical receiver. Utilizing the known timing of the laser pulses and other known information, the processor can determine the distance to the user's ear (or other reflected object) using time-of-flight calculation techniques. For example, the time-of-flight may be determined by emitting a beam at an object and measuring the time it takes for a receiver to detect the light reflected from the object. In some embodiments, the sensor 2520 can detect an object between about 0 mm and at least about 300 mm from the sensor. For example, the sensor 2520 can detect an object positioned between about 1 mm and about 100 mm from the sensor 2520.

[0222] The sensor 2520 can be electrically coupled to a processor for processing data detected by the SPAD, as described above. The processor can additionally or alternatively switch the headphones between standby and operational modes (e.g., between low-power and higher-power modes) as described with respect to FIG. 23 . The processor can determine whether the intensity of the reflected light meets a certain threshold and whether the distance of the object indicates that the object is within the region 2505. SPADs are highly sensitive devices that can detect radiation, in some cases, as small as a single photon. Because both the sensitivity of the SPAD optical receiver array and the ability of the sensor 2520 to detect the intensity of reflected radiation and determine the distance of the sensor from the object from which the pulsed beam is reflected, embodiments of the present disclosure can use both such information to determine whether the earpiece is on the user's head in block 2306 described above. For example, process 2300 in block 2306 may include receiving data (e.g., photon count) of reflected radiation detected by the SPAD array and determining whether the intensity of the reflected radiation meets a threshold and / or whether the distance to the object from which the radiation is reflected is greater than a predetermined distance. If the intensity of the reflected radiation is below the threshold, the processor may determine that the headphones are not on the user's head. The processor may also determine that the headphones are not actually being worn by the user if the intensity of the reflected radiation exceeds the threshold but the distance to the object is greater than a predetermined distance (e.g., greater than the boundary of region 2505). If the intensity of the reflected radiation exceeds the threshold and the distance is less than the predetermined distance, the processor may determine that the headphones are on the user's head.

[0223] As shown in FIG. 25A , the sensor 2520 can be positioned behind an opening 2508 formed in a sidewall portion 2510 of the housing 2502 and cover 2504, allowing the sensor 2520 to both project radiation into an area 2505 and receive radiation reflected off one or more surfaces within the area 2505 back to the optical sensor. In various embodiments, the sensor 2520 can be positioned on a carrier 2521 that is coupled to the sidewall portion 2510 and can span the width of the opening 2508. In some embodiments, the sidewall portion 2510 can be at an angle 2511 with respect to the axis 2513. For example, the sidewall portion 2510 can be at an angle 2511 with respect to the axis 2513 within a range of 20 degrees to 60 degrees. In further embodiments, the sensor 2520 can be oriented at an angle 2515 with respect to the sidewall portion 2510, for example, an angle 2515 in a range of 15 degrees to 50 degrees. Design considerations require that the angle of the sidewall portion 2510 of the cover 2504 be such that an optical sensor mounted directly on the housing 2502 (including the side immediately rearward of the sidewall portion 2510) will direct at least some radiation toward the earpiece cushion assembly 2506. Radiation directed toward the earpiece cushion can easily be reflected back at the sensor 2520 and produce a false positive reading. To prevent this situation and confine the field of view of the sensor 2520 to an area within the earpiece cushion, as illustrated by the FOV 2522, some embodiments of the present disclosure include a carrier 2524 coupled between the sensor 2520 and the housing 2502. The carrier 2524 can include an angled portion 2526 for mounting the sensor 2520 at an optimized angle relative to the housing 2502 and cover 2504 so that the field of view of the sensor 2520 can detect the user's ear without encompassing any portion of the earpiece cushion assembly 2506. In some embodiments, portion 2526 of the carrier allows sensor 2520 to be oriented at an angle ranging from 20 to 40 degrees relative to housing 2502 of earpiece 2400. For example, sensor 2520 may be oriented at an angle of 32 degrees relative to housing 2502.

[0224] In some embodiments, sensor 2520 can emit radiation in the infrared wavelengths, and portion 2526 can be transparent to the emitted IR wavelengths. Because some of the emitted radiation can be reflected from housing 2502 in the area of ​​opening 2508, some portions of the present disclosure coat rear surface 2528 of carrier 2524 in the area surrounding angled portion 2526 with an IR-absorbing material to absorb IR light that can be reflected from the interior surface of the housing and back toward the sensor.

[0225] FIG. 25B shows portions of an earpiece 2500 that may be used with a sensor 2520. The earpiece 2500 may include a cover 2504 and an earpiece cushion assembly 2506. The earpiece cushion assembly 2506 may include an opening 2530 that allows the sensor 2520 to emit radiation through the cushion assembly into the region 2502, as described above. The cover 2504 may include a carrier 2524 positioned over the opening 2530, thereby allowing IR light to pass while blocking non-IR light. The cover 2412 may additionally or alternatively include or be made from a scratch-resistant material that is resistant to damage that may cause noise in the detection system. The cover 2412 may be or include nickel titanium oxide (NiOTi).

[0226] In some embodiments, the earpiece 2500 can include two sensors 2520 on either side of the earpiece, and one of the sensors can be blocked by the cover 2504 and / or earpiece cushion assembly 2506 (e.g., as shown by sensor 2520a positioned adjacent the side of the cover 2504 that does not include the opening 2508). The sensor 2520 can detect that something is blocking the sensor based on detecting constant, substantially stable data and / or time-of-flight readings that indicate the presence of an object positioned next to the sensor 2520. In response to determining that the sensor 2520 is blocked, a suggestion can be sent to the user. For example, a suggestion alerting the user that the cover 2504 is incorrectly placed within the earpiece 2500. Detachable earpiece cushions

[0227] A user may desire to change one or more components of the headphones 100 to customize and / or improve the comfort of the headphones. For example, a user may desire to change the earpiece cushion assembly 110 for a newer and / or different earpiece cushion. The earpiece cushion assembly 110 may include components that allow for removal and attachment of the earpiece cushion assembly 110 from the earpiece 104. FIG. 26A shows an example of a mounting assembly 2600 for use with the earpiece 104. The mounting assembly 2600 may include a cover 2602 and a frame 2604. The cover 2602 may represent the cover 2504 discussed with respect to FIGS. 25A and 25B that is attached to the earpiece housing 112 of the earpiece 104. The frame 2604 may be attached to the earpiece cushion assembly 110.

[0228] One or more securing mechanisms can be used to detachably couple (e.g., magnetically couple) the cover 2602 and the frame 2604. The securing mechanism can detachably couple the frame 2604 to the cover 2602 when the frame 2604 is positioned within the cover 2602. For example, when the frame 2604 is positioned within the cover 2602, the securing mechanism can prevent the frame 2604 from being removed until a certain force threshold is reached. In various embodiments, the securing mechanism can be or include multiple components that engage with each other to attach the cover 2602 and the frame 2604. For example, a magnetic element 2606, such as a metal plate, can be positioned on the frame 2604, and a magnet array 2608 can be positioned on the cover 2602. The securing mechanism can be or include a latch, a hook and loop connector, and / or any suitable connector for detachably coupling the cover 2602 and the frame 2604.

[0229] 26B shows an exemplary securing mechanism 2601 for use with the mounting assembly 2600. The securing mechanism 2601 may include a magnetic element 2606 positioned on the frame 2604 and removably coupleable with a magnet array 2608 positioned on the cover 2602. A metal shunt 2610 may be positioned on the cover 2602 (e.g., between the magnet array 2608 and electronic components positioned within the earpiece housing 112). The metal shunt 2610 may prevent or reduce magnetic flux from the magnetic array 2608 from interfering with electronic components contained within the earpiece 104. In some embodiments, the magnetic element 2606 may be positioned on the cover 2602 and the magnet array 2608 may be positioned on the frame 2604. The magnetic element 2606 can be or can include a magnet and / or a metal plate including any one or more of steel, iron, nickel, cobalt, stainless steel, aluminum, gold, a metal plate, a magnet, and / or any suitable component that can be magnetically coupled to the magnet array 2608.

[0230] The magnetic array 2608 can include one or more magnets that generate a magnetic flux. The magnetic flux can act on the magnetic elements 2606 to hold the frame 2604 in place when the insert is positioned in the carrier. In various embodiments, the magnets in the magnetic array 2608 can be arranged in a pattern based on their orientation. For example, the magnetic array 2608 can include magnets arranged in a Halbach array (e.g., a rotating pattern of magnet orientation), an alternating array (e.g., magnet orientation alternating), and / or a unipolar orientation (e.g., magnets oriented in the same direction).

[0231] In some embodiments, the magnets of the magnetic array 2608 can be arranged in an alternating pole design (e.g., with the magnet poles oriented North, South, South, North (NSSN) or South, North, North, South (SNNS)). In further embodiments, the magnetic element 2606 can be or include steel, and the alternating pole magnetic array 2608 can direct magnetic flux into the steel component 2606. The steel element 2606 and the alternating pole magnetic array 2608 can have a magnetic coupling that can have advantages over other arrangements of the magnetic array 2608 and / or materials used for the magnetic element 2606. For example, the alternating pole magnetic array 2608 and the steel magnetic element 2606 can interact to have a greater coercive force than other designs and / or materials. Additionally and / or alternatively, the steel magnetic element 2606 positioned on the frame 2604 can prevent or reduce magnetic flux from entering the front volume of the earpiece 204. For example, steel magnetic element 2606 can reduce or prevent magnetic flux from interfering with metal worn by the user (eg, earrings).

[0232] In various embodiments, the cover 2602 and the frame 2604 may include an annular surface 2620 (i.e., an annular shelf) surrounding a central portion 2622. The magnetic element 2606 may be positioned on the annular surface 2620 of the frame 2604 and / or the magnetic array 2608, and / or the metal shunt 2610 may be positioned on the annular surface 2620 of the cover 2602. The central portion 2622 of the frame 2604 and the cover 2602 may be aligned when the magnetic element 2606 is coupled with the magnetic array 2608.

[0233] In further embodiments, the cover 2602 and / or the frame 2604 can include openings in the sidewalls, such as openings 2624. The openings 2624 can align when the frame 2604 is coupled with the cover 2602. In some embodiments, the openings 2624 can represent the openings 2508 and / or 2530 discussed with respect to FIGS.

[0234] In some embodiments, one or more layers of foam can be disposed between the cover 2602 and the frame 2604. A first layer of foam can be positioned, for example, on the annular surface 2620 of the frame 2604 (e.g., attached to the annular surface 2620 that engages the annular surface 2620 of the cover 2602). For example, the foam can be disposed over the area where the magnetic element 2606 is positioned on the annular surface 2620. A second layer of foam can be disposed over the first layer (e.g., between the first layer of foam and the cover 2602). The second layer can extend around the periphery of the annular surface 2620 (e.g., around the periphery of the central portion 2622). The foam can provide a seal between the cover 2602 and the frame 2604. The seal can provide an acoustic seal for the earpiece 104 (e.g., providing an acoustic seal between the cover 2602 and the frame 2604). The foam can additionally or alternatively enable consistent magnetic coupling of the cover 2602 and the frame 2604. In further embodiments, one or more layers can enable optimized retention between the cover 2602 and the frame 2604, minimize distortion of the cover 2602 and / or frame 2604 during engagement, and / or maximize tear strength.

[0235] The magnetic array 2608 and magnetic elements 2606 can be arranged in corresponding patterns on the respective cover 2602 and frame 2604. As shown in FIGS. 26C and 26D , the magnetic array 2608 and magnetic elements 2606 can be arranged such that the magnetic elements 2606 on the cover 2602 can engage with the magnetic array on the frame 2604 in only one direction. FIG. 26C shows the frame 2604 correctly oriented with respect to the cover 2602 so that when the frame 2604 is positioned within the cover 2602, the magnetic array 2608 engages with the magnetic elements 2606, holding the frame 2604 in place. FIG. 26D shows the frame 2604 misoriented with respect to the cover 2602 so that when the frame 2604 is positioned within the cover 2602, the magnetic array 2608 does not engage with the magnetic elements 2606, holding the frame 2604 in place. The arrangement of magnetic array 2608 and corresponding pattern of magnetic elements 2606 allows for simple user feedback regarding the orientation of frame 2604 and cover 2602. For example, the user knows that frame 2604 is in the correct orientation because frame 2604 engages with cover 2602. Similarly, the user knows that frame 2604 is in the wrong orientation because frame 2604 does not engage with cover 2602.

[0236] In various embodiments, the attachment assembly 2600 can include an identification system capable of distinguishing between earpiece cushion assemblies 110. FIGS. 27A and 27B show an example identification system 2700, and FIGS. 28A and 28B show an additional example identification system 2800 capable of distinguishing between two types of earpiece cushion assemblies 110. The identification systems 2700, 2800 can include one or more sensors 2702, 2802 capable of detecting magnetic flux from the magnetic arrays 2708, 2808. The sensors 2702, 2802 can be or include Hall effect sensors and / or suitable sensors for detecting magnetic flux. In various embodiments, the sensors 2702, 2802 can be positioned on one, some, or all of the securing mechanisms 2601.

[0237] 27A and 27B, the identification system 2700 can include two different sized metal plates 2706a and 2706b. The first metal plate 2706a can be sized and shaped to direct the magnetic flux 2704 away from the sensor 2702. For example, the first magnetic element 2606a may not extend beyond the magnet array 2708 and direct the magnetic flux 2704 from one side of the magnetic array to the other, with the sensor 2702 positioned outside the circle. The second metal plate 2706b can be sized and shaped to direct the magnetic flux 2704 through the sensor 2702. As shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B, the identification system 2800 can include a single-piece metal plate 2806a and a multi-piece metal plate 2806b. The single-piece metal plate 2806a can be sized and shaped to direct the magnetic flux 2804 around the sensor 2802, and the multi-piece metal plate 2806b can have pieces sized and shaped to direct the magnetic flux 2804 through the sensor 2802.

[0238] The identification systems 2700, 2800 can distinguish between two different earpiece cushion assemblies 110 based on whether the sensors 2702, 2802 detect the magnetic flux 2704, 2804. The detection or non-detection of the magnetic flux 2704, 2804 can correspond to earpiece cushion assemblies 110 having distinct characteristics. For example, an earpiece that causes the identification systems 2700, 2800 to detect the magnetic flux 2704, 2804 may correspond to an earpiece cushion assembly 110 having different and / or distinct characteristics from an earpiece cushion assembly 110 that does not cause the identification systems 2700, 2800 to detect the magnetic flux 2704. In various embodiments, the earpiece cushion assemblies 110 can be distinct due to the materials used within the earpiece cushion assembly 110, the size and / or shape of the earpiece cushion assembly 110, or their intended purpose (e.g., a sports earpiece cushion assembly 110 or a comfort earpiece cushion assembly 110).

[0239] In some embodiments, identifying the earpiece cushion assembly 110 attached to the earpiece 104 can be used to adjust audio settings of the headphones 100. For example, identifying an earpiece cushion assembly 110 with a known internal volume can allow audio settings to be automatically adjusted to optimize audio reproduction for the identified earpiece cushion assembly 110. The earpiece cushion assembly 110 can be identified using, for example, identification systems 2700, 2800. Earpiece cushions - passive damping

[0240] 29A, 29B, and 29C show cross sections of different embodiments of a cushion assembly 2900 for use with the earpiece 104. The cushion assembly 2900 can include a cushion pad 2902 that improves user comfort when the headphones 100 are worn. The cushion pad 2902 can be used to improve comfort, but may allow some level of external audio to penetrate the earpiece 104, which may adversely affect the headphones' active noise cancellation (ANC) system. Additional layers of stiffer and / or thicker material can be added to the cushion assembly to reduce external noise, but this can reduce comfort and result in a gap between the earpiece and the user's head when the headphones are worn, allowing sound to reach the user.

[0241] In various embodiments, a noise-damping layer (e.g., noise-canceling material) 2904 can be added to the cushion assembly 2900. The noise-damping material 2904 can be added to the inside of the cushion assembly 2900 to reduce or prevent sound from transmitting through the earpiece. For example, the noise-damping material 2904 can be disposed on the inside of the cushion assembly between the outer wrap 2906 and the cushion pad 2902. The noise-damping material 2904 can be injected into the cushion pad 2902 and / or can be a layer of material positioned on the cushion pad. The noise-damping material 2904 can be or include silicone and / or a silicone blend that reduces sound transmission while having a minimal effect on the stiffness of the cushion assembly 2900. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 29B , the noise-damping material 2904 can be distributed on only a portion of the interior surface of the cushion pad 2902. Spacing out the noise-damping material 2904 can further reduce any stiffening effect the noise-damping material 2904 may have on the cushion pad 2902.

[0242] In some embodiments, the noise-damping material 2904 may be or include variable thickness silicone (e.g., a variable thickness silicone wall). The variable thickness noise-damping material 2904 can allow for tuning of the cushion assembly 2900. For example, areas of the cushion assembly 2900 can be increased in thickness for additional noise attenuation and decreased in thickness for reduced cushion stiffness. The noise-damping material 2904 can additionally or alternatively be strategically thickened to tailor noise cancellation within the earpiece 104. For example, a first portion of the noise-damping material 2904 can be thicker than a second portion of the noise-damping material 2904 (e.g., the top can be thicker than the bottom, the front portion can be thicker than the back portion, and the sides can be thicker than the opposite sides).

[0243] 29C, the noise-damping material 2904 can be a low durometer silicone gel that permeates a portion of the cushion pad 2902 and adds mass without adding stiffness to the cushion assembly. For example, the noise-damping material 2904 can permeate the cushion pad 2902 a distance from the inner surface of the cushion assembly 2900. The noise-damping material 2904 can permeate the cushion pad 2902 by being deposited on the outer surface of the cushion pad 2902, injected into the cushion pad, and / or integrated into a foam matrix. Charging case

[0244] FIG. 30 shows headphones 3000 including earpieces 3002 and 3004 joined together by a headband 3006. Headphones 3000 can be the same as or similar to headphones 100, although headphones 3000 may include additional and / or alternative components. A central portion of headband 3006 has been omitted to focus on the components within earpieces 3002 and 3004. Specifically, earpieces 3002 and 3004 may include a mixture of Hall effect sensors and permanent magnets. As shown, earpiece 3002 includes a permanent magnet 3008 and a Hall effect sensor 3010. Permanent magnet 3008 generates a magnetic field extending away from earpiece 3002 with a south polarity. Earpiece 3004 includes a Hall effect sensor 3012 and a permanent magnet 3014. In the illustrated configuration, the permanent magnet 3008 is positioned to output a magnetic field strong enough to saturate the Hall Effect sensor 3012. The sensor reading from the Hall Effect sensor 3012 can be sufficient to inform the headphones 3000 that they are not being actively used and can enter an energy saving mode. In some embodiments, this configuration can also inform the headphones 3000 that they are located in a case and should enter a lower power mode of operation to conserve battery power. When the earpieces 3002 and 3004 are each flipped 180 degrees, the magnetic field emitted by the permanent magnet 3014 saturates the Hall Effect sensor 3010, which also allows the device to enter a low power mode. In some embodiments, since a user may wish to position earpieces 3002 and 3004 facing up to operate the headphones in an off-the-head configuration and audio playback needs to continue in such a case, it may be desirable to use an accelerometer sensor in one or both of earpieces 3002 to ensure that earpieces 3002 and 3004 are pointing towards the ground before entering a low power state.

[0245] 31 illustrates a carry case 3100 for use with headphones, e.g., headphones 3000, positioned therein. The headphones 3000 are shown including an ambient light sensor 3102. In some embodiments, input from the ambient light sensor 3102 can be used to determine when the headphones are placed in the case 3100 and the case 3100 is closed. Similarly, if sensor readings from the ambient light sensor 3102 indicate an amount of light consistent with the carrying case 3100 being opened, a processor within the headphones 3000 can determine that the carrying case 3100 has been opened. In some embodiments, when other sensors mounted on the headphones 3000 indicate that the headphones 3000 are positioned within a recess defined by the carrying case 3100, sensor data from the ambient light sensor 3102 can be sufficient to determine whether the carrying case 3100 is open or closed.

[0246] In various embodiments, Hall effect sensors 3104 can be positioned within the earpieces 3002 and 3004 and configured to detect a magnetic field emitted by a permanent magnet 3106 disposed within the carry case 3100. This second set of sensor data can substantially reduce the frequency with which sensor data from the ambient light sensor 3102 is erroneously associated with case opening and closing events. Sensor readings from other types of sensors, such as strain gauges, time-of-flight sensors, and other headphone component sensors, can also be used to determine the operating state. Furthermore, depending on the determined operating state of the headphones 3000, these sensors can be activated at various frequencies. For example, if the carry case 3100 is determined to be closed around the headphones 3000, sensor readings can be taken only infrequently, whereas in active use, the sensors can operate more frequently.

[0247] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, has described embodiments in connection with headphones to provide a thorough understanding of the described components. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described components are not limited to use with headphones. For example, the components described herein may be used with head-mounted devices (HMDs), augmented reality, virtual reality devices, and / or any suitable audio device. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations of the components and / or embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings.

[0248] In the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, specific terminology was used to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

[0249] It is understood that use of personally identifiable information should comply with generally recognized privacy policies and practices that meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintended or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of permitted uses should be clearly indicated to users. All patents, publications, and abstracts cited above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The foregoing description of the embodiments, including exemplary aspects thereof, has been presented for purposes of illustration and description only and is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0250] Aspect 1 is a listening device comprising: a first earpiece; a headband having a first end coupled to the first earpiece, the first earpiece comprising: an earpiece housing defining an interior volume; a speaker disposed within the interior volume; a pivot mechanism coupled to the earpiece housing and operable to allow the earpiece housing to rotate independently of the headband along a first axis, the pivot mechanism having an opening sized and shaped to receive one of the first or second ends of the headband; first and second pivot rods; a first cylinder having a first channel and coupled to the first pivot rod; and a first piston fitted within the first channel and coupled to the second pivot rod. A listening device comprising: a pivoting mechanism; and a headband; a first compression spring at least partially surrounding the first piston and first cylinder and positioned to compress against the opening while opposing rotation of the pivoting mechanism around a first axis.

[0251] Aspect 2 is a listening device as described in Aspect 1 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the pivoting mechanism further comprises: a second cylinder having a second channel and coupled to the first pivoting rod; a second piston that fits within the second channel of the second cylinder and is coupled to the second pivoting rod; and a second compression spring that at least partially surrounds the second piston and the second cylinder and is positioned to compress against the opening while opposing rotation of the pivoting mechanism about the first axis.

[0252] Aspect 3 is the listening device of Aspect 1 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the pivoting mechanism further comprises a collar defining an opening for receiving one of the first or second ends of the headband, the collar having a protrusion for aligning the respective first or second end of the headband with the pivoting mechanism and configured to enable rotation of the pivoting mechanism about a second axis.

[0253] Aspect 4 is the listening device of aspect 3 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect individually or in combination), wherein the first axis is a roll axis and the second axis is a yaw axis.

[0254] Aspect 5 is the listening device of Aspect 1 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the swivel mechanism further comprises a sensor configured to detect rotation of the swivel mechanism around the first axis.

[0255] Aspect 6 is the listening device of Aspect 1 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the pivot mechanism is positioned off-center of the first earpiece.

[0256] Aspect 7 is an earpiece comprising an earpiece housing defining an interior volume, a speaker disposed within the interior volume, a pivot mechanism disposed at a first end of the earpiece housing and operable to allow the earpiece housing to rotate along a first axis, the pivot mechanism having an opening sized and shaped to receive a first end of a headband, first and second pivot rods, a first cylinder having a first channel, and a second cylinder having a second channel, the first and second cylinders coupled to the first pivot rod. a first piston positionable in the first channel and a second piston positionable in the second channel, the first and second pistons coupled to a second pivot rod; a first compression spring at least partially surrounding the first piston and the first cylinder; and a second compression spring at least partially surrounding the second piston and the second cylinder and positioned to compress against the opening while opposing rotation of the pivot mechanism about the first axis.

[0257] Aspect 8 is the earpiece of Aspect 7 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the pivoting mechanism further comprises a magnet and a sensor, and the sensor is configured to detect changes in the magnetic field of the magnet to detect rotation of the pivoting mechanism about the first axis.

[0258] Aspect 9 is the earpiece of Aspect 7 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the first axis is a roll axis and the pivoting mechanism is further operable to enable the earpiece housing to rotate along a yaw axis.

[0259] Aspect 10 is the earpiece of Aspect 7 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the pivot mechanism further comprises a collar defining an opening, the collar comprising a protrusion configured to engage an alignment notch in the headband.

[0260] Example 11 is the earpiece of Example 10 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the collar further defines a notch configured to receive a locking component that prevents the headband from being removed from the pivot mechanism.

[0261] Aspect 12 is the earpiece of Aspect 7 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the pivoting mechanism further comprises a gasket configured to prevent moisture ingress between the headband and the opening and to flex in response to rotation of the pivoting mechanism.

[0262] Aspect 13 is a headphone comprising: a first earpiece housing defining a first interior volume; and a first pivot mechanism coupled to the first earpiece housing and operable to allow the first earpiece to rotate about a first axis, the first pivot mechanism comprising: a first opening sized and shaped to receive a first end of a headband; first and second pivot rods; a first cylinder having a first channel and coupled to the first pivot rod; a first piston fitted within the first channel and coupled to the second pivot rod; and a first compression spring at least partially surrounding the first piston and the first cylinder and positioned to compress against the first opening while opposing rotation of the first pivot mechanism about the first axis. a second earpiece comprising: a second earpiece housing defining a second interior volume; and a second pivot mechanism coupled to the second earpiece housing and operable to allow the second earpiece to rotate about a second axis, the second pivot mechanism comprising: a second opening sized and shaped to receive a second end of a headband; third and fourth pivot rods; a second cylinder having a second channel and coupled to the third pivot rod; a second piston fitted within the second channel and coupled to the fourth pivot rod; and a second compression spring at least partially surrounding the second piston and the second cylinder and positioned to compress against the second opening while opposing rotation of the second pivot mechanism about the second axis.

[0263] Aspect 14 is a configuration in which the first pivot mechanism further comprises: a third cylinder having a third channel and coupled to the first pivot rod; a third piston fitted within the third channel and coupled to the second pivot rod; and a third compression spring at least partially surrounding the third piston and the third cylinder and positioned to compress against the first opening while opposing rotation of the first pivot mechanism about the first axis; The headphones of Aspect 13 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the second pivoting mechanism further comprises: a fourth cylinder having a fourth channel and coupled to the third pivoting rod; a fourth piston that fits within the fourth channel and is coupled to the fourth pivoting rod; and a fourth compression spring that at least partially surrounds the fourth piston and the fourth cylinder and is positioned to compress against the second opening while opposing rotation of the second pivoting mechanism around the second axis.

[0264] Aspect 15 is a headphone described in Aspect 13 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the first and second axes are roll axes, the first pivoting mechanism is further operable to enable the first earpiece housing to rotate about a first yaw axis, and the second pivoting mechanism is further operable to enable the second earpiece to rotate about a second yaw axis.

[0265] Aspect 16 is the headphone described in Aspect 13 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the first earpiece includes a first sensor configured to detect rotation of the first earpiece about a first axis.

[0266] Aspect 17 is the headphone described in Aspect 16 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the second earpiece includes a second sensor configured to detect rotation of the second earpiece about a second axis.

[0267] Aspect 18 is a headphone according to aspect 13 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the first and second pivoting mechanisms are positioned off-center of the respective first and second earpieces.

[0268] Aspect 19 is the headphone described in Aspect 13 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the first pivot mechanism comprises a collar defining a first opening, and the collar comprises a protrusion engageable with a first end of the headband.

[0269] Aspect 20 is the headphone described in Aspect 13 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the first pivoting mechanism includes a gasket configured to prevent the intrusion of moisture between the first end of the headband and the first opening, and the gasket is configured to flex in response to rotation of the first pivoting mechanism.

[0270] Aspect 21 is a headphone comprising: a headband; an earpiece coupled to one end of the headband; an earpiece housing defining an opening; a button assembly positionable within the opening, the button housing having an upper and lower portion and defining a channel with a central axis; a crown axially aligned with the central axis and configured to move into engagement with the button housing; a damper positioned between the upper portion of the button housing and the crown and configured to damp vibrations generated when the crown engages with the button housing; a hub coupled to the crown and positioned within the channel, the hub translatable along the central axis and rotatable about the central axis, the hub including one or more markings and configured to engage with the compressible dome when the hub is translated toward the interior of the earpiece housing; and seals positioned between the hub and the button housing, one of the seals having a variable diameter and contacting the hub and the button housing with only a portion of the seal.

[0271] Aspect 22 is a headphone described in Aspect 21 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the button assembly further comprises a sensor positioned within a portion of the button housing and configured to detect rotation of the hub about a central axis.

[0272] Aspect 23 is a headphone according to aspect 22 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the hub has a plurality of grooves formed along its length, the grooves being detectable by a sensor to detect rotation of the hub.

[0273] Aspect 24 is the headphone of Aspect 21 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein at least one of the seals comprises a self-lubricating material.

[0274] Example 25 is the headphone of Example 21 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the compressible dome is engagable with an open electrical circuit to form a closed electrical circuit.

[0275] Aspect 26 is the headphone described in Aspect 25 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the compressible dome comprises a conductive material that can engage with an open electrical circuit to form a closed electrical circuit.

[0276] Aspect 27 is a headphone described in Aspect 21 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the damper is a first damper and the second damper is positioned between the hub and the bottom of the housing.

[0277] Example 28 is an earpiece including: an earpiece housing defining an opening; a button assembly positionable within the opening, the button housing having an upper and lower portion and defining a channel with a central axis; a crown axially aligned with the central axis and configured to move into engagement with the upper portion of the button housing; a first damper positioned between the button housing and the crown and configured to dampen vibrations caused when the crown engages with the button housing; a hub coupled to the crown and to the channel, the hub translatable along and about the central axis, the hub including one or more markings and configured to engage with the lower portion of the button housing and to engage with the compressible dome when the hub is translated toward an interior of the earpiece housing; and a second damper positioned between the hub and the lower portion of the button housing and configured to dampen vibrations when the hub engages with the lower portion of the button housing.

[0278] Aspect 29 is the earpiece of Aspect 28 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the hub has a plurality of grooves formed along its length, the grooves being detectable by a sensor positioned within a portion of the button housing.

[0279] Aspect 30 is the earpiece of Aspect 28 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the button assembly includes seals positioned between the hub and the button housing, and at least one of the seals includes a self-lubricating material.

[0280] Aspect 31 is the earpiece of Aspect 30 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the first seal of the seal has a variable diameter and only a portion of the first seal contacts the hub and button housing.

[0281] Aspect 32 is the earpiece of Aspect 28 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the button assembly comprises a decoupler coupled to the hub and translatable along a central axis to engage the compressible dome, the decoupler configured to allow rotation of the hub relative to the decoupler.

[0282] Aspect 33 is the earpiece of Aspect 32 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), comprising an adjustable resistance component configured to adjust the resistance between the decoupler and the button housing, the adjustable resistance component comprising at least one of a shim, a spring, or an elastic wedge.

[0283] Aspect 34 is the earpiece of Aspect 28 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the compressible dome is configured to engage with a flexible sheet comprising a conductive material, the flexible sheet being configured to engage with an open electrical circuit to form a closed electrical circuit.

[0284] Example 35 is a listening device including: an earpiece having an earpiece housing defining an opening; a button assembly positionable within the opening, the button housing having an upper and lower portion and defining a channel with a central axis; a crown axially aligned with the central axis and configured to move into engagement with the upper portion of the button housing; a hub coupled to the crown and positioned within the channel and translatable along and rotatable about the central axis, the hub including one or more markings and configured to engage with the compressible dome when the hub is translated toward an interior of the earpiece housing; and seals positioned between the hub and the button housing, a first seal positioned adjacent the upper portion of the button housing and configured to form a watertight seal, and a second seal positioned between the hub and the compressible dome, the first seal having a variable diameter, and only a portion of the seal contacting the hub and the button housing.

[0285] Aspect 36 is the earpiece of Aspect 35 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the button assembly further comprises a first damper positioned between the top of the button housing and the crown and configured to damp vibrations that occur when the crown engages with the button housing.

[0286] Aspect 37 is the earpiece of Aspect 36 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the button assembly further comprises a second damper positioned between the hub and the lower portion of the button housing and configured to engage with the lower portion of the button housing when the button assembly is in an unpressed state.

[0287] Example 38 is the earpiece of Example 35 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein at least one of the seals comprises a self-lubricating material.

[0288] Aspect 39 is the earpiece of Aspect 35 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the button assembly further comprises a sensor positioned within a portion of the button housing and configured to detect rotation of the hub about the central axis.

[0289] Aspect 40 is the earpiece of Aspect 39 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the hub comprises a plurality of grooves formed along its length, the grooves being detectable by a sensor.

[0290] Aspect 41 is a headphone comprising: a headband assembly; a first earpiece coupled to a first end of the headband assembly; and a second earpiece coupled to a second end of the headband assembly, each of the first and second earpieces comprising an earpiece housing, an acoustic driver disposed within the earpiece housing, and an earpiece cushion assembly coupled to the earpiece housing to cooperatively define a cavity sized to accommodate a user's ear, the earpiece cushion assembly comprising: an annular earpiece cushion; and a support structure disposed between the annular earpiece cushion and the earpiece housing, the support structure comprising cantilevered support members distributed along the periphery of the cavity and protruding into the cavity.

[0291] Example 42 is the headphone of Example 41 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein each of the cantilevered support members has a curved shape that follows the curvature of a portion of the annular earpiece cushion.

[0292] Aspect 43 is a headphone described in aspect 41, further comprising a cushion frame, wherein the support structure is integrally formed with the cushion frame, and the cushion frame is directly connected to the earpiece housing.

[0293] Aspect 44 is a headphone described in Aspect 43 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the support structure and cushion frame cooperatively define an annular channel, and an annular earpiece cushion is disposed within the annular channel.

[0294] Aspect 45 is a headphone described in Aspect 41 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the earpiece cushion assembly further comprises a protective cover that wraps around both the annular earpiece cushion and at least a portion of the support structure.

[0295] Aspect 46 is the headphones of Aspect 45 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the protective cover comprises a material selected from the group consisting of leather and woven materials.

[0296] Aspect 47 is a headphone described in Aspect 41 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the earpiece cushion assembly further comprises a protective cover, and any one or more of the cantilevered support members are embedded within the protective cover.

[0297] Example 48 is the headphone of Example 41 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), further comprising a webbing coupling that couples adjacent cantilevered members together.

[0298] Example 49 is the headphone of Example 48 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the stiffness of the webbing is less than the stiffness of the cantilevered support member.

[0299] Embodiment 50 is an earpiece suitable for use with over-the-ear headphones, the earpiece including an earpiece housing and an earpiece cushion assembly coupled to the earpiece housing to cooperatively define a cavity sized to accommodate a user's ear, the earpiece cushion assembly including an annular earpiece cushion, a support structure disposed between the annular earpiece cushion and the earpiece housing, the support structure including cantilevered support members distributed around the cavity and protruding into the cavity, and an acoustic driver.

[0300] Aspect 51 is an earpiece as described in Aspect 50 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the earpiece cushion assembly further comprises a protective cover, and any one or more of the cantilevered support members are embedded within the protective cover.

[0301] Example 52 is the earpiece of Example 50 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein a first one of the cantilevered support members has a different size or shape than a second one of the cantilevered support members.

[0302] Example 53 is the earpiece of Example 50 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the annular earpiece cushion is formed from open-cell foam.

[0303] Aspect 54 is the earpiece of Aspect 50 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the inward-facing surface of the annular earpiece cushion and the adjacent inner surface of the earpiece housing operate to form an undercut.

[0304] Example 55 is the earpiece of Example 50 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein each of the cantilevered support members has the same size and shape.

[0305] Example 56 is the earpiece of Example 50 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein each of the cantilevered support members curves toward the annular earpiece cushion.

[0306] Aspect 57 is a headphone comprising: first and second earpieces, each of the earpieces comprising an earpiece housing, an acoustic driver disposed within the earpiece housing, an earpiece cushion assembly coupled to the earpiece housing, each earpiece cushion assembly comprising an annular earpiece cushion, a support structure disposed between the annular earpiece cushion and the earpiece housing, the support structure being distributed around the annular earpiece cushion and supporting the annular earpiece cushion; and a headband assembly mechanically coupling the first and second earpieces.

[0307] Aspect 58 is the headphone described in Aspect 57 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the annular earpiece cushion comprises a foam cushion disposed within a protective cover.

[0308] Aspect 59 is a headphone described in Aspect 57 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the annular earpiece cushion further includes a cushion frame, and the cantilevered support member is integrally formed with the cushion frame.

[0309] Aspect 60 is the headphone of Aspect 57 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the cantilevered support member is configured to independently reinforce selected areas of the annular earpiece cushion.

[0310] Aspect 61 is an earpiece for a pair of headphones, the earpiece comprising: a conductive earpiece housing defining an interior volume having a central region and an outer region surrounding the central region, the conductive earpiece housing including a portion defining a ground plane component for an antenna, the conductive earpiece housing having an elongated slot formed through the ground plane component; and a slot antenna disposed within the outer region of the interior volume and electrically coupled to the ground plane component, the slot antenna comprising a frame formed from a radio frequency transparent material and defining an inner cavity sealed within the interior volume, the frame including a tongue having first and second opposing surfaces protruding away from the inner cavity and a distal end facing the elongated slot and extending between the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface, the distal end of the tongue allowing radio frequencies to enter the inner cavity through the elongated slot, and the outer remainder of the frame being plated with one or more layers of metal that prevent radio frequencies from entering the inner cavity.

[0311] Aspect 62 is the earpiece of aspect 61, wherein the earpiece housing further includes an acoustic opening adjacent to the elongated slot, the frame includes first and second openings formed through one or more layers of metal plating and a channel extending through an inner cavity defined by the frame and having walls formed from a radio frequency transparent material, the second opening aligned with the acoustic opening in the earpiece housing, and the channel acoustically couples the first opening to the second opening to provide a pressure relief vent through the earpiece housing.

[0312] Example 63 is an earpiece described in Example 61, wherein the slot antenna defines an antenna pattern, and the earpiece further comprises a passive component positioned within the antenna pattern and configured to divide the slot antenna into two or more segments tuned to at least two different high frequencies.

[0313] Embodiment 64 is an earpiece according to embodiment 61, wherein the outer region of the interior volume has a bulged cross-sectional shape that extends 360 degrees around the central region.

[0314] Embodiment 65 is the earpiece of embodiment 61, further comprising a sealant disposed within the elongated slot, filled within the elongated slot, and finished together with the earpiece housing.

[0315] Example 66 is the earpiece of Example 61, wherein the one or more layers of metal include a copper layer, a gold layer, and a nickel layer disposed between the copper layer and the gold layer.

[0316] Embodiment 67 is directed to an earpiece for a pair of headphones, the earpiece comprising: a conductive earpiece housing defining an interior volume having a central region and an outer bulged region surrounding the central region, the conductive earpiece housing including a portion defining a ground plane component for an antenna, the conductive earpiece housing having an elongated rectangular slot formed therethrough; a radio circuit disposed within the interior volume; an audio processing circuit disposed within the interior volume and operably coupled to the radio circuit; a microphone disposed within the interior volume and operably coupled to the audio processing circuit; a speaker disposed within the central region of the interior volume and operably coupled to the audio processing circuit; and a conductive earpiece housing having an outer bulged region surrounding the central region of the interior volume. a slot antenna disposed within the interior volume of the earpiece and operably coupled to radio circuitry, the slot antenna comprising a frame formed from a rigid radio frequency transparent material and defining an interior cavity within the interior volume, the frame including a tongue having first and second opposing surfaces projecting away from the interior cavity and a distal end facing the elongated rectangular slot and extending between the first and second opposing surfaces, the distal end of the tongue allowing radio frequency waves to enter the interior cavity through the elongated slot, the remainder of the exterior of the frame being plated with one or more layers of metal that prevent radio frequency waves from entering the interior cavity; and a ground connection between the slot antenna and a ground plane component of a conductive earpiece housing.

[0317] Aspect 68 is the earpiece of aspect 67 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the earpiece housing further includes an acoustic opening adjacent to the elongated slot, and the earpiece further includes an audio port component including an opening aligned with the acoustic opening and an acoustic channel acoustically coupling the acoustic opening to the interior volume.

[0318] Aspect 69 is the earpiece of aspect 68 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the acoustic channel comprises a hollow clamp defining an opening in a support structure coupled to the speaker.

[0319] Aspect 70 is the earpiece of aspect 67 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), further comprising a first termination feature electrically coupled to a microphone and a second termination feature electrically coupled to an audio processing circuit.

[0320] Aspect 71 is the earpiece of Aspect 67 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the frame comprises a plurality of ribs that protrude into the inner cavity and provide additional strength to the frame.

[0321] Aspect 72 is the earpiece of aspect 67 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the earpiece further comprises a speaker cover having a plurality of audio openings, the speaker cover being coupled to the earpiece housing and positioned above a central region of the earpiece housing.

[0322] Aspect 73 is the earpiece of aspect 67 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the one or more layers of metal include a copper layer, a gold layer, and a nickel layer.

[0323] Example 74 is the earpiece of Example 73 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the copper layer is positioned on the outside of the frame and disposed between the copper layer and the gold layer.

[0324] Embodiment 75 is directed to earpieces for a pair of headphones, the earpieces including: an earpiece housing defining an interior volume having a central region and an outer region surrounding the central region, the earpiece housing including an elongated slot and an acoustic opening formed through the earpiece housing proximate to the elongated slot; and a slot antenna disposed within the outer region of the interior volume and including a frame formed from a radio frequency transparent material and defining an interior cavity sealed within the interior volume, the frame including a support structure extending into the interior cavity and a tongue projecting away from the interior cavity. a tongue having first and second opposing surfaces facing the elongated slot and a distal end facing the elongated slot and extending between the first and second opposing surfaces, the distal end of the tongue allowing radio frequency waves to enter the inner cavity through the elongated slot and the remainder of the exterior of the frame being plated with one or more layers of metal that prevent radio frequency waves from entering the inner cavity; and an acoustic pathway at least partially defined by an acoustic vent having an opening aligned with the acoustic opening, the acoustic pathway acoustically coupling the acoustic opening to the interior volume.

[0325] Aspect 76 is the earpiece of Aspect 75 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the frame includes first and second openings formed through one or more layers of metal plating, the acoustic path extending through an inner cavity defined by the frame and including a wall formed from a radio frequency transparent material, and the acoustic vent includes the second opening and an acoustic path acoustically coupling the first opening to the second opening to provide a pressure relief vent through the earpiece housing.

[0326] Aspect 77 is the earpiece of aspect 75 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the acoustic path includes a hollow clamp that acoustically couples the interior volume of the earpiece with the acoustic opening.

[0327] Aspect 78 is the earpiece of Aspect 75 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the slot antenna defines an antenna pattern, and the earpiece comprises an antenna tuning component positioned within the antenna pattern and configured to divide the slot antenna into multiple segments tuned to at least two high frequencies.

[0328] Aspect 79 is the earpiece of aspect 75 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the microphone is positioned between the slot antenna and the earpiece housing and aligned with the microphone opening in the earpiece housing.

[0329] Aspect 80 is the earpiece of aspect 75 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the elongated slot includes a sealant disposed within the elongated slot, the sealant configured to prevent moisture from entering the elongated slot and to allow high frequency waves to pass therethrough.

[0330] Embodiment 81 is an earpiece for a pair of headphones, the earpiece comprising: an earpiece housing defining an interior volume, the earpiece housing having an inner side extending at a first angle around a central opening of the earpiece housing and a first opening formed through the inner side; an earpiece cover coupled to the earpiece housing and covering the central opening, the earpiece cover having a plurality of sound openings formed through a central region of the earpiece cover, an outer side extending around the central region and aligned with the inner side of the earpiece housing and extending above the inner side, and a second opening formed through the outer side and aligned with the first opening; an annular earpiece cushion coupled to the earpiece housing surrounding an ear-receiving region of the earpiece; and an annular earpiece cushion disposed within the interior volume, the earpiece cover a speaker positioned to direct acoustic energy into an ear-receiving area of ​​the earpiece through a plurality of sound openings therein; a carrier coupled to the earpiece housing and positioned over the first and second openings, the carrier having a body formed between first and second opposing major surfaces, the first major surface facing the ear-receiving area and the second major surface including a mounting portion positioned at a second angle relative to the earpiece housing, the second major surface being different from the first angle; and an optical sensor comprising an optical emitting device and an optical receiving device, coupled to the mounting portion of the carrier, the optical sensor being positioned to emit radiation through the body of the carrier and through the first and second openings into the ear-receiving area and to receive reflected radiation back through the first and second openings and through the body of the carrier.

[0331] Example 82 is the earpiece described in Example 81 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the optical sensor has a field of view that is limited to an area within the inner periphery of the earpiece cushion.

[0332] Example 83 is the earpiece of example 81 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the optical radiation device is an infrared laser.

[0333] Example 84 is the earpiece described in Example 81 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the carrier comprises a material that is transparent to infrared radiation and the first major surface of the carrier comprises an infrared-absorbing material.

[0334] Example 85 is the earpiece of Example 81 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the optical sensor comprises a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and an array of single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs).

[0335] Example 86 is the earpiece described in example 85 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the earpiece further includes a processor programmed to calculate time-of-flight distance information received from the VCSEL and the SPAD.

[0336] Embodiment 87 is an earpiece comprising: an earpiece housing defining an interior volume, the earpiece housing having an interior side extending at a first angle around a central opening of the earpiece housing and a first opening formed through the interior side; an annular earpiece cushion coupled to the earpiece housing surrounding an ear-receiving region of the earpiece; a speaker disposed within the interior volume and positioned to direct acoustic energy into the ear-receiving region of the earpiece; and a carrier coupled to the earpiece housing and positioned over the first opening, the carrier having an inner side extending at a first angle around a central opening of the earpiece housing and a first opening formed therethrough; an earpiece comprising: a carrier having a body formed between two opposing major surfaces, the first major surface facing the ear-receiving area and the second major surface including a mounting portion disposed at a second angle relative to the earpiece housing, the second major surface being different from the first angle; and an optical sensor comprising an optical emitting device and an optical receiving device, coupled to the mounting portion of the carrier, the optical sensor being positioned to emit radiation through the body of the carrier and through the first opening into the ear-receiving area, and to receive reflected radiation through the first opening and back through the body of the carrier.

[0337] Aspect 88 is the earpiece of aspect 87 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), further comprising an earpiece cover coupled to the earpiece housing and covering the central opening, the earpiece cover having a plurality of sound openings formed through a central region of the earpiece cover, an outer side extending around the central region and aligned with an inner side of the earpiece housing and extending over the inner side, and a second opening formed through the outer side and aligned with the first opening; wherein the speaker is positioned to direct acoustic energy through the plurality of sound openings in the earpiece cover; and the optical sensor is positioned to emit radiation through the first and second openings and receive reflected radiation through the first and second openings.

[0338] Aspect 89 is the earpiece of aspect 87 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect individually or in combination), wherein the optical sensor has a first field of view that is contained within an inner periphery of the ear-receiving area of ​​the earpiece.

[0339] Aspect 90 is the earpiece of aspect 89 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the optical sensor further comprises a beam steering device configured to direct radiation to a plurality of individual fields of view contained within the first field of view.

[0340] Example 91 is the earpiece of example 87 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the optical sensor comprises a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and an array of single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs).

[0341] Example 92 is the earpiece described in Example 91 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the earpiece further includes a processor programmed to calculate time-of-flight distance information received from the VCSEL and SPAD.

[0342] Example 93 is the earpiece described in Example 87 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the carrier comprises a material that is transparent to infrared radiation and the first major surface of the carrier comprises an infrared-absorbing material.

[0343] Aspect 94 is an earpiece comprising: an earpiece housing defining an interior volume, the earpiece housing having an inner side extending at a first angle around a central opening of the earpiece housing and a first opening formed through the inner side; an annular earpiece cushion coupled to the earpiece housing surrounding an ear-receiving region of the earpiece; a speaker disposed within the interior volume and positioned to direct acoustic energy into the ear-receiving region of the earpiece; and an optical sensor coupled to the inner side of the earpiece housing, the optical sensor comprising an optical emitting device and an optical receiving device, and positioned to emit radiation into the ear-receiving region through the first opening and receive reflected radiation through the first opening.

[0344] Aspect 95 is the earpiece described in aspect 94 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), further comprising: a carrier coupled to the earpiece housing and positioned over the first opening, the carrier having a body formed between first and second opposing major surfaces, the first major surface facing the ear receiving area and the second major surface including a mounting portion positioned at a second angle relative to the earpiece housing that is different from the first angle; and the optical sensor coupled to the mounting portion of the carrier and aligned to emit radiation and receive reflected radiation through the body of the carrier.

[0345] Aspect 96 is the earpiece of aspect 95 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the earpiece cover is coupled to an earpiece housing and covers a central opening, the earpiece cover further comprising: a plurality of acoustic openings formed through a central region of the earpiece cover; an outer side extending around the central region and aligned with an inner side of the earpiece housing and extending over the inner side; and a second opening formed through the outer side and aligned with the first opening; the speaker is positioned to direct acoustic energy through the plurality of acoustic openings in the earpiece cover; and the optical sensor is positioned to emit radiation through the first and second openings and receive reflected radiation through the first and second openings.

[0346] Example 97 is the earpiece described in Example 95 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the carrier comprises a material that is transparent to infrared radiation and the first major surface of the carrier comprises an infrared-absorbing material.

[0347] Example 98 is the earpiece described in Example 94 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the optical sensor has a field of view that is limited to an area within the inner periphery of the earpiece cushion.

[0348] Aspect 99 is the earpiece described in aspect 94 (or any other preceding or subsequent aspect, individually or in combination), wherein the optical radiation device is an infrared laser.

[0349] Example 100 is the earpiece as described in Example 94 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the optical sensor comprises a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and an array of single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs).

[0350] Aspect 101 is a headphone earpiece assembly comprising: a housing defining an internal volume; an earpiece cover disposed within the internal volume and comprising a first magnet and a metal shunt, the metal shunt being positioned between the earpiece cover and the first magnet; and an earpiece cushion assembly removably coupled to the housing and comprising an annular earpiece cushion coupled to a frame and a magnetic element disposed between the earpiece cushion and the frame, wherein when the earpiece cushion assembly is coupled to the housing, the magnetic element is magnetically coupled to the first magnet, and the first magnet is configured to direct magnetic flux through the magnetic element to secure the earpiece cushion assembly to the housing.

[0351] Example 102 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in Example 101 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the magnets include an array of magnets having alternating polar directions.

[0352] Example 103 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in Example 101 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the metal shunt is configured to direct magnetic flux away from electronic components positioned within the interior volume of the housing.

[0353] Example 104 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in Example 101 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the magnetic element comprises a metal plate or a magnet.

[0354] Embodiment 105 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in embodiment 101 (or any other preceding or subsequent embodiment, individually or in combination), wherein the cover and frame each include annular surfaces surrounding the central portion.

[0355] Example 106 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in Example 105 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), in which the magnet and metal shunt are disposed on the annular surface of the cover and the magnetic element is disposed on the annular surface of the frame.

[0356] Example 107 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in Example 105 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein a plurality of magnets are arranged in a pattern on the annular shelf of the cover, and a plurality of magnetic elements are arranged in a pattern on the annular surface of the cover.

[0357] Aspect 108 is an earpiece comprising: a housing defining an interior volume; a central portion coupled to the housing and positioned within the interior volume; an annular shelf surrounding the central portion; a sidewall extending around a central opening of the earpiece cover between the central portion and the annular shelf; a first magnet and a metal shunt positioned on the annular shelf, the metal shunt being positioned between the earpiece cover and the first magnet; a speaker positioned within the interior volume and positioned to direct acoustic energy through the central portion of the earpiece cover; and a speaker removably coupled to the earpiece cover. an earpiece cushion assembly comprising: a frame having a central portion; an annular surface surrounding the central portion of the frame; a sidewall extending around the central portion of the frame between the central portion and the annular surface; an earpiece cushion coupled to the annular surface of the frame; and a magnetic element disposed on the annular surface between the earpiece cushion and the frame, wherein the magnetic element is magnetically coupled to a first magnet when the earpiece cushion assembly is coupled to the housing, the first magnet being configured to direct magnetic flux through the magnetic element to secure the earpiece cushion assembly to the housing.

[0358] Example 109 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in Example 108 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein a plurality of sound openings are formed through a central portion of the earpiece cover, and wherein the speaker is positioned to direct acoustic energy through the plurality of sound openings in the earpiece cover.

[0359] Embodiment 110 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in embodiment 108 (or any other preceding or subsequent embodiment, individually or in combination), wherein the earpiece cover sidewall defines a first opening and the frame sidewall defines a second opening.

[0360] Embodiment 111 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in embodiment 110 (or any other preceding or subsequent embodiment, individually or in combination), in which the first and second openings are aligned when the earpiece cover is coupled with the earpiece cushion assembly.

[0361] Example 112 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in Example 108 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein a plurality of magnets are arranged in a pattern on the annular shelf of the cover, and a plurality of magnetic elements are arranged in a pattern on the annular surface of the cover.

[0362] Example 113 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in Example 108 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the magnetic shunt is configured to direct magnetic flux away from the speaker within the internal volume.

[0363] Example 114 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in Example 108 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), which includes an array of magnets arranged in a pattern.

[0364] Embodiment 115 is an earpiece comprising: a housing defining an interior volume; an earpiece cover coupled to the housing and comprising a central portion disposed within the interior volume; an annular shelf surrounding the central portion; a sidewall extending around a central opening of the earpiece cover between the central portion and the annular shelf; and a first magnet positioned on the annular shelf.

[0365] Embodiment 115 is an earpiece cushion assembly comprising: a frame removably coupled to an earpiece cover and having a central portion; an annular surface surrounding the central portion of the frame; a sidewall extending around the central portion of the frame between the central portion and the annular surface; an earpiece cushion coupled to the annular surface of the frame; and a magnetic element disposed on the annular surface between the earpiece cushion and the frame, the magnetic element magnetically coupled to a first magnet when the earpiece cushion assembly is coupled to the housing, the first magnet configured to direct magnetic flux through the magnetic element to secure the earpiece cushion assembly to the housing.

[0366] Embodiment 116 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in embodiment 115 (or any other preceding or subsequent embodiment, individually or in combination), further comprising a speaker disposed within the interior volume and positioned to direct acoustic energy through a central portion of the earpiece cover.

[0367] Example 117 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in Example 116 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), further comprising a metal shunt positioned on the annular shelf between the earpiece cover and the first magnet.

[0368] Example 118 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in Example 117 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), in which the metal shunt is configured to direct magnetic flux away from electronic components positioned within the interior volume of the housing.

[0369] Example 119 is a headphone earpiece assembly as described in Example 115 (or any other preceding or subsequent example, individually or in combination), wherein the magnets include an array of magnets having alternating polar directions.

[0370] Embodiment 120 is the headphone earpiece assembly of embodiment 115 (or any other preceding or subsequent embodiment, individually or in combination), wherein the plurality of magnets are arranged in a pattern on the annular shelf of the cover, and the plurality of magnetic elements are arranged in a pattern on the annular surface of the cover.

Claims

1. A listening device, a first earpiece; and a headband having a first end coupled to the first earpiece, the first earpiece comprising: an earpiece housing defining an interior volume; a speaker disposed within the interior volume; a pivot mechanism coupled to the earpiece housing and operable to allow the earpiece housing to rotate separately from the headband along a first axis, the pivot mechanism comprising: an opening sized and shaped to receive one of the first or second ends of the headband; first and second pivot rods; a first cylinder having a first channel and coupled to the first pivot rod; a first piston fitted within the first channel and coupled to the second pivot rod; a first compression spring at least partially surrounding the first piston and the first cylinder and positioned to compress against the opening while opposing rotation of the pivot mechanism about the first axis; Listening device.

2. 2. The listening device of claim 1, wherein the pivoting mechanism further comprises: a second cylinder having a second channel and coupled to the first pivot rod; a second piston that fits within the second channel of the second cylinder and is coupled to the second pivot rod; and a second compression spring that at least partially surrounds the second piston and the second cylinder and is positioned to compress against the opening while opposing rotation of the pivoting mechanism about the first axis.

3. 3. The listening device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pivot mechanism further comprises a collar defining the opening for receiving one of the first or second ends of the headband, the collar having a protrusion for aligning each of the first or second ends of the headband with the pivot mechanism and configured to enable rotation of the pivot mechanism about a second axis.

4. The listening device of claim 3 , wherein the first axis is a roll axis and the second axis is a yaw axis.

5. 5. A listening device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the swivel mechanism further comprises a sensor configured to detect rotation of the swivel mechanism about the first axis.

6. 6. A listening device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pivot mechanism is positioned off-centre of the first earpiece.

7. An earpiece, an earpiece housing defining an interior volume; a speaker disposed within the interior volume; a pivot mechanism disposed at a first end of the earpiece housing and operable to allow the earpiece housing to rotate along a first axis, the pivot mechanism comprising: an opening sized and shaped to receive a first end of the headband; a first pivot rod and a second pivot rod; a first cylinder having a first channel and a second cylinder having a second channel, the first cylinder and the second cylinder being coupled to the first pivot rod; a first piston positionable within the first channel and a second piston positionable within the second channel, the first and second pistons coupled to the second pivot rod; an earpiece comprising: a first compression spring at least partially surrounding the first piston and the first cylinder; and a second compression spring at least partially surrounding the second piston and the second cylinder and positioned to compress against the opening while opposing rotation of the pivot mechanism about the first axis.

8. 8. The earpiece of claim 7, wherein the pivot mechanism further comprises a magnet and a sensor, the sensor configured to detect changes in the magnetic field of the magnet to detect rotation of the pivot mechanism about the first axis.

9. 9. The earpiece of claim 7 or 8, wherein the first axis is a roll axis, and the pivoting mechanism is further operable to allow the earpiece housing to rotate along a yaw axis.

10. 11. The earpiece of claim 7, wherein the pivot mechanism further comprises a collar defining the opening, the collar comprising protrusions configured to engage alignment notches in the headband.

11. The earpiece of claim 10 , wherein the collar further defines a notch configured to receive a locking component that prevents the headband from being removed from the pivot mechanism.

12. 12. The earpiece of claim 7, wherein the pivot mechanism further comprises a gasket configured to prevent ingress of moisture between the headband and the opening and to flex in response to rotation of the pivot mechanism.

13. The headphones are 1. A first earpiece comprising: a first earpiece housing defining a first interior volume; and a first pivot mechanism coupled to the first earpiece housing and operable to enable the first earpiece to rotate about a first axis, the first pivot mechanism comprising: a first opening sized and shaped to receive a first end of the headband; a first pivot rod and a second pivot rod; a first cylinder having a first channel and coupled to the first pivot rod; a first piston fitted within the first channel and coupled to the second pivot rod; a first compression spring at least partially surrounding the first piston and the first cylinder and positioned to compress against the first opening while opposing rotation of the first pivot mechanism about the first axis; and a first earpiece comprising:

1. A second earpiece comprising: a second earpiece housing defining a second interior volume; and a second pivot mechanism coupled to the second earpiece housing and operable to enable the second earpiece to rotate about a second axis, the second pivot mechanism comprising: a second opening sized and shaped to receive the second end of the headband; third and fourth pivot rods; a second cylinder having a second channel and coupled to the third pivot rod; a second piston fitted within the second channel and coupled to the fourth pivot rod; a second compression spring at least partially surrounding the second piston and the second cylinder and positioned to compress against the second opening while opposing rotation of the second pivot mechanism about the second axis; and a second earpiece comprising: Headphones equipped with:

14. the first pivot mechanism further comprises: a third cylinder having a third channel and coupled to the first pivot rod; a third piston fitted within the third channel and coupled to the second pivot rod; and a third compression spring at least partially surrounding the third piston and the third cylinder and positioned to compress against the first opening while opposing rotation of the first pivot mechanism about the first axis; 14. The headphones of claim 13, wherein the second pivot mechanism further comprises: a fourth cylinder having a fourth channel and coupled to the third pivot rod; a fourth piston that fits within the fourth channel and is coupled to the fourth pivot rod; and a fourth compression spring that at least partially surrounds the fourth piston and the fourth cylinder and is positioned to compress against the second opening while opposing rotation of the second pivot mechanism about the second axis.

15. 15. The headphones of claim 13 or 14, wherein the first and second axes are roll axes, the first pivoting mechanism is further operable to allow the first earpiece housing to rotate about a first yaw axis, and the second pivoting mechanism is further operable to allow the second earpiece to rotate about a second yaw axis.

16. 16. The headphones of claim 13, wherein the first earpiece comprises a first sensor configured to detect rotation of the first earpiece about the first axis.

17. The headphones of claim 16, wherein the second earpiece comprises a second sensor configured to detect rotation of the second earpiece about the second axis.

18. 18. The headphones of claim 13, wherein the first and second pivot mechanisms are positioned off-center of the first and second earpieces, respectively.

19. 19. The headphones of claim 13, wherein the first pivot mechanism comprises a collar defining the first opening, the collar comprising a protrusion engageable with the first end of the headband.

20. 20. The headphones of claim 13, wherein the first pivot mechanism includes a gasket configured to prevent ingress of moisture between the first end of the headband and the first opening, the gasket configured to flex in response to rotation of the first pivot mechanism.

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