Ear tips and related devices and methods

Abstract

The present invention provides ear tips and related devices and methods. [Solution] The ear tip 104 includes a body 120 configured to be attached to an earbud. The body 120 includes a first end 122, a second end 124 opposite the first end 122, and an inner wall 126 extending between the first end 122 and the second end 124. The inner wall 126 defines and surrounds a hollow passage 128 configured to conduct sound waves. The body 120 also includes an outer wall 130 connected to the inner wall 126 at the first end 122 and extending away from the inner wall 126 toward the second end 124. The inner wall 126 has an elongated cross-sectional shape that accommodates a corresponding nozzle on the earbud, is formed from a rigid material, and includes a ring 132 that engages with and conforms to the elongated shape of the nozzle, which prevents improper attachment and rotation of the ear tip 104 relative to the nozzle.

Description

【Background Art】 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to ear tips and related devices and methods. 【0002】 Modern in-ear headphones provide active noise reduction that helps reduce ambient noise in the user's ear canal. Active noise reduction is generally achieved through the use of analog circuits or digital signal processing. Adaptive algorithms are designed to analyze the waveform of the ambient noise and then generate a signal that phase-shifts or inverts the polarity of the original signal based on a particular algorithm. This inverted signal (opposite phase) is then amplified, and the transducer (speaker) generates sound waves that are proportional to the amplitude of the original waveform, creating interference that cancels out. This effectively reduces the volume of the perceptible noise. 【0003】 An important supplement to this active noise reduction is the passive attenuation of noise provided by the material that seals the user's ear canal. In that regard, many modern in-ear headphones typically include compliant ear tips made from low-durometer silicone. These ear tips form an acoustic seal with the user's ear canal and act as a physical barrier to the transmission of ambient noise. The low-durometer silicone provides comfort because it is flexible and compliant, which helps ensure a good acoustic seal with the user's ear canal. 【0004】 Active noise reduction is very effective at lower frequencies (e.g., 20 Hz to 1 kHz), but headphones rely heavily on passive attenuation to attenuate (reduce) higher frequency noise (e.g., above 1 kHz). Unfortunately, the low-durometer silicone commonly used for ear tips is not particularly good at attenuating high frequencies in the range of 1 kHz to 1.5 kHz. This allows unwanted noise to pass through the ear tip material and into the user's ear canal. 【0005】 This disclosure relates to an ear tip for headphones having improved passive attenuation. This disclosure further relates to an ear tip designed to mate with an elliptical nozzle and configured to resist rotation around the nozzle when mated to the nozzle. [Overview of the Initiative] 【0006】 All embodiments and features mentioned below can be combined in any technically feasible manner. 【0007】 In one embodiment, the ear tip includes a body configured to be attached to an earbud. The body includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an inner wall extending between the first and second ends. The inner wall defines and surrounds a hollow passage configured to conduct sound waves. The body also includes an outer wall connected to the inner wall at the first end and extending away from the inner wall toward the second end. The inner wall has an elongated cross-sectional shape configured to accommodate a corresponding nozzle on the earbud. The inner wall is formed of a rigid material and includes a ring that engages with and conforms to the elongated shape of the nozzle, preventing improper attachment of the ear tip to the nozzle, and preventing rotation of the ear tip relative to the nozzle once the ear tip is attached to the nozzle. 【0008】 The implementation may include one of the following characteristics, or any combination thereof. 【0009】 In some implementations, the inner wall further includes a high-durometer-compliant material defining at least a portion of the extension that extends between the nozzle and the first end of the ear tip. 【0010】 In some implementations, the outer wall is molded around a high-durometer-compliant material, while the outer wall is formed from a lower-durometer-compliant material. 【0011】 In some cases, the ring includes at least one C-shaped member having at least one gap, and a high-durometer-compliant material is molded around the ring and fills the gap. 【0012】 In some cases, the ring includes a pair of C-shaped members arranged with a gap between them, and a high-durometer-compliant material fills both gaps. 【0013】 In some cases, high-durometer-compliant materials define retaining members configured to engage with mating retaining members on a nozzle. 【0014】 In a particular example, the ring is configured to define a recess extending around the inner surface of its inner wall and to receive an O-ring that is seated in a corresponding recess formed on the outer surface of the nozzle and extending around it. 【0015】 In some implementations, the inner wall also includes an extension extending between the nozzle and the first end of the ear tip, and the outer wall and extension are at least partially formed from a viscoelastic material having frequency-reinforcement behavior. 【0016】 In certain implementation configurations, the extension and outer wall are formed from a styrene-based TPE having viscoelastic properties (e.g., A9 TPE). 【0017】 In some cases, the exterior surface of the exterior wall is treated with a surface treatment selected from electron beam treatment and photoionization to improve resistance to oil and grease. 【0018】 In some cases, the exterior surface of the exterior wall may have a soft-touch coating. 【0019】 In some examples, the soft-touch coating is a 50% poly(styrene-isobutylene-styrene) (SIBS) block copolymer / 50% silicone (wt / wt) soft-touch coating. 【0020】 In a particular example, the viscoelastic material is a composition comprising an elastomer and one or more phase-change materials having the ability to change from a solid state to a liquid state at a predetermined phase-change temperature. 【0021】 In some implementation configurations, the predetermined phase transition temperature is approximately 25°C to 35°C. 【0022】 In a specific implementation configuration, the composition has a hardness of approximately 5 Shore A to approximately 50 Shore A, and the amount of phase change material in the composition is approximately 10% to approximately 40% by weight. 【0023】 In another embodiment, the ear tip includes a body configured to be attached to an earbud. The body includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an inner wall extending between the first and second ends. The inner wall defines and encloses a hollow passage configured to conduct sound waves. The body also includes an outer wall connected to the inner wall at the first end and extending away from the inner wall toward the second end. The inner wall is configured to engage with a nozzle on the earbud. The inner wall includes an extension extending between the nozzle and the first end of the ear tip, and the outer wall and extension are at least partially formed from a viscoelastic material including a styrene-based TPE having viscoelastic properties (e.g., A9 TPE). 【0024】 The implementation may include one of the above and / or below features, or any combination thereof. 【0025】 In some implementation configurations, the outer surface of the exterior wall is treated with a surface treatment selected from electron beam treatment and photoionization to improve resistance to oil and grease. 【0026】 In a specific implementation configuration, the outer surface of the exterior wall has a soft-touch coating. 【0027】 In some cases, the soft-touch coating is a 50% SIBS / 50% silicone (wt / wt) soft-touch coating. 【0028】 In certain cases, the viscoelastic material includes a composition comprising a styrenic TPE having viscoelastic properties and one or more phase change materials having the ability to change phase from a solid state to a liquid state at a predetermined phase change temperature. 【0029】 In some examples, the predetermined phase change temperature is from about 25 °C to about 35 °C. 【0030】 In a specific example, the composition has a hardness of from about 5 Shore A to about 50 Shore A, and the amount of the phase change material in the composition is from about 10 wt% to about 40 wt%. 【0031】 In some implementations, the viscoelastic material defines a retaining member configured to engage a mating retaining member on the nozzle. 【0032】 In a particular implementation, the inner wall is also formed of a rigid plastic and includes a ring configured to engage the nozzle. 【0033】 In some cases, the ring defines a recess extending around the inner surface of the inner wall and is configured to receive an O-ring formed on the outer surface of the nozzle and seated within a corresponding recess extending therearound. 【0034】 In a particular case, the styrenic TPE having viscoelastic properties is A9 TPE. 【0035】 Another embodiment features an ear tip including a body configured to be attached to an earbud. The body includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an inner wall formed of a first material having a first durometer. The inner wall extends between the first and second ends. The inner wall defines and encloses a hollow passage configured to conduct sound waves. The body also includes an outer wall formed of a second material having a second durometer smaller than the first durometer. The outer wall connects to the inner wall at the first end and extends away from the inner wall toward the second end. The inner wall has an elongated cross-sectional shape configured to accommodate a corresponding nozzle on an earbud. The inner wall defines a retaining mechanism having two ends and two sides connecting them. The thickness of the sides differs from the thickness of the ends. The retaining mechanism engages with and fits the complementary retaining mechanism of the nozzle, preventing improper attachment of the ear tip to the nozzle, and once the ear tip is attached to the nozzle, it prevents the ear tip from rotating relative to the nozzle. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0036】 [Figure 1A] This is a front perspective view of the earpiece. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A is a front perspective view of the disassembled earpiece. [Figure 2] Figure 1A is a side cross-sectional view of the earpiece. [Figure 3A] This is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the ear tip according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is a rear perspective view of the ear tip. [Figure 3C] Figure 3A is a side cross-sectional view of the ear tip. [Figure 4] This is a side cross-sectional view of the ear tip shown in Figure 3A, attached to the nozzle of the earbud. [Figure 5] This is a rear perspective view of the second embodiment of the ear tip according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] This is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of the ear tip according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] Figure 6A is a rear perspective view of the ear tip. [Figure 6C] Figure 6A is a side cross-sectional view of the ear tip. [Figure 6D] This is a side cross-sectional view of the ear tip attached to the nozzle of the earbud, as shown in Figure 6A. [Figure 7A] This is a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the ear tip according to this disclosure. [Figure 7B] Figure 7A is a rear perspective view of the ear tip. [Figure 7C] Figure 7A is a side cross-sectional view of the ear tip. [Figure 7D] This is a side cross-sectional view of the ear tip attached to the nozzle of the earbud, as shown in Figure 7A. [Figure 8A] This is a front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the ear tip according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] Figure 8A is a rear perspective view of the ear tip. [Figure 8C] Figure 8A is a side cross-sectional view of the ear tip. [Figure 8D] This is a side cross-sectional view of the ear tip attached to the nozzle of the earbud, as shown in Figure 8A. [Figure 9A] This is a front perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the ear tip according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] Figure 9A is a rear perspective view of the ear tip. [Figure 9C] Figure 9A is a side cross-sectional view of the ear tip. [Figure 9D] This is a side cross-sectional view of the ear tip attached to the nozzle of the earbud, as shown in Figure 9A. [Figure 10A] This is a front perspective view of the seventh embodiment of the ear tip according to this disclosure. [Figure 10B] Figure 10A is a rear perspective view of the ear tip. [Figure 10C] Figure 10A is a side cross-sectional view of the ear tip, along the minor axis of the ear tip. [Figure 10D] Figure 10A is a cross-sectional side view of the ear tip, shown attached to the nozzle of the earbud, along the minor axis of the ear tip. [Figure 10E]Figure 10A is a side cross-sectional view of the ear tip, along the long axis of the ear tip. [Figure 10F] Figure 10A is a cross-sectional side view of the ear tip, along the long axis of the ear tip, as shown attached to the nozzle of the earbud. [Figure 11] This is a front perspective view of the earbud nozzle for use with the ear tip shown in Figure 10A. 【0037】 Commonly labeled components in the diagram are considered substantially equivalent for illustrative purposes, and redundant descriptions of those components are omitted for clarity. The numerical ranges and values ​​described according to various implementations are merely examples of such ranges and values ​​and are not intended to limit these implementations. In some cases, the term "approximately" is used to modify values, in which case these values ​​may refer to a margin of error, such as measurement error, which may range from 1 to 5 percent. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0038】 Figures 1A, 1B, and 2 show an exemplary earpiece 100 configured according to this disclosure. The earpiece 100 includes an earbud 102 and an ear tip 104. The earbud 102 also includes a housing 106 defining a nozzle 108 configured to connect to the ear tip 104. The housing 106 may be formed from a rigid plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PCB / ABS), polyetherimide (PEI), or stereolithography (SLA) resin, for example by molding. The housing 106 defines a cavity 110 in which an electroacoustic transducer 111 (also called a “speaker” or “receiver” or “driver”), a battery 114, and electronic circuitry 116 may be housed. The cavity 110 is acoustically connected to the acoustic passage 112 within the nozzle 108, so that, for example, when an earpiece is attached, the electroacoustic transducer 111 can be acoustically connected to the user's ear. The housing 106 may also support one or more microphones 118. 【0039】 As shown in Figure 1B, the nozzle 108 has an elongated cross-sectional shape, for example, an ellipse, an oblong, a racetrack shape (having parallel sides and rounded ends extending between the parallel sides, also known as a "stadium"), or an elongated shape with rounded ends and curved splines connecting them, as shown in Figure 1B. Here, "cross-section" or "cross-sectional" should be understood to be perpendicular to the central axis of the nozzle. This is expected to fit better into the user's ear canal than a simple circular cross-section. The earpiece 100 may also include stabilizing means to help hold the earpiece 100 in the user's ear. 【0040】 Referring to Figures 3A to 3D, the ear tip 104 is configured to fit at least partially within the ear canal of a person. The ear tip 104 includes a body 120 configured to be mounted on an earbud 102. The body 120 includes a first end 122 and a second end 124 opposite the first end 122. The body 120 further includes an inner wall 126 extending between the first end 122 and the second end 124. The inner wall 126 defines and surrounds a hollow passage 128 which may be configured to conduct sound waves. The inner wall 126 has an elongated cross-sectional shape, for example, an ellipse, an oblong, a racetrack shape (having parallel sides and rounded ends extending between the parallel sides, also known as a "stadium"), or an elongated shape with rounded ends and curved splines connecting them, as shown in Figure 3B. Here, “cross section” or “of the cross section” should be understood to be perpendicular to the central axis of the inner wall 126. The main body 120 also includes an outer wall 130 connected to the inner wall 126 at a first end 122. The outer wall 130 extends away from the inner wall 126 toward a second end 124. In the illustrated example, the outer wall 130 is dome-shaped, however other shapes such as conical are also possible. As shown in Figure 3C, the outer wall 130 extends beyond the second end 124. In alternative implementations, the outer wall 130 may extend toward the second end 124, but does not necessarily have to reach the second end 124. 【0041】 Embodiments shown in Figures 3A to 3C form an ear tip 104 that is formed in a three-shot molding process using three different materials of different hardness. The first material, a hard plastic (e.g., glass-filled polyimide), is used to provide a ring 132 that engages with the nozzle 108 to prevent rotation. In this regard, the ring 132 conforms to the elongated shape of the nozzle 108, thereby preventing improper mounting of the ear tip 104, and preventing rotation of the ear tip 104 relative to the nozzle 108 once it is mounted. As shown in Figure 4, the ring 132 may be C-shaped with a gap 134 that allows some compliance, enabling the ring 132 to accommodate the nozzle 108. 【0042】 The second material is a high-durometer compliant material, such as high-durometer silicone, e.g., 60 Shore A to 80 Shore A silicone, e.g., 70 Shore A silicone, molded around the ring 132. The ring 132 and the second material together form the inner wall 126. The second material extends around the inner surface of the inner wall 126 and defines a complementary retaining mechanism 136, e.g., a retaining mechanism 134 configured to engage with a recess, e.g., a projection, which is defined by the outer surface of the nozzle 108 and extends around it. The engagement of the retaining mechanisms 134 and 136 helps to hold the ear tip 104 on the nozzle 108 and provides a good acoustic seal between the earbud 102 and the ear tip 104. 【0043】 The second material also fills the gap 134 within the ring 132, thereby allowing some compliance to fit onto the nozzle 108 and enabling the ends of the ring 132 to be displaced relative to each other, while providing a closed shape (closed ring) to the second end 124 of the ear tip 104. 【0044】 The second material further defines at least a portion of the extension 138 that extends between the nozzle 108 and the first end 122 of the ear tip 104. The use of a high-durometer material in this region provides improved passive attenuation performance compared to conventional ear tips using low-durometer silicone, although low-durometer silicone allows excessive noise to pass through in this region. 【0045】 Finally, the outer wall 130 is molded around a high-durometer material. For comfort, the outer wall 130 is formed from a low-durometer material, such as low-durometer silicone, such as 10 Shore A to 30 Shore A silicone, such as 20 Shore A silicone. The outer wall 130 is the part of the ear tip that contacts and conforms to the user's ear canal, forming an acoustic seal between them. As shown in Figure 3A, the outer wall 130 is in the shape of a dome with an elongated cross-sectional shape, such as an ellipse, oblong, racetrack shape (having parallel sides and rounded ends extending between the parallel sides, also known as a "stadium"), or an elongated shape with rounded ends and curved splines connecting them, as shown in Figure 3A. Here, "cross section" or "of the cross section" should be understood to be perpendicular to the central axis of the dome / outer wall 130. 【0046】 The ear tip 104 can be formed in a three-shot molding process in which the ring 132 is formed in a first molding step, followed by the formation of the remainder of the inner wall 126 in a second molding step, and finally the outer wall 130 is formed in a third molding step. 【0047】 Figure 5 shows an alternative mounting configuration in which the ring 132 is formed from two separate C-shaped members, both made from a rigid plastic material (e.g., glass-filled polyimide), with a pair of gaps 500 between them. The gaps 500 are filled with a second material during the molding process. 【0048】 Figures 6A to 6D show another implementation of an ear tip 604, including a body 620 configured to be attached to an earbud (e.g., earbud 102 in Figures 1A and 1B). The body 620 includes a first end 622 and a second end 624 opposite the first end 622. The body 620 further includes an inner wall 626 extending between the first end 622 and the second end 624. The inner wall 626 defines and surrounds a hollow passage 628 which can be configured to conduct sound waves. The inner wall 626 has an elongated cross-sectional shape, for example, an ellipse, an oblong, a racetrack shape (having parallel sides and rounded ends extending between the parallel sides, also known as a "stadium"), or an elongated shape with rounded ends and curved splines connecting them, as shown in Figure 6B. Here, “cross-section” or “cross-sectional” should be understood to be perpendicular to the central axis of the inner wall 626. The main body 620 also includes an outer wall 630 connected to the inner wall 626 at a first end 622. The outer wall 630 extends away from the inner wall 626 toward a second end 624. In the illustrated example, the outer wall 630 is dome-shaped, however other shapes such as cone-shaped are also possible. As shown in Figure 6C, the outer wall 630 extends beyond the second end 624. In alternative implementations, the outer wall 630 may extend toward the second end 624, but does not necessarily have to reach the second end 624. 【0049】 Embodiments shown in Figures 6A to 6D form an ear tip 604 using three different materials of different hardnesses, which are formed in a three-shot molding process. The first material, a hard plastic (e.g., glass-filled polyimide), is used to provide a ring 632 that engages with the nozzle 108 to prevent rotation. In this regard, the ring 632 conforms to the elongated shape of the nozzle 108, thereby preventing improper attachment of the ear tip 604 once it is attached to the nozzle 108. 【0050】 As shown in Figures 6C and 6D, the ring 632 defines a recess 634 (e.g., an annular groove) extending around the inner surface of the inner wall 626 and is configured to receive an O-ring 635 (e.g., a rubber O-ring) that seats in a corresponding recess 136 (e.g., an annular groove) formed on the outer surface of the nozzle 108 and extending around it. In this configuration, the engagement of the retaining mechanisms 634, 136 and the O-ring 635 helps to hold the ear tip 604 on the nozzle 108 and also provides a good acoustic seal between the earbud 102 and the ear tip 604. 【0051】 As shown in Figures 6C and 6D, the ring 632 can also define a lip 637 that overlaps the end of the nozzle 108. The lip 637 can support a wax guard 638, for example, a screen that can be heat-crimped to the lip 637. This may be an alternative to, or in addition to, the wax guard 640 (Figure 6D) on the nozzle 108 itself. 【0052】 The second material is a high-durometer compliant material, such as high-durometer silicone, e.g., 60 Shore A to 80 Shore A silicone, e.g., 70 Shore A silicone, molded around the ring 632. The ring 632 and the second material together form the inner wall 626. The second material defines at least a portion of the extension 642 that extends between the nozzle 108 and the first end 622 of the ear tip 604. The use of a high-durometer material in this region provides improved passive attenuation performance compared to conventional ear tips using low-durometer silicone in this region, although low-durometer silicone allows excessive noise to pass through. 【0053】 Finally, the outer wall 630 is molded around a high-durometer material. For comfort, the outer wall 630 is formed from a low-durometer compliant material such as low-durometer silicone, e.g., 10 Shore A to 30 Shore A silicone, e.g., 20 Shore A silicone. The outer wall 630 is the part of the ear tip that contacts and conforms to the user's ear canal, forming an acoustic seal between them. As shown in Figure 6A, the outer wall 130 is in the shape of a dome with an elongated cross-sectional shape, e.g., ellipse, oblong, racetrack shape (having parallel sides and rounded ends extending between the parallel sides, also known as a "stadium"), or an elongated shape with rounded ends and curved splines connecting them, as shown in Figure 6A. Here, "cross-section" or "cross-sectional" should be understood as perpendicular to the central axis of the dome / outer wall 630. 【0054】 Figures 7A to 7D show yet another implementation of an ear tip 704, including a body 720 configured to be attached to an earbud (e.g., earbud 102 in Figures 1A and 1B). The body 720 includes a first end 722 and a second end 724 opposite the first end 722. The body 720 further includes an inner wall 726 extending between the first end 722 and the second end 724. The inner wall 726 defines and surrounds a hollow passage 728 which can be configured to conduct sound waves. The inner wall 726 has an elongated cross-sectional shape, for example, an ellipse, an oblong, a racetrack shape (having parallel sides and rounded ends extending between the parallel sides, also known as a "stadium"), or an elongated shape with rounded ends and curved splines connecting them, as shown in Figure 7B. Here, “cross-section” or “cross-sectional” should be understood to be perpendicular to the central axis of the inner wall 726. The main body 720 also includes an outer wall 730 connected to the inner wall 726 at a first end 722. The outer wall 730 extends away from the inner wall 726 toward a second end 724. In the illustrated example, the outer wall 730 has a dome shape. However, other shapes such as a cone are also possible. 【0055】 The implementations shown in Figures 7A to 7D utilize a viscoelastic material with frequency reinforcement behavior, such as a styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with viscoelastic properties, for example, A9 TPE. A suitable A9 thermoplastic elastomer is available from Avient (formerly PolyOne) in McHenry, Illinois, under trade name GLS®, product number LC AB5-741. The viscoelastic material forms the outer wall 730 and at least a portion of the inner wall 726, which includes at least a portion of an extension 742 extending between the nozzle 108 and the first end 722 of the ear tip 704. The use of a material with frequency reinforcement behavior in this extension region provides improved passive attenuation performance in the 1 kHz to 1.5 kHz frequency band compared to conventional ear tips using low-durometer silicone in this region, although low-durometer silicone allows excessive noise to pass through. Because the material is viscoelastic, it has attenuation properties. It helps to attenuate shocks and vibrations and also contributes to stability. Other suitable viscoelastic materials are described and claimed in U.S. Patent No. 1,0623846, entitled "Earpiece Employing Viscoelastic Materials," the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 【0056】 For example, in some cases, the viscoelastic material may consist of a composition comprising one or more elastomers, the composition having a low-frequency modulus metric (Mlf) of about 0.5 to about 1, a high-frequency modulus metric (Mhf) of about 0.5 to about 1, and a glass transition temperature (Tg) of about -25°C to about 30°C. At least one of the one or more elastomers may be polynorbornene, polyurethane, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, butyl rubber, acrylic, thermoplastic vulcanized material, nitrile rubber, etc. At least one of the one or more elastomers may be polynorbornene. Polynorbornene may have a density of about 0.8 to about 1.2 kg / dm3, a hardness of about 10 to about 20 Shore A, and a tensile strength of about 2 to about 8 MPa. The composition may include polynorbornene, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, curing agents, inhibitors, plasticizers, fillers, etc. Tg may be about 5°C to about 30°C. Tg may be approximately 20°C to 30°C. Tg may be approximately 5°C to 25°C. Mhf may be approximately 0.7 to 1. Mlf may be approximately 0.7 to 1. The product of Mhf and Mlf may be approximately 0.5 to 1. 【0057】 Viscoelastic materials, particularly TPEs, can be vulnerable to sebum. In this regard, the outer surface of the ear tip 704, for example, at least the outer surface of the outer wall 730, may be treated with a surface treatment such as electron beam treatment or photoionization to form a crosslinking matrix within the outer layer of the ear tip 704, so that the outer layer has a lower affinity for sebum than the inner layer (or untreated area(s)) of the ear tip 704. Further details regarding surface treatment are described and claimed in U.S. Patent No. 1,0856069, entitled "Sebum Resistance Enhancement for Wearable Devices," the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 【0058】 Electron beam treatment is a curing process applied to TPE. Once the TPE is molded into its desired shape, electron beam treatment creates chemical crosslinks within the material, which converts it into a silicone-like state, providing excellent oil and chemical resistance. This enhances oil resistance and unlocks the ability to apply a soft-touch topcoat. Electron beam treatment can also provide improved performance in many tests, including thermal shock tests. 【0059】 In some implementations, the ear tip 704, or at least the outer wall 730, may be treated with a soft-touch coating, such as that described and claimed in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 232479, “Soft Touch Material,” filed April 16, 2021, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, the TPE forming the outer wall 730 may be treated with a 50% poly(styrene-isobutylene-styrene) (SIBS) block copolymer / 50% silicone (wt / wt) soft-touch coating. 【0060】 As mentioned above, electron beam treatment can enable the application of a soft-touch topcoat without damaging the component. The topcoat can be applied via spray and then cured. In the process of applying the topcoat, the component (ear tip 704) is stressed with a solvent. It is then cured at a high temperature. All of this can potentially stress the component. Electron beam treatment crosslinks the component, increasing its resistance to solvents and temperature. 【0061】 The soft-touch coating can be applied to any surface that a user is likely to touch. The soft-touch topcoat provides a premium finish and aids in sealing and initial comfort. The soft-touch topcoat can also help with dust protection, as the A9 TPE material tends to attract a lot of dust. 【0062】 Viscoelastic materials may also include cooling and sensation-inducing materials, such as those described and claimed in U.S. Patent No. 1,0531174, which is titled "Earpiece Employing Cooling and Sensation Inducing Materials" and whose full disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. For example, viscoelastic materials may include compositions comprising an elastomer, such as a styrene-based TPE having viscoelastic properties, such as A9 TPE, and one or more phase-change materials having the ability to transition from a solid state to a liquid state at a predetermined phase-change temperature, for example, about 25°C to about 35°C. The compositions may have a hardness of about 5 Shore A to about 50 Shore A, and the amount of phase-change material in the composition is about 10% to about 40% by weight. 【0063】 In the embodiments shown in Figures 7A to 7D, the viscoelastic material extends around the inner surface of the inner wall 726 and defines a complementary retaining mechanism 136 that extends around and is defined by the outer surface of the nozzle 108, for example, a retaining mechanism 734 configured to engage with a recess, for example, a projection. The engagement of the retaining mechanisms 734 and 136 helps to hold the ear tip 704 on the nozzle 108 and also provides a good acoustic seal between the earbud 102 and the ear tip 704. 【0064】 As shown in Figures 7B to 7D, the inner wall 726 is a ring 132 formed of a rigid plastic material such as glass-filled polyimide. The ring 726 is configured to engage with the nozzle 108 to prevent rotation. In this regard, the ring 732 conforms to the elongated shape of the nozzle 108, thereby preventing improper attachment of the ear tip 104 once it is attached to the nozzle 108. That is, the ring 732 ensures that the tip will only fit into the nozzle when it is properly oriented relative to the nozzle 108, and the elongated cross-sectional shape of the ring 732 and the nozzle 108, along with the rigidity of the ring 732, helps to ensure that the ear tip 704 cannot rotate around the nozzle 108 once it is attached. As shown in Figure 7B, the ring 732 can be elliptical, for example, in a closed form of a racetrack shape (e.g., a closed loop). Alternatively, the ring 732 may be an open shape, such as a C-shape, with a gap that allows for some compliance, enabling the ring 732 to accommodate the nozzle 108. The gap can be filled with a viscoelastic material during the molding process in which the ear tip 704 is formed. In some cases, the ring 732 may be formed of two separate C-shaped members, as shown in Figure 5. In the embodiments of Figures 7A to 7D, the ring 732 and the viscoelastic material together form the inner wall 726. 【0065】 The ear tip 704 may be formed in a two-shot molding process in which the ring 732 is first formed in a first molding step, and then the rest of the ear tip 704 (i.e., the inner wall 726 and the rest of the outer wall 730) is formed in a second molding step. 【0066】 Figures 8A to 8D show another implementation of an ear tip 804, including a body 820 configured to be attached to an earbud (e.g., earbud 102 in Figures 1A and 1B). The body 820 includes a first end 822 and a second end 824 opposite the first end 822. The body 820 further includes an inner wall 826 extending between the first end 822 and the second end 824. The inner wall 826 defines and surrounds a hollow passage 828 which may be configured to conduct sound waves. The inner wall 826 has an elongated cross-sectional shape, for example, an ellipse, an oblong, a racetrack shape (having parallel sides and rounded ends extending between the parallel sides, also known as a "stadium"), or an elongated shape with rounded ends and curved splines connecting them, as shown in Figure 8B. Here, “cross-section” or “cross-sectional” should be understood to be perpendicular to the central axis of the inner wall 826. The main body 820 also includes an outer wall 830 connected to the inner wall 826 at a first end 822. The outer wall 830 extends away from the inner wall 826 toward a second end 824. In the illustrated example, the outer wall 830 has a dome shape. However, other shapes such as a cone are also possible. As shown in Figure 8C, the outer wall 830 extends beyond the second end 824. In alternative implementations, the outer wall 830 may extend toward the second end 824, but does not necessarily have to reach the second end 824. 【0067】 The implementation configurations shown in Figures 8A to 8D also utilize viscoelastic materials with frequency reinforcement behavior, such as styrene-based TPEs with viscoelastic properties, for example, A9 TPE. The viscoelastic material may include either the surface treatment or the compound described above with respect to Figures 7A to 7D. 【0068】 As shown in Figures 8B to 8D, the ear tip 804 may include a ring 832 that engages with the nozzle 108 to prevent rotation. In this regard, the ring 832 conforms to the elongated shape of the nozzle 108, thereby preventing improper attachment of the ear tip 804 once it is attached to the nozzle 108. As with the various embodiments described above, the ring 832 may be formed of a rigid plastic such as glass-filled polyimide. 【0069】 As shown in Figures 8C and 8D, the ring 832 defines a recess 834 (e.g., an annular groove) extending around the inner surface of the inner wall 826 and is configured to receive an O-ring 835 (e.g., a rubber O-ring) that seats in a corresponding recess 136 (e.g., an annular groove) formed on the outer surface of the nozzle 108 and extending around it. In this configuration, the engagement of the retaining mechanisms 834, 136 and the O-ring 835 helps to hold the ear tip 804 on the nozzle 108 and also provides a good acoustic seal between the earbud 102 and the ear tip 804. 【0070】 As shown in Figures 8C and 8D, the ring 832 can also define a lip 837 that overlaps the end of the nozzle 108. The lip 837 can support a wax guard 838 (for example, a screen that can be heat-crimped to the lip 837). This may be an alternative to, or in addition to, the wax guard 840 (Figure 8D) on the nozzle 108 itself. 【0071】 Figures 9A to 9D show another implementation of an ear tip 904, including a body 920 configured to be attached to an earbud (e.g., earbud 102 in Figures 1A and 1B). The body 920 includes a first end 922 and a second end 924 opposite the first end 922. The body 920 further includes an inner wall 926 extending between the first end 922 and the second end 924. The inner wall 926 defines and surrounds a hollow passage 928 which may be configured to conduct sound waves. The inner wall 926 has an elongated cross-sectional shape, for example, an ellipse, an oblong, a racetrack shape (having parallel sides and rounded ends extending between the parallel sides, also known as a "stadium"), or an elongated shape with rounded ends and curved splines connecting them, as shown in Figure 9B. Here, “cross-section” or “cross-sectional” should be understood to be perpendicular to the central axis of the inner wall 926. The main body 902 also includes an outer wall 930 connected to the inner wall 926 at a first end 922. The outer wall 930 extends away from the inner wall 926 toward a second end 924. In the illustrated example, the outer wall 930 is dome-shaped, however other shapes such as cone-shaped are also possible. As shown in Figure 9C, the outer wall 930 extends beyond the second end 924. In alternative implementations, the outer wall 930 may extend toward the second end 924, but does not necessarily have to reach the second end 924. 【0072】 The embodiments shown in Figures 9A to 9D also utilize a viscoelastic material with frequency reinforcement behavior, such as a styrene-based TPE with viscoelastic properties, for example, A9 TPE. The viscoelastic material may include either the surface treatment or the compound described above with respect to Figures 7A to 7D. 【0073】 As shown in Figures 9B to 9D, the ear tip 904 may include a ring 932 that engages with the nozzle 108 to prevent rotation. In this regard, the ring 932 conforms to the elongated shape of the nozzle 108, thereby preventing improper attachment of the ear tip 904 once it is attached to the nozzle 108. As with the various embodiments described above, the ring 932 may be formed of a rigid plastic such as glass-filled polyimide. The ring 932 also extends outward from the inner surface of the inner wall 926 and defines one or more retaining mechanisms 934, for example, one or more protrusions, configured to engage with a complementary retaining mechanism 136, for example, a recess, defined by the outer surface of the nozzle 108. The engagement of the retaining mechanisms 934, 136 helps to hold the ear tip 904 on the nozzle 108. 【0074】 The viscoelastic material defines a tapered portion 935 of the inner wall 926 that narrows the hollow passage 928 and tapers inward to provide an interlocking fit with the end of the nozzle 108. The interference 936 between the tapered portion 935 of the inner wall 926 and the nozzle 108 provides a good acoustic seal between the earbud 102 and the ear tip 904. 【0075】 Figures 10A to 10F show yet another implementation of an ear tip 1004 configured to fit at least partially into the external auditory canal of a person. The ear tip 1004 includes a body 1020 configured to be mounted on an earbud 102. The body 1020 includes a first end 1022 and a second end 1024 opposite the first end 1022. The body 1020 further includes an inner wall 1026 extending between the first end 1022 and the second end 1024. The inner wall 1026 defines and surrounds a hollow passage 1028 which may be configured to conduct sound waves. The inner wall 1026 has an elongated cross-sectional shape, such as an ellipse, oblong, racetrack shape (having parallel sides and rounded ends extending between the parallel sides, also known as a "stadium"), or an elongated shape with rounded ends and curved splines connecting them, as shown in Figure 10B. Here, "cross-section" or "cross-sectional" should be understood to be perpendicular to the central axis of the inner wall 1026. The main body 1020 also includes an outer wall 1030 connected to the inner wall 1026 at a first end 1022. The outer wall 1030 extends away from the inner wall 1026 toward a second end 1024. In the illustrated example, the outer wall 1030 is dome-shaped, however other shapes such as cones are also possible. As shown in Figure 10C, the outer wall 1030 extends beyond the second end 1024. In alternative implementations, the outer wall 1030 may extend toward the second end 1024, but does not necessarily have to reach the second end 1024. 【0076】 Embodiments shown in Figures 10A to 10E form an ear tip 1004 using two different materials with different hardnesses, which are formed in a two-shot molding process. A first material, a high-durometer-compliant material such as a high-durometer silicone, e.g., 60 Shore A to 80 Shore A silicone, e.g., 70 Shore A silicone, is used to form the inner wall 1026. The first material also defines a complementary retaining mechanism 1036 extending around the inner surface of the inner wall 1026, defined by the outer surface of the nozzle 1008, and extending around it, a retaining mechanism 1034 configured to engage with a recess, e.g., a projection. The engagement of retaining mechanisms 1034 and 1036 helps to hold the ear tip 1004 on the nozzle 108 and provides a good acoustic seal between the earbud 1002 and the ear tip 1004. 【0077】 The retaining mechanism 1034 has two flat ends 1035 and two curved splines 1037 connecting them. The thickness t1 of the splines 1037 (Figure 10C) is greater than the thickness t2 of the ends 1035 (Figure 10E). As shown in Figure 11, the recess 1036 on the nozzle 108 similarly consists of two flat ends 1039 and two splines 1041 connecting them. The width w1 of the recess 1036 along the splines 1037 (Figure 10D) is wider than the width w2 along the flat ends 1039 (Figure 10F) to accommodate the additional thickness of the splines 1041 of the projection 1034. Similarly, the width w2 of the recess 1036 along the flat end 1035 is sized to accommodate the flat ends 1039 of the projection 1034. Therefore, the shapes of the protrusion 1034 and the recess 1036 are fixed to each other so as to prevent improper attachment of the ear tip 1004 onto the nozzle 108 and to prevent rotation of the ear tip 1004 relative to the nozzle 108. The nozzle 108 in Figure 11 is shown together with the integrated wax guard 1040. 【0078】 The outer wall 1030 is molded around a high-durometer material. For comfort, the outer wall 1030 is formed of a low-durometer material, such as low-durometer silicone, such as 10 Shore A to 30 Shore A silicone, such as 20 Shore A silicone. The outer wall 1030 is the part of the ear tip 1004 that contacts and conforms to the user's ear canal, forming an acoustic seal between them. In particular, as shown in Figure 10A, the outer wall 1030 is dome-shaped with an elongated cross-sectional shape, such as an ellipse, oblong, or racetrack shape (having parallel sides and rounded ends extending between the parallel sides, also known as a "stadium"). Here, "cross-section" or "cross-sectional" should be understood as perpendicular to the central axis of the dome / outer wall 1030. 【0079】 The ear tip 1004 can be formed in a two-shot molding process in which the inner wall 1026 is formed in a first molding step, and then the outer wall 130 is formed in a second molding step. 【0080】 While various examples have been described and illustrated in this specification, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various other means and / or structures to implement functions and / or results and / or obtain one or more advantages described herein, and each of such modifications and / or variations will be considered within the scope of the examples described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials and configurations described herein are illustrative, and furthermore, that actual parameters, dimensions, materials and / or configurations will depend on the specific application or the application in which the teachings of the present invention are used. Those skilled in the art will be able to recognize or confirm many equivalents to the specific examples described herein simply by performing routine experiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the examples described herein are presented for illustrative purposes only, and that examples can be implemented in ways other than those explicitly described and claimed within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The examples in this disclosure cover each individual feature, system, article, material, kit and / or method described herein. Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the scope of the invention of this disclosure, provided that such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

Claims

[Claim 1] These are ear tips, A main body configured to be attached to an earbud, the main body being, The first end and, The second end opposite to the first end, An inner wall extending between the first end and the second end, the inner wall defining and surrounding a hollow passage configured to conduct sound waves, The body comprises an outer wall connected to the inner wall at the first end and extending away from the inner wall toward the second end, The inner wall has an elongated cross-sectional shape configured to accommodate the corresponding nozzle on the earbud, The inner wall includes a ring formed of a rigid material, the ring engaging with and fitting the elongated shape of the nozzle, preventing improper attachment of the ear tip to the nozzle, and preventing rotation of the ear tip relative to the nozzle once the ear tip is attached to the nozzle, the ear tip. [Claim 2] The aforementioned inner wall is The ear tip according to claim 1, further comprising a high-durometer-compliant material defining at least a portion of an extension extending between the nozzle and the first end of the ear tip. [Claim 3] The ear tip according to claim 2, wherein the outer wall is molded around the high-durometer-compliant material, and the outer wall is formed from a lower-durometer-compliant material. [Claim 4] The ear tip according to claim 2, wherein the ring includes at least one C-shaped member having at least one gap, and the high-durometer-compliant material is molded around the ring and fills the gap. [Claim 5] The ear tip according to claim 4, wherein the ring includes a pair of C-shaped members arranged with a pair of gaps between them, and the high-durometer-compliant material fills both gaps. [Claim 6] The ear tip according to claim 2, wherein the high-durometer-compliant material defines a retaining member configured to engage with a fitting retaining member on the nozzle. [Claim 7] The ear tip according to claim 1, wherein the ring defines a recess extending around the inner surface of the inner wall and is configured to receive an O-ring that is formed on the outer surface of the nozzle and seated in a corresponding recess extending around it. [Claim 8] The ear tip according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall further includes an extension extending between the nozzle and the first end of the ear tip, and the outer wall and the extension are at least partially formed from a viscoelastic material having frequency reinforcement behavior. [Claim 9] The ear tip according to claim 8, wherein the extension and the outer wall are formed from a styrene-based TPE having viscoelastic properties. [Claim 10] The ear tip according to claim 8, wherein the outer surface of the outer wall is treated with a surface treatment selected from electron beam treatment and photoionization in order to improve resistance to oil and sebum. [Claim 11] The ear tip according to claim 8, wherein the outer surface of the outer wall has a soft-touch coating. [Claim 12] The ear tip according to claim 11, wherein the soft-touch coating comprises a 50% poly(styrene-isobutylene-styrene) (SIBS) block copolymer / 50% silicone (wt / wt) soft-touch coating. [Claim 13] The ear tip according to claim 8, wherein the viscoelastic material comprises a composition including an elastomer and one or more phase-change materials having the ability to change from a solid state to a liquid state at a predetermined phase change temperature. [Claim 14] The ear tip according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined phase change temperature is approximately 25°C to approximately 35°C. [Claim 15] The ear tip according to claim 13, wherein the composition has a hardness of about 5 Shore A to about 50 Shore A, and the amount of the phase change material in the composition is about 10% by weight to about 40% by weight. [Claim 16] These are ear tips, A main body configured to be attached to an earbud, the main body being, The first end and, The second end opposite to the first end, An inner wall extending between the first end and the second end, the inner wall defining and surrounding a hollow passage configured to conduct sound waves, The body comprises an outer wall connected to the inner wall at the first end and extending away from the inner wall toward the second end, The inner wall is configured to engage with the nozzle on the earbud. The inner wall includes an extension extending between the nozzle and the first end of the ear tip, and the outer wall and the extension are at least partially formed from a viscoelastic material including a styrene-based TPE having viscoelastic properties, in the ear tip. [Claim 17] The ear tip according to claim 16, wherein the outer surface of the outer wall is treated with a surface treatment selected from electron beam treatment and photoionization in order to improve resistance to oil. [Claim 18] The ear tip according to claim 16, wherein the outer surface of the outer wall has a soft-touch coating. [Claim 19] The ear tip according to claim 18, wherein the soft-touch coating comprises a 50% SIBS / 50% silicone (wt / wt) soft-touch coating. [Claim 20] The ear tip according to claim 16, wherein the viscoelastic material comprises a composition including the styrene-based TPE having viscoelastic properties and one or more phase change materials having the ability to change from a solid state to a liquid state at a predetermined phase change temperature. [Claim 21] The ear tip according to claim 20, wherein the predetermined phase change temperature is approximately 25°C to approximately 35°C. [Claim 22] The ear tip according to claim 20, wherein the composition has a hardness of about 5 Shore A to about 50 Shore A, and the amount of the phase change material in the composition is about 10% by weight to about 40% by weight. [Claim 23] The ear tip according to claim 16, wherein the viscoelastic material defines a retaining member configured to engage with a fitting retaining member on the nozzle. [Claim 24] The ear tip according to claim 16, wherein the inner wall further comprises a ring formed of hard plastic and configured to engage with the nozzle. [Claim 25] The ear tip according to claim 24, wherein the ring defines a recess extending around the inner surface of the inner wall and is configured to receive an O-ring that is formed on the outer surface of the nozzle and seated in a corresponding recess extending around it. [Claim 26] The ear tip according to claim 16, wherein the styrene-based TPE having the viscoelastic properties is A9 TPE. [Claim 27] These are ear tips, A main body configured to be attached to an earbud, the main body being, The first end and, The second end opposite to the first end, An inner wall formed of a first material having a first durometer, extending between the first end and the second end, the inner wall defining and surrounding a hollow passage configured to conduct sound waves, A body comprising: a body formed from a second material having a second durometer smaller than the first durometer, an outer wall connected to the inner wall at the first end and extending away from the inner wall toward the second end, The inner wall has an elongated cross-sectional shape configured to accommodate the corresponding nozzle on the earbud, The inner wall defines a holding mechanism having two ends and two sides connecting them. The thickness of the side portion differs from the thickness of the end portion. The retaining mechanism engages with and fits the complementary retaining mechanism of the nozzle, preventing improper attachment of the ear tip to the nozzle, and, once the ear tip is attached to the nozzle, prevents rotation of the ear tip relative to the nozzle.

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