Headset mechanism for comfortably securing earcups to the head

Abstract

The device includes an arched headband having a continuous band with left and right side portions (12) that meet at an apex (14). The left and right side portions (12) terminate in respective arched ends (16). A headrest band (18) spans between the side portions, connects them below the apex (14), and is spaced from the apex (14). Left and right ear cups (20), which define respective centers (22) and respective peripheries (24), are attached to the arched ends (16) of the left and right side portions (12), respectively. The arched ends (16) of the left and right side portions (12) are juxtaposed with the respective peripheries (24) and spaced apart from the respective centers (22) of the respective ear cups (20). The left and right ear cups (20) are cambered inward from front to back, and each includes an element that hinges the respective arched end segment (16) within the respective ear cup (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to a headset mechanism for comfortably coupling an earcup to a person's head.

Background Art

[0002] Headsets are increasingly being worn by people listening to music or playing computer games. As understood herein, prolonged use of a headset can be uncomfortable.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Thus, in one aspect, the apparatus includes an arched headband having a continuous band with a left side portion and a right side portion joined at a vertex. The left side portion and the right side portion terminate at respective arched ends. A headrest band extends across between the side portions, is connected to the side portions below the vertex, and is spaced from the vertex. Left and right earcups, each defining a respective center and a respective outer periphery, are attached to the arched ends of the left side portion and the right side portion such that the left and right earcups are cambered inwardly from front to back. The arched ends of the left side portion and the right side portion are juxtaposed with the respective outer perimeters and are spaced from the respective centers of the respective earcups. The left and right earcups each include within the respective earcup a bar or other element coupling the respective arched end to a roll hinge within the respective earcup. The bar extends radially inwardly within the respective earcup from the respective arched end and also extends axially inwardly within the respective earcup from the respective arched end.

[0004] In the exemplary embodiment, the arched end segments may be elongated and coplanar with respect to each ear cup, and each ear cup may include a sound speaker and ear cushion configured to engage with the side of a person's head. The arched end segments may also have a curvature that approximates the curvature of the outer circumference of each ear cup. Each side portion may have a major axis in a plane, and each arched end segment may extend along an arc in a plane. Each arched end segment may have a width in the dimension extending away from each ear cup and a thickness in the dimension extending along the ear cup, and the width may be greater than the thickness.

[0005] In some embodiments, the headrest band may not be more arched than the apex segment of the headband.

[0006] In another embodiment, the device includes an arched headband comprising a continuous band having a left side portion and a right side portion joined at the apex segment. The left side portion and the right side portion terminate at their respective end segments. The device also includes a left ear cup and a right ear cup, each defining its center and respective circumference. The ear cups are attached to the end segments of the left side portion and the right side portion, respectively, such that the left ear cup and the right ear cup are cambered inward from front to back, and the end segments of the left side portion and the right side portion are juxtaposed with their respective circumferences and distanced from the respective centers of the ear cups.

[0007] In some embodiments, the headrest band may extend between the side sections, be spaced apart from the vertex segment, and be connected to it below the vertex segment. The headrest band may include a compliant mechanism for the headrest band to move relative to the arched headband.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the device includes an arched headband having a left side portion and a right side portion joined at the apex segment. The left side portion and the right side portion terminate at their respective end segments. The left ear cup and the right ear cup are attached to the end segments of the left side portion and the right side portion, respectively, with their respective centers and perimeters defined such that the end segments of the left side portion and the right side portion are juxtaposed with their respective perimeters and distanced from the respective centers of the ear cups.

[0009] Details of this invention, both in terms of its structure and operation, can be best understood by referring to the attached drawings, where similar reference numbers refer to the same parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a headset from a first aspect. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a headset from a second aspect. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a headset, viewed from above the headband. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a headset, viewed from above the earcups. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment showing the left side portion of the headband. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment showing the right side portion of the headband. [Figure 7] This is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the left ear cup, showing the cambering of the left ear cup. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment showing the cambering of the earcups, with the earcups spaced apart from one another, viewed from above. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment showing the cambering of the earcups as they contact each other under the biasing force from the arched headband, viewed from above. [Figure 10] This is an inner cross-sectional view of one cup according to the exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a perspective top view of a headrest band attached to an arched headband according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of a headrest band according to an exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, the device 10 includes an arched headband defined by a continuous band having a left side portion and a right side portion 12 that join at the vertex segment 14. The side portions 12 may be less rounded than the vertex segment 14 as shown, or they may be integral with the vertex segment 14. The side portions 12 and the vertex segment 14 may be made of plastic or other suitable material and may be materially biased to the shown configuration, and it is understood that the side portions 12 may be manually pulled apart by a person to position the device 10 over the person's head, and then released so as to be turned inward toward each other to firmly engage with the person's head.

[0012] In the embodiments shown, the left and right side portions 12 are terminated by their respective arched end segments 16, the arched end segments 16 may be integral with the side portions 12, as will be further described below.

[0013] As will be further described below with respect to Figures 11 and 12, the headrest band 18 is connected to the side portions 12 below the vertex segment 14 by using screws that extend between the side portions 12, for example, from the side portions 12 and extend into the respective tracks within the band 18. However, in other embodiments, the headrest band 18 may be bonded to the side portions 12, or engaged with the side portions 12 using, for example, high-frequency (RF) welding or ultrasonic sealing. Or, in some embodiments, the headrest band 18 may be integrally formed with the side portions 12 using, for example, injection molding techniques. Or, in yet another embodiment, the headrest band 18 may be mechanically engaged with the side portions 12 by, for example, snapping posts on the ends of the headrest band 18 into holes in the respective side portions 12. In the shown embodiment, the headrest band 18 is spaced a distance "D" from the vertex segment 14. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the headrest band 18 (or at least a portion of the headrest band 18 directly below the vertex segment 14) is not more arched than the vertex segment 14 of the headband.

[0014] Figures 1-4 illustrate the left and right ear cups 20, each defining its respective center 22 and outer circumference 24 (as best shown in Figure 4). Each ear cup 20 may be attached to the arched end segments 16 of the left and right side portions 12 at their respective front portions, so that the arched end segments 16 of the left and right side portions 12 are aligned with their respective outer circumferences 24 at least along the respective front portions of the cups 20 and are distanced from the respective centers 22 of each cup 20.

[0015] The ear cup 20 may be made of plastic or other suitable material and may be attached to the arched end segment 16 as further shown with respect to FIG. 10. However, in other embodiments, the cup 20 may be integrally attached to / engaged with the arched end segment 16, or adhered thereto, or otherwise attached to the arched end segment 16 by mechanical means (e.g., snapping a post of the ear cup into a hole within the end segment), or secured by other means described herein.

[0016] As best shown in FIG. 1, each ear cup may support one or more audio speakers 26 and may have an internal flexible and / or elastic annular ear cushion 28 configured to engage gently against the side of a person's head.

[0017] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate additional details consistent with the present principles, with FIG. 5 showing the cup 20 corresponding to a person's right ear and FIG. 6 showing the cup 20 corresponding to a person's left ear. The front portion of each cup 20 is illustrated with respect to the forward direction / axis of the device 10 itself as shown via an arrow 30 for the forward direction / axis.

[0018] As also shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the arched end segment 16 may be elongate and may be positioned in the same plane with respect to each ear cup 20. The arched end segment 16 may have a curvature approximating the curvature of the respective outer perimeter 24 of each ear cup 20. Each side portion 12 may define a major axis "A" in a plane (FIG. 5), and each arched end segment 16 may extend along an arc in the plane. Thus, the arched end segment 16 may be positioned along the respective outer perimeter of each ear cup 20 and may have a curvature generally conforming to the curvature of the respective outer perimeter of the ear cup 20.

[0019] FIG. 4 best shows, in one embodiment, that each end segment 16 has a width "W" in a dimension extending away from each ear cup 20 and a thickness "t" in a dimension extending along each ear cup 20. In the embodiment shown, the width "W" is greater than the thickness "t", such that the arched end segments 16 appear to stand on an edge on each ear cup 20.

[0020] Note that because each arched end segment 16 is attached to a respective front portion of each ear cup 20, the arched end segment 16 itself may attempt to apply pressure to the front of the cup 20 and the head of a person where the ear cushion 28 aligns with the head.

[0021] As also shown in FIGS. 1 - 4, the ear cups 20 may be cambered inwardly towards each other from front to back, such that each rear portion of each ear cup 20 may apply greater pressure to a person's head than each front portion of each ear cup 20 when the assembly 10 is worn, based on the cambering itself. The cambering of the ear cups 20 may be established and maintained by the attachment of the ear cups 20 to the arched end segments 16, such that there is no movement of the ear cups with respect to the segments 16, at least along the yaw axis.

[0022] Figure 7 further illustrates the cambering and shows a front view of the left ear cup 20, which has a front portion 32 of the cup 20 that points diagonally outward away from the forward axis of the device 10 itself and a rear portion 34 of the cup 20 that is oriented diagonally inward toward the forward axis, so that the cup 20 as a whole is oriented inward from front to back for inward cambering. The bottom plan views of Figures 8 and 9 further illustrate this. Figure 8 shows the cups 20 spaced apart from each other. Figure 9 shows the cups 20 in contact with each other under the force from the arched headband when not worn by a person, such that at least a portion of the bottom of each cup 20 is in contact with each other and at least a portion of the rear portion 34 of each cup 20 is also in contact with each other.

[0023] Referring here to Figure 10, which shows an internal cross-sectional view of the left cup 20, it will be understood that the right cup 20 may have similar components. As shown in Figure 10, a portion of the left arched end segment 16 may extend axially into the cup 20 through a groove or opening in the outer surface of the housing of the cup 20, so that the segment 16 can be attached to an extending bar 44 or other structural element inside the cup 20 using screws (not shown). The screws themselves may extend through the respective holes 40 in the first end segment 48 of the bar 44 and into the screw holes in the segment 16. The groove or opening itself may be configured so that the segment 16 (including, for example, its outermost portion in some embodiments) can be coplanar with the outer surface of the outer surface of the housing of the cup 20.

[0024] As also shown in Figure 10, when the first end segment 48 of the bar 44 is engaged with or attached to the segment 16, it may be axially close to, abut against, or in contact with the inner surface of the outer surface of the housing of the cup 20. In some embodiments, the end segment 48 may have an arched or curved shape, as shown, which is overall consistent with the curvature around the cup 20 itself.

[0025] Figure 10 further illustrates that opposing end segments 49 of the bar 44 can form part of a roll hinge 50, and it will be understood that a yaw hinge may not be present on the cup 20, and / or there may be no permitted yaw rotation relative to the cup 20 with respect to the side portions 12 and / or segments 16 in particular. The end segments 49 may be established by a partial disc-like structure as shown, or they may have an entirely rectangular hole on their interior as shown. Extending from one side of the rectangular hole to the opposite side of the rectangular hole as shown may be a pin 52 that integrally forms part of the end 49, and thus part of the bar 44. The bracket 54 may then be positioned in the rectangular hole and across the pin 52. The bracket 54 may then be screwed into the structure of the cup 20, optionally including a portion of the inner surface of the outer surface of the housing of the cup 20, using the four holes shown on the bracket 54, so as to sandwich the pin 52 between the bracket 54 and the structure. Therefore, the bracket 54 allows for a 1-degree cup rotation along the roll axis, but does not allow for cup rotation along the yaw axis (or the pitch axis relative to that axis).

[0026] Furthermore, as illustrated above, the components of the cup 20 and segment 16 may be configured such that, when attached to segment 16, the bar 44 can orient the cup 20, and as a result, the end segment 48 can approach or abut against the inner surface of the outer surface of the housing of the cup 20 in an axial direction (e.g., molded). Then, as the bar 44 extends radially inward within the cup 20 from end segment 48 to end segment 49, the bar 44 can also extend axially inward from end 48 to end 49 away from the inner surface of the outer surface of the housing at an angle of 5 to 10 degrees, and possibly particularly between 6.5 and 8.5 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle may be 7.5 degrees in particular. This can help establish the camber described above with reference to Figures 7 to 9, and thus the bar 44 can help deflect pressure felt by a person in the front portion of the cup 20, due to the arched end segment 16 attaching to the cup 20 in its front portion and being oriented inward toward a person's head. Therefore, the aforementioned angle range, and especially the 7.5-degree angle, can help enhance user comfort and maintain a more even pressure distribution of the cup 20 against the head.

[0027] With regard to the materials that can be used to form the bracket 52 and the bar 44, their components may be formed from any suitable material such as plastic or metal.

[0028] Continuing with the detailed explanation using cross-references to Figures 11 and 12, both of which show perspective views of the internal components of the headrest band 18 described above. Figure 11 shows a top perspective view, while Figure 12 shows a perspective oblique view.

[0029] As shown in those figures, the outer surface 60 of the elongated band 18 can define the external shape and contour of the band 18 and may be at least partially hollow to accommodate the internal components that will be briefly described, and may be made of a suitable material such as rubber, silicone, or another polymer. The band 18 may also have opposing end segments 64, 66 as shown.

[0030] The hollow space inside the band 18 can house a compliant mechanism 62, an elastic band, or another suitable component. When an elastic band is used, for example, elasticity can be established by a cord, tape, or fabric woven with a strip of rubber, so that the elasticity can return to its initial length and / or shape after being stretched or manipulated. In addition to the compliant mechanism 62 shown in Figures 11 and 12, rubber bands may also be used, as well as silicone or other polymer type bands. Furthermore, in addition to or instead of using the compliant mechanism 62, rubber band, or elastic band, a spring may be longitudinally positioned within the band 18 at the same position as the compliant mechanism 62 for a similar use consistent with the present principle. Nevertheless, the compliant mechanism 62 or other component used may be attached to tabs 72, 74 at their opposing end segments, as also shown in Figures 11 and 12. The tabs 72, 74 may be bonded to the mechanism 62 or other component, or may be formed integrally with the mechanism 62 or other component.

[0031] During manufacturing, tabs 72, 74 may also be attached to mounts 68, 70 by screws, tacks, or nut / bolt combinations, using matching holes in mounts 68, 70, along with holes in tabs 72, 74. Mounts 68, 70 themselves may form part of band 18 and may be statically aligned within band 18. Furthermore, screws or other engaging members for attaching tabs 72, 74 to mounts 68, 70 may originate from the respective side portions 12 / segments 16 themselves. The screws may then extend through the respective longitudinal tracks, slots, or openings in the sides of the outer surface 60 facing the portions 12 / segments 16, and finally attach to tabs 72, 74. This may be done so that the shafts of the screws can slide along their respective tracks so as to be positioned on the left and right sides of a person's head, so that a person wears the device 10 and adjusts the band 18 with respect to the portions 12 / segments 16 using a compliant mechanism to fit the person's preference, head contour, and / or head size.

[0032] In some embodiments, screws or other engaging members may be configured such that they are not visible to an observer when the device 10 is fully assembled (e.g., manually). The tracks themselves within the outer surface 60 may also be not visible, even if the rest of the outer surface 60 is. In some non-limiting embodiments, the end segments 64, 66 of the band 18 may extend a predetermined amount further beyond the respective tracks within the band 18 and toward the cup 20 itself to help ensure that the screws and tracks are not visible through the fully assembled device 10.

[0033] Referring further to Figures 11 and 12, it will also be noted that in some exemplary embodiments, the compliant mechanism 62, tabs 72, 74, and / or mounts 68, 70 may be covered or lined within an internal sheet or sleeve 80 made of polypropylene or another suitable material, so that the compliant mechanism 62 itself (or a spring or other component used in place of the mechanism 62) may not interfere with or be trapped on the outer surface 60. The sheet or sleeve 80 may be open at opposing ends near the mounts 68, 70, or at opposing ends on the mounts 68, 70, but in other embodiments, it may be closed at its ends, for example, simply having an opening through which screws for the mounts 68, 70 extend.

[0034] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the headrest band 18, and it should be noted that other embodiments of the headrest band 18 may also be used. For example, in some embodiments, the body of the headrest band 18 itself may have a fixed length and / or a non-adjustable length (e.g., without a compliant mechanism), but each end may also have a rigid strap or other mechanical feature that allows for an adjustable position relative to the headrest band 18 along the internal length of the arched headband itself.

[0035] Here, it will be recognized that assembly 10 provides a comfortable fit to the person by distributing the weight load of the device between the headrest band 18, which is located over the head of the person wearing the device, and the ear cushions 28, which are located on the sides of the head and hang downward from the vertex segment 14. Lateral pressure from the ear cups 20 on the person's ears can also be distributed to increase comfort.

[0036] While specific headset mechanisms for comfortably attaching earcups to the head have been shown and described in detail herein, it should be understood that the subject matter covered by the present invention is limited only by the claims.

[0037] Components included in one embodiment can be used in any suitable combination in other embodiments. For example, any of the various components described herein and / or depicted in the figures may be combined, substituted, or excluded from other embodiments.

[0038] "A system having at least one of A, B, and C" (similarly, "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" and "a system having at least one of A, B, and C") includes systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or systems having A, B, and C together.

Claims

1. It is a device, An arched headband comprising a continuous band having a left side portion and a right side portion joined at the vertex segment, wherein the left side portion and the right side portion terminate at their respective arched end segments, A headrest band extending between the aforementioned side portions, connected to the vertex segment below it and spaced apart therefrom, The left and right ear cups are cambered inward toward each other, the arched end segments of the left and right side portions are aligned with their respective outer circumferences, the respective centers and outer circumferences are defined so as to be distanced from the respective centers of the ear cups, and the left and right ear cups are attached to the arched end segments of the left and right side portions, each ear cup containing a bar within the ear cup that connects the respective arched end segments to a roll hinge, the bar having a first arched end segment that extends radially within the ear cup from the respective arched end segment to the arched end segment opposite the bar, and the first arched end segment that extends axially inward from the first arched end segment to the opposite arched end segment at an angle away from the inner surface of the outer surface of the ear cup, Equipped with, The aforementioned angle is between 5 and 10 degrees, in the device.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arched end segments are elongated and are located on the same plane as each of the ear cups.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arched end segment is elongated and has a curvature that approximates the respective curvatures of the outer circumference of each of the ear cups.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each side portion has a major axis defined in a plane, and each of the arched end segments extends along an arc in the plane.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the headrest band is not more arched than the vertex segment of the headband.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a left speaker and a right speaker within the respective left and right ear cups.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each ear cup includes an ear cushion configured to engage with the side of a person's head.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each arched end segment includes a width in a dimension extending away from the respective ear cup and a thickness in a dimension extending along the respective ear cup, the width being greater than the thickness.

9. It is a device, An arched headband comprising a continuous band having a left side portion and a right side portion joined at the vertex segment, wherein the left side portion and the right side portion terminate at their respective end segments, The left ear cup and the right ear cup are cambered inward toward each other, the end segments of the left side portion and the right side portion are aligned with their respective outer circumferences, and the respective centers and outer circumferences are defined such that they are distanced from the respective centers of the respective ear cups, and the left ear cup and the right ear cup are attached to the end segments of the left side portion and the right side portion, Equipped with, Each of the left and right ear cups includes within each ear cup a partially circular element that connects its respective end segment to the center of the respective ear cup, The left ear cup and the right ear cup each include within the respective ear cup an element that connects the respective end segments to a roll hinge, the element having a first end segment that extends radially within the respective ear cup from the respective end segment to the opposite end segment of the element, and the first end segment that extends axially inward from the first end segment to the opposite end segment at an angle away from the inner surface of the outer surface of the respective ear cup, The aforementioned angle is between 5 and 10 degrees, in the device.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, comprising a headrest band extending between the side portions and connected thereto below the vertex segment, with a space therebetween, wherein the headrest band includes a compliant mechanism for the headrest band to move relative to the arched headband.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the end segments are elongated and are located on the same plane as each of the ear cups.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the end segment is elongated and has a curvature that approximates the respective curvatures of the outer circumference of each of the ear cups.

13. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each side portion has a major axis in a plane, and each end segment extends along an arc in the plane.

14. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each end segment includes a width in a dimension extending away from the respective ear cup and a thickness in a dimension extending along the respective ear cup, the width being greater than the thickness.

15. It is a device, An arched headband comprising a band having a left side portion and a right side portion joined at the vertex segment, wherein the left side portion and the right side portion terminate at their respective arched end segments, A left ear cup and a right ear cup, wherein the arched end segments of the left side portion and the right side portion are positioned alongside their respective outer circumferences, and the respective centers and outer circumferences are determined such that they are distanced from the respective centers of the ear cups, and the arched end segments of the left side portion and the right side portion are attached to each other, Equipped with, Each arched end segment is connected to the center of the respective ear cup by the internal structure of the respective ear cup, The left ear cup and the right ear cup are attached to the arched end segments of the left and right side portions, respectively, such that the left ear cup and the right ear cup are cambered inward toward each other. The left ear cup and the right ear cup each include within the respective ear cup an element that hinges the respective arched end segments within the respective ear cup, the element having a first arched end segment that extends radially within the respective ear cup from the respective arched end segment to the arched end segment opposite the element, and the first arched end segment that extends axially inward from the first arched end segment to the arched end segment opposite the element at an angle away from the inner surface of the outer surface of the respective ear cup, The aforementioned angle is between 5 and 10 degrees, in the device.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the arched end segments are elongated and are located on the same plane as each of the ear cups.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the arched end segment is elongated and arched in shape so as to have a curvature that approximates the respective curvatures of the outer circumference of each of the ear cups.

18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the arched end segment is elongated and curved, and is positioned along the curved outer circumference of each ear cup along the front portion of each ear cup, the arched end segment applies pressure to the wearer's head at the point where the front portion of the ear cup contacts the wearer's head, and the arched end segment is substantially equidistant from the center of each ear cup along their respective lengths.

19. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein each arched end segment is coupled to the center of each ear cup on the internal portion of each ear cup.

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