Retaining part for earpiece

Abstract

A retaining piece (200) for an earpiece (10) of an in-ear audio output device comprises a retainer portion (210) and a cantilever portion (220). The cantilever portion (220) comprises a joining edge (224) and a free edge (223) substantially opposite the joining edge (224). The cantilever portion (220) is joined to the retainer portion (210) at the joining edge (224) and configured to engage at least a portion of an outer wall of the concha (330) of a user's concha. (300). The cantilever portion (220) includes a convexly curved section between the joining edge (224) and the free edge (223). The joining edge (224) is inboard of the free edge (223) when the cantilever portion (220) is in an engaged state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of in-ear audio devices, and more particularly to a holding component for an earpiece, an earpiece comprising such a holding component, and an in-ear audio device comprising at least one earpiece.

Background Art

[0002] Users wear earphones with in-ear earpieces while engaging in various types of activities and over long periods of time (e.g., during commuting, working, and exercising, throughout the day). Thus, in-ear earpieces are becoming increasingly important devices in a user's daily life. When in-ear earpieces are worn over a long period of time, this can be uncomfortable for the user. In-ear earpieces can exert pressure on the ear canal or on a portion of the user's auricle (e.g., the outer wall of the concha). This can reduce wearing comfort in some situations. On the other hand, some holding force may be required to keep the worn in-ear earpiece in place during various daily activities such as exercise and work. Given the use and popularity of in-ear earpieces, it is desirable for the earpiece to fit comfortably and securely in the user's ear.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a holding component for an earpiece of an in-ear audio device, a kit of parts, an earpiece of an in-ear audio device, and an in-ear audio device as recited in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are recited in the dependent claims.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a retaining component for an earpiece of an in-ear audio device comprises a retainer portion and a cantilever portion. The cantilever portion comprises a coupling edge and a free edge substantially opposite the coupling edge. The cantilever portion is coupled to the retainer portion at the coupling edge and is configured to engage with at least a portion of the outer wall of the concha of the user's auricle. The cantilever portion comprises a convexly curved section between the coupling edge and the free edge. The coupling edge is inward of the free edge when the cantilever portion is engaged. Such a retaining component can comfortably hold the earpiece in the user's ear. The retaining component can provide orientation and stability without imparting excessive radial pressure to the portion of the user's auricle. Orientation helps ensure that the earpiece is properly positioned in the user's ear. Achieving stability can mean that, when the earpiece is properly inserted, it stays in the user's ear with minimal movement. The described retaining components may offer the advantage of allowing the earpiece to be comfortably worn for extended periods in the user's auricle and / or ear canal, and may also offer the advantage of improving the fit or retention of the earpiece in the user's auricle and / or ear canal during various activities.

[0005] The cantilever portion may define a trough shape. The trough shape may be formed by the cantilever portion and the retainer portion. In the embodiment, the trough shape may be formed by the outer circumferential surfaces of the cantilever portion and the retainer portion. In the embodiment, the bottom of the trough shape may be located inside the opening of the trough shape when the cantilever portion is engaged.

[0006] In this embodiment, the outer wall may be at least one of the antitragus and antihelix of the user's auricle.

[0007] The retaining component may include a central axis extending through the center of the retaining component, a radial axis extending perpendicular to the central axis in the radial direction of the retaining component, and a circumferential axis extending in the circumferential direction of the central axis. The radial axis can define a first radial direction and a second radial direction extending perpendicular to the first radial direction.

[0008] The cantilever portion may extend radially outward from the retainer portion (i.e., in the radial direction as defined above). For example, the connecting edge may be positioned radially inward compared to the free edge.

[0009] The retainer portion may comprise a first end and a second end substantially opposite the first end. The cantilever portion may be coupled to the retainer portion between the first and second ends, and the cantilever portion may extend radially outward from the retainer portion toward the second end. Optionally, the coupling edge may be positioned closer to the first end than to the second end, and the free edge may be positioned between the coupling edge and the second end.

[0010] In embodiments, the cantilever portion may be bonded to the retainer portion circumferentially around at least a portion of the outer surface of the retainer portion. The cantilever portion may be bonded substantially circumferentially over a length around the outer surface of the retainer portion, and the length may be measured circumferentially along the free edge. In embodiments, the cantilever portion may extend over about 30% to 70%, more specifically 40% to 60%, of the entire circumference of the retainer portion.

[0011] In the circumferential direction, the free edge may extend substantially parallel to the jointed edge over most of its length.

[0012] The cantilever portion may be configured to deflect, more specifically elastically, in the radial direction toward the central axis and / or in the direction of the central axis, at least partially along the length of the cantilever portion, in response to a force applied to the cantilever portion. When the cantilever portion is engaged, at least a portion of the cantilever portion may deflect toward the central axis, and / or at least a portion of the cantilever portion may deflect toward the first end or toward the second end.

[0013] In embodiments, the cantilever portion may include an outer cantilever surface facing a direction substantially away from the central axis in the radial direction. The outer cantilever surface may be designed to at least partially follow the contour of the outer wall, particularly when the cantilever portion is engaged. The cantilever portion may be engaged when at least a portion of the cantilever portion optionally contacts the outer wall of the concha in a contact area. The contact area may be provided at the free edge and / or between the free edge and the connecting edge on the outer cantilever surface.

[0014] When the retaining component is engaged, the force may optionally be applied to the cantilever portion at least partially by a portion of the outer wall of the concha that contacts the cantilever portion in the contact area.

[0015] In embodiments, the cantilever portion may include a convexly curved section in the direction of the radial axis, more specifically in a cross-sectional plane defined by the radial axis and the central axis, as viewed from the central axis. In the plane defined by the radial axis and the central axis, starting from the joint edge and toward the free edge, the cantilever portion, optionally the outer cantilever surface, may include a convexly curved section and a flat section at least partially following it. In particular, the flat section may extend substantially parallel to the central axis or be slightly inclined away from the central axis.

[0016] In the disengaged state of the cantilever portion, the convexly curved section may have a first curved section radius measured between the connecting edge and the free edge in a plane defined by the radial axis and the central axis. In the engaged state, the convexly curved section may have a second curved section radius which may be smaller than the first curved section radius.

[0017] In some embodiments, the retainer portion may include a tubular wall portion extending between a first end and a second end. In some examples, the tubular wall portion may define an outer wall radius and an inner wall radius, which are measured radially from the central axis, respectively.

[0018] The retainer portion, more specifically the tubular wall portion, may have a cross-section that is oval, circular, or elliptical in a plane defined by the first radial direction and the second radial direction.

[0019] The radius of the outer wall portion may be 6.0 mm to 12.0 mm, more specifically 8.0 mm to 10.0 mm, and the radius of the inner wall portion may be 5.0 mm to 11.0 mm, more specifically 7.0 mm to 9.0 mm.

[0020] In the embodiment, the cantilever portion may extend around the outer circumferential surface of the retainer portion over an angle measured in the circumferential direction of 120° < α < 270°, more specifically 150° < α < 250°, and particularly 170° < α < 240°, in the plane defined by the first radial direction and the second radial direction.

[0021] The cantilever portion may have an outer contour in the plane defined by the first radial direction and the second radial direction, and the outer contour radius measured between the outer contour of the cantilever portion and the central axis may be 8.0 mm to 14.0 mm.

[0022] In the disengaged state, the cantilever portion extends beyond the outer surface of the retainer portion by a first difference radius, measured radially between the outer contour and the outer surface of the retainer portion. In this embodiment, the first difference radius may be 0.0 mm to 6.0 mm.

[0023] In the engaged state, measured radially between the outer contour and the outer circumferential surface of the retainer portion, the cantilever portion may extend beyond the outer circumference of the retainer portion by a second difference radius, and the second difference radius may be less than or equal to the first difference radius. The ratio of the second difference radius to the first difference radius may be 0.7 to 1.0.

[0024] In one embodiment, the ratio of the outer radius of the retainer portion to the outer contour radius may be 0.6 to 1.0, more specifically 0.7 to 1.0.

[0025] The cantilever portion may include a first side edge portion and a second side edge portion that each extend between a coupling edge portion and a free edge portion on both sides of the cantilever portion.

[0026] The cantilever portion may be coupled to the retainer portion at the coupling edge portion, the first side edge portion, and the second side edge portion. In some examples, the free edge portion may be coupled to the retainer portion at the first side edge portion and / or the second side edge portion.

[0027] In other embodiments, the cantilever portion may be coupled to the retainer portion at the coupling edge portion, and the first side edge portion and / or the second side edge portion may be at least partially separated from the retainer portion.

[0028] In an embodiment, the cantilever portion may be coupled to the retainer portion over the entire length of the coupling edge portion, and the length can be measured along the coupling edge portion between the first side edge portion and the second side edge portion in the circumferential direction.

[0029] In an embodiment, the holding component can include a first polymer material (e.g., can be made from the first polymer material). The first polymer material may include a Shore A durometer of 20 - 80, more specifically 30 - 70, especially 40 - 60. The first polymer material may be silicone. In other embodiments, the first polymer material may be rubber. The retainer portion and / or the cantilever portion may include the first polymer material (or may be made from the first polymer material). The first polymer material defined above can result in increased comfort when the holding component engages with the user's auricle (e.g., the outer wall of the auricle), but can also provide sufficient stability of the holding component. In some examples, the retainer portion may include a higher durometer material, and the cantilever portion may include a lower durometer material. Thus, the retainer portion can result in increased stability of the holding component, and the cantilever portion can result in increased comfort when engaging with the user's auricle.

[0030] In this embodiment, the cantilever portion and the retainer portion may be formed integrally.

[0031] In one embodiment, the connecting edge may extend circumferentially along the first end for most of its length.

[0032] In the embodiment, the connecting edge and / or free edge may extend linearly in the circumferential direction over most of the length of the cantilever portion. Alternatively, the connecting edge and / or free edge may have a curved shape, optionally a wavy shape, in the circumferential direction over most of the length of the cantilever portion.

[0033] The cantilever portion may comprise a first cantilever sub-part and a second cantilever sub-part, the first cantilever sub-part may be configured to at least partially engage with the antitragus, and the second cantilever sub-part may be configured to at least partially engage with the antihelix of the user's auricle. In embodiments, the first cantilever sub-part and the second cantilever sub-part may be formed integrally.

[0034] In embodiments, the connecting edge may include a first connecting edge associated with a first cantilever sub-part, the first connecting edge may extend to a first plane in the direction of the central axis and / or mainly on the first plane in the circumferential direction. The first plane may extend parallel to a plane defined by a first radial direction and a second radial direction. Additionally or alternatively, the connecting edge may include a second connecting edge associated with a second cantilever sub-part, the second connecting edge may extend to a second plane in the direction of the central axis and / or mainly on the second plane in the circumferential direction.

[0035] The first plane and the second plane may extend parallel to each other, or they may be separated by a first distance, the first distance may be measured parallel to the central axis.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first plane may be positioned closer to the first end than to the second end in the direction of the central axis, and the second plane may be positioned between the first plane and the second end.

[0037] In the embodiment, the free edge may include a first free edge associated with a first cantilever sub-part, the first free edge may extend to a third plane in the direction of the central axis and / or mainly on the third plane in the circumferential direction. The third plane may extend parallel to a plane defined by the first radial direction and the second radial direction. Additionally or alternatively, the free edge may include a second free edge associated with a second cantilever sub-part, the second free edge may extend to a fourth plane in the direction of the central axis and / or mainly on the fourth plane in the circumferential direction.

[0038] The third and fourth planes may be parallel to each other, and they may be separated by a second distance, the second distance may be measured parallel to the central axis.

[0039] In this embodiment, the third plane may be positioned closer to the first end than to the second end in the direction of the central axis, and the fourth plane may be positioned between the third plane and the second end.

[0040] Measured parallel to the central axis, the first cantilever sub-part may have a first width, and the second cantilever sub-part may have a second width. In the embodiment, the first width may be greater than the second width. In the embodiment, the first width may be 2.0 mm to 4.3 mm, and the second width may be 0.9 mm to 3.3 mm.

[0041] The cantilever portion may include a transition region extending between the first cantilever sub-part and the second cantilever sub-part, and the transition region may have a curved shape or, optionally, a wave shape in the circumferential direction.

[0042] In the embodiment, the cantilever portion may have grooves that extend radially from the free edge toward the joint edge, at least partially along its length in the circumferential direction.

[0043] The cantilever portion may include an inner cantilever surface that can be oriented toward the outer circumferential surface of the retainer portion.

[0044] In embodiments, the cantilever portion may have a thickness measured in the cross-section between the inner and outer cantilever surfaces, and the thickness may be 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness may be substantially constant along the entire length of the cantilever portion and / or substantially constant between the free edge and the jointed edge.

[0045] In one embodiment, the retainer portion may be configured to be coupled to the housing of the earpiece.

[0046] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a kit of parts is provided which comprises a retaining part holder having the plurality of retaining parts described above.

[0047] In the embodiment, each of the retaining components may have a retainer portion having the same geometric dimensions. Additionally or alternatively, at least some of the retaining components may have cantilever portions having different geometric dimensions to accommodate different sizes of the user's auricle.

[0048] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, an earpiece of an in-ear audio device comprises a housing configured to engage with at least a portion of the user's ear, and a retaining component as described above. The retaining component is coupled to the housing by a retainer portion. Such an earpiece may be comfortable, produce a gentle seal to facilitate noise reduction, spread contact evenly across the user's ear to avoid pressure points, and result in a design that helps provide consistent audio performance while maximizing noise reduction. Furthermore, the orientation and stability of the earpiece may be improved without providing excessive radial pressure to specific parts of the ear, namely the ear canal and / or some parts of the auricle (e.g., the outer wall of the concha of the auricle). The described retaining component coupled to the earpiece may allow the earpiece to be comfortably worn in the user's ear for extended periods and may also provide the advantage of improving the fit or retention of the earpiece in the user's ear during various activities.

[0049] In the embodiment, the retaining component may be releasably coupled to the housing. The retaining component may be coupled to the outer circumference of the housing, or it may extend around at least a portion of the outer circumference of the housing.

[0050] The housing may comprise a front side and a rear side substantially opposite the front side. When the housing engages with at least a portion of the user's ear, the front side may be inward of the rear side.

[0051] The connecting edge and / or first end of the retaining component may be positioned closer to the front than to the rear, and the free edge and / or second end of the retaining component may be positioned between the connecting edge and / or first end and the rear. In embodiments, the cantilever portion may define a trough shape. In embodiments, the trough shape may be formed by the cantilever portion and the retainer portion. The bottom of the trough shape may be positioned closer to the front than to the rear, and the opening of the trough shape may be located between the bottom of the trough shape and the rear.

[0052] The earpiece may have an earpiece length measured between the front and rear sides, parallel to the central axis. The second end may be located within a range of 30% to 70%, more specifically 40% to 60%, of the earpiece length when viewed from the front to the rear.

[0053] The housing may include a nozzle extending diagonally from the front of the housing in directions defined by the central axis and the radial direction. When the earpiece is engaged with the user's ear, the nozzle may extend toward the ear canal of the user's ear.

[0054] The nozzle may comprise a planar distal end and an acoustic passage configured to conduct acoustic energy. In embodiments, the distal end may have a substantially elliptical opening for the acoustic passage. The plane defined at the distal end may be substantially parallel to the principal axis of the user's ear canal when the earpiece engages with the user's ear.

[0055] In embodiments, the earpiece may further comprise an ear tip configured to engage with the external auditory canal of the user's ear. The ear tip may be releasably coupled to the distal end of the nozzle. In embodiments, the ear tip may be substantially dome-shaped.

[0056] The ear tip may comprise a narrow end, a wider end, and a substantially dome-shaped outer wall portion extending between the narrow and wider ends. The wider end may have a diameter greater than the diameter of the ear canal, and / or the narrow end may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the entrance to the ear canal.

[0057] In this embodiment, the outer wall portion may be configured to be at least partially deflected radially toward the nozzle.

[0058] Furthermore, the ear tip may have an inner wall portion that extends at least partially from the narrow end to the wider end, the inner wall portion being able to define and enclose a hollow sound passage. The outer wall portion may be connected to the inner wall portion at the narrow end. In some examples, the wider end may be separated from the inner wall portion.

[0059] In the embodiment, the inner wall portion may have a tubular shape which may be configured to connect the ear tip to the nozzle. The inner wall portion may include a retaining member configured to engage with a fitting retaining member on the nozzle.

[0060] The ear tip may contain a second polymer material. In embodiments, the second polymer material may contain a Shore A durometer of 10 to 80, more specifically 15 to 75, and particularly 20 to 70. The second polymer material may be silicone. In other embodiments, the second polymer material may be rubber. The inner wall portion and / or outer wall portion may contain (or be made from) the second polymer material. The second polymer material as defined above may provide increased comfort when the ear tip engages with the user's ear (e.g., the ear canal), but may also provide sufficient stability for the ear tip. In some examples, the inner wall portion may contain a material with a higher durometer, and the outer wall portion may contain a material with a lower durometer. Thus, the inner wall portion may provide increased stability for the ear tip for coupling to the nozzle, and the outer wall portion may provide increased comfort when the ear tip engages with the user's ear.

[0061] In the embodiment, the housing may optionally be made of a rigid polymer material from the group consisting of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PCB / ABS), polyetherimide (PEI), or stereolithography (SLA) resin.

[0062] The housing may include a cavity in which an electroacoustic transducer, a battery, and / or electronic circuitry may be housed. The electronic circuitry may include a wireless transmitter.

[0063] In the embodiment, the transducer may be positioned within the housing such that, when the earpiece is engaged, the majority of the transducer may be located within or surrounded by the outer wall of the concha of the user's ear.

[0064] The housing may include one or more control elements for controlling the function of the earpiece and / or in-ear audio device. Additionally or alternatively, the housing may include one or more sensors.

[0065] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides an in-ear audio device comprising at least one earpiece as defined above.

[0066] Further details and features are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0067] Other features will become apparent from the accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure. The drawings are intended to further illustrate this disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to carry it out. However, the drawings are intended to be non-limiting examples. Common reference numerals on different drawings indicate similar or similar features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0068] [Figure 1A] This is a diagram of the outer surface of a human ear. [Figure 1B] This is an illustrative cross-sectional view of a human ear. [Figure 1C] This is an illustrative cross-sectional view of a human ear. [Figure 2A] This is a side perspective view of a first embodiment of an in-ear earpiece, including a retaining component, housing, nozzle, and ear tip, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A is a side view of the earpiece. [Figure 2C] Figure 2A is a rear view of the earpiece. [Figure 2D] Figure 2A is a front view of the earpiece. [Figure 3A] This is a side view of a first embodiment of a retaining component according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is a side perspective view of the first embodiment of the retaining component shown. [Figure 3C] This is a side view of the first embodiment of the retaining component, rotated 90° in the circumferential direction with respect to Figure 3A. [Figure 3D] This is a bottom view of a first embodiment of a retaining component according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3E] This is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of a retaining component, showing a cantilevered portion in a disengaged state, cut at position AA as shown in Figure 3D. [Figure 3F] Figure 3D is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of a retaining component, showing the engaged cantilever portion, cut at position AA. [Figure 3G] This is a top view of a first embodiment of a retaining component according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] This is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of an in-ear earpiece, including a retaining component, housing, nozzle, and ear tip, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A is a rear view of the second embodiment of the earpiece shown. [Figure 4C] Figure 4A is a front view of the nozzle attached to the second embodiment of the earpiece shown. [Figure 5A] This is a side perspective view of an earpiece engaged with the user's auricle, according to the aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 5B] This is a side perspective view of a retaining component engaged with the user's auricle, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] This is a top perspective view of an earpiece positioned inside a user's ear, according to the aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 6A] This is a rear view of a second embodiment of a retaining component according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] This is a perspective side view of a second embodiment of a retaining component according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0069] Embodiments of retaining components, parts kits, in-ear earpieces, and in-ear audio devices will be described below with reference to the drawings. All examples and features mentioned herein can be combined in any technically possible manner. Other features, purposes, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the following drawings. The illustrated retaining components and earpieces are shown to engage with the user's right ear. Retaining components and earpieces configured to engage with the user's left ear are mirror images of the retaining components and earpieces described herein and operate according to the same principle.

[0070] Figures 1A–1C show the anatomical regions of the right human ear with several identified features. The human ear comprises the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The outer ear is also known as the auricle or pinna. Note that many different ear sizes and geometric shapes exist. For example, children may have smaller ears with smaller size and geometric dimensions compared to adult ears. Some ears may have additional features not shown in Figure 1A, or some ears may lack some of the features shown in Figure 1A. Some features may be more or less prominent than those shown in Figure 1A.

[0071] The auricle 300 is a nearly primitive, usually immobile external ear (shell) located close to the side of the human head. It comprises a thin plate of elastic cartilage covered by tightly packed skin. The cartilage is shaped into clearly defined depressions, ridges, and muscles that form an irregular, shallow inflorescence. The deepest depression, which leads directly to the external auditory canal 390, i.e., the sound hole, is called the concha 330. The concha 330 comprises the concha cavity 332 (inferior concha) and the conchasnea 331 (upper concha). The concha 330 is a fossa surrounded by the tragus 350, the notch, the antitragus 310, the antihelix 320, the inferior crus of the antihelix 370, and the base of the helix 360. The inferior concha 330 is partially covered by two small projections, namely the anterior tongue-like tragus 350 and the posterior antitragus 310. Above the tragus is the helix 340, a protruding ridge arising from the bed of the conch 330 and continuing as an inwardly curved rim of the upper portion of the auricle. The antihelix 320, an inwardly curved concentric ridge, surrounds the conch 330 and separates the helix 340 by muscle, the scaphoid fossa, and the triangular fossa. In detail, the antihelix 320 represents the fold of the concha cartilage. The outer wall of the conch 330 of the user's auricle 300 may include at least partially the antitragus 310 and / or the antihelix 320. In some examples, the outer wall of the conch 330 may be at least partially defined by the ridge provided by the antitragus 310 and / or the antihelix 320. Optionally, the outer wall of the conch 330 may also comprise some portion of the tragus 350 and / or the inferior crura 370 of the antihelix (or the ridge provided by these portions). The trunk (the lower part of the bifurcation) of a normal antihelix 320 is gently curved and, along its course, branches at about two-thirds of the way up to form the broad fold of the superior antihelix crura and the more sharply folded inferior crura 370. The helix 340 is the lateral rim of the ear, extending from the upper insertion of the ear on the scalp (root) to the cartilaginous termination in the earlobe. The earlobe, the fleshy lower part of the auricle 300, is the only area of ​​the lateral ear that does not contain cartilage. The scaphoid fossa is the groove between the helix 340 and the antihelix 320, while the tragus 350 is the anterior, slightly inferior, posterior-cartilaginous projection of the external auditory canal 390.

[0072] As shown in Figures 1B and 1C, the external auditory canal 390 is a slightly curved tube that extends inward from the floor of the concha 330 and terminates dead at the tympanic membrane 381. In other words, the external auditory canal 390 is an irregularly shaped cylinder with a varying cross-sectional area and a non-straight midline. In its outer third, the wall of the tube is made of cartilage, and in its inner two-thirds, the wall of the tube is made of bone. The entire length of the passage, which can be up to approximately 24 mm, is covered with skin that also covers the outer surface of the tympanic membrane. The skin of the external auditory canal is very sensitive to pain and pressure. In this specification, the entrance to the external auditory canal 390 refers to the portion of the external auditory canal near the floor of the concha 330 where the wall of the external auditory canal 390 is substantially non-parallel to the midline 391a of the external auditory canal 390. The exact structure of the human ear varies considerably from person to person. For example, in the cross-section of Figure 1B, the entrance area 392a to the external auditory canal 390 is relatively short, indicating a relatively steep transition from the wall of the external auditory canal that is not parallel to the centerline 391a of the external auditory canal 390 to a wall that is substantially parallel to the centerline 390 of the external auditory canal 390. In the cross-section of Figure 1C, the entrance area 392b to the external auditory canal 390 is relatively long, indicating a more gradual transition from the wall of the external auditory canal that is not parallel to the centerline 391b of the external auditory canal 390 to a wall that is substantially parallel to the centerline 391b of the external auditory canal 390.

[0073] The thin, translucent tympanic membrane, or eardrum, forms the boundary between the outer and middle ear and extends diagonally across the end of the external auditory canal 390. The middle ear cavity is a narrow, air-filled space containing the tympanic cavity 387. A short chain of ossicles, formed by three small bones that connect the eardrum 387 to the inner ear and an oval window, crosses the middle ear cavity. These are, from lateral to medial, the malleus 384, the incus 386, and the stapes (stirrup) 385. These bones are suspended by ligaments that allow the chain to vibrate freely as sound is transmitted from the eardrum to the inner ear 380. The middle ear further comprises the Eustachian tube 388, which ventilates the middle ear and helps maintain equal air pressure on both sides of the eardrum. In particular, the inner ear comprises semicircular canals 383, vestibular nerve, cochlea 382, ​​and cochlear nerve 389.

[0074] Figures 2A to 2D show different diagrams of a first embodiment of the in-ear earpiece 10, and Figures 4A to 4C illustrate different diagrams of a second embodiment of the earpiece 10. Features described below in relation to the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment, and vice versa. Other embodiments not described may also fall within the scope of the invention, insofar as they implement the claimed features. The earpiece 10 may comprise an in-ear audio device. The earpiece 10 comprises a housing 100 configured to engage with at least a portion of the user's ear, more specifically, a portion of the external auditory canal 390 and / or the user's auricle 300. The earpiece 10 further comprises a retaining component 200, which is coupled to the housing 100. Such an earpiece 10 may be comfortable, create a gentle seal to facilitate noise reduction, spread even contact across the user's ear (optionally over the ear canal 390 and / or auricle 300) to avoid pressure points, and result in a design that helps provide consistent acoustic performance while maximizing noise reduction.

[0075] A first embodiment of the retaining component 200 will be described below with reference to Figures 2A to 3G, and a second embodiment of the retaining component 200 will be described below with reference to Figures 4A to 6B. For example, as shown in Figure 3A, the retaining component 200 comprises a retainer portion 210 and a cantilever portion 220. The cantilever portion 220 comprises a coupling edge portion 224 and a free edge portion 223 substantially opposite the coupling edge portion 224. The cantilever portion 220 is coupled to the retainer portion 210 at the coupling edge portion 224. The cantilever portion 220 is configured to engage with at least a portion of the outer wall of the concha 330 of the user's auricle 300, as will be described in detail below. The cantilever portion 220 has a convexly curved section between the coupling edge portion 224 and the free edge portion 223. When the cantilever portion 220 is engaged, the coupling edge portion 224 is inward of the free edge portion 223. The retaining component 200 is configured to optionally connect to the housing 100 of the earpiece 10 by a retainer portion 210. Such a retaining component 200 can comfortably hold the earpiece 10 in the user's ear (in embodiments, in the user's ear canal 390 and / or portion of the user's auricle 300). The retaining component 200 can provide orientation and stability without excessive radial pressure on the portion of the user's auricle 300, as will be described in detail below. Orientation can help ensure that the earpiece 10 engages properly with the user's ear. Achieving stability may mean that when the earpiece 10 is properly engaged, it remains in the user's ear with minimal movement. The described retaining component 200 allows the earpiece to be comfortably worn in the user's ear for extended periods, and the improved fit of the earpiece 10 in the user's ear during various activities may result in improved retention.

[0076] A virtual centerline (e.g., the midline) extends through the center (or center) of the human body and may extend along its length. A lateral orientation is a position away from the body's midline. For example, the arm is on the side of the chest, and the auricle 300 is on the side of the head. A medial orientation is a position toward the body's medial line. An example of a medial orientation is the eye, which is on the medial side of the ear (e.g., the auricle 300) on the head. In this context, anterior means toward the front (towards the human chest) when viewed from the midline, and posterior means toward the rear (of the human) when viewed from the midline. As defined above, when the retaining part 200, more specifically the cantilever portion 220, is engaged, the connecting edge 224 is medial to the free edge 223. In other words, when engaged, the connecting edge 224 is closer to the inner ear 380 and / or midline of the human body than the free edge 223. It should be noted that the definition of “inside” may apply to users with an average ear (more specifically, the outer ear, e.g., the auricle, concha, and conchae) that is nearly parallel to or only slightly inclined with respect to the midline. However, there may be other ears (more specifically, the outer ear) with different geometric shapes that can be more significantly inclined with respect to the midline. In this case, the definition of “the joint rim 224 is inside the free lateral rim 223” (and all other definitions of “inside” in this disclosure) may apply to different radial or circumferential positions (in the rx plane) of the joint rim 224 with respect to the direction of the central axis x and the corresponding circumferential position of the free rim 223. However, the general idea that the joint rim 224 is closer to (or inside) the inner ear 380 and / or midline of the human body than the free rim 223 still applies in this case, even if only slightly.

[0077] Referring to Figures 2A and 3B, the coordinate system is defined for the retaining component 200 and may also be applied to the earpiece 10. The retaining component 200 includes a central axis x extending through the center of the retaining component 200, a radial axis r extending radially to the central axis x in the radial direction of the retaining component 200, and a circumferential axis u extending circumferentially to the central axis x. The radial axis r may define a first radial direction r1 and a second radial direction r2, the second radial direction r2 extending perpendicularly to the first radial direction r1. In other words, the radial axis r may define random radial directions of the retaining component extending from the central axis x. The center and associated central axis x may be the geometric center of the retainer portion 210. The first radial direction r1 may be measured from the central axis x to the outer contour 240 of the retaining component 200, so that the retaining component 200 extends radially including its maximum radius Rmax.

[0078] As described above, the retaining component 200, particularly the cantilever portion 220, can be in an engaged or disengaged state. The cantilever portion 220 is in a disengaged state when there is no contact between the cantilever portion 220 and the outer wall of the concha 330 of the user's auricle 300. In other words, in the disengaged state, the retaining component 200 is not used, i.e., no external force acts on the retaining component 200 (particularly the cantilever portion 220) and / or no force is applied to the retaining component 200. This is especially true when the retaining component 200 is not engaged with the outer wall of the user's concha 330. The cantilever portion 220 may be in an engaged state when the retaining component 200 is at least partially engaged with the user's concha 330, more specifically when the retaining component 200 is inserted into the user's concha cavity and at least a portion of the cantilever portion 220 is in contact with at least a portion of the outer wall of the concha 330 of the auricle 300. In other words, the cantilever portion 220 may be in an engaged state if it at least partially contacts (or engages) with the outer wall of the concha 330 at the antitragus 310 and / or antihelix 320 and / or with the ridge provided by the antihelix 320 and / or antitragus 310. Unless otherwise specified, the geometric shapes and characteristics of the retaining component 200 and the earpiece 10 will be described throughout the description in the disengaged state.

[0079] The cantilever portion 220 extends radially outward from the retainer portion 210 (i.e., in the radial direction r as defined above). For example, the connecting edge 224 may be located more inward in the radial direction r than the free edge 223. When the cantilever portion 220 is engaged, the connecting edge 224 is inward of the free edge 223. In other words, when the cantilever portion 220 is engaged and in the direction of the central axis x, the connecting edge 224 is closer to the floor of the concha 330 and / or the external auditory canal 390 and / or the user's head than the free edge 223. The outer wall of the concha 330 as defined above may be at least one of the antitragus 310 and antihelix 320 of the user's auricle. However, in other embodiments, the outer wall may also include at least partially the lower legs of the tragus 350 and antihelix 370. In other words, the cantilever portion 220 is tilted in the opposite direction to the base of the concha 330 of the user's auricle 300.

[0080] The retainer portion 210 comprises a first end 211 and a second end 212 substantially opposite the first end 211. This may be defined with respect to the direction of the central axis x. The cantilever portion 220 is coupled to the retainer portion 210 between the first end 211 and the second end 212. As described above, the cantilever portion 220 is configured to engage with at least a portion of the outer wall of the concha 330 of the user's auricle 300. In other words, when the cantilever portion 220 is engaged, with respect to the direction of the central axis x, the first end 211 is medial to the second end 212 (i.e., distal to the user's head, the external auditory canal 390, and / or the floor of the concha 330) (i.e., closer to the user's head, the external auditory canal 390, and / or the floor of the concha 330). When engaged, the first end 211 may be closer to the user's external auditory canal 390, conchae, inner ear 380, and / or head than the second end 212. The cantilever portion 220 extends radially outward from the retainer portion 210 toward the first end 211 or toward the second end 212. In the embodiment, viewed in the direction of the central axis x, the coupling edge 224 is positioned closer to the first end 211 than to the second end 212, and the free edge 223 is positioned between the coupling edge 224 and the second end 212.

[0081] As described above, the cantilever portion 220 comprises a connecting edge 224 and a free edge 223, the free edge 223 being substantially opposite to the connecting edge 224. In other words, the free edge 223 may be an edge of the cantilever portion 220 facing away from the cantilever portion 220 and located on a side of the cantilever portion 220 substantially opposite to the side of the cantilever portion 220 to which the connecting edge 224 extends. In embodiments, particularly in the disengaged state, the free edge 223 may be the edge of the cantilever portion 220 furthest from the connecting edge 224 in the direction of the central axis x (this may apply to some or all circumferential positions of the free edge 223 along the length of the circumferential direction u in the plane rx). In embodiments, the free edge 223 may be substantially facing in the direction of the central axis x toward the second end 212. Optionally, the free edge 223 may be an edge that is on the opposite side of the cantilever portion 220 from the connecting edge 224 and is not connected to the retaining body 210 (however, this may apply to the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226, as will be described in detail below).

[0082] As shown in Figures 3A to 3G, the cantilever portion 220 comprises a first side edge 225 and a second side edge 226, which extend between the connecting edge 224 and the free edge 223 on both sides of the cantilever portion 220. The cantilever portion 220 comprises an outer cantilever portion surface 228 facing substantially away from the central axis x in the radial direction r. The outer cantilever portion surface 228 may be defined on the side facing away from the retainer portion 210, between the free edge 223 and the connecting edge 224, and also between the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226 (i.e., along its entire length l1, as described below). The outer cantilever surface 228 is designed to at least partially conform to the contour of the outer wall of the concha 330 (e.g., the outer contour or curved shape of the antihelix 320 and / or antitragus 310), especially when the cantilever portion 220 is engaged. Furthermore, the cantilever portion 220 includes an inner cantilever surface 227, which is opposite the outer cantilever surface 228 and oriented toward the outer circumferential surface 214 of the retainer portion 210.

[0083] Referring to Figures 3D and 3G, the cantilever portion 220 is coupled to (or extends from) the retainer portion 210 in the circumferential direction u, at least partially around the outer circumferential surface 214 of the retainer portion 210. In some examples, the cantilever portion 220 is substantially coupled to (or extends from) the outer circumferential surface 214 of the retainer portion 210 over a length l1 in the circumferential direction u. The length l1 may be measured along the free edge 223, more specifically between the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226 in the circumferential direction u. In embodiments, the cantilever portion 210 extends over approximately 30% to 70%, more specifically 40% to 60%, of the entire circumference of the retainer portion 210. As best shown in Figure 3D, in the plane r1-r2 defined by the first radial direction r1 and the second radial direction r2, the cantilever portion 220 extends around the outer circumferential surface 214 of the retainer portion 210 over an angle α that, measured in the circumferential direction u, may be 120° < α < 270°, more specifically 150° < α < 250°, and in particular 170° < α < 240°. In detail, the angle α is measured at the free edge portion 223 between the first side edge portion 225 and the second side edge portion 226. The free edge portion 223 extends substantially parallel to the joint edge portion 224 in the circumferential direction u over most of the length l1. However, in other embodiments, the joint edge portion 224 may extend at least partially substantially parallel to the free edge portion 223. Furthermore, in the plane defined by the first radial direction r1 and the second radial direction r2, the free edge portion 223 may extend parallel to the outer circumferential surface 214 of the retainer portion 210, at least partially along its length l1.

[0084] Referring to Figures 3A to 3G, the connecting edge 224 extends along the first end 211 in the circumferential direction u for most of its length l2. The length l2 is measured along the connecting edge 224 between the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226 in the circumferential direction u. In embodiments, the connecting edge 224 and / or the free edge 223 may extend linearly in the circumferential direction u for most of the length l1 of the cantilever portion 220. Alternatively, the connecting edge 224 and / or the free edge 223 may have a curved shape, optionally a wavy shape, in the circumferential direction u for most of the length l1 of the cantilever portion 220. In other words, the connecting edge 224 and / or the free edge 223 may have a specific shape in the circumferential direction u. The connecting edge 224 may be coupled to the retainer portion 210 adjacent to the first end 211 for most of its length l2. In other words, the connecting edge may follow the contour of the first end portion 211 in the circumferential direction u and with respect to the central axis x for most of its length l2. In one embodiment, the cantilever portion 220 is coupled to the retainer portion 210 over the entire length l2 of the connecting edge 224. More specifically, the cantilever portion 220 may be coupled to the retainer portion 210 continuously and / or without interruption over the entire length l2 of the connecting edge 224.

[0085] Figures 3E and 3F are side cross-sectional views of a first embodiment of the retaining component 200, cut at position AA shown in Figure 3D, showing the cantilever portion 220 in the disengaged state (see Figure 3E) and the cantilever portion 220 in the engaged state (see Figure 3F). As already described above, the cantilever portion 220 is engaged when at least a portion of the cantilever portion 220 optionally contacts the outer wall (at least a portion of it) of the concha 330 in the contact area 231. The contact area 231 may be provided at the free edge 223 and / or between the free edge 223 and the connecting edge 224 on the outer cantilever portion surface 228. In the embodiment, when engaged, the cantilever portion 220 contacts the outer wall of the concha 330 between the tragus 350 and the lower crura of the helix 370, and optionally contacts at least partially the antitragus 310 and antihelix 320.

[0086] The cantilever portion 220 is configured to be elastically deflected in response to a force F applied to the cantilever portion 220, at least partially along its length l1 in the circumferential direction u, in the radial direction r toward the central axis x, and / or in the direction of the central axis x. The force F is applied to the cantilever portion 220 at least partially by a portion of the outer wall of the concha 330 that optionally contacts the cantilever portion 220 in the contact area 231 when the retaining component 200 is engaged.

[0087] As shown in Figure 3F, when the cantilever portion 220 is engaged, at least a portion of the cantilever portion 220 that contacts the outer wall of the concha 330 may be deflected toward the central axis x, and / or at least a portion of the cantilever portion 220 may be deflected toward the first end 211 or the second end 212. In other words, at least a portion of the cantilever portion 220 may be folded or rolled up toward the central axis x when the retaining component 200 is at least partially inserted into the concha cavity. When the cantilever portion 220 is deflected, folded, or rolled up toward itself, the free edge 223 may move toward the connecting edge 224, and more specifically, the distance between the connecting edge 224 and the free edge 223 may be smaller than in the disengaged state. However, in other embodiments, when deflected, the free edge 223 may move toward the connecting edge 224. When the retaining component 200 is inserted toward the user's concha (or toward the user's external auditory canal 390) in the direction of the central axis x, providing engagement between the retaining component 200 and the auricle 300, and optionally between the retaining component 200 and the antitragus 310 and / or antihelix 320, contact may occur between at least a portion of the outer wall of the concha 330 (e.g., the antitragus and / or antihelix) and the cantilever portion 220. Thereafter, a contact force F may act on at least a portion of the cantilever portion 220 that is in contact with the outer wall of the concha 330. During insertion of the retaining component 200, the contact force F may be greater than that in the engaged state. This may be because, in the engaged state, a portion of the cantilever portion 220 may at least partially engage with a groove or muscle provided by the antihelix 320 and / or antitragus 310 (between the ridge and the concha) and therefore the deflection of the cantilever portion 220 may be at least partially reduced.

[0088] The contact force F may have a first force component substantially oriented radially r toward the central axis x. Furthermore, the force F may have a second force component substantially oriented toward the central axis x, and / or a third force component substantially oriented circumferentially u. The cantilever portion 220 may include (e.g., be made from) a polymer material. As described above, the cantilever portion 220 may be configured to be elastically deflected. Following the deflection, the cantilever portion 220 may move back to its initial position by a restoring force, optionally by an elastic restoring force. The initial position of the cantilever portion 220 may be the position in which the cantilever portion 220 is disengaged. In the engaged state, the restoring force can act at least partially in opposition to the contact force F. If the contact force F is greater than the elastic restoring force, deflection of the cantilever portion 220 (specifically the portion in contact with the outer wall) may occur. In other words, the cantilever portion 220 may provide a spring effect. The restoring force depends on the stiffness of the material used for the cantilever portion 220. The stiffness is due to the elastic modulus of the material, the specific geometric shape of the cantilever portion 220, the cross-section of the material, and the processing of the material. The stiffness of the cantilever portion 220 may also differ with respect to deflection in different directions. For example, the stiffness of the material with respect to deflection toward the central axis x may be lower than the stiffness in the circumferential direction u. In the engaged state, opposing forces (contact force F and elastic restoring force) can result in better retention of the retaining component 200 in the concha 330. In other words, the opposing forces cause the cantilever portion 220 to exert pressure on the outer wall. The cantilever portion 220 may exert pressure on the outer wall of the concha 330 of the auricle 300 at least partially along the antitragus 310 and / or antihelix 320. However, it should be noted that the pressure applied to the outer wall of the concha 330 by the retaining component 200 may not be anterograde in order to intentionally affect the shape of the outer wall of the concha 330, but rather reactive in order to compensate for (or balance) the force F. In embodiments, the cantilever portion 220 may apply pressure along at least the lower portion of the antitragus 310 and antihelix 320 (which is adjacent to the antitragus).As a result, the retaining component 200 can create stability and, when the earpiece 10 is fitted, can push the earpiece 10 at least slightly toward the user's ear canal 390. If the force is distributed over a larger contact area 231 between the cantilever portion 220 and the outer wall of the concha 330, this can result in improved comfort (due to reduced pressure) over a longer period of time when the retaining component 200 (and the earpiece 10) is fitted by the user.

[0089] When the retaining component 200 changes from a disengaged state to an engaged state (i.e., when the retaining component is inserted into the user's concha 330 and the cantilever portion 220 contacts the outer wall of the concha 330), the second force component may be directed toward the second end 212 (for example, as shown in Figure 3F) or toward the first end 211. The force components resulting from the first and second force components may cause a deflection of a portion of the cantilever portion 220, as shown in Figure 3F. In this case, at least a portion of the free edge 223 (and the relevant portion of the cantilever portion 220) may move axially toward the first end 211 or the second end 212, and radially toward the central axis x (and / or toward the retainer portion 210) (or fold). However, in other embodiments, at least a portion of the free edge 223 may move radially toward the central axis x (and / or toward the retainer portion 210) without moving toward the first end 211 or the second end 212 (or may fold). When the retaining component 200 changes from an engaged state to an unengaged state (i.e., when the retaining component is removed from the user's concha 330), the second force component may be substantially directed toward the first end 211 or the second end 212 in the direction of the central axis x.

[0090] For example, as shown in Figures 3A-3C and 3E-3F, the cantilever portion 220 includes a convexly curved section between the joint edge 224 and the free edge 223. In some embodiments, the convexly curved section may be defined in a cross-sectional plane rx defined by the radial axis r and the central axis x. The cantilever portion 220 includes a convexly curved section viewed from the central axis x in the direction of the radial axis r. In other words, the convexly curved section is defined with respect to a position on the central axis x when viewed in the radial direction r. The convexly curved section allows the free edge 223 of the cantilever portion 220 to gently deflect toward the central axis x and / or toward the retainer portion 210, more specifically, to fold over or curl up over the free edge 223 itself, when the cantilever portion 220 is in at least partial contact with the outer wall of the concha 330, optionally the antitragus 310 and / or antihelix 320 of the user's auricle 300. In this way, the retaining component 200 may hold the earpiece 10 for a wide range of ear geometric shapes and sizes. If the user has a larger ear, less of the length l1 of the cantilever portion 220 may curl up toward the retainer portion 210 when the earpiece 10 is engaged with the user's ear. If the user has a smaller ear, more of the length l1 of the cantilever portion 220 may curl up toward the retainer portion 210 when the cantilever portion 220 is in at least partial contact with the antitragus 310 and antihelix 320. However, in both cases, the same retaining component 200 can comfortably provide stability to keep the earpiece 10 in place and in the proper orientation, and can provide at least slight resistance when the user removes the earpiece 10 by pulling it away from the ear canal 390. However, it should be understood that different sizes of the retaining component 220 (having different geometric shapes associated with smaller and larger ears) may be provided additionally or alternatively, as described below.

[0091] In embodiments not shown in the figures, in a plane rx defined by the radial axis r and the central axis x, the cantilever portion 220, optionally the outer cantilever surface 228, starting from the joint edge 224 and toward the free edge 223, may comprise a convexly curved section and a subsequent at least partially flat section, in particular the flat section may extend substantially parallel to the central axis x, or may extend with a slight inclination away from the central axis x (i.e., away from the outer circumferential surface 214 of the retainer portion 210 in the radial direction r). The partially flat section may be provided in a contact area 231 where the cantilever portion 220 contacts the outer wall of the concha 330 of the user's auricle 300 in the engaged state. In other words, the flat section may be fitted to at least partially follow the contour of the outer wall of the concha 330. The flat section may be provided at least partially along the length l1 of the cantilever portion 220 between the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226 in substantially the circumferential direction u. In embodiments, the flat section may be provided over most of the length l1 of the cantilever portion 220 in the circumferential direction u between the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226, or over the entire length l1. The inclination of the flat section with respect to the central axis x (or outer circumferential surface 214) may vary along the length l1, or may be substantially constant over most of the length l1 of the cantilever portion 220 in the circumferential direction u between the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226. The width of the flat section may be measured parallel to the outer cantilever surface 228 with respect to different radial positions of the cantilever portion 220 between the convexly curved section and the free edge 223. In the embodiment, the width of the flat section of the cantilever portion 220 may vary along the length l1, or it may be substantially constant over most of the length l1 in the circumferential direction u between the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226.

[0092] As described above, the cantilever portion 220 comprises a convexly curved section. However, in other embodiments not shown in the figures, the cantilever portion 220 may comprise a concavely curved section, or a convexly curved section and a concavely curved section, viewed radially r from the central axis x. In one embodiment, in a plane rx defined by the radial axis r and the central axis x, starting from the joint edge 224 and extending toward the free edge 223, the cantilever portion 220 may comprise a concavely curved section followed by a convexly curved section and / or a flat section. In yet another embodiment, the cantilever portion 220 may comprise a concavely curved section followed by a convexly curved section and a flat section (or vice versa) with respect to the directions and plane defined above.

[0093] As best shown in Figure 3E, in the disengaged state of the cantilever portion 220, the cantilever portion 220 having a convexly curved section may have a first curved section radius Rs1 measured between the connecting edge 224 and the free edge 223 in a plane rx defined by the radial direction r and the central axis x. Note that the first curved section radius Rs1 may vary within the range described for different radial cross-sections of the cantilever portion 220 along its length l1 in the circumferential direction u between the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226. In other embodiments, the first curved section radius Rs1 may be substantially constant for different radial cross-sections of the cantilever portion 220 along its length l1 in the circumferential direction u between the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226. The first curved section radius Rs1 may vary for different radial cross-sections of the cantilever portion 220 between the connecting edge 224 and the free edge 223 in the rx plane. In one embodiment, the radius Rs1 of the first curved section may be larger closer to the jointed edge 224 than closer to the free edge 223.

[0094] As shown in Figure 3F, in the engaged state, the convexly curved section may have a second curved section radius Rs2 smaller than the first curved section radius Rs1. The second curved section radius may exist with respect to the portion of the cantilevered section 220 that is deflected in the engaged state. The second curved section radius Rs2 may optionally vary with respect to different radial cross-sections of the cantilevered section 220 along its length l1 in the circumferential direction u between the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226. In one embodiment, the second curved section radius Rs2 may be constant along the length l1 of the cantilevered section 220 in the circumferential direction u. However, this is only true if a constant force (or pressure) is applied to the cantilevered section 220 along its length l1. However, this may not be true in a standard engaged state, since the cantilevered section 220 can only follow the contour of the outer wall of the concha 330 at least partially. The change in radius between Rs1 and Rs2 may depend, in particular, on the force applied to the cantilever portion 220 and the stiffness of the material of the cantilever portion 220.

[0095] As best shown in Figure 3B, the retainer portion 210 includes a tubular wall portion 213 extending between a first end 211 and a second end 212. The tubular wall portion 213 defines an outer wall portion radius Ro and an inner wall portion radius Ri, which are measured radially r from the central axis x, respectively. In some examples, the outer wall portion radius Ro may be defined between the central axis x and the outer circumferential surface 214 of the retainer portion 210. The inner wall portion radius Ri may be defined between the inner circumferential surface of the retainer portion 210 and the central axis x. In embodiments, the outer wall portion radius Ro may be 6.0 mm to 12.0 mm, more specifically 8.0 mm to 10.0 mm, and particularly 8.0 mm to 9.5 mm. The inner wall portion radius Ri may be 5.0 mm to 11.0 mm, more specifically 7.0 mm to 9.0 mm, and particularly 7.3 mm to 8.9 mm. The retainer portion 210, more specifically the tubular wall portion 213, may have an oval, circular, or elliptical cross-section in the plane r1-r2 defined by the first radial direction r1 and the second radial direction r2. In other embodiments, the retainer portion 210 may have a cylindrical shape so that the tubular wall portion 213 can define a substantially circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the tubular wall portion 213 may have a gap formed within the tubular wall portion 213, which may optionally extend through the tubular wall portion 213 parallel to the central axis x between the first end 211 and the second end 212. In this case, however, the gap may be provided at a circumferential position of the retainer portion 210 where the cantilever portion 220 is not connected. In this case, the retainer portion 210 may be clipped to the housing 100.

[0096] In the first and second embodiments of the retaining component 200 shown in Figures 2A to 6B, the cantilever portion 220 defines a trough shape. The cantilever portion 220 (more specifically the trough shape) may also be defined as a “scoop” or “flap” that can provide stability when the earpiece 10 is worn by the user, hold the earpiece 10 in the user’s ear, and / or act as a spring element to slightly push the earpiece 10 toward the user’s ear canal 390. The trough shape is formed by the cantilever portion 220 and the retainer portion 210, more specifically by the outer circumferential surfaces 214 of the cantilever portion 220 and the retainer portion 210. In other words, the trough shape may be defined by two substantially opposite side walls (one being the cantilever portion 220 and the other being the outer circumferential surface 214) connected to each other by a bottom. When the cantilever portion 220 is engaged, the bottom of the trough shape lies inward of the opening of the trough shape. The trough shape may be defined by an opening (or recess), which may be substantially oriented toward the second end 212, and may be at least partially surrounded by the cantilever portion 220 and a portion of the outer circumferential surface 214 of the retainer portion 210 extending in the circumferential direction u. The bottom of the trough shape may be closer to the first end 211 than to the second end 212 at any radial position along the length l1 of the cantilever portion 220 in the circumferential direction u. The bottom of the trough shape may extend adjacent to (or in the) the connecting edge 224. The free edge 223 may be substantially opposite the bottom of the trough shape, and optionally, the free edge 223 is provided between the bottom of the trough shape and the second end 212. In some embodiments, the bottom may be formed only by a cantilever portion 220 adjacent to the connecting edge 224 (for example, when the bottom extends directly from the retainer portion 210 at the connecting edge 224), or by the retainer portion 210 alone. In other embodiments, the bottom may be formed by both the cantilever portion 220 and the retainer portion 210.However, in yet another embodiment, the trough shape may be formed by cantilever portions 220 only (particularly by cantilever portions 220 having a convexly curved section between the connecting edge 220 and the free edge 223) and may be coupled to the retainer portion 210, for example, at the connecting edge 224 or via a web (or support). In this case, the bottom may be formed in the convexly curved section at a position between the connecting edge 224 and the free edge 223.

[0097] In the first embodiment of the retaining component 200 shown in Figures 2A to 3G, the cantilever portion 220 is coupled to the retainer portion 210 at the coupling edge 224, the first side edge 225, and the second side edge 226. In this case, the trough shape is closed at (or between) the first side edge 225 and the retainer portion 210, and between the second side edge 226 and the retainer portion 210. Thus, the opening of the trough shape may be substantially oriented toward the second end 212 and may be completely surrounded by the cantilever portion 220 and a portion of the outer circumferential surface 214 on which the cantilever portion 220 extends. In other words, the cantilever portion 220, together with the outer circumferential surface 214 of the retainer portion 210, can define a closed “scoop” or “flap” structure. For example, as shown in Figure 3B, the connecting edge 224 may be curved toward the free edge 223 in the circumferential direction u and the central axis x at the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226, respectively. In this configuration, the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226 can be defined as being integrally formed with the connecting edge 224, or they can be defined as being linear between the connecting edge 224 and the free edge 225. In other words, in this case, the first side edge 225 can define the first end of the free edge 223, and the second side edge 226 can define the second end of the free edge 223. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2A to 3G, the free edge 223 is connected to the retainer portion 210 only at the first side edge 225 (or first end) and the second side edge 226 (or second end).

[0098] Figures 4A-4C, 6A, and 6B show a second embodiment of the retaining component 200. It should be noted that features described throughout this disclosure for the first embodiment of the retaining component 200 may also be applied to the second embodiment of the retaining component 200 with necessary modifications. The cantilever portion 220 of the retaining component 200 according to the second embodiment also includes a convexly curved section as defined above. The retaining component 200 according to the second embodiment also has a trough shape. However, in the second embodiment of the retaining component 200, the cantilever portion 220 is coupled to the retainer portion 210 at the coupling edge 224. However, the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226 are completely (or at least partially) separated from the retainer portion 210. In the embodiments shown in Figures 4A-4C, 6A, and 6B, the first side edge 210 and the second side edge 226 are completely separated from the retainer portion 210. In other words, the cantilever portion 220 is not connected to the retainer portion 210 at its first and second side edges 225 and 226. In this case, the first and second side edges 225 and 226 do not have to be linear, but may define a surface area that can be substantially oriented in the circumferential direction u (as best shown in Figure 6A). However, the connecting edge 224 may also be curved toward the free edge 223 (or vice versa), and the first and second side edges 225 and 226 may be integral with the connecting edge 224 and / or the free edge 223. Thus, the trough-shaped opening may be substantially oriented toward the second end 212 and in the circumferential direction u. The opening may be surrounded only by the cantilever portion 220 on the opposite side of the portion of the outer circumferential surface 214 to which the cantilever portion 220 extends. However, the cantilever portion 220 may be open in the circumferential direction u at the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226. In other words, the cantilever portion 220, together with the outer circumferential surface 214 of the retainer portion 210, can define an open “scoop” or “flap” structure.

[0099] In other embodiments (not shown), the cantilever portion 220 is coupled to the retainer portion 210 at a coupling edge 224, at a first side edge 225, or at a second side edge 226. Each other first side edge 225 or second side edge 226 may be at least partially separated from the retainer portion 210. In this case, the trough shape is partially closed at (or between) the first side edge 225 or the second side edge 226. The trough shape may be closed at the first side edge 225, open at the second side edge 226, or vice versa. This may be a combination of the first and second embodiments of the retaining component 200.

[0100] Referring back to Figures 3D to 3G, the cantilever portion 220 comprises an outer contour 240 within a plane r1-r2 defined by a first radial direction r1 and a second radial direction r2, and the outer contour radius Rcon, measured between the outer contour 240 of the cantilever portion 220 and the central axis x, may be 8.0 mm to 14.0 mm, more specifically 9.5 mm to 13.5 mm. In some examples, the outer contour 240 may extend circumferentially around the cantilever portion 220 between a first side edge 225 and a second side edge 226. The first radial axis r1 may extend in the direction from the central axis x, and the cantilever portion 220 includes a maximum contour radius Rmax, measured between the outer contour 240 of the cantilever portion 220 and the central axis x. In other words, the maximum contour radius Rmax may be at the “top,” and optionally at the second cantilever sub-part 222 (described in detail below) of the cantilever portion 220 adjacent to the second side edge 226. The ratio between the outer wall portion radius Ro and the outer contour radius Rcon of the retainer portion 210 may be 0.6 to 1.0, more specifically 0.7 to 1.0. A value of 1.0 may occur only at the first side edge 225 and / or the second side edge 226 of the cantilever portion 220 when the cantilever portion 220 is coupled to the retainer portion 210 on its connecting edge 224, first side edge 225, and / or second side edge 226. In other words, the outer contour radius Rcon may be substantially equal to the outer wall portion radius Ro at the first side edge 225 and / or second side edge 226 of the cantilever portion 220 when the cantilever portion 220 is coupled to the retainer portion 210 on its connecting edge 224, first side edge 225 and / or second side edge 226.

[0101] In the disengaged state as shown in Figure 3E, the cantilever portion 220 extends beyond the outer surface 214 of the retainer portion 210 by a first difference radius ΔR1, measured radially r between the outer contour 240 and the outer surface 214 of the retainer portion 210, and the first difference radius ΔR1 may be between 0.0 mm and 6.0 mm. The first difference radius ΔR1 may be 0 mm at the first side edge 225 and / or second side 226 when these edges 225 and 226 are coupled to the retainer portion 210. Optionally, the first difference radius ΔR1 may be defined by an average value between 0.5 mm and 5.5 mm, more specifically between 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm, and particularly between 1.3 mm and 4.9 mm. The first difference radius ΔR1 may vary along length l1 with respect to different radial positions (in the plane r1-r2) of the cantilever portion 220 in the circumferential direction u between the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226. In one embodiment, the first difference radius ΔR1 may be larger closer to the second side edge 226 (the upper part of the cantilever portion 220) than closer to the first side edge 225 (the lower part of the cantilever portion 220). As the outer contour of the cantilever portion 220 moves along the circumferential direction u from the first side edge 225 toward the second side edge 226, the first difference radius ΔR1 may increase up to the maximum difference radius, or it may increase gradually at an optional rate, and then decrease as it moves further toward the second side edge 226. In the engaged state, as shown in Figure 3F, measured radially r between the outer contour 240 and the outer peripheral surface 214 of the retainer portion 210, the cantilever portion 220 extends beyond the outer circumference of the retainer portion 210 by a second difference radius ΔR2, and the second difference radius ΔR2 is less than or equal to the first difference radius ΔR1. The second difference radius ΔR2 may be only smaller than the first difference radius ΔR1 for each deflected (i.e., force F applied) portion of the cantilever portion 220. For the undefended portion of the cantilever portion 220, the second difference radius ΔR2 may be substantially equal to the first difference radius ΔR1. The ratio of the second difference radius ΔR2 to the first difference radius ΔR1 may be between 0.7 and 1.0.

[0102] The retaining component 200 may include (for example, be made from) a first polymer material. The first polymer material may include a Shore A durometer of 20-80, more specifically 30-70, and particularly 40-60. In one example, the first polymer material may include a Shore A durometer of 45-55. The retainer portion 210 and / or cantilever portion 220 may include (or be made from) the first polymer material. The first polymer material as defined above may result in increased comfort when the retaining component 200 and / or earpiece 10 are engaged with the user's concha 330 (e.g., the outer wall of the concha 300) over a longer period of time. Additionally, the first polymer material may also provide sufficient stability for the retaining component 200. The first polymer material may be thermoplastic, thermosetting, and / or elastomer polymers. In some embodiments, the first polymer material may be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a fluoroelastomer. In some embodiments, the first polymer material may be silicone. In other embodiments, the first polymer material may be rubber. In particular, the first polymer material may be from the group consisting of silicone, polyurethane, or polynorbornene. The first polymer material may be a biocompatible material. Thus, the characteristic of "biocompatible" can be defined as the ability to come into contact with a biological system without causing adverse effects. In some embodiments, the retainer portion 210 may contain a higher durometer (polymer) material, and the cantilever portion 220 may contain a lower durometer (polymer) material. The material may have the properties defined for the first polymer material. Therefore, a retainer portion 210 having a higher durometer material may result in increased stability and / or rigidity of the retaining component 200 when the retaining component 220 is coupled to the earpiece 10, while a cantilever portion 210 having a lower durometer material may result in increased comfort when the retaining component 220 is engaged with the user's concha 330 for a longer period of time. In embodiments, the cantilever portion 220 and the retainer portion 210 may be formed integrally.

[0103] For example, referring to Figures 3C, 6A, and 6B, the cantilever portion 220 comprises a first cantilever sub-part 221 and a second cantilever sub-part 222, the first cantilever sub-part 221 may be configured to at least partially engage with the antitragus 310, and the second cantilever sub-part 222 may be configured to at least partially engage with the antihelix 320 of the user's auricle 300. In other words, when the retaining component 200 is engaged, the first cantilever sub-part 221 is at least partially in contact with the antitragus 310, and the second cantilever sub-part is at least partially in contact with the antihelix 320 of the user's auricle 300. In the embodiment, the first cantilever sub-part 221 and the second cantilever sub-part 222 may be integrally formed.

[0104] Figures 5B and 5C show a side and top perspective view of the retaining component 200 engaging with the user's concha 330. As shown in Figure 5B, due to the typical geometric shape of the ear, the antitragus 310 and antihelix 320 may extend on different planes. To engage with the user's auricle 300 and optionally with the antitragus 310 and / or antihelix 320, the first cantilever sub-part 221 and the second cantilever sub-part 222 may extend primarily on different planes. In other words, when the cantilever sub-part 220 is engaged, the first cantilever sub-part 221 may be more inward than the second cantilever sub-part 222 in the direction of the central axis x (i.e., the first cantilever sub-part 221 is closer to the external auditory canal 390 and / or the user's head and / or concha bed than the second cantilever sub-part 222). In the embodiment, the first cantilever sub-part 221 may at least partially engage with a groove or muscle provided by the antitragus 310 (between the antitragal ridge and the conchae floor), and the second cantilever sub-part 222 may at least partially engage with a groove or muscle provided by the antihelix 320 (between the antihelix ridge and the conchae floor).

[0105] As shown in Figure 3C, the connecting edge 224 includes a first connecting edge 224a associated with the first cantilever sub-part 221. The first connecting edge 224a extends to a first plane p1 in the direction of the central axis x and / or extends mainly on the first plane p1 in the circumferential direction u. The first plane p1 may extend parallel to the plane r1-r2 defined by the first radial direction r1 and the second radial direction r2. The connecting edge 224 includes a second connecting edge 224b associated with the second cantilever sub-part 222. The second connecting edge 224b extends to a second plane p2 in the direction of the central axis x and / or extends mainly on the second plane p2 in the circumferential direction u. The second plane p2 may extend parallel to the plane r1-r2 defined by the first radial direction r1 and the second radial direction r2. The first plane p1 and the second plane p2 extend parallel to each other, and are separated by a first distance d1, the first distance d1 being measured parallel to the central axis x. The first plane p1 may be positioned closer to the first end 211 than to the second end 212 in the direction of the central axis x, and the second plane p2 may be positioned between the first plane p1 and the second end 212.

[0106] The free edge 223 includes a first free edge 223a associated with the first cantilever sub-part 221. The first free edge 223a extends to a third plane p3 in the direction of the central axis x and / or extends mainly on the third plane p3 in the circumferential direction u. The third plane p3 may extend parallel to the plane r1-r2 defined by the first radial direction r1 and the second radial direction r2. Furthermore, the free edge 223 includes a second free edge 223b associated with the second cantilever sub-part 222. The second free edge 223b extends to a fourth plane p4 in the direction of the central axis x and / or extends mainly on the fourth plane p4 in the circumferential direction u. The fourth plane p4 may extend parallel to the plane r1-r2 defined by the first radial direction r1 and the second radial direction r2. In one embodiment, the third plane p3 and the fourth plane p4 may be parallel to each other. The third plane p3 and the fourth plane p4 are separated from each other by a second distance d2, the second distance d2 being measured parallel to the central axis x. The third plane p3 may be positioned closer to the first end 211 than to the second end in the direction of the central axis x, and the fourth plane p4 may be positioned between the third plane p3 and the second end 212. In one embodiment, the first connecting edge 224a and / or the second connecting edge 224b may each extend substantially parallel to the first free edge 223a and / or the second free edge 223b.

[0107] In Figure 5B, when the earpiece is inserted into (or engaged with) the user's auricle 300, a small portion of the first cantilever sub-part 221 adjacent to the first free edge 223a and a small portion of the second cantilever sub-part 222 adjacent to the second free edge 223b are visible from the top view. The antitragus 310 and / or antihelix 320 of the auricle 300 obstruct the view of the rest of the first cantilever sub-part 221 and the second cantilever sub-part 222. However, both are shown using dashed lines to illustrate a top view of the retaining part 200 engaged with the user's auricle 300 in a deeper cross-section (viewed with respect to the user's concha or external auditory canal 390 in the direction of the central axis x). At least a portion of the first cantilever sub-part 221 adjacent to the first binding edge 224a contacts the user's antitragus 310, deflecting the first cantilever sub-part 221 at least partially toward the retainer portion 210 and / or toward the central axis x. At least a portion of the second cantilever sub-part 222 adjacent to the second binding edge 224b contacts the user's antihelix 320, deflecting the second cantilever sub-part 222 at least partially toward the retainer portion 210 and / or toward the central axis x.

[0108] As shown in Figure 3F, in some embodiments, the cantilever portion 220 may have a width w, measured between a connecting edge 224 and a free edge 223 parallel to the central axis x. The width w may be constant over most of the length l1 of the cantilever portion 220. In other embodiments, the width w may vary along the length l1 of the cantilever portion 220. As shown in Figure 3C, the first cantilever sub-part 221 includes a first width w1, and the second cantilever sub-part 222 includes a second width w2, measured parallel to the central axis x. In some embodiments, the first width w1 may be greater than the second width w2. In some examples, the first width w1 is measured between a first plane p1 and a third plane p3, and / or between a first connecting edge 224a and a first free edge 223a. The second width w2 is measured between the second plane p2 and the fourth plane p4, and / or between the second joining edge 224a and the second free edge 223a. In the embodiment, the first width w1 may be 2.0 mm to 4.3 mm, more specifically 2.1 mm to 4.2 mm, and the second width w2 may be 0.9 mm to 3.3 mm, more specifically 1.0 mm to 3.2 mm.

[0109] The cantilever portion 220 includes a transition region 230 extending in the circumferential direction u between the first cantilever sub-portion 221 and the second cantilever sub-portion 222, the transition region 230 may have a curved shape, or optionally a wave shape, in the circumferential direction u. The transition region 230 may be defined as the portion between the first cantilever sub-portion 221 and the second cantilever sub-portion 222, causing the cantilever portion 220 to change its shape from a first width w1 to a second width w2. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3C, the first connecting edge 224a and the second connecting edge 224b together form a wave in the transition region 230. In other words, the wave may be defined by a concave shape and a convex shape. For example, looking from the second end 212 toward the first end 211, in the transition region 230, the first connecting edge 224a may have a convex shape, and the second connecting edge 224b may have a concave shape. Furthermore, the first free edge 223a and the second free edge 223b may together form a waveform in the transition region 230. For example, looking from the second end 212 toward the first end 211, the first free edge 223a may have a convex shape, and the second free edge 223b may have a concave shape.

[0110] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the cantilever portion 220 may have grooves 229 that extend at least partially in the circumferential direction u along its length l1 and at least partially in the radial direction r from the free edge 223 toward the joint edge 224. The grooves can reduce the rigidity of the material of the cantilever portion 220 and increase comfort and / or flexibility when the retaining component 220 is engaged with the user's auricle 300. In embodiments, the first cantilever sub-part 221 and / or the second cantilever sub-part 222 and / or the transition region 230 may have grooves 229. In embodiments, the distance of the grooves 229 along the length l1 of the cantilever portion 220 and in the circumferential direction u may vary. In other embodiments, the distance between grooves 229 may be constant. Furthermore, the grooves 229 may have a width measured in the circumferential direction u, and this width may be constant or vary along the length l1 of the cantilever portion 220. In areas of the outer wall of the auricle 300 where there are abrupt changes in the geometric shape of the ear (e.g., curvature) or where there are significant individual differences (e.g., the curvature of the antihelix 320 and / or antitragus 310 may differ from person to person), the number or width of the grooves 229 may be increased, and / or the spacing between adjacent grooves 229 may be decreased. The grooves 229 may provide increased flexibility for a single retaining component 200 to conform to the outer wall of the concha 330 of the auricle 300 and to fit most auricles 300 having different geometric shapes.

[0111] As best shown in Figures 3D and 3E, the cantilever portion 220 includes a thickness t, measured in cross-section between the inner cantilever surface 227 and the outer cantilever surface 228. In embodiments, the thickness t may be 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, more specifically 0.45 mm to 0.75 mm. The thickness t is substantially constant along the entire length l1 of the cantilever portion 220 and / or substantially constant between the free edge 223 and the joined edge 224. However, in other embodiments, the thickness t may vary along the length l1 of the cantilever portion 220 and / or between the free edge 223 and the joined edge 224. For example, the first cantilever sub-part 221 may include a first thickness, and the second cantilever sub-part 222 may include a second thickness. The first thickness may be greater than or less than the second thickness. The first thickness may change to the second thickness in the transition region 230. The thickness may be measured at any position between the free edge 223 and the jointed edge 224, and / or between the first side edge 225 and the second side edge 226, in the cross-section of the cantilever portion 220 between the inner cantilever portion surface 227 and the outer cantilever portion surface 228. In embodiments, the thickness t may increase as it moves from the free edge 223 toward the jointed edge 224. In the example shown in Figure 3E, the cantilever portion 220 may have a maximum thickness tmax near the jointed edge 224 and / or along the length l2 of the jointed edge 224, and a minimum thickness tmin near the free edge 223 and / or along the length l1 of the free edge 223.

[0112] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a kit of parts (not shown) comprises a retainer holder comprising a plurality of retainer parts 200 according to the embodiments described above. Each of the plurality of retainer parts 200 may comprise a retainer portion 210 having the same geometric dimensions. Additionally or alternatively, at least some of the plurality of retainer parts 200 may comprise cantilever portions 220 having different geometric dimensions to accommodate different sizes of the user's auricle 300. Since the size of the user's auricle 300 varies from person to person, particularly between children and adults, it is desirable to optionally provide three different sizes of cantilever portions 220: small, medium, and large (additionally, the deflection ability of the cantilever portion 220 can increase the bandwidth of engagement with different sized auricles 300). In other words, each of the plurality of retainer parts 200 may comprise a retainer portion 210 having a plurality of standard geometric parameters defining the geometric dimensions of the retainer portion 210. Standard geometric parameters may, for example, be the inner wall radius Ri and the outer wall radius Ro. At least one of the multiple retaining components 200 may have a cantilever portion 220 that is larger or smaller than the cantilever portions 220 of each of the other retaining components 200. In some examples, geometric parameters such as Rcon, thickness t, w1, or w2 (but not limited to these) that define the geometric dimensions of the cantilever portion 220 of at least one retaining component 200 may be larger or smaller than the geometric parameters of each of the other retaining components 200.

[0113] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, the earpiece 10 of an in-ear audio device comprises a housing 100 and a retaining component 200, as described above. Figures 2A to 2D show different diagrams of a first embodiment of the in-ear earpiece 10, and Figures 4A to 4C show different diagrams of a second embodiment of the in-ear earpiece 10. The retaining component 200 may optionally be releasably coupled to the housing 100 by a retainer portion 210. This may result in the advantage that the retaining component 200 is interchangeable and that retaining components 200 of different sizes (e.g., having cantilever portions 220 of different geometric sizes) can be coupled to the housing 100. However, in other embodiments, the retaining component 200 may be permanently coupled to the housing 100. In some examples, the retaining component 200 is coupled to the outer circumference of the housing 100. Once coupled, the retaining component 200 may extend at least partially around the outer circumference of the housing 100. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2A to 2D and Figures 4A to 4C, the retainer portion 210 is formed as a sleeve that fits around the outer circumference of the housing 100 (in particular, the intermediate housing portion as defined below). The retainer portion 210, optionally the tubular wall portion 213, has an inner wall surface that can at least partially fit the outer circumferential surface of the housing 100. In one embodiment, the retainer portion 210 may be formed within the tubular wall portion 213 and have a gap extending substantially parallel to the central axis x between a first end 211 and a second end 212. Thus, the retainer portion 210 may be fitted as a clip and may be configured to clip onto the housing 100 (or may be otherwise detachably or permanently coupled to the housing 100). In other words, the tubular wall portion 213 may partially extend around the entire circumference of the housing 100. However, in other embodiments, the retainer portion 210 may be formed integrally with the housing 100, and the cantilever portion 220 may be coupled to the retainer portion 210 via the coupling edge 224. In one embodiment, the cantilever portion 220 may be directly coupled to the housing 100, in which case the retaining component 200 does not have to include the retainer portion 210.

[0114] As best shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the housing 100 comprises an anterior section 101 and a posterior section 102 substantially opposite the anterior section 101. When the housing 100 is engaged with at least a portion of the user's ear, the anterior section 101 is medial to the posterior section 102. In other words, when engaged, the anterior section 101 may be closer to the user's external auditory canal 390 and / or head and / or concha bed than the posterior section 102 (i.e., the posterior section 102 may be distal to the user's external auditory canal 390 compared to the anterior section 101). The coupling edge 224 and / or first end 211 of the retaining component 200 are positioned closer to the front side 101 than to the rear side 102 in the direction of the central axis x, and the free edge 223 and / or second end 212 of the retaining component 200 are located between the coupling edge 224 and / or first end 211 and the rear side 102. In other words, when the earpiece 10 is engaged with the user's ear, the front side 101 is inward of the first side 211, and the second side 212 is inward of the rear side 102. The bottom of the trough shape is closer to the front side 101 than to the rear side 102, and the opening of the trough shape is located between the bottom of the trough shape and the rear side 102. In some embodiments, the housing 100 may optionally be made of a rigid polymer material from the group consisting of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PCB / ABS), polyetherimide (PEI), or stereolithography (SLA) resin. The rigid polymer material may be a biocompatible material. In some examples, the rigid polymer material may be a thermoplastic, a thermosetting material, or an elastomer.

[0115] In one embodiment, the earpiece 10 has an earpiece length measured between a front side 101 and a rear side 102 parallel to the central axis x. The second end 212 may be located within a range of 30% to 70% of the earpiece length, more specifically within a range of 40% to 60% (i.e., about half of the earpiece length) when viewed from the front side 101 to the rear side 102.

[0116] The housing 100 comprises a front housing portion 101, a rear housing portion 102, and an intermediate housing portion connecting the front and rear housing portions. The housing portions may be formed integrally. Each housing portion may have a substantially oval cross-section. In the first embodiment shown in Figures 2A to 2D, measured in the first radial direction r1, the rear housing portion may have a larger diameter than the intermediate housing portion, and the intermediate housing portion may have a larger diameter than the front housing portion. In other words, measured in the plane r1-r2 defined by the first radial axis r1 and the second radial axis r2, the cross-section of the rear housing portion may be larger than the cross-section of the intermediate housing portion, and the cross-section of the intermediate housing portion may be larger than the cross-section of the front housing portion. However, in the second embodiment shown in Figures 4A to 4C, the cross-section of the rear housing portion and / or the cross-section of the front housing portion may be substantially equal to or smaller than the cross-section of the intermediate housing portion. For example, the rear housing portion shown in Figure 2A has an oval cross-section in a radial plane r1-r2 having a maximum diameter substantially extending in a first radial direction r1. As shown in Figures 2A to 2D, when coupled, the orientation of the retaining component 200 relative to the housing 100 may be such that the maximum contour radius Rmax is on the upper portion of the housing 100 with respect to the first radial direction r1. In embodiments, the radius Rmax may extend in a radial direction r that is substantially parallel to the direction of the maximum diameter of the rear housing portion.

[0117] The retaining component 200 may be coupled to the intermediate housing portion. In embodiments, the intermediate housing portion may include a locking feature configured to engage with a mating locking feature provided on the retaining component 200. For example, the retaining component 200 may include a recess provided on the tubular wall portion 213, and the intermediate housing portion may include a projection configured to engage with the recess, or vice versa. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate housing portion may include a groove extending around at least a portion of the outer circumference of the intermediate housing portion. When coupled, the retaining component 200 may be at least partially inserted into the groove. The locking feature can prevent or at least reduce undesirable movement in the direction of the center x and / or circumferential direction u relative to the housing 100. Furthermore, the locking feature can ensure a specific orientation of the cantilever portion 220 of the retaining component 200 relative to the housing 100 and / or nozzle 110, as described below. In other embodiments, the locking feature may also be provided such that, when coupled, the retaining component 200 tightly surrounds the outer periphery of the housing 100, thereby preventing or at least reducing undesirable movement of the housing 100 in the direction of the center x and / or the circumferential direction u, which would result from an increase in frictional force between the inner wall surface of the tubular wall portion 213 and the outer periphery surface of the housing 100.

[0118] Referring to Figures 2A to 2D and Figures 4A to 5A, the housing 100 includes a nozzle 110 that extends diagonally from the front side 102 of the housing 100 in a direction defined by the central axis x and the radial direction r. Therefore, when the earpiece 10 is engaged in the user's ear, the nozzle 110 may extend toward the user's ear canal 390. In other words, the nozzle 110 may extend diagonally from the housing 100 in a direction combining the central axis x and the radial direction r.

[0119] The housing 100 may include a cavity in which an electroacoustic transducer, a battery, and / or electronic circuitry may be housed. The transducer may be positioned within the housing 100 such that, when the earpiece 10 is engaged, the majority of the transducer is located on or surrounded by the outer wall of the concha 330 of the user's auricle 300. The electroacoustic transducer may be defined as a device adapted to convert electricity (e.g., current, voltage fluctuations) into acoustic energy (e.g., sound vibrations, air pressure oscillations) or vice versa. In embodiments, the electroacoustic transducer may be a speaker (or sound-emitting component), a receiver, or a driver. The electronic circuitry may include a wireless transmitter (e.g., for wirelessly receiving and / or transmitting audio and / or control signals). The housing 100 may include one or more control elements (e.g., push buttons or capacitive buttons) to control the functions of the earpiece 10 and / or in-ear audio device (e.g., switching the device on or off, changing the volume of the audio). The housing 100 may include one or more sensors (e.g., a microphone or a sensor for detecting bodily functions). The housing 100 may also include one or more indicator elements (e.g., light-emitting elements).

[0120] The cavity is acoustically coupled to an acoustic passage within the nozzle 110, so that when the earpiece 10 is fitted, the electroacoustic transducer can be acoustically coupled to the user's ear. The housing 100 may also support one or more microphones. In some examples, when the earpiece 10 is fitted, the nozzle 110 may be configured to guide acoustic energy from the housing 100, and optionally from the electroacoustic transducer, toward the user's ear canal 390. The length of the nozzle 110 may be varied to adapt its length to the anatomical structure of the user's ear. In other embodiments, the angle of the nozzle 110 extending obliquely from the housing 100 may be varied relative to the housing 100.

[0121] As best shown in Figures 2A-2D and 4A-4C, the nozzle 110 comprises a flat distal end 111 and an acoustic passage configured to conduct acoustic energy (i.e., sound waves). In embodiments, the distal end 111 may have a substantially elliptical opening for the acoustic passage. In other embodiments, the distal end 111 may have an oblong or racetrack shape. Referring to Figures 1B, 2D, 4A, 4C, and 5A, the plane y1-y2 defined at the distal end 111, particularly at the substantially elliptical opening, may be substantially parallel to the principal axis of the user's ear canal 390 (see Figure 1B) when the earpiece 10 is engaged in the user's ear. The major axis may extend through (or be parallel to) a plane defined by the cross-section of the user's ear canal 390, particularly near the entrance to the ear canal 390. Therefore, the long axis may be perpendicular to the outer wall and / or centerlines 391a, 391b of the external auditory canal 390.

[0122] As shown in Figures 2A-2D and 4A-4C, the earpiece 10 further comprises an ear tip 120 configured to engage with the external auditory canal 390 of the user's ear. In some examples, the ear tip 120 may be adapted to create an acoustic seal with the user's external auditory canal 390. Figure 5A is a side perspective view of the earpiece 10 positioned in the user's ear. In embodiments, the ear tip 120 may be releasably coupled to the distal end 111 of the nozzle 110. The ear tip 120 may be substantially dome-shaped. The ear tip 120 comprises a narrow end 121, a wider end 122, and a substantially dome-shaped outer wall portion 123 extending between the narrow end 121 and the wider end 122. In other words, the outer wall portion 123 may have a transverse cross-sectional shape, e.g., an elliptical, oblong, or transverse shape with rounded ends and curved splines connecting them. The outer wall portion 123 may be the part of the ear tip 120 that contacts and conforms to the user's ear canal 390 when the earpiece 10 is engaged in the user's ear, forming an acoustic seal between them. The outer wall portion 123 may be designed to create depressurization in the wearer's ear canal 390, reducing the force vector that pushes the earpiece 10 out of the wearer's ear canal 390. In other words, instead of a straight connection, the outer wall portion 123 is a slightly curved (i.e., dome-shaped as described above) connection between the narrow end 121 and the wider end 122. Furthermore, the elliptical opening of the ear tip provided at the narrow end 121 may be aligned with the typical geometric shape of the ear, allowing the earpiece 10 to comfortably adapt to ear canals 390 of various sizes.

[0123] The wider end 122 may have a diameter greater than the diameter of the ear canal 390, and / or the narrower end 121 may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the entrance to the ear canal 390 (when the earpiece 10 is disengaged). However, the outer wall portion 123 may be configured to deflect at least partially radially toward the nozzle 100 when at least partially inserted into the user's ear canal 390. In embodiments, this may be the case when the ear tip 120 engages with the user's ear canal 390. The ear tip 120 may have an inner wall portion extending at least partially from the narrower end 121 toward the wider end 122. The inner wall portion may define and surround the extension of the acoustic passage. The outer wall portion 123 is connected to the inner wall portion at the narrower end 121, and optionally, the wider end 122 may be separated from the inner wall portion (i.e., not connected to the inner wall portion). The inner wall portion may have a tubular shape configured to connect the ear tip 120 to the nozzle 110. Therefore, the inner wall portion may have a circular, elliptical, or oblong cross-section. In one embodiment, the inner wall portion may include a retaining member configured to engage with a fitting retaining member on the nozzle 110. In one embodiment, the retaining member may be a projection extending around the inner surface of the inner wall portion. The fitting retaining member may be a recess or groove defined by the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle 110 and extending around it. The engagement of the retaining member may help to hold the ear tip 120 on the nozzle 110 and may provide an improved acoustic seal between them.

[0124] The ear tip 120 may include (or be made from) a second polymer material. The second polymer material may include a Shore A durometer of 10 to 80, more specifically 15 to 75, and particularly 20 to 70. The inner wall portion and / or outer wall portion 123 may include (or be made from) the second polymer material. The second polymer material as defined above may provide increased comfort when the earpiece 10 is engaged with the user's ear (e.g., the ear canal 390) for a longer period of time. Additionally, the second polymer material may provide sufficient stability for the ear tip 120, especially when coupled to the nozzle 110. The second polymer material may be a thermoplastic, thermosetting, and / or elastomer polymer. In some examples, the second polymer material may be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a fluoroelastomer. In embodiments, the second polymer material may be silicone. In other embodiments, the second polymer material may be rubber. In particular, the second polymer material may be from the group consisting of silicone, polyurethane, or polynorbornene. The second polymer material may be a biocompatible material (see definition above). In some examples, the inner wall portion may contain a (polymer) material with a higher durometer, and the outer wall portion 123 may contain a (polymer) material with a lower durometer. The material may have the properties defined for the second polymer material. Thus, an inner wall portion having a material with a higher durometer hardness may result in increased structural stability and / or rigidity of the ear tip 120 when the ear tip 120 is coupled to the nozzle 110 (or when the ear tip 120 is coupled to the nozzle). An outer wall portion 123 having a material with a lower durometer hardness may result in increased comfort when the ear tip 120 is engaged with the user's ear (e.g., the external auditory canal 390) for a longer period of time. The outer wall portion 123 and the inner wall portion may be formed integrally.

[0125] The earpiece 10 described herein may be applicable to a variety of devices, including audio headphones, hearing aids, hearing aid headphones, noise-masking earbuds, ANR headphones, aviation headphones, and other devices including in-ear components. According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure (not shown), An in-ear audio device is provided, comprising at least one earpiece 10 (having a retaining component 200) as described above. In one example, the first earpiece 10 may be configured to engage with the user's right ear, and a second earpiece 10, which is a mirror image of the first earpiece 10, may be configured to engage with the user's left ear. The in-ear audio device may be configured to connect to a wireless network (e.g., a Bluetooth or WiFi network). The in-ear audio device may be adapted to receive personalized acoustic signals wirelessly from different audio devices (e.g., a mobile phone, television, or radio). Furthermore, the in-ear audio device may be an input device and / or an output device. In some examples, the in-ear audio device may be an in-ear audio output device (e.g., functioning as a speaker), or an in-ear audio input device (e.g., functioning as a microphone), or a combination thereof.

[0126] While the present invention is described above and defined in the appended claims, it should be understood that the present invention may also be defined according to the following embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] x center axis r radial axis r1 First radial direction r2 Second radial direction u Circumferential direction y1 The first axis of the plane defined by the nozzle end y2 is the second axis of the plane defined by the nozzle end. p1 First Plane p2 Second Plane p3 Third Plane p4 The fourth plane d1 is the first distance between the first plane and the second plane. d2 The second distance between the third plane and the fourth plane. w1 Width of the first cantilevered sub-part w2 Width of the second cantilevered sub-section l1 Length of the cantilevered section l2 Length of the joint edge α Angle over which the cantilevered portion extends t Thickness of the cantilevered section tmax Maximum thickness tmin minimum thickness ΔR1 First difference radius ΔR2 Second difference radius Rcon contour radius Rmax Maximum radius Ro Outer radius of the tubular wall portion Ri: Inner radius of the tubular wall portion Rs1 First radius of the convexly curved section Rs2 Second radius of the convexly curved section F force 10 earpieces 100 Housing 101 Front 102 Rear side 110 nozzles 111 Distal end 120 ear tips 121 Narrow end 122 Wider end 123 External wall part 200 retaining parts 210 Retainer part 211 First end 212 Second end 213 Tubular wall section 214 Outer surface of the retainer portion 220 Cantilever section 221 First cantilever sub-section 222 Second cantilever sub-section 223 Free edge 223a First free edge 223b Second free edge 224 Joining edge 224a First joint edge 224b Second bonding edge 225 First lateral edge 226 Second lateral edge 227 Inner cantilevered surface 228 Outer cantilevered surface 230 Transition region 240 Outer contour 300 auricle 310 Antitragus 320 Antihelix 330 Conchae 331 Upper concha 332 Lower concha 340 Helix 350 Tragus 360 Base of the helix 370 Lower leg of the earlobe 380 Middle ear and inner ear 381 Eardrum 382 Cochlea 383 Semicircular canal 384 Malleus 385 Stapes 386 Incus bone 387 Tympanic cavity 388 Eustachian tube 389 Cochlear nerve 390 External auditory canal 391a center line 391b center line 392a Entrance area 392b Entrance area

Claims

1. A retaining component (200) for the earpiece (10) of an in-ear audio device, The retainer portion (210) and A cantilever portion (220) comprising a connecting edge (224) and a free edge (223) substantially opposite to the connecting edge (224), wherein the cantilever portion (220) is connected to the retainer portion (210) at the connecting edge (224) and the cantilever portion (220) is configured to engage with at least a portion of the outer wall of the concha (330) of the user's auricle (300), When the cantilever portion (220) is engaged, the connecting edge (224) is located inside the free edge (223). The retainer portion (210) comprises a first end (211) and a second end (212) substantially opposite to the first end (211), the cantilever portion (220) is coupled to the retainer portion (210) between the first end (211) and the second end (212), the cantilever portion (220) extends radially outward from the retainer portion (210) toward the second end (212), the coupling edge (224) is positioned closer to the first end (211) than to the second end (212), and the free edge (223) is positioned between the coupling edge (224) and the second end (212), The cantilever portion (220) further comprises a first side edge portion (225) and a second side edge portion (226) that extend between the connecting edge portion (224) and the free edge portion (223) on both sides, The cantilever portion (220) is connected to the retainer portion (210) at the connecting edge (224), the first side edge (225), and the second side edge (226). The retaining component (200) is characterized in that the cantilever portion (220) is continuously connected to the retainer portion (210) over the entire length of the connecting edge portion (224).

2. The retaining part (200) according to claim 1, wherein the cantilever portion (220) defines a trough shape, and the trough shape is formed by the cantilever portion (220) and the retainer portion (210), and in particular by the outer peripheral surface (214) of the cantilever portion (220) and the retainer portion (210).

3. The retaining part (200) according to claim 2, wherein the bottom of the trough shape is located inside the opening of the trough shape when the cantilever portion (220) is in the engaged state.

4. The retaining component (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer wall is at least one of the antitragus (310) and antihelix (320) of the user's auricle (300).

5. The retaining part (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the retaining part (200) comprises a central axis (x) extending through the center of the retaining part (200), a radial axis (r) extending perpendicular to the central axis (x) in the radial direction of the retaining part (200), and a circumferential axis (u) extending in the circumferential direction of the central axis (x), and the radial axis (r) defines a first radial direction (r1) and a second radial direction (r2) extending perpendicular to the first radial direction (r1).

6. The retaining component (200) according to claim 5, wherein the cantilever portion (220) is coupled to the retaining portion (210) in the circumferential direction (u) at least partially around the outer circumferential surface (214) of the retaining portion (210), and the cantilever portion (220) is substantially coupled over a length (l1) around the outer circumferential surface (214) of the retaining portion (210) in the circumferential direction (u), and the length (l1) is measured in the circumferential direction (u) along the free edge portion (223).

7. The retaining part (200) according to claim 6, wherein the cantilever portion (210) extends over approximately 30% to 70%, more specifically, 40% to 60%, of the entire circumference of the retainer portion (210).

8. The retaining part (200) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the free edge (223) extends substantially parallel to the connecting edge (224) over most of the length (l1) in the circumferential direction (u).

9. The retaining component (200) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the cantilever portion (220) is configured to deflect, more specifically elastically, in the radial direction (r) toward the central axis (x) and / or in the direction of the central axis (x) in response to a force (F) applied to the cantilever portion (220).

10. The retaining part (200) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein when the cantilever portion (220) is in the engaged state, at least a part of the cantilever portion (220) is deflected toward the central axis (x), and / or at least a part of the cantilever portion (220) is deflected toward the first end (211) or toward the second end (212).

11. The retaining component (200) according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the cantilever portion (220) comprises an outer cantilever surface (228) facing in a direction substantially away from the central axis (x) in the radial direction (r), and the outer cantilever surface (228) is designed to at least partially conform to the contour of the outer wall, in particular when the cantilever portion (220) is in the engaged state.

12. The retaining component (200) according to claim 11, wherein the cantilever portion (220) is in the engaged state when at least a part of the cantilever portion (220) is in contact with the outer wall of the concha (330), more specifically in the contact area (231), and the contact area (231) is provided at the free edge portion (223) and / or between the free edge portion (223) and the connecting edge portion (224) on the outer surface of the cantilever portion (228).

13. The retaining part (200) according to claim 12, dependent on claim 9, wherein the force (F) is applied to the cantilever portion (220) at least partially, more specifically in the contact area (231), by the part of the outer wall of the concha (330) that contacts the cantilever portion (220) when the retaining part (200) is in the engaged state.

14. The retaining part (200) according to any one of claims 5 to 13, wherein the cantilever portion (220) has a convexly curved section between the connecting edge portion (224) and the free edge portion (223), and more specifically, the cantilever portion (220) has the convexly curved section as seen from the central axis (x) in the direction of the radial axis (r) within a cross-sectional plane (r-x) defined by the radial axis (r) and the central axis (x).

15. A retaining part (200) according to claim 14, dependent on claim 11, wherein in a plane (r-x) defined by the radial axis (r) and the central axis (x), the outer cantilever surface (228) of the cantilever portion (220) comprises the convexly curved section and a flat section at least partially following it, wherein the flat section extends substantially parallel to the central axis (x) or is slightly inclined away from the central axis (x).

16. The retaining part (200) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, in the disengaged state of the cantilever portion (220), the convexly curved section includes a first curved section radius (Rs1) measured between the joining edge (224) and the free edge (223) in a plane (r-x) defined by the radial axis (r) and the central axis (x).

17. The retaining part (200) according to claim 16, wherein in the engaged state, the convexly curved section includes a second curved section radius (Rs2) that is smaller than the first curved section radius (Rs1).

18. The retaining part (200) according to any one of claims 5 to 17, wherein the retainer portion (210) comprises a tubular wall portion (213) extending between the first end (211) and the second end (212), and the tubular wall portion defines an outer wall portion radius (Ro) and an inner wall portion radius (R), respectively, measured in the radial direction (r) from the central axis (x).

19. The retaining part (200) according to claim 18, wherein the retainer portion (210), more specifically the tubular wall portion (213), has a cross-section that is oval, circular, or elliptical in a plane (r1-r2) defined by the first radial direction (r1) and the second radial direction (r2).

20. The retaining part (200) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the outer wall portion radius (Ro) is 6.0 mm to 12.0 mm, more specifically 8.0 mm to 10.0 mm, and the inner wall portion radius (Ri) is 5.0 mm to 11.0 mm, more specifically 7.0 mm to 9.0 mm.

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