Abstract:
An audio pouch is provided that secures an earpiece of a headphone assembly adjacent to the user&#39;s ear when worn. The audio pouch includes an inner panel and an outer panel that sandwich an earpiece of the headphone assembly therebetween, such that the earpiece is disposed adjacent to the user&#39;s ear when worn. The audio pouch includes attachments that retain helmet straps. The audio pouch is particularly effective with protective helmets having Y-straps extending from the helmet for attaching chinstrap thereto.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is claims benefit of U.S. Application No. 62/033,591, filed Aug. 5, 2014, and U.S. Application No. 62/099,814, filed Jan. 5, 2015, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to headphone accessories and, more particularly, to an accessory for securing headphones to a helmet. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Portable media players have changed the way users incorporate music into their daily lives. Advances in portable media technology have made devices smaller and lighter, allowing users to access music and media content while engaging in nearly any activity. Improvements in media storage capacity also allow users to store and access a substantial amount of media content. In addition, increased battery capacity allows users to use devices for extended periods without having to recharge the device. 
     It has become increasingly common for people engaging in outdoor activities, particularly skiing and snowboarding, to use portable media players and mobile phones to listen to music. However, both in-ear and over-ear headphones are ill adapted for these activities. 
     Generally, these activities require, among other things, the use of a helmet or head covering beanie, and goggles. Winter specific headwear is typically designed to partially or completely cover the ears to protect against the cold and wind. In-ear headphones (e.g., earbuds) may cause discomfort due to the pressure exerted by the helmet, beanie, or goggle bands on against the ear. Even if the user adjusts the headgear away from or off the ears, earphones are very likely to fall out while engaging in the activity. 
     Generally, over-the-ear style headphones completely cover the ear and are positioned over the top of the head of the user. Therefore, a user wearing a helmet, which is commonly worn while snowboarding or skiing, will not be able to use headphones. If the user decides not to wear a helmet, headphones may be worn, but it is too cumbersome and difficult to secure on the user&#39;s head while the user is participating in the activity. 
     In addition, traditional headphones are inconvenient for outdoor activities because they typically connect to the media player or mobile phone by wires. The wires can be entangled with equipment, clothing, and the user&#39;s hands and become a great inconvenience to the user. In addition, wires can hinder and restrict the movement of the user&#39;s head and neck, preventing the user from safely and comfortably participating in the activity. 
     Furthermore, using traditional headphones may pose a dangerous risk to people participating in outdoor activities. Although popular and largely enjoyed, skiing and snowboarding is an inherently dangerous activity. A skier or snowboarder should be fully aware of the surrounding environment, especially the sounds of other skiers and snowboarders nearby. Wearing traditional earphones or headphones may pose a significant risk to the user because traditional headphones are designed to block out all ambient noise. Thus, there is a need for skiers and snowboarders to be able to listen to their media player or mobile phone without having all ambient noise being blocked. Moreover, it can be difficult to secure earphones proximate to the ear in a convenient manner that does not otherwise impede proper use of the helmet. 
     It should, therefore, be appreciate that there remains a need for a device for securing headphones to protective helmet. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, and in general terms, an audio pouch is provided that secures an earpiece of a headphone assembly adjacent to the user&#39;s ear when worn. The audio pouch includes an inner panel and an outer panel that sandwich helmet straps and an earpiece of the headphone assembly therebetween, such that the earpiece is disposed adjacent to the user&#39;s ear when worn. The audio pouch is particularly effective with protective helmets having why straps extending from the helmet for attaching chinstrap thereto. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the audio pouch assembly has an audio pouch body that is detachably connectable to y-straps of a protective helmet. The audio pouch body includes an outer panel having an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposing side edges that extend therebetween, with the upper edge having a greater length than the lower edge. There is also an inner panel having an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposing side edges that extend therebetween, the upper edge having a greater length than the lower edge. Additionally, a pocket is defined between the outer panel and the inner panel and configured to receive an earpiece. 
     More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the outer panel and the inner panel of the audio pouch assembly are coupled together at their respective opposing side edges. The outer panel and the inner panel can alternatively be affixed together at first side edges of their respective opposing side edges and detachably connect proximate a second side edges of their respective opposing side edges. The outer panel has a flap proximate to the second side edge that detachably connects to the second side edge of the inner panel to secure the pouch body about the y-straps of the helmet. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the outer panel and the inner panel are stitched together at their respective opposing side edges and a portion of their respective lower edges, such that a slit remains for a wire of the earpiece to pass through. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the audio pouch assembly has the outer panel coupled to the inner panel together along their respective first side edges. A flap is affixed to the second side edge of the one of either the inner panel or the outer panel and the flap provides releasable attachment to the corresponding second side edge of opposing panel. The flap has an attachment mechanism portion that couples with a corresponding attachment mechanism disposed along the exterior side of the outer panel. Additionally, the inner panel and the outer panel are sized to sandwich the earpiece and the y-straps of the helmet therebetween when the outer panel is folded over the inner panel. 
     In a detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the upper edge of each panel is longer than the lower edge of each panel. The outer panel and the inner panel are substantially the same size, such that the flap of the inner panel&#39;s second side edge wraps around the corresponding second side edge of the outer panel for releasable attachment thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the first side edges of the inner and outer panels are permanently affixed via an edge binding, or the first side edges of the inner and outer panels are detachably connected to each other. The attachment mechanism of the flap and corresponding outer panel edge can be a hook and loop fastener. 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment, the audio pouch assembly has a pouch body having an outer panel, an intermediate panel, and a pocket panel. A pair of buckle buttons are disposed proximate in opposing upper corners of the pouch body and configured to receive the straps of the helmet. There are a pair of grommets, stitched to the intermediate panel, for receiving the buckle buttons. These grommets have a raised section disposed about an aperture for receiving a cap of the buckle button. Each grommet has a planar peripheral portion being sandwiched between the outer panel and the intermediate panel, such that the raised section extends through an aperture disposed on outer panel. The audio pouch assembly further has a retaining member extending across the pouch body, below the buckle buttons for securing the pouch body to the straps of the helmet. The retaining member is secured along its ends to form a pass through for the straps of the helmet. An edge binding is disposed about the periphery of the pouch body for securing the retaining member along the ends thereof and also for securing together the outer panel, the intermediate panel, and the pocked panel. 
     Each grommet is configured to stretch its aperture to enable a cap of the buckle button to pass through, and return to its original size to secure about a post of the buckle button, thereby keeping the buckle button secured to the pouch body. The buckle buttons have a post disposed between a buckle portion and the cap, and the buckle portion defines slits at opposing ends thereof for helmet straps to pass therethrough, such that the buckle buttons can secure the straps thereto. The buckle portion also has a raised central bar having ridges in order to provide additional frictional retention of the helmet straps. 
     In a detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the pocket panel forms a recess having an upper and lower opening for receiving an earpiece, where the upper opening is wider than the lower opening. The lower opening is sized to enable an earpiece wire to pass through. Alternatively, the recess of the pocket panel could have only one opening. 
     The retaining member can be formed of webbing material and the pocket panel can be formed of stretch mesh material, having rolled edge seams along the upper and lower sides with zig-zag stitching. 
     For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
     All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of an audio pouch assembly in accordance with the present invention, depicting the audio pouch coupled about v-straps of a protective helmet, and having an earpiece of a headphone assembly secured therein. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the audio pouch assembly, the helmet, and the headphone assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram depicting steps for securing the audio pouch and headphone assembly to the protective helmet. 
         FIG. 4  is an elevational view of the interior side of the audio pouch of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an elevational view of the exterior side of the audio pouch of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of an audio pouch assembly in accordance with the present invention, depicting the audio pouch assembly having a pouch body and buckle buttons for coupling to v-straps of a protective helmet. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the exterior side of the pouch body of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the interior side of the pouch body of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the pouch body of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a buckle button and grommet of the pouch body of the audio pouch assembly of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIGS. 11 a  and 11 b    are plan views of the grommet of the audio pouch assembly of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 11 c    is a cross sectional view of the grommet of the audio pouch assembly of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 12 a    is a perspective view of a button of the audio pouch of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 12 b    is a top view of the button of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12 c    is an end elevational view of the button of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12 d    is an side elevational view of the button of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIGS. 13A-13E  is a block diagram depicting steps for securing the audio pouch of  FIG. 6  and a headphone assembly to a protective helmet. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings, and particularly  FIG. 1 , there is shown an audio pouch assembly  10  attached to straps of a protective helmet. The audio pouch assembly secures an earpiece of a headphone assembly adjacent to the user&#39;s ear when worn. The audio pouch is useable with headphone assemblies disclosed by Applicant&#39;s co-pending application, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/736,800, filed Jan. 8, 2013, (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,025,806), which is herein incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , audio pouches  10  are provided on each side of the helmet to secure both earpieces of the headphone assembly. The audio pouch is sized to receive the earpiece and secured in place as well as to securely received the straps and maintain its relative position, while not interfering with the fit, comfort, and safety of the helmet. Moreover, the user can operate control buttons of the earpiece, while in use. With reference now to  FIG. 3 , the audio pouch can be secured to the helmet with the earpiece in place in a quick and effective manner. The audio pouch includes an inner panel that is disposed adjacent to the user&#39;s ear, when worn, and an outer panel. The straps of the helmet as well as the earpiece are sandwiched between the inner panel and the outer panel. The inner panel and the outer panel are coupled together along a first side edge. 
     As shown in step one, the speaker is placed between the inner panel  14  and the outer panel  16  along with the straps. Thereafter, at step two, attachment mechanisms  18  along an upper portion of the inner panel  14  and outer panel  16  are secured. Next, a flap  20  affixed to a second side edge of the inner panel ( 4 ) wraps around and attaches to the corresponding second side edge of the outer panel. The flap and the outer panel include attachment mechanism that enables the flap to be releasably secured to the outer panel, to aid in securing the audio pouch in place. 
     When to secured in place, the audio pouch has a trapezoidal shape, including an opening at the lower end, which allows the straps extend there through. In addition, a connecting cord of the headphone assembly can extend out of the audio pouch. To remove the audio pouch, the user releases the flap from the outer panel, and releases the attachment mechanism along the upper edge of the inner panel and the outer panel. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 4 , an interior side of the audio pouch is shown. As mentioned above, the inner panel  14  is secured to the outer panel  16  along a side edge hinge  24 , via an edge binging, that extend the length of both panels. In the exemplary embodiment, the edge binding permanently affixes the panels together along the corresponding edges. In other embodiments, various other approaches can be used to secure the panels together along the corresponding edges. 
     The inner panel  14  is formed of material that facilitates quality at acoustic performance of the earpiece, while providing performance characteristics needed for maintaining the earpiece in place. The outer panel  16  is formed of material that provides additional structural integrity while allowing the user to manipulate controls of the earpiece. In the exemplary embodiment, the inner panel  14  is formed of a wicking stretch mesh, whereas the outer panel  16  is formed of an outer spacer mesh. In other embodiments, the panels can be formed of the other materials. 
     Corresponding attachment mechanisms are disposed along the upper end of the inner panel and the outer panel that secure to one another in use. In the exemplary embodiment hook-and-loop fasteners ( 23 ,  a, b ) are used (e.g., Velcro®). More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment, high strength hook and loop fastener is employed. In other embodiments, various other fastening mechanisms known to those of ordinary skill in the art can be used without departing from the invention. 
     The flap  20  includes an attachment mechanism ( 26   a ) portion that couples with a corresponding attachment mechanism ( 26   b ) disposed along the exterior side of the outer panel  16 . More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment, hook and loop fastener is employed. In other embodiments, various other fastening mechanisms known to those of ordinary skill in the art can be used without departing from the invention. Is further noted that in the exemplary embodiment the higher strength hook and loop fastener  23  is employed along the upper and relative to the hook-and-loop fastener  26  employed with the flap  20 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 6 , an audio pouch assembly  30  is shown attached to straps of a protective helmet  31 . The audio pouches secure earpieces of a headphone assembly adjacent to the user&#39;s ear when worn. The audio pouch assemblies  30  are provided on each side of the helmet to secure both earpieces of the headphone assembly. The audio pouch is sized to receive the earpiece and secured in place as well as to securely received the straps and maintain its relative position, while not interfering with the fit, comfort, and safety of the helmet. Moreover, the user can operate control buttons of the earpiece, while in use. 
     The assembly  30  includes a pouch body  32  and a pair of buckle buttons  34  for receiving the straps  33  of the helmet. In the exemplary embodiment, the buckle buttons  34  are positioned proximate in opposing upper corners of the pouch body. The pouch body  32  further includes a retaining member  36  that extends across the pouch body below the buckle buttons  34  for securing the straps  33  of the helmet. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 7-9 , the pouch body  32  includes two grommets  38  for receiving the buckle buttons (see also  FIG. 10 ). In the exemplary embodiment, the grommets are sandwiched between an outer panel  40  and intermediate panel  42  and stitched thereto about the periphery  43  of the grommet. In the exemplary embodiment, the grommets are formed of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE a.k.a. TPR) material. 
     The pouch body  32  further includes an edge binding  49  disposed about the periphery thereof. The edge binding secures the retaining member  36  along ends thereof. The edge binding also secures together the outer panel  40 , the intermediate panel  42 , and the pocket panel  52 . the retaining member is secured along the ends to form a pass through for the helmet straps  33 . In the exemplary embodiment, the retaining member  36  is formed of webbing material. The outer panel can include indicia (e.g., branding ( 1 ,  2 )) thereon. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 8 , the pocket panel  52  contributes to forms a recess  53  for receiving an earpiece. The recess is formed by stitching  55  through the panels ( 40 ,  42 ,  52 ), forming an upper opening and a lower opening to the recess. The upper opening is wider than the lower opening. The lower opening is sized to enable an earpiece wire to pass through. In other embodiments, only one opening can be provided. The stitching separates the earpiece recess from the grommets  38 . The pocket panel  52  is formed of a stretch mesh material, which has rolled edge seams along upper and lower sides with zig-zag stitching  56 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 10-11   a - c , the grommet  38  includes a raised section  44  disposed about an aperture  46  for receiving a cap  50  of the buckle button  34 . Each grommet further includes a planar peripheral portion  43  disposed about the raised section  44 . The planar peripheral portion is sandwiched between the outer panel  40  and the intermediate panel  42  and is stitched thereto. The grommet is configured that it can stretch its aperture  46  to enable the cap  50  to pass through. Once the cap passes through, the aperture returns to original size to secure about a post  58  of the buckle button  34 , thereby keeping the buckle button secured to the pouch body  32 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 12A-D , the buckle button  34  includes the post  58  disposed between a buckle portion  60  and the cap  50 . The buckle portion  60  defines slits  62  at opposing ends thereof. The slits are sized to enable the helmets straps  33  to pass therethrough so that the buckle buttons  34  can secure the straps  33  thereto. The buckle portion includes a raised central bar  64  that aids in creating a friction retention of the strap  33 . The central bar  64  include ridges  65  ( FIG. 12 c   ) that aid in friction retention. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 13A-C , the audio pouch assembly  30  can be secured to the helmet straps  33  efficiently. As shown in step one, the audio pouch assembly  30  is positioned inside the helmet strap  33 , and the strap  33  is threaded through the retaining member  36 . 
     At step two, each strap portion of the y-strap  33  is threaded through the buckle buttons  34 . To do so, the strap is passed through the upper and the lower slits  62  of the buckle portion  60 . When in place, the strap (a) passes below the upper end of the buckle portion, (b) over the central bar  64 , and (c) passes below the lower end of the buckle portion, forming a friction retention of the strap within the buckle. 
     At step three, the user inserts the earpiece within the recess  53 . The wire can be fed inside the helmet. At step four, the prior steps are repeated for the other side of the helmet to provide the result shown in step five. 
     The present invention has been described above in terms of presently preferred embodiments so that an understanding of the present invention can be conveyed. However, there are other embodiments not specifically described herein for which the present invention is applicable. Therefore, the present invention should not to be seen as limited to the forms shown, which is to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. 
     Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with reference only to the exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is defined only by the claims set forth below.