Abstract:
The invention relates to headphones which can facilitate the transfer of electrical power from the headphones&#39; internal power source to other devices. A pair of headphones can connect to a device through a modified cable. The modified cable triggers the transfer of electrical power to the device. A pair headphones may have a modified port which, when connected to the device through a non-modified or regular cable, causes the transfer of power from the headphones. A power management component connected to the internal power source of the headphones helps control or regulate the transfer of power transfer to and from the headphones.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/071,223, filed on Nov. 4, 2013, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/760,765, filed on Feb. 6, 2013, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. This application is also a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/483,095, filed on Feb. 25, 2014, which is a Continuation of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/473,402, filed on Nov. 21, 2013, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to headphones which can transfer electrical power from the headphones to an external device. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure generally relates to headphones which can transfer electrical power from the headphones to an external device. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a headphone device is disclosed that comprises a first speaker unit for providing audio output, a second speaker unit for providing audio output, an internal power source, one or more powered components electrically coupled with the internal power source, a port, and an internal power management component. The second speaker unit is connected to the first speaker unit with a band. The internal power source is disposed in an interior portion of the headphone device, and the one or more powered components are electrically coupled with the internal power source to receive electrical power from the internal power source. The port is located on one of the first speaker unit and the second speaker unit, and is in electrical communication with the internal power source. The internal power management component is connected between the internal power source and the port, and is configured to cause electrical power to flow from the internal power source through the port. 
     In embodiments, the one or more powered components comprise a wireless communication receiver. 
     In embodiments, the one or more powered components comprise an amplifier. 
     In embodiments, the internal power management component is configured to control an output voltage of the internal power source. 
     In embodiments, the port is configured to receive a first end of an electrical cable with a second end connectable to an external device. 
     In embodiments, the port is configured to receive a first end of an electrical cable with a second end connectable to a power adaptor for providing power from a wall outlet to charge the internal power source. 
     In embodiments, a data pin of the first end of the electrical cable is electrically grounded. 
     In embodiments, the electrical cable further comprises a removable adaptor at the first end of the electrical cable for electrically grounding a data pin of the electrical cable. 
     In embodiments, the power management component is configured to determine the amount of electrical power in the internal power source and prevents the transfer of electrical power from the internal power source if the amount of electrical power is less than or equal to a predefined threshold electrical power level. 
     In embodiments, the internal power source comprises one or more rechargeable batteries. 
     In embodiments, the internal power source comprises one or more disposable batteries. 
     In embodiments, the power management component comprises a power manager integrated circuit. 
     In embodiments, the port is a USB-type port for receiving a USB-type cable. 
     In embodiments, the USB type port is a micro USB port and the USB-type cable has at least one micro USB-type connector. 
     In embodiments, the one or more powered components comprise a wireless communication transmitter. 
     In embodiments, the one or more powered components comprise a wireless communication transceiver. 
     In embodiments, the one or more powered components comprise an amplifier. 
     In embodiments, the amplifier continuously receives electrical power from the internal power source. 
     In embodiments, the amplifier is configured to apply a voltage gain to an input electrical signal along a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. 
     In embodiments, the amplifier is configured to apply a voltage gain along a frequency range of 20 Hz to 500 Hz. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a pair of headphones may include a left speaker unit including a left speaker for providing audio output; a right speaker unit including a right speaker for providing audio output; an adjustable band configured to hold the left speaker unit and the right speaker unit; a port located on one of the speaker units, the port operatively connected to an internal power source of the headphones; and a power management component for regulating the internal power source of the headphones so that when a first cable is connected to the port and to an external device electrical power is transferred to the external device, and when a power adaptor is connected to the port and to a wall outlet, the internal power source is being charged. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the data pin of the connecting end of the first cable may be electrically grounded. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the first cable may also include a removable adaptor at the end of the first cable connecting to the port, the connector electrically grounding a data pin of the first cable. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the power management component of the headphones may determines the amount of power in the internal power source and prevents the transfer of power from the internal power source if the amount of power is less than or equal to a predefined threshold power level. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the integral power source may be one or more rechargeable batteries. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the power management component may be a power manager integrated circuit. For example, the integrated circuit may be a Linear Chip LTC4160. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, port may be a USB type port and the first cable may be a USB type cable. For example, the USB port may be a micro USB port and the USB type cable can have at least one micro USB type connector. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the power adaptor may include a removable cable. 
     In exemplary embodiments, a pair of headphones may include a left speaker unit including a left speaker for providing audio output; a right speaker unit including a right speaker for providing audio output; an adjustable band configured to hold the left speaker unit and the right speaker unit; a first port located on one of the speaker units, the first port electrically connected to an internal power source of the headphones; a second port located one of the speaker unit, the second port electrically connected to the internal power source of the headphones; and a power management component for regulating the internal power source of the headphones so that when a first cable is connected to the first port and to an external device electrical power is transferred to the external device, and when a power adaptor is connected to the second port and to a wall outlet, the internal power source is being charged. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, one of the ports may be a USB port and the other port may be a micro USB port. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood with reference to the following, detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a pair of headphones with an associated external device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a front view of the headphones of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  is a rear view of the headphones of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1D  is a side view of the headphones of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1E  is a side view of the headphones of  FIG. 1A  opposite the side view shown in  FIG. 1D . 
         FIG. 1F  is a top plan view of the headphones of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1G  is a bottom plan view of the headphones of  FIG. 1A  shown connected to the external device. 
         FIG. 1H  is a perspective view of the headphones of  FIG. 1A  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of the pair of headphones of  FIG. 1A  connected with the external device. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a pair of headphones according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates cables used for transferring power according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a pair of headphones according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a pair of headphones and an associated external device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is a bottom plan view of the headphones of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6C  is an electrical circuit diagram of a configuration of an amplifier of the headphones of  FIG. 6A  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6D  is an electrical circuit of a configuration of another amplifier of the headphones of  FIG. 6A  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6E  is a schematic diagram of an electrical configuration of the pair of headphones of  FIG. 6A  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6F  is an electrical circuit diagram of a configuration of the pair of headphones of  FIG. 6A  including a power management component according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention generally relates to audio headphones and associated methods of configuration and use for transferring electrical power from a pair of headphones to a connected external device. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1G , a pair of headphones  10  are shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Headphones  10  are adapted for connection to an external device  50 , as described further below. 
     Headphones  10 , as shown, include a first speaker  120  and a second speaker  121  attached with a band  11 . Each of the speakers  120  and  121  are configured to provide audio output, e.g., audible sounds, to a user of the headphones  10 . Typically, a user wears the pair of headphones  10  about a portion of his or her head, for example, with the band overlying a top and/or back portion of his or her head so that each of the speakers  120  and  121  rests on or near a respective ear of the user. 
     Accordingly, the pair of headphones  10  may include a variety of configurations to facilitate the comfort or accessibility for a user, for example, padded and/or ergonomically curved sections. In embodiments, the band  11  may be adjustable, e.g., through a sliding or interlocking mechanism, so that the relative spacing of speakers  120  and  121  can be adjusted to accommodate users having differently-sized body portions. 
     Headphones  10  may incorporate a number of features to facilitate the transmission of data and/or electrical power throughout headphones  10  and/or external device  50 . Accordingly, headphones  10  may include an internal power source  12  (shown best in  FIG. 1D ) for supplying electrical power for one or more functions of headphones  10  and/or external device  50 . Headphones  10  may also include a port  30  (shown best in  FIG. 1G ) for facilitating the connection with the external device  50 , for example, with an electrical cable  32 . 
     Turning momentarily to  FIG. 1H , an alternative embodiment of headphones  10  is illustrated. It will be understood that headphones  10  may have a variety of configurations in accordance with their intended use. For example, headphones  10  may incorporate internal or exterior features such as moisture-resistant materials or scratch-resistant materials. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2I  a schematic diagram of the pair of headphones  10  connected to external device  50  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Internal power source  12  is disposed in an interior portion of headphones  10  for powering on-board features or functionalities of the headphones  10  in addition to or alternative to powering an externally-connected device. The internal power source  12  can be one or more batteries, which can be disposable or rechargeable, for example, lithium ion (Li-ion) or nickel cadmium (NiCad)-type power cells or disposable alkaline batteries. In embodiments, the headphones  10  may also include other powered features or functionalities, including, for example, amplifiers, a Bluetooth transmitter and/or receiver, noise cancellation circuitry, and/or a power management device, to name a few. The headphones  10 , are illustrated as being full size, e.g., banded, over-the-ear-type headphones with a pair of speaker units, but any other electrically powered headphone device including at least one speaker unit adapted to be worn on a head portion of a user may be used herein, for example, earbud-type or wraparound-type headphones. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the headphones  10  connect to an external device  50  via communication port  30  in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The external device may be any device, for example mobile phones, smartphones (e.g., iPhone®, Android® devices, Blackberry® devices, Windows, etc.), tablets devices (e.g., iPad®, iPad® Mini, Android® tablet, Surface′, Chromebook, etc.), laptops, desktops, portable music players (e.g., iPod, iPodTouch, etc.), to name a few. It will be understood that other suitable types of external electronic devices can be used with the headphones described herein. 
     In embodiments, the headphones  10  can communicate data, and/or exchange electrical power via the port  30 . As shown, the port  30  is integrated with one of speakers  120   a ,  120   b . In embodiments, the port  30  can be located in any suitable location on a pair of headphones. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a pair of headphones  100  include a micro USB port  130  which can be used to charge the headphones (using a standard charge cable) and to charge other external devices. In this regard, the port  130  is integrated in one of the speakers  120 . In embodiments, the port  130  can be electrically directly or indirectly connected to an internal power source of headphones  100 . In exemplary embodiments, other ports can be used in lieu of a micro USB port or other USB port as discussed herein. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the flow of electrical power from the headphones  100  to an external device is facilitated or accomplished through the use of a specialized or modified cable.  FIG. 3 , shows, according to an exemplary embodiment, a modified USB cable  200 . The cable  200  has a connector  210  for connecting to the headphones and an external connector  220  for connecting to an external device. In some embodiments, the connectors  210 ,  220  may be a micro USB type connector (because the headphones have a micro USB port), but cables with other types of connectors may be used in accordance with the embodiments described herein. In embodiments, the cable  200  may be modified such that at least one data pin of the connector is grounded. Other modifications can be made to the cable to enable a power management component (as discussed below) to distinguish between a charging cable and a discharging cable. The connection of cable to the headphones and to an external device causes electrical power to be transferred from the headphones to the electrical device. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, instead of using a modified USB cable to facilitate the transfer of power to an external device, a regular cable, (e.g., a standard USB type cable and the like) with an adaptor can be used. For example, referring to  FIG. 4 , a standard USB type cable  250  with regular male USB connectors  260 ,  270  may connect to the headphones via the adaptor  280 . For example, the adaptor  280  has a male USB connector and can receive or attach to another male USB connector, such as connector  260 . 
     In embodiments, the wires or connectors of the adaptor  280  can be modified or wired in order to effectively ground the data pin of the cable  250 , in order to cause the headphones to provide electrical power to the USB device. Thus, in order to transfer power from the headphones, the adaptor  280  can be arranged to connect to the USB port  130  of the headphones at one end and connect to one of the connectors  260 ,  270  of the cable  250  at the other end. The connector of the cable not attached to the adaptor  280  connects to the external device. Other modifications can be made to the adaptor to enable the power management component (as discussed below) to distinguish between a charging operation and a discharging operation. 
     In exemplary embodiments, in order facilitate power from headphones to an external device, the headphones may include a modified port. For example, referring to  FIG. 5 , the headphones  300  have a micro USB port  330  built into speaker  320  and a regular USB port  335  built into speaker  321 . The ports  330 ,  335  do not necessarily have to be incorporated on separate speaker units, such as speakers  320  and  321 . Further, at least one of the ports  330 ,  335  can be modified so as to effectively modify a data pin of a connecting cable. Other modifications can be made to the ports to enable a power management component (as discussed below) to distinguish between a charging port and a discharging port. Therefore when a cable connects to the modified port and to an external device, electrical power transfers from the headphones to the external device. The unmodified port can be used in accordance with other functions of the headphones, e.g., to charge the headphones, update firmware, etc. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a pair of headphones  400  may be provided that includes similar components to headphones  10 ,  100 ,  200 , and/or  300  described above. 
     Accordingly, headphones  400  include a micro USB port  430  which can be used to charge an internal power source  440 , such as a battery, in addition to transferring electrical signals, such as data signals, between headphones  400  and an external device E. In embodiments, internal power source  440  may be selectively electronically coupled or uncoupled from the remainder of electrically-powered components of headphones  400  described herein, e.g., through an electrical switch having an actuator such as a knob, button, dial, or toggle, to name a few. In embodiments, internal power source  440  may be selectively electronically coupled or uncoupled in this fashion through another type of actuator, such as a remote (e.g., infrared), radio signal (e.g., Bluetooth control), or voice- or motion-sensed activation. 
     In embodiments, internal power source  440  may be configured to enter a low power output mode, e.g., a standby mode or sleep mode, in which internal power source  440  outputs an amount of electrical energy sufficient for minimal functionality of electrically-powered components of headphones  400 . In embodiments, a low power mode of internal power source  440  may be associated with, for example, a 0.2 mA electrical current output. In embodiments, a low power output mode associated with headphones  400  may be associated with a different electrical current output. 
     In embodiments, internal power source  440  may be lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery rated at 1200 mA-h. As described herein, internal power source  440  may be regulated such that a portion of the available electrical power available from internal power source  440  may be apportioned for different electrically-powered functions of headphones  400 . In embodiments, internal power source  440  may have a different configuration, for example, a nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery, a nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery, a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery, a carbon-zinc battery, or an alkaline battery, to name a few, any of which may be rated at different electrical power outputs, for example, 800 mA-h, 900 mA-h, 1000 mA-h, 1100 mA-h, 1150 mA-h, 1200 mA-h, 1300 mA-h, or 1400 mA-h, to name a few. 
     In embodiments, headphones  400  may include one or more ports for data and/or charging operations, such a regular USB port  335  ( FIG. 5 ) as described above, in any combination and/or arrangement. Such ports may be optionally provided on one or both of a pair of speakers  420   a ,  420   b  of headphones  400 , or may be provided on other suitable locations of headphones  400 . In embodiments, a dedicated port may be provided to receive analog audio signals from the connected external device E, or this functionality may be incorporated into another port, for example, micro USB port  430 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , headphones  400  include one or more on-board electrically-powered components that can be supplied with electrical power from internal power source  440 . As described herein, on-board electrically powered components of headphones  400  may be selectively activated (e.g., turned on and off by a user) or may be configured for continuous operation during use of headphones  400  or during a low power mode (e.g., a sleep mode or standby mode) of headphones  400 . 
     In embodiments, headphones  400  may incorporate a wireless communication receiver  450 . Wireless communication receiver  450  may be provided as an integrated wireless communication transceiver that includes a transmitter, receiver, and/or antenna into a single component. Wireless communication receiver  450  is configured to receive electromagnetic signals S that are transmitted wirelessly, for example, radio signals such as Bluetooth transmissions. In this regard, wireless communication receiver  450  may be electrically connected to one or both of speakers  420   a  and  420   b  of headphones  400  to convert a wirelessly received electromagnetic signal into audible sounds that can be enjoyed by a user. Such wirelessly received electromagnetic signals may be provided by a compatible wireless communication transmitter associated with external device E, or with another device within communications range of headphones  400 . 
     Wireless receiver  450  may be selectively activated and/or deactivated by a user through a control  452  located on an external portion of headphones  400 . Control  452  may be a knob, button, switch, toggle, or other type of actuator such as a remote (e g, infrared), radio signal (e.g., Bluetooth control), or voice- or motion-sensed actuator that is operable to activate and/or deactivate wireless receiver  450 . In embodiments, wireless receiver  450  may be configured for continuous operation during use of headphones  400  or during a low power mode (e.g., a sleep mode or standby mode) of headphones  400 . 
     In embodiments, an indicator  454 , such as an LED or other source of illumination, may be provided on headphones  400  to indicate the active and/or inactive status of wireless receiver  450 . 
     Headphones  400  may additionally or alternatively include a wide spectrum amplifier  460  that can modulate an input audio signal having a first voltage into an output audio signal having a second, higher voltage, e.g., wide spectrum amplifier  460  may cause a voltage amplitude associated with an audio signal to increase by a factor or gain. The resultant increase in voltage of the audio signal provided to one or both of speakers  420   a ,  420   b  of headphones  400  facilitated by wide spectrum amplifier  460  can produce an audible sound that is louder, for example, at an audible level consistent with a 10 dB gain applied to the sound produced by an electrical signal without the wide spectrum amplifier  460 . In embodiments, wide spectrum amplifier  460  may act upon an electrical signal along a range of frequencies, for example, between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. In embodiments, wide spectrum amplifier  460  may act upon an electrical signal along a different range of frequencies. 
     Accordingly, wide spectrum amplifier  460  may include an electrically-powered component, such as a transistor, that receives electrical power from the internal power source  440  to modulate an audio signal. In embodiments, wide spectrum amplifier  460  may be configured to continuously draw electrical power from the internal power source  440  during operation of headphones  400 , e.g., wide spectrum amplifier  460  may be configured for activation upon electrical connection of internal power source  440  to one or more electrical circuits along which the remaining electrically-powered components of headphones  400  are disposed. In embodiments, wide spectrum amplifier  460  may draw electrical current during a low power output mode of internal power source  440  as described above at a rate of, for example, 0.2 mA. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 6C , one possible electrical configuration of headphones  400  including wide spectrum amplifier  460  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In embodiments, headphones  400  and/or wide spectrum amplifier  460  may have a different electrical configuration.