Headset system

Apparatus and methods for headsets, such as multi-source audio amplification and ear protection devices, are provided herein. In certain configurations, protection headset system includes a removable growth band that fills the gap of the user and a headband of the device. The device may optionally have at least one microphone that generates an ambient sound signal based on detecting ambient sound, at least one speaker, and an electrical system that controls sound outputted by the at least one speaker based on amplifying the ambient sound signal and a secondary sound source signal. The electrical system receives a user-controlled volume signal that is operable to control an amount of amplification provided to the ambient sound signal, and/or an amount of amplification provided to the secondary sound source signal.

BACKGROUND

Field

The described technology generally relates to infant headset assemblies.

Description of the Related Technology

Headset assemblies can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, an audio headset can assist in hearing by amplifying sound from a single audio source, thereby allowing the user to listen to the audio source at a desired volume level. The headsets can be also used to protect a user's ears from damage in loud environments. Such headsets can be particularly useful for protecting infants whose auditory bones and tissues are still developing. To maximize the benefit of using such headsets, it would be important to choose headsets that fit each individual infant's head well. However, finding headsets for infants with suitable size and fit can be both challenging and costly, partly because of the rapid growth of an infant's head.

SUMMARY

There is a need for a headset device that can accommodate an infant's rapidly growing head. The headset device can allow a user to selectively hear sounds, such as an ambient sound source captured via microphone(s) while optionally also hearing sounds from a secondary audio source, such as audio received from a wireless connection (for example, BLUETOOTH®), a wired connection (for example, an audio input port), and/or a built-in audio component (for instance, a music player). In some embodiments, the headset device can be a multi-source audio amplification and ear protection device. Apparatus and methods for such multi-source audio amplification and ear protection devices are well described in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/212,129.

The headset device can be used in a wide variety of applications, and can be useful for infants. In one example, infants may use the headset device as headphones for selectively playing a prerecorded music, lullabies, or soothing white noises. At the same time, the headset can allow the infant user to selectively also hear ambient sounds such as a voice of a parent. Additionally, the device can protect the infants from noises in loud places like concerts or stadiums.

However, the use of headsets, such as a multi-source audio amplification and ear protection device on infants may be challenging. For the effective control of volume by the headset and proper limitation of noise, a secure and stable fit of the headset device on the head and ears of the infant would be required. Further, a secure and stable fit would be desirable for the comfort of the infant. However, due to the rapid growth of infants, it would be difficult to find a headset that would continuously fit well on the infant user as the user grows up. Additionally, purchasing new headsets as the infants grow would be costly. To resolve these issues, one aspect of the present invention provides an audio amplification and ear protection device, in a form of headset, which can securely and stably fit on an infant's growing head, so that it can be used on the infant user for an extended period of time as the infant grows.

An audio amplification and ear protection device can be implemented in a wide variety of form factors (e.g., in-ear buds, on-ear or over-ear cups/muffs) and can include a wide range of features and functionality.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a headset system (e.g., audio headset system) is provided that can fit wide range of size of heads, so that the system can fit infants' heads as they grow.

In another aspect, an audio headset system is provided that is adjustable in size and that can be accommodate an infant's head as his or her head continues to grow.

In accordance with another aspect, an infant headset system is provided. The infant headset system comprises a headset comprising a left ear speaker (e.g., as part of a left ear cup), a right ear speaker (e.g., as part of a right ear cup) and a headband that interconnects the left and right ear cups. The system also comprises a fabric band comprising a pair of straps attached to opposite ends of a central band portion. Each of the pair of straps extends between a first end and a second end and is attached to the central band portion at a location along the strap between the first and second ends (e.g., forming generally H-shape when the fabric band is laid generally flat). The pair of straps is configured to removably wrap at least partially about the headband at two locations of the headband (e.g. with hoop and loop fasteners) to couple the fabric band to the headband so that the central band portion extends below the headband so that the central band portion is disposed between the headband and the user's head when in use. The band may be configured to fill a space between the headband and the user's head when in use to facilitate the secure and stable fit of the headset over the infant's head to accommodate the infant's growing head, so that the left and right ear cups are positioned on the infant's ears. The central band portion of the band may have a width generally equal to a width of the headband, and/or comprise a resilient material that cushions the headband on the infant's head. The headset may provide passive noise suppression. The headset may comprise a computer readable memory and has one or more pre-recorded sounds saved on the memory, the headset being actuatable to play the one or more pre-recorded sounds. The headset may comprise electronics configured to filter out ambient sounds above a predetermined decibel level.

In accordance with another aspect, an infant headset kit is provided. The kit comprises a headset comprising a left ear speaker (e.g., as part of a left ear cup), a right ear speaker (e.g., as part of a right ear cup) and a headband that interconnects the left and right ear cups. The kit further comprises one or more bands comprising a pair of straps attached to opposite ends of a central band, each of the pair of straps extending between a first end and a second end and attached to the central band at a location along the strap between the first and second ends, the pair of straps configured to releasably couple the fabric band to the headband so that the central band portion extends below the headband so that the central band portion is disposed between the headband and the infant's head when in use. The one or more bands may be reversible. The kit may include a plurality of bands having a central band portion of different thickness. The headset may provide passive noise suppression. The headset may have one or more pre-recorded sounds saved on the memory, the headset being actuatable to play the one or more pre-recorded sounds. The headset may comprise electronics configured to filter out ambient sounds above a predetermined decibel level.

In accordance with another aspect, an infant headset system is provided. The infant headset system comprises a headset comprising a left ear speaker, a right ear speaker, and a headband that interconnects the left and right ear speakers. The system further comprises a band comprising at least one strap and a body portion, the strap configured to releasably couple the band to the headband so that the body portion of the band is disposed between the headband and a user's head when in use. The body portion of the band comprises a compressible, resilient material.

In accordance with another aspect, an infant headset system is provided. The infant headset system comprises a headset comprising a left ear speaker, a right ear speaker and a headband that interconnects the left and right ear speakers. The system further comprises a growth band supported by the headband and comprising a body portion so that the body portion is disposed between an underside of the headband and a user's head when in use. There may be a spacing between the headband and the body portion when the headset is not worn by the user, and the body portion may be movable towards the headband in response to urging from the user's head when the headset is in use, resulting in a reduction in the spacing between the headband and the body portion. The body portion of the growth band may not be attached to the headband and the growth band may be optionally attached to the headband at first and second ends of the growth band. The growth band may be fixedly or releasably attached to the headband. The body portion of the growth band may comprise a compressible, resilient material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain implementations for the purposes of describing the innovative aspects. However, the teachings herein can be applied in a multitude of different ways. As will be apparent from the following description, an audio amplification and ear protection device can be implemented in a wide variety of form factors (e.g., in-ear buds, on-ear or over-ear cups/muffs) and can include a wide range of features and functionality.

Headset

FIGS. 1A-1Billustrate various views of one embodiment of an audio amplification and ear protection device or a headset1000. The headset1000includes a first or right ear cup1100a, a second or left ear cup1100b, and a headband1200connecting the first or right ear cup1100aand the second or left ear cup1100b. In other embodiments, the ear cups may be replaced with ear plugs or any other suitable forms of ear pieces. The headset1000may be worn by the user by putting the ear cups1100aand1100bon the user's ears, while putting the headband1200over the head of the user so that the headband1200sits on the top of the user's head. In one embodiment, the ear cups1100a,1100bcan sit on the ear. In another embodiment, the ear cups1100a,1100bcan sit over the ear.

In some embodiments, the headband1200may include a smooth foam. In some embodiments, the width of the headset1000can be adjusted, for example, by retracting the ear cups1100a,1100bfrom the ends of the headband1200via its junction with ear cups1100aand1100b. However, the widthwise adjustability of the headband1200may be limited, and may not allow the headband1200to sit on the infant's head while the ear cups1100a,1100bare over the infant's ears, resulting in an insecure and unstable fitting that may cause the ear cups1100a,1100bto slide down past the infant's ears or may cause the headband1200to swing forward in front of the infant's head.

In some embodiments, the headset1000may include one or more microphones operable to capture ambient sound. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the left ear cup1100bincludes a microphone1160. In some embodiments, the right ear cup1100amay include one or more microphones, and in some embodiments, both or none of the ear cups may include the microphones. In some embodiments, the microphone may be placed at the headband1200. In some embodiments, the right and/or the left ear cups1100aand1100bmay include speakers therein, such that speakers amplify sound signals from various sources, as described in further detail below. In some embodiments, the headset1000may include one or more control interfaces. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the headset1000includes a volume control1120(e.g., volume control wheel or dial) and a button interface1140on the left ear cup1100b. In some embodiments, the control interfaces, such as the volume control1120and the button interface1140may be placed at the left and/or the right ear cup1100a/1100bor at the headband1200.

Passive Ear Protection Device

In some embodiments, the ear protection device may include over-ear muff-type cups similar to1100aand1100bofFIGS. 1A-1Band a headband similar to1200ofFIGS. 1A-1B. Such over-ear muff-type cups can provide a greater amount of ear protection and/or improved comfort for extended periods of time. For example, the cups1100aand1100bcan be placed over the user's ears, thereby enclosing the user's ears and reducing the amount of ambient sound that directly reaches the user. In some embodiments, the cups1100aand1100amay include a foam material that absorbs and reduces the amount of ambient sound that reaches the user's ears. Thus, the headset device1000can be a passive device (e.g., exclude any electronics) suitable for a wide range of loud environments, including, but not limited to, traffic, playgrounds, shopping malls, theaters, etc. In one embodiment, the passive headset device1000and one or more removable growth bands2000described in this section or elsewhere in the specification can be provided as part of a kit, along with instructions for use.

Active Ear Protection Device

In some embodiments of the ear protection device or headset1000, the ear protection device may compress and control ambient sound (e.g., via the operation of electronics in the headset1000). When the headset device1000is activated, the ear protection device may compress the ambient sound to lower than certain decibel level, for example by filtering out sound above a certain decibel level (e.g., sounds greater than 75 db, sounds greater than 60 db, etc.), such that the device1000allows the user to hear normal conversational level of ambient sound while compressing loud noises. The device may optionally be selectively activated and/or deactivated, for example, by pressing a button such as the button interface1140shown inFIGS. 1A-B. In another implementation, the device1000is automatically activated to compress and control ambient sound (e.g., without requiring the user to press a button to initiate actuation). Even when the device is not activated, the ear protection device or headset1000may enclose the user's ears and reduce the amount of ambient sound that directly reaches the user, such as passive ear protection device described above. In some embodiments, the device1000may include an indicator which indicates the status of the device1000. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the button interface1140may change its color when the device1000is activated or deactivated (for sound compression or filtering of sound above a predetermined decibel level). In one embodiment, the active headset device1000and one or more removable growth bands2000described in this section or elsewhere in the specification can be provided as part of a kit, along with one or more batteries and/or instructions for use.

Audio Amplification and Ear Protection Device

In some embodiments, the audio amplification and ear protection device or headset1000can provide secondary or prerecorded sounds to the user while reducing and actively compressing the amount of ambient sound in the same manner as the ear protection devices described above. The device can allow control of volumes of the ambient sound and the secondary sound being provided by the headset device1000. In some embodiments, the headset device1000may have a memory that can store one or more pre-recorded sound files (e.g., lullabies, natural sounds, parents' voice, white noise or the heartbeat of the mother) so that the device1000can play internally stored sound files. In further embodiments, the device may include a USB slot or connector that can receive a connector or USB drive to load prerecorded sounds into the headset (e.g., into the memory of the headset). Alternatively, the USB connector can allow an external device to be connected to the headset device1000to provide the sound files. In one embodiment, the audio amplification and ear protection device or headset1000and one or more removable growth bands2000described in this section or elsewhere in the specification can be provided as part of a kit, along with one or more batteries and/or instructions for use.

AlthoughFIGS. 1A-1Bshow one embodiment of an audio amplification and ear protection device that can provide a user with control of multiple audio sources, the teachings herein are applicable to a wide variety of configurations. For example, the teachings herein are applicable to audio amplification and ear protection devices implemented using a wide variety of form factors and/or including a wide range of features or functionality. Additionally, although shown as including ear cups, an audio amplification and ear protection device can include a wide range of ear piece(s), including, for example, ear plug(s), ear cup(s), ear phone(s), or a combination thereof. Further, some embodiments of an audio amplification and ear protection device may not include all parts shown inFIGS. 1A-1B, or may include additional features not shown inFIGS. 1A-1B.

The illustrated embodiment includes over-ear muff-type cups1100aand1100b, which can provide a greater amount of ear protection and/or improved listening and comfort for long periods. For example, the cups1100aand1100bcan be placed over the user's ears, thereby enclosing the user's ears and reducing the amount of ambient sound that directly reaches the user. In some embodiments, the cups1100aand1100bmay include foam material that is configured to absorb and reduce the amount of ambient sound to which the user's ears are exposed. Thus, the device1000can be suitable for a wide range of loud environments.

In the illustrated embodiment, the volume control (e.g., wheel)1120provides a user of the device200with control over the volume of ambient sound captured by the microphone1160and/or the volume of sound from a secondary sound source, which can be, for example, audio file stored internally in the memory of the device, received over a wireless connection (for instance, a BLUETOOTH®, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, NFMI, AirPlay, SKAA, 2.4 GHz RF, and/or other connection), audio received over a wired connection (for instance, via an audio input port), and/or audio received from a built-in audio component, such as a music player, an integrated radio (for instance, AM, FM and/or XM radio), integrated phone and/or audio playback device.

In some embodiments, each of the left ear cup1100band the right ear cup1100amay include a volume control (e.g., wheel) and microphone, and the left-side volume control wheel can be operated (e.g., rotated) to control the volume of ambient sound captured by the left-side microphone, and the right-side volume control) can be operated (e.g., rotated) to control the volume of ambient sound captured by the right-side microphone. Accordingly, the volume of ambient sounds can be separately controlled to the left and right ears, in this embodiment.

Although the illustrated embodiment uses wheel interfaces implemented on the device1000, the teachings herein are applicable to devices controlled in a wide variety of ways. For example, an ambient sound control interface and/or a secondary sound source control interface can use a different style of interface and/or can be located in other positions. Additionally, the teachings herein are applicable to devices that are remotely controlled, including but not limited, devices controlled using a dedicated remote control (wireless and/or wired, such as pluggable) and/or by using a tablet, phone, smart watch, laptop, computer, and/or other control device. Moreover, the teachings herein are applicable to devices that operate using voice-activated control. Furthermore, the teachings herein are applicable to devices that can be controlled in multiple ways, such by a combination of on-device interface(s), remote control device(s), and voice-activated control, thereby providing the user with flexibility in controlling the device in a manner that is desirable for a particular application.

In the illustrated embodiment, the volume control wheel1120is placed inside the ear cup and only partially exposed, lowering the chance of inadvertently adjusting and/or damaging the control wheel. Additionally, the wheel1120optionally includes a ribbed edge distributed around the circumference of the wheel, thereby facilitating gripping and turning of the wheel1120. In some embodiments, the volume control wheel1120can be pressed in addition to being rotated to provide an additional input mode to the user of the device1000. For example, pressing the wheel1120causes the device1000to toggle between different sounds from a secondary sound source (e.g., white noise, heartbeat, nature sounds, etc.).

In some embodiments, the two ear cups1100aand1100bcan separately detect external, ambient noise from outside and separately transmit (or cancel) the noise to the respective ear. In some embodiments, each of the cups includes one or more microphones. For example, one or more microphones can be included and positioned to capture the user's voice, such as when the user is providing a voice command and/or using the device1000to make a call.

Including multiple microphones on the device1000can aid in capturing sounds at a wide variety of angles, including, for instance, 360 degrees around a user. Thus, while the microphones can be used to detect the same sounds, each microphone can face a different direction and provide a more accurate detection of the noise. For example, the microphones closer to the front of the user can detect noise coming from the front, and the microphones closer to the back of the user can detect the noise coming from the back. Similarly, the microphones closer to the right of the user can detect noise coming from the right, and the microphones closer to the left of the user can detect the noise coming from the left. The sounds can be communicated or reproduced to the speaker(s) of each ear cup1100aand1100bsuch that the user can better discriminate which direction sounds are coming from. For instance, if a turkey gobbles to the right of the user, the right-side speaker would reproduce the sound at a higher volume level relative to the left-side speaker. In some embodiments, each ear cup1100aand1100bincludes two or more speakers. In one example, separate speakers are provided for sound captured from each microphone of the device. Thus, if a sound is generated behind and to the right of the user, a corresponding speaker would play the sound at a higher volume than the other speaker.

The audio amplification and ear protection device1000simultaneously processes both sounds from an ambient sound source and sounds from a secondary sound source, and allows the user to separately control the volume of the sounds. In one embodiment, the secondary sound source is provided from a wireless connection, such as a BLUETOOTH® connection. Other implementations, however, are possible. Thus, the device1000can be paired to another device, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, and/or any other suitable electronic device. The paired device (e.g., a cell phone) can transmit audio signals such as music, dialog, or electronic notifications, which can be played in the speakers of the ear cups. The pairing can be activated for a device when the user presses a pairing button. In some embodiments, the button interface1140operates as the pairing button. The pairing can be performed in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, using the pairing button and/or via automatic pairing. In the illustrated embodiment, sounds from the secondary sound source can be played in the same speakers as ambient sounds detected by the device's microphones. However, other implementations are possible, such as configuration in which separate speakers are included for outputting the audio received from the secondary sound source.

The audio amplification and ear protection device1000includes an electrical system housed therein. In one implementation, each of the ear cups1100aand1100bincludes electronic circuitry for processing sounds detected from the microphones of the cup and for driving the speaker of the cup. Electronics used for processing sounds from a secondary sound source can be implemented in a wide variety of ways, including, for example, in one or both of the cups. In the illustrated embodiment, the right ear cup1100ais electrically connected to the left ear cup1100bvia a wire concealed in the headband1200in this example. In another embodiment, the right ear cup1100aand the second ear cup1100beach include a transceiver and communicate to one another wirelessly. In yet another embodiment, the right ear cup1100aand the left ear cup1100bcommunicate using a combination of wired and wireless signaling.

Additional details of the multi-source audio amplification and ear protection device1000can be as described herein.

Growth Band

FIG. 2depicts an embodiment of a removable growth band2000that can removably couple to the headband1200, as discussed further below. The removable growth band2000can have a central band portion2200(e.g., a support band), a first strap2100a, and a second strap2100b(e.g., fastening straps). In some embodiments, the first strap2100aand the second strap2100bextend parallel to each other and are connected by the central band portion2200. The straps2100aand2100bmay extend perpendicularly to the central band portion2200. In some embodiments, as such inFIG. 2, the length of the central band portion2200extends from the first strap2100ato the second strap2100bso that the removable growth band2000has H-shape when laid flat on a surface. In other embodiments, the band2000can have other shapes. In some embodiments, the straps2100aand2100bmay be removable from the central band portion2200. In such embodiments, the straps may be removably attached to the central band portion by means of VELCRO®, buttons, snaps, or any other suitable mechanisms. In other embodiments, the straps2100aand2100bare permanently fixed with the central band portion2200(e.g., sewn). In some embodiments, the growth band may further include a third strap between the first strap and the second strap (e.g., to secure a portion of the central band portion2200located between the first and second straps2100a,2100bto the headband1200). In some embodiments, the growth band2000may have three or more straps. In some embodiments, the central band portion2200can have a greater width than the straps2100a,2100b. In another embodiment, the central band portion2200can have the same width as the straps2100a,2100b. In still another embodiment, the central band portion2200can have a smaller width than the straps2100a,2100b.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the removable growth band2000can be flexible, allowing it to conform to the shape of the headband1200when coupled to the headset1000, while able to lay flat (seeFIG. 2) when detached from the headset1000. The growth band2000can include a fabric material (e.g., cotton). In further embodiments, such fabrics may be machine-washable. In other embodiments, different parts of the growth band, for example, the straps2100aand2100b, and the central band portion2200, can have different materials. In some embodiments, one side of the growth band2000may have different materials with the other side. For example, one side of the growth band2000may have a plusher material while the other side have a smoother material more resistant to stain or contamination, such that the side with the plusher material may contact the user's head and provide more cushion, while the side with the smoother material may contact the headband. In further embodiment, one side, for example, the side with smoother material may have a visual indicator such as a logo, to allow the user to distinguish sides with different materials and assemble the growth band with the headband in the correct orientation. In some embodiments, the growth band2000may include multiple layers of fabrics. In some embodiments, the fabrics may be infant-safe (e.g., hypoallergenic). In some embodiments, both sides of the removable growth band2000may have a fabric suitable for contact with the skin, so that the growth band2000is reversible.

In some embodiments, the central band portion2200may further include a resilient material disposed between two outer layers of fabric (e.g., between a top layer and a bottom layer of the central band portion2200). In some embodiments, the resilient material can be a foam, a gel, cotton or any other suitable material or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, such resilient material is machine-washable. For example the portion of the growth band200that contact's the user's head can be constructed to be resilient and compressible (e.g., made of fabric and filled with cotton, foam, gel, or some other compressible, resilient material), providing increased comfort and to accommodate some amount of head growth. The thickness of the resilient material may vary, so that the thickness of the central band portion varies accordingly. In some embodiments, the thickness of the central band portion may be 0.5 cm to 10 cm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the central band portion may be 1 cm to 5 cm.

In some embodiments, each of the straps2100aand2100bmay have at least one attachment element2101aand2101band at least one receiving elements2102aand2102b, wherein the receiving elements can removably couple to the attachment elements. The attachment elements and the receiving elements can provide a temporary coupling, and can be mechanically pulled apart. In some embodiments, the at least one attachment elements and the at least one receiving elements are at opposite ends of a single strap2100a,2100b. For example, in some embodiments such as inFIG. 2, the straps2100aand2100bhave attachment elements2101aand2101b, and receiving elements2102aand2102b, where attachment element2101acan removably couple with receiving element2102aand attachment element2101bcan removably couple with receiving element2102b. In some embodiments, such the attachment elements and the receiving elements are in form of hoop-and-loop fasteners (such as VELCRO®), buttons, snaps, hooks, or any other suitable fastening mechanism. In some embodiments, the attachment elements and the receiving elements are effective after repeated washing of the growth band.

The removable growth band2000may be removably or fixedly installed on headsets similar with those described in relation toFIGS. 1A and 1B.FIGS. 3A and 3Billustrates an embodiment of headset device1000with the growth band2000removably attached thereto. The growth band2000may be installed on the device1000by securing the straps2100aand2100baround the headband1200. In some embodiments, the straps2100a,2100bmay be removably secured by mating attachment elements2101aand2101bwith corresponding receiving elements2102aand2102brespectively. In some embodiments, the central band portion2200may be aligned with the headband1200before securing the straps2100aand2100baround the headband1200.

The growth band2000may be removed from the device1000by un-securing the straps around the head band1200. In some embodiments, the straps can be unsecured by detaching the attachment elements2101a,2101bfrom the receiving elements2102a,2102b, for example, by application of force. In some embodiments, the attachment elements2101a,2101band the receiving elements2102a,2102bcan withstand multiple attachment and detachment cycles, so that the growth band2000can be installed and removed from the device1000as needed. In other embodiments (not illustrated) the growth band2000is fixedly attached to the headset1200. For instance, the ends of the growth band2000or some other portion of the growth band2000can be sewn onto, form a part of, or be otherwise affixed to the headband.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3B, the growth band2000may be supported by the headband1200so that the central band portion2200is disposed between an underside of the headband1200and a user's head (not shown) when in use. Therefore, the central band portion2200can advantageously facilitate the secure and stable fitting of the headset device1000on the head of the infant user even when the device1000is too large for the infant, for example by filling the gap between the infant's head and the headband1200of the headset device1000. In some embodiments, the growth band2000can conform to the inner curve of the head band1200. In further embodiments, the growth band2000can conform to the head of the infant, so that the central band portion2200contacts the infant's head and the headband1200during use. In some embodiments, the central band portion2200may not be attached to the headband1200while other parts of the growth band, for example, the first strap2100ato the second strap2100bare attached to the headband1200. In some embodiments, the central band portion2200may suspend from the headband1200such that there may be a spacing between the headband1200and the central band portion2200when the headset is not worn by the user, and the central band portion2200may be movable towards the headband1200in response to urging from the user's head when the headset is in use, such that the spacing between the headband1200and the central band portion2200is reduced or completely removed, accommodating growth of the infant's head while maintaining comfort and a snug fit.

In some embodiments, the resilient material of the central band portion2200advantageously cushions the headband1200on the infant's head. In some embodiments, the central band portion2200is advantageously absorbent and absorbs, for example, perspiration on the infant's head. In some embodiments, the user may choose the growth band2000having an appropriate thickness, so that there is minimal space between the head band1200and the head of the infant. The user may change the growth band2000to a thinner one, or may completely remove the growth band as the head of the infant grows and the space between the head and the head band gets smaller. In some embodiments, the headset device1000can be packaged with multiple removable growth bands2000of varying thickness, so that the user may choose and install the appropriate growth band2000for the infant to use while wearing the headset device1000.

The removable growth2000band may be coupled with any headsets that are similar to the headsets that are described in relation toFIGS. 1A-4C, or any other devices that the user may find suitable. For example, the removable growth band2000as described in this section or elsewhere in the specification may be coupled with any types of earmuffs or headphones described below.

Multi-Source Audio Amplification and Ear Protection Device

FIG. 4is a schematic block diagram of a multi-source audio amplification and ear protection device600according to one embodiment. The multi-source audio amplification and ear protection device600includes microphone(s)601, ambient sound amplification and processing circuitry602, speaker(s)603, memory604, power management circuitry605, user interface(s)606, secondary sound source amplification and processing circuitry607, a built-in audio component608, control circuitry609, an optional transceiver610, an optional display611, a biometrics component612, and other components613. As shown inFIG. 4, the ambient sound amplification and processing circuitry602includes frequency dependent processing circuitry621(equalization circuitry, in this example) and automatic gain control circuitry622.

Although one example of components and functionality is shown inFIG. 4, a multi-source audio amplification and ear protection device can include more or fewer features. Moreover, a multi-source audio amplification and ear protection device can be implemented using a wide variety of form factors, including any of the form factors shown and described herein or another form factor.

Terminology

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. Conjunctions, such as “and,” “or” are used interchangeably and are intended to encompass any one element, combination, or entirety of elements to which the conjunction refers.

The multi-source audio amplification and ear protection devices described herein may comprise software, firmware, hardware, or any combination(s) of software, firmware, or hardware suitable for the purposes described herein. Various disclosed and illustrated modules may be implemented as software and/or firmware on a logic circuitry, processor, microcontroller, ASIC/FPGA, or dedicated hardware. Software and other modules may reside remotely from a multi-source audio amplification and ear protection device, such as on personal computers, computerized tablets, PDAs, and other devices suitable for the purposes described herein, such as remote control of a multi-source audio amplification and ear protection device. Software and other modules may be accessible via local memory, via a network, or via other means suitable for the purposes described herein. User interface components described herein may comprise buttons, knobs, wheels, switches, touchscreen interfaces, and other suitable interfaces.

Computer program instructions may be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, thereby aiding in controlling a multi-source audio amplification and ear protection device.

The processing of the various components of the illustrated systems can be distributed across multiple logic circuits, processors, and other computing resources. In addition, two or more components of a system can be combined into fewer components. Various components of the illustrated systems can be implemented in one or more virtual machines, rather than in dedicated computer hardware systems. Moreover, in some embodiments the connections between the components shown represent possible paths of data flow, rather than actual connections between hardware. While some examples of possible connections are shown, any of the subset of the components shown can communicate with any other subset of components in various implementations.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. For example, while many of the headset embodiments and the growth band described above are described in connection with their use by an infant, one of skill in the art will recognize that the headsets and growth band can be sized to accommodate larger head sizes, such as the head of a school age child, an adolescent, an adult, or someone with an injured skull (e.g., due to surgery) over whose head conventional headsets do not fit properly. Therefore, the concepts described herein can be applicable to a variety of users and are not limited to use by infants. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended claims.