Abstract:
Headphone storage concepts provided include (i) a headrest forming a compartment configured for storage of an item within the compartment; (ii) a headrest cooperatively configured for receiving headphones such that the headphones are removably secured to the headrest; (iii) a headrest having earphones pivotably attached thereto; (iv) a seat forming a compartment (in wing bolsters or in an underseat, rearward-opening drawer) for storage of an item; and (v) headphones with rotatable earphones to provide a slimmer profile for storage.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/584,007 filed Jun. 30, 2004. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to the storage of items, such as headphones, in a vehicle headrest or seat and to the design of headphones. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Modern day vehicles are equipped with a variety of entertainment and other user-interactive systems. These systems and the variety of components that make up these systems may be provided as standard features on the vehicle, may be optional or may be added as an after-market accessory. With the increase of such features onboard, space to install and/or store these systems and their components is at a premium. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A variety of onboard vehicle storage concepts are provided. Each of the concepts provides a solution to the storage issues associated with the multiplicity of entertainment and other user-interactive systems onboard a vehicle by: (i) utilizing currently unused space for storage of headphones and/or other items; and/or (ii) providing headphones designed to have a compact shape for storage. 
     A first storage embodiment is a headrest configured for use by a vehicle occupant including structure forming a compartment configured for selective storage of an item within the compartment. The item may be a pair of headphones or any of a variety of items an occupant may wish to store onboard the vehicle. For example, one or more optical media discs may be stacked within the compartment with the headphones peripherally positioned about the disc(s). The structure is openable for selectively placing the item within the compartment or removing the item from the compartment and is closable for substantially enclosing the item within the compartment. The structure is cooperatively configured for fixedly positioning the item within the compartment to prevent substantial movement of the item within the compartment when the structure is closed. For instance, the structure may include a rigid outer casing containing a compliant countermeasure formed with one or more recesses for supporting and stabilizing the item during storage. 
     In one aspect of the invention, the item may be one or more of headphones, compact discs (CDs), and digital video discs (DVDs). For example, the invention may enable storage of both headphones and a plurality of stacked compact discs or digital video discs. 
     A second storage embodiment is a headrest assembly for use by a vehicle occupant including a headrest cooperatively configured for receiving headphones such that the headphones are selectively securable to an outer surface of the headrest for storage to prevent substantial movement of the headphones. The headphones are also selectively removable from the outer surface of the headrest for use. For instance, the headrest may be formed with recesses matable with the headphones to thereby selectively secure the headphones to the headrest when the headphones and the recess are mated. The recesses may be configured to at least partially contain a headband portion and earphone portions of the headphones, thereby securing the headphones about the headrest. A cover may be provided for selectively covering and uncovering the headrest and the headphones removably secured to the headrest. 
     A third storage embodiment is a headrest assembly which includes a headrest, and at least one earphone attached to the headrest. The earphone is configured for concurrent use with the headrest. The arm may pivot between a use position extending forward of the front of the headrest and a nonuse position extending along the side of the headrest so that the outer surfaces of the arm and the headrest are substantially contiguous. 
     A fourth storage embodiment includes a seating having a seat back and a seat bottom. Structure forming a compartment configured for selective storage of an item within the compartment may be either the seat back or the seat bottom. The structure is openable for selectively placing the item within the compartment or removing the item from the compartment and is closable for substantially enclosing the item within the compartment. For example, the item may be headphones and the structure forming the compartment may be a seat bolster in the seat back. Alternatively, the structure forming the compartment may be the seat bottom. For instance, the seat bottom may be configured to receive a drawer extending rearward, the drawer being openable for selectively placing an item in or removing an item from the drawer and closable for substantially enclosing the item within the drawer. 
     A fifth storage embodiment is headphones including a headband and at least one earphone rotatably connected to the headband. The earphone is rotatable between a use position, in which the earphone is sufficiently positioned for listening use by a person wearing the headband, and a stored position. The headphones may have a first width or dimension when the earphone is in the use position and a second lesser width or dimension when the earphone is in the stored position. Accordingly, the earphones are designed such that they may compact to require a minimal amount of storage space on the vehicle. 
     The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective illustration of a headrest in an open position forming a compartment for storing headphones; 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic perspective illustration of a fastener connectable to the headrest of  FIG. 1  for securing CDs and DVDs within the compartment, the fastener shown in a release position (in phantom) and in a securing position; 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the fastener of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic perspective illustration of the headrest of  FIG. 1  in a closed position; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the headrest of  FIG. 1  in a closed position and at a headphone storage position; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective illustration in fragmentary view of a countermeasure contained within the headrest of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic perspective illustration in partial exploded view of a headrest assembly including headphones (shown in partial view) and a headrest formed with recesses configured for receiving the headphones; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective illustration of the headrest assembly of  FIG. 6  with a cover concealing the headrest and headphones; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic rear view illustration of the covered headrest of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic perspective illustration of another headrest assembly including a headrest and earphones in a non-use position; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic perspective illustration of the headrest assembly of  FIG. 9  with the earphones rotated to a use position; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic plan view illustration of the headrest assembly of  FIG. 10  in use by an occupant; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic perspective illustration of a vehicle seat having compartments formed in bolsters and having an underseat drawer; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic perspective illustration in rotated view of the seat of  FIG. 12  showing items stored in the bolsters and in the drawer; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic perspective illustration of headphones shown in a collapsed stored position and in an extended use position (in phantom); 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic perspective illustration of headphones having rotatable earphones shown in a use position (in phantom) and a stored position; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic side view illustration of the headphones of  FIG. 15  with the earphones in the stored position and in the use position (shown in phantom); 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic perspective illustration of a headrest in an open position showing a post within a compartment formed by the headrest and headphones being positioned therein; and 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic perspective illustration of the headrest of  FIG. 17  (with post not shown). 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components,  FIG. 1  shows a headrest  10 . The headrest  10  is movably mounted to a seat  12  (shown in phantom) via posts  14  extending between the seat and the headrest. The posts  14  may alternatively extend upward and be joined within the headrest to form one integral post component (see  FIG. 17  and discussion thereof below for such an embodiment). The seat  12  is mounted in a vehicle  16  (represented in fragmentary phantom view). The headrest  10  includes a casing  20  having a fixed portion  22  and a movable portion  24 . The casing  20  is preferably formed from a semi-rigid material, such as a flexible plastic, and may have a covering of leather or cloth. The movable portion  24  is connected to the fixed portion by hinges  26 . The movable portion  24  is movable with respect to the fixed portion via the hinges  26  between the raised position of  FIG. 1  and a lowered position  24 ′ of  FIG. 3  such that the casing  20  may have an open position shown in  FIG. 1  and a closed position  20 ′ shown in  FIG. 3 . Preferably, the hinges  26  have a spring return biasing the movable portion  24  toward the raised position via a viscous dampening mechanism or a dampening gear (not shown). The use of such hinges and viscous dampers will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. 
     A latch striker  28  is connected to or integrally molded with the movable portion  24 . A latch mechanism  30  is mounted to or integrally formed by the fixed portion of the casing  22 . The latch mechanism  30  is configured to receive the latch striker  28  in a secure manner such that the movable portion of the casing  24 ′ is held in the lowered position. Pressure applied at pressure locator markings  31  causes the latch striker  28  to be released from the latch mechanism  30 , allowing the spring return function of the hinges  26  to raise the movable portion of the casing  24  to the raised position of  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, other types of latches, locking mechanisms, or fasteners (such as hook and loop type fasteners (e.g.,VELCRO®)) may be employed within the scope of the invention to retain the casing  20 ′ in the closed position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) headphone logo  32  appears on the casing  20 ′ as an indication to passengers that headphones may be stored in the headrest  10 . The headphone logo  32  may be formed in the casing  20 ′, or may be an applique sticker or a marking on the casing  20 ′. 
     Optionally, a display screen  33  may be integrated into the headrest  10  by fixing the screen  33  to the moveable portion  24 ′ of the casing  20 . The display screen  33  may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) of the thin film transistor (TFT) or the organic light emitting diode (OLED) type, or any other type of video display screen. The display screen  33  may be substantially flush with an outer surface  34  of the moveable portion  24 ′, or may be set within a recess  35  formed in the moveable portion  24 ′ designed to help reduce the potential for glare reflecting off of the screen  33 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , electrical wires  36  may route from a power source, such as a vehicle battery, through the seat  12 , the posts  14  and the hinges  26  to the display screen  33 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the fixed and movable portions of the clam-shell casing  22 ,  24 , respectively, are generally concave, forming first and second interior spaces  37 ,  38 , respectively. When the casing  20 ′ is in the closed position (see  FIG. 3 ), the first and second interior spaces  37 ,  38 , cooperate to form a closed compartment  40  which is defined by the fixed and movable portions  22 ′,  24 ′, of the casing  20 ′. Referring again to  FIG. 1 , headphones  42  are placed such that they are partially contained within the first interior space  37  and are supported within the fixed portion  22  of the casing  20 . As shown with respect to  FIG. 4  and as discussed below, the headphones  42  are completely contained within the compartment  40  when the casing  20 ′ is in the closed position. The headphones  42  include a headband  44  and opposing left and right earphones  46 ,  48 , respectively, connected to the headband  44 . Preferably, the headphones are designed to be compatible for use with a compact disc (CD), digital video disk (DVD), or satellite TV or radio system (not shown) included in the vehicle  16 . The headphones may be the infrared type and thus have the advantage of being cordless. Other types of headphones, headsets or headgear (e.g., goggles, and helmet-mounted audio and/or visual displays for augmented reality systems and the like) may be used within the scope of the invention. Headphones with or without headbands (e.g., including those that clip or otherwise fit to the ear) are also included within the scope of the invention. 
     The headphones  42  are positioned generally about the periphery of the first interior space  37 , such that the center of the first interior space  37  is empty. This allows a “see-through” headrest (i.e., a headrest that forms an empty space or opening extending completely through the center from front to back) to be used for headphone storage within the scope of the invention. In this embodiment however, the empty space toward the center is utilized to store a stack of optical media discs  50  (e.g., CD&#39;s and/or DVD&#39;s) (shown in phantom). Structure located within the fixed portion of the casing  22  (i.e., a countermeasure  64 , discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 4 ) is formed with a centrally located threaded hole  52 . Referring to  FIG. 2A , a pin-type fastening element  54  includes a threaded end  56  matable with the threaded hole  52 . A pivotable securing element  58 , shown in a securing position, is movable to a release position  58 ′ (shown in phantom). When the threaded end  56  is mated with the threaded hole  52 , the fastening element  54  (with the securing element  58 ′ in the release position) is placed within a center annulus  60  of the stack of discs  50 . Referring to  FIG. 2B , the securing element  58  is placed in the securing position to secure the stack of discs  50  within the fixed portion of the casing  22 . The stack of discs  50  and the fastening element  54  are sized such that both are contained within the compartment  40  formed by the closed casing  20 ′ (see  FIG. 3 ). The securing element  58  is formed from a flexible material designed to readily break away or flex when subjected to undue forces in the event of a vehicle impact, thus complying with all industry best practices and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS standards). Other means of securing the stack of discs  50  to the fixed portion of the casing  22  include hook and loop (e.g., VELCRO®) straps running through the center annulus  60  and around the stack  50 , or a net or pocket secured to the casing  20  and sized to contain the stack  50 . 
     Accordingly, the compartment  40  is sized to contain headphones  42  peripherally located about a centrally located stack of discs  50 . A remote (not shown) usable in conjunction with the headphones  42  may also be stored within the compartment  40 . In fact, the compartment  40  may be used to hold a variety of items within the scope of the invention. If the seat  12  is a front seat, the movable portion of the casing  24  may open toward the rear of the vehicle  16 , allowing access to the stored components (i.e., the headphones and stack  50  of CDs/DVDs) by a rear seat passenger. A rear seat passenger seated directly behind the seat  12  has easily reachable access to the headphones  42 ; little or no shift in position is required to close or open the casing  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the headphones  42  are shown in phantom stored within the compartment  40 . An energy-absorbing, deformable countermeasure  64  is adjacent to the headphones  42  within the compartment  40 . As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the countermeasure  64  is designed to meet FMVSS for headrest compliance. Preferably, the countermeasure is formed from expanded polypropylene beads. Alternatively, Polycarbonate ABS, pure polycarbonate, or any other countermeasure approved for use in meeting FMVSS standards may be employed. The choice of material for the countermeasure  64  affects the overall required width (front to rear) of the headrest; a stronger material permits a thinner countermeasure (indicated with width W), which may afford a narrower headrest Referring to  FIG. 2B , a threaded insert  65  may be mounted in the countermeasure  64 . The threaded end  56  of the securing element  58  mates with the insert  65 . The insert  65  may be formed from ultrasonic brass or any other appropriate material. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , for representational purposes, the posts  14  are shown ending at a bottom surface of the casing  20 . Preferably, the posts  14  extend within the first interior space  36  and form a unitary component that may be generally U-shaped, or may have an irregular shape designed to avoid other structure within the first interior space. (See  FIG. 17 , discussed below, for an embodiment of a headrest having a unitary post extending within the headrest.) In that case, the countermeasure  64  may be vacuum formed about the post, as is readily understood by those skilled in the art. Other methods of forming the countermeasure, such as pressure molding, may also be employed within the scope of the invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the countermeasure  64  is formed with earphone recesses (one recess  66  shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 4 ) sized and positioned to receive the earphones  46 ,  48 , as well as a headband recess  68 , configured to receive the forward edge of the headband  44  when the headphones are placed within the first interior space  37 . Thus, the countermeasure  64  is formed to receive and support the headphones  42 . The earphone recesses  66  and the headband recess  68  allow the headphones  42  to partially nest in the countermeasure, affording cushioning protection for the headphones  42 . Additionally, the recesses  66 ,  68 , stabilize the headphones  42  within the first interior space  37 , preventing substantial movement of the headphones  42  within the compartment  40  when the casing  20 ′ is in the closed position shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The recesses  66 ,  68  also serve as a locating indicator to a user storing the headphones  42  within the casing  20 , ensuring optimal positioning of the headphones  42  for secure storage. Furthermore, the recesses  66 , 68  maintain the position of the headphones  42  within the compartment  40  when the casing  20  is in the open position shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Two optional layers of foam, including a lower density first foam  72  and a higher density second foam  74  are positioned between the countermeasure  64  and the fixed portion of the casing  22 , see  FIG. 4 . The first and second foams  72 ,  74  provide comfort cushioning for an occupant of the seat  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , earphone recess  66  forms a concave cavity in the countermeasure  64  for receiving one of the earphones  46 ,  48 . The countermeasure  64  is shown having a reticulated or honeycomb structure to provide increased stiffness. Alternatively, the countermeasure may be formed to take on a variety of other shapes and textures. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a headrest assembly  102  includes a headrest  110  and headphones  142 . The headrest  110  is formed with a continuous recess formed by two earphone-receiving portions  166  (one shown, the other being disposed in a mirror image opposite that shown) and a headband-receiving portion  168 . The recesses  166  and  168  may be integrally formed in the outer casing  120  of the headrest  110 . Alternatively, structure within the casing  120  (such as a countermeasure) may be formed with the recesses, and the casing  120  may be manipulated to lie over the recesses, thus taking on the shape of the recesses. Headphones  142  have a headband  144  (double band style), left earphone  146  and right earphone (not shown) configured to at least partially secure the headphones  142  to an outer surface  147  of the casing  120  at the recesses  166 ,  168 . The earphones may flex outward with respect to the headband  144  in response to outward-directed pressure, allowing a user to slip the headphones  142  over the casing  120 , positioning the earphones within the earphone-receiving portions  166  and the headband  144  within the headband-receiving portion  168 . The headphones  142  are sized such that they are secured to the headrest  110  at the recesses in this position to substantially prevent relative movement of the headphones  142  and the headrest  110 , but may be removed by applying an outward spreading force at the earphones and lifting the headphones off of the headrest  110 . The headphones  142  may be molded plastic having the same color as the headrest  110  to provide a coordinated appearance. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , an optional flexible, removable, enveloping cover  172  is positioned over the assembled headphones  142  and headrest  110  of  FIG. 6  to “hide” the headphones  142  and present a uniform outward appearance. Referring to  FIG. 8 , flap portions  174  of the cover  172  are maneuvered around the headrest assembly  102  such that VELCRO® fasteners  176  sewn or adhered to the cover  172  are fastenable, thus holding the cover  172  in place. Slots  178  (some shown in  FIG. 7 ) are cut as necessary between flap portions  174  and around the posts  114  to permit coverage of the headrest assembly  102  by the cover  172 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a headrest assembly  202  includes a headrest  210  attached to a seat  212 . The headrest  210  has left and right arms,  278 ,  280  pivotably attached thereto. The arms  278 ,  280  are shown in a stored position in  FIG. 9 , in which they are flush and appear integrated with the headrest  210  (i.e., outer surfaces  277 A and  277 B of the respective arms  278  and  280  are contiguous with an outer surface  279  of the headrest  210 ). In  FIG. 10 , the arms have been rotated to a use position  278 ′,  280 ′ (in which the arms  278 ′,  280 ′ extend forward of a front  283  of the headrest  210 ) via omni-adjustable arm balls  282  that are friction held for universal movement within complementary sockets  284  formed in the headrest  210 . Left and right earphones  246 ,  248 , respectively, are similarly attached to the arms  278 ′,  280 ′ via earphone balls  286  held within earphone ball sockets  288  formed in the arms  278 ′,  280 ′, permitting universal pivoting movement of the earphones  246 ,  248  with respect to the arms  278 ′,  280 ′. The arm balls  282  and earphone balls  286  allow the earphones to be adjusted universally to fit a wide range of different sized users. Electrical wiring  290  is routed through the arm balls  282  to the earphones  246 ,  248  (shown only with respect to earphone  248 ). The wiring  290  may be routed through posts (not shown but similar to posts  14  of  FIG. 1  or posts of  614  of  FIG. 17 ) disposed in the headrest  210  and connecting the headrest  210  to the seat  212 . In  FIG. 11 , an occupant  292  of the seat  212  uses the headrest  210  and the earphones  246 ,  248  concurrently. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , a vehicle seat  312  includes a seat back  391  and a seat bottom  393 . Wing or bolster compartments  394  are formed in the seat back  391  and are openable and closeable via doors  395  ( 395  indicating the open position of the door and  395 ′ indicating the closed position, corresponding with an open and a closed status of the wing bolster compartments  394 ). The doors  395  may be integral with or connected to the compartments  394  or may be hinged flaps attached to the material forming the outer surface of the seat back  391 . The doors  395  may be secured in the closed position by hook and loop type fasteners (e.g. VELCRO®), a zipper, or a variety of other fastening mechanisms that accommodate easy, repeated opening of the doors  395  by rear seat occupants. Finally, an under seat drawer  397  is connected to the seat  312  and moves between a stored position (in which the drawer is referenced as  397 ′) and an open position (in which the drawer is referenced as  397 ).  FIG. 13  illustrates the storage of headphones  342  within the drawer  397 ′. Preferably, the drawer  397 ′ opens rearward for easy access by an occupant of a rear passenger seat. A remote control  398  (operable for remotely controlling a DVD player that includes, for instance, display screen  33  of  FIG. 3 ) and another set of headphones  342 ′ are stored within the wing or bolster compartments  394 . Notably, the wing or bolster compartments  394  as well as the space occupied by the under seat drawer  397  represent otherwise unused space on the vehicle; i.e., the invention creates storage compartments from previously vacant or unutilized space. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , headphones  442  include a headband  444  connected to left and right arms  478 ,  480 , via hinges  481 . Left and right earphones  446 ,  448  are mounted on the left and right arms  478 ,  480 , respectively. The arms  478 ,  480  fold (i.e., collapse) inward via the hinges  481  so that the headphones transform from a use position (an extended position)  442 ′ to a non-use position  442  (a collapsed position) having a compact shape for storage and vice versa. In fact the height H 1  of the headphones  442  in the collapsed position is only about 50% of the height H 2  of the headphones in the extended position  442 ′. Conceivably, two or more headphones  442  in the non-use position may be stored in the compartment  40  of  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4 , in the wing or bolster compartments  394  of  FIG. 13  or in the drawer  397 ′ of  FIG. 12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15–16 , headphones  542  include a headband  544  having left and right arms  578 ,  580 , respectively connected thereto. The headband is a “single” type as opposed to the “twin” or “double” style of  FIG. 14  (i.e., having two substantially parallel spaced bands) in order to minimize storage space requirements. Left and right earphones  546 ,  548  are rotatably connected to the left and right arms  578 ,  580 , respectively, at pivot joints  583  (that are a pivot with a detent) that permit rotation of each earphone  546 ,  548  about respective axes C 1  and C 2  from non-use positions  546 ,  548  to use positions  546 ′,  548 ′ (i.e., listening positions), respectively. The axes C 1  and C 2  are substantially parallel to or coextensive with the length of said arms  578 ,  580 , respectively. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , the width W 2  of the headphones  542  when the earphones are in the stored position (as shown by right earphone  548 ) is less than the width W 1  of the headphones  542  when the earphones are in the use position (as shown by headphone  548 ′); preferably, the width W 2  is about 40% less that the width W 1 . Thus, the rotatability of the earphones  546 ,  548  with respect to the arm portions  578 ,  580  provides a smaller profile for storage. This is especially useful for storing the headphones  542  in a map pocket of a vehicle located in a door. Additionally, if ball sockets are used in the place of the pivot joints  583 , significant space savings may be achieved, depending on earphone geometry (i.e., thickness versus diameter of the earphone or earcups), as the earphones  546 ,  548  may then also be collapsed partially inward toward the headband (similar to the arms  478 ,  480  of  FIG. 14 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , a headrest  610  includes a casing  620  formed from a fixed portion  622  and a movable portion  624  (shown in an open position) to create an interior compartment defined by the first and second interior spaces  637  and  638  that contains a countermeasure  664  and headphones  642  (as well as a countermeasure  664 ) secured in the compartment by recesses  668  in the countermeasure  664  (see  FIG. 18 ) (similar to the recesses  66 ,  68 , described with respect to  FIG. 4 ). Foam may be located between the countermeasure  664  and the fixed portion  622  of the casing  620  like the foam  72 ,  74  of  FIG. 4 . The headrest  610  has a generally “gumdrop” shape. The invention, however, may be employed in headrests having a variety of shapes. A post  614  extends upward from a seat (not shown) to form a base structure for supporting the countermeasure  664  (shown in  FIG. 18 ). Notably, the posts  614  bow outward to enable placement of the earphones  646 ,  648  and formation of recesses in the countermeasure  664  at the location shown (see  FIG. 17 ). Within the scope of the invention, posts may be formed to a variety of shapes as necessary for compatibility with headrest shape and headphone design. For instance, posts  614  may bow inward and/or rearward rather than outward to wind around the preferred stored position of the earphones  646 ,  648 . The posts  614  may be wire-formed steel rod. It is also possible that the posts  614  are magnesium (or another suitable metal) that is die-cast or thixotropic-molded to allow for a variety of sectional shapes, thus increasing the variety of final post shapes achievable. The headphones  642  include a double band-type headband  644  and left and right earphones  646 ,  648 , respectively. In  FIG. 18 , the countermeasure  664  is formed around the posts  614  and includes a headband recess  668  and earphone recesses  666  for locating and stabilizing the headband  644  and the earphones  646 ,  648 , respectively. 
     As set forth in the claims, various features shown and described in accordance with the different embodiments of the invention illustrated may be combined. 
     While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.