Patent Publication Number: US-2009232342-A1

Title: Earbud adapter with increased flexibility region

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
     The present disclosure pertains to sound devices and adapters or devices for use with sound devices. More particularly, the present invention pertains to adapters for use with earbud-type headphones that provide a universal fit, improve the comfort of the headphones, and/or isolate the ear from extraneous sounds. 
     BACKGROUND  
     Sound devices such as headphones are used extensively throughout the world. One style of headphones that is commonly used is referred to as an earbud or an earbud-type headphone. Earbuds (i.e. earphones) are small speaker-like devices that are designed to fit within the external ear of a listener so that the user can listen to sound being transmitted from a sound source. Some examples of typical sound sources where earbuds may be used include personal and/or portable audio players (including radios, cassette players, compact disc players, portable mp3 players, etc.), portable DVD players, telephones (including wireless and cellular-type telephones), etc. When properly positioned in the ear, earbuds can provide the listener with acceptable sound transmission to the ear canal. However, due to person-to-person variations and variations in the environment in which the earbuds are used, fit may not be adequate and extraneous noise may make transmission inadequate. 
     A wide variety of headphones and earbuds (i.e. earphones) have been developed as well as a number of adapters and prostheses attachable to these devices. In addition, a wide variety of methods for manufacturing headphones (including earbuds) and adapters have been developed. Among these known devices and methods, each has certain advantages and disadvantages. 
     Adapters for use with earbuds, as well as earbud devices with integral sound tubes, are intended to channel sound transmitted from the driver (e.g., speaker) of the sound device into the ear canal of a user. However, it is noted that the auditory anatomy of one individual may vary greatly from the auditory anatomy of another individual, thus frustrating the ability for a single adapter configuration to fit properly for a wide variety of users. 
     There is an ongoing need to provide alternative devices and methods for making these devices which are configured to be adaptable for use in the diverse auditory anatomy of a wide range of users. 
     SUMMARY  
     The present disclosure relates to sound devices and adapters and/or prostheses for use with sound devices. 
     Accordingly, one illustrative embodiment is an adapter configured to be detachably coupled to an earbud-type sound device or other sound device. The adapter includes an adapter body having a top portion, a bottom portion which is configured to be detachably coupled to a sound device, and a projection extending from the top portion at a junction region between the projection and the top portion of the adapter body. The projection includes a sound conduit extending from an opening in the top portion of the adapter body. Furthermore, the junction region includes a region of enhanced flexibility, such as a multi-directional positioning component, allowing the projection to be positioned at a plurality of angular positions relative to the top portion of the adapter body. 
     In some instances, the projection may be oriented in a first position in which the projection extends from the top portion of the adapter body at a first angular orientation relative to the top portion, wherein an applied force applied to the projection moves the projection to a second position in which the projection extends from the top portion of the adapter body at a second angular orientation relative to the top portion. The projection may be biased to return to the first position from the second position when the applied force is removed. 
     Another illustrative embodiment is an adapter configured to be attached to an earbud-type sound device. The adapter includes a dome-shaped wall configured to be disposed adjacent a speaker face of the earbud-type sound device and a projection extending at an angle from the dome-shaped wall at a junction region between the projection and the dome-shaped wall. The projection includes a sound conduit for directing sound through the projection into an ear canal of a user. Furthermore, the junction region between the projection and the dome-shaped wall includes a multi-directional positioning component allowing the projection to be positioned at a plurality of angular positions relative to the dome-shaped wall in order that the adapter can fit comfortably in a variety of different users&#39; ears. 
     The above summary of some example embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective views of an exemplary adapter which may detachably coupled to an earbud-type sound device or other sound device; 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are cross-sectional views of the adapter of  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrating two possible orientations of the projection relative to the top portion of the adapter body; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a variation of the adapter of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are cross-sectional views of the adapter of  FIG. 3  illustrating two possible orientations of the projection relative to the top portion of the adapter body; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another variation of the adapter of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are cross-sectional views of the adapter of  FIG. 4  illustrating two possible orientations of the projection relative to the top portion of the adapter body; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another variation of the adapter of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are cross-sectional views of the adapter of  FIG. 5  illustrating two possible orientations of the projection relative to the top portion of the adapter body; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of yet another variation of the adapter of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are cross-sectional views of the adapter of  FIG. 6  illustrating two possible orientations of the projection relative to the top portion of the adapter body; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another variation of the adapter of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are cross-sectional views of the adapter of  FIG. 7  illustrating two possible orientations of the projection relative to the top portion of the adapter body; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are cross-sectional views of another variation of the adapter of  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrating two possible orientations of the projection relative to the top portion of the adapter body; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are cross-sectional views of another variation of the adapter of  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrating two possible orientations of the projection relative to the top portion of the adapter body; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are cross-sectional views of yet another variation of the adapter of  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrating two possible orientations of the projection relative to the top portion of the adapter body; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an adapter detachably coupled to the housing of an earbud-type sound device; and 
         FIG. 12  is a transverse cross-sectional view illustrating an adapter, detachably coupled to an earbud-type sound device, positioned in the auditory anatomy of a user. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. 
     All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” may be indicative as including numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. 
     The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). 
     Although some suitable dimensions ranges and/or values pertaining to various components, features and/or specifications are disclosed, one of skill in the art, incited by the present disclosure, would understand desired dimensions, ranges and/or values may deviate from those expressly disclosed. 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
     The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The detailed description and the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The illustrative embodiments depicted are intended only as exemplary. Selected features of any illustrative embodiment may be incorporated into an additional embodiment unless clearly stated to the contrary. 
     Adapters disclosed herein may be used with an earbud or an earbud-type sound device or earphone. Additional adapters, which may be used with an earbud or an earbud-type sound device are disclosed in application Ser. No. 10,753,591 entitled “Earbud Adapter” filed Jan. 7, 2004, and application Ser. No. 10/686,849 entitled “Earbud Adapter With Enhanced Frequency Response” filed Mar. 15, 2007, of which the discloses are incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective views of an example adapter  10  for use with an earbud or an earbud-type sound device or earphone. The adapter  10  includes an adapter body  11  including a top portion or side  12  including a first surface  13 , as best seen in  FIG. 1 , and an opposing second surface  15 , as best seen in  FIG. 2 , and a bottom portion or side  14  including a coupling portion, as best seen in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the top portion  12  may include a dome-shaped wall  28  including the first surface  13  and the second surface  15 . In some embodiments, the first surface  13  of the dome-shaped wall  28  may be a convex surface and/or the second surface  15  may be a concave surface. 
     A projection or sound port  16  extends from the first surface  13  of the top portion  12 . A port opening  18  is defined in the projection  16 . In some embodiments, the opening  18  is at the distal terminus of the projection  16 . In other embodiments, the opening  18  can be disposed at other locations along the projection  16 . A second opening  20  is defined in the adapter body  11  that is disposed on the second surface  15  of the top portion  12  within the cavity formed in the adapter body  11 . A sound conduit  22  is defined in the adapter body  11  that extends through the projection  16  between the first opening  20  and the second opening  18 . The sound conduit  22  generally allows sound (acoustical energy) to pass from a driver (e.g., a speaker) of a sound device (to which adapter body  11  is detachably coupled to), into and through the opening  20 , through the projection  16 , through and out from the opening  18 , and into the ear canal of a user. Thus, the sound conduit  22  directs acoustical energy output from the driver of a sound device into the ear canal of a user. 
     The adapter body  11  is configured to be attachable to an earbud or earbud-type sound device. An earbud or earbud-type device, otherwise known as an earphone, is one that normally rests within the outer ear, such as in the bowl of the concha, during use. Preferably, the adapter body  11  is configured for being detachably connectable to a sound device. When describing the adapter body  11  as being detachably connectable or removably coupled to an earbud, what is meant is that the adapter body  11  may be selectively removed from the earbud throughout normal usage of the device without causing unintended damage or harm to either the adapter  10  or the earbud. The adapter body  11  may include a coupling portion for coupling the adapter  10  to a housing of a sound device. This feature allows a user to freely attach and detach the adapter  10  as desired. However, the adapter body  11  is held in place with sufficient force to retain its position on the sound device during use. The adapter  10  may be exchanged for another adapter as desired in instances where the sound device is used by multiple users and/or in different environments. In addition, the user may discard the adapter  10  after use, if desired, and replace it with a new one for subsequent uses. The earbud or earbud-type sound device may be a part of a cell phone headset, CD player or any other sound transmission device. It may include one or more ear buds. 
     The materials used to manufacture the adapter body  11  may vary. In some embodiments, the adapter body  11  is made from a polymer. Because a number of polymers are relatively inexpensive, constructing the adapter body  11  from a polymer may desirably impact the manufacturing costs. In addition, because of the relatively low manufacturing costs that are contemplated, the adapter body  11  may be inexpensive for the consumer and disposable. Some examples of suitable polymers include a thermoplastic elastomer such as a mixture of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber and polypropylene sold under the tradename SANTOPRENE®, or a thermoplastic elastomer based on styrene and isoprene sold under the tradename KRATON®. Other examples of suitable polymers may include ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyoxymethylene (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyether block ester, polyurethane, polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyether-ester (for example, a polyether-ester elastomer such as ARNITEL® available from DSM Engineering Plastics), polyester (for example a polyester elastomer such as HYTREL® available from DuPont), polyamide (for example, DURETHAN® available from Bayer or CRISTAMID® available from Elf Atochem), elastomeric polyamides, block polyamide/ethers, polyether block amide (PEBA, for example, available under the trade name PEBAX®), silicones, polyethylene (PE), Marlex high-density polyethylene, Marlex low-density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene (for example, REXELL®), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), nylon, perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) (PFA), other suitable materials, or mixtures, combinations, copolymers thereof, polymer/metal composites, and the like. In some embodiments, the selected material may be chosen for its durometer hardness characteristics and/or its availability in several grades of durometer hardness. 
     As suggested above, the bottom portion  14  is configured so that the adapter body  11  can releasably attach to a sound device. In some embodiments, the bottom portion  14  can include a coupling portion, such as a ridge or rim  24  that is adapted to fit over and generally be disposed along the perimeter of the earbud or earbud-type sound transmitting device. It can be seen in  FIG. 2  that the rim  24  may be generally circular or annular in shape so as to correspond to the generally circular and/or conical shape of the housing of a sound device. However, other shapes are contemplated, depending on the shape of the sound device. For example, the rim  24  could be oval, squared, polygonal, etc. so as to improve the compatibility, attachability, and detachability of the adapter body  11  to a variety of sound devices. In addition, one or more notches  26  may be defined in the rim  24 , which can allow the rim  24  to adjust to somewhat differently sized or shaped sound devices and allow the adapter body  11  to more easily attach and detach from the sound device while providing a sufficient interference fit, such as frictional or interlocking engagement. The one or more notches  26  may provide the rim  24  with a plurality of discontinuous segments, such as discontinuous arcuate segments around the perimeter of the bottom portion  14  of the adapter body  11 . This feature may allow a consumer to use one particular adapter  10  embodiment with a number of differently sized or shaped sound devices. In some embodiments the material selected for the adapter body  11  may be sufficiently elastic such that the adapter body  11  may be stretched over the housing of a sound device and retained thereon. 
     The adapter body  11 , including the top portion  12  (e.g., the dome-shaped wall  28 ), the bottom portion  14  (including the rim  24 ), and/or the projection or sound port  16  may be a one-piece, monolithic component. For example, the top portion  12 , the bottom portion  14  and/or the projection or sound port  16  may be molded or otherwise formed of a single piece of material, such as molded of a single piece of polymeric material which may include one or more material compositions. 
     In some embodiments, the projection or port  16 , or at least a portion thereof, is generally configured for extending into the ear canal of a user during use. It is noted that the auditory anatomy of a user, including the orientation of the ear canal of the ear relative to the concha of the ear may vary greatly from one user to the next. In order for the projection  16  to be properly positioned and/or seated in the ear canal of an individual user, the projection  16  may be positioned at a plurality of angular positions relative to the top portion  12  (e.g., the dome-shaped wall  28 ) of the adapter body  11 . 
     To this end, the adapter body  11  may include a junction region  30  located between the projection  16  and the top portion  12  (e.g., the dome-shaped wall  28 ) of the adapter body  11 . In some embodiments, the junction region  30  may be a radiused region located between the projection  16  and the top portion  12 . The junction region  30  may include a concave surface extending around the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  uniting the outer surface of the projection  16  with the first or upper surface  13  of the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . 
     The junction region  30  may include a region of enhanced flexibility providing multi-directional angular orientation of the projection  16  relative to the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11  at the junction region  30 . For example, the junction region  30  may include a multi-directional positioning component  32  allowing the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular positions relative to the top portion  12  (e.g., the dome-shaped wall  28 ) of the adapter body  11 . 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show the adapter  10  placed in a three-dimensional XYZ Cartesian coordinate system having an origin O, an X-axis extending from the origin O, a Y-axis extending from the origin O and perpendicular to the X-axis, and a Z-axis extending from the origin O and perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Y-axis. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the rim  24  of the bottom portion  14  of the adapter body  11  may lie in the XY plane of the XYZ coordinate system. The longitudinal axis of the projection  16  may extend at an angle to the XY plane of the XYZ coordinate system. For instance, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  may extend along the Z-axis of the XYZ coordinate system. The multi-directional positioning component  32  may allow the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular positions relative to the XY plane of the XYZ coordinate system. For instance, the multi-directional positioning component  32  may allow the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to angle away from the Z-axis in a plurality of directions and/or a plurality of angles. In some embodiments, the angle of the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  may be altered by about 5 degrees or more, 10 degrees or more, 15 degrees or more, 25 degrees or more, 30 degrees or more, or 45 degrees or more between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the multi-directional positioning component  32  may be an omni-directional positioning component allowing omni-directional angular orientation of the projection  16  relative to the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . For example, in some embodiments, the multi-directional positioning component  32  may allow the projection  16  to angle away from the Z-axis in all angular directions. 
     In some embodiments, the projection  16  may be oriented in a first position in which the projection  16  extends from the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11  at a first angular orientation relative to the top portion  12 . When an external force is applied to the projection  16 , the projection  16  may move to a second position in which the projection  16  extends from the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11  at a second angular orientation relative to the top portion  12 . In some embodiments, the projection  16  is biased to return to the first position from the second position when the applied force is removed. In other embodiments, the projection  16  may remain in the second position when the applied force is removed. 
     As an illustrative example, in some embodiments the position in which the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  lies along the Z-axis is an equilibrium position, such that when an applied force moving the projection  16  to a second position in which the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is angled away from the Z-axis is removed, the projection  16  is biased to return to the equilibrium position, and thus the projection  16  returns to an orientation in which the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  lies along the Z-axis. 
     In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the multi-directional positioning component  32  is illustrated as one or more, or a plurality of bellows or pleats  36  of material located in the junction region  30 . The bellows or pleats  36  may extend around at least a portion of the junction region  30 . For example, the bellows  36  may extend circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  in the junction region  30 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the bellows  36  may be formed in the dome-shaped wall  28  proximate the projection  16 . 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are cross-sectional views of the adapter body  11  taken along the XZ plane of  FIG. 1 , with the Y-axis coming out of the page. As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the bellows  36  allow the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular positions relative to the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . For example, in  FIG. 1A , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending along the Z-axis and in  FIG. 1B , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending at an angle, such as an acute angle, to the Z-axis. It can be seen from  FIGS. 1A and 1B , that the bellows  36  allow the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular orientations relative to the XY plane of the XYZ coordinate system. 
     In  FIG. 3 , the multi-directional positioning component  32  located in the junction region  30  is also illustrated as one or more, or a plurality of bellows or pleats  36  of material. The bellows or pleats  36  may extend around at least a portion of the junction region  30 . For example, the bellows  36  may extend circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  in the junction region  30 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the bellows  36  may be formed in the base portion of the projection  16  proximate the dome-shaped wall  28  of the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are cross-sectional views of the adapter body  11  taken along the XZ plane of  FIG. 3 , with the Y-axis coming out of the page. As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the bellows  36  allow the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular positions relative to the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . For example, in  FIG. 3A , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending along the Z-axis and in  FIG. 3B , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending at an angle, such as an acute angle, to the Z-axis. It can be seen from  FIGS. 3A and 3B , that the bellows  36  allow the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular orientations relative to the XY plane of the XYZ coordinate system. 
     In  FIG. 4 , the multi-directional positioning component  32  is illustrated as one or more, or a plurality of slits or slots  38 , or other type of openings, located in the junction region  30 . The slits or slots  38  may extend around at least a portion of the junction region  30 . For example, the slits or slots  38  may extend circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  in the junction region  30 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the slits or slots  38  may be formed in the dome-shaped wall  28  proximate the projection  16 . The slits or slots  38  may extend entirely through the wall of the top portion  12  from the first surface  13  to the second surface  15 , or the slits or slots  38  may extend partially through the wall of the top portion  12  from the first surface  13  toward the second surface  15  and/or from the second surface  15  toward the first surface  13 . In some embodiments a plurality of slits or slots  38  may be circumferentially arranged in a polar array around the longitudinal axis of the projection  16 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are cross-sectional views of the adapter body  11  taken along the XZ plane of  FIG. 4 , with the Y-axis coming out of the page. As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the slits or slots  38  allow the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular positions relative to the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . For example, in  FIG. 4A , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending along the Z-axis and in  FIG. 4B , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending at an angle, such as an acute angle, to the Z-axis. It can be seen from  FIGS. 4A and 4B , that the slits or slots  38  allow the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular orientations relative to the XY plane of the XYZ coordinate system. 
     In  FIG. 5 , the multi-directional positioning component  32  located in the junction region  30  is also illustrated as a plurality of slits or slots  38 , or other type of openings, located in the junction region  30 . The slits or slots  38  may extend around at least a portion of the junction region  30 . For example, the slits or slots  38  may extend circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  in the junction region  30 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the slits or slots  38  may be formed in the dome-shaped wall  28  proximate the projection  16  in a plurality of circumferential rows (e.g., two, three, four, or more rows) around the longitudinal axis of the projection  16 . The slits or slots  38  may be arranged such that the slits or slots  38  of one circumferential row may or may not overlap the slits or slots  38  of an adjacent circumferential row. The slits or slots  38  may extend entirely through the wall of the top portion  12  from the first surface  13  to the second surface  15 , or the slits or slots  38  may extend partially through the wall of the top portion  12  from the first surface  13  toward the second surface  15  and/or from the second surface  15  toward the first surface  13 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are cross-sectional views of the adapter body  11  taken along the XZ plane of  FIG. 5 , with the Y-axis coming out of the page. As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the slits or slots  38  allow the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular positions relative to the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . For example, in  FIG. 5A , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending along the Z-axis and in  FIG. 5B , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending at an angle, such as an acute angle, to the Z-axis. It can be seen from  FIGS. 5A and 5B , that the slits or slots  38  allow the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular orientations relative to the XY plane of the XYZ coordinate system. 
     In  FIG. 6 , the multi-directional positioning component  32  located in the junction region  30  is again illustrated as a plurality of slits or slots  38 , or other type of openings, located in the junction region  30 . The slits or slots  38  may extend around at least a portion of the junction region  30 . For example, the slits or slots  38  may extend circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  in the junction region  30 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the slits or slots  38  may be formed in the base portion of the projection  16  proximate the dome-shaped wall  28  of the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11  in a plurality of circumferential rows (e.g., two, three, four, or more rows) around the longitudinal axis of the projection  16 . The slits or slots  38  may be arranged such that the slits or slots  38  of one circumferential row may or may not overlap the slits or slots  38  of an adjacent circumferential row. The slits or slots  38  may extend entirely through the annular wall of the projection  16  from an outer surface of the annular wall of the projection  16  to an inner surface of the annular wall of the projection  16 , or the slits or slots  38  may extend partially through the annular wall from the outer surface toward the inner surface and/or from the inner surface toward the outer surface. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are cross-sectional views of the adapter body  11  taken along the XZ plane of  FIG. 6 , with the Y-axis coming out of the page. As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the slits or slots  38  allow the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular positions relative to the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . For example, in  FIG. 6A , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending along the Z-axis and in  FIG. 6B , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending at an angle, such as an acute angle, to the Z-axis. It can be seen from  FIGS. 6A and 6B , that the slits or slots  38  allow the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular orientations relative to the XY plane of the XYZ coordinate system. 
     In  FIG. 7 , the multi-directional positioning component  32  located in the junction region  30  is again illustrated as a plurality of slits or slots  38 , or other type of openings, located in the junction region  30 . The slits or slots  38  may extend around at least a portion of the junction region  30 . For example, the slits or slots  38  may extend circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  in the junction region  30 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the slits or slots  38  may include a plurality of circumferential rows (e.g., two, three, four, or more rows) around the longitudinal axis of the projection  16 . The slits or slots  38  may be arranged such that the slits or slots  38  of one circumferential row may or may not overlap the slits or slots  38  of an adjacent circumferential row. The slits or slots  38  may extend entirely through the annular wall of the projection  16  from an outer surface of the annular wall of the projection  16  to an inner surface of the annular wall of the projection  16 , or the slits or slots  38  may extend partially through the annular wall from the outer surface toward the inner surface and/or from the inner surface toward the outer surface. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the projection  16  has a longer length allowing the projection  16  to extend further into the ear canal of a user, providing deep penetration of the projection  16  into the ear canal. The slits or slots  38  may be located along a majority of the length, a substantial portion of the length, or substantially the entire length of the projection  16 . For example, the slits or slots  38  may be located along 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more of the length of the projection  16 . Thus, the placement of the slits or slots  38  along a length of the projection  16  provides the projection  16  with enhanced flexibility to facilitate insertion of the projection  16  deep into the ear canal of a user. In some embodiments the projection  16  may be configured to extend into the ear canal beyond the first bend of the ear canal. In such an embodiment, the projection  16  would experience a compound bend (e.g., having two or more radii of curvature in different directions and/or planes) in order to be properly positioned in the ear canal. The slits or slots  38  along a length of the projection  16  may allow the projection  16  to conform to the compound curvatures of the ear canal such that the projection  16  may be positioned beyond the first bend of the ear canal. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are cross-sectional views of the adapter body  11  taken along the XZ plane of  FIG. 7 , with the Y-axis coming out of the page. As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the slits or slots  38  allow the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular positions relative to the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . For example, in  FIG. 7A , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending along the Z-axis and in  FIG. 7B , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending at an angle, such as an acute angle, to the Z-axis. It can be seen from  FIGS. 7A and 7B , that the slits or slots  38  allow the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular orientations relative to the XY plane of the XYZ coordinate system. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a sleeve  35  may be disposed over the projection  16 . The sleeve  35  can be of many different types of materials such as a polymer or foam, including polymers listed above and other materials listed below regarding the sleeve  34 . A number of different types of foams exist, which may be suitable for some embodiments. For example, the sleeve  35  could be made of a sound attenuating slow recovery foam. This type of foam may allow the user to compress the sleeve  35  with his/her fingers before it is placed in the ear canal, after which it recovers its shape sufficiently so that its periphery conforms to the inner surface of the ear canal. This feature can improve the fit and comfort of the adapter  10  (and sleeve  35 ) in the ear canal. In addition, this type of foam can substantially block sounds from entering the ear canal other than sounds transmitted from the sound device that pass through the sound conduit  22  of the adapter body  11 . This feature may be desirable because blocking extraneous sound “isolates” the ear in which the sleeve  35  is disposed from these other sounds. 
     The sleeve  35  may extend over and cover a majority of, substantially all of, or all of the slits of slots  38  along the projection  16 . For example, the sleeve  35  may extend over 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more of the length of the projection  16 . The sleeve  35  may be secured to the projection  16  with a thermal bond, adhesive, interference or frictional fit, or other desired securement means. With the sleeve  35 , such as a foam sleeve, surrounding the projection  16 , the sleeve  35  may prevent or reduce sound leakage through the slits or slots  38  while allowing good bending or flexing of the projection  16 . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are cross-sectional views of an alternative configuration of the adapter body  11  taken along the XZ plane of  FIG. 1 , with the Y-axis coming out of the page, illustrating the multi-directional positioning component  32  as a ball-and-socket joint  50  in the junction region  30  between the projection  16  and the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . The sound conduit  22  through the projection  16  may extend through the ball-and-socket joint  50 . The ball-and-socket joint  50  may include a ball  52  (e.g., a spherical or hemi-spherical shaped member) having a convex surface and a socket  54  (e.g., a bowl shaped member) having a concave surface facing the convex surface of the ball  52 . As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the projection  16  may include the ball  52  at one end of the projection  16  and the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11  may include the socket  54  interacting with the ball  52  of the projection  16 . In other embodiments, the ball  52  and socket  54  may be reversed such that the projection  16  includes the socket  54  and the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11  includes the ball  52 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the ball-and-socket joint  50  of the junction region  30  allows the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular positions relative to the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . For example, in  FIG. 8A , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending along the Z-axis and in  FIG. 8B , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending at an angle, such as an acute angle, to the Z-axis. It can be seen from  FIGS. 8A and 8B , that the ball-and-socket joint  50  allows the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular orientations relative to the XY plane of the XYZ coordinate system. 
     The configuration of the ball-and-socket joint  50  allows a desired range of motion between the projection  16  and the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . For instance, the ball-and-socket joint  50  may allow for angular rotation of the projection  16  relative to the top portion  12  of the adapter body through an arc of 5 degrees or more, 10 degrees or more, 20 degrees or more, 30 degrees or more, 45 degrees or more, or 60 degrees or more in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, it may be possible to overcome the interference fit between the ball  52  and the socket  54  of the ball-and-socket joint  50  such that the ball  52  may be removed or dissociated from the socket  54  without damaging the components of the ball-and-socket joint  50 . In other embodiments, the ball-and-socket joint  50  may be constructed such that the ball  52  may not be removed or dissociated from the socket  54  without damaging the components of the ball-and-socket joint  50 . In embodiments in which the ball  52  may be removed or dissociated from the socket  54 , it may be possible to replace the projection  16  and/or top portion  12  of the adapter body with another projection or top portion of an adapter body as desired. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are cross-sectional views of an alternative configuration of the adapter body  11  taken along the XZ plane of  FIG. 1 , with the Y-axis coming out of the page, illustrating the multi-directional positioning component  32  as a reduced thickness region  40  of the junction region  30  having a thickness which is less than the thickness of the adjacent regions  42  of the junction region  30  on either side of the reduced thickness region  40 . As shown in the figures, the reduced thickness region  40  may have a thickness T 1 , and the adjacent regions  42  of the junction region  30  may have thicknesses T 2 , T 3  which are greater than the thickness T 1  of the reduced thickness region  40 . In some embodiments, the reduced thickness region  40  may be a groove, channel or recess formed in the junction region  30 . The reduction in the thickness of the junction region  30  in the reduced thickness region  40  may make the reduced thickness region  40  of the junction region  30  more flexible than the adjacent regions  42 , providing the ability to alter the angular orientation of the projection  16  between one of a plurality of angular orientations. In some embodiments, the thickness T 1  of the reduced thickness region  40  may be less than the thickness of the annular wall of the projection  16  and/or the thickness of the top portion  12  or dome-shaped wall  28  (i.e., the distance between the first surface  13  and the second surface  15 ) of the adapter body  11 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the reduced thickness region  40  of the junction region  30  allows the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular positions relative to the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . For example, in  FIG. 9A , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending along the Z-axis and in  FIG. 9B , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending at an angle, such as an acute angle, to the Z-axis. It can be seen from  FIGS. 9A and 9B , that the reduced thickness region  40  allows the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular orientations relative to the XY plane of the XYZ coordinate system. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are cross-sectional views of an alternative configuration of the adapter body  11  taken along the XZ plane of  FIG. 1 , with the Y-axis coming out of the page, illustrating the multi-directional positioning component  32  as a first region  44  of the junction region  30  having different physical characteristics from the adjacent regions  46  of the junction region  30  on either side of the first region  44 . For example, the first region  44  may have a dissimilar durometer hardness from the durometer hardness of the adjacent regions  46  of the junction region  30 . For instance, the durometer hardness of the first region  44  may be greater than or less than the durometer hardness of the adjacent regions  46  of the junction region  30 . In some embodiments, the durometer hardness of the first region  44  may be greater than or less than the durometer hardness of the material forming the projection  16  and/or the top portion  12  (e.g., the dome-shaped wall  28 ) of the adapter body  11 . 
     In some embodiments, the first region  44  may have a dissimilar material composition from the material composition of the adjacent regions  46  of the junction region  30 . For instance, the first region  44  may be formed of a first polymeric material or composition and the adjacent regions  46  may be formed of a second polymeric material or composition dissimilar to the first polymeric material or composition. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the first region  44  of dissimilar physical characteristics allows the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular positions relative to the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . For example, in  FIG. 10A , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending along the Z-axis and in  FIG. 10B , the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  is shown extending at an angle, such as an acute angle, to the Z-axis. It can be seen from  FIGS. 10A and 10B , that the first region  44  of dissimilar physical characteristics allows the longitudinal axis of the projection  16  to be positioned at a plurality of angular orientations relative to the XY plane of the XYZ coordinate system. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the adapter  10  may be detachably coupled to the housing  80  of the earbud  50 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the rim  24  of the adapter body  11  may extend over a portion of the housing  80 , forming an interference fit, such as a frictional and/or interlocking fit, between the adapter  10  and the housing  80  of the earbud  50 . A speaker or driver may be contained in the housing  80  and a speaker grille  52  may be placed in from of the speaker face to protect the speaker. 
     When the adapter  10  is coupled to the earbud  50 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , the speaker grille  52  of the earbud  50 , or a portion thereof, is spaced away from the inner surface  15  of the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 , thereby forming a sound transmitting cavity  84  between the inner surface  15  and the grille  52 . Thus, sound emanating from through holes  53  of the speaker grille  52  may pass into the sound transmitting cavity  84 . In some embodiments, the presence of the cavity  84  between the inner surface  15  and the grille  52  may facilitate positioning the projection  16  at one of a plurality of different angular positions relative to the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 . For instance, in some embodiments when the projection  16  is angled away from an equilibrium position, a portion of the junction region  30  may move closer to the speaker grille  52  and/or a portion of the junction region  30  may move further from the speaker grille  52 . 
     It is noted that, as shown in  FIG. 11 , a sleeve or foam cover  34  may be coupled to the projection  16 . The sleeve  34  may be coupled to the projection  16  in any number of suitable manners such as with an adhesive. In some embodiments, the sleeve  34  may be fixedly attached to the projection  16 . Alternatively, the sleeve  34  may be removably attached using a coupling member, such as a burr, groove, or rim of material on the projection  16 . In some embodiments, the sleeve  34  may be generally cylindrical in shape, however, other shapes are contemplated. The sleeve  34  may include an outer peripheral surface which contacts the walls of the ear canal of a user, and an axial lumen that extends into the sleeve  34 . In some embodiments, the lumen extends into only a portion of sleeve  34 , however, in other embodiments, the lumen extends all the way through the sleeve  34 . Some of the features and characteristics of a suitable sleeve  34  can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,636, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     The sleeve  34  may also include a thin layer of a sound-transmitting material or scrim (e.g., preferably a reticulated open cell foam or partially open cell foam) that helps prevent detritus or cerumen from the ear canal from entering the sound conduit  22  of the projection  16  of the adapter body  11 . 
     The sleeve  34  can be of many different types of materials such as a polymer or foam. Some example polymers are listed above. A number of different types of foams exist, which may be suitable for some embodiments. For example, the sleeve  34  could be made of a sound attenuating slow recovery foam. This type of foam may allow the user to compress the sleeve  34  with his/her fingers before it is placed in the ear canal, after which it recovers its shape sufficiently so that its periphery conforms to the inner surface of the ear canal. This feature can improve the fit and comfort of the adapter  10  (and sleeve  34 ) in the ear canal, and may provide retention of the adapter  10  in the ear canal. In addition, this type of foam can substantially block sounds from entering the ear canal other than sounds transmitted from the sound device that pass through the sound conduit  22  of the adapter body  11 . This feature may be desirable because blocking extraneous sound “isolates” the ear in which the sleeve  34  is disposed from these other sounds. In some embodiments, the sleeve  34 , which may seal around the periphery of the ear canal, may enhance the frequency response experienced by the user. 
     It is believed that isolating an ear from other sounds (i.e., sounds not originating from the sound device) allows the user to better process sound coming from the sound device, even when the device is only in one ear with the other ear receiving the extraneous sounds. This allows the user to better distinguish the sounds from the sound device from other sounds that could be distracting. This feature may be particularly useful when the sound device is an earbud connected to a telephone because the user would be able to adequately hear and distinguish voices from the telephone from other sounds or voices that might be present in the area. This feature also reduces the likelihood that sounds originating from the sound device would be confused with extraneous sounds, even when the user&#39;s other ear does not have any sound device disposed therein. Moreover, by reducing the amount of unwanted sound that enters the ear, a lesser degree of energy can be delivered to the eardrum for the same level of sound perception and intelligibility. This can protect the eardrum from damage that could be caused by exposure to greater amounts of energy or otherwise help preserve or enhance the long-term health of the ear. 
     Where it is desirable to have sounds enter the ear both through the sound device and the sleeve  34 , the sleeve  34  can be of a more sound transmissive foam such as open cell foam or a reticulated open cell foam selected for the amount of sound transmission desired. Typically, such open cell foams are sufficiently compressible so that the periphery will conform to the inner surface of the ear canal as the sleeve  34  is pushed into the ear canal. It can be appreciated that the use of a number of other types of foams and similar materials are contemplated. For example, in some embodiments partially open cell foams may be used. In addition, a plethora of other suitable materials are contemplated, including silicone rubber and elastomeric polymers. 
     In other embodiments, the adapter  10  may not include a sleeve attached to the projection  16 . For instance, in some embodiments the projection  16  may be configured to be inserted into the ear canal of a user in the absence of a sleeve. For example, the projection  16  may be formed of a suitable durometer polymeric material and/or may include a configuration which could be inserted directly into the ear canal without injuring the walls of the ear canal. In some embodiments, the diameter of the projection  16  may be sized to substantially fill the ear canal, and thus substantially isolate the ear canal from extraneous sounds. For example, in some embodiments the end of the projection  16  could be formed with a bulbous portion which may be fitted into the ear canal and/or substantially fill the ear canal. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the adapter  10 , detachably coupled to the housing  80  of an earbud  40 , placed in the auditory anatomy of a user, such that the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11 , such as the dome-shaped wall  28 , is placed in the concha  92  of the ear  94  while the sleeve  34  and/or projection  16  are inserted at least partially into the ear canal  90 . The outer surface  13 , which may be a convex surface, of the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11  may face and/or generally follow the shape of the bowl of the concha  92 , and may reside posterior of the tragus  96  of the ear  94 . In some embodiments, the anatomical shape of the ear, including the curvature of the concha  92  and the presence of the tragus  96 , may provide retention means for retaining the adapter  10  in the ear  94 . In some embodiments, the interference fit between the projection  16  and/or sleeve  34  may provide adequate retention means for retaining the adapter  10  in the ear  94 . 
     Depending on the angular relationship of the user&#39;s ear canal  90  relative to the bowl of the concha  92  of the user&#39;s ear  94 , the projection  16  may be positioned at one of a plurality of angular positions relative to the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11  such that the top portion  12  of the adapter body  11  comfortably rests in the bowl of the concha  92  while the projection  16  extends into the ear canal  90 . The presence of the multi-directional positioning component  32  allows the angular orientation of the projection  16  to be tailored to fit the orientation of the ear canal  90  of a specific user. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be manifested in a variety of forms other than the specific embodiments described and contemplated herein. Accordingly, departure in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as described in the appended claims.