Patent Publication Number: US-8111859-B2

Title: Headgear and integrated music player

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit under Title 35, United States Code §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/780,996 filed on Mar. 9, 2006. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The following invention relates to headgear adapted to be worn upon a head of a user and which can also conveniently hold a sound player therein and sound speakers coupled to the sound player. More particularly, this invention relates to headgear and integrated sound/music players and speakers therefore which support the speakers adjacent ears of a user and the sound player all in a secure and substantially concealed configuration. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Mobile sound generating devices come in a variety of different configurations. Most commonly, the mobile sound generating devices include a main unit (often called a “player”) which stores the sound media and generates a sound signal in electronic form from the sound media, and transmits the sound signal to some form of speaker that may be attached to or remote from the player. 
     The sound media can be in the form of a removable media element, such as a cassette tape or compact disc. Alternatively, the media storage can be permanent, such as in the form of a small hard drive, flash memory, or other electronic or electromagnetic data storage device, such as are commonly utilized in computers or other electronics. The electronic sound signal generating device generally interacts with the storage device to retrieve a selected portion of a sound file and transmit the sound file in an appropriate format for driving a speaker so that the electronic signal is transmitted into audible sound waves. These players also typically include controls thereon which a user manipulates to select the sounds to be played, control volume and otherwise control the overall system. 
     While some mobile sound generating devices have loud speakers thereon, other mobile sound generating devices configure the speakers so that they rest directly adjacent ears of a user in the form of earphones, ear buds, or otherwise coupled to ears of a user, with the speakers coupled by a wire harness to the player of the overall device. 
     One drawback with this overall arrangement is that the wire harness often restricts the mobility of the user. For instance, if the user is actively engaged is some other activity which requires freedom of movement of the head, neck, arms, hands and body of the user, this wire harness can become entangled with the user and diminish the enjoyment or safety associated with the activity. 
     One known prior art method for dealing with this problem and also minimizing weight of the primary/main unit has been to shrink a size of the primary/main unit to a size where it can be conveniently worn upon the head of the user with the wire harness shortened to only extend from one part of a head of a user where the primary/main unit is located, to the ears of the user. In particular, European Patent Application No. 1,094,685 by Alastair Sibbald teaches a headphone system where a pair of speakers are configured for placement over ears of a user and are coupled to an inverted “U-shaped” headband and also coupled to an interchangeable unit which can be in the form of a radio receiver, disc player, MP3 player, tape player, mobile phone or T.V. tuner for generating an electronic sound signal and driving the speakers. The Sibbald headphone system of this European patent application is not entirely satisfactory in that it does not entirely gird a head of the user, and thus is inherently prone to becoming dislodged to some extent when the user is enjoying vigorous physical activity. Also, the interchangeable unit is fully exposed and visible, denying the wearer the opportunity to utilize the sound player in a subtle fashion. 
     German Patent Publication No. DE 2005016830 by Elimex GMBH teaches a headphone headband with speakers and a transmitter. This headphone and headband configuration actually includes both the headband portion and a separate transmitter which is used in conjunction with the headband in a wireless fashion. The Elimex published German patent application does not disclose providing pouches for the speakers within the headband or concealed pathways for a wire harness extending between the speakers and a sound player, and only discloses the speakers coupled to a receiver coupled to a separate transmitter, such that the unit is not entirely self-contained within the headband. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,698 to Burton et al. teaches a wearable audio reception device generally in the form of a radio receiver coupled to ear bud type earphones all supported by a headband. Burton fails to teach concealing the wire harness within the headband or concealing the radio device inside the headband. Pouches are not included for supporting the speakers or for the player. 
     Thus, while the prior art does include some headgear for sound player and speaker support, none of these prior art headgear products have fully satisfied the objective of completely integrating a sound player and speakers within a headband or related headgear in a fully concealed and fully supported fashion. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     With this invention, headgear is provided along with an integrated music player and associated speakers which are all concealed within head girding headgear of either a headband or cap variety. The headgear assembly includes a headband or cap which includes a left speaker pouch for a left speaker, a right speaker pouch for a right speaker and a player pouch for supporting a sound player. Each of these pouches are oriented within the headband or cap for convenient operation of the headgear assembly. In particular, the speaker pouches are provided in locations which place them directly over ears of the user when the headband or cap is appropriately worn. The player pouch is preferably provided at a convenient location adjacent one of the temples of the user, with controls on the player accessed through a window in the pouch, such that only the controls of the player are exposed. 
     The pouches can be accessed through slits which allow the speakers and player to be removably located into appropriate pouches. A wire harness is provided which resides within a concealed pathway within the headgear assembly and couples the player to the speakers. This wire harness is preferably asymmetrical to accommodate the location of the player pouch closer to one of the speaker pouches than to the other of the speaker pouches. 
     Also, the wire harness is removably attachable both to the player and to the speakers in the preferred embodiment. In this way, decoupling of the wire harness from the speakers and the player is facilitated. The speakers and player can then be separately removed from the headband or cap so that the headgear can be washed or replaced with other headgear before reinsertion of the speakers and player for reuse according to this invention. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a headgear assembly which can support a sound player and speakers therein. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a headgear assembly including both a head girding portion, a sound player and speakers, which can be worn by a user and play sound files for the user. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a headgear and integrated music player with the music player substantially concealed within the headgear. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide headgear for supporting a sound player which supports the sound player and associated speakers securely on the head of a user so that the user can engage in a wide variety of physical activity without the sound player and speakers becoming dislodged. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a headgear and integrated music player assembly which can have a player and speakers thereof removed from fabric portions to facilitate cleaning of fabric portions. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide headgear for supporting a sound player which has an attractive aesthetic appearance. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide headgear for supporting a sound player which can support an MP3 player therein as well as speakers driven by the MP3 player and while facilitating access to controls on the MP3 player. 
     Other further objects of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of the included drawing figures, the claims and detailed description of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the headgear assembly of this invention according to a headband embodiment thereof and shown being worn and used by a user. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of that which is shown in  FIG. 1  but off of a user and with concealed portions of the assembly shown in broken lines. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 2  but from a reverse angle. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a sound player and an input jack of a wire harness illustrating how portions of the wire harness couple to the sound player. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a speaker of the headgear assembly of this invention and an output jack of a wire harness of this invention illustrating how the speaker is removably coupleable to the wire harness in at least one embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a sound player, wire harness and pair of speakers all assembled together according to this invention and with a headband portion of this invention shown in broken lines so that details of the player, wire harness and speakers can be most clearly seen. 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan full sectional view of that which is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a portion of that which is shown in  FIG. 7 , shown in section taken along lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a cap embodiment of the headgear assembly of this invention, shown being worn by a user. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the various drawing figures, reference numeral  10  is directed to a headgear assembly ( FIG. 1 ) including a headband  20  in a preferred embodiment capable of being worn by a user U and supporting a sound player  60  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) driving speakers  80 ,  90  all supported within the headband  20 . In an alternative embodiment, the headband  20  is replaced with a cap  120  ( FIG. 9 ). With the headband  20  (or cap  120 ) entirely containing the sound player  60  and associated speakers  80 ,  90  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The entire headgear assembly  10  can be securely worn in a variety of physical activities while remaining in place and remaining substantially concealed within the headband  20  (or cap  120 ). 
     In essence, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 1-3  and  6 , basic details of the headgear assembly  10  are described, according to the preferred embodiment. The entire headgear assembly  10  is supported within a headband  20  which is adapted to gird a head of the user U. This headband  20  includes a left speaker pouch  30  adapted to be located adjacent a left ear E of the user U and a right speaker pouch  40  adapted to be placed adjacent to a right ear of the user U. A player pouch  50  is also oriented within the headband  20 . A sound player  60  resides within the player pouch  50 . A window  55  in the player pouch  50  passes through an outer panel  22  of the headband  20  and allows controls  62  of the sound player  60  to be accessed by the user U while the sound player  60  remains within the player pouch  50 . 
     A wire harness  70  ( FIG. 6 ) is preferably removably coupleable to the sound player  60 . This wire harness  70  distributes an electronic sound signal to the left speaker  80  within the left pouch  30  and the right speaker  90  within the right speaker pouch  40 . These speakers  80 ,  90  are placed directly adjacent ears of the user U with the headband  20  holding the speakers  80 ,  90  in position, for the user U to enjoy sound emanating from the speakers  80 ,  90  driven by the sound player  60 . The speakers  80 ,  90  and sound player  60  are each preferably removably attachable to the wire harness  70  and from within the pouches  30 ,  40 ,  50  to facilitate easy removal of the sound player  60  and speakers  80 ,  90 , such as for washing or substitution of the headband  20 . Most typically, the wire harness  70  would remain within the headband  20  but could alternatively also be made to be removable from the headband  20 . 
     More specifically, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , details of the headband  20  are described according to the preferred embodiment. The headband  20  is a flexible band of material forming a circuit adapted to gird a head of the user U. In particular, the headband  20  is preferably sized and shaped so that it resides over a forehead of the user U and generally below a hairline above eyes of the user U. The headband  20  can then wrap around a backside of the head of the user U. Ear flares  29  preferably extend down on the headband  20  slightly so that the headband  20  covers at least upper portions of ears of the user U. 
     The ears E ( FIG. 1 ) could optionally have at least lower portions thereof exposed below the ear flare  29 . As an alternative, the entire headband  20  could be wider to accommodate ear coverage. Also, the ear flares  29  could be dispensed with and the speakers merely placed as close to the ears E as possible, with different head anatomy for different users U accommodating to different extents the close proximity of positioning of the speakers  80 ,  90  adjacent the ears E of the user U. 
     The headband  20  is formed of flexible material, such as common fabrics from which headbands and other clothing items are manufactured. This material is also preferably somewhat elastic so that it tends to grip the head of the user U slightly, but enough to remain firmly in place. In particular, the headband  20  preferably includes an outer panel  22  which circumscribes the entire circuit of the headband  20 . An inner panel  24  preferably also entirely circumscribes the circuit of the headband  20 , with the inner panel  24  optionally only provided adjacent the pouches  30 ,  40 ,  50  or otherwise extending less than entirely around the headband  20 . 
     Each of the panels  22 ,  24  preferably extends from an upper edge  26  to a lower edge  28 . The panels  22 ,  24  are preferably sewn together or otherwise attached adjacent the upper edge  26  and lower edge  28  with any of a variety of different types of seams to join the panels  22 ,  24  together. Most preferably, the lower edge  28  curves slightly adjacent each of the ear flares  29  to cause a height of the headband  20  between the upper edge  26  and lower edge  28  to be slightly increased adjacent each of the ears E of the user U. Otherwise, the upper edge  26  and lower edge  28  are preferably substantially parallel to each other and linear in form. 
     A left pouch  30  (best shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  7  and  8 ) is preferably formed between a portion of the outer panel  22  and inner panel  24 . In particular, stitching is preferably provided to form boundaries for the left pouch  30 . Also, the inner panel  24  is preferably at least partially discontinuous adjacent the left speaker pouch  30  so that a slit  32  is formed in the inner panel  24 . This slit  32  is preferably not configured merely by cutting the inner panel  24 . Rather, the inner panel  24  preferably includes an under flap  34  and an over flap  36  with the slit  32  therebetween (see especially  FIG. 8 ). 
     The under flap  34  preferably covers a larger portion of the left speaker pouch  30  than does the over flap  36 , with a width of the under flap  34  and a width of the over flap  36  having a sum thereof which is greater than an overall width of the left speaker pouch  30 . Thus, the over flap  36  overlaps somewhat the under flap  34 . With this configuration, the flaps  34 ,  36  must be stretched somewhat so that the slit  32  can be accessed to allow the left speaker  80  to be placed within the left speaker pouch  30 . 
     Conversely, the left speaker  80  cannot be easily removed or fall out of the left speaker pouch  30 . Rather, the flaps  34 ,  36  must be stretched somewhat to access the slit  32  and allow the left speaker  80  to be removed from the left speaker pouch  30 . Other slit or opening configurations could alternatively be provided to securely maintain the left speaker  80  within the left speaker pouch  30 . For instance, some form of closure such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, zippers, or other fasteners could be utilized to secure the left speaker  80  within the left speaker pouch  30 . 
     The stitching coupling the inner panel  24  to the outer panel  22  and forming the left speaker pouch  30  preferably includes front stitching  37  extending substantially vertically and defining a front edge of the left speaker pouch  30 . This stitching also preferably includes rear stitching  38  extending substantially vertically and defining a rear portion of the left speaker pouch  30 . Also, preferably top stitching  39  is provided which extends substantially horizontally between the front stitching  37  and rear stitching  38  to define an upper portion of the left speaker pouch  30 . 
     This stitching  37 ,  38 ,  39  is preferably sufficiently complete so that the left speaker  80 , once within the left speaker pouch  30 , cannot migrate into other regions between the inner panel  24  and outer panel  22 , but rather remains within the left speaker pouch  30 . However, this stitching  37 ,  38 ,  39  is preferably at least partially discontinuous on at least portions thereof to facilitate the routing of the wire harness  70  into and out of the left speaker pouch  30 . Details of the wire harness  70  are described in detail below, with it merely being noted that for the left speaker pouch  30 , preferably at least two discontinuities in the stitching  37 ,  38 ,  39  are provided. These discontinuities form gaps to facilitate one portion of the wire harness  70  extending to the sound player  60  and another portion of the wire harness  70  extending to the right speaker pouch  40 . 
     The left speaker pouch  30  is preferably located down within the ear flare  29  of the headband  20  so that the left speaker  80  is positioned as close to the lower edge  28  of the headband  20  as possible and as low as possible to facilitate comfortable and desirable positioning of the left speaker  80  directly over a left ear of the user U. 
     The right speaker pouch  40  is preferably configured similar to the left speaker pouch  30  (see especially  FIGS. 2 and 7 ). In particular, the right speaker pouch  40  preferably is accessed through a slit  42  which is bounded by an under flap  44  and over flap  46 , generally similar in configuration to the flaps  34 ,  36  of the left speaker pouch  30 . The right speaker pouch  40  is preferably bounded by stitching including front stitching  47 , rear stitching  48  and top stitching  49 . This stitching  47 ,  48 ,  49  is preferably identical to the stitching  37 ,  38 ,  39  of the left speaker pouch  30 , except that the right speaker pouch  40  is typically only accessed by a single portion of the wire harness  70 , such that only one gap is required within the stitching. This gap is typically within the rear stitching  48  to facilitate coupling of the wire harness  70  to the right speaker  80  within the right speaker pouch  40 . 
     The right speaker pouch  40  is preferably spaced from the left speaker pouch  30  by a distance which places these pouches  30 ,  40  substantially opposite each other on the headband  20  and configured where desired to overlie ears E of a user U. Typically, the headband  20  would be provided in different sizes to accommodate users with slightly different anatomy. Furthermore, as the anatomy of different users U might vary somewhat, either different speaker pouch  30 ,  40  positions can be provided in different sizes of headbands  20  or the pouches  30 ,  40  can be sized sufficiently large so that the speakers can be moved slightly within the pouches to accommodate the most desirable fit for individual users U and their particular unique anatomy around their ears E. 
     A player pouch  50  is also provided between the outer panel  22  and inner panel  24  of the headband  20 . This player pouch  50  is most clearly shown in  FIGS. 3 and 7 . The player pouch  50  shares many similarities to the pouches  30 ,  40  for the speakers  80 ,  90 . In particular, the player pouch  50  preferably includes a slit  52  bounded by an under flap  54  and over flap  56  formed in the inner panel  24  of the headband  20 . Also, the player pouch  50  is preferably bounded by stitching including front stitching  57  substantially vertical and spaced from rear stitching  58 . Top stitching  59  also preferably extends from the front stitching  57  to the rear stitching  58 . This stitching  57 ,  58 ,  59  is preferably substantially continuous, with at least one gap preferably provided in the rear stitching  58  to facilitate a portion of the wire harness  70  extending out of the player pouch  50  and on toward the left and right speaker pouches  40 ,  30 . 
     The stitching  57 ,  58 ,  59  is preferably spaced apart a precise distance and relative to stitching adjacent the lower edge  28  of the headband  20  to support a particular sound player  60  therein. For instance, one such player  60  is an MP3 player provided by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. and provided under the trademark IPOD SHUFFLE. The player pouch  50  could be modified in size and shape to accommodate the particular geometry of different MP3 players if desired, such as an IPOD NANO by Apple, Inc., or the MP3 player or other players of other companies. Also, it is conceivable that the player pouch  50  could have a somewhat generic geometry, including size and shape to accommodate multiple different MP3 players. Other sound players  60  could also be accommodated by the player pouch  50  geometry, such as small radios, cell phones or other sound players  60  either known in the prior art or designed in the future. 
     The player pouch  50  preferably also includes a window  55  passing through the outer panel  22 . This window is best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The window  55  provides an opening through the outer panel  22  allowing access to controls  62  on the sound player  60 . Preferably, this window  55  is the only portion of the headband  20  which allows any portion of the sound player  60  or speakers  80 ,  90  or wire harness  70  to be visibly seen. Otherwise, sound generating and processing components of the assembly  10  are substantially concealed. 
     The window  55  is preferably circular in shape to accommodate circular controls  62  on the player  60 . If the controls  62  are a different shape other than circular, this window  55  is preferably modified to accommodate a shape of the controls  62  on the sound player  60 . The window  55  is preferably precisely located relative to the stitching  57 ,  58 ,  59  so that when the player  60  is located within the player pouch  50 , the controls  62  of the player  60  are aligned precisely with the window  55 . The window  55  is preferably sufficiently small so that no risk is presented that the player  60  could become dislodged out of the player pouch  50  through the window  55 . 
     If required, portions of the player pouch  50  could be made less flexible than other portions of the headband  20  to maintain the player pouch  50  with a fairly static size and shape, and to prevent the window  55  from enlarging due to stretching of fabric forming the outer panel  22 . For instance, a rigid or semi-rigid stiffening panel could be provided adjacent the player pouch  50  with a hole therein corresponding with a shape of the window  55  and sewn to the outer panel  22  along with the stitching  57 ,  58 ,  59 . In this way, while the headband  20  could be somewhat adjustable in overall girth due to flexibility, and preferably also elasticity built into the fabric of the headband  20 , the headband  20  could still maintain a substantially rigid and non-expanding form adjacent the player pouch  50 . Such a stiffener could be very slightly curved to most comfortably adapt to the curving geometry of the head of a user U adjacent where the player pouch  50  is located. 
     Most preferably, this player pouch  50  is located forward of the left speaker pouch  30 . Alternatively however, the player pouch  50  could be placed forward of the right speaker pouch  40  or could be located otherwise within the headband  20 , such as at a midpoint between the speaker pouches  30 ,  40  and either adjacent a forehead of the user U or a back of the head of the user U when the headband  20  is worn by the user U. The pouches  30 ,  40 ,  50  provide preferred forms of supports for the player  60  and speakers  80 ,  90 . Alternatively, other supports could be utilized including straps, bands, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, brackets or other supports that are capable of attaching and holding the player  60  and speakers  80 ,  90  adjacent the headband  20 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , particular details of the sound player  60  are described according to a preferred embodiment. As described above, the sound player  60  can be any form of MP3 player or sound player  60 , either currently known in the prior art or in the future developed. The player  60  would typically have some means for storing a sound file and some means for generating an electronic signal capable of driving speakers in a way that causes an audible sound wave to be generated. 
     The sound player  60  would typically include some form of power supply (i.e. batteries) that powers a processor and associated circuitry therein to create the electronic sound signal and drive the speakers  80 ,  90 . The player  60  includes a front  64  with controls  62  thereon. This front  64  is preferably inserted into the player pouch  50  adjacent the outer panel  22 , such that the controls  62  can be adjacent the window  55  in the outer panel  22 . 
     The sound player  60  includes a perimeter  66  which preferably has dimensions similar to that of the player pouch  50 . Most preferably, this perimeter  66  is rectangular in form. A port  68  extends from a portion of this perimeter  66 . This port  68  is configured so that it can receive an input jack  72  as a portion of the wire harness  70  therein, or some other form of electronic signal transmission line for routing the electronic sound signal to the speakers  80 ,  90 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , details of the wire harness  70  are described. The wire harness  70  provides a preferred form of means for delivering the electronic sound signal from the sound player  60  to the speakers  80 ,  90 . This wire harness  70  could have a variety of different configurations, such as built into the speakers  80 ,  90  and removably attachable to the sound player  60 , as is most commonly provided with many such mobile sound playing devices. However, most preferably this wire harness  70  is both removably attachable to the sound player  60  and removably attachable to the speakers  80 ,  90 . In this way, the speakers  80 ,  90  and player  60  can be most readily removed from the pouches  30 ,  40 ,  50 , so that the headband  20  can be washed or replaced. While the harness  70  preferably remains within the headband  20 , it could alternatively also be configured along with the headband  20  to facilitate wire harness  70  removal from the headband  20 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the wire harness  70  includes an input jack  72  adapted to be coupled to the port  68  and the sound player  60  so that the electronic sound file can pass through the port  68  and into the wire harness  70  through the input jack  72 . The input jack  72  preferably is configured so that it can receive two separate signals, such as the left signal and right signal of a stereo sound signal. The input jack  72  is located at the end of an input leg  73 . An end of the input leg  73  opposite the input jack  72  has a junction  74  thereon. The input leg  73  is preferably a flexible insulated length of wire that is electrically conductive for transmitting of the electronic sound signal through the wire harness  70 . 
     A short leg  75  also extends from the junction  74  and terminates at a left output jack  76 . A long leg  77  also extends from the junction  74  and terminates at a right output jack  78 . Because the left speaker  80  is preferably adjacent to the sound player  60  when they are located in their respective pouches  30 ,  50 , the left output jack  76  is located upon the short leg  75 , rather than the long leg  77 . The long leg  77  is sufficiently long so that it can extend past the left speaker pouch  30 , around a rear portion of the headband  20 , and terminate at the right speaker pouch  40 , where the right output jack  78  is provided for removable attachment to the right speaker  90 . The input leg  73  is preferably sufficiently long to extend from the player pouch  50  to the left speaker pouch  30 . The short leg  75  is preferably just long enough to allow the left output jack  76  to be conveniently removably coupled to the left speaker  80 . The junction  74  is preferably within the left speaker pouch  30 , or very close to the left speaker pouch  30 . 
     Each of the legs  73 ,  75 ,  77  is preferably similar in form in that they each include an insulated length of flexible wire. The short leg  75  and long leg  77  need only accommodate a single half of the two part sound signal, such as the left half of a stereo signal or the right half of a stereo signal. Most preferably, the input leg  73  and short leg  75  are of a similar short length with the long leg  77  significantly longer. This overall configuration of the wire harness  70  minimizes an amount of slack within the wire harness  70  and thus facilitates concealment of the wire harness  70  within the headband  20 . 
     In particular, the wire harness  70  is generally routed between the outer panel  22  and inner panel  24  of the headband  20 . Adjacent the pouches  30 ,  40 ,  50 , the wire harness  70  has portions of the legs  73 ,  75 ,  77  routed past the stitching forming each of the pouches  30 ,  40 ,  50 . Gaps in the stitching are provided just large enough so that the legs  73 ,  75 ,  77  and associated jacks  72 ,  76 ,  78  of the wire harness  70  can be routed into the pouches  30 ,  40 ,  50  and removed from the pouches  30 ,  40 ,  50  as desired. The entire wire harness  70  can optionally be configured to be removed from the headband  20 , such as so that the headband  20  can be more thoroughly washed or the harness  70  or headband  20  replaced. As an alternative, at least a portion of stitching in the headband  20  can be replaced with hook and loop fasteners, (or buttons or snaps or a zipper) to facilitate access to the wire harness  70  and more simplified separation from the headband  20 . 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 5-7 , details of the speakers  80 ,  90  are described. The left speaker  80  is shown in particular in  FIG. 5 . This speaker  80  includes a receiver  82  adapted to receive the left output jack  76  therein and receive the electronic sound signal into the left speaker  80 . A post  84  preferably extends from the left speaker  80  with the receiver  82  at an end of the post  84 . Alternatively, the post  84  can be dispensed with and the receiver  82  could merely be provided in a portion of a ring  88  defining a perimeter of the left speaker  80 . 
     A housing  86  defines an enclosure in which interior portions of the left speaker  80  are held in place and protected. One side of this housing  86  is designated as the face  87 . This face  87  preferably has a foraminous surface to facilitate sound waves passing therethrough. The face  87  is oriented toward the inner panel  24  of the headband  20 . This inner panel  24  is preferably sufficiently sound permeable so that sound waves from the left speaker  80  can pass through the face  87  in the housing  86 , and then through the inner panel  24  before passing into the ear E of the user U. 
     The right speaker  90  is similar in form to the left speaker  80 , including a post  94  preferably extending from a ring  98  surrounding a perimeter of a housing  96 , and with a face  97  on one side of the housing  96 . In fact, the right speaker  90  and left speaker  80  could most preferably be interchangeable with each other. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 9 , details of an alternative to the headband  20  form of the headgear assembly  10  is described. In this embodiment, the headband  20  is replaced with a cap  120 . The cap  120  is similar to the headband  20  except that the outer panel  20  is semi-spherical in form extending entirely over a head of the user. A lower edge  124  of the cap  120  is similar to the lower edge  28  of the headband  20 . Thus, this lower edge  124  includes an ear flair  126  adjacent where the ears of the user U are located. The outer panel  122  preferably extends all the way from the lower edge  124  up over the head of the user U. The outer panel  122  preferably also includes a window  128  similar to the window  55  of the headband  20 . This window  128  thus allows controls  62  on a sound player to be accessed through the outer panel  122  of the cap  120 . 
     This disclosure is provided to reveal a preferred embodiment of the invention and a best mode for practicing the invention. Having thus described the invention in this way, it should be apparent that various different modifications can be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention disclosure. When structures are identified as a means to perform a function, the identification is intended to include all structures which can perform the function specified. When structures of this invention are identified as being coupled together, such language should be interpreted broadly to include the structures being coupled directly together or coupled together through intervening structures. Such coupling could be permanent or temporary and either in a rigid fashion or in a fashion which allows pivoting, sliding or other relative motion while still providing some form of attachment, unless specifically restricted.