Patent Publication Number: US-8111861-B2

Title: Earbud that secures to the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an earphone, specifically an earphone that secures to the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear and has a removable decorative outer cap. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , compact, low profile, light-weight conventional earphones  5  are known that hold speakers (not shown) to a user&#39;s outer ears  2  and are connected by a wire  3  or wirelessly to a stereophonic, monophonic or binaural audio-frequency signal source such as an audio amplifier, radio, computer, compact disc player, MP3 player  4  or other media player. There are many different types of earphones  5 , with the listening situation and the needs of the listener determining what type of earphone  5  will be used. Generally, there are four types of headphones: circumaural, supra-aural, earbud or earphone  5 , and in-ear or canalphones. Circumaural headphones (not shown) have circular or ellipsoid earpads that fit around and over the ears  2  and block out virtually all outside noise. Circumaural headphones are commonly used in recording studios and among audio enthusiasts. However, circumaural headphones are bulky and are therefore undesirable when the user is actively moving, such as running, and when a certain level of outside noise needs to be heard, such as a car horn, oncoming traffic, alarms or airport announcements. Supra-aural headphones (not shown) have pads that sit on top of the ears  2 , rather than around them, such that a certain level of outside noise can be heard. However, supra-aural headphones do no stay attached to the ear  2 , unless a clip wraps around the ear  2  or head, and the bulky size also makes them visually unattractive. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C, earphones  5  fit in a cavity or pocket proximate an acoustic meatus  6  of the external ear  2  such that the earphone  5  remains in the ear  2 . The ear  2  includes a downwardly extending lobule  8  and a helix  9  that extends around the outer periphery of the ear  2 . A concha  10  extends generally horizontally across the ear  2 . An intertragic notch  11  is formed between an outwardly extending tragus  12  and an inwardly extending antitragus  13 . The intertragic notch  11 , the tragus  12  and the antitragus  13  extend around the periphery of the acoustic meatus  6  forming a pocket that directs sound into an ear canal  7 . Earphones  5 , such as those that are bundled with Apple&#39;s iPod® and other media devices, rest in the pocket formed between the tragus  12 , the antitragus  13  and the acoustic meatus  6 . Earphones  5  are headphones  1  of a smaller size that are placed directly outside of the ear canal  7 , but without fully sealing off the ear canal  7  such that outside noise can enter the ear canal  7  around the earphone  5 . Earphones  5  are generally inexpensive and are favored for their compact size, portability and convenience. However, because ears  2  differ greatly in size and shape between different users and the earphones  5  do not attach to the ear  2 , earphones  5  may unintentionally detach from a user&#39;s ear  2 . 
     Canalphones, also known as in-ear monitors, or IEMs, (not shown) have been developed that extend into and plug or seal the ear canal  7 . Canalphones are less likely to detach from a user&#39;s ear  2  as compared to earphones  5 , but they typically isolate the user from most outside noise which may be undesirable, and potentially dangerous, in certain instances as mentioned above. Also, unless the canalphone has a much more expensive custom fit, a universal canalphone may not comfortably fit within the uniquely shaped canal  7  of a user. 
     Because earphones  5  rest on the outside of the ear  2 , earphones  5  also serve as a fashion accessory. Because earphones  5  generally have the same low profile shape, the color of the earphone  5  is typically the only feature that an image conscious individual can alter to distinguish their earphones  5  from someone else or match their earphone  5  to an outfit, activity or artistic expression. 
     Further, conventional earphones  5  often have an open grille or vent holes  14  on the back of the earphone  5 , allowing sound waves to propagate out of the housing and freely away from the ear  2 . Earphones  5  with vent holes  14  or open canalphones usually have less sound distortion due to the lack of earcup resonances. However, some of the sound directed away from the ear is not heard and may result in decreased sound quality. 
     It would be desirable to provide an earphone that secures to the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear and more specifically has adjustable tragus arms for attaching to differently sized ears or for adjusting the tightness of the fit to an ear and/or has adjustable or replaceable resilient rings proximate the speaker cover. It would also be desirable to provide an earphone that has a removable decorative outer cap for changing the aesthetics of the earphone. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to an earphone for projecting sound into an ear that has an acoustic meatus, a tragus, an intertragic notch, an anti-tragus and a canal. The earphone includes a base positioned proximate an outer surface of the tragus and anti-tragus. A speaker housing extends from the base and at least partially contacts the acoustic meatus of the ear and includes a speaker cover positioned proximate the canal. At least one tragus lobe extends from the base and forms a space between the base and the speaker housing. The tragus or the anti-tragus extends into the space and is held between the at least one tragus lobe and the base when the earphone is mounted to the ear. 
     In another aspect, the invention is directed to an earphone for projecting sound into an ear having an acoustic meatus, a tragus, an intertragic notch, an anti-tragus and a canal. The earphone includes a base that is positioned proximate an outer surface of the tragus and anti-tragus when the earphone is mounted to the ear. A speaker housing at least partially contacts the acoustic meatus of the ear and includes a speaker cover positioned proximate the canal when the earphone is mounted to the ear. First and second tragus lobes extend from the base generally toward the speaker housing. The first and second tragus lobes are spaced from and positioned on generally opposite lateral sides of the speaker housing. The anti-tragus being held between the first tragus lobe and the base when the earphone is mounted to the ear and the tragus being held between the second tragus lobe and the base when the earphone is mounted to the ear. 
     In another aspect, the invention is directed to an earphone for projecting sound into an ear having an acoustic meatus, a tragus, an intertragic notch, an anti-tragus, a concha and a canal. The earphone includes a base that is positioned proximate an outer surface of the tragus and anti-tragus when the earphone is mounted to the ear. An initial cap is removably secured to a first portion of the base. The initial cap includes an exposed outer surface that has a decorative printed graphic, a decorative protrusion extending outwardly from the cap, a jewel and/or a light. A speaker housing extends from a second portion of the base. The speaker housing includes a speaker cover positioned proximate the canal and at least partially contacts the acoustic meatus of the ear when the earphone is mount to the ear. 
     In another aspect, the invention is directed to a decorative earphone kit that includes a first package that has a pair of earphones that each have a base positioned proximate an outer surface of a tragus and an anti-tragus when each earphone is mounted to an ear. Each earphone includes an interchangeable first cap that has an outer surface. Each first cap is removably and selectively secured to a first portion of each base. The first caps and the base are configured such that only one first cap can be secured to the base at one time. A speaker housing extends from a second portion of the base and at least partially contacts an acoustic meatus of an ear when the earphone is mounted to the ear. The decorative earphone kit includes a second package that has a pair of second caps that each has an outer surface that is different than the outer surface of the first caps. The second caps are removable from the second package and removably and selectively secured to the first portion of each base of the earphones from the first package. The second caps and the base are configured such that only one second cap can be secured to the base at one time. 
     In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of distributing a pair of earphones and a plurality of differently decorated caps for interchangeable use therewith. The method includes the steps of: placing two earphones each having a base and a removable first cap in a first package, each first cap having an exposed outer surface and being removably and selectively secured to a first portion of each base; shipping the first package to a retail establishment for sale; placing at least two second caps each having an exposed outer surface in a second package, the exposed outer surfaces of the second caps each having a different ornamental appearance than each of the exposed outer surfaces of the first caps; shipping the second package to the retail establishment; and displaying the first and second packages at the retail establishment to allow a user to purchase the first and second packages. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a conventional earphone and media player on a user as is known in the art; 
         FIG. 2A  is a left side elevational view of an ear as known in the art; 
         FIG. 2B  is left side elevational view of the ear shown in  FIG. 2A  with a conventional earphone mounted therein as is known in the art; 
         FIG. 2C  is a partial cross-section view of the ear and conventional earphone of  FIG. 2B  taken along line  2 C- 2 C of  FIG. 2B ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an earphone in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown mounted to a user&#39;s left ear; 
         FIG. 4  is a front side perspective view of the earphone shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear side perspective view of the earphone shown in  FIG. 3  having a first cap; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear side perspective view of the earphone shown in  FIG. 5  shown disassembled and with a second, interchangeable lobe assembly and a second interchangeable cap; 
         FIG. 7  is a front side perspective view of an earphone in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear side perspective view of the earphone shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear side perspective view of the earphone shown in  FIG. 7  shown disassembled and with third and fourth interchangeable tragus arms; 
         FIG. 10  is a front side perspective view of an earphone in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  a rear side perspective view of the earphone shown in  FIG. 5  shown disassembled and with a second, interchangeable ring and a second interchangeable cap; 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of an earphone kit having a first package that includes a pair of the earphones shown in  FIG. 3  and a second package that includes a pair interchangeable replacement caps; and 
         FIG. 13  a top plan view of an earphone kit having a first package that includes a pair of the earphones shown in  FIG. 10  and two pairs of interchangeable replacement rings and a second package that includes a pair interchangeable replacement caps. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the earphone and designated parts thereof. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout for the various embodiments, there is shown in  FIGS. 3-6  a first preferred embodiment of an earphone, generally designated  20 , in accordance with the present invention. The earphone  20  is used to projected sound into a user&#39;s ear canal  7 . The earphone  20  shown and described below is for use with a user&#39;s left ear  2 . An earphone (not shown) for use with the user&#39;s right ear  2  is preferably a mirror image of the earphone  20 . Two earphones  20  are preferably used together for listening to sound in stereo without disturbing others. However, the earphone  20  may be used as or in conjunction with any listening device such as a headset or a mobile mono-headset for use with a cell phone (not shown) or any other device. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the earphone  20  includes a speaker housing  22  for enclosing a speaker and electrical components (not shown) and a wire housing  24  for housing electrical wiring (not shown) extending from the speaker housing  22 . The wiring is encased in a protective sheath  26 . The speaker housing  22  and the enclosed electronics, the wire housing  24 , the sheath  26  and the wiring within the sheath  26  are similar to the respective components of the conventional earphone  5 . The speaker housing  22  and the wire housing  24  are preferably constructed of a molded, generally rigid, polymeric material and the sheath  26  is preferably constructed of a flexible polymeric material as is known in the art. The details of the components within the speaker and wire housings  22 ,  24  are known by one having ordinary skill and the art and further detail of the internal components of the speaker and wire housings  22 ,  24  is omitted for brevity purposes only and is not limiting. 
     The speaker housing  22  is preferably frusto-conically-shaped such that when the earphone  20  is mounted to an ear  2  ( FIG. 3 ), the speaker housing  22  at least partially contacts the acoustic meatus  6  between the tragus  12  and anti-tragus  13  of the ear  2  and the wire housing  24  extends through and rests on the intertragic notch  11  similar to the conventional earphone  5  (details of the ear shown in  FIGS. 2A and 3 ). The wire housing  24  preferably extends downwardly from a base  34  and the sheath  26  extends downwardly through the wire housing  24 . However, the wire housing  24  may be contained within the base  34  and may extend no further than the outer periphery of the base  24 . The wire housing  24  and the base  34  are preferably integrally molded, but the wire housing  24  and the base  34  may be separately formed. The speaker housing  22  may include one or more vent holes  28  to allow sound and air to enter and exit the rear of speaker housing  22  as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the speaker housing  22  includes a speaker cover  30  for allowing sound to project through the speaker housing  22  and toward and eventually into the ear canal  7 . The speaker cover  30  is constructed of a finely grated metallic screen or a porous polymeric screen as is generally known in the art. The speaker housing  22  also preferably includes a resilient ring  32  extending around the outer periphery of the speaker housing  22  at the largest diameter such that the resilient ring  32  at least partially contacts the ear  2 . The resilient ring  32  preferably reduces the pressure on the ear  2  as compared to the rigid polymeric material of the speaker housing  22 . The resilient ring  32  is preferably removably mounted to the speaker housing  22  such that the resilient ring  32  may be replaced by a new or differently sized resilient ring  32  and is held in place by a compress and grooved fit (not visible). The resilient ring  32  is preferably constructed of a rubber material but may be constructed of any elastomeric, resilient or pliant material, such as silicon or foam. Though it is preferred that the resilient ring  32  be ring-shaped, the resilient ring  32  may have any shape and may cover a larger portion of the speaker housing  22  with the exception of covering the speaker cover  30 . Similarly, the wire housing  24  may have a resilient component (not shown) or covering such that the intertragic notch  11  is in contact with the resilient component. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , the base  34  has an interior surface  34   a . The base  34  is preferably generally circular or cylindrical in shape but may have any shape such as conical, rectangular or semi-spherical. The interior surface  34   a  of the base  34  is preferably planar but the interior surface  34   a  may have any shape such as concave in shape or any desired shape for directing sound toward the ear  2 . The interior surface  34   a  of the base  34  is proximate the outer surface of the tragus  12  and the anti-tragus  13  when the earphone  20  is mounted to the ear  2 . The base  34  is preferably mounted to the speaker housing  22 , opposed from the speaker cover  30 , and may be removably or unremovably attached to the speaker housing  22  such that speaker housing  22  is positioned between the speaker cover  30  and the base  34 . The wire housing  24  and the base  34  are preferably co-molded and the speaker housing  22  is preferably separately welded or attached to the base  34  and/or the wire housing  24  with epoxy. Though it is preferred that the speaker housing  22  and the base  34  be sold as a single unit, the base  34  may be attached to the speaker housing  22  or wire housing  24  with an epoxy or snap fit such that the base  34  can be used in conjunction with a conventional earphone  5  to reduce the need for manufacturing and purchasing the components of the conventional earphone  5 . 
     The upper end of the base  34  also preferably includes a projection  44  extending generally perpendicularly from the base  34  toward the ear  2  between the first and second tragus arms  38 ,  40  and is opposed from the wire housing  24 . The projection  44  is preferably proximate the outer periphery of the base  34  and preferably proximate the vent holes  28  in the speaker housing  22 . The projection  44  is preferably used as a finger support while mounting the earphone  20  to the ear  2 . A user may grasp the base  34  of the earphone  20  between a thumb and middle finger and place an index finger on the projection  44  to press the housing  22  down into the ear  2 . 
     First and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  extend from the base  34  generally toward the speaker housing  22  to form a space on each side of the speaker housing  22  between the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  and the housing  22 . The first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  are spaced from the speaker housing  22  and are positioned on generally opposite lateral sides of the speaker housing  22  such that the tragus  12  extends between the speaker housing  22  and the second tragus lobe  42   b  and the anti-tragus  13  extends between the speaker housing  22  and the first tragus lobe  42   a  when the earphone  20  is mounted to the ear  2  (see  FIG. 3 ). The first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  preferably slightly hold or compress the respective tragus  12  and/or anti-tragus  13  between the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  and the housing  22  to more securely mount the earphone  20  to the ear  2  and prevent the earphone  20  from unintentionally disconnecting from the ear  2 . 
     The first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  are opposed from each other but are spaced around the outer periphery of the interior surface  34   a  such that the first tragus lobe  42   a  is closest to the wire housing  24 . The first tragus lobe  42   a  is preferably closest to the wire housing  24  because the intertragic notch  11  is typically at an angle with respect to a vertically held or upright head (See  FIGS. 2A and 3 ) and such a slant allows the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  to align with the tragus  12  and anti-tragus  13 , respectively. The first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  are preferably arcuate or generally crescent shaped to match the shape of the base  34  and to better fit against the tragus  12  and the anti-tragus  13 . The crescent shape of the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  allows the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  to wrap around the tragus  12  and anti-tragus  13  that either naturally extend away from the ear  2  at their distal ends or are urged outwardly from the ear  2  when the earphone  20  is mounted to the ear  2 . The first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  preferably extend a predetermined distance toward the speaker housing  22  to ensure a snug but comfortable fit against the tragus  12  and anti-tragus  13  within an ear  2 . That is, the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  preferably extend toward the speaker cover  30  to ensure that the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  contact the tragus  12  or the anti-tragus  13  and earphone  20  is removably held to the ear  2 . Thus, the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  help to hold the earphone  20  to the ear  2  and keep the speaker housing  22  in contact with the acoustic meatus  6  and proximate the ear canal  7 . However, only one of the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  may be provided to secure the earphone  20  to either the tragus  12  or the anti-tragus  13 . 
     The first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  may be moveable or adjustable with respect to the base  34  to customize the fit of the earphone  20  to an individual&#39;s ear  2 . The tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  are preferably arcuate or crescent-shaped to conform to the shape of the base  34 , fit comfortably and snugly to the ear  2  and potentially for impacting the acoustic performance, but the tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  may have any shape. The first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  are preferably constructed of an elastomeric, pliant and/or resilient material such as silicon to alleviate pressure on the tragus  12 , anti-tragus  13 , respectively, when the earphone  20  is mounted to an ear  2  but the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  may be constructed of any resilient material, such as foam, or may be constructed of a non-resilient material and may be integrally formed with the base  34 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  are preferably part of a removably mounted first lobe assembly  47 . However, the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  may be removably mounted directly to the base  34  or the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  may be integrally formed with the base  34 . The first lobe assembly  47  preferably includes a lobe plate  46  that connects and extends between the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b . The tragus lobe plate  46  is preferably constructed of a rigid material, such as metal, to add stiffness to the base  34  when assembled but the tragus lobe plate  46  may be constructed of any suitable material. Alternatively, the lobe plate  46  may be constructed of the same material as the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  to form an integrally formed first lobe assembly  47 . The tragus lobe plate  46  is connected to and may be co-molded to the tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b , but the tragus lobe plate  46  may be removably mounted or integrally formed with the tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  and/or the base  34  or the cap  58 . The first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  extend through holes  34   c  in the base  34  such that the lobe plate  46  contacts a rear surface  34   b  of the base  34  and the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  project from the front surface  34   a  of the base  34 . The holes  34   c  are preferably slightly smaller than the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  such that the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  are compression fit within the holes  34   c  and inserted through the rear surface  34   b . The first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  may be individually adjustable and/or removable with respect to the base  34  by any manner. For example, the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  may be press or snap fit onto protrusions (not shown) on an outer periphery of the front surface  34   a , slip or compression fit into features (not shown) that include an o-ring type of groove or slide inwardly into grooves from the outer periphery of the base  34  such that a user can customize the fit of the earphone  20  to the specific size and shape of their ear  2  and the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  sufficiently contact or hold the earphone  20  to the tragus  12  and/or the anti-tragus  13 . 
     The first lobe assembly  47  is preferably partially covered and secured to the base  34  by a removably and selectively mounted cap  58 . The rear surface  34   b  of the base  34  preferably includes a circular recess  48  around the outer periphery of the base  34 . The base  34  also preferably includes an access groove  56  proximate the circular recess  48  extending inwardly and positioned toward the top of the earphone  20 . The cap  58  preferably snap fits into the circular recess  48  such that the first lobe assembly  47  is held in place by the cap  58  and removable the cap  58  allows the first lobe assembly  47  to be removed. The cap  58  preferably retains the first lobe assembly  47  such that the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  do not unintentionally detach from the earphone  20 . The access groove  56  allows for insertion of a finger, coin or other object to pry or otherwise remove the cap  58  from the base  34 . The cap  58  is preferably similarly shaped to the base  34  and has a generally planar outer surface  58   a . However, the cap  58  may have any shape, the shape potentially extending past outer periphery of the base  34  and the cap  58  may have any shaped outer surface  58   a  such as conical or semi-spherical. The cap  58  is preferably replaceable such that the earphone  20  comes with or can be used with a variety of differently shaped or ornamental caps  58 ,  58 ′,  58 ″ ( FIGS. 6 ,  10  and  11 ). The cap  58  is preferably constructed of a polymeric material and may have a printed logo or graphic  62  as shown in  FIG. 3  or an embedded real or faux jewel  63  as shown in  FIG. 6 . However, the cap  58  may have any ornamental appearance and shape, and may contain any type of jewelry, a decorative protrusion extending outwardly, a flashing light or lights, furry or textured materials, an action figure or a cartoon character or any other decorative object or configuration. It is expected that differently decorated caps  58 ,  58 ′,  58 ″ will be included and/or sold separately as discussed further below so that end users can choose different decorative patterns for the earphones  20  depending on the attire or event of the day. 
     The earphone  20  preferably includes at least one interchangeable second lobe assembly  47 ′ that has third and fourth tragus lobes  42   a ′,  42   b ′. The third and fourth tragus lobes  42   a ′,  42   b ′ are similar to the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  except that the third and fourth tragus lobes  42   a ′,  42   b ′ are different in size or otherwise provide for a different space between the third and fourth tragus lobes  42   a ′,  42   b ′ and the speaker housing  22  than the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b . The first and second lobe assemblies  47 ,  47 ′ are preferably removably mounted to the base  34  such that differently shaped and or sized lobes  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   a ′,  42   b ′ can be mounted to the base  34 . Differently sized or shaped lobes  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   a ′,  42   b ′ may be desired to provide for a different fit to the ear  2  such as holding the tragus  12  or anti-tragus  13  more tightly between the speaker housing  22  and the tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b . That is, the earphone  20  can be provided with a second lobe assembly  47 ′ or additional lobe assemblies (not shown) that the user can switch between to find the best fit for retaining the earphone  20  in the ear  2 . The tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   a ′,  42   b ′ provide a more secure fit to the ear  2  as compared to conventional earphones  5 . Though it is preferred that the first and second lobe assemblies  47 ,  47 ′ be interchangeable, the lobe plate  46  may be fixedly attached or integrally formed with the base  34  and the differently shaped and or sized lobes  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   a ′,  42   b ′ may be removeably mounted to the base  34  or respective lobe plate  46 ,  46 ′. It is expected that two or more replaceable lobe assemblies  47 ′ will be included with the earphones  0  and/or sold separately as discussed further below. Though it is preferred that the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  are attached to form the first lobe assembly  47 , the first and second tragus lobes  42   a ,  42   b  may be separately attached. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7-9 , there is shown a second preferred embodiment of the earphone, generally designated  220 . The earphone  220  is generally similar to the earphone  20  except that the first and second tragus lobes  242  of the earphone  220  are mounted to separately removably mounted first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240 . 
     The earphone  220  includes a speaker housing  222  for enclosing a speaker and electrical components (not shown) and a wire housing  224  for housing electrical wiring (not shown) extending from the speaker housing  222 . The wiring is encased in a protective sheath  226 . The speaker housing  222  and the enclosed electronics, the wire housing  224 , the sheath  226  and the wiring within the sheath  226  are similar to the respective components of the conventional earphone  5 . The speaker housing  222  and the wire housing  224  are preferably constructed of a molded generally rigid polymeric material and the sheath  226  is preferably constructed of a flexible polymeric material as is known in the art. The details of the components within the speaker and wire housings  222 ,  224  are known by one having ordinary skill and the art and further detail of the internal components of the speaker and wire housings  222 ,  224  is omitted for brevity purposes only and is not limiting. 
     The speaker housing  222  preferably includes a frusto-conically-shaped head  222   a  and thinner, downwardly extending stem  222   b  such that the speaker housing  222  is generally shaped similar to a detachable sink or shower head. The shape of the speaker housing  222  is shaped such that when the earphone  220  is mounted to an ear  2  (see  FIG. 3 ), the head  222   a  at least partially contacts the acoustic meatus  6  between the tragus  12  and anti-tragus  13  of the ear  2  and the stem  222   b  extends through and rests on the intertragic notch  11  similar to the conventional earphone  5  (details of the ear shown in  FIGS. 2A and 3 ). The wire housing  224  extends downwardly from the stem  222   b  and the sheath  226  extends downwardly through the wire housing  224 . The wire housing  224  and the stem  222   b  are preferably formed of two separate components to facilitate assembly, but the wire housing  224  and the stem  222   b  may be integrally formed. When the earphone  220  is mounted to the ear  2 , stem  222   b  remains in contact with the intertragic notch  11  and the head  222   a  remains positioned in at least partial contact with the acoustic meatus  6  between the tragus  12  and anti-tragus  13 . The head  222   a  may include one or more vent holes  228  to allow sound and air to enter and exit the rear of speaker housing  222  as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. The wire housing  224  and/or the stem  222   b  may be contained within the base  234  and one or both may extend no further than the outer periphery of the base  224 . 
     The head  222   a  of the speaker housing  222  includes a speaker cover  230  for allowing sound to project through the speaker housing  222  and toward and eventually into the ear canal  7 . The speaker cover  230  is constructed of a finely grated metallic screen or a porous polymeric screen as is generally known in the art. The speaker housing  222  also preferably includes a resilient ring  232  extending around the outer periphery of the head  222   a  at the largest diameter such that the resilient ring  232  at least partially contacts the ear  2 . The resilient ring  232  preferably reduces the pressure on the ear  2  as compared to the rigid polymeric material of the speaker housing  222 . The resilient ring  232  is preferably removably mounted to the head  222   a  such that the resilient ring  232  may be replaced by a new or differently sized resilient ring  232  and is held in place by a compress and grooved fit (not visible). The resilient ring  232  is preferably constructed of a rubber material but the resilient ring may be constructed of any elastomeric, resilient or pliant material, such as silicon or foam. Though it is preferred that the resilient ring  232  be ring-shaped, the resilient ring  232  may have any shape such as entirely covering a larger portion of the head  222   a  with the exception of covering the speaker cover  230 . Similarly, the stem  222   b  may have a resilient component (not shown) or covering such that the intertragic notch  11  is in contact with the resilient component. 
     The earphone  220  includes a base  234 . The base  234  is preferably generally circular in shape but may have any shape such as conical, rectangular or semi-spherical. The interior surface  234   a  is preferably planar but the interior surface  234   a  may have any shape such as concave in shape or a specific shape for directing sound toward the ear  2 . The interior surface  234   a  is proximate the outer surface of the tragus  12  and the anti-tragus when the earphone  220  is mounted to the ear  2 . The base  234  is mounted to the speaker housing  222 , preferably the stem  222   b , and may be removably or unremovably attached to the speaker housing  222 . The base  234  may also be integrally molded with the speaker housing  222 . The base  234  includes a vertically extending groove  236  for complementarily receiving the stem  222   b . Though it is preferred that the speaker housing  222  and the base  234  be sold as a single unit, the base  234  may be attached to the stem  222   b  with an epoxy such that the base  234  can be used in conjunction with a conventional earphone  5  to reduce the need for manufacturing and purchasing the components of the conventional earphone  5 . 
     The base  234  supports a first tragus arm  238  and a second tragus arm  240 . The first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  extend in generally opposing radial directions. The first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  are spaced from the head  222   a  of the speaker housing  222  such that the tragus  12  extends between the head  222   a  and the first tragus arm  238  and the anti-tragus  13  extends between the head  222   a  and the second tragus arm  240  when the earphone  220  is mounted to the ear  2  (see  FIG. 3 ). As shown in  FIG. 6 , the groove  236  is preferably positioned at an angle with respect to the radial extension of the first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240 . The groove  236  is slanted with respect to the first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  because the intertragic notch  11  is typically at an angle with respect to a vertically held or upright head (See  FIGS. 2A and 3 ) and such a slant of the groove  236  allows the first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  to align with the tragus  12  and anti-tragus  13 , respectively. The first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  each include a lobe  242  extending generally perpendicularly from the base  234  toward the ear  2 . The lobes  242  preferably extend a predetermined distance to ensure a snug fit within an ear  2 . That is, the lobes  242  preferably extend to a depth that contacts the tragus  12  or the anti-tragus  13 . More particularly, the tragus  12  and anti-tragus  13  are pinched between the housing  222  and the lobes  242  to more securely hold the earphone  220  in the ear. Thus, the first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  and their corresponding lobes  242  help to hold the earphone  220  to the ear  2  and keep the head  222   a  of the speaker housing  222  in contact with the acoustic meatus  6  and proximate the ear canal  7 . The first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  may be sized to position or angle the earphone  220  to a predetermined position with respect to the ear  2 . 
     The upper end of the base  234  also preferably includes a projection  244  extending generally perpendicularly from the base  234  toward the ear  2  between the first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  and is opposed from the groove  236 . The projection  244  is preferably proximate the outer periphery of the base  234  and preferably proximate the vent holes  228  in the speaker housing  222 . The projection  244  may include a removable concha extension  246 . The projection  244  and concha extension  246  may help to direct sound from the vent holes  228 , and any other sound exiting from the speaker away from the ear canal  7 , back toward the vent holes  228  and/or toward the ear  2 . The projection  244  and concha extension  246  may also help to partially shield outside noises from entering the ear canal  7 . The concha extension  246  is preferably constructed of a resilient material such as rubber or silicon and may be replaceable to vary the length of the projection  244 . The concha extension  246  may alternatively be integrally formed with the projection  244 . The concha extension  246  preferably contacts the concha  10  of the ear  2  to change the acoustic properties of the ear and to help hold the earphone  220  in the ear. 
     The lobes  242 , the projection  244  and the concha extension  246  are preferably arcuate or crescent-shaped to conform to the shape of the base  234  and potentially for acoustic performance, but the lobes  242  and projection  244  and concha extensions may have any shape. The lobes  242  and the concha extension  246  are preferably constructed of an elastomeric material to alleviate pressure of the tragus  12 , anti-tragus  13  and the concha  10 , respectively, when the earphone  220  is mounted to an ear  2  but the lobes  242  and concha extension  246  may be constructed of any elastomeric or resilient material such as silicon or foam or may be constructed of a non-resilient material and integrally formed with the respective first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  or projection  244 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  are preferably removably mounted to the base  234  such that at least third and fourth tragus arms  238 ′,  240 ′ having differently shaped and or sized lobes  242 ′ can be mounted to the base  234 . Differently sized or shaped lobes  242 ′ may be desired to provide for a different fit to the ear  2  such as holding the tragus  12  or anti-tragus  13  more tightly between the head  222   a  and the lobes  242 . That is, the earphone  220  can be provided with different size sets of lobes  242 ,  242 ′ attached to the earphone  10  in any manner such that the user can switch between differently sized lobes  242 ,  242 ′ to find the best fit for retaining the earphone  220  in the ear. The lobes  242 ,  242 ′ provide a more secure fit over conventional earphones. The third and fourth tragus arms  238 ′,  240 ′ are similar in structure to the first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  as described further below. 
     The first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  have laterally extending and opposed rails  248 . A rear surface  234   b  of the base  234  preferably includes slots  252  for receiving and retaining the rails  248  of the first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240 . The rear surface  234   b  also includes a pair of indents  254  (only one shown) for receiving and retaining corresponding outwardly extending projections (not visible) of the first and second tragus anrs  238 ,  240 . The mating projections and indents  254  preferably create a slight snap fit such that a predetermined amount of force is required to insert and slide the rails  248  with respect to the slots  252  and either insert or remove the first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  from the base  234 . 
     When assembled, the rear surface  234   b  of the base  234  and first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  preferably form a circular recess  248  around the outer periphery of the base  234 . The base  234  also preferably includes an access groove  256  proximate the circular recess  246 . The base  234  preferably includes a cap  258  that has an outwardly extending rim (not visible) and a radially inwardly extending lip (not visible). The rim of the cap  258  preferably snap fits into the circular recess  248  such that the first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  are further held in place by the cap  258  and the cap  258  is releasably mounted to the base  234 . The cap  258  preferably retains the first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  such that the first and second tragus arms  238 ,  240  do not unintentionally detach from the earphone  220 . The access groove  256  allows for insertion of a finger, coin or other object to access a portion of the rim and pry the rim of the cap  258  from the base  234  to remove the cap  258  from the base  234 . The cap  258  is preferably similarly shaped to the base  234  and has a generally planar outer surface  258   a . However, the cap  258  may have any shape, may extend past the base  234  and the cap  258  may have any shaped outer surface  258   a  such as conical or semi-spherical. The cap  258  is preferably replaceable such that the earphone  220  comes with or can be used with a variety of differently shaped or ornamental caps  258 . The cap  258  is preferably constructed of a polymeric material and may have a printed logo or graphic  62  as shown in  FIG. 3  on the earphone  20  or other lettering or ornamental designs. However, the cap  258  may have any ornamental appearance and shape, and may contain any type of jewelry, a decorative protrusion extending outwardly, a flashing light or lights, furry or textured materials, an action figure or a cartoon character or any other decorative object or configuration. It is expected that, similar to the first embodiment, differently decorated caps  58 ,  58 ′,  58 ″ will be included and/or sold separately as discussed further below so that end users can choose different decorative patterns for the earphones  220  depending on the attire or event of the day. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 and 11 , there is shown a third preferred embodiment of the earphone, generally designated  320 . The earphone  320  is similar to the earphones  20  of the first preferred embodiment except that the first and second tragus lobes  342  of the earphone  220  are preferably fixedly mounted to the base  334  and the ring  332  is removably mounted to the speaker housing  322 . 
     The ring  332  is removably and selectively mounted to the speaker housing  322 . The ring  332  extends around the outer periphery of the speaker housing  322 , preferably at the largest diameter of the speaker housing  322  such that the ring  332  at least partially contacts the ear  2 . The ring  332  is preferably constructed of an elastomeric, resilient or pliant material such as rubber, silicon or foam but the ring  332  may be constructed of any suitable material that reduces the pressure on the ear  2  as compared to the rigid polymeric material of the speaker housing  322 . The ring  332  has an outer diameter OD and an inner diameter ID. The outer diameter OD of the ring  332  preferably extends outwardly further than any portion of the speaker housing  322  such that the ring  332  contacts the ear  2  rather than the speaker housing  322  contacting the ear  2 . The initial ring  332  is removably and selectively mounted to the speaker housing  322  such that the ring  332  may be replaced by a new ring  332  or differently sized replacement ring  332 ′. The replacement ring  332 ′ has an outer diameter OD′ and an inner diameter ID. The outer diameter OD′ of the replacement ring  332 ′ is preferably larger than the outer diameter OD of the initial ring  332  in order to provide a different fit within the ear  2  and more securely hold the tragus  12  and the anti-tragus  13  between the respective tragus lobe  342   b ,  342   a  and the speaker housing  322 . The inner diameter ID of the replacement ring  332 ′ is preferably generally equal to the inner diameter ID of the initial ring  332  such that either ring  332 ,  332 ′ may be held in place by a compression and grooved or snap fit onto a groove  322 ′ on the speaker housing  322 . An inwardly extending ridge  332   a ,  332   a ′ is preferably received into the groove  322   a . The rings  332 ,  332 ′ also preferably include an inwardly extending flange  332   b ,  332   b ′ that abuts the speaker housing  322  proximate the speaker cover  330  to prevent the rings  332 ,  332 ′ from being overly installed or slid past the groove  322   a . Additional replacement rings  332 ″ ( FIG. 13  for example and even further sizes/shapes not shown) may also be used and/or provided with the earphone  320  to allow the user to select the proper or most comfortable size for their particularly shaped ear  2 . Although it is preferred that the rings  332 ,  332 ′ be ring-shaped and have a similar shape to each other except for their outer diameter or size, the rings  332 ,  332 ′ may have any shape, including being differently shaped from each other, and may cover a larger portion of the speaker housing  322 . The rings  332 ,  332 ′ may form a partial circle rather than a complete ring such that the rings  332 ,  332 ′ only extend around a portion of the speaker housing  322  where the speaker housing  322  is most likely to contact the ear  2 . Additionally, the wire housing  324  may have a resilient component (not shown) or covering such that the intertragic notch  11  is in contact with the resilient component rather than in direct contact with the generally rigid material of the wire housing  324 . 
     The first and second tragus lobes  342   a ,  342   b  are preferably fixedly mounted or formed directly to the base  34 . However, The first and second tragus lobes  342   a ,  342   b  may be moveable or adjustable with respect to the base  334  to customize the fit of the earphone  320  to an individual&#39;s ear  2  and/or to interchange the first and second tragus lobes  342   a ,  342   b  with replacement tragus lobes (not shown). The first and second tragus lobes  342   a ,  342   b  may be moveably or removeably mounted to the base  334  as described for the first and second embodiments of the earphone  20 ,  220 . The adjustment or fit of the earphone  320  is preferably controlled by the size of the ring  332  rather than the size and/or position of the tragus lobes  342   a ,  342   b , although the tragus lobes  342   a ,  342   b  may be adjustable as well to provide increased customization to the size of a user&#39;s ear. 
     The earphone  320  preferably includes removeably and selectively mounted decorative caps  358 ,  358 ′ similar to the caps  58 ,  258  of the first and second embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the earphones  20 ,  220 ,  320  are preferably sold as a decorative earphone kit  64 . The earphone kit  64  preferably includes a first package  60  that contains a pair of earphones  20  and a pair of second lobe assemblies  27 ′. However, the pair of second lobe assemblies  27 ′ may be separately provided. The first package  60  is preferably a generally rigid transparent polymeric clam shell package as known in the art but the first package  60  may be constructed of any suitable material and have any configuration. The first package  60  may also include any number of interchangeable second caps  58 ′ and lobe assemblies  47 ,  47 ′ for use with the headphones  20 . However, the decorative earphone kit  64  preferably includes a separate second package  60 ′. The second package  60 ′ preferably includes a pair of interchangeable second caps  58 ′ but the second package  60 ′ may include any combination of caps  58 ,  58 ′ and/or lobe assemblies  47 ,  47 ′. The third second or replacement caps  58 ′ preferably include a real or faux jewel  63  to be interchange with the initial or first caps  58  but the second caps  58 ′ may have any differently decorative surface such that the user has an additional decorative cap option. The user preferably has a plurality of second packages  60 ′ to chose from in order to accessorize and customize their earphones  20  provided in the first package  60 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , an earphone kit  364 , similar to the earphone kit  64 , may be directed more specifically to the earphone  320  of the third embodiment. As a result, the first package  360  may include additionally interchangeable replacement rings  332 ′,  332 ″ for use with the earphones  320 . Preferably, the first package  360  includes two pairs of interchangeable replacement rings  332 ′,  332 ″ in addition to the initial rings  332  such that the earphones  320  has three possible assembled sizes. Though it is preferred that the first package  360  include three total pairs of rings  332 ,  332 ′,  332 ″, the first package  360  may include any number of rings  332  or components similar to the first package  60  described above. The replacement rings  332 ′,  332 ″ or additional replacement rings  332 ′,  332 ″ may be separately provided. 
     The earphone  20 ,  320  may be fully assembled within the first packages  60 ,  360  as shown or the first lobe assembly  47 , the initial rings  332  and cap  58 ,  358  may be initially detached from the base  34 ,  334  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 11 . The first and second packages  60 ,  60 ′,  360 ,  360 ′ preferably include a decorative and/or informative label  50 ,  350  that includes brand markings and product information (not shown). 
     The earphone kit  64  is preferably sold by packaging the earphones  20 ,  220 ,  320  and corresponding accessories, such as replacement caps  58 ,  58 ′, replacement rings  332 ′,  332 ″ and/or assemblies  47 ,  47 ′, and then shipping the first package  60  to a retail establishment (not shown) for sale to an end user. The second package  60 ′ is shipped either separately or together with the first package  60  to the retail establishment. The retail establishment then displays the first and second packages  60 ,  60 ′ at the retail establishment to allow a user to purchase the first and second packages  60 ,  60 ′. A user may buy the first package  60 , the user may mix and match the first and second packages  60 ,  60 ′ during an initial purchase to purchase the decorative earphone kit  64  or the user may separately buy the second package  60 ′ to interchange the caps  58 ,  58 ′, replacement rings  332 ″,  332 Δ and/or lobe assemblies  47 ,  47 ′ with a pre-owned earphone  20 ,  220 ,  320 . The earphone kit  64 , the first package  60 , or a separately sold second package  60 ′, may also be directly shipped to the user through a telephone or internet purchase. 
     The earphones  220 ,  330  of the second and third embodiments may be packaged and sold in a similar manner as described and shown for the earphones  20  and may be configured such that components for one earphone  20 ,  220 ,  320 , such as the caps  58 ,  58 ′,  258 ,  358  for example, are used interchangeably between the various earphones  20 ,  220 ,  320 . 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. The tragus arms  238 ,  240  for example, could be directly connected to the head  222   a  as part of a molding process. Similarly, the tragus arms  238 ,  240  could be movable with respect to the head  222   a  for adjustment without providing differently sized and interchangeable parts. Further, the removable caps  58 ,  58 ′,  58 ″ may also be adapted for use with earphones  5  not including a lobe assemblies  47 ,  47 ′ or tragus arms  238 ,  240 . It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.