Abstract:
A configurable audio system for use in a plurality of different settings includes a set of speaker assemblies that can be attached, detached and reattached to a plurality of different accessories configured for use in specific settings (e.g., ski goggles, or conventional headphones). In one implementation, each accessory comprises a set of engagement assemblies for detachably receiving the set of speaker assemblies. For example, a strap on a pair of goggles can comprise a set of engagement assemblies affixed in-line with the strap. By contrast, a traditional headphone band can comprise a pair of engagement assemblies that extend from each opposing end of the traditional headphone band. In either case, each engagement assembly of the goggle strap or the traditional headphone band is configured in size and shape to attach to, and detach from, each speaker assembly, as desired.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, International Application Ser. No. PCT/US2009/065926, filed on Nov. 25, 2009 and titled “Interchangeable Headphone Audio System,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/117,866, filed on Nov. 25, 2008 and titled “INTERCHANGEABLE GOGGLE AND HEADPHONE AUDIO SYSTEM,” both of which are hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure is generally related to portable audio systems and to interchangeable headphone audio systems in particular. 
     2. Background and Relevant Art 
     Conventional portable audio systems often include a pair of headphones that are connected to a media player (e.g., with one or more wires). Due to advances in portable audio system technology, users have an increased desire and ability to use the portable audio system in a variety of settings. For example, many portable audio systems are now lightweight, small, and have a much greater media storage capacity than prior portable audio systems. Moreover, many media players allow a user to customize the media selection, such as to suit the user&#39;s mood and/or the activity the user is pursuing. Thus, it is increasingly common for users to use portable audio systems when engaging in a variety of indoor as well as outdoor activities. 
     It is increasingly common for outdoor enthusiasts to use portable audio systems. For example, skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and mountain climbers may desire to listen to audio media when participating in their respective outdoor activities. With conventional portable audio systems, the user may favor smaller, in-the-ear style headphones when participating in outdoor activities, because helmets, ski goggles, ear protectors, and headbands can easily fit over the in-the-ear style headphones. 
     Although the user gains portability during outdoor activities with in-the-ear style headphones, the user may sacrifice sound quality and comfort as in-the-ear headphones may provide poor audio quality and/or be uncomfortable. Moreover, in-the-ear style headphones may fall out of the user&#39;s ear during participation in the outdoor activity, thus frustrating the user and preventing the user from enjoying the portable audio system during the activity. 
     Due to the disadvantages with in-the-ear style headphones, the user may choose to use larger, over-the-ear style headphones when not participating in outdoor activities. For example, a user may use the over-the-ear headphones in a home, school, or office environment. The over-the-ear style headphones may provide better sound quality and comfort for indoor use, but typically the over-the-ear style headphones are not compatible with outdoor activities because helmets, ski goggles, ear protectors, and headbands may interfere with the use of over-the-ear headphones. 
     Therefore, although the user uses the same media player in both instances (e.g., in outdoor and home environments), the user will likely need at least two different sets of headphones for the two different use environments. In particular, it is not uncommon for users of portable audio systems to have several different sets of headphones, each of which are used in a different environment. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Implementations of the present invention comprise devices, systems, and methods, for using interchangeable headphones in connection with a variety of different use environments. In particular, example implementations of the invention provide a single set of interchangeable headphones that a user can wear while participating in outdoor activities, or, alternatively, in more casual environments, such as the home or office, thus eliminating the need for the user to own multiple sets of headphones. Accordingly, a user of the interchangeable headphones can use the same, preferred set of headphones in virtually any environment while performing virtually any activity. 
     For example, an audio system configured for interchanging a plurality of speaker assemblies onto a variety of different accessories can include a first set of engagement assemblies attached to a first apparatus that is configured in size and shape to be worn about the head of a user. The audio system can also include a second set of engagement assemblies attached to a second apparatus that is configured in size and shape to be worn about the head of the user. In both cases, the first and second set of engagement assemblies is configured to be positioned about a user&#39;s ears when the user is wearing either the first or second apparatus. In addition, the audio system can include a plurality of speaker assemblies configured in size and shape to removably attach to either of the first set of engagement assemblies or the second set of engagement assemblies, and to connect to a media player. 
     In addition, a kit configured to use a single set of speaker assemblies in a wide range of settings can include a set of two speaker assemblies. Each speaker assembly in the set can include a housing having at least two recesses defined therein, and a local socket ending proximate to the speaker assembly and being removably coupled to a wire harness. The kit can also include a set of goggles having a strap comprising two engagement assemblies affixed in-line with the strap. Each engagement assembly for the goggles can include at least one engagement ring. In addition, the kit can include a headband comprising a set of two engagement assemblies extending from the headband. Each engagement assembly for the headband includes opposing arms. In both the goggle and headband cases, each of the engagement assemblies are configured in size, shape, and material to flexibly snap into or out of the at least two recesses of each speaker assembly in the set. 
     Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an artistic rendering of interchangeable headphones associated with snowboard goggles according to an implementation of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates the rendering illustrated in  FIG. 1A , but associated with a headband according to an implementation of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates various example components of the interchangeable headphones with respect to an association with snowboard goggles; 
         FIGS. 2B and 2C  illustrate example implementations of the wired connection between example interchangeable headphones and an example media player; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an exploded view of an engagement assembly according to an implementation of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an assembled view of an engagement assembly shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates an front view of an engagement assembly shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a partial perspective view of speakers and engagement assemblies according to an implementation of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a more detailed view of a speaker and an engagement assembly according to an implementation of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate an example implementation of a speaker assembly according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a partial perspective view of speakers and an engagement assembly according to an implementation of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates additional details of the speaker and engagement assembly shown in  FIG. 6A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Implementations of the present invention comprise devices, systems, and methods, for using interchangeable headphones in connection with a variety of different use environments. In particular, example implementations of the invention provide a single set of interchangeable headphones that a user can wear while participating in outdoor activities, or, alternatively, in more casual environments, such as the home or office, thus eliminating the need for the user to own multiple sets of headphones. Accordingly, a user of the interchangeable headphones can use the same, preferred set of headphones in virtually any environment while performing virtually any activity. 
     The interchangeable headphones described below can include various graphic designs, logos, colors, shapes, decoration, artwork and the like that add to the overall aesthetic of the interchangeable headphones. In particular, a designer can design the interchangeable headphones to match corresponding accessories to which the interchangeable headphones attach. Moreover, a user can mix and match various designs and styles of the interchangeable headphones with various designs and styles of accessories to create a unique appearance and feel depending on the mood or activity in which the user is participating. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate a user  10  using an example portable audio system  12 . The portable audio system  12  can include a media player. As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the user can place the media player within the user&#39;s clothing such that the media player is not visible while in use. In one example implementation, the media player is an MP3 player, or similar digital media playing device, configured to store, process, and communicate media content. Other example embodiments of media players include wireless phones, cell phones, CD players, cassette players, or any other media playing device. 
     In addition to the media player, the portable audio system  12  may further include interchangeable headphones  14 . The interchangeable headphones  14  can be configured to interchange between various accessories such that the user can use the same interchangeable headphones  14  in various environments. In particular,  FIG. 1A  illustrates the user  10  employing the interchangeable headphones  14  when snowboarding. As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the interchangeable headphones  14  can be associated with the user&#39;s sports accessories, for example, goggles  16 . Associating the interchangeable headphones  14  with the user&#39;s goggles  16  allows the user to listen to audio media while reducing or eliminating peripheral headbands. Moreover, such a configuration can provide for a comfortable and natural fit, as well as an overall seamless appearance, which can enhance the outdoor experience by allowing users to listen to media with a high degree of comfort and good sound quality. 
     In contrast,  FIG. 1B  illustrates the user  10  employing the same interchangeable headphones  14  in a casual setting. As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the interchangeable headphones  14  can also be associated with a traditional headphone band  18 . Associating the interchangeable headphones  14  with the traditional headphone band  18  allows the user  10  to employ the same set of interchangeable headphones  14  when in an environment that does not require the goggles  16 , such as at home or in the office. Thus, the ability of the interchangeable headphones  14  to interchange with various accessories can reduce or eliminate the need for the user  10  to purchase and store several different headphone models and styles to accommodate varying use environments. 
     Although  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate the interchangeable headphones  14  associated with accessories that include goggles  16  and the traditional headphone band  18 , the present invention is not limited to such specifically-illustrated implementations. In other example implementations, the interchangeable headphones  14  can be associated with various other accessories depending on the use environment. For example, in addition to the implementations shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the interchangeable headphones  14  can be associated with sunglasses, helmets, beanies, hoods, coat collars, sweatbands, hats and any other piece of equipment or clothing a user might wear while participating in a particular activity. Moreover, the interchangeable headphones  14  can be associated with various styles of headbands in addition to the traditional headband  18 . For example, the interchangeable headphones  14  can be associated with around-the-neck headbands, behind-the-head headbands, and any other style or configuration of headband. 
     As will be discussed in more detail below, a user can easily and efficiently interchange the interchangeable headphones  14  between the various accessories. For example, the interchangeable headphones  14  can be configured to seamlessly interchange between the goggles  16  illustrated in  FIG. 1A  and the traditional headband  18  illustrated in  FIG. 1B . In other words, the interchangeable headphones  14  can be disconnected and removed from the goggles  16 , for example, and subsequently connected to the traditional headband  18 . In at least one implementation, no additional tool is needed to affect the disconnection and connection of the interchangeable headphones  14 . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates one example implementation in which the portable audio system  12  that includes a media player  40  and the interchangeable headphones  14  that are associated with the goggles  16 . The interchangeable headphones  14  can include speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  that receive an audio signal from the media player  40  and transform the audio signal into sound waves audible to a human ear. In one example implementation, the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  can have an over-the-ear configuration, as shown in  FIG. 2A . In alternative implementations, however, the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  can have an on-the-ear configuration, or an in-the-ear configuration. Moreover, the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  can be configured to not rest on or in the ear; rather, the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  can be positioned simply near enough to the ear to allow the user to hear the sound waves produced from the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b.    
     Notwithstanding the style or configuration of the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b , the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  can be connected to the media player  40  to receive an audio signal, as mentioned above.  FIG. 2A  illustrates one example implementation where the speaker assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  can be connected (or are connectable) to the media player  40  by way of an electrical wire(s). In particular,  FIG. 2A  illustrates one example implementation of an electrical wire configuration that can be used to communicably connect the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  with the media player  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , the speaker assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  can be operatively connected to local wires  30   a  and  30   b , respectively, with each local wire  30   a ,  30   b  including a female socket  32   a  and  32   b . The female sockets  32   a ,  32   b  are configured to be selectively connected to a main wire  37 . For example, a user can connect the main wire  37  to the media player  40  with a plug  36  on a first end, and connect the main wire  37  to the local wires  30   a ,  30   b  on a second end. In one example implementation, the main wire  37  can split into two single wires  38   a  and  38   b , each of which comprise a male connector  39   a  and  39   b  on the end thereof. The male connectors  39   a  and  39   b  are configured to selectively connect with the female sockets  32   a  and  32   b , respectively, thus completing the wired connection between the media player  40  and the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b.    
     In general, the male connectors  39   a  and  39   b , illustrated as conventional audio jack plugs, can be any size, including one-eighth inch and one-quarter inch jacks. Of course, in alternative implementations, one will appreciate that male connectors  39   a  and  39   b  can also comprise other electrical connector interfaces, including USB, Fire Wire, i-Link, or other electrical connector interfaces. In any case, and however configured, when the male connectors  39   a  and  39   b  are coupled to the female sockets  32   a  and  32   b , and the plug  36  is received by the media player  40 , a wire path is formed between the media player  40  and the speaker assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  for transmitting and/or receiving audio signals. 
     The electrical wire configuration, illustrated in  FIG. 2A , provides the user with several benefits when using the interchangeable headphones  14 . For example, the local wires  30   a  and  30   b  are relatively short such that when disconnected from the main wire  37 , the local wires  30   a  and  30   b  do not get tangled or snagged on the user&#39;s clothing or equipment. Moreover, the female sockets  32   a  and  32   b  allow a user to decouple the local wires  30   a  and  30   b , and thus the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b , from the main wire  37  and associated media player  40 . This allows a user to easily place the media player  40  within clothing, such as a snowboarding jacket, and then connect the media player  40  to the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  without having to run the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  through the clothing. 
     In addition to the above benefits, a manufacturer/engineer can configure the female sockets  32   a  and  32   b  and the male connectors  39   a  and  39   b  to provide a sufficient connection tension such that the female sockets  32   a  and  32   b  do not disconnect from the male connectors  39   a  and  39   b  while in use. For example, when a user is participating in an outdoor activity, such as snowboarding, a part of the wire path may become snagged or may pull due to the user&#39;s movements. Thus, the connection tension between the female sockets  32   a ,  32   b  and the male connectors  39   a ,  39   b  can be configured to resist disconnecting upon becoming snagged or pulled due to the user&#39;s movements. At the same time, a manufacturer/engineer can calibrate the connection tension such that the user can purposely disconnect the female sockets  32   a ,  32   b  from the male connectors  39   a ,  39   b  when desired. The manufacturer/engineer can calibrate the connection tension by varying slip tolerances between the female sockets  32   a ,  32   b  and male connectors  39   a ,  39   b  and/or providing a latch or similar feature. 
     In addition to the electrical wire configuration explained above, and illustrated in  FIG. 2A , a manufacturer/engineer can use other electrical wire configurations to communicably connect the media player  40  to the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b . For example, in an alternative embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the local wires  30   a  and  30   b  can join together and end in a single female socket  32 . In this implementation, the main wire  37  does not split, but rather is a single wire that ends in a single male connector  34  and is configured to connect with the single female socket  32 . 
     Moreover, in another implementation, and as illustrated in  FIG. 2C , an manufacturer/engineer can make a direct electrical connection  31  between the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b , such that it is necessary to only have one local wire  30  that can extend from speaker assembly  15   a  and connect to the main wire  37 . Various other wire configurations can be employed, depending on the overall configuration of the media player  40  and interchangeable headphones  14 . 
     Although  FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate implementations where the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  have electrically wired connections to the media player  40 , an alternative implementation can have a wireless configuration. For example, a manufacturer/engineer can configure the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  with one or more wireless transceivers for receiving communication from, and/or sending communications to, a wirelessly enabled media player  40 . One will appreciate that the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  can employ one or more wireless communication protocols, including BLUETOOTH® or alternative wireless communication protocols. 
     Regardless of whether the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  utilize a wired or wireless configuration, one or both of the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  can incorporate a microphone configured to transmit the user&#39;s voice. In one example implementation, there can be a wired dongle that is separate or in-line with the local wire(s)  30   a  and/or  30   b . In another implementation, the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  can integrally incorporate the microphone within the actual speaker assembly  15   a  and/or  15   b.    
     In any event, a user can use the microphone to transmit their voice, i.e., through an audio signal, from the microphone to the media player  40 . The microphone feature is especially useful when the media player  40  is a wireless phone or cell phone, for example, since the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  and microphone can function as a wireless phone headset to allow the user to make and place a call on the wireless phone. 
     In addition to the above described connections/connectors,  FIG. 2A  further illustrates an implementation in which the interchangeable headphones  14  are associated with goggles  16 . In particular, the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  are coupled to the goggle strap  20  in a location that substantially aligns with the user&#39;s ear when the user wears the goggles  16 . In one example implementation, the goggle strap  20  can include a flexible material that can provide a comfortable fit for the user (i.e., conforming about the user&#39;s head) while helping maintain the goggles  16  in place on the user&#39;s face and the speaker assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  in place relative to the user&#39;s ears. 
     As mentioned above, the interchangeable headphones  14  can be associated with various other accessories other than goggles  16  (e.g., sunglasses, helmets, beanies, hoods, coat collars, sweatbands, and hats). In these other example implementations, the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  can be associated with the various other accessories in a similar manner as with the goggles  16 . In particular, the interchangeable headphones  14  can connect to the various accessories in an integral configuration, using a portion or portions of the accessory&#39;s natural configuration to support the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b.    
     For example, a manufacture/designer can integrate the interchangeable headphones  14  into the sides of a beanie or helmet such that the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b , when coupled to the beanie or helmet, align with the user&#39;s ears. Alternatively, a strap, such as the one illustrated in  FIG. 2A , can be added to the beanie or helmet to support the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b . However configured, each implementation provides the ability for a user to snap a particular speaker assembly into and out of a given engagement assembly. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate in more detail example components used to retain the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  ( FIGS. 2A-2C ) when sewn in line with goggle strap  20 . As discussed above, these components may be employed with a variety of example accessories, but for purposes of explanation, the components will be discussed with respect to the goggle strap  20 . In particular,  FIG. 3A  illustrates an exploded view of one implementation of an engagement assembly (i.e.,  25   a ). As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , this implementation of engagement assembly  25   a  generally includes side portions  45   a  and  45   b . The side portions  45   a ,  45   b  have openings  47   a ,  47   b  defined therein. The openings  47   a ,  47   b  provide access to an engagement ring  50  that may be secured between side portions  45   a  and  45   b.    
     The side portions  45   a ,  45   b  can vary from one implementation to the next. For example, the material of the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  can vary. In one example implementation, the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  are made from a vinyl or similar type of material. Alternative side portions  45   a ,  45   b  materials include leather or fabric. In one example implementation, the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  can be made from the same material as the strap  20 . 
     Depending on the type of side portion  45   a ,  45   b  material, the manner of connection of the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  to the goggle strap  20  can vary from one implementation to another. For example, and as illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  of  FIG. 3A  can be connected to the strap  20  using stitching  57 . In particular, the stitching  57  can use a thread of material that passes through the side portion  45   a , through the strap  20 , and through the side portion  45   b  to secure side portions  45   a ,  45   b  to the strap  20  and to the secure the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  together. In alternative implementations, the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  can connect to the strap  20  with an adhesive, rivets, or any other similar methods or devices. In still further implementation, the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  can be configured to slide on or clip to a pre-existing strap  20  (e.g.,  FIGS. 5A and 5B ). Further, it will be appreciated that the goggle strap  20 , and the side portions  45   a ,  45   b , can be combined in any suitable manner that places the engagement assembly  25   a  in-line with the goggle strap  20 . 
     In addition to varying the manner of connection of the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  to the strap  20 , the geometric configuration of the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  may also vary. For example, and as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  include the opening  47   a ,  47   b , which is substantially circular. In other implementations, the opening  47   a ,  47   b  may have an alternative geometric configuration, such as oval or square shaped. Moreover, and as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the opening  47   a ,  47   b  can be configured to match the geometric configuration of the engagement ring  50 . 
     As mentioned above, the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  secure the engagement ring  50 . In general, the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  securely attach the engagement ring  50  to the strap  20 , and the engagement ring  50  securely engages the speaker assemblies  15   a  or  15   b  ( FIG. 2A-2C ). Thus, the speaker assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  are securely associated with the strap  20 . 
     The manner in which the engagement ring  50  attaches to the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  can vary from one implementation to the next. For example, and as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3C , the engagement ring  50  can include an inner portion  52  and an outer portion  53  that are connected together by tabs  54  that create a gap  58  between the inner portion  52  and the outer portion  53 . Bands of fabric  59  or other material can then be looped through the gap  58  between the inner portion  52  and the outer portion  53 . The bands of fabric  59  are positioned between the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  and stitched into place in flaps of side portions  45   a ,  45   b , such as by way of inner stitching  56  shown in  FIG. 3B . In alternative embodiments, the engagement ring  50  can attach to the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  using adhesives, rivets, clips, or other similar techniques. 
     Just as the attachment of the engagement ring  50  to the strap  20  can vary, so too can the manner in which the speaker assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  engage the engagement ring  50 . In one example implementation, the engagement ring  50  includes posts  55   a  (see  FIG. 3A ) that extend inwardly from the inner portion  52 . For example, the side portions  45   a ,  45   b  can be positioned relative to the engagement ring  50  such that at least a portion of the posts  55   a  extend into each of the openings  47   a ,  47   b . Such a configuration provides access to the posts  55   a  to allow a user to attach a speaker assembly  15   a  thereto (shown in  FIG. 2C ). 
     The engagement ring  50  can be formed of a flexibly resilient material to thereby allow the engagement ring  50  to flex and/or expand when a user is attaching a speaker assembly  15   a  or  15   b  to the engagement ring  50 . Flexibly resilient materials can include, without limitation, plastic materials, metals, or other materials, as well as combinations thereof. 
     Just as the material of the engagement ring  50  can vary, so too can the number and positions of the engagement posts  55   a . For example, and as illustrated in  FIG. 3A through 3C , the engagement ring  50  can include two engagement posts  55   a  positioned directly across from one another and located on a substantially horizontal plane with respect to the strap  20 . In alternative implementations, the engagement ring  50  can include more or fewer engagement posts  55   a , and those engagement posts  55   a  can have almost any position with respect to other engagement posts and be located anywhere on the inner portion  52  of the engagement ring  50 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate an example engagement between speaker assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  and the engagement assemblies  25   a ,  25   b  in accordance with at least one implementation of the present invention. In particular,  FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate that the speaker assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  can each include a housing  60   a ,  60   b . As shown, recesses  65   a  and  65   b  are defined in each of the housings  60   a  and  60   b , respectively. The recesses  65   a  and  65   b  are configured to receive the posts  55   a  and  55   b , and to secure the posts  55   a  and  55   b  within the recesses  65   a  and  65   b  until the user removes the speaker assemblies  15   a  and  15   b  from the engagement assemblies  25   a  and  25   b.    
     According to one implementation, to connect the speaker assembly  15   a  to the engagement assembly  25   a , the user positions one of the recesses  65   a ,  65   b , such as recess  65   a , adjacent to post  55   a . The user then inserts the post  55   a  into the recess  65   a . The user can then move the other post  55   a  proximate to the corresponding recess  65   a  and apply a force to the engagement ring  50  such that the engagement ring  50  deflects slightly, allowing the other post  55   a  to be inserted into the recess  65   a . The user can then release the force, thus allowing the engagement ring  50  to deflect back to a rest position to thereby secure both the posts  55   a  in the recesses  65   a  (e.g., completing a “snap-fit”). A similar process can be used to couple the other speaker assembly  15   b  to the other engagement assembly  25   b.    
     To decouple the speaker assembly  15   a  from the engagement assembly  25   a , the user can apply a force to the engagement ring  50  such that the engagement ring  50  deflects sufficiently to allow the user to move one of the posts  55   a  out of engagement with the corresponding recess  65   a  in the housing  60   a . The user can then pivot the speaker assembly  15   a  away from the engagement assembly  25   a  and remove the other post  55   a  from the other recess  65   a  such that the entire speaker assembly  15   a  is removed from the engagement assembly  25   a . One will appreciate that a user can decouple the posts  55   a  in any order or manner. 
     The implementation discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 3A through 4B  show only one example of a configuration of connecting the speaker assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  to the engagement assemblies  25   a ,  25   b . In alternative embodiments, for example, various other configurations and techniques can be used to achieve a secure connection between the speaker assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  and the engagement assemblies  25   a ,  25   b . For example, in another implementation the speaker assemblies can include posts that are configured to engage recesses that are located in the engagement ring. In another example, the speaker assemblies can include one or more magnets that correspond to one or magnetic surfaces on the engagement ring. Moreover, various types of clips or securing devices can be incorporated to secure the speaker assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  to the engagement assemblies  25   a ,  25   b.    
     Specifically,  FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate one example implementation that includes a clip  68   a  that is located on the speaker assembly  15   a . In particular, the clip  68   a  is positioned on the back of the housing  60   a  such that the clip  68   a  can slide over the strap  20 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . In one implementation, the clearance between the clip  68   a  and the housing  60   a  is such that a user must apply a force sufficient to deflect the clip  68   a  slightly away from the housing  60   a  in order to slide the strap  20  between the clip  68   a  and the housing  60   a . Once the user positions the strap  20  between the clip  68   a  and the housing  60   a , the user can release the force and the clip  68   a  will securely grip the strap  20  between the clip  68   a  and the housing  60   a.    
     Notwithstanding the manner in which the speaker assemblies are connected to the engagement assemblies, other accessories can be designed with the same or similar engagement assemblies such that a user can associate the speaker assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  with several different accessories. For example,  FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate the how a user can associate the speaker assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  with a traditional headphone band. In one example implementation, the traditional headphone band  18  includes a flexible headband  80  configured to conform about a user&#39;s head, and an engagement assembly  25   c ,  25   d  coupled to the headband  80 . Each engagement assembly  25   c ,  25   d , in turn, includes opposing arms  70   c  and  70   d , respectively. The opposing arms  70   c ,  70   d  include posts  55   c  and  55   d , respectively. 
     As with the engagement ring  50 , discussed in  FIGS. 3A to 4B , the opposing arms  70   c ,  70   d  can be formed of a flexible material (e.g., flexible rubber, plastics, metals, and combinations thereof) to allow the opposing arms  70   c ,  70   d  to be deflected away from each other. Moreover, and also similar to the engagement ring  50 , the posts  55   c ,  55   d  can engage a corresponding recess  65   a ,  65   b  in the speaker housing  60   a ,  60   b , much like as described with respect to  FIGS. 3A through 4B . For example, either or both of the opposing arms  70   c ,  70   d  can then be deflected to allow each of the posts  55   c ,  55   d  to be secured to the speaker assembly  15   c ,  15   b . Either or both of the opposing arms  70   c ,  70   d  can be deflected to decouple the opposing arms  70   c ,  70   d  from the speaker assembly  15   c ,  15   b . Accordingly, the speaker assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  can be selectively coupled to the traditional headphone band  18  for a user to enjoy the media content from the media player  40  in a more casual setting. 
     One will appreciate, therefore, that implementations of the present invention can enable a user to effectively use one preferred style or fit of headphones in a variety of locations and environments. Specifically, the primarily over-the-ear style headphones illustrated or described herein can be easily replaced with other forms, styles, and/or fits of speaker assemblies. In sum, all that is required is that the chosen speaker assemblies of any given headphone have the same style or configuration of engagement assemblies for connecting with a headband, a set of goggles, or various other accessories. 
     On the one hand, this can allow a user to avoid having to purchase several different headphones for use with the same media player as part of a portable audio system. On the other hand, this can similarly allow the user to purchase multiple different styles and fits of interchangeable headphones with which the user can interchange with any accessory. For example, the user may prefer a particular look or fit of speaker assembly about the user&#39;s ear, and similarly have several different styles or fits of straps  20  on a set of goggles (or the like), and/or several different styles or fits of headbands  80 . The user can then mix and match the look and feel of speaker assemblies with any particular (and appropriately configured) engagement assembly  25   a - 25   d.    
     The present invention thus can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.