Patent Description:
This disclosure relates generally to speaker assemblies for headphone devices, headphone devices including such speaker assemblies, and related methods. More specifically, disclosed embodiments relate to speaker assemblies for headphone devices including tactile bass vibrators configured to generate tactile vibrations that may be sensed by persons using the headphone devices, wherein the tactile bass vibrators may not be powered by a dedicated amplifier.

Conventional portable audio systems often include a headphone that is connected to a media player (e.g., by one or more wires or by wireless technology). Conventional headphones may include one or more speaker assemblies having an audio driver that produces audible sound waves with a diaphragm. Some speaker assemblies may further include another audio driver that produces audible sound waves and tactile vibrations. Such audio drivers may conventionally be powered by a dedicated amplifier to enable the audio drivers to produce the tactile vibrations. For example, headphone devices incorporating audio drivers that produce tactile vibrations and are powered by a dedicated amplifier are disclosed in <CIT>, and titled "SPEAKERS, HEADPHONES, AND KITS RELATED TO VIBRATIONS IN AN AUDIO SYSTEM, AND METOHDS FOR FORMING SAME". In addition, headphone devices incorporating such audio drivers are commercially available from Skullcandy, Inc. , of Park City, UT, under the trademark SKULLCRUSHERS®.

Embodiments according to the invention are defined by the claims. The dependencies or references back in the attached claims are chosen for formal reasons only. However any subject matter resulting from a deliberate reference back to any previous claims (in particular multiple dependencies) can be claimed as well.

The present disclosure includes a headphone device comprising a headband sized and shaped to rest on a user's head, and an ear cup at each of two ends of the headband. The ear cups are located proximate a user's ears when the user wears the headband. Each ear cup supports a speaker assembly within an internal cavity defined by a housing of each ear cup. Each of the speaker assemblies includes an audio speaker configured to produce audible sound in response to receiving an audio signal at the audio speaker, and a tactile bass vibrator distinct from the audio speaker. The tactile bass vibrator is configured to produce tactile vibrations in response to receiving the audio signal at the tactile bass vibrator. The tactile bass vibrator is connected to the audio speaker. In some embodiments, a current divider is operatively connected to the audio speaker and the tactile bass vibrator. In some embodiments, the current divider provides greater electrical resistance to flow of current to the audio speaker than to flow of current to the tactile bass vibrator.

The present disclosure includes a headphone device including a headband sized and shaped to rest on a user's head, and an ear cup attached to the headband at each of two ends of the headband utilizing a headband attachment structure of the ear cup. The ear cups are located proximate a user's ears when the user wears the headband. Each ear cup supports a speaker assembly within an internal cavity defined by a housing of each ear cup. Each speaker assembly includes an audio speaker configured to produce audible sound in response to receiving an audio signal at the audio speaker, and a tactile bass vibrator distinct from the audio speaker. In some embodiments, the tactile bass vibrator includes a vibration member configured to produce tactile vibrations in response to receiving the audio signal at the tactile bass vibrator. The tactile bass vibrator is operatively connected to the audio speaker. In some embodiments, a circumference of the vibration member of the tactile bass vibrator intersects with a circumference of the headband attachment structure of the ear cup, and the headband attachment structure extends into a cutaway void defined by the vibration member.

In yet additional embodiments, the present disclosure includes a method of forming a speaker assembly for a headphone device. In accordance with such a method, an audio speaker is configured to produce audible sound in response to receiving an audio signal at the audio speaker. A tactile bass vibrator distinct from the audio speaker is operative connected to the audio speaker. The tactile bass vibrator is configured to produce tactile vibrations in response to receiving the audio signal at the tactile bass vibrator. In some embodiments, a current divider is operatively connected to the audio speaker and the tactile bass vibrator. In some embodiments, the current divider provides greater electrical resistance to flow of current to the audio speaker than to flow of current to the tactile bass vibrator.

A headphone device comprises the features of claim <NUM>.

In particular embodiments, each speaker assembly lacks a dedicated amplifier to power the tactile bass vibrator.

In particular embodiments, the headphone device further comprises a current divider operatively connected to the audio speaker and the tactile bass vibrator, the current divider configured to permanently provide greater electrical resistance to flow of current to the audio speaker than to flow of current to the tactile bass vibrator.

In particular embodiments, the current divider comprises a resistor in an electrical flow path directly connected to the audio speaker.

In particular embodiments, a resistance of the current divider in an electrical flow path directly connected to the audio speaker is about <NUM>Ω or greater, especially <NUM>Ω or greater.

In particular embodiments, the headphone device further comprises a switch in an electrical flow path directly connected to the tactile bass vibrator.

In particular embodiments, a resonant frequency of the tactile bass vibrator is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, especially between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In particular embodiments, the audio speaker and the tactile bass vibrator are located adjacent to one another within the ear cup.

In particular embodiments, a central axis of the audio speaker and a central axis of the tactile bass vibrator are collinear, and a surface of the audio speaker contacts a surface of the tactile bass vibrator. In particular embodiments, a maximum combined thickness of the tactile bass vibrator and the audio speaker in a direction parallel to the central axis of the tactile bass vibrator is about <NUM> or less.

In particular embodiments, a maximum thickness of a rigid portion of the housing as measured in a direction parallel to the geometrical central axis of the respective ear cup is about <NUM> or less.

In particular embodiments, a central axis of the headband attachment structure at least substantially aligns with the geometrical central axis of the ear cup.

In particular embodiments, a line passing through a thickness of the attachment structure in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the geometrical central axis of the earcup intersects with a combined thickness of the audio speaker and the tactile bass vibrator.

A method of forming a speaker assembly for a headphone device comprises the features of claim <NUM>.

In particular embodiments, the method further comprises supporting a current divider operatively connected to the audio speaker and the tactile bass vibrator within the housing, the current dividing comprising a resistor in an electrical flow path directly connected to the audio speaker.

In particular embodiments, the method further comprises positioning a switch in an electrical flow path directly connected to the tactile bass vibrator.

In particular embodiments, the method further comprises refraining from operatively connecting a dedicated amplifier to power the tactile bass vibrator.

In particular embodiments, the method further comprises rendering a central axis of the audio speaker and a central axis of the tactile bass vibrator collinear and contacting a surface of the audio speaker to a surface of the tactile bass vibrator when supporting the audio speaker and the tactile bass vibrator within the housing.

In particular embodiments, the method further comprises positioning a central axis of the headband attachment structure to at least substantially align with the geometrical central axis of the ear cup.

In particular embodiments, the method further comprises positioning the audio speaker and the tactile bass vibrator such that a line passing through a thickness of the attachment structure in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the geometrical central axis of the earcup intersects with a combined thickness of the audio speaker and the tactile bass vibrator.

In particular embodiments, a headphone device comprises:.

In particular embodiments, each speaker assembly comprises:.

In particular embodiments, a or the current divider is operatively connected to the audio speaker and the tactile bass vibrator, the current divider providing greater electrical resistance to flow of current to the audio speaker than to flow of current to the tactile bass vibrator.

In particular embodiments, a resistance of the current divider in an electrical flow path directly connected to the audio speaker is about <NUM>Ω or greater.

In particular embodiments, the resistance of the current divider in the electrical flow path directly connected to the audio speaker is about <NUM>Ω or greater, especially <NUM>Ω or greater.

In particular embodiments, the speaker assembly lacks a dedicated amplifier to power the tactile bass vibrator.

In particular embodiments, the housing of each ear cup comprises a headband attachment structure defined by the housing, wherein a pivoting portion of the headband attachment structure intersects with a geometrical central axis of the housing.

In particular embodiments, a method of forming a speaker assembly for a headphone device comprises:.

In particular embodiments, operatively connecting the current divider to the audio speaker and the tactile bass vibrator the current divider comprises positioning a resistor in an electrical flow path directly connected to the audio speaker.

In particular embodiments, the method further comprises refraining from operatively connecting a dedicated amplifier to power the tactile bass vibrator to the speaker assembly.

In particular embodiments, the method further comprises positioning each of the audio speaker, the tactile bass vibrator, and the current divider within an internal cavity defined by a housing, wherein the housing comprises a headband attachment structure defined by the housing, wherein a pivoting portion of the headband attachment structure intersects with a geometrical central axis of the housing.

While this disclosure concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming specific embodiments, various features and advantages of embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may be more readily ascertained from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The illustrations presented in this disclosure are not meant to be actual views of any particular apparatus or component thereof, but are merely idealized representations employed to describe illustrative embodiments. Thus, the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

Disclosed embodiments relate generally to speaker assemblies for headphone devices including tactile bass vibrators configured to generate tactile vibrations that may be sensed by persons using the headphone devices, wherein the tactile bass vibrators may not be powered by a dedicated amplifier. More specifically, disclosed are embodiments of speaker assemblies including an audio speaker configured to produce audible sound and a distinct tactile bass vibrator configured to produce tactile vibration, which may include a current divider to control flow of electrical power to the audio speaker and the tactile bass vibrator.

A "speaker" is defined herein as an acoustic device configured to contribute to the generation of sound waves, such as with the reproduction of speech, music, or other audible sound. A speaker may also produce tactile vibrations that may be felt by a person. Thus, a speaker may include a tactile bass vibrator. A tactile bass vibrator may also be referred to as a transducer, a driver, a shaker, etc..

A "bass frequency" is a relatively low audible frequency generally considered to be within the range extending from approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>. For purposes of this disclosure, a "low bass frequency" refers to bass frequencies that may be felt as well as heard. Such low bass frequencies may be within the range extending from approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a simplified view of an audio system <NUM> including a headphone device <NUM> configured to passively generate vibrations is shown. The headphone device <NUM> may include one or more audio speakers <NUM> and one or more tactile bass vibrators <NUM>. For example, the headphone device <NUM> may include left-side and right-side audio speakers <NUM> and left-side and right-side tactile bass vibrators <NUM>. The audio speakers <NUM> may be distinct from the tactile bass vibrators <NUM>.

The audio speakers <NUM> are configured to generate audible sound in response to receiving an audio signal at the audio speakers <NUM>. More specifically, the audio speakers <NUM> may be configured to generate, for example, audible sound in at least high and midlevel audible frequencies in response to receiving an audio signal at the audio speakers <NUM>. As a specific, nonlimiting example, a resonant frequency of the audio speakers <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. The tactile bass vibrators <NUM> are configured to generate tactile vibrations in response to receiving the audio signal at the tactile bass vibrator <NUM>. More specifically, the tactile bass vibrators <NUM> may be configured to generate, for example, tactile vibrations (e.g., at least at bass frequencies or low bass frequencies) and audible sound in response to receiving the audio signal at the tactile bass vibrator <NUM>. As specific, nonlimiting examples, a resonant frequency of the tactile bass vibrators <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM> or between about <NUM> and about <NUM> (e.g., between about <NUM> and about <NUM>). Thus, the audio speakers <NUM> may be sized and configured primarily for emitting audible frequencies in the high and midlevel audible frequencies, while the tactile bass vibrators <NUM> may be sized and configured primarily for emitting audible frequencies in the bass and low bass frequencies.

The left-side and right-side audio speakers <NUM> and left-side and right-side tactile bass vibrators <NUM> may be configured as, for example, over-the-ear, on-ear, in-concha, or in-ear earphones. The left-side and right-side audio speakers <NUM> and left-side and right-side tactile bass vibrators <NUM> may be located within housings <NUM> of the headphone device <NUM>. In embodiments where the headphone device <NUM> exhibits an over-the-ear or an on-ear configuration, the housings <NUM> may define left-side and right-side ear cups <NUM> of the headphone device <NUM>. The headphone device <NUM> includes a headband <NUM> supporting the ear cups <NUM>, sized and shaped to rest on a user's head, and positioning the ear cups <NUM> proximate (e.g., over or on) the user's ears, when using the headphone device <NUM>.

The headphone device <NUM> may be operatively connectable to a media player <NUM> to receive audio signals from the media player <NUM>. For example, a wiring assembly <NUM> electrically connected to the audio speakers <NUM> and tactile bass vibrators <NUM> of the headphone device <NUM> may extend from one or both of the ear cups <NUM> and include an audio connector <NUM> (e.g., a male audio jack) for connecting the headphone device <NUM> to the media player <NUM>. As another example, the headphone device <NUM> may be wirelessly connectable to the media player <NUM>, such as, for example, using BLUETOOTH® technology. In such an example, the headphone device <NUM> may include a power source (e.g., a battery), which may be located within the housing <NUM> of one or both of the ear cups <NUM>, to provide electrical power to the wireless connection, the audio speakers <NUM>, and the tactile bass vibrators <NUM>.

The media player <NUM> may be, for example, any device configured for connecting to the headphone device <NUM> and sending audio signal signals to the headphone device <NUM>. For example, the media player <NUM> may include a mating audio connector <NUM> (e.g., a female audio jack, a wireless connector, such as, for example, BLUETOOTH®, etc.), a control circuit <NUM> (e.g., a processor), a memory device <NUM> (e.g., flash memory), and user input devices <NUM> (e.g., a touchscreen, buttons, switches, etc.). As specific, nonlimiting examples, the media player <NUM> may be a portable digital music player, a tablet device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a video game console (e.g., a portable video game console), an in-car infotainment system, a laptop or desktop computer, or a stereo system.

In embodiments where the headphone device <NUM> is operatively connected to the media player <NUM> by a wiring system <NUM> extending from the headphone device <NUM> to the media player <NUM>, the media player <NUM> may be the sole source of electrical power for the headphone device <NUM>. For example, the headphone device <NUM> may lack any battery or amplifier to provide additional electrical power to the audio speakers <NUM>, the tactile bass vibrators <NUM>, or both. More specifically, the headphone device <NUM> may be, for example, free of dedicated batteries and amplifiers for boosting the electrical power level of audio signals sent to the tactile bass vibrators <NUM>.

In embodiments where the headphone device <NUM> is wirelessly connected to the media player <NUM>, there may be only a single power source, or a single power source per ear cup <NUM>, to provide electrical power to the headphone device <NUM>. For example, the headphone device <NUM> may lack any dedicated amplifier to provide additional electrical power to the audio speakers <NUM>, the tactile bass vibrators <NUM>, or both. More specifically, the headphone device <NUM> may be, for example, free of dedicated amplifiers for providing additional electrical power to the tactile bass vibrators <NUM>.

The headphone device <NUM> may include one or more current dividers <NUM> operatively connected to the audio speakers <NUM> and the tactile bass vibrators <NUM>. For example, a current divider <NUM> may be located within the housing <NUM> of each ear cup <NUM> and operatively connected to the audio speaker <NUM> and tactile bass vibrator <NUM> of the respective ear cup <NUM>. The current dividers <NUM> may be configured to provide greater electrical resistance to flow of current to the audio speakers <NUM> than to flow of current to the tactile bass vibrators <NUM>. By ensuring a greater proportion of the available current flows to the tactile bass vibrators <NUM>, the current dividers <NUM> may enable the tactile bass vibrators <NUM> to produce tactile vibrations without the provision of additional electrical power (e.g., utilizing a dedicated battery or amplifier).

<FIG> is a simplified block diagram of a speaker assembly <NUM> of the headphone device <NUM> of <FIG>. The speaker assembly <NUM> may be located within the housing <NUM> of each ear cup <NUM> of the headphone device <NUM> of <FIG> to convert audio signals <NUM> received at the speaker assembly <NUM> to audible sound and a tactile vibration. The speaker assembly <NUM> includes an audio speaker <NUM> (e.g., an audio driver) configured to emit sound at audible frequencies, and an additional, distinct tactile bass vibrator <NUM> configured to emit audible sound at bass frequencies (e.g., low bass frequencies) and to generate tactile vibrations within the ear cups <NUM> (see <FIG>) that may be felt by the user.

The speaker assembly <NUM> may include a current divider <NUM> configured to receive input audio signals <NUM> and transmit a first split audio signal <NUM> to the audio speaker <NUM> and a second split audio signal <NUM> to the tactile bass vibrator <NUM>. The current divider <NUM> may provide, for example, electrical resistance such that an electrical power of the first split audio signal <NUM> may be less than an electrical power of the second split audio signal <NUM>. More specifically, the current divider <NUM> may provide electrical resistance in the electrical flow path from the input audio signal <NUM> to the first split audio signal <NUM> and may not provide any electrical resistance in the electrical flow path from the input audio signal <NUM> to the second split audio signal <NUM>. As specific, nonlimiting examples, the current divider <NUM> may position one or more resistors <NUM> in the electrical flow path from the input audio signal <NUM> to the first split audio signal <NUM> and may not position any resistors in the electrical flow path from the input audio signal <NUM> to the second split audio signal <NUM>, such that an electrical resistance of the current divider in an electrical flow path directly connected to the audio speaker is about <NUM>Ω or greater or about <NUM>Ω or greater (e.g., by positioning one, <NUM>Ω resistor or two, <NUM>Ω resistors in series in the electrical flow path from the input audio signal <NUM> to the first split audio signal <NUM>).

In some embodiments, the speaker assembly <NUM> may lack any filtering elements to alter the range of frequencies in the first and second split audio signals <NUM> and <NUM> with respect to the input audio signal <NUM>. For example, the range of frequencies in the first split audio signal <NUM> may be at least substantially equal to the range of frequencies in the second split audio signal <NUM>. More specifically, the first split audio signal <NUM> and the second split audio signal <NUM> may both include, for example, high, midlevel, bass, and low bass frequencies. A primary difference between the first split audio signal <NUM> and the second split audio signal <NUM> may be an electrical power of the first split audio signal <NUM> and the second split audio signal <NUM>. For example, a quantity of current in the first split audio signal <NUM> may be less than a quantity of current in the second split audio signal <NUM>. Differences in detectable frequencies emitted from the audio speaker <NUM> and the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> may result from differences in the acoustic characteristics of the audio speaker <NUM> and the tactile bass vibrator <NUM>, rather than differences between the first split audio signal <NUM> and the second split audio signal <NUM>. For example, the audio speaker <NUM> may generate a greater quantity of detectable, audible sound in high and midlevel frequencies, and the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> may generate a greater quantity of detectable, audible sound in bass and low bass frequencies, despite the audio speaker <NUM> and the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> receiving first and second split audio signals <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, exhibiting at least substantially similar frequency ranges.

In other embodiments, the speaker assembly <NUM> may include one or more filtering elements (e.g., low-pass, high-pass, etc.) such that the first split audio signal <NUM> includes medium to high frequencies (i.e., non-bass frequencies), while the second split audio signal <NUM> includes bass frequencies. In some such embodiments, at least some of the frequencies of the first split audio signal <NUM> and the second split audio signal <NUM> may at least partially overlap. For example, the audio speaker <NUM> may be configured to emit some bass frequencies that are further enhanced by the tactile bass vibrator <NUM>. The filtering elements may be passive filters, such that they do not require additional power from a dedicated power source (e.g., a dedicated battery or amplifier). For example, the sole power source for the filtering elements may be the media player <NUM> (see <FIG>) connected to the headphone device <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The speaker assembly <NUM> may include a switch <NUM> in the electrical flow path from the input audio signal <NUM> to the second split audio signal <NUM>. The switch <NUM> may enable a user to start and stop receiving tactile vibrations from the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> by closing and opening the switch <NUM>. The switch <NUM> may be directly electrically connected to the tactile bass vibrator <NUM>, such that the switch <NUM> is positioned between the current divider <NUM> and the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> along the electrical path taken by the second split audio signal <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the headphone device <NUM> of <FIG>. Specifically, <FIG> depicts a portion of an ear cup <NUM> of the headphone device <NUM> of <FIG>. The housing <NUM> of the ear cup <NUM> may define an internal cavity <NUM> within which at least a portion of the speaker assembly <NUM> may be located. For example, at least the audio speaker <NUM>, the tactile bass vibrator <NUM>, and the current divider <NUM> of the speaker assembly <NUM> may be located within the internal cavity <NUM> defined by the housing <NUM>.

The tactile bass vibrator <NUM> and the audio speaker <NUM> may be sufficiently small to enable the ear cup <NUM> to exhibit a low profile while still enabling generation of tactile vibrations. The audio speaker <NUM> and the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> may be located adjacent to one another within the ear cup <NUM>. For example, a central axis of the audio speaker <NUM> and a central axis of the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> may be collinear, and a surface of the audio speaker <NUM> may contact a surface of the tactile bass vibrator <NUM>. A maximum combined thickness T<NUM> of the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> and the audio speaker <NUM> in a direction parallel to a central axis of the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> may be, for example, about <NUM> or less. More specifically, the combined thickness T<NUM> of the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> and the audio speaker <NUM> may be, for example, about <NUM> or less. As a specific, nonlimiting example, a combined thickness T<NUM> of the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> and the audio speaker <NUM> may be about <NUM> or less. A maximum thickness T<NUM> of a rigid portion of the housing <NUM> (e.g., excluding any ear cushions connected to the housing <NUM>) as measured in a direction parallel to a geometrical central axis <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may be, for example, about <NUM> or less. More specifically, the thickness T<NUM> of the rigid portion of the housing <NUM> may be, for example, about <NUM> or less. As a specific, nonlimiting example, the thickness T<NUM> of the rigid portion of the housing <NUM> may be about <NUM> or less.

The housing <NUM> defines a headband attachment structure <NUM> at an exterior of the ear cup <NUM> to enable the ear cup <NUM> to be attached to a headband <NUM> (see <FIG>). The headband attachment structure <NUM> includes an arcuate surface defining a pivoting portion <NUM> of the headband attachment structure, which may enable the ear cup <NUM> to pivot for adjustment relative to the headband <NUM> (see <FIG>). The pivoting portion <NUM> of the headband attachment structure intersects with the geometrical central axis <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, which may reduce differences in clamping pressure between an upper half and a lower half of the housing <NUM> when the ear cup <NUM> is attached to a headband <NUM> (see <FIG>) utilizing the headband attachment structure <NUM>. More specifically, a central axis of the headband attachment structure <NUM> may, for example, at least substantially align with the geometrical central axis <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The audio speaker <NUM> and the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> are offset from the geometrical central axis <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, the geometrical central axis <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may not intersect with the audio speaker <NUM> and the tactile bass vibrator <NUM>. As a result, a thickness T<NUM> of the headband attachment structure <NUM> as measured in a direction parallel to the geometrical central axis <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may, for example, overlap longitudinally with the combined thickness T<NUM> of the audio speaker <NUM> and the tactile bass vibrator <NUM>. More specifically, a line passing through the thickness T<NUM> of the headband attachment structure <NUM> in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the geometrical central axis <NUM> of the housing <NUM> intersects with the combined thickness T<NUM> of the audio speaker <NUM> and the tactile bass vibrator <NUM>. By longitudinally offsetting the audio speaker <NUM> and the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> from the headband attachment structure <NUM>, the thickness T<NUM> of the housing <NUM> is reduced.

<FIG> is a side view of an ear cup <NUM> of the headphone device <NUM> of <FIG>. The switch <NUM> of the speaker assembly <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be accessible at the exterior of the housing <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> may define an access port <NUM> at the exterior of the housing <NUM> through which the switch <NUM> may be accessible for manual operation by a user. More specifically, the switch <NUM> may at least partially extend through the access port <NUM> such that a user is not required to access an interior of the housing <NUM> to manipulate the switch <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear view of the ear cup <NUM> of <FIG>. The ear cup <NUM> may define viewing ports <NUM> in the housing to enable a user to see at least a portion of the internal components of the ear cup <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of a vibration member <NUM> (e.g., a diaphragm or spring) or the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> may be viewable through the viewing ports <NUM>. The vibration member <NUM> may be configured to vibrate such that its vibrations are felt in a tactile manner by a user in contact with the ear cup <NUM>. When it is said that the resonant frequency of the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM> or between about <NUM> and about <NUM> (e.g., between about <NUM> and about <NUM>), what is meant is that a resonant frequency of the vibration member <NUM> of the tactile bass vibrator <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM> or between about <NUM> and about <NUM> (e.g., between about <NUM> and about <NUM>).

A circumference of the vibration member <NUM> may intersect with a circumference of the headband attachment structure <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, a portion of the headband attachment structure <NUM> may extend into a cutaway void <NUM> defined by the vibration member <NUM>, which may accommodate the headband attachment structure <NUM> within what would otherwise have been the periphery of the vibration member <NUM>. More specifically, the cutaway void <NUM> defined by the vibration member <NUM> may render an otherwise circular periphery of the vibration member <NUM> noncircular.

Claim 1:
A headphone device (<NUM>), comprising:
a headband (<NUM>) sized and shaped to rest on a user's head; and
an ear cup (<NUM>) secured by an attachment structure (<NUM>) at each of two ends of the headband (<NUM>), the ear cups (<NUM>) being located proximate a user's ears when the user wears the headband (<NUM>), each ear cup (<NUM>) supporting a speaker assembly (<NUM>) within an internal cavity (<NUM>) defined by a housing (<NUM>) of each ear cup (<NUM>), each speaker assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
an audio speaker (<NUM>) configured to produce audible sound in response to receiving an audio signal at the audio speaker (<NUM>); and
a tactile bass vibrator (<NUM>) distinct from the audio speaker (<NUM>), the tactile bass vibrator (<NUM>) being configured to produce tactile vibrations in response to receiving the audio signal at the tactile bass vibrator (<NUM>), the tactile bass vibrator (<NUM>) being operatively connected to the audio speaker (<NUM>); and
wherein a pivoting portion (<NUM>) of the attachment structure (<NUM>) of each ear cup (<NUM>) intersects with a geometrical central axis (<NUM>) of the respective ear cup (<NUM>) and the audio speaker (<NUM>) and tactile bass vibrator (<NUM>) do not intersect with the geometrical central axis (<NUM>) of the respective ear cup (<NUM>), and
wherein the headband attachment structure (<NUM>) includes an arcuate surface defining the pivoting portion (<NUM>), enabling the ear cup (<NUM>) to pivot for adjustment relative to the headband (<NUM>),
wherein the audio speaker (<NUM>) and the tactile bass vibrator (<NUM>) are offset from the geometrical central axis (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>), wherein, by offsetting the audio speaker (<NUM>) and the tactile bass vibrator (<NUM>) from the headband attachment structure (<NUM>), the thickness (T2) of the housing (<NUM>) is reduced.