Patent Description:
Wireless headsets deliver sound to the ear. Most wireless headsets include an earbud that is placed into the ear canal opening. Ear buds can inhibit or prevent the user from hearing the speech of others and environmental sounds. Also, earbuds send a social cue that the user is unavailable for interactions with others.

Embodiments may include one of the following features.

The sound-emitting opening can be located anteriorly of and proximate the tragus of the ear. The sound-emitting opening may be pointed at the tragus. One or both of the two separate spaced contact locations may be defined by a compliant cushion member that is configured to contact the ear root proximate the upper portion of the helix. The two separate spaced contact locations may be substantially diametrically opposed. One contact location may be proximate the otobasion inferius.

Embodiments may include one of the above and/or below features.

The body may be configured to contact at least one of the outer ear and the portion of the head that abuts the outer ear, at three separate spaced contact locations. The first and second contact locations may be proximate the upper portion of the outer ear helix. A third contact location may be proximate the otobasion inferius. The third contact location may be in an ear root dimple located just posteriorly of the otobasion inferius. The body may be compliant at the body portions that define each of the three contact locations.

The body may be configured to contact the ear root region at a plurality of separate spaced contact locations. A first contact location may be proximate the upper portion of the helix of the outer ear, and a second contact location may be adjacent to the otobasion inferius. The body may be compliant at both body portions that define both the first and second contact locations. A third contact location may be proximate the first contact location, such that the first and third contact locations are configured to contact the ear root region on opposite sides of the ear root ridge proximate the upper portion of the helix. The first and third contact locations may be defined by a compliant cushion member that is configured to contact the ear root region proximate the upper portion of the helix. The second contact location may be defined by a cushion member that comprises an arc-shaped surface that is configured to contact the ear root region. The body may further comprise a compliant spring member that extends from the cushion member and is configured to contact the ear root region or outer ear proximate the otobasion inferius.

The body may extend generally along an arc that extends for at least <NUM> degrees. The body may be configured to contact the ear root region at a plurality of locations along the ear root from proximate the otobasion superius to proximate the otobasion inferius. The body may have an out of plane curvature along its extent. The out of plane curvature may be constructed and arranged such that the body portion proximate the otobasion inferius is laterally offset from the body portion proximate the otobasion superius.

The body may comprise a first compliant portion that is configured to contact at least one of the outer ear and the portion of the head that abuts the outer ear at a contact location that is proximate the upper portion of the outer ear helix. The body may extend generally along an arc, and the first compliant portion may have an out of plane curvature along its extent. The first compliant portion may define a bend along a length of the first compliant portion, and the first compliant portion may be configured to be flattened when the body is worn on or abutting the ear of the user to create forces that pull the acoustic module toward the user's head.

Embodiments may include one of the above and/or features.

The body may extend generally along an arc, and the body may comprise first and second compliant portions at different locations along a length of the body. The first compliant portion may be configured to contact at least one of the outer ear and the portion of the head that abuts the outer ear at a first contact location that is proximate the upper portion of the outer ear helix. The second compliant portion may be substantially diametrically opposed to the first compliant portion. The second compliant portion may be part of a pivoting arm with an end portion that is configured to be moved relative to the first compliant portion, to accommodate different head shapes. There may also be a third compliant portion that may be between the first and second compliant portions.

The body may comprise a twist that displaces a portion of the audio device body from the user's head. One of the body contact locations may comprise a spherical member that is configured to be located in the user's ear root dimple. The acoustic module may be configured to be moved relative to the body. The acoustic module may be configured to pivot relative to the body.

In another aspect, an audio device includes a body configured to be worn on or abutting an outer ear of a user, and an acoustic module carried by the body and configured to locate a sound-emitting opening anteriorly and proximate the tragus of the user's ear when the body is worn on or abutting the ear of the user. The body is configured to contact the ear root region at a plurality of separate contact locations, wherein a first contact location is proximate the upper portion of the helix of the outer ear, and a second contact location is adjacent to and posterior of the otobasion inferius, wherein the body is compliant at portions that define the first and second contact locations, and wherein a third contact location is proximate the first contact location, such that the first and third contact locations are configured to contact the ear root region on opposite sides of the ear root ridge proximate the upper portion of the helix.

In another aspect, an audio device includes a compliant body configured to be worn on or abutting an outer ear of a user, and an acoustic module carried by the body and configured to locate a sound-emitting opening anteriorly and proximate the tragus of the user's ear when the body is worn on or abutting the ear of the user. The body extends generally along an arc that extends for at least <NUM> degrees, wherein the body is configured to contact the ear root region at a plurality of locations along the ear root region, from proximate the otobasion superius to proximate the otobasion inferius, wherein the body has an out of plane curvature along its extent that is constructed and arranged such that the body portion proximate the otobasion inferius is laterally offset from the body portion proximate the otobasion superius.

An audio device, such as a wireless headset, that delivers sound close to an ear canal opening but does not block or obstruct the ear canal. The audio device is carried by the ear using a structure that has compliance such that it lightly clamps on the ear. The device is able to remain in place even as the user moves the head.

Exemplary audio device <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>. Audio device <NUM> is carried by outer ear <NUM>. Audio device <NUM> comprises acoustic module <NUM> that is configured to locate sound-emitting opening <NUM> anteriorly of and proximate to the ear canal opening <NUM>, which is behind (i.e., generally underneath) ear tragus <NUM>. The general axis or direction of sound emission from opening <NUM> is indicated by arrow <NUM>. Audio device <NUM> further includes body <NUM> that is configured to be worn on or abutting outer ear <NUM> such that body <NUM> contacts the outer ear and/or the portion of the head that abuts the outer ear, at two or more separate, spaced contact locations. Body <NUM> has some compliance, so that it gently grips the outer ear and/or the ear root region when it is worn. The compliance can be but need not be at one or more of the body portions that define one or more of the contact locations.

Body <NUM> can be shaped generally to follow the ear root, which is the intersection of the outer ear and the head. Contact along the ear root or the outer ear and/or the head abutting the ear root (collectively termed the ear root region) can be at two, three, or more, spaced locations along the ear root. However, since the human head has many shapes and sizes, body <NUM> does not necessarily contact the ear root. Rather, it can be designed to have a shape and a compliance such that it will, at least on most heads, contact the outer ear and/or the portion of the head that abuts the outer ear. This contact occurs at least at two spaced locations. These locations can be substantially or generally diametrically opposed. The compliance can cause a slight compressive force at the opposed locations and so can lead to a grip on the ear that is sufficient to help retain the device in place on the ear as the head is moved. In one non-limiting example, two of the contact locations are proximate the upper portion of the outer ear helix, and a third contact location is proximate the lower part of the ear or abutting head, such as at or near the otobasion inferius. In one non-limiting example, the third contact location is in or proximate the ear root dimple that is located in most heads very close to or abutting or just posterior of the otobasion inferius. The audio device body may be compliant at the body portions that define each of three (or more) expected contact locations.

Some of the separate spaced contact locations may be defined by a compliant cushion member. The compliant cushion member can be configured to contact the ear root region proximate the upper portion of the helix. A first contact location can be proximate the upper portion of the helix of the outer ear, and a second contact location can be adjacent to and posterior of the otobasion inferius. The body can be but need not be compliant at both body portions that define both the first and second contact locations. A third contact location may be proximate the first contact location, such that the first and third contact locations are configured to contact the ear root region on opposite sides of the ear root ridge proximate the upper portion of the helix. Two contact locations may be defined by a compliant cushion member that is configured to contact the ear root region proximate the upper portion of the helix. A different contact location may be defined by a cushion member that comprises an arc-shaped surface that is configured to contact the ear root region at or near the ear root dimple. The body may further comprise a compliant spring member that extends from the cushion member and is configured to contact the ear root region or outer ear proximate the otobasion inferius.

The audio device body may extend generally along an arc that extends for at least <NUM> degrees. The body may be configured to contact the ear root region at a plurality of locations along the ear root from proximate the otobasion superius to proximate the otobasion inferius, wherein the body has an out of plane curvature along this extent. The out of plane curvature may be constructed and arranged such that the body portion proximate the otobasion inferius is laterally offset from the body portion proximate the otobasion superius.

Audio device body <NUM> can generally follow the shape of the ear root, as is further explained below. Body <NUM> in this example includes generally "C"-shaped portion <NUM> that extends from an upper end where it is coupled to acoustic module <NUM>, to a lower end where it is coupled to lowest member <NUM>. Some or all of portion <NUM> can be compliant. Compliance can be accomplished in one or more know mechanical manners. Examples include the choice of materials (e.g., using compliant materials such as elastomers or spring steel or the like) and/or a construction to achieve compliance (e.g., including compliant joints in the construction). Generally, but not necessarily, body <NUM> follows the ear root from the otobasion superius <NUM> (which is at the upper end of the ear root) to close to or including the otobasion inferius <NUM> (which is at the lower end of the ear root). Lower terminal portion or member <NUM> can be constructed and arranged to fit into or near the dimple or depression that is found in most people behind earlobe <NUM> and just posterior of the otobasion inferius. Also, or alternatively, member <NUM> can be generally round and so can have an upper arc-shaped surface <NUM> that provides for an ear root region contact location along the arc, thus accommodating different head and ear sizes and shapes. If member <NUM> is made from or includes a compliant material (or is made compliant in another manner), it can provide some grip to the head/ear. Portion <NUM> at or around the ear root region proximate the upper portion <NUM> of the outer ear helix (which is generally the highest point of the outer ear) can also have compliance. Since ear portion <NUM> is generally diametrically opposed to device portion <NUM> (and the ear root dimple), device compliance at one or more points proximate these two locations will provide a gripping force that will tend to hold audio device <NUM> on the headlear even as the head is moved, as is further explained below.

Since the device-to-ear/head contact points are both in the vicinity of the ear root proximate upper ear portion <NUM> and in the vicinity of the ear root dimple, the contact points are generally diametrically opposed. The opposed compliances create a resultant force on the device (the sum of contact force vectors, not accounting for gravity) that lies about in the line between the opposed contact regions. In this way, the device can be considered stable on the ear even in the absence of high contact friction (which adds to stabilization forces and so only helps to keep the device in place). Contrast this to a situation where the lower contact region is substantially further up on the back of the ear. This would cause a resultant force on the device that tended to push and rotate it up and off the ear. By arranging the contact forces roughly diametrically opposed on the ear, and by creating points of contact on either side of or over an area of the upper ear root ridge, the device can accommodate a wider range of orientations and inertial conditions where the forces can balance, and the device can thus remain on the ear.

<FIG> illustrate two of many variations that can provide the desired compliance. In <FIG>, audio device <NUM> includes a body <NUM> that is configured to be worn on or abutting an outer ear of a user, wherein the body is configured to contact at least one of the outer ear and the portion of the head that abuts the outer ear, at two separate spaced contact locations. Body <NUM> is preferably compliant at a body portion that defines one or more of the contact locations. Acoustic module <NUM> is carried by body <NUM> and is configured to locate a sound-emitting opening anteriorly of and proximate the user's ear canal opening when the body is worn on or abutting the ear of the user. Compliance can be accomplished at least in part by spring-member <NUM> at the lower end of body <NUM>. Member <NUM> can include or comprise a cantilever spring <NUM>. Terminal member <NUM> can be the same as or similar to member <NUM>, <FIG>. Locations 58a and 60a shown in phantom are the rest location. When worn, spring <NUM> is pushed outward by the outer ear such that it rests on or near the ear root, typically with member <NUM> located in or near the ear root dimple. The extension of the spring results in a force directed up against the ear root, generally toward the upper part of the audio device body.

Audio device <NUM>, <FIG>, includes a body <NUM> that is configured to be worn on or abutting an outer ear of a user, wherein the body is configured to contact at least one of the outer ear and the portion of the head that abuts the outer ear, at two separate spaced contact locations. Body <NUM> is preferably compliant at a body portion that defines one or more of the contact locations. Acoustic module <NUM> is carried by body <NUM> and is configured to locate a sound-emitting opening anteriorly of and proximate the user's ear canal opening when the body is worn on or abutting the ear of the user. Compliance can be accomplished at least in part by lower portion <NUM> at the lower end of body <NUM>. Portion <NUM> comprises members <NUM> and <NUM> that are coupled together by rotating joint <NUM>. Portion <NUM> is coupled to body <NUM> by rotating joint <NUM>. Either or both of joints <NUM> and <NUM> can include a restoring force that tends to restore them to their unflexed resting positions. The joints thus provide compliance that results in a force directed up against the ear root, generally toward the upper part of the audio device body.

<FIG> illustrate aspects of the outer ear and adjacent part of the head that are useful in understanding the audio device of this disclosure. Outer ear <NUM> includes helix <NUM>, tragus <NUM>, and earlobe <NUM>. Ear root <NUM> is the location where the outer ear <NUM> meets the head <NUM>. Ear root <NUM> has an upper end <NUM> termed the otobasion superius, and a lower end <NUM> termed the otobasion inferius. The most posterior part <NUM> of the ear root is termed the otobasion posterius. The ear root typically exhibits an arch <NUM> between area 31a close to otobasion superius <NUM> and area 31b where the ear root begins its descent toward otobasion posterius <NUM>. The outer ear comprises portion <NUM> that abuts the ear root. The head comprises portion <NUM> that abuts the ear root. Also, the head typically includes an ear root dimple (depression) <NUM> (<FIG>) adjacent to the otobasion inferius and the earlobe; dimple <NUM> is typically but not necessarily located in most heads very close to or abutting or just posterior of the otobasion inferius <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

Audio device <NUM>, <FIG> and <FIG>, is designed to be carried by the left ear (not shown). <FIG> shows the side that would face away from the head when the device was worn on the ear. <FIG> is a perspective view. Device <NUM> includes acoustic module <NUM> comprising housing <NUM> that includes a sound-emitting outlet or nozzle <NUM> that faces the tragus and is meant to lie very close to or against the skin. Nozzle <NUM> is an opening in housing <NUM> that typically is arranged to deliver sound from one side (typically but not necessarily the front side) of one or more audio drivers that are located within housing <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, acoustic module <NUM> accomplishes a variable-length dipole loudspeaker, as disclosed in <CIT>.

In this example, there is a resistive opening or port <NUM>, and a mass opening or port <NUM>, both of which are exposed to the rear-side of the driver and are part of the variable length dipole. In some examples there may also be a second opening in the front cavity (not shown) that is opposite nozzle <NUM> that helps to reduce intermodulation in the acoustic cavity, as disclosed in <CIT>.

Acoustic module <NUM> is carried by device body <NUM> that comprises portion <NUM> that is closest to acoustic module <NUM>, middle portion <NUM> that is connected to portion <NUM>, and end (lower) portion <NUM> that is connected to portion <NUM>. In this non-limiting example, portions <NUM> and <NUM> exhibit compliance. Since these portions are located generally at diametrically-opposed locations of the ear, the compliance can provide opposed compressive forces that help to hold device <NUM> on the ear. Compliance in portion <NUM> is provided (at least in part) by generally inverted "V"-shaped member <NUM> that includes elongated cavity or opening <NUM> that gives it greater compressive range. Member <NUM> can be made of a compliant material such as an elastomer or a foam (covered or uncovered). Member <NUM> can be soft, durable, and have good durability to skin oil and UV. In one non-limiting example member <NUM> is made from an elastomer such as a silicone, a polyurethane, an acrylic polymer, or a fluoroelastomer, and may have a Shore A durometer in the <NUM>-<NUM> range. The concave shape of member <NUM> allows it to sit on or adjacent to the ear root region on both sides of ear root arch <NUM> (see <FIG>). Member <NUM> will thus make contact at both area <NUM> la and 31b, <FIG>. Portion <NUM> comprises housing <NUM> that can carry the electronics and power that are used to receive wireless audio signals (using any now-known or future-developed wireless technology, such as Bluetooth) and create and send signals that are used to drive the driver(s) located in acoustic module <NUM>. Portion <NUM> is thus typically but not necessarily relatively rigid.

Portion <NUM> comprises generally cylindrical central member <NUM> and generally annular outer member <NUM>. Member <NUM> is made from a material with some compliance, such as an elastomer of the type described above. Member <NUM> will sit on or near the ear root dimple, and member <NUM> will contact the outer ear and/or the ear root region near the dimple. Both members <NUM> and <NUM> should have enough compliance to be compressed when device <NUM> is placed on the ear. The width of these elements (in the direction of compression) also helps the device to fit ears of different sizes and shapes. The compression of members <NUM> and <NUM> will cause forces against the ear (near the top and bottom of the ear) that are generally diametrically opposed; this helps to maintain the device on the ear. Also, the materials from which members <NUM> and <NUM> are made exhibit static friction with the skin that adds to the forces that help to keep the device in place on the ear.

Device <NUM> can be made mostly or entirely of an engineering plastic or a metal. Portion <NUM> can be made from a material specifically designed to be somewhat flexible, e.g. a high strength plastic or metal. Member <NUM> is intended to be a cushion and as described above can be made from an elastomer or a foam. Portions of any lower spring (e.g., portions <NUM> or <NUM> in <FIG>) will contain spring elements, likely spring steel or Nitinol, or potentially be elastomeric in nature, as in member <NUM>.

Audio device <NUM>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, differs from acoustic device <NUM> in part in its lower terminal portion <NUM>. Generally cylindrical member <NUM> is similar to member <NUM>, but can include inner portion <NUM> (<FIG>) that is compliant (e.g., made from a soft elastomer as described above), and designed to contact the ear root dimple. Portion <NUM> achieves its compliance at least in part by using spring member <NUM>. Spring member <NUM> includes elongated cantilever spring <NUM> and terminal generally cylindrical member <NUM>. Spring elements can be made from spring steel or Nitinol, for example, or potentially be elastomeric. Member <NUM> has an arc-shaped outer surface that is able to ride along the outer ear, or the ear root region, or the head near the ear root, as device <NUM> is placed over the ear as it is donned. The donning action typically involves the user placing member <NUM> down on the top of the ear root upper ridge (e.g., ridge <NUM>, <FIG>). The user then rotates the device (clockwise in <FIG>) until member <NUM> sits in the ear root dimple. The arc-shaped surface of member <NUM> helps member <NUM> to slide along the ear as the device is donned. Since spring <NUM> is compressed when the device is worn, it creates a force opposing the forces created by member <NUM>. <FIG> shows device <NUM> worn on ear <NUM>. Spring <NUM> is bent (compressed) as described above, such that it is closer to member <NUM> than it is in the rest position shown in <FIG>. Acoustic module <NUM> is located directly in front of ear canal opening <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another feature of acoustic device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, body <NUM> extends generally along an arc that extends for at least <NUM> degrees. The body is configured to contact the region of the ear and head at or abutting the ear root, at a plurality of locations along the ear root region, from proximate the otobasion superius to proximate the otobasion inferius. In the present example, body <NUM> has an out of plane curvature along its extent. The out of plane curvature may be constructed and arranged such that the body portion proximate the otobasion inferius is laterally offset from the body portion proximate the otobasion superius. Thus, portion <NUM> will sit against the head just in front of the ear. Spine or member 141can be non-planar, such that its end at housing <NUM> is laterally offset from its end at housing <NUM>. This causes the device shape to generally follow the ear root of most people, and places member <NUM> at a lateral offset where it will fit into the ear root dimple of most people. Stated another way, in most people the ear root is not located in a plane. Rather, the lower end of the ear root (at the otobasion inferius) is closer to the median plane (i.e., the mid-sagittal plane) than is the upper end of the ear root (at the otobasion superius). When the audio device has a similar non-planar shape, it is better suited to fit into the ear dimple root and thus is better able to hold the acoustic nozzle just in front of the tragus, even as the user moves the head during normal activities or during exercise.

Audio device <NUM>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> includes generally arc-shaped body <NUM> that is configured to be worn at the intersection of the outer ear and the head, as described above. Body <NUM> comprises first compliant portion <NUM>, second compliant portion <NUM>, and third compliant portion <NUM>. Body <NUM> also comprises middle section <NUM>, which may include a housing for the electronics and power for acoustic module <NUM>. The body can alternatively comprise only one or two of the three compliant portions. The three compliant portions help to accomplish stability of acoustic module <NUM> that is carried by body <NUM>. Stability is accomplished rotationally (about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the sagittal plane), in and out from the face (in a direction generally parallel to the sagittal plane), vertically, and in a forward and back direction (in a direction generally parallel to the sagittal plane). Stability in/about all four of the described axes is desirable, but is not necessary according to the present disclosure, as stability in/about any one or more of these axes will improve the overall stability of the acoustic module relative to the ear, and so is a desired result. Audio device <NUM> is thus held in place such that acoustic module <NUM> is located close to and anteriorly of the tragus, as described above, even while the user moves the head. In order to accommodate different heads, acoustic module <NUM> can be pivotable relative to body <NUM> with pivot <NUM>. Slot <NUM> in acoustic module <NUM> accommodates pivoting of module <NUM>.

Stability is in part accomplished by a top-to-bottom clamping force on the outer ear, due to generally diametrically opposed clamping forces at the ear root ridge proximate the upper portion of the helix and at the ear root dimple. Clamping force at the ear root ridge proximate the upper portion of the helix is accomplished in this non-limiting example by compliant portion <NUM>. Compliant portion <NUM> accomplishes a generally downwardly-directed clamping force in the same way as does member <NUM>, <FIG>. The compliance of portion <NUM> may be accomplished in a desired fashion. In one non-limiting example, portion <NUM> is made from an elastomer (such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic urethane, or a silicone), or another compliant material. Alternatively, compliance could be accomplished with a leaf spring alone, or with a leaf spring embedded in an elastomer. Other options to accomplish a desired compliance and clamping force would be apparent to those skilled in the field and are included within the scope of this disclosure.

Clamping force at the ear root dimple is accomplished in this non-limiting example by a spring force that is distributed through the region encompassed by second compliant portion <NUM> and third compliant portion <NUM> (which may be a coil spring in one non-limiting example). Spherical end portion <NUM> is at the distal end of pivoting arm <NUM> that is constructed and arranged to be able to pivot in an arc as depicted by arrow <NUM> about pivot point <NUM> relative to middle section <NUM> of body <NUM>. Arm end portion <NUM> is constructed and arranged to sit in the ear root dimple and against the lower portion of the outer ear that abuts the ear root dimple. End portion <NUM> establishes a location for application of the upwardly-directed clamping force at the ear root dimple. The distributed spring force is accomplished in part in this example using tension spring <NUM> that is fixed at one end to section <NUM> and at the other end to arm <NUM>, as shown in the drawing. Spring <NUM> pulls arm <NUM> and thus its end portion <NUM> up against the outer ear abutting the ear root dimple in which end portion <NUM> sits. The forces created by spring <NUM> can be made adjustable in one non-limiting example by providing for more than one location in section <NUM> where the upper end of spring <NUM> can be fixed, for example by including a plurality of spaced openings <NUM> any one of which spring <NUM> can be coupled to (e.g., using a fastener). Other manners of accomplishing an adjustable spring force from spring <NUM> would be apparent to those skilled in the field and are included within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, spring <NUM> could be a leaf spring or a compression spring. Also, arm <NUM> could be made entirely from a compliant material such as an elastomer as another means to accomplish a desired spring force. The pivoting of arm <NUM> can be over-center, to allow the arm to be pivoted through about <NUM> degrees. This pivot range allows the user to move the arm out of the way when audio device <NUM> is put on the ear and removed from the ear. Once device <NUM> is placed over the ear, arm <NUM> can be pivoted back to the use position shown in <FIG>.

The distributed spring force is further accomplished in this example by compliance <NUM>. Compliance <NUM> can be constructed in a similar fashion to compliant portion <NUM>. Compliance <NUM> allows arm <NUM> to bend in and out and up and down (over <NUM> degrees) and thus allows end portion <NUM> to move up and down and in and out. A result is that different anatomies can be accommodated while still locating end portion <NUM> in or proximate the ear root dimple. Also, compliance <NUM> changes the motion of end portion <NUM> from an arc to a more linear motion, which also helps to accommodate different anatomies.

Compliant portion <NUM> is preferably but not necessarily bent along its length, i.e., it is not linear, as shown for example in <FIG>. Bend <NUM> is located in portion <NUM> where the longitudinal axis <NUM> of body section <NUM> meets longitudinal axis <NUM> of body top section <NUM>. Bend <NUM> helps to keep audio device <NUM> anchored against the head. When device <NUM> is placed over the ear (with surface <NUM> of acoustic module <NUM> against the face) and pushed down into the ear root, bend <NUM> is straightened out because the bend creates an audio device body <NUM> contour that is more bent than body <NUM> is when it is engaged in the ear root. Since portion <NUM> is compliant, when bend <NUM> is straightened the points of contact of audio device <NUM> with the head are pushed against the side of the head. These forces help to keep audio device in place on the head.

Compliant portion <NUM> preferably also includes a twist that cants both the body below portion <NUM> and arm <NUM> slightly away from the head. As shown in <FIG>, the twist locates section <NUM> and arm <NUM> to the right (in the drawing) from a vertical plane through acoustic module <NUM>. Accordingly, when audio device <NUM> is pushed down into the ear root and bend <NUM> is straightened, arm <NUM> will be off of the face. The points of contact of audio device <NUM> with the head will normally be the acoustic module <NUM>, the part of body <NUM> that lies in the ear root ridge proximate the upper portion of the helix (i.e., on or very close to arch <NUM>, <FIG>), and the part of body <NUM> that lies close to the otobasion posterius. The three points of contact define a plane. The device is stabilized in the plane in part due to the preload of bend <NUM> that causes forces that push the audio device against the head, as described above. The optional twist in portion <NUM> leads to greater on-head stability, as is further explained below.

End portion <NUM> can be generally spherical as shown, but that is not a limitation as it can have a different shape. End portion <NUM> acts as one point of contact with the head, and also helps audio device <NUM> to grip the head. End portion <NUM> also should have a shape, hardness and grip that allow it to sit comfortably in the ear root dimple. Another shape of end portion <NUM> is depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, wherein the end portion is generally toroidal. End portion <NUM> is preferably made from or coated with a material that helps to grip the skin. Examples include but are not limited to textured elastomers or high-friction coatings on a silicone body. The friction helps to keep end portion <NUM> in place. Also, the additional grip may allow the audio device to be held in place on the head with a lower top-to-bottom clamping force, which could make audio device <NUM> more comfortable to wear.

The twist and its effect on device stabilization can be explained with reference to <FIG>. The lower part of middle section <NUM> has inner face <NUM> and outer edge face <NUM>. Edge face <NUM> is generally planar and is configured to lie against the side of the head in or proximate the ear root. Edge face <NUM> is pushed out slightly away from the face by the twist. In one non-limiting example, the twist in portion <NUM> is about five degrees, which moves edge face <NUM> about <NUM> from where it would be without the twist. When audio device <NUM> is placed over the ear, the bend in and the compliance of portion <NUM> accomplish a moment and spring preload that helps push acoustic module inner face <NUM> against the side of the head, as described above. The slight twist locates arm end <NUM> off of the head. The user then pushes arm end <NUM> into the ear root dimple. The compliance of arm <NUM> (e.g., as provided by compliant portion <NUM> and spring <NUM>) allows end <NUM> to be pushed in and up or down so that end <NUM> can be seated in the ear root dimple; the motions needed depend on the individual's anatomy. Since audio device <NUM> sits against the head at three points as described above, as the twist is straightened by pushing in on arm end <NUM>, device <NUM> is caused to pivot slightly about a horizontal axis that goes from the front to back of the head and over arch <NUM>. This pivoting motion pushes the lower part of acoustics module <NUM> into the face, which helps to stabilize audio device <NUM> and maintain the acoustics module in the desired location relative to the tragus.

Claim 1:
An audio device (<NUM>), comprising:
a body (<NUM>) configured to be worn on or abutting an outer ear of a user, wherein the body is configured to contact at least one of the outer ear and the portion of the head that abuts the outer ear, at two separate spaced contact locations of the body and the at least one of the outer ear and the portion of the head that abuts the outer ear, and wherein the body is compliant at a body portion that defines one of the contact locations; and
an acoustic module (<NUM>) carried by the body and configured to locate a sound-emitting opening anteriorly of and proximate the user's ear canal opening when the body is worn on or abutting the ear of the user,
wherein the body comprises a portion (<NUM>) that is closest to the acoustic module (<NUM>), a middle portion (<NUM>) that is connected to the portion (<NUM>), and an end portion (<NUM>) that is connected to the middle portion (<NUM>),
characterized in that the portion (<NUM>) and the end portion (<NUM>) exhibit compliance,
wherein the compliance in the portion (<NUM>) is provided by an inverted "V"-shaped member (<NUM>) made of a compliant material that is an elastomer or a foam,
wherein the inverted "V"-shaped member includes an elongated cavity or opening (<NUM>);
wherein the end portion (<NUM>) comprises a cylindrical central member (<NUM>) and an outer member (<NUM>), wherein the outer member (<NUM>) is made from the compliant material,
wherein the central member (<NUM>) sits on or near an ear root dimple (<NUM>), and the outer member (<NUM>) contacts the outer ear and/or an ear root region near the ear root dimple.