Patent ID: 12220251

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description that follows below is intended to provide illustration to the principles of the invention. This description is not provided to limit the possibilities of the invention described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles in such a way that a person of ordinary skill in the art could apply them to practice not only to the embodiments described herein, but also to other embodiments that could come into mind when applying the principles. The intention is to not limit the disclosures and claims listed herein, but to also include all similar embodiments.

The various embodiments described herein detail improvements to currently available devices, such as headphones, ear buds, headsets, headbands, glasses, and the like, that are worn by humans to deliver sound. By including additional speakers or other haptic transducers to these devices, and placing them around the back of the neck along and in contact with the spine, allows lower frequencies to be played more effectively, and can be heard and felt at the same time, thus improving audio output performance. Musicians, disc jockeys and audiophiles will be able to enhance the audio output. In a related embodiment, videos gamers will also enjoy an enhanced experience with the improved audio device taught herein. Features such as waterproof, adjustable, remote control, volume control, lightweight, foldable, noise cancellation and the like may also be included.

Additionally, since the neck is an ideal location to assess the health of a human, it is also envisioned that physiological health monitoring sensors may be incorporated into the systems, thus allowing users to track brain activity, movement, heart rate, blood pressure, glucose output and similar bodily functions. In an example embodiment, the device is capable of delivering this information to a user's computer or smartphone. These assessments could be used in conjunction with the delivery of therapy through transduction members also placed within the wearable devices on the back of the neck and used to stimulate the nervous system throughout the body.

Also, it is taught herein that the device is capable of incorporating teaching, training, and recovery regimens into the delivery device and worn on the back of the neck. This placement keeps the unit out of the way, allows for focus since it covers the ears, and delivers therapy along the spine before, during, and after performance needs. The device may be used for athletic activities, such as golf, baseball, tennis, bicycling, and other sports. When combined with the various forms of vibration delivery, improvements such as balance, stability, hand/eye coordination, muscle firing, and other neurologic processes are expected.

Additionally, placing optional sensing mechanisms within one or more embodiments allows the accurate assessment of physiological processes such as heart rate, blood flow, blood pressure, brain stem activity, and user activity. This monitoring functionality is used to not only assess health and deliver that output to the user, but also can be connected to wearable forms of delivering therapy through the transduction components. Example benefits of this embodiment allow for users to wear the headphones to assess conditions associated with aging, such as balance or stability issues, anxiety, fatigue, lack of mobility or pain, and deliver a sensory therapy to help correct or address these symptoms.

Also, throughout the disclosure various embodiments are described that include a vibratory or audio transducer component(s) placed inside of a housing, which is configured for placement on back of the neck. It is envisioned that the vibratory or audio transducer component in any of the disclosed embodiments could be supplemented with or replaced by other non-audio or non-vibrational stimulation components to provide a stimulatory effect to a user to achieve a desired outcome.

Exemplary non-audio or non-vibrational stimulation components include but are not limited to electrical stimulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), olfactory or pheromone stimulation.

FIG.6illustrates a system60with components for wearable audio delivery and/or monitoring that can include a vibration speaker66or similar transduction members, and/or monitoring sensors, configured for placement on the back of the neck. The vibration speaker66can be attached either with or without wires (wirelessly) to headphones64to an audio output device67, headphones and ear buds. The wearable audio delivery and monitoring device60can include a splitter jack68that allows the device to be connected to both the ear buds30and vibrational speakers20.

In some embodiments the vibration transduction component that provides lower frequency output is an “add-on” component, meaning that is provided apart, i.e., as a separate component, from a headphone or earbud speaker set that the user may already possess. In this embodiment, the audio delivery apparatus can be referred to as configured for the “removable attachment” to the ears, or to speaker enclosures of a speaker set that is placed about the ears. In order to explain aspects of the invention, features of commercially available over the ear-type headphones and earbud-type headphones, and which can be used with an “attachable” audio delivery apparatus including vibration speaker or vibration transduction component, are described.

Commercially available “over the ear” headphones (herein referred to as “headphones”) generally include a pair of small loudspeakers within an enclosure or housing that is held in place over a user's ears. Typically, the speaker enclosures are attached to a band that goes over the user's head and that provides a slight inward force to press the enclosures up against the user's ears, which aid in providing stability during use. Speaker enclosures generally include padding, such as a foam material covering all or a portion (such as about the periphery) of the inner (user) side of the enclosure to improve the comfort of the headphones. Typically, the band over the top of the user's head is adjustable to provide desired placement of the speaker enclosures. Commercially available speaker enclosures of headphones are of various shapes and sizes. Common shapes for speaker enclosures include oval, circular, and oblong shapes. The size of such enclosures can be somewhat small, such as less than the size of the outer ear of a user or can be rather large and have a periphery that is larger than the outer ear. For example, the periphery of a speaker enclosure of a headphone may be in the range of about 10 cm to about 30 cm, or about 15 cm to about 25 cm.

Other commercially available speaker sets for use on the head include earphones (referred to herein as “earbuds”) and in-ear headphones (also referred to as “in-ear monitors,” (IEMs) or “canal phones”). Earbuds are very small speaker enclosures that are configured to fit within the outer ear, and which face but are not inserted into the ear canal. Earbuds typically include a soft firm material, such as a foam pad, on the ear-canal facing surface to provide comfort. In-ear headphones have a speaker enclosure that is configured to extend into the ear canal. In-ear headphones can be generic, or custom fitted, and made from materials such as silicone rubber, elastomers, and foam. Speakers found within headphones, earbuds, and in-ear headphones are electroacoustic transducers which convert an electrical signal to a corresponding audio wave which provides a sound in the user's ear. Typical speakers within headphones, earbuds, and in-ear headphones provide an audio signal generally over a broad frequency range, for example in the range of about 20 Hz (very low bass tones) to about 20,000 Hz (the highest treble), which represent the lower and upper ends, respectively, of what the human ear can detect. However, unlike low frequency speaker systems, the output of commercial headphones, earbuds, and in-ear headphones is desirably equally distributed over the broad frequency range.

In contrast to speakers found within headphones, earbuds, and in-ear headphones the vibration speaker or vibration transduction component of the current disclosure can provide a low frequency output to create vibration on the back of the neck and over the spine. The vibration speaker or vibration transduction component can be used with the attachment embodiments and integrated embodiments of the invention. In some respects, the apparatus can be described by parameters of the low frequency output. For example, most (greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90%, greater than 95%, greater than 99%) of the output of vibration transduction component can be below 250 Hz, below 200 Hz, below 150 Hz, below 125 Hz, or below 100 Hz, such as in the range of about 20 Hz to about 200_Hz, or about 20 Hz to about 100 Hz.

In some embodiments the vibration transduction component can produce infrasonic waves (i.e., acoustic waves having a frequency below 20 Hz, versus “sonic” having a frequency of 20 to about 20,000 Hz). Devices such as tactile transducers and specialized transducers referred to as linear actuators can produce infrasonic waves. The vibration transduction component capable of producing infrasonic waves can include an electromagnetic motor, with a new magnet structure with a vented center pole to allow air to move in and out more efficiently.

An exemplary electromechanical transducer which can be used in association with the audio output apparatus of the current disclosure is described in EP2779696A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. In one aspect, the apparatus has a housing that has electromechanical transducer that transduces an electric signal into mechanical vibration, the transducer including a structural unit with at least the following integrated components: at least one pair of magnets, a yoke conducting a magnetic flux generated by the magnets, and a coil supplied with the electric signal. The transducer also includes an armature having an inner portion passing through an internal space of the structural unit and first and second outer portions protruding on both sides from the inner portion. The armature constitutes a magnetic circuit with the structural unit via two regions through which components of the magnetic flux flow in directions opposite to each other in the inner portion. The transducer also includes a first elastic member connecting between the first outer portion of the armature and the structural unit; and a second elastic member connecting between the second outer portion of the armature and the structural unit.

In some embodiments, the vibration transduction component provides both infrasonic and sonic frequencies. For example, most vibration transduction component can produce predominantly (greater than 50%, greater than 60%, etc.) infrasonic frequencies and sonic frequencies of below 100 Hz. The vibration transduction component can be partially or fully enclosed within a housing. Generally, the housing is configured to be placed on the back of the neck, over the uppermost portion of the spine. In particular the housing can be configured for placement below the occipital ridge of the skull, over the cerebellum, where the spinal cord meets the brain. In position, the housing will be proximal to cervical vertebra 1-3.

Reference is made toFIG.24illustrating relevant anatomical features of the upper body including skull400, occipital ridge402, cervical spine 1-3404, spine408, and central nervous system410. In modes of practice, the target area for placement of the device with the vibration transduction component is represented by circle401, where the device is placed.FIG.25provide illustrations of portions of the head, showing the cerebellum412, the location where the skull curves down to the spine414, and line416representing the transverse plane for device placement, which allows easy access to audible, tactile, and olfactory receptors.

The advantage of placing vibration speakers or similar delivery transducers on the back of the neck is the direct stimulation into the brain since they are engineered to deliver lower audio and vibration frequencies. This also allows the ear speakers to be optimized to play higher frequencies. An additional benefit of this placement for audio information and sound delivery is for the hearing-impaired population that can feel vibration but may not be able to hear clearly. Other uses include assistance in training, post-operative recovery or rehabilitation. Still another use may be situations such as movie theatres, concerts, or similar settings where surround sound output performance may be delivered individually and personally through worn headsets.

In some cases, the housing can be described in terms of height, width, and thickness ranges. In many configurations, the housing can have a width and height that is greater than its thickness, which can provide the housing with an overall “flat” shape. When in position the height dimension can be defined by upper and lower portions, or edges, which is towards that top of the user's head and towards the user's back, respectively. The width dimension can be defined by left and right portions or edges. The thickness can be defined by a body-facing surface, which is configured to be placed against the skin of a user's neck, and an outer surface, facing away from the neck.

One or more surfaces of the housing can have curvature. For example, the inner surface of the housing can include one or more curved surfaces. The curved surface can include one or more convex and concave shape(s) providing one or more bulges or one or more indentations on the body facing on the surface.FIG.10is a top view of an exemplary housing100construction, with outward facing surface102, and body facing surface104(an area of the neck106is also shown). The indentations108and110and bulge112can match the contour of the neck.

In exemplary embodiments, the housing has a height in the range of about 6.5 cm to about 3.5 cm, or about 5.5 cm to about 4.5 cm; a width in the range of about 10 cm to about 5 cm, or about 8.5 cm to about 6.5_cm; and a thickness in the range of about 2 cm to about 0.5 cm, or about 1.5 cm to about 1 cm. As viewed from the outer face or surface, the housing can have a square, rectangular, oval, or circular shape. An exemplary weight for the housing, including the vibration component therein, is in the range of about 30 to about 55 grams, or about 35 to 45 grams. Exemplary housing materials include plastics and metals and combinations thereof.

FIG.11shows a cross sectional side view of an exemplary housing120construction, with outward-facing surface122, and body-facing surface124. The outward-facing surface122can be curved outwards from the top 123 to the bottom125of the housing. A vibration component126, such as a speaker cone or transduction member, can be secured within the housing. The vibration component can be adjacent to an open area in the housing (e.g., space127) in which acoustic waves can be generated. The acoustic waves, in turn, are absorbed by the body-facing surface of the housing, which can have a rigid or flexible construction, and cause the vibration of this portion of the housing. The housing can also include one or more areas (e.g.,128,129) for placement of components useful for operation of the vibration component, such as a battery, a splitter, a short range wireless receiver (e.g., Bluetooth) device, a microprocessor board, and a sensor. Areas for the placement of these features can be located between the outwards-facing surface and the vibration component or open area in the housing.

In embodiments of the disclosure, the attachment member is configured to allow for removable attachment of the apparatus to the ears or to speaker enclosures of a speaker set that is placed about the ears. In embodiments of the disclosure, the attachment member is formed of a cord, a strip of material, a band of material, a mesh, etc. The attachment member can have one or more of the following properties: flexibility, stretchability, elasticity, compliance, durability, and strength. Preferably, the attachment member is flexible, stretchable, or both flexible and stretchable. In this regard, the attachment member can be described as “non-rigid” of made from a “non-hardened material.” Use of a flexible and/or stretchable attachment member such as an elastic cord attachment member can provide advantages during use. For example, unlike a hardened plastic material, a flexible and stretchable attachment member can provide better isolation of the low frequency vibrations from the vibration component to the back of the neck. Unlike a hardened material, the flexible and/or stretchable attachment member poorly conducts the vibration from the housing, and therefore provides better response at the point of contact, and prevents low frequency vibrational “bleed through” to the speakers around or in the ears.

The attachment member that is flexible and stretchable can include one or more elastomers. An elastomer is a material that can exhibit a rapid and large reversible strain in response to a stress. Exemplary elastomers include natural rubber (cis-1,4-isoprene polymer), styrene-butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polychloroprene, polysulfide, polyurethane elastomers, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, and silicone rubber. The attachment member that is flexible and stretchable can optionally be described in terms of its “stretchability.” For smaller and moderate forces applied to a stretchable material such as an elastomeric cord, a spring constant of a cord can be expressed. A spring constant (k), as measured in N/m, can be calculated by the force applied to the cord over the change in length of the cord.

If the attachment member is in the form of a cord, the cord can have a certain cross-sectional shape, such as a circular shape. However, the cord may also have an oval or polygonal shape (e.g., square, rectangular, etc.) The size of the cord can be expressed as its cross-sectional area, which in some embodiments can be in the range of about 1 mm2to about 120 mm2, or about 7 mm2to about 40 mm2. For example, an exemplary cord has a diameter in the range of about 3 mm to about 8 mm. The attachment member, such as an elastomeric cord, can have an inner elastic material and a fabric outer layer coated around an outer periphery of the elastic inner tube. The fabric outer layer can provide improved comfort for a user.

The housing can also include one or more features that facilitate attachment of the right and left attachment members to the housing. For example, the housing can include one or more apertures or channels through which the attachment member can pass. The attachment member, such as a cord, can be movable through the aperture or channel. Generally, the size of the aperture or channel will be at least as large as the largest cross-sectional dimension of the attachment member, such as a cord. Using this arrangement, the attachment member such as a flexible cord, can be moved through the aperture to adjust the length of the attachment member that is to be looped around the ears or around a speaker enclosure of headphones. In this regard, the apparatus can include a tensioning member that allows the attachment member to be secured in relation to the housing, so that a desired length of cord can extend from the housing for attachment to the ears or a speaker enclosure of headphones. The tensioning member can be one that is integrated in or attached to the housing, such as a clip or a clamp. Alternatively, the tensioning member can be independent from the housing, such as one that is movable over the cord. For example, the tensioning member can be a small clamp having an opening through which the cord can move, which can be immobilized on the cord in a clamped state, and which can contact the housing to provide a stop to the movement of the cord.

In some embodiments the housing includes two or more apertures through which the attachment members can be moved through. The housing can include additional apertures, such as a total of 3, 4, 5, 6, etc. according to the design of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apertures can be located at the periphery of the housing. For example, the housing can have a rectangular or oval shape (e.g., the housing having a width that is greater than its height), where at least one aperture is located on each side of the housing. If each side of the housing has two apertures (for a total of four apertures) the apertures may be referred to as upper and lower apertures.

As an example,FIG.12Ashows a view of the outward-facing surface142, with upper145, lower146, left148, and right149sides, defining upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left corners of the housing. In each corner there is an aperture, for a total of four apertures (147a,147b,147c, and147d). As shown inFIG.12B, which is a top cross-sectional view of the housing, each aperture (top apertures147aand147bare shown) extends from the outward-facing surface142to the body-facing surface144. From the outward-facing surface142to the body-facing surface144the apertures can be about 2 cm to about 0.5 cm, or about 1.5 cm to about 1 cm.

There are various ways to connect an attachment member to the housing having apertures as shown inFIGS.12A and12B. For example, an attachment member that is a cord can enter aperture147bfrom the outward-facing surface142, continue along the body-facing surface144parallel to right side149and then exit through aperture147d. The length of cord that extends away from apertures147band147dcan form a continuous loop from the right side of the housing and along the right side of the head, where the proximal end of the loop can attach to the ear or to a speaker enclosure of a headphone. A corresponding arrangement can be provided on the left side of the housing.

In other modes of attaching, the cord may also enter aperture147bfrom the outward-facing surface142, continue along the body-facing surface144parallel to top side145and then exit through aperture147a. The length of cord that extends away from aperture147acan extend distally to form a continuous loop from the left side of the housing and along the left side of the head, and then return in to aperture147cfrom the outward-facing surface142, continue along the body-facing surface144parallel to bottom side146and then exit through aperture147a. The length of cord that extends away from aperture147dcan extend distally to form a continuous loop from the right side of the housing and along the right side of the head, and then return into aperture147d.

In other modes of attaching, the cord may enter any aperture from the body-facing surface144and then continue along the outward-facing surface142, parallel to either the top or bottom (145,146) or left or right (148,149) sides. In some embodiments the housing includes at least one channel (e.g., tunnel) through which the cord is movable wherein the at least one channel is integrated in the housing. For example, the housing can include one or more channels along any part of the periphery of the housing. Alternatively, one or more channels can be present across all or a portion of the outer surface of the housing, across all or a portion of the inner surface of the housing, or through the central portion of the housing. The channel can have entry and exit points for the cord, and therefore can be of a predetermined length, such about 0.5 cm or greater, or 1 cm or greater. The length of a channel can be as great as the entire periphery of the housing, or the length of the upper or lower portions of the housing. The housing can include, or be associated with, one or more attachment member tensioning feature(s) such as illustrated inFIGS.13A-15B. The tensioning features can provide a mechanism for adjustment (lengthening or shortening) of the attachment member such as a cord so the user can achieve a desired tension between the housing and the ears or the speaker enclosures of headphones.

As an example,FIG.13Ashows a view of a housing with outward-facing surface152, with upper155, lower156, left158, and right159sides. Within the housing are two channels (161and162, shown as dashed lines) sized to accommodate the attachment member (e.g., cord). Channel161can have an entry/exit point157aon the left side158of the housing, near the upper side155; likewise, channel162can have an entry/exit point157bon the right side159of the housing, near the upper side155. Channels161and162extend from157aand157btowards lower side156, and towards the middle of the housing, and have an exit points157cand157d, respectively. Ends of the cord (167and168) are shown extending out of channels161and162from the bottom side156. The cord can continue out of channels161and162(via entry/exit points157cand157d) and form loops from the left and right sides of the housing, and along the left and right sides of the head respectively, and then return to points164and165on the left158and right159sides of the housing, near the lower side156, where the cord may be fixed to the housing. The length of the loops may be adjusted by feeding a length of cord through the channels. Further, the cord can be secured using a depressible clamping member151, which can include openings for each cord, and which can clamp the cord in place using a spring mechanism.FIG.13Bshows a view of a housing from the lower side, with outward-facing surface152and body-facing surface154.

In some embodiments, the housing includes one movable member(s), such as a member that is rotatable in place, or movable in relation to the housing, which allows the extension and/or retraction of a length of cord from the housing. As an example,FIG.14ashows a view of a housing with outward-facing surface172, with upper175, lower176, left178, and right179sides. Within the housing is an upper space that allows passage of the cord from an entry/exit point177aon the left side178of the housing, near the upper side175, to an entry/exit point177bon the right side178of the housing, near the upper side175. The housing also includes a movable member171, such as a disc or dial that is rotatably immobilized by a portion of the housing. A portion of the movable member171can protrude from the upper side175of the housing172, so that it can be manipulated by a user. Within the housing, the movable member171can contact a portion of the cord, for example, the rotatable member can be attached to the cord. Upon rotation of the movable member171, the cord is pulled further into the housing, causing shortening of its length, and therefore shortening of the length of the loop from the either or both side(s) of the housing. The movable member171can also be rotated in the opposite direction so length of the cord is released from the housing, causing lengthening of the loop from the either or both side(s) of the housing. The lower portion of the housing can have a mirror arrangement of features, including entry/exit points177cand177dand movable member173, which function to shorten and lengthen the cord in the same manner.FIG.14Bshows a view of the housing from the upper surface showing movable member171.

Alternatively, the movable member171can be pushed towards the center of the housing to cause shortening of the attachment member such as a cord. For example, movable member171is in contact with attachment member at point181within the housing, and movement of the member171towards the center of the housing draws length of the cord within the housing to shorten its overall length outside of the housing. Member171can be movable within a slot formed in the housing. The lower portion of the housing can have a mirror arrangement of features, including entry/exit points177cand177dand movable member173, which function to shorten and lengthen the cord in the same manner.

As another example of a tensioning member,FIG.15Ashows a view of a housing with outward-facing surface192, with upper195, lower196, left198, and right199sides. Within the housing is an upper space that allows passage of the cord from an entry/exit point197aon the left side198of the housing to an entry/exit point197bon the right side198of the housing. Also, within the housing is a lower space that allows passage of the cord from an entry/exit point197con the left side198of the housing to an entry/exit point197don the right side198of the housing. The housing also includes a rotatable member191, such as a disc or dial that is rotatably immobilized by a portion of the housing, near the center of the housing. Within the housing, the cords can be attached to the rotatable member191and can contact a portion of the cord. Upon rotation of the rotatable member191, the cord is pulled further into the housing, causing shortening of its length, and therefore shortening of the length of the loop from the either or both side(s) of the housing. The rotatable member191can also be rotated in the opposite direction so length of the cord is released from the housing, causing lengthening of the loop from the either or both side(s) of the housing. The lower portion of the housing can have a mirror arrangement of features, including entry/exit points177cand177dand rotatable member173, which function to shorten and lengthen the cord in the same manner. Alternatively, length of the cord can be adjusted using two entry/exit points instead of four. For example, the length of the cord can be adjusted through any two entry points on the left198, right199, upper195, or lower196sides.

In other embodiments, the attachment apparatus includes a tensioning member that is attachable to the speaker enclosure or band of a headphone set. For example, as another example of a tensioning member,FIGS.19A-19Billustrate a housing240which can be positioned on the back of the neck of a user, over the uppermost portion of the spine, and two cord loops (242a-c,244a-c) and extending from the sides of the housing towards and around attachment discs (245,247) which include a tensioning mechanism to cause shortening or lengthening of the cord. The tensioning mechanism can include a dial that is attached to a portion of the cord to draw in or release the cord when the dial is turned in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, respectively. The attachment discs (245,247) can be attached to the outer surface of the headphone band249or speaker enclosures (241,243) through an adhesive or an attachment mechanism, such as a suction cup. Reference is made toFIG.18C, illustrating use of an adhesive to attach an attachment disc with tensioning mechanism.

The housing can also include a port for an electrical connection, or electrical connections (e.g., wire) leading from the housing, to a charging outlet, headphone, smartphone, or similar peripheral device. The electrical connection can provide power and/or signal to the internal components. In other arrangements the apparatus can include a Bluetooth receiver, such as located within the housing, to provide signal to the low frequency vibration component. In this arrangement, the housing may also include a power source to drive the vibration component along with the signal. The power source could be provided by a disposable battery that is placed within the housing, or a rechargeable battery could be permanently built into the housing.

The attachment member can be in the form of a cord that is attached directly or indirectly connected to the housing. The portion of the cord that is attached to the housing is referred to as the proximal portion, and the portion of the cord that is configured for removable attachment to the ears or to speaker enclosures of a speaker set that is placed about the ears is referred to as the distal portion. The distal portion of the cord can be in the form of a loop of a size that fits around the front of the ear; for example, the proximal portion of the loop portion is configured to contact a user between the upper helix of the ear and the skull and then down underneath the ear lobe. In this portion of the loop, the cord includes a material which stiffens the cord, or makes it less flexible and more rigid, and conformable to the shape of this portion of the ear. Therefore, the cord may have a flexibility that differs along its length, being more flexible at the proximal portion near the housing, and less flexible at the distal portion.

FIGS.16A and16Bare illustrations of an attachment audio delivery device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The apparatus has a housing200which is positioned on the back of the neck of a user, over the uppermost portion of the spine, and two cord loops extending from the sides of the housing towards the ears (201,203) of the user. The right loop has right upper portion202a, right lower portion202c, and a right loop distal portion202bconfigured to go around the top, front, and bottom of the right ear203. The left loop correspondingly has left upper portion204a, left lower portion204c, and a left loop distal portion204b(not shown) configured to go around the top, front, and bottom of the left ear201. The distal portion of the loop around the ear (202b,204b) can be of the same material and construction portions202aand202c, and204aand204c, or can be of a different material and/or construction. If of a different material and/or construction, the distal portion of the loop around the ear (202b,204b) can have one or more of the following properties to facilitate placement around the ear: increased rigidity of the cord, a different texture or material on the outside of the cord, and/or a different shape and/or thickness of the cord.

Similar to the device shown inFIGS.16A and16B, the device of16C includes housing360for the vibration component, with right and left loops (362a-c,364a-c) configured to go around the ears or speaker enclosures at their distal ends. The device of16D includes housing370for the vibration component, with right and left loops (372a-c,374a-c) configured to go around the ears or speaker enclosures at their distal ends, and a material, such as a fabric or plastic between the upper and lower portions of the loops (372aandc, and374aandc).

FIGS.17A-17Care illustrations of an attachment audio delivery device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, attached to a headphone set. The apparatus has a housing210which is positioned on the back of the neck of a user, over the uppermost portion of the spine, and two cord loops (212a-c,214a-c) and extending from the sides of the housing towards and around rigid speaker enclosures (211,213) of a headphone set. The rigid speaker enclosures (211,213) can be between ear padding for the headphones and a headphone band219. The right loop has right upper portion212a, right lower portion212c, which do not contact the speaker enclosure of the headset. The right loop also has portion212b, which is configured to contact the speaker enclosure on it upper, forward, and bottom portions. The distal portion of the loops (212b,214b) around the rigid speaker enclosures can have one or more of the following properties to facilitate its placement around the enclosures: increased rigidity of the cord, a different texture or material on the outside of the cord, and/or a different shape and/or thickness of the cord.

Similar to the device ofFIGS.17A-17C, the device ofFIG.17Dincludes housing380for the vibration component, with right and left loops (382a-c,384a-c) configured to go around speaker enclosures (383,385) at their distal ends, and a material, such as a fabric or plastic between the upper and lower portions of the loops (382aandc, and384aandc).

FIGS.18A-18Care illustrations of an attachment audio delivery device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, attached to a headphone set. The apparatus has a housing210which is positioned on the back of the neck of a user, over the uppermost portion of the spine, and two cord loops (222a-c,224a-c) and extending from the sides of the housing towards and around attachment discs (225,227). The attachment discs (225,227) are attached to the outer surface of the speaker enclosures (221,223) through an adhesive or an attachment mechanism, such as a suction cup. For example, with reference toFIG.18C, the attachment disc227can have a speaker-facing face235with an adhesive that can contact the outward-facing face of the speaker enclosure223. An adhesive lining can be peeled away to expose the adhesive so a user can apply the disc227to a speaker enclosure. The disc227can also include a groove231around all or part of the circumference of the disc, defined by two ridges (234,232). The attachment member can be looped around disc227and held within the groove231.

FIGS.9A and9Billustrate a wearable audio delivery and monitoring device90that is placed around the back of neck, and not over the ears, and contains one or more speakers, physiological sensors and/or therapeutic delivery components96. Output information may be transmitted to a user's computer or smartphone so the user can utilize the information to increase performance. In related embodiments, due to the close proximity or contact with the user's skin, the devices taught herein include sensors that detect body temperature, humidity levels, chemical levels emitted by the body and detectable at skin level and other physiological functions that are detectable noninvasively and can be used to assess the health of the user.

In yet other embodiments, the disclosure provides an integrated audio delivery apparatus. The term “integrated” refers to arrangements where the housing including the vibration transduction component configured for placement at the back on the neck is non-removably attached to speaker components configured for use in or about the ear, such as headphones and earbuds. In some embodiments, the integrated audio delivery apparatus includes a housing including a vibration speaker or vibration transduction component configured to be placed on the back of the neck and over the spine, right and left ear bud or headphone speaker enclosures for the ear, and right and left attachment members connecting the housing to the right and left ear bud or headphone speaker enclosures.

In one embodiment of an integrated apparatus is illustrated inFIGS.1A and1B.FIGS.1A and1Billustrate a wearable audio delivery and/or monitoring device10, such as over-the-ear headphones, that incorporate vibration speakers or similar transduction members, as well as physiological sensors16. The device is designed to be placed on the back of the neck and extends to the ears. This wearable device can be connected to an output device by a cable, wire, or wireless methods. Other items such as a control board, audio file, amplifier, equalizer, battery, wireless or similar components12can be incorporated into the device, and can include controls22for power, volume selection, LED, and charger. The over-the-ear speakers14aand14bcan be similar to existing commercially available over-the-ear devices, and delivery methods. Arms (13a,13b) can extend between the speakers (14a,14b) and a housing31. The clamp and compression attachment method ofFIGS.1A and1Bcan be similar to behind the neck earmuffs that include a tension member capable of rolling up when not in use and providing tension against the head when in use. This allows for the device to be held in place on the back of the neck and does not require an over the top head-band component.

In related embodiments, the devices illustrated inFIGS.1C and1Dcan also include portions that similar to behind the neck earmuffs that include a tension member. For example, inFIG.1Cthe apparatus includes a vibration speaker326and arms (323a,323b) that extend over the ears, but that do not necessarily include in-ear or over-the-ear speakers. InFIG.1Dthe apparatus includes a vibration speaker336and arms (333a,333b) that extend over the ears attached to over the ear speakers (334a,334b).

In further detail,FIG.2illustrates a wearable audio delivery and/or monitoring device20with features and functionalities similar to the device ofFIG.1. In this embodiment, the wearable audio delivery and/or monitoring device20includes an over the head member28to help keep the device in place. The device20can also include vibration speakers or similar transduction members, or physiological sensors26; a control board, audio file, amplifier, equalizer, battery, wireless or similar components22; controls22for power, volume selection, LED, and charger; and over-the-ear speakers24aand24b.

Referring now toFIG.3, shown is an integrated wearable audio delivery and/or monitoring device30that incorporates vibration speakers36or similar transduction members, and/or monitoring sensors, into headphones that go around the back of the head and to the ears, is described. The device30can include attachment arms (33a,33b) between the earphones (34a,34b) and a housing31around the vibration speakers36or similar transduction members, and/or monitoring sensors. In an example embodiment, the control board32and other components can be placed in a separate housing and connected to an audio output device37, thus decreasing the weight and size of the wearable audio delivery and monitoring device30.

Referring toFIG.4, show is a wearable audio delivery and/or monitoring device40that incorporates a system of attaching vibration speakers46or similar transduction members, and/or sensors configured for placement on the back of the neck, and also including in or over the ear buds (44a,44b), which can be connected to the audio output through wired or wireless features. The vibration speakers46or similar transduction member may be within a device housing41, which can be attached directly to the collar, hatband or inside a pouch located in the collar with the use of a clip49or similar mechanism.

FIG.5shows a wearable audio delivery and monitoring device50that incorporates a vibration speaker56or similar transduction members, and/or health monitoring sensors, placed on the back of the neck and associated with the back of a helmet or hat58, such as by attachment tab57. Ear buds (54a,54b), can be connected to the audio output through wired or wireless features, and optionally attached to the side of the helmet or hat58with attachment tab53b(attachment tab53anot shown). The helmet or hat58may be worn during activities requiring a helmet such as skiing, snowboarding, hockey, or other similar activities.

Referring now toFIG.7A, a wearable audio delivery and/or monitoring device70includes vibration speakers76or similar transduction members located on the back of the neck, is described. The device70also includes an over the head member78to help keep the device in place, in or over-the-ear speakers74aand74b, and attachment arms (73a,73b) between the earphones and a housing71around the vibration speaker76. In an example embodiment, the wearable audio delivery and monitoring device70includes a microphone77to communicate with others, such as those used in gaming. In an example embodiment, wearable audio delivery and monitoring device70is capable of connecting to a gaming system such as Xbox®, PS3®, games on a smartphone or handheld device, or any other similar device. The audio sensory information and vibrational energy generated by signals from the game may be delivered to the user through wearable audio delivery and monitoring device70. In an alternative embodiment, users using electronic devices to practice flying or driving may wear a wearable audio delivery and monitoring device70. In still another alternative embodiment, users can communicate with professionals such as doctors to receive and deliver diagnoses and therapies.

Similar toFIG.7A, of device340ofFIG.7Bincludes a vibration speaker346or similar transduction members located on the back of the neck, headband348to help keep the device in place, over-the-ear speakers344aand344b, and attachment arms (343a,343b) between the earphones and a housing71around the vibration speaker76.

FIGS.8A-Cillustrate a wearable audio delivery and monitoring device80that is attached, incorporated into or in conjunction with wearing glasses89, headsets such as for virtual reality experiences or eye covering. This embodiment holds the speakers (84a,84b) over or near the ears, and allows for vibration speakers, sensors, or similar transduction member86to be attached around the back of the head. The device includes sleeves (83a,83b) in which distal portion of the eyeglass temples (i.e., temple tips) can be placed. The sleeves can be made of an elastomeric material. The wearable glasses89may be glasses without corrective lenses, glasses with corrective lenses, or other lenses known in the art. An additional benefit of this embodiment could be used in conjunction with travel masks or eye covers where the vibratory members can enhance relaxation, relieve anxiety and calmness.FIG.8Cillustrates a device having transduction member356, input cord357, and sleeves (353a,353b), which is not attached to eyeglasses.

Another embodiment of an integrated apparatus is illustrated inFIGS.20A-20B. The integrated apparatus has a housing250which is configured to be positioned on the back of the neck of a user, over the uppermost portion of the spine, and two cord loops (252a-c,254a-c) extending from the sides of the housing towards the ears of the user. The right loop has right upper portion252a, right lower portion252c, and a right loop distal portion252battached or associated with an ear bud256, which is configured to be placed within the user's right ear. A corresponding arrangement is on the left side of the apparatus (left with left upper portion252a, left lower portion252c, etc.). Within the housing is an upper space that allows passage of the cord from an entry/exit point257aon the left side of the housing to an entry/exit point257bon the right side of the housing. The lower portion of the housing can have a mirror arrangement of features, including entry/exit points257cand257d, or the cord can be affixed at these corners. The housing250can also include a rotatable member251, such as a disc or dial that is rotatably immobilized by a portion of the housing, near the center of the housing, which, upon its rotation, can cause the cord to be pulled into the housing, or released from the housing when turned the other way. The length of the cord can be adjusted using two entry/exit points or four entry/exit points. Similar to the device ofFIG.20A, the device ofFIG.23includes a housing390with vibration speaker or similar transduction members configured to be located on the back of the neck, and two cord loops (392a-c,394a-c) extending from the sides of the housing towards the ears of the user, and ear buds (396,398).

The earbuds as shown in the integrated apparatus ofFIGS.20A-20Bcan receive signal via wired or wireless components. If a wire is used to provide signal, the wire (not shown inFIGS.20A-20C) can run along the length of the upper portion (e.g.,252a) or lower portion (e.g.,252c) of the loop of cord, towards and into the housing250. Using a loop of cord that is flexible and stretchable, the extra length of wire can be bunched and attached to the cord at intervals along the cords length to accommodate for the stretching of the cord when it is pulled towards the ears. If a wireless component (e.g., Bluetooth) is used to provide signal, the receiver can be located as a part of the earbud assembly256. The earbud assembly can also include a small battery, which can be disposable or rechargeable. If the battery is rechargeable, the housing251can include one or more induction components (261,263) so the batteries of the ear buds can be charged when not in use. For example, with reference toFIG.20B, the cord loops (252a-c,254a-c), can be retracted into the housing250and the earbuds (256,258) can be placed proximal to the induction components (261,263) to charge the batteries in the earbud assemblies.

In some embodiments, an earbud member comprises features as illustrated inFIG.21. Earbud assembly276includes a central portion273that is positioned over the ear canal and that houses an earbud speaker, and optionally battery and receiver (Bluetooth) components. Upper central portion275can have a shape that conforms to a portion of the concha. The earbud assembly276also includes a channel portion configured to accommodate a portion of the attachment member, such as a cord. For example, the channel portion can be in the form of a curved tube having a first upper portion281that is configured to be placed between the upper helix288of the ear and the head, a second upper portion283, configured to curve downward toward the tragus of the ear, a middle portion285that is connected to the central portion273of the earbud member and configured to reside over the tragus of the ear, and a lower portion configured to be adjacent to the earlobe286. The earbud assembly also has an upper opening278in which the upper portion272aof the loop of cord enters/exits, and a lower opening279which the upper portion272cof the loop of cord enters/exits. The earbud member276can be made from a semi-flexible semi-rigid material, such as poly(ethylene), poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC), and poly(urethane).

Another embodiment of an integrated apparatus is illustrated inFIGS.22A-22D. The integrated apparatus has a housing300which is configured to be positioned on the back of the neck of a user, over the uppermost portion of the spine. Two cord loops (302a-c,304a-c) extend from the sides of the housing and attach to rotatable members (305,307), such as discs or dials, are associated with the outer surface of the headphone band309. (Alternatively, the rotatable members (305,307) are associated with the outer surface of the speaker enclosures (301,303)). The right loop has right upper portion302a, right lower portion302c, and a right loop distal portion302baffixed to rotatable members305. A corresponding arrangement is on the left side of the apparatus (left with left upper portion302a, left lower portion302c, etc.). Referring toFIGS.22A and22B, in use, the user can place the housing300on the back of the neck and the speaker enclosures (301,303) with soft pads (311,313) about the ears. For example, the housing300with two cord loops (302a-c,304a-c) can be at an angle in the range of about 80° to about 140°, or about 950 to about 125° to the headphone band309.

Referring toFIGS.22C and22D, when the vibration transduction component in the housing is not in use the user can rotate the rotatable members (305,307) so the two cord loops (302a-c,304a-c) are swung upwards and aligned with the headphone band309, and so to place the housing on the outside surface of the headphone band309. If needed, the cord loops (302a-c,304a-c) can be loosened or tightened at the housing to provide a desired tension at the back of the neck in use, and over the top of the headphone band309during storage.

The various embodiments described herein improve upon existing audio and video content delivery headsets such as headphones, virtual reality, augmented reality or other such headsets that are used when playing games, listening to music or watching videos. By including a vibratory content delivery method that is held in place on the spine, the user's mobile audio experience is enhanced. Additionally, by including a place and method to release olfactory stimulation over or near the nose, we help to create a multi-sensory experience to consumers wherever they are. In a related embodiment, it is also taught herein that various forms of content, such as audio, video, vibratory, and olfactory sensory stimulation, can be created and delivered through the described embodiments to teach, improve, entertain and heal an individual. As an example, an included embodiment illustrates where a medical professional could record and deliver multi-sensory content to help a patient with a specific condition. As another example, a parent could use recorded multi-sensory content to help their child with conditions.

Referring now toFIGS.26-36,FIG.26illustrates a mobile content delivery headset such as a virtual or augmented reality headset that delivers recorded content that can be seen, heard, felt and smelled. The headset receives recorded content and delivers video through a face or eyepiece or viewing display600. Auditory content is delivered through various types of speakers or transducers that are attached or integrated into the headset system and worn over, on or near ears601, as well as through a tactile transducer that is placed over a spine602. It is envisioned that other auditory delivery methods such as bone conduction could be incorporated into the headset as well. An over-the-head strap603that holds the eyepiece600in place is shown. Additionally, itis envisioned that olfactory receptacles could be included in the eyepiece or system and when activated, could release smells in conjunction with the content over or near a user's nose.

Referring now toFIG.27, and similar toFIG.26, there is illustrated an example embodiment of a mobile content delivery headset such as a virtual, mixed or augmented reality headset with included visual600, auditory601and tactile602sensory stimulation components.

FIG.28illustrates an example embodiment of an adjustable connection assembly or system604for attaching a tactile transducer component605to an adjustable audio delivery arm606of a mobile content delivery headset. The adjustable audio delivery arm could have similar features as over the head headphones, and could be made from such materials as plastic, rubber or similar stretchable materials. The adjustable connection assembly could be made from adjustable and pliable materials such as elastic or similar. This embodiment allows the transducer to be held in place on the back of the neck and top of the spine. Additionally, it allows the transducer to move freely and deliver tactile vibrations to the user. Also shown are manual controls, such as for volume, for both the transducer component607and the speaker on the ears608. This manual adjustability of each component allows the user to customize the user's audio experience.

Referring now toFIG.29, this figure illustrates a side view of a mobile content delivery system with a different shape. Rather than attaching the audio arm and earpieces610, an in-ear earphone set613is provided adjacent the user's ears and to the side of the video eyepiece611. This description illustrates how the earpieces can attach to the top of the eyepiece that hangs from the forehead and over the eyes. The benefit of this product feature allows the tactile transducer component612to be held in place on a user's spine without bending the audio arms.

FIG.30illustrates a mobile content delivery system that is a fully integrated system with video615, audio616and tactile617delivery components. Construction materials are envisioned to be similar to other types of wearable electronics products. The benefit of this system is the lightweight, all-inclusive, comfortable design that molds to the user's head. Additionally, the arms have a conforming bended shape behind the ears618to allow the tactile transducer to be held in place on the spine.

Referring now toFIG.31, there is illustrated a mobile content delivery system with similar features asFIG.30. The primary difference between the two is the use of in-ear speakers620compared to other designs that show over or even on ear speakers.

FIG.32illustrates a mobile content delivery system that incorporates an over-the-head band625, similar to over the head headphones. The benefit over other described embodiments is the ability to shorten the over-the-head eyepiece attachment626so it does not go all the way to the back of a user's head. This is especially beneficial for users with longer hair.

Referring now toFIG.33, there is illustrated a mobile content delivery headset with an over-the-head attachment system630that holds an eyepiece631and tactile component632securely in place. Audio delivery arms633such as over, on or in-ear speakers are attached to and extend from the eyepiece.

FIG.34illustrates a mobile content delivery headset similar to other embodiments with the improvement being an adjustable feature635that allows components such as the tactile transducer636to move independently but fit snugly. Additional features include accordion or spring designs, stretchable materials such as elastic, sliding rails, and the like.

Referring now toFIG.35, there is illustrated a mobile content delivery headset, similar toFIG.29, but without the eyepiece. The shape is similar to a headband or hairband and circumferential around the user's head to hold the audio delivery speakers640and tactile transducer641in place.

FIG.36illustrates a mobile content delivery headset with speakers or similar transduction components placed inside the materials and worn directly over, on or near the user's ears645. This feature is beneficial in that it simplifies the construction of the headset.

Referring now toFIGS.37-54, the various embodiments described herein describe a wired or wireless headphone or headset system with various attachments and hooking configurations and methods. Construction materials are similar to other headphones or headsets, including plastic, metals, synthetics and softer materials such as mesh and foam. Attachment fixtures are shown herein on the rear and bottom of the headphone ear cup for attachment around the back of the neck, but it is envisioned the attachment mechanisms could be anywhere on the ear cup, such as on the front to attach glasses, virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) goggles, on the bottom to attach accessories, as well as on the headband for other types of attachments. Additionally, the headphone design described herein shows the attachment methods in one design, such as over the head, but it is envisioned that the methods and teachings could be incorporated into any type of headphone, headset or helmet design. Also, the attachment fixture molds are shown on the inside headphone mold, but it is envisioned that the fixtures could be secured on the outer ear cup or headband mold as well. Additionally, it is envisioned that the various attachment fixtures shown herein could be incorporated into the headphone mold, rather than a separate component, as well as part of an assembly that is wrapped around or affixed to the headphone mold. Also, the descriptions and images detail embodiments that attach to both left and right-side ear cups, but it is envisioned that accessories that attach to only one point of the headphone.

Now in more detail toFIG.37is described a headphone worn on or about the head with an attached component702held in place by attachment members103. Similar to the other figures, the headphone type shown is over the head701, but it is envisioned that other types of headphones could be used. The headphone has ear cups on each ear that comprise ear cushions704, inner ear cup molds705and outer ear cup molds706. The attached or attachable component can be various forms of stimulation such as visual or video, auditory, vibratory, electrical, thermal, olfactory or wind, as well as other types of accessories such as power, decorative, lighting or monitoring. The component can be held in place or worn in numerous places such as the back of the neck, on the head, and on the face.

The attachment members can be made from rigid, semi rigid, semi flexible or flexible materials. The attachment members connect to each headphone ear cup using various types of methods or fixtures707. As shown, the attachment member connects to the back of each ear cup through a looping mechanism around a fixture in the headphone ear cup, which will be described below. The attachment members can connect directly to a component, can hold a component in a suspendable pouch-type method, and also hold a component in a particular position via rigid or bar-like methods.

Now in greater detail toFIG.38is described a representative component721with attachment members722. The attachment members can be manufactured from a variety of soft and flexible materials, such as elastic or mesh, to allow the component to be worn comfortably in place, such as around the back of the neck or around the eyes. Additionally, the attachment members can be manufactured from more rigid materials such as plastic or metal, to hold the component securely in place. As an example, rigid mechanisms or arms could be inserted or attached to the front of the headphone and extended in front of the face or eyes of the user such as to attach a virtual or augmented reality eyepiece or projection device to it. The benefit of this approach is to create a modular headphone attachment system where the user can select from a variety of attachment members and attachable components to attach to their headphones. The attachment members can attach to the headphone ear cups on each end723by a variety of established methods such as Velcro®, latches, loops, pegs, rods, snaps, magnets, anchors, buckles or the like.

Now in greater detail toFIG.39is described a headphone with an incorporated component attachment system with attachment fixtures751in each ear cup mold. Here, the fixtures are shown as part of the inner headphone ear cup752but the fixtures or attachment configurations could be in other places on the headphone. The fixtures allow the user to attach various types of accessories, components or stimulation devices to the headphone system. Another benefit of such a design is the fixtures are recessed inside the mold, thus hiding the fixtures when not needed for component attachment. The fixtures are shown on the bottom of each ear cup so as to hold a component in place on the back of the neck, but it is envisioned they could be placed anywhere in or about the ear cup.

FIGS.40through45describe in greater detail different embodiments of a representative attachment system using modular fixtures that are a part of, in addition to, or attached to, headphones and headsets. While many types of fixtures are disclosed, it is envisioned other types, such as rod inserts, snaps and magnets, could be incorporated; therefore, the invention should also include these fixture or attachment methods. Construction materials of the attachment fixtures could include metal, plastic or similar hardened material that can support and hold the items attached to it.

FIG.40describes in greater detail one representative method for including an attachment fixture801in a headphone inner ear cup mold802. The fixture shown has a slotted opening803to allow for easy attachment or removal of the attachment members, such as a loop of a stretchable band. The fixture can be molded in the ear cup, attached directly to the ear cup, and secured around predetermined molds in the ear cup804. Construction materials of the attachment fixture can be strong and lightweight, such as plastic or metal. Screw holes805are shown that connect the inner and outer ear cup molds together.

FIG.41describes an attachment fixture761by itself that is solid and has no slots. The attachment member can be looped through and passed around the fixture or can be connected via other methods such as Velcro, snaps or rings. The main benefit of this design is the secure attachment to the headphone.

Now in greater detail toFIG.42is described an attachment fixture853to accommodate a depressible locking mechanism similar to those found on watchbands and other wearable products, as well as rigid members with depressible locking mechanisms that insert into receptor holes to lock the members into place. The user can depress a locking mechanism851on the end of the attachment member852, to connect or disconnect it from the fixture. It is envisioned the locking mechanism can be on the headphone as well. It is also envisioned the mechanism could have a different shape but a similar functionality, such as a smaller fixture with a deeper mold to hold a rigid attachment rod, such as for virtual reality goggles, in place.

FIG.43describes an attachment fixture with a hinge mechanism871and locking feature872, similar to carabiner connectors that are used in camping.FIG.44describes an attachment fixture with a loop891that extends farther outside of the headphone ear cup mold than other described fixtures. The benefits of such a design are to allow for easier attachment to the headphone, as well as for larger or irregular shaped attachment members. In greater detail toFIG.45describes an attachment fixture with a removable screw or pin901, similar to watchband or camping attachments, which can screw into the other side of the fixture902to secure the attachment member to the fixture.

FIG.46describes how a slot or attachment fixture1001can be molded into or placed onto the headphone ear cup1002to allow various attachment members to connect to or pass through it. The benefit of this method is to eliminate the need for an additional or extra fixture piece like detailed above. Now in more detail toFIG.47Ais a section view ofFIG.46showing how the slot or attachment fixture1101can be cut or molded where the attachment member can connect through the outer ear cup mold1102. Section view of an inner ear cup mold1103and ear cushion1104are also shown, and it is envisioned that the attachment fixture mechanism can be included in these as well. Various forms of electronics and speaker components can reside in these ear cup molds.FIG.47Bshows in greater detail the section view ofFIG.46where the slot or attachment fixture1110is cut or molded into the ear cup where the attachment member passes through an inner channel. This inner channel is shown in the outer ear cup mold1111but could be in the inner mold1112.

FIG.48describes in greater detail a different but similar method to connect an attachment member1200to a headphone or headphone ear cup1201. Female holes, snaps, magnets or slots1202are molded or placed into the headphone ear cup and the opposite or male counterpart or post1203is placed on the end of the attachment member. The female slots are shown in one position on the headphone, but it is envisioned the slots could be placed anywhere on the headphone assembly.FIG.49describes in greater detail how the male post1300described inFIG.12is slid into, snapped, magnetized and connected to the female hole on the headphone, shown on the outer ear cup1301to secure the attachment member in place, but could be on the inner mold1302as well.

FIG.50describes a similar headphone attachment method toFIGS.48and49. Here, the male posts1400are molded into the headphone ear cup mold and the female counterpart or slot1401is placed in the component attachment member1402.FIG.51describes in greater detail how the female slot on the attachment member is secured to the male post1500on the headphone ear cup. The male posts are shown on the outside of the outer ear cup1501but it is envisioned they could be on the inner portion of the outer ear cup or in the inner cup1502.

Now in greater detail toFIG.52, a headphone attachment method similar toFIG.4is shown. In this embodiment, rather than placing the fixture1600around the ear cup mold to secure in place, the fixture, here shown with a slot1603but could be shaped like other methods described herein, is larger and is attached directly to the ear cup via a screw1601or similar attachment method. Similar to other Figures, it is envisioned that the fixtures could be included in the outer or inner headphone ear cup, or in the headphone headband1602.

Now in greater detail toFIG.53is shown a representative view of a modular headphone attachment system with various components and attachment members connecting to headphones in various receptacle positions on and around the headphone ear cups through the fixtures described herein1700. Neck-based components1701can be worn around the back of the head and neck with attachment members1702. Such components could include but are not limited to stimulation or monitoring devices, and power or lighting accessories. As an example use, a mobile user can attach a device, with methods described similar to above, that contains and releases olfactory smells that correlate to content being played through their headphone, similar to rides at amusement parks such as “Soaring over California” at Disney®.

Face or forehead-worn components1703can be worn on or about the eyes, around the forehead or in front of the face with flexible or rigid attachment members1704. Such components could include but are not limited to virtual or augmented reality glasses or video projection devices, lighting accessories, cameras, fans, eye covers, forehead monitoring or stimulation devices. One example use is a user wanting to join a virtual cycling training class can insert a video projection or augmented reality device into the front of our headphones to play content that displays in front of them similar to Peloton® but without the fixed screen. The benefit is that through augmented lenses, content can be projected in front of the user that mimics virtual riders passing in front of near them while riding. A rider can listen to an instructor through the headphone ear speakers and hear the cars going past them. Additionally, with a tactile unit on the neck, users can feel the virtual content in real time of going over bumps in the road or getting bumped by other riders.

While not shown here, it is also envisioned to provide a headphone system with channels in each ear cup facing to the front of the user's face that facilitate easy placement of reading glasses. The main benefit of this embodiment of the invention is to relieve the pressure that existing over or on ear headphone styles put on users who wear glasses with arms that rest between the top of the ear and the head. By placing a channel in the headphone or headphone ear cup so the user can insert the arms of their glasses inside them, the user can eliminate the squeeze and uncomfortable feeling caused by the pressure of traditional headphone ear cups on the arms around the ears.

Other components1705can connect to the bottom of the ear cups with various types of attachment members1706. Such components could include but are not limited to decorative or lighting accessories, camera devices or power accessories. As an example, in surgery, a doctor in training could wear the headphones to receive audio instruction from another surgeon, attach a video recording accessory on one ear and a lighting accessory on the other to display the surgical procedure to the observing physician. The benefit is through a single head-worn system, content can be seen, recorded, shared and commented on with many participants at one time.

FIG.54describes a modular headphone attachment system with a component1800that is attached to headphones and connected to other external devices1801via wires or cables1802, or wirelessly and remotely. While we describe an external device connecting to a component wrapped on the neck, it is envisioned the device could connect or interact with components attached to other areas of the headphone. These external devices could include but are not limited to power sources, computers, diagnostic machines, fitness or wellness equipment, rehabilitation equipment, training equipment, or other types of control units such as mobile devices.

One representative embodiment of a treatment application is a patient, such as a child, undergoing a surgical procedure and instead of using a sedative to relax them, placing a modular headphone system that is connected to an outside source of content. The patient can select the type of content they wish to use as a distraction, and the types of stimulative accessories, such as vibration, video, olfactory or thermal, to connect to the audio receptor in the headphones to help them relax. The benefit being is that the patient does not need to be administered drugs before, during or after the procedure.

Another example use of this embodiment is a remote medical provider can assess, diagnose and deliver various forms of wearable therapy to the user who is wearing the headphone with an attached diagnostic and therapeutic delivery component. This way, the patients can be in their homes or other location and can receive non-invasive therapies from doctors in remote locations. Another example of this embodiment is the user can receive instructional content from an outside source, which is delivered through the headphone system with an attached vibratory component on the neck and a virtual reality headset on the eyes, which simultaneously sends a wireless vibratory signal to a handheld golf or baseball swing trainer. The result is a multi-modal training system that activates the brain and body in multiple ways at the same time.

Referring now toFIGS.55-58, in a related embodiment, there is provided in-ear style transducers in which there is placed a vibration transducer, vibration speaker or similar transduction output method inside the housing of in-earphones or hearing aids that are worn in each ear canal, so when music, audio and other forms of digital content is played through them, they deliver low frequency tactile vibration output, in addition to audio output, to the user. Sound consists of vibration that can be heard and felt by the body. Current earphones and hearing aids have very small speakers that can only play music and sound that can be heard. However, if you strike a tuning fork and hold the fork end next to your ear, you can hear the audio vibration, and if you gently place the straight end into your ear canal, you can feel the tactile vibration. By adding vibration transducers, vibration speakers or similar transduction output devices into each earphone or hearing aid housing and placing the housing into the ears, the user will also be able to feel the tactile vibrations in the sound output. There are several advantages for the user: experience music like they are at a live event; they can experience movies like they are at a theater; they can feel like they are sitting in a vibration gaming chair wherever they are; if they have hearing loss in low frequencies, they can feel and hear the sound output as most hearing aids only deliver frequencies down to 125 Hz; they can use with vibration-based content as a bimodal (hear, feel) restorative wearable that activates the brain to help relax, improve balance and reduce pain; they can have balance activated through vibrational content that's delivered when the accelerometer in the earphones detects a fall; they can have relaxing vibrational content delivered when the heart rate sensor detects stress; they can work with other software, such as live entertainment events, to deliver the feeling of bass; they can stimulate both the auditory and peripheral sensory systems at the same time to reduce pain and relieve anxiety; as well as many other uses.

Specifically,FIG.55illustrates a side view of the left ear2012with an earphone device2010inserted inside the ear or ear canal2013. The shape of the device2010is for illustrative purposes only and can resemble any shape of currently available earphones or hearing aids. In this example embodiment, an outer shell2011of earphone device2010includes control buttons or lights on the surface and includes electronics integrated inside. There could also include various methods to hold the earphone in place inside the ear2013. The device2010could be connected via wires2014or alternatively via wireless connections (Bluetooth or RF).

FIG.56illustrates a representative cut away view of earphone device2020located inside a user's ear/ear canal2022. The vibration speaker, transducer or similar vibratory output method or device2021is attached directly to the outer shell or housing2023so that when sound is played and the transducer is activated, the outer shell2023transmits the vibration to the user so he/she can feel the vibrations inside the ear canal2022. It is envisioned that the earphone device2020would have an outer layer2029made from a softer and more pliable material (such as silicone) to securely and comfortably hold it in place. Other components are included (not shown in detailed but housed by housing2023) such as control board electronics2028, battery2027and additional speakers2026, in addition to heart rate assessments, accelerometers, and other diagnostic components, could also be included. In this example embodiment, earphone device2020is held in place with structures or elongate members extending from a base2024(or could be an over the ear attachment member) and can be connected to or driven by wires or cables2025.

FIG.57illustrates a cut away view of a different earphone device2030embodiment where the vibration transducer2031is placed in an outer portion2030A of device2030to allow for more room for transducer2031. The transducer can still be secured directly to the outer housing2032through attachment to an internal section of the housing2033. The other electronics and components (not shown in detailed), such as battery and speaker components2034can be placed in the end of the earphone device2030, which is placed inside the ear canal2035of the ear2036. It is also envisioned that the earphones can remotely or wirelessly communicate via RF or Bluetooth waves2037with other devices or software.

The following patents and publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties: U.S. Publication Nos. 2012/0253236 A1; US 2015/0038886; and US 2017/0135896; and International Publication No. WO 2013/122870 A1.

The foregoing specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth in the specification herein are for illustrative purposes only. Various deviations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention without departing from the main theme thereof.