PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9756412-B1
Application Number: US-201615019813-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Circumaural to supra-aural convertible headphone earcups

Abstract:
A convertible earcup for a headphone. The earcup includes an earcup frame, a driver positioned within the earcup frame and an earpad coupled to the earcup frame. The earpad is operable to be converted between a first configuration in which the earpad comprises a first diameter and a second configuration in which the earpad comprises a second, different diameter. A convertible headphone system including a set of earcups. Each earcup within the set of earcups includes a speaker unit and an earpad, and the earpad is convertible between a first diameter and a second diameter.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A convertible earcup for a headphone, the earcup comprising:
 an earcup frame having a plurality of frame members; 
 a driver positioned within the earcup frame; and 
 an earpad coupled to the plurality of frame members, the earpad operable to be converted between a first configuration in which the earpad comprises a first diameter and a second configuration in which the earpad comprises a second, different diameter. 
 
     
     
       2. The earcup of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of frame members are struts extending radially outward from the driver to the earpad. 
     
     
       3. The earcup of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of frame members are articulated frame members extending radially outward from the driver to the earpad, and wherein the articulated frame members are operable to expand and contract to convert the earpad between the first configuration and the second configuration. 
     
     
       4. The earcup of  claim 1  wherein the earcup frame comprises an acoustic mesh for tuning an acoustic performance of the earcup. 
     
     
       5. The earcup of  claim 1  wherein when the earpad is in the first configuration, the earpad is dimensioned to encircle an ear. 
     
     
       6. The earcup of  claim 1  wherein when the earpad is in the second configuration, the earpad is dimensioned to rest on an ear. 
     
     
       7. The earcup of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of frame members are operable to maintain a constant distance between a face of the driver and an ear canal of a user when the earpad is in the first configuration and in the second configuration. 
     
     
       8. The earcup of  claim 1  wherein the earpad is convertible to any diameter between the first diameter and the second diameter. 
     
     
       9. The earcup of  claim 1  wherein the earpad is a ring shaped member comprising an elastomeric material. 
     
     
       10. The earcup of  claim 1  wherein the earpad comprises a plurality of telescoping sections that form a ring shaped earpad. 
     
     
       11. The earcup of  claim 1  wherein the earcup further comprises:
 one of a position sensor or an acoustic sensor coupled to the earpad to detect whether the earpad is in the first configuration or the second configuration. 
 
     
     
       12. An earcup for a headphone, the earcup comprising:
 an earcup frame having a plurality of frame members that are each adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration; 
 a speaker unit positioned within the earcup frame; and 
 an earpad coupled to the earcup frame, wherein the earpad comprises a first diameter when each of the plurality of frame members are in the first configuration and a second diameter when each of the plurality of frame members are in the second configuration. 
 
     
     
       13. The earcup of  claim 12  wherein the plurality of frame members are struts operable to adjust the earcup frame between the first configuration and the second configuration. 
     
     
       14. The earcup of  claim 12  wherein the plurality of frame members are at least two jointed frame members, wherein the jointed frame members contract or expand to adjust the earcup frame between the first configuration and the second configuration. 
     
     
       15. The earcup of  claim 12  wherein the plurality of frame members extend radially outward from the speaker unit to the earpad, and wherein at least one of the plurality of frame members comprises an acoustic opening for tuning an acoustic performance of the earpad. 
     
     
       16. The earcup of  claim 12  wherein a volume defined by the earcup frame when the plurality of frame members are in the first configuration is different than a volume define by the earcup frame when the plurality of frame members are in the second configuration. 
     
     
       17. The earcup of  claim 12  wherein the earcup further comprises:
 a covering coupled to the earcup frame, wherein the covering comprises a porous material operable to tune an acoustic performance of the earcup. 
 
     
     
       18. The earcup of  claim 12  wherein a distance between a face of the speaker unit and an ear around which the earcup frame is positioned remains constant when the plurality of frame members are in the first configuration and the second configuration. 
     
     
       19. A convertible headphone system comprising:
 a set of earcups, wherein each earcup within the set of earcups comprises a speaker unit, a plurality of frame members extending radially outward from the speaker unit and an earpad connected to the plurality of frame members, and wherein each of the plurality of frame members is separately movable with respect to the speaker unit, and the earpad is convertible between a first diameter and a second diameter. 
 
     
     
       20. The convertible headphone system of  claim 19  wherein the earcup is a circumaural earcup in the first diameter and a supra-aural earcup in the second diameter.

Description:
FIELD 
     An embodiment of the invention is directed to a convertible headphone having earcups that can be converted between around the ear earcups (circumaural) and over the ear earcups (supra-aural). Other embodiments are also described and claimed. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Whether listening to a portable media player while traveling, or to a stereo or theater system at home, consumers often choose headphones. Headphones typically include a pair of earcups that are placed on the user&#39;s ears and are held together by a headband. The earcups typically include earpads for user comfort and/or sealing of the earcup to the user&#39;s head, and are of a fixed size and shape. In this aspect, headphones can be classified into two general categories based on the size of the earcup and associated earpads, namely circumaural headphones or supra-aural headphones. 
     Circumaural headphones have earpads the completely surround the user&#39;s ear and press on the user&#39;s head. Circumaural headphones are often referred to as full size headphones. In some cases, the earpads seal to the user&#39;s head to provide sound attenuation. Due to the size of the earcups and pads, however, circumaural headphones can be heavy and inconvenient for daily use. 
     Supra-aural headphones have earpads that are smaller than those of circumaural headphones and press on the user&#39;s ears, instead of the head. Supra-aural headphones are therefore typically smaller than circumaural headphones and may be more suitable for daily use and travel. Because the earpads of supra-aural headphones can rest on the user&#39;s ears, however, they can become uncomfortable after a period of time and achieve less sound attenuation than circumaural headphones. 
     SUMMARY 
     As previously discussed, headphones are generally designed with earcups having a fixed size. The instant invention improves on conventional headphones by providing headphone earcups that can be converted between over the ear (e.g., supra-aural) and around the ear (e.g., circumaural) configurations, and any size in between. For example, the earcup may have an expandable cushion or telescoping ring connected to a frame system similar to a Hoberman Sphere® which allows for the expansion of the earcup and associated earpad to adapt to the user&#39;s desired size. In addition, it is noted that to maintain the acoustic performance of the headphones, a distance from the ear canal entrance and/or pinna of the user&#39;s ear and a face of the speaker unit (e.g., the diaphragm) is maintained as constant as possible. It has been found that changes in a diameter of the earcup have limited impact in acoustic performance in the mid-band range and to open ear gain when the distance remains constant. 
     More specifically, an embodiment of the invention is a convertible earcup for a headphone. The convertible earcup may include an earcup frame, a driver positioned within the earcup frame, and an earpad coupled to the earcup frame. The earpad is operable to be converted between a first configuration in which the earpad has a first diameter and a second configuration in which the earpad has a second, different diameter. The earcup frame may include a plurality of struts extending radially outward from the driver to the earpad. In addition, the earcup frame may include a plurality of articulated frame members extending radially outward from the driver to the earpad. The articulated frame members may be operable to expand and contract to convert the earpad between the first configuration and the second configuration. The earcup frame may further include an acoustic mesh for tuning an acoustic performance of the earcup. In one aspect, when the earpad is in the first configuration, the earpad may be dimensioned to encircle an ear. In another aspect, when the earpad is in the second configuration, the earpad may be dimensioned to rest on an ear. In addition, when the earpad is at the first diameter, the earpad may be a circumaural earpad. Further, when the earpad is at the second diameter, the earpad may be a supra-aural earpad. Still further, the earpad may be a ring shaped member including an elastomeric material. In addition, the earpad may include a plurality of telescoping sections that form a ring around the driver or speaker. The earcup may also include a position sensor or an acoustic sensor coupled to the earpad to detect whether the earpad is in the first configuration or the second configuration. 
     In another embodiment, an earcup for a headphone includes an earcup frame that is adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration, a speaker unit positioned within the earcup frame and an earpad coupled to the earcup frame. The earpad may include a first diameter when the earcup frame is in the first configuration and a second diameter when the earcup frame is in the second configuration. Still further, the earcup frame may include a plurality of struts operable to adjust the earcup frame between the first configuration and the second configuration. 
     In other embodiments, the earcup frame may include at least two jointed frame members, and the jointed frame members contract or expand to adjust the earcup frame between the first configuration and the second configuration. Still further, the earcup frame may include a plurality of frame members extending radially outward from the speaker unit to the earpad. In some cases, at least one of the plurality of frame members may include an acoustic opening for tuning an acoustic performance of the earpad. In addition, a volume defined by the earcup frame in the first configuration is different than a volume defined by the earcup frame in the second configuration. The earcup may also include a covering coupled to the earcup frame. The covering may include a porous material operable to tune an acoustic performance of the earcup. In one embodiment, a distance between a face of the speaker unit and an ear around which the earcup frame is positioned remains constant in the first configuration and the second configuration. 
     In another embodiment, a convertible headphone system is disclosed. The headphone system includes a set of earcups. Each of the earcups may include a speaker unit and an earpad that is convertible between a first diameter and a second diameter. The earcup may be a circumaural earcup in the first diameter and a supra-aural earcup in the second diameter. 
     The above summary does not include an exhaustive list of all aspects of the present invention. It is contemplated that the invention includes all systems and methods that can be practiced from all suitable combinations of the various aspects summarized above, as well as those disclosed in the Detailed Description below and particularly pointed out in the claims filed with the application. Such combinations have particular advantages not specifically recited in the above summary. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and they mean at least one. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic diaphragm of one embodiment of a headphone having convertible earcups. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a headphone earcup of the headphone in  FIG. 1  in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the headphone earcup of  FIG. 2  in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic top plan view of one embodiment of a headphone earcup in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic top plan view of one embodiment of the headphone earcup of  FIG. 4  in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic top plan view of another embodiment of a headphone earcup in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic top plan view of one embodiment of the headphone earcup of  FIG. 6  in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic top plan view of another embodiment of a headphone earcup in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a schematic top plan view of one embodiment of the headphone earcup of  FIG. 8  in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a simplified schematic view of one embodiment of an electronic device in which convertible headphone earcups may be implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In this section we shall explain several preferred embodiments of this invention with reference to the appended drawings. Whenever the shapes, relative positions and other aspects of the parts described in the embodiments are not clearly defined, the scope of the invention is not limited only to the parts shown, which are meant merely for the purpose of illustration. Also, while numerous details are set forth, it is understood that some embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description. The terms “over”, “to”, and “on” as used herein may refer to a relative position of one feature with respect to other features. One feature “over” or “on” another feature or bonded “to” another feature may be directly in contact with the other feature or may have one or more intervening layers. In addition, the use of relative terms throughout the description, such as “top”, “above or “upper” and “bottom”, “under” or “lower” may denote a relative position or direction. For example, a “top edge”, “top end” or “top side” may be directed in a first axial direction and a “bottom edge”, “bottom end” or “bottom side” may be directed in a second direction opposite to the first axial direction. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic diaphragm of one embodiment of a headphone having convertible earcups. Headphone  100  may include a set of earpieces, for example, earcups  102  and  104 , which are connected together by a head band  106 . Head band  106  may be dimensioned to fit over the user&#39;s head and align earcups  102 ,  104  with the user&#39;s ears  110 . Earcup  102  may include an earcup frame  112 , a transducer  116  positioned within the earcup frame  112  and an earpad  114  connected to the earcup frame  112 . The earcup frame  112  may, in some embodiments, be dimensioned to form an acoustic chamber  120  which helps to contain and direct sound generated by the transducer  116  to the user&#39;s ear  110 . Transducer  116  may be any type of electric-to-acoustic transducer such as a speaker driver or loudspeaker having a pressure sensitive diaphragm and circuitry configured to produce a sound in response to an electrical audio signal input. The electrical audio signal may be a music signal input to transducer  116  by a sound source. The sound source may, for example, be an audio device capable of outputting an audio signal, for example, an audio electronic device such as a portable music player, home stereo system or home theater system capable of outputting an audio signal. The earpad  114  may be designed to comfortably contact, and in some cases seal to, the user&#39;s head and/or ear. For example, earpad  114  may be a cushion or elastomeric member (e.g., an elastomer such as polyurethane or silicon based material) having a ring or ellipsoid shape similar to that of the ear. It should be understood that although only earcup  102  is described in detail, earcup  102  and earcup  104  are substantially the same, therefore each of the aspects described in reference to earcup  102  apply to earcup  104 . 
     In order to improve the versatility and/or performance of headphone  100  between, and among, users, earcup  102  may be convertible between a circumaural earcup and a supra-aural earcup. In other words, earcup  102  may be adjustable between a size in which it encircles ear  110  and rests on the user&#39;s head  108  and a size in which it rests or presses on ear  110 . For example, earcup  102  and the associated earpad  114  may have a diameter that is modifiable between a first diameter D 1  and a second diameter D 2 , as measured along an axis  118  substantially parallel to a face of transducer  116 . Diameter D 1  may, for example, correspond to that of a circumaural earcup that completely encircles the user&#39;s ear  110  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Diameter D 2  may, for example, correspond to that of a supra-aural earcup that rests and/or presses on the user&#39;s ear  110  as shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 1 . In other words, diameter D 1  may be greater than diameter D 2 , or said another way diameter D 2  is less than diameter D 1 . Although only diameters D 1  and D 2  are shown, it should be understood that earcup  102  and/or the associated earpad  114  may have a diameter anywhere within a range that is between diameters D 1  and D 2 . The diameters D 1  and D 2  may be measured from the points where the earcup frame  112  and the earpad  114  connect, or otherwise intersect, therefore both the earcup frame  112  and earpad  114  may be referred to herein as having diameters D 1  or D 2 . For example, a diameter of the earcup frame  112  may be measured from the circumference of earcup frame  112  as defined by the ends of the frame, which attach to earpad  114 , and a diameter of earpad  114  may be measured from a circumference of earpad  114  as defined through a center of earpad  114 . In addition, in some embodiments, a corresponding change in the volume of the acoustic chamber  120  formed by earcup  102  may occur. For example, a volume of acoustic chamber  120  of earcup  102  at diameter D 1  may be greater than a volume of acoustic chamber  120  of earcup  102  at diameter D 2 . 
     It is noted that the changes in diameter and/or volume of earcup  102  may be used to modify, control and/or improve an acoustic performance of earcup  102 , or may simply be used to improve user comfort. For example, when earcup  102  has a diameter D 1 , earcup  102  encircles ear  110  and can seal to the user&#39;s head, thus improving sound attenuation; this is in comparison to a non-sealing earcup diameter (e.g., diameter D 2 ). Therefore, such a configuration may be desirable when a level of undesirable ambient sounds is high. When the ambient sound levels decrease, earcup  102  can be converted to a diameter D 2 , such that it rests on the ear and allows some ambient noises to enter earcup  102 , thus creating a more “open” sounding user experience. Still further, the volume of acoustic chamber  120  within earcup  102  may be modified to, for example, give the user a more open or less open listening experience. In addition, it is noted that although a diameter and/or volume of earcup  102  may change, a distance between transducer  116  and the ear  110  (e.g., an opening to the ear canal) should remain relatively constant in order to maintain the desired acoustic performance among the various earcup sizes. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a headphone earcup of the headphone in  FIG. 1  in a first configuration. From this view, it can be seen that in a first configuration, earcup  102  is at the first diameter D 1  and completely encircles ear  110 . In some cases, earpad  114  seals to the user&#39;s head  108  so that no sound, or only minimal sound, can enter earcup  102 , thereby providing sound attenuation. In addition, as previously discussed, a distance (d) between a sound output face  202  (e.g., a diaphragm) of transducer  116  and the ear  110 , more specifically an opening to the ear canal  204 , remains consistent between the first and second earcup configurations so that the acoustic performance of the earcup is consistent among the various earcup sizes. 
     In addition, in some embodiments, an optional pressure sensor  206  and/or acoustic sensor  208  may be included in earcup  102 . The pressure sensor  206  may, for example, be any type of sensor that is capable of detecting a pressure between earpad  114  and the user. In this aspect, the pressure sensor  206  may be positioned within a portion of earpad  114  that contacts the user. The detected level of pressure can, in turn, be used to determine the configuration of the earcup  102 . For example, an overall pressure on the earpad  114  may be greater when it presses on the user&#39;s head (e.g., a circumaural configuration) than when earpad  114  is against the user&#39;s ear (e.g., a supra-aural configuration). Therefore, when the pressure detected by pressure sensor  206  is within a first pressure range or above/below a predetermined pressure threshold, it is determined that the earcup  102  is in the first configuration, for example, a circumaural earcup configuration. When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor  206  is within a second pressure range or above/below the predetermined threshold pressure level, it is determined that the earcup  102  is in the second configuration, for example, a supra-aural earcup configuration. In some cases, the first pressure range may be greater than the second pressure range. 
     The acoustic sensor  208  may, for example, be positioned within the acoustic chamber  120  of earcup  102  such that it can detect a level of ambient sound within acoustic chamber  120  and/or any changes in a frequency response of the transducer  116  within acoustic chamber  120 . For example, in one embodiment, acoustic sensor  208  may be a microphone positioned in front of transducer  116  (e.g., mounted to transducer  116 ) that is capable of detecting a change in a frequency response and/or sensitivity of transducer  116 , which may occur due to the change in earcup size. In other embodiments, acoustic sensor  208  may be an error microphone or reference microphone that operates in a similar manner to an error microphone used in an active noise control (ANC) system. For example, reference microphone may be designed to detect earcup noise (e.g., ambient sound) within acoustic chamber  120 . The reference microphone may be any type of acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor having a pressure sensitive diaphragm and circuitry capable of converting earcup noise into an electrical signal (e.g., a MEMS microphone, an analog microhpone or an electret microphone). The earcup noise detected by acoustic sensor  208  may then be converted to an earcup noise electrical signal and transmitted to a processing unit. The processing unit may then process both the earcup noise electrical signal and signal input to transducer  116  for output to the user (e.g., compare the signals) to determine a level of ambient noise present within earcup  102 . An ambient noise level within or below a first predetermined acoustic range indicates that the earcup  102  is sealed around the ear (e.g., minimal ambient noise is leakage into the earcup). In turn, an ambient noise level within a second predetermined threshold range (e.g., a range above the first acoustic range) indicates that the earcup  102  is not acoustically sealed against the user (e.g., significant ambient noise leakage into earcup). Based on this information, it can be determined whether the earcup  102  is in the first configuration in which it is sealed around the ear  110  (e.g., circumaural) or resting on the ear  110  (e.g., supra-aural). In some cases, the acoustic sensor  208  may be part of a closed feedback system from the microphone to the transducer  116 . 
     The information regarding the earpad configuration (e.g., size) that is obtained using pressure sensor  206  and/or acoustic sensor  208  may then be used to actively compensate for any undesirable changes in acoustic performance among the various earcup sizes. For example, a drop in speaker sensitivity may occur when a volume of earcup chamber  120  is increased. The frequency response, however, can be maintained among the earcup sizes by adapting the signal output to transducer  116  compensate for the drop in sensitivity. For example, the power or voltage input to the speaker can be increased when it is determined that the volume of earcup chamber  120  has increased (e.g., earcup  102  is in the first configuration) to compensate for any drop in sensitivity. Since the sensors  206 ,  208  can be used to detect the earcup size and/or output of the transducer  116 , the system is adaptive and actively compensates for any possible sensitivity, acoustic impedance and/or frequency response changes. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the headphone earcup illustrated in  FIG. 2  in a second configuration. In particular, from this view, it can be seen that earcup  102  is at the second diameter, D 2 , which is less than the first diameter, D 1 . Thus, in this configuration, earpad  114  of earcup  102  rests on ear  110 , as opposed to the user&#39;s head  108 . In other words, earcup  102  is supra-aural. The distance (d) between transducer  116  and the ear  110 , however, remains constant between the first configuration shown in  FIG. 2  and the second configuration of  FIG. 3 , as previously discussed. It should further be noted that, as previously discussed, although two diameters D 1  and D 2  are illustrated, earcup  102  may be adjusted to any diameter within a diameter range between D 1  and D 2  as desired by a user. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic top plan view of one embodiment of a headphone earcup in a first configuration. Earcup  102  is substantially the same as, and operates in the same manner as, the earcup  102  described in reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . In this aspect, as previously discussed, earcup  102  includes earcup frame  112 , earpad  114  connected to earcup frame  112  and transducer  116  also connected to earcup frame  112 . From this view, it can be seen that earcup frame  112  includes additional features to facilitate the conversion of earcup  102  between the first and second configurations (e.g., between a circumaural and a supra-aural earcup). In particular, in this embodiment, earcup frame  112  includes one or more frame members  402 A,  402 B,  402 C and  402 D extending radially outward from transducer  116  to earpad  114 . Frame members  402 A- 402 D may, in some embodiments, be cantilever like members, fin like members, struts, trusses, beams or the like. The frame members  402 A- 402 B may be curved toward earpad  114  so as to form a cup, cone or other similarly shaped acoustic chamber around the ear (as shown in  FIGS. 2-3 ). For example, in one embodiment, frame members  402 A- 402 D may be formed of a plastic material or the like that can be curved (such as by molding) to the desired shape and size. In addition, in some embodiments, frame members  402 A- 402 D may be curved or bent in a lateral direction (e.g., from side-to-side). A lateral bend or curve as shown may be desirable so that when earcup  102  is converted to have a smaller diameter by pulling frame members  402 A- 402 D in toward transducer  116  as shown in  FIG. 5 , frame members  402 A- 402 D can pull earpad  114  toward transducer  116  without intersecting with one another. It should further be understood that although four frame members  402 A- 402 D are shown, any number of frame members may be provided. 
     Each of frame members  402 A- 402 D may include an outer end  404  attached to earpad  114  and an inner end  406  attached to transducer  116 . Both outer and inner ends  404 ,  406  of each of frame members  402 A- 402 D may be pivotally attached to the earpad  114  and transducer  116 , respectively, by attachment members  408 ,  410 , respectively. The attachment members  408 ,  410 , may for example, be pins or any other type of attachment member that holds two structures together and allows one structure to pivot with respect to the other. It should further be recognized that although frame members  402 A- 402 D are shown attached to transducer, they may be attached to any other mounting member centrally located within earcup  102 , for example, a central part of a casing to which transducer  116  is mounted. 
     Frame members  402 A- 402 D may pivot around one or both of attachment members  408 ,  410  as shown by arrow  412  to convert earcup  102  between the first and second configurations. For example, as can be seen from  FIG. 4 , when one or more of frame members  402 A- 402 D are positioned such that a length dimension of the member (e.g., in a radial direction with respect to transducer  116 ) is substantially perpendicular to a line tangent to the surface of transducer  116 , a circumference of earpad  114  is maximized and earpad  114  is at its largest diameter, or D 1 . To reduce the circumference or diameter of earpad  114 , the inner ends  406  of frame members  402 A- 402 D pivot in a direction of arrow  412  such that the outer ends  404 , which are connected to earpad  114 , rotate around transducer  116  pulling earpad  114  in toward transducer  116 , which in turn reduces the circumference and diameter of earpad  114  to D 2 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The movement of frame members  402 A- 402 B may be driven manually by a user, or automatically, such as by a controller within earcup  102 . 
     Earpad  114  may be a ring shaped structure that can expand and contract based on the movement of frame members  402 A- 402 D, while still maintaining a ring shape. For example, earpad  114  may be made of a continuous piece of flexible elastic material, elastomeric material, foam, polyurethane or silicon based material. Alternatively, earpad  114  may be made of curved material sections, which are drawn close or farther apart depending upon the movement of frame members  402 A- 402 D. 
     Earcup frame  112  may further include a cover  416  that covers, or otherwise fills in, the gaps between frame members  402 A- 402 D to complete the acoustic chamber. Representatively, cover  416  may be made of a material, such as a fabric or plastic, that can fit over and/or around the frame members  402 A- 402 D and then be attached thereto to create an enclosed chamber. In one embodiment, cover  416  may be formed of an acoustic or otherwise open texture material that allows for sound to pass through cover  416  and into the acoustic chamber. For example, cover  416  may be formed of a mesh or porous membrane that includes openings or pores through which a controlled level of sound may pass. In this aspect, the cover  416  may further provide a mechanism for controlling or otherwise tuning an acoustic performance of earcup  102 . Alternatively, cover  416  may provide an acoustic seal between frame members  402 A- 402 D so that sound cannot be transmitted through cover  416  and into the acoustic chamber, for example, a plastic or closed texture material. 
     In addition, in some embodiments, each of frame members  402 A- 402 D may include acoustic pores  418  for further tuning the acoustic performance of earcup  102 . Acoustic pores  418  may be calibrated to achieve a desired level of acoustic tuning and/or include an acoustic mesh  420  over the pores  418 , for further tuning of an acoustic performance of earcup  102 . It should be understood that although three mesh covered acoustic pores  418  are shown on each of frame members  402 A- 402 D, any number of pores with or without a mesh may be provided. In addition, in some embodiments where cover  416  is formed of, for example, a porous material, acoustic pores  418  may not be necessary and therefore omitted. Alternatively, where cover  416  is made of an acoustically isolating material, acoustic pores  418  with or without acoustic mesh  420  may be used alone for acoustic tuning. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic top plan view of another embodiment of a headphone earcup in a first configuration. Earcup  102  is substantially the same as, and operates in the same manner as, the earcup  102  described in reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . In this aspect, as previously discussed, earcup  102  includes earcup frame  112 , earpad  114  connected to earcup frame  112  and transducer  116  also connected to earcup frame  112 . Earcup frame  112  includes additional features to facilitate the conversion of earcup  102  between the first and second configurations (e.g., between a circumaural and a supra-aural earcup). In particular, in this embodiment, earcup frame  112  includes one or more frame members  602 A,  602 B,  602 C,  602 D,  602 E,  602 F,  602 G and  602 H extending radially outward from transducer  116  to earpad  114 . Frame members  602 A- 602 H, in this embodiment, may be cantilever like members, fin like members, struts, trusses, beams or the like that are made up of articulated or jointed sections that can collapse (or contract) and expand to convert earcup  102  between the first and second configurations. For example, frame members  602 A- 602 H may be jointed struts or truss like members that operate in a scissor like manner, much like a Hoberman Sphere®. Frame members  602 A- 602 H may be curved toward earpad  114  so as to form a cup, cone or other similarly shaped acoustic chamber around the ear (as shown in  FIGS. 2-3 ). For example, in one embodiment, frame members  602 A- 602 H may be formed of a plastic material or the like that can be formed into the desired shape and size. It should further be understood that although eight frame members  602 A- 602 H are shown, any number of frame members may be provided. 
     Each of frame members  602 A- 602 H may include an outer end  604  attached to earpad  114  and an inner end  606  attached to transducer  116 . Both outer and inner ends  604 ,  606  of each of frame members  602 A- 602 H may be pivotally attached to the earpad  114  and transducer  116 , respectively, by attachment members  608 ,  610 , respectively. The attachment members  608 ,  610 , may for example, be pins or any other type of attachment member that holds two structures together and allows one structure to pivot with respect to the other. In addition, each of frame members  602 A- 602 H may include a number of frame sections  612 A,  612 B,  612 C and  612 D which are pivotally connected to one another by pivot members  614 A,  614 B and  614 C (e.g., pins or the like) to form a number of articulated or jointed regions between the outer and inner ends  604 ,  606  of each of frame members  602 A- 602 H. It should further be recognized that although frame members  602 A- 602 H are shown attached to transducer, they may be attached to any other mounting member centrally located within earcup  102 , for example, a central part of a casing to which transducer  116  is mounted. 
     Frame sections  612 A- 612 D may pivot around the pivot members  614 A- 614 C at the jointed regions in a scissor like fashion to either pull earpad  114  in toward transducer  116  (e.g., decrease the diameter) or push earpad  114  away from transducer  116  (e.g., increase the diameter) in a radial direction as illustrated by arrow  618 . Said another way, an overall length of frame member  602 A in a radial direction may be decreased or increased by collapsing or expanding frame sections  612 A- 612 D with respect to one another. This, in turn, converts earpad  114 , which is attached to each of frame members  602 A- 602 H around its circumference, between diameter D 1  as shown in  FIG. 6  and diameter D 2  as shown in  FIG. 7 . For example as can be seen from  FIG. 6 , when one or more of frame members  602 A- 602 H are expanded (e.g., in a radial direction with respect to transducer  116 ), a circumference of earpad  114  is maximized and earpad  114  is at its largest diameter, or D 1 . To reduce the circumference or diameter of earpad  114 , frame sections  612 A- 612 D are contracted in a scissor like manner such that the outer ends  604 , which are connected to earpad  114 , pull earpad  114  in toward transducer, which in turn reduces the circumference and diameter of earpad  114  to D 2 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The movement of frame members  602 A- 602 H may be driven manually by a user, or automatically, such as by a controller within earcup  102 . 
     In addition, it should be understood that although frame members  602 A- 602 H are illustrated as being one elongated structure made up of several sections, frame members  602 A- 602 H may include two or more elongated structures that intersect in a scissor like fashion, much like a Hoberman Sphere®. For example, each of members  602 A- 602 H may include a second jointed frame member that crisscrosses with it at the jointed regions in a scissor like fashion, and all the frame members may be interconnected such that movement of one of the frame members, moves the entire earcup frame  112  between the collapsed and expanded configurations. 
     Earpad  114  may be a ring shaped structure that can expand and contract based on the movement of frame members  602 A- 602 H, while still maintaining a ring shape. For example, earpad  114  may be made of a continuous piece of flexible elastic material, elastomeric material, foam, polyurethane or silicon based material. Alternatively, earpad  114  may be made of curved material sections, which are drawn close or farther apart depending upon the movement of frame members  602 A- 602 H. 
     Earcup frame  112  may further include a cover  616  that covers, or otherwise fills in, the gaps between frame members  602 A- 602 H to complete the acoustic chamber. Cover  616  may be substantially similar to cover  416  described in reference to  FIG. 4 . Representatively, cover  616  may be made of a material, such as a fabric or plastic, that can fit over and/or around the frame members  602 A- 602 H and then be attached thereto to create an enclosed chamber. In one embodiment, cover  616  may be formed of an acoustic or otherwise open texture material that allows for sound to pass through cover  616  and into the acoustic chamber. For example, cover  616  may be formed of a mesh or porous membrane that includes openings or pores through which a controlled level of sound may pass. In this aspect, the cover  616  may further provide a mechanism for controlling or otherwise tuning an acoustic performance of earcup  102 . Alternatively, cover  616  may provide an acoustic seal between frame members  602 A- 602 H so that sound cannot be transmitted through cover  616  and into the acoustic chamber, for example, a plastic or closed texture material. In this aspect, acoustic tuning may be accomplished by including pores (with or without an acoustic mesh covering) within frame members  602 A- 602 H as previously discussed in reference to  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic top plan view of another embodiment of a headphone earcup in a first configuration. Earcup  102  is substantially the same as, and operates in the same manner as, the earcup  102  described in reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . In this aspect, as previously discussed, earcup  102  includes earcup frame  112 , earpad  114  connected to earcup frame  112  and transducer  116  also connected to earcup frame  112 . Earcup frame  112  includes additional features to facilitate the conversion of earcup  102  between the first and second configurations (e.g., between a circumaural and a supra-aural earcup). In particular, in this embodiment, earcup frame  112  includes one or more frame members  802 A,  802 B,  802 C,  802 D,  802 E,  802 F,  802 G and  802 H extending radially outward from transducer  116  to earpad  114 . Frame members  802 A- 802 H, in this embodiment, may be cantilever like members, fin like members, struts, trusses, beams or the can be used to convert the earcup  102  between the first and second configurations. Frame members  802 A- 802 H may be curved toward earpad  114  so as to form a cup, cone or other similarly shaped acoustic chamber around the ear (as shown in  FIGS. 2-3 ). For example, in one embodiment, frame members  802 A- 802 H may be formed of a plastic material or the like that can be formed into the desired shape and size. It should further be understood that although eight frame members  802 A- 802 H are shown, any number of frame members may be provided. 
     Each of frame members  802 A- 802 H may include an outer end  804  attached to earpad  114  and an inner end  806  attached to transducer  116 . Both outer and inner ends  804 ,  806  of each of frame members  802 A- 802 H may be fixedly or pivotally attached to the earpad  114  and transducer  116 , respectively, by attachment members  808 ,  810 , respectively. In the case where pivoting is desired, attachment members  808 ,  810 , may for example, be pins or any other type of attachment member that holds two structures together and allows one structure to pivot with respect to the other. In the case where it is desired for one or more of frame members  802 A- 802 H to be fixed to the earpad  114  and/or transducer  116 , the attachment members  808 ,  810  may be bolts, screws or the like. It should further be recognized that although frame members  802 A- 802 H are shown attached to transducer, they may be attached to any other mounting member centrally located within earcup  102 , for example, a central part of a casing to which transducer  116  is mounted. 
     In one embodiment, one or more of frame members  802 A- 802 H may pivot around one or both of attachment members  808 ,  810  as shown by arrow  812  to convert earcup  102  between the first and second configurations. For example as can be seen from  FIG. 8 , when one or more of frame members  802 A- 802 H are positioned such that an axis  822  along a length dimension of the member (e.g., in a radial direction with respect to transducer  116 ) is substantially perpendicular to a line tangent to the surface of transducer  116  (e.g., axis  822  intersects a center of transducer  116 ), a circumference of earpad  114  is maximized and earpad  114  is at its largest diameter, or D 1 . To reduce the circumference or diameter of earpad  114 , the inner ends  806  of frame members  802 A- 802 H pivot in a direction of arrow  812  such that the outer ends  804 , which are connected to earpad  114 , rotate around transducer  116  pulling earpad  114  in toward transducer, which in turn reduces the circumference and diameter of earpad  114  to D 2 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . The movement of frame members  802 A- 802 H may be driven manually by a user, or automatically, such as by a controller within earcup  102 . 
     In addition, in this embodiment, earpad  114  may be formed by telescoping sections  814 A,  814 B,  814 C,  814 D,  814 E,  814 F,  814 G and  814 H. Telescoping sections  814 A- 814 H may form a ring shaped structure that can expand and contract, while still maintaining a ring shape. In particular, telescoping sections  814 A- 814 H may be tubular, and in some cases horn shaped, structures that have a receiving end  818  and a sliding end  816 . The receiving end  818  may be open and have a width, diameter and/or circumference greater than the sliding end  816 . In other words, telescoping sections  814 A- 814 H taper in a direction from the receiving end  818  to the sliding end  816  such that the sliding end  816  is narrower than the receiving end  818 . Each receiving end  818  is aligned with a sliding end  816  of an adjacent one of telescoping sections  814 A- 814 H such that the sliding end  816  can slide within the receiving end  818 . In this aspect, a diameter of earpad  114  may be changed by sliding one or more of the telescoping sections  814 A- 814 H within, or out of, another. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , telescoping sections  814 A- 814 H are positioned such that the sliding ends  816  are near the edge of the adjacent receiving ends  818 . In this aspect, earpad  114  is at diameter D 1  (e.g., a circumaural configuration). It should be noted that a clip, lip, protrusion, or other similar stopping member may be provided within and/or on the sliding ends  816  and/or the receiving ends  818  so that telescoping sections  814 A- 814 H stop at a maximum extension point and do not separate. In addition, it should be noted that the receiving ends  818  may also include a stopping member (e.g., attachment member  808 ) so that the telescoping sections  814 A- 814 H do not completely slide within the adjacent one of the telescoping sections  814 A- 814 H. In addition, telescoping sections  814 A- 814 H may be formed of an elastomer such as a silicon or polyurethane based material, for example, silicon sections overmolded with polyurethane for user comfort. 
     In addition, it should further be understood that in some embodiments, the end telescoping sections  814 A and  814 H are at a fixed position with respect to transducer  116  and do not slide within each other. Rather, the end telescoping sections  814 A and  814 H are fixedly attached to frame members  802 A and  802 H, respectively, by attachment members  808 ,  810 , and anchored in place. In addition, it should be recognized that in some embodiments, only frame members  802 A and  802 H are used to position earpad  114  around transducer  116 , and the remaining frame members  802 B- 802 G are omitted. The ring shape of earpad  114  can still be maintained, however, due to the structure of the telescoping sections  814 A- 814 H. In this embodiment, the conversion of earpad  114  between diameter D 1  and diameter D 2  can be achieved by drawing frame members  802 A and  802 H toward (e.g., to reduce diameter) or away (e.g., to increase diameter) from one another. 
     Earcup frame  112  may further include a cover  820  that covers, or otherwise fills in, the gaps between frame members  802 A- 802 H to complete the acoustic chamber. Cover  820  may be substantially similar to cover  416  described in reference to  FIG. 4 . Representatively, cover  820  may be made of a material, such as a fabric or plastic, that can fit over and/or around the frame members  802 A- 802 H and then be attached thereto to create an enclosed chamber. In one embodiment, cover  820  may be formed of an acoustic or otherwise open texture material that allows for sound to pass through cover  820  and into the acoustic chamber. For example, cover  820  may be formed of a mesh or porous membrane that includes openings or pores through which a controlled level of sound may pass. In this aspect, the cover  820  may further provide a mechanism for controlling or otherwise tuning an acoustic performance of earcup  102 . Alternatively, cover  820  may provide an acoustic seal between frame members  802 A- 802 H so that sound cannot be transmitted through cover  820  and into the acoustic chamber, for example, a plastic or closed texture material. In this aspect, acoustic tuning may be accomplished by including pores (with or without an acoustic mesh covering) within other parts of frame member  122 , (e.g., frame members  802 A- 802 H as previously discussed in reference to  FIG. 4 ). 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a simplified schematic view of one embodiment of an electronic device that is convertible between a circumaural and supra-aural configuration. For example, headphone  100  is an example of a system that can include some or all of the circuitry illustrated by electronic device  1000 . 
     Electronic device  1000  can include, for example, power supply  1002 , storage  1004 , signal processor  1006 , memory  1008 , processor  1010 , communication circuitry  1012 , and input/output circuitry  1014 . In some embodiments, electronic device  1000  can include more than one of each component of circuitry, but for the sake of simplicity, only one of each is shown in  FIG. 10 . In addition, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the functionality of certain components can be combined or omitted and that additional or less components, which are not shown in  FIGS. 1-9 , can be included in, for example, headphone  100 , and more specifically earcup  102 . 
     Power supply  1002  can provide power to the components of electronic device  1000 . In some embodiments, power supply  1002  can be coupled to a power grid such as, for example, a wall outlet. In some embodiments, power supply  1002  can include one or more batteries for providing power to a headphone or other type of electronic device associated with the headphone. As another example, power supply  1002  can be configured to generate power from a natural source (e.g., solar power using solar cells). 
     Storage  1004  can include, for example, a hard-drive, flash memory, cache, ROM, and/or RAM. Additionally, storage  1004  can be local to and/or remote from electronic device  1000 . For example, storage  1004  can include integrated storage medium, removable storage medium, storage space on a remote server, wireless storage medium, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, storage  1004  can store data such as, for example, system data, user profile data, and any other relevant data. 
     Signal processor  1006  can be, for example a digital signal processor, used for real-time processing of digital signals that are converted from analog signals by, for example, input/output circuitry  1014 . After processing of the digital signals has been completed, the digital signals could then be converted back into analog signals. For example, the signal processor  1006  could be used to analyze digitized audio signals received from the error microphone to determine how much of the audio signal is ambient noise or earcup noise and how much of the audio signal is, for example, music signals. 
     Memory  1008  can include any form of temporary memory such as RAM, buffers, and/or cache. Memory  1008  can also be used for storing data used to operate electronic device applications (e.g., operation system instructions). 
     In addition to signal processor  1006 , electronic device  1000  can additionally contain general processor  1010 . Processor  1010  can be capable of interpreting system instructions and processing data. For example, processor  1010  can be capable of executing instructions or programs such as system applications, firmware applications, and/or any other application. Additionally, processor  1010  has the capability to execute instructions in order to communicate with any or all of the components of electronic device  1000 . For example, processor  1010  can execute instructions stored in memory  1008  to convert earcup  102  between the circumaural and supra-aural configurations disclosed herein. 
     Communication circuitry  1012  may be any suitable communications circuitry operative to initiate a communications request, connect to a communications network, and/or to transmit communications data to one or more servers or devices within the communications network. For example, communications circuitry  1012  may support one or more of Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Bluetooth®, high frequency systems, infrared, GSM, GSM plus EDGE, CDMA, or any other communication protocol and/or any combination thereof. 
     Input/output circuitry  1014  can convert (and encode/decode, if necessary) analog signals and other signals (e.g., physical contact inputs, physical movements, analog audio signals, etc.) into digital data. Input/output circuitry  1014  can also convert digital data into any other type of signal. The digital data can be provided to and received from processor  1010 , storage  1004 , memory  1008 , signal processor  1006 , or any other component of electronic device  1000 . Input/output circuitry  1014  can be used to interface with any suitable input or output devices, such as, for example, pressure sensor  206  and acoustic sensor  208  described in reference to  FIGS. 2-3 . Furthermore, electronic device  1000  can include specialized input circuitry associated with input devices such as, for example, one or more proximity sensors, accelerometers, etc. Electronic device  1000  can also include specialized output circuitry associated with output devices such as, for example, one or more speakers, earphones, headphones, etc. 
     Lastly, bus  1016  can provide a data transfer path for transferring data to, from, or between processor  1010 , storage  1004 , memory  1008 , communications circuitry  1012 , and any other component included in electronic device  1000 . Although bus  1016  is illustrated as a single component in  FIG. 10 , one skilled in the art would appreciate that electronic device  1000  may include one or more components. 
     While certain embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, while frame members which could be formed of a realtively stiff material and/or jointed are described, the frame members could be made of springs or other resilient members which can expand and contract to change a diameter of the earcup. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative instead of limiting.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160209
Publication Date: 20170905
Grant Date: 20170905
Priority Date: 20160209
Inventors: BACON CEDRIK
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/1008", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1008", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1066", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 59701302