PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9445185-B2
Application Number: US-201313925613-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Audio listening system

Abstract:
An audio listening device having a damped ball joint type interface between an ear-cup assembly and a headband assembly is provided. For example, the audio listening device can include a headband assembly comprising at least one end; an ear-cup assembly pivotably engaged to the at least one end of the headband assembly by an engagement structure, the engagement structure comprising at least two cooperatively coupled curved surfaces; and a damper rim coupled to the ear-cup assembly and to the at least one end of the headband assembly, wherein the damper rim is configured to at least partially constrict movement of the ear-cup assembly relative to the headband assembly.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An audio listening device, comprising:
 a headband assembly comprising at least one end; 
 an ear-cup assembly pivotably engaged to the at least one end of the headband assembly by an engagement structure, the engagement structure comprising at least two cooperatively-coupled curved surfaces; and 
 an annular damper rim coupled to the ear-cup assembly and to the at least one end of the headband assembly, 
 wherein the damper rim is configured to at least partially constrict movement of the ear-cup assembly relative to the headband assembly, wherein an outer radius of the damper rim is spaced apart from the at least one end of the headband assembly. 
 
     
     
       2. The audio listening device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two curved surfaces of the engagement structure define a ball joint type interface between the ear-cup assembly and the headband assembly. 
     
     
       3. The audio listening device of  claim 1 , wherein the ear-cup assembly is capable of between five and eight degrees of rotational movement about an interface formed by the at least two curved surfaces. 
     
     
       4. The audio listening device of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement structure includes a first plate, the first plate comprising a curved convex surface. 
     
     
       5. The audio listening device of  claim 4 , wherein the engagement structure further includes a second plate, the second plate comprising a curved concave surface. 
     
     
       6. The audio listening device of  claim 5 , wherein the engagement structure further includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the first plate to the second plate. 
     
     
       7. The audio listening device of  claim 6 , wherein each of the first plate and the second plate includes an aperture configured to receive the attachment mechanism for attachment thereto. 
     
     
       8. The audio listening device of  claim 5 , wherein the curved convex surface of the first plate is cooperatively coupled to the curved concave surface of the second plate to form an interface. 
     
     
       9. The audio listening device of  claim 5 , wherein the first plate is positioned proximate to the at least one end of the headband assembly and the second plate is positioned proximate to a center of the ear-cup assembly. 
     
     
       10. The audio listening device of  claim 1 , wherein the damper rim is coupled to the headband assembly using a first attachment mechanism and the damper rim is coupled to the ear-cup assembly using a second attachment mechanism. 
     
     
       11. The audio listening device of  claim 1 , wherein the damper rim includes an aperture having a diameter that is larger than the engagement structure. 
     
     
       12. The audio listening device of  claim 11 , wherein the engagement structure is positioned within the aperture of the damper rim. 
     
     
       13. The audio listening device of  claim 1 , wherein the damper rim is composed of rubber. 
     
     
       14. The audio listening device of  claim 4 , wherein the first plate further comprises opposed paddle-shaped portions positioned laterally outwardly of the curved convex surface. 
     
     
       15. The audio listening device of  claim 9 , wherein the headband assembly defines an inner concave region, wherein the at least one end of the headband assembly defines an aperture sized to prevent the first plate from passing therethrough, and wherein the first plate is positioned opposite the inner concave region relative to the aperture. 
     
     
       16. An audio listening device, comprising:
 a headband assembly defining at least one end having an inner housing and an open chamber, the inner housing defining a corresponding aperture opening to the open chamber; 
 an ear-cup assembly having an ear-cup housing defining a corresponding aperture; 
 an annular damper rim positioned between the ear-cup housing and the inner housing of the at least one end of the headband assembly; and, 
 an engagement structure pivotably coupling the ear-cup housing with the at least one end of the headband assembly, wherein the engagement structure comprises a first plate defining a curved surface cooperatively coupled with a curved surface of a second plate to permit pivotable movement therebetween, the first plate being larger in at least one dimension than the aperture defined by the inner housing to prevent the first plate from passing therethrough, and the second plate being sized to matingly engage with the aperture of the ear-cup assembly. 
 
     
     
       17. An audio listening device according to  claim 16 , wherein the damper rim is configured to at least partially constrict movement of the ear-cup assembly relative to the headband assembly. 
     
     
       18. An audio listening device according to  claim 16 , wherein a fastener extends through the first plate and the second plate, pivotably engaging the first plate and the second plate to each other. 
     
     
       19. An audio listening device according to  claim 16 , wherein first plate defines opposed paddle-shaped portions and an inner portion extending therebetween, wherein the inner portion defines the curved surface of the first plate. 
     
     
       20. An audio listening device according to  claim 19 , wherein the curved surface of the first plate comprises a convex surface, wherein the second plate defines a concave channel slidably receiving the convex surface of the first plate.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/517,035, filed on Sep. 11, 2013, entitled “Audio Listening System,” which is a national stage patent application of PCT/US11/67045, filed on Dec. 22, 2011, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/429,426, filed on Jan. 3, 2011, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The description that follows relates generally to headphones. In particular, the description relates to an improved audio listening system with improved earphone configurations. 
     Commercially available headphones typically comprise a pair of earphones, or ear-cups, coupled to one another by a resilient curved band, e.g., a headband, that applies sufficient force to the ear-cups to hold the headphones in place on the user&#39;s head. Ear-cups are designed to be positioned close to the auditory canal of the user&#39;s ear to create an acoustically necessary coupling space there between. If the ear-cup is not positioned squarely over the user&#39;s outer ear, the force holding the headphone in place may be concentrated on one part of the user&#39;s ear, causing the ear to become sore. Moreover, the uniqueness of each user&#39;s ear shape creates a problem for designing ear-cups that universally provide a comfortable and close fit to the outer part of the ear. Because today&#39;s users tend to wear headphones for relatively longer periods of time, the ability to completely and comfortably adjust a headphone to each particular user is becoming as important of a feature to consumers as the acoustical parameters of the headphone. 
     Many of today&#39;s headphone users also require greater portability from a headphone, as the combination of the Internet and smart phones have made music, video, and online applications available virtually anywhere and at anytime. Among commercially available headband type headphones, a few of them can be folded into a compact form when not in use, thereby protecting the headphones when not in use and increasing their portability. In addition, with greater mobility comes increased visibility, and so, for some users, headphones have become a form of artistic expression, making the aesthetic appeal of the headphone an important feature as well. 
     A common problem in many commercially-available headphones is the existence of a “rattling” sound within the ear-cups. In some instances, the rattling may be more prevalent when listening to audio files at high volume levels and/or when playing music with a rich bass. One cause of this rattling noise can be the dislodgement of internal components of the ear-cups, such as the diaphragm, wires, etc. Needless to say, the rattling noise can grossly interfere with the headphone user&#39;s enjoyment of the headphone. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. This description summarizes some aspects of the embodiments and should not be used to limit the claims. 
     A technical advance is achieved by an audio listening device that includes ear-cups pivotably engaged to a headband assembly by engagement structures and a damper rim positioned between the ear-cups and the headband assembly, wherein the engagement structures and the damper rim provide semi-free, damped rotation of the ear-cups relative to the headband assembly. 
     According to one embodiment, an audio listening device includes a headband assembly comprising at least one end and an ear-cup assembly pivotably engaged to the at least one end of the headband assembly by an engagement structure. The engagement structure comprises at least two cooperatively-coupled curved surfaces. The audio listening device further includes a damper rim that is coupled to the ear-cup assembly and to the at least one end of the headband assembly. Moreover, the damper rim is configured to at least partially constrict movement of the ear-cup assembly relative to the headband assembly. 
     Other articles of manufacture, features, and advantages of the present invention will be, or will become, apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional articles of manufacture, features, and advantages included within this description be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a perspective view of an embodiment of a headphone; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram showing a perspective view of the headphone of  FIG. 1  with one extended sliding member in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram showing a perspective view of the headphone of  FIG. 1  with the ear-cups folded in the space underneath the headband in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram showing a side view of the headphone of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a front view of the headphone of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram showing a perspective view of an ear-cup of the headphone of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the ear-cup of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the ear-cup of  FIG. 7 ; and 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram showing a perspective view of the headphone of  FIG. 1  with the outer cap removed. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram showing a perspective view of a portion of a headphone in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram showing an opposing perspective view of the headphone portion of  FIG. 10  and an exploded view of a set of engagement structures included in the headphone portion. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram showing a further exploded view of the headphone portion shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13A  is a diagram showing a side view of the headphone portion of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13B  is a diagram showing an opposing side view of the headphone portion of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 14A  is a diagram showing a perspective view of the headphone portion of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14B  is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the headphone portion of  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 15A  is a diagram showing a front view of a portion of a set of engagement structures in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15B  is a diagram showing a perspective view of the portion of the set of engagement structures of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIGS. 16A through 16E  illustrate perspective views of different rotational positions of a set of engagement structures in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 17A through 17C  illustrate side views of different rotational positions of a set of engagement structures in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 17D through 17F  illustrate end views of different rotational positions of a set of engagement structures in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Illustrative and exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below with reference to and in conjunction with the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies one or more particular embodiments of the present invention in accordance with its principles. This description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiments described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles of the invention in such a way to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiments described herein, but also other embodiments that may come to mind in accordance with these principles. The scope of the disclosure is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. 
     In this application, the use of the disjunctive is intended to include the conjunctive. The use of definite or indefinite articles is not intended to indicate cardinality. In particular, a reference to “the” object or “a” and “an” object is intended to denote also one of a possible plurality of such objects. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of an audio listening system, or headphone  100 . The headphone  100  includes a pair of ear-cups  102  (also referred to herein as an ear-cup assembly) which are interconnected by the two ends of a substantially U-shaped or C-shaped, flexible or elastic, and resilient headband assembly  104 . The headband assembly  104  has an adjustable curvature so as to be arranged along a portion of the head or neck of the user or wearer. In one embodiment, the headphone  100  is constructed from strong yet lightweight aluminum or plastic, which helps minimize vibrations, thereby minimizing unwanted audio artifacts. The headband also provides sufficient clamping force to reduce or prevent air from escaping around the ear-cups  102 , thus increase lower frequency performance. 
     At least one of the ear-cups  102  includes a cable port  106 . In practice, by plugging a headphone cable  108  into the cable port  106 , the headphone wearer may use the headphone  100  to listen to audio signals being transmitted through the headphone cable  108 . In one embodiment, each of the ear-cups  102  includes a cable port  106 , and the cable ports  106  operate as input/output cable ports for inputting audio signals through one cable port  106  and outputting audio signals through the second cable port  106  to, for example, a second headphone set (not shown). Other mechanisms for transmitting signals to (and from) headphone  100  may be provided, such as alternative locations for cable port(s)  106  or the integration of wireless connectivity (such as, e.g., Bluetooth), without departing from the description herein. 
     Referring additionally to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in accordance with one embodiment, the headband assembly  104  includes a headband  110  and a bow-shaped arm  112  at each end of the headband assembly  104 . An ear-cup  102  is pivotally attached to each arm  112 . The headband  110  includes a pair of sliding members  114 , each having an extension  115  that can slide internally and relatively to one end of the headband  110 . The headband  110  and the pair of sliding members  114  are coupled via a friction-based adjust mechanism, generated by external surfaces of the extensions  115  and corresponding internal surfaces of a channel (not shown) formed internally to the headband  110 . Oppositely to the headband  110 , each of the arms  112  is attached to a respective one of the sliding members  114 . 
     The friction-based adjust mechanism, provided at both ends of the headband  110 , is a mechanism for adjusting the size of the headphone  100  so as to adapt to the size of the wearer&#39;s head. To that end, the sliding members  114  are formed so as to create a biasing frictional force when they are slid relatively to the headband  110 . Before the headphone  100  is fitted onto the wearer&#39;s head, each of the sliding members  114  can be substantially hidden within the corresponding channel. In this position, the distance between each of the headphone units  102  and the apex of the headband  110  is minimal, thus corresponding to the smallest head size that can comfortably accept or wear the headband  110 . When the wearer puts on the headphone  100  by holding the earphone units  102  in his/her hands, he/she can adjust the headphone  100  by simply applying a force slightly greater than the frictional forces exerted by the sliding members  114  onto the channel to slide down the earphone units  102  towards his/her ears. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment the headband assembly  104  includes a folding mechanism  117  for folding the headphone  100  into a closed position when not in use. The folding mechanism  117  allows the arms  112 , and their associated ear-cups  102 , to be rotated inward to the closed position and housed in the internal space formed by the headband  110 . The headphone  100  may be moved to an open position by rotating the arms  112  outward about the folding mechanism  117 . In one embodiment, the folding mechanism  117  is a hinge designed to allow rotation of the arms  112  within a predetermined angle of rotation that is defined by the open position and the closed position. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 4-8 , in accordance with one embodiment each of the arms  112  is engaged to a respective one of the ear-cups  102  via a respective one of engagement structures  116 . As the connection point between the ear-cups  102  and the arms  112 , the engagement structures  116  allow the ear-cups  102  to articulate or rotate in an infinite number of directions about an axis pointing into the head of the user, or approximately parallel to the ear canal. As a result, the engagement structures  116  enable the ear-cups  102  to adjust to any ear shape, thereby increasing the user&#39;s comfort-level when wearing the headphone  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , in one embodiment the engagement structures  116  form a ball-and-socket joint to connect the arms  112  and the ear-cups  102 . To form the ball-and-socket joint, each engagement structure  116  includes a ball part  118 , that is coupled to a ear-cup housing  120  of each of the ear-cups  102 , and a socket part  122 , that is coupled to an inner housing  124  of each of the arms  112 . The ball part  118  mates with the socket part  122  to pivotably connect the arms  112  and the ear-cups  102 . As an example, the ball part  118  may be a substantially spherical ball, and the socket part  122  may be formed by two, longitudinally placed ribs. In another embodiment, the ball part  118  is a circular assembly and the socket part  122  is a circular receptacle for receiving the circular assembly. It is contemplated that one skilled in the art may use other designs for forming the ball-and-socket joint in accordance with the teachings in this disclosure. 
     Each engagement structure  116  is positioned within and covered by a damper rim  126  to protect the engagement structure  116  from exposure to dust and other foreign particles. By covering the engagement structures  116 , damper rims  126  also provide a smooth finish to the headphone  100  by hiding the engagement structures  116  from view. The damper rims  126  also couple the ear-cup  102  to the arms  112  by serving as resilient and flexible connection between the ear-cup housing  120  and the inner housing  124  of the arms  112 . The damper rims  126  are positioned vertically, or substantially parallel to an outer cap  128  of the ear-cups  102 , and operate to dampen movement of the ear-cups  102  and to generally maintain the position of the ear-cup  102  relative to the arms  112  and the headband  110 , without providing undue pressure against the wearer&#39;s outer ear. Moreover, due to its slim profile, the damper rims  126  also reduce a thickness of the ear-cups  102 , thereby giving the headphone  100  a sleek appearance overall and increasing its aesthetic appeal. 
     In one embodiment, the damper rim  126  may be designed as a bellows. Damper rims  126  may be composed of a suitable flexible and resilient material, such as, e.g., rubber or polyester foam. As shown in  FIG. 6 , for example, the damper rims  126  are visible from an outside view of the ear-cups  102 . Damper rims  126  may further have a unique color to bolster the aesthetic appeal of the headphone  100 . Also, by adding a color to the damper rims  126 , the damper rims  126  are emphasized on the ear-cups  102 , so as to visually create or mimic the look of a surround on a traditional speaker cone. For example, damper rims  126  may have a red-color to mimic the look of popular, commercially available red speaker surrounds. This further enhances the aesthetic appeal, and marketing value, of the headphone  100 . 
     In one embodiment, each ear-cup  102  is acoustically enclosed on the back-side by the ear-cup housing  120 , except for a small hole to allow routing of a cable  130  that electrically couples each ear-cup  102  to the headphone cable  108  connected to cable port  106 . By acoustically sealing the back of each ear-cup  102  with ear-cup housing  120 , the sound emitted from the rear of the transducer  132  is confined within each ear-cup  102 , thereby enhancing the acoustic characteristics of the headphone  100 . Each ear-cup housing  120  includes a transducer  132  for converting electrical signals into sound (for example, electrical signals receiving via the headphone cable  108 ). In part, transducer  132  produces sound by vibrating and pushing air forward. Ear-cup caps  134  cover each transducer  132  to protect the transducer  132  from the elements, such as dust, small particles, or other contamination. Each ear-cup cap  134  is positioned on a front-side of the ear-cup  102 , so as to be directly opposite of the ear-cup housing  120 , thereby creating an enclosed space around the transducer  132 . The shape and size of this enclosed space determines, in part, the acoustic characteristics of the sound produced by the transducer  132 . This enclosed space defines a fixed volume since the ear-cup housing  120  and the ear-cup cap  134  are relatively rigid components, i.e. not composed of flexible materials that significantly expand or contract when pressure is applied. The transducer  132  may be acoustically configured to produce optimal sound within the fixed volume formed by the enclosed space. As will be appreciated, internal sound reflections within the ear-cup housing  120  can degrade sound quality by producing standing waves and other forms of sound diffraction. To address these and other known issues, the ear-cup housing  120  may contain absorptive materials (e.g., wool, synthetic fiber batting, etc.) within the fixed volume (e.g., loosely packed within the enclosed space or densely lining the walls of the enclosed space), and/or the internal shape of the space enclosed within each ear-cup  102  may be designed to reflect sounds away from the ear-cup cap  134 , where they may then be absorbed. Each ear-cup cap  134  may include a specifically designed grid-like surface for enabling sound to radiate from the transducer  132  towards the user&#39;s ear. In one embodiment, the grid-like surface of the ear-cup cap  134  may be comprised of a wire or fabric mesh. 
     According to other embodiments, each ear-cup  102  may include one or more vents in a front and/or back of the ear-cup  102 . Like ports, vents can assist with frequency response tuning or adjustment. However, unlike ports, which are typically tube-like structures that occupy a larger volume, vents are very thin openings in the housing  120  of the ear-cup and typically have a thickness equal to a thickness of the ear-cup housing  120  (e.g., about 1.5 mm). In one embodiment, the ear-cup  102  includes back vents that are configured to tune a response of the transducer  132  by allowing a measured amount of sound leakage out of the back of the ear-cup  102 . According to one aspect, the ear-cups  102  may include a mesh comprised of acoustically resistive material (e.g., a foam, a thin, perforated sheet, mesh, etc.) that is placed over the back vents to provide an appropriate amount of leakage. In one embodiment, the ear-cup  102  also includes front vents, which are configured to be more resistive than the back vents. For example, the front vents may be designed to allow less sound leakage at higher frequencies and more sound leakage at lower frequencies. 
     Additionally, or in the alternative, in some embodiments, the ear-cup  102  may include front vents and back vents in order to protect against an application of excessive pressure to the ear-cups  102 . For example, if the user presses the ear-cup  102  too hard, it can damage a diaphragm of the transducer  132  by causing the diaphragm to become crinkled or puckered. Such excessive pressure can happen inadvertently while wearing the headphone  100 , for example, if the ear-cup is pressed too hard against the head of the user. By providing front and back vents in the ear-cup  102 , the acoustic chamber within the ear-cup  102  may not be fully-enclosed (e.g., may not be in a vacuum) and as a result, any pressure applied to the ear-cup  100  can be relieved through the vents of the ear-cup  102 . For example, the front and back vents may operate as a pressure-relief valve within the ear-cup  102  that helps prevent damage to the diaphragm of the transducer  132 , as well as other components within the ear-cup  102 . 
     Cushioning doughnut-shaped ear pads  136  are wrapped circumferentially around the sound-radiating side of each ear-cup  102  for providing comfortable positioning on the user&#39;s ear. Due to the flexibility provided by the engagement structures  116  and the bow shape of the arm  112 , when the headphone  100  is mounted on the wearer&#39;s head, each of the ear-cups  102  is completely self-adjustable with respect to the wearer&#39;s ear to become substantially parallel to the ear, thereby adopting an optimum position which minimizes the travel of the sound outside the ear pad  136 . As such, the cushioned ear-cups  102  provide very comfortable listening, superior passive sound isolation, and minimize ear fatigue due to extended wear. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, a cavity  138  may be formed in at least one of the arms  112  between the outer cap  128  and the inner housing  124 . The cavity  138  may provide a space, e.g., battery compartment, that houses one or more batteries  140  for providing power to the headphone  100  and a printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown) that controls the provision of battery power to the headphone  100 .  FIG. 9  shows an embodiment in which the two batteries are required to power the headphone  100 , and the cavity  138  is accordingly shaped and designed to accept two batteries. The disclosure is not limited to the illustrated configuration, and other types and/or quantities of batteries may be used in accordance with the teachings herein. By designing the arms  112  of the headphone  100  to include the cavity  138  for batteries  140 , valuable space is saved, and the overall bulk of the headphone  100  is reduced. 
       FIGS. 10-14  illustrate different views of an audio listening device  200  (or, more simply, “headphone”) according to one embodiment.  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an outer side of a portion of the headphone  200 .  FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an inner side of the headphone portion shown in  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the portion of the headphone  200  shown in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 13A  is an outer side view of the headphone portion shown in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 13B  is an inner side view of the headphone portion shown in  FIG. 13A .  FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of the portion of the headphone shown in  FIG. 11 . And  FIG. 14B  is a cross-sectional view of a segment of the headphone portion shown in  FIG. 14A . 
     The headphone  200  may include components that are similar to those included in the headphone  100 . For example, the headphone  200  may include a pair of ear-cups  202 , a cable port  206 , and/or a pair of bow-shaped arms  212  that are substantially similar to the ear-cups  102 , cable port  106 , and arms  112  shown in  FIG. 1 . The ear-cups  202  may include an ear-cup housing  220 , similar to the ear-cup housing  120 . The headphone portion illustrated in  FIGS. 10-14  may be part of, for example, a left-ear unit and/or a right-ear unit of the headphone  200  and may be attached to a headband (such as, e.g., headband  110 ) of the headphone  200 . For example, a top of each arm  212  may be coupled to the headband via extendible sliding members (such as, e.g., sliding members  114 ). 
     As illustrated, the headphone  200  may include an engagement structure  216  (also referred to herein as “a set of engagement structures  216 ) configured to pivotably couple each of the arms  212  to a respective one of the ear-cups  202 . According to one embodiment, the engagement structure  216  may include a pair of cooperatively-coupled curved surfaces between the ear-cup  202  and the arm  212 , the curved surfaces defining a ball-joint type of interface configured to allow rotation of the ear-cup  202  relative to the arm  212 . In  FIGS. 10 and 13 , an outer cover of the arm  212  (such as, e.g., the outer cap  128  shown in  FIG. 9 ), and any other components included within a cavity  238  of the arm  212 , have been removed in order to show the engagement structure  216  included therein. Similarly, in  FIGS. 11, 12, and 14 , portions of the ear-cup  202  have been removed in order to show the assembly of the engagement structure  216 . For example, the ear-cup  202  may include a transducer (such as, e.g., the transducer  132 ), an ear-cup cap (such as, e.g., the ear-cup cap  134 ), and ear pads (such as, e.g., the ear pads  136 ), none of which are shown in the illustrated embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , in some embodiments, the engagement structure  216  can include a rear plate  218  (also referred to herein as a first plate), a front plate  222  (also referred to herein as a second plate), and a screw  223  that is configured to couple the front plate  222  to the rear plate  218 . Each of the rear plate  218 , the front plate  222 , and the screw  223  may be made of metal (e.g., zinc), plastic, and/or any other suitable material. 
     According to one embodiment, the rear plate  218  may be positioned proximate to or within the cavity  238  of the arm  212 . The arm  212  may include an inner housing  224  that is opposite from the cavity  238  and has an opening  225  configured to receive at least a portion of the rear plate  218 . In some embodiments, the opening  225  may be configured to prevent the entire rear plate  218  from passing through the opening  225 . For example, a top portion  218   a  of the rear plate  218  may press against a top portion  225   a  of the opening  225  and a bottom portion  218   b  of the rear plate  218   b . The top and bottom portions of the rear plate  218  may include flat, paddle-shaped portions that are configured to lie flat against respective portions of the opening  225 . The rear plate  218  may further include a curved convex surface  218   c , that is at least partially semi-spherical or rounded. In one embodiment, the curved convex surface  218   c  may be positioned in a center of the rear plate  218 . In one embodiment, the curved convex surface  218   c  may extend or jut out beyond the paddle-shaped portions  218   a  and  218   b , such that an inclined portion  218   e  is formed from a top side of the curved convex surface  218   c  to either of the paddle-shaped portions  218   a  and  218   b , as can be seen in  FIG. 11 . As a result, when attached to the front plate  222 , the curved convex portion  218   c  of the rear plate  218  may extend at least partially into the opening  225  of the inner housing  224 , while the paddle-shaped portions  218   a  and  218   b  remain behind the inner housing  224 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the inclined portion  218  may be at least slighted curved or rounded. 
     According to one embodiment, the front plate  222  may be positioned proximate to the ear-cup housing  220 . Specifically, the ear-cup housing  220  may include an opening  229  that is configured to at least partially receive the front plate  222 . In some embodiments, the opening  229  may have dimensions that are substantially similar to the dimensions of the front plate  222 , such that the front plate  222  fits snugly into the opening  229 . The front plate  222  may include a curved concave surface  222   a  configured to cooperatively receive and contact the curved convex surface  218   c , upon attachment of the front plate  222  to the rear plate  218 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the front plate  222  may include an aperture or bore  222   b  configured to receive the screw  223 . Likewise, the rear plate  218  may include an aperture or bore  218   d  configured to receive the screw  223 . According to one embodiment, the screw  223  passes through both the aperture  222   b  in the front plate  222  and the aperture  218   d  in the rear plate  218  in order to secure the ear-cup  202  to the arm  212 . In some embodiments, the screw  223  may secured to the apertures  222   b  and  218   d  using any of a number of engagement means including, for example, threaded fastening, riveted fastening, heat-staked fastening, etc. In one embodiment, the screw  223  may be a shoulder screw that provides a slight gap between a bottom side of a head of the screw  223  and a surface of the front plate  222  to which the screw  223  is being secured. According to one aspect, this slight gap between the screw  223  and the front plate  222  may provide the freedom to at least slightly move or angle the front plate  222  relative to the rear plate  218  and thereby, cause (at least slight) rotation of the ear-cup  202  relative to the arms  212  (or vice versa). In one embodiment, this rotation, which is described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , may be sufficient to adjust the ear-cups  202  over the ears of the user into a more comfortable, flexible fit. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15A and 15B , shown are a front view and a perspective view of a face of the front plate  222 , respectively. In some embodiments, the curved concave surface  222   a  of the front plate  222  may include a curved concave channel that extends a height of the front plate  222  (e.g., from top to bottom). In one embodiment, a curvature of the curved concave channel may be configured to receive and/or allow movement of the rounded inclined portion  218   e  of the rear plate  218  during rotation of the engagement structures  216 , as can be seen in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . Moreover, as seen in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 15 , the curved concave surface  222   a  may further include curved sidewalls  222   c  on either side of the aperture  222   b . In one embodiment, a curvature of the curved sidewalls  222   c  may be configured to receive and/or allow movement of the curved convex surface  218   c  of the rear plate  218  during rotation of the engagement structures  216 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , shown are perspective, side, and/or end views of the engagement structure  216  in various rotational positions that are achieved by moving or rotating the ear-cup  202  relative to the arm  212  (or vice versa). As can be seen in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the curved concave surface  222   a  and the curved sidewalls  222   c  of the front plate  222  may be configured to fit over, or be cooperatively coupled to, the rounded inclined portions  218   e  and the curved convex surface  218   c  of the rear plate  218 , respectively, to form an interface. However, the engagement structure  216  may be configured to leave enough space between the front plate  222  and the rear plate  218  to allow a certain degree of movement there between (e.g., due to space around or under the head of the screw  223 ) as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . In some embodiments, the engagement structure  216  may be capable of rotational positions other than, or in addition to, the positions illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . According to one embodiment, the engagement structure  216  may be configured for limited rotation in any and/or all directions about the interface between the rear plate  218  and the front plate  222 , but without twisting or spinning in a complete circle (e.g., 360 degree) around the interface. In one embodiment, the engagement structure  216  may be configured for five to ten degrees of rotation in each direction about the interface between the rear plate  218  and the front plate  222 . In one exemplary embodiment, the engagement structure  216  may be configured for at least seven and a half degrees of rotation in each direction about the interface between the rear plate  218  and the front plate  222 . 
     To provide a reference point,  FIG. 16C  illustrates a perspective view of the the engagement structure  216  in a neutral position,  FIG. 17B  illustrates a side view of the engagement structure  216  in the neutral position, and  FIG. 17E  illustrates an end view of the engagement structure  216  in the neutral position. According to one aspect,  FIG. 16A  illustrates a perspective view of the engagement structure  216  in a first rotational position, wherein the front plate  222  is tilted downwards, (e.g., towards the lower paddle portion  218   b ), and  FIG. 17A  may represent a side view of the first rotational position. As an example, the first rotational position may be achieved by tilting or slanting the ear-cup  202  downwards, so as to increase a space between a top of the ear-cup  202  and an upper portion of the arm  212  that is adjacent to the top of the ear-cup  202 . According to one aspect,  FIG. 16E  illustrates a perspective view of the engagement structure  216  in a second rotational position, wherein the front plate  222  is titled upwards (e.g., towards the upper paddle portion  218   a ), and  FIG. 17C  may represent a side view of the second rotational position. As an example, the second rotational position may be achieved by tilting or slanting the ear-cup  2902  upwards, so as to increase a space between a bottom of the ear-cup  202  and a lower portion of the arm  212  that is adjacent to the bottom of the ear-cup  202 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 16A, 16E, 17A, and 17C , the first rotational position and the second rotational position may move the front plate  222  in opposing directions relative to a central point (e.g., the screw  223 ). 
     According to one aspect,  FIG. 16B  illustrates a perspective view of the engagement structure  216  in a third rotational position, wherein the front plate  222  is tilted towards a left side of the engagement structure  216 , and  FIG. 17D  represents an end view of the third rotational position. As an example, the third rotational position may be achieved by turning or tilting the ear-cup  202  towards a left side of the arm  212 , so as to increase a space between a right side of the ear-cup  202  and a right side of the arm  212 . According to one aspect,  FIG. 16D  illustrates a perspective view of the engagement structure  216  in a fourth rotational position, wherein the front plate  222  is tilted towards a right side of the engagement structure  216 , and  FIG. 17F  may represent an end view of the fourth rotational position. As an example, the fourth rotational position can be achieved by turning or tilting the ear-cup  202  towards a right side of the arm  212 , so as to increase a space between a left side of the ear-cup  202  and a left side of the arm  212 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 16B, 16D, 17D, and 17F , the third rotational position and the fourth rotational position may move the front plate  222  in opposing directions relative to a central point (e.g., the screw). In one embodiment, either of the rear plate  218  and the front plate  222  may be rotated or moved relative to each other. For example, in the above examples from  FIGS. 16 and 17 , any of the first, second, third, and/or fourth rotational positions may also be achieved by moving the rear plate  218  relative to the front plate  222 , rather than, or in addition to, moving the front plate  222  relative to the rear plate  218 . 
     The headphone  200  may also include a damper or damper rim  226  that is at least similar in function to the above-described damper rim  126 . For example, the damper  226  may cover and protect the engagement structure  216  from exposure to dust and other foreign particles. In addition, the damper  226  may serve as a resilient and flexible connection between the ear-cup housing  220  and the inner housing  224  of the arm  212 . In some embodiments, the damper  226  may also be configured to constrict or dampen movement between the ear-cup  202  and the arm  212 . For example, the damper  226  may be configured to have sufficient resilience and flexibility to allow semi-free rotation of the ear-cup  202 , but still generally maintain or retain the position of the ear-cup  202  relative to the arm  212  (e.g., force the ear-cup back to a neutral position), without providing undue pressure against a headphone wearer&#39;s outer ear. According to some embodiments, the damper  226  may be made of rubber (e.g., silicon), plastic, or any other flexible and resilient material. In addition, the presence of the damper  226  between the ear-cup  220  and the arm  212  helps to stabilize the ear-cup  202  and at least partially dampen excessive forces that, for example, can dislodge internal components and thereby cause a “rattling” noise in the headphone. In one embodiment, the presence of the damper  226  has virtually eliminated the rattling noise within the headphone  200 . 
     According to some embodiments, the damper  226  may be attached to the arm  212  using a first attachment mechanism and may be attached to the ear-cup housing  212  using a second attachment mechanism. By using two different attachment mechanisms for attaching the damper  226 , the ear-cup  202  may be provided with a wider range of motion and/or greater flexibility. As will be appreciated, though specific examples of damper attachment mechanisms may be provided, the principles disclosed herein are not limited to the exact structures described and shown herein. 
     In some embodiments, the first attachment mechanism may include a ring-shaped clamp  227  for coupling the damper  226  to the arm  212 . The ring-shaped clamp  227  includes a plurality of apertures  240  that are configured to receive a plurality of prongs  242  included in the inner housing  224 . Likewise, the damper  226  may include a plurality of apertures  244  that are configured to fit over the prongs  242 . According to one embodiment, the prongs  242  may be heat staked to the clamp  240  and the damper  226  in order to create a secure, permanent connection between the components. According to some embodiments, the clamp  240  may be made of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. 
     In some embodiments, the second attachment mechanism for securing the damper  226  to the ear-cup housing  220  may include a plurality of tabs  246  coupled to the damper rim  226  and a plurality of slots  248  configured to receive the tabs  246 . According to one embodiment, the tabs  246  may snap into the slots  248 . For example, each of the tabs  246  may include flexible flanges  246   a  and  246   b  on either side of the tab  246 . The flexible flanges  246   a  and  246   b  may include a spring mechanism that allows the flanges  246   a  and  246   b  to be pressed substantially flat during insertion into the slot  248 , in order to allow the tab  246  to pass through the slot  248 . Once the tab  246  passes through the slot  248 , the flanges  246   a  and  246   b  may automatically re-extend, or spring back into place, so that the tab  248  cannot be pulled back through the slot  248  (e.g., because a length of the fully-extended tab  246  is greater than a length of the slot  248 ). 
     According to some embodiments, though the damper  226  is positioned between the ear-cup  202  and the arms  212 , the actual point of connection between the ear-cup  202  and the arms  212  may be comprised only of the engagement structure  216 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the damper  226  may include an aperture  250  having a diameter that is larger than the engagement structure  216 , and the diameter of the aperture  250  may be larger than a height of the rear plate  218 . As a result, the engagement structure  216  may pass through, or be positioned within, the aperture  250  of the damper  226  without contacting the damper  226 . As shown in  FIG. 14B , while the screw  223  secures or couples the rear plate  218  and the front plate  222  together, and thereby effectively attaches the ear-cup housing  220  to the arm  212 , the curved convex portion  218   c  of the rear plate  218  and the curved concave portion  222   a  of the front plate  222  may serve as the actual, functional interface (e.g., similar to a ball joint) between the ear-cup housing  220  and the arm  212 . 
     As discussed above, the curved surfaces of the engagement structure  216  enable the ear-cup  202  to pivot relative to the arm  212  in any direction about the interface formed by the front plate  222  and the rear plate  218 . To some extent, the damper  226  may be configured to constrict this movement of the ear-cup  202  relative to the arm  212 , at least because unconstricted movement of the ear-cup  202  can cause undesirable effects, such as, e.g., hanging or tilting down of the ear-cup  202  and/or rattling noise within the ear-cup  202 . 
     As will be appreciated, the principles described herein are not limited to the exact structure, shape, or size depicted in the figures. For example, instead of paddle-shaped portions  218   a  and  218   b , the rear plate  218  can have any other overall shape that provides a curved or semi-spherical interface between the ear-cup  202  and the arm  212 . 
     Thus, the headphones disclosed herein provide sleek, space-saving audio listening devices that can be comfortably worn by the wearer for an extended listening period, when compared to commercially available headphones. By pivotably connecting the ear-cups to the arms using the disclosed engagement mechanisms, and dampening the movement of the engagement mechanisms with a flexible damper rim, a comfortable, substantially pressureless, and precise fitting solution to the wearer&#39;s ear is achieved, while protecting the ear-cups from excessive forces and/or movements that can lead to rattling noises within the ear-cups. Furthermore, as discussed above, several features are provided to obtain a slimmer and sleeker design with convenient portability. For example, the damper rims not only provide a protective cover for the engagement mechanisms, but also provide an element of aesthetic appeal by mimicking the look, and color, of a traditional speaker cone surround. Moreover, the size and positioning of the damper rims and the placement of batteries in the arms reduces the overall thickness of the ear-cups, thereby increasing the commercial appeal and usability of the headphone disclosed herein. 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130624
Publication Date: 20160913
Grant Date: 20160913
Priority Date: 20110103
Inventors: BRUNNER ROBERT
VANDENBUSSCHE GREGOIRE
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/1075", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1066", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/0335", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1091", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/0335", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1066", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1066", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/0335", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1066", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1075", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1091", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/0335", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 46457922