WO2018165716A1 - Headphones - Google Patents

Abstract

An in-ear headphone (1) comprising: a base (3) including an associated contact patch (5) to contact a lower concha (215) of an ear (201) of a user; an audio pipe (7) that extends from the base (3) in an audio pipe direction (A) that is at an obtuse angle (α) to a surface normal (11) of the contact patch (5); and a transducer (13) to provide acoustic signals through the audio pipe (7) towards an ear canal (211).

Description

"Headphones"

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to removable in-ear headphones to provide acoustic signals to a user. This may include in-ear headphones to play sounds (such as music, radio shows, audio books, etc.) to the user and may be associated with a portable music device, portable communications device, audio-visual systems, gaming systems and/or computer.

Background

[0002] In-ear headphones are often used to play audio sounds from music, audio books, audio-video media, radio, games, computers, electronic games, etc. In-ear headphones may allow users to hear audio without playing the sound to the immediate surrounding environment. Furthermore, in-ear headphones may be useful in surroundings that are noisy and allow the user to hear the desired audio.

[0003] In-ear headphones may have the advantage of being portable for the user. For example, the user may be able to walk or engage in other activities with in-ear headphones.

[0004] However for vigorous physical activities, there is a risk that headphones may fall out of place from the user's ear.

[0005] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. Summary

[0007] The present disclosure provides an in-ear headphone. The headphone has a base including an associated contact patch to contact a lower concha of an ear of a user. An audio pipe extends from the base in an audio pipe direction that is at an obtuse angle to a surface normal of the contact patch. The headphone also includes a transducer to provide acoustic signals through the audio pipe.

[0008] The configuration provides for an audio pipe and contact patch that may have a more secure fit in the ear of the user. This may include having two contact points (one associated with the audio pipe toward the ear canal and the other associated with the concha) to which mild pressure/force may assist in retention of the in-ear headphone in the ear. The obtuse angle may allow the earphone to impart, at least in part, opposite forces against a structure of the ear.

[0009] In some examples, the obtuse angle is in the range of 95 degrees to 120 degrees. In yet a further example, the obtuse angle is approximately 105 degrees. In yet another example, the obtuse angle is 105.7 degrees.

[0010] In some examples of the in-ear headphone the base has: a transverse axis that is substantially perpendicular to the surface normal, wherein in use the transverse axis is substantially parallel to a lateral axis of a head of the user; and wherein the audio pipe direction is at an acute angle to the transverse axis and wherein in use the audio pipe extends from the base towards an anterior of the user.

[0011] In some examples, the acute angle is in the range of 15 degrees to 45 degrees. In another example, the acute angle is approximately 30 degrees. In yet another example, the acute angle is 29.3 degrees.

[0012] In some examples the in-ear headphone further comprises a lead extension extending in a lead direction that is: substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis; and at a lead acute angle to the surface normal of the contact patch, wherein in use the lead direction extends towards a caudal of the user. [0013] In some examples, the lead acute angle is in the range of 15 degrees to 50 degrees. In some further examples, the lead acute angle is approximately 35 degrees.

[0014] The in-ear headphone may further comprise a retention fin that extends from the base to engage with the antihelix of the user.

[0015] In some examples, the retention fin extends from the base substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis; and substantially perpendicular to the surface normal, wherein in use the retention fin extends from the base towards a posterior of the user.

[0016] In some examples, the retention fin is substantially arcuate.

[0017] In some examples, the retention fin comprises two portions extending separately from the base, wherein the two portions join at a tip of the retention fin.

[0018] In some examples, the two portions comprise a convex portion and a concave portion to define a cavity there between, wherein in use the convex portion contacts the antihelix from inside the concha.

[0019] In some examples, the convex portion and the concave portion are made of deformable and resilient material and together have at least two reaction force ranges when the retention fin is deformable from force in a direction from the convex portion to the concave portion, the two reaction force ranges comprising:

- a first reaction force range when the convex portion and concave portion are separated by the cavity; and

- a second reaction force range when the convex portion and concave portion are deformed such that at least part of the two portions at surfaces defining the cavity are in contact to increase force required for further deformation.

[0020] In some examples, the convex portion has an arc radius in the range of 10mm to 20 mm. [0021] In some examples, the concave portion has an arc radius in the range of 4mm to 15 mm.

[0022] In some examples, the retention fin is separated from the contact patch by a rebate, wherein the rebate is in the range of 2mm to 5mm to receive part of the antitragus and/or ridge between the antitragus and antihelix.

[0023] In some examples, the retention fin is removably attached to the base.

[0024] In some examples, the in-ear headphone further comprises an ear gel that is removably attached to the audio pipe.

[0025] In some examples, the in-ear headphone further comprises a heart rate monitoring sensor, wherein the heat rate monitoring sensor is associated with the contact patch, such that heart rate of the user is measured from the lower concha of the user and through the contact patch.

[0026] In some examples, the in-ear headphone further comprises:

- an additional base including an associated additional contact patch to contact an additional lower concha of an additional ear;

- an additional audio pipe that extends from the additional base in an additional audio pipe direction that is at an additional obtuse angle to a surface normal of the additional contact patch; and

- an additional transducer to provide acoustic signals through the additional audio pipe.

[0027] In some examples, the in-ear headphone further comprises a lead to allow power and/or signals to be transmitted between the base and the additional base. Brief Description of Drawings

[0028] Examples of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the figures below:

[0029] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of an in-ear headphone;

[0030] Figs. 2a to 2c are orthogonal projections of an in-ear headphone for a right ear of a user with the ear gel removed;

[0031] Figs. 3a to 3c are orthogonal projections of an in-ear headphone for a left ear of the user with the ear gel removed;

[0032] Fig. 4 illustrates an example of an in-ear headphone for both the left and right ears of the user that is connected by a lead;

[0033] Figs. 5a and 5b illustrate a retention fin of the in-ear headphone in two different stages with respective pressure ranges;

[0034] Figs. 6a to 6d are views of left and right in-ear headphones with small fins;

[0035] Figs. 7a to 7d are view of left and right in-ear headphones with medium fins;

[0036] Figs. 8a to 8d are views of left and right in-ear headphones with large fins;

[0037] Figs. 9a to 9c illustrate a close up view of a small fin, medium fin and large fin for a right in-ear headphone;

[0038] Figs. 10a to lOd are views of left and right in-ear headphones with a variation of small fins;

[0039] Figs. 1 la to 1 Id are views of left and right in-ear headphones with a variation of medium fins; [0040] Figs. 12a to 12d are views of left and right in-ear headphones with a variation of large fins; and

[0041] Fig. 13 illustrates an example of a right ear. Description of Embodiments

Anatomy of a user and an ear

[0042] In the description, the following terms will be used to describe features of a user and a user' s ear 201.

[0043] The terms anterior and posterior are with reference to the front and back of the body. For example, the toes are anterior to the heel, and the ears are posterior to the nose.

[0044] Medial means a position that is closer to a midline of the body. Lateral means a position further from the midline of the body (and generally to the side). Lateral axis means an axis that goes from side to side. As an example, a straight line extending through both the left and right ear may be a lateral axis of a head of a user.

[0045] The term caudal to the body means towards the bottom of the body. For example, the chin is caudal to the eyes.

[0046] Referring to Fig. 13, the outer ear of an ear 201 includes the pinna 205 that leads into the ear canal 211. The pinna 205 includes a rim on at an outer perimeter called a helix 203. The pinna 205 also includes an inner rim called an antihelix 207. The antihelix 207 defines at least part of a boundary of a concha 209, which is a hollow leading to the ear canal 211. The lower part (i.e. towards a caudal) of the antihelix 207 forms a ridge 217 that leads to the antitragus 213. Medial to the antitragus 213 is a lower concha 215 (which is a caudal part of the concha 209).

Overview of an in-ear headphone 1

[0047] An example of an in-ear headphone 1 will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. The in-ear headphone 1 includes a base 3 with an associated contact patch 5 to contact a lower concha 215 of an ear 201. An audio pipe 7 extends from the base 3 and an ear gel 44 may be provided at an end of the audio pipe 7 for comfort and better positioning at the ear canal 211. A transducer 13 provides acoustic signals though the audio pipe 7 towards an ear canal 211. Typically, the transducer 13 is an electroacoustic device that converts electrical signals into acoustic signals. In some examples, the transducer 13 is located inside a body of the base 3.

[0048] The in-ear headphone 1 may also include a retention fin 25 to engage with the antihelix 207 of the user to improve fit and retention of the headphone 1. The in-ear headphone 1 may also include a lead extension 19 to receive a lead 47.

[0049] Referring to Figs. 2c and 3c, the audio pipe extends from the base in an audio pipe direction A that is at an obtuse angle a to a surface normal 11 of the contact patch 5. This configuration may provide for better comfort and retention of the in-ear headphone in the ear 201. For example, the contact patch 5 may provide one force towards an edge surface of the lower concha 215. The audio pipe 7 (and/or the associated ear gel 44) may provide another force which (at least in part) is an opposite force. This may provide some mild force to help retain parts of the in-ear headphone 1 in the concha 209.

[0050] In some examples (and depending on the shape of the individual user's ear 201), the obtuse angle a may allow the in-ear headphones 1 to be inserted in to the concha 209 and secured by rotation. The combination of the curvature of the concha 209 and the obtuse angle a may result in a rotational "cam" or "wedge" that increases to force between the contact patch 5 and the ear 201 as the headphone is rotated. Referring to Fig. 13 (showing the right ear 201), this may include inserting a right side headphone 1 (as shown in Figs. 2a to 2b) with the audio pipe 7 towards the ear canal 211 with the contact patch 5 orientated towards the posterior. This allows the contact patch 5 to pass above the ridge 217 connecting the antitragus 213 and the antihelix 208 during insertion into the concha 209. Once located in the concha 209, the in-ear headphone 1 may be rotated anti-clockwise (i.e. counter-clockwise) from the perspective of Fig. 13. As the in-ear headphone 1 is rotated, the contact patch 5 presses towards the edges of the lower concha 215 and in a location medial to the antitragus 213. This position may aide in retention of the headphone 1 during vigorous activity. [0051] Furthermore, the retention fin 25 may also engage with the antihelix 207. In some examples, this includes locating the deformable and resilient retention fin 25 inside the concha 209 so that it presses against the antihelix 207. This provides mild force and pressure at additional contact points of the ear 201 that may further improve retention (and/or reduce the amount of pressure to the other contact points for adequate retention).

[0052] One configuration may also include pair of headphones including a right and left in- ear headphone 1, 101 that are joined together by a lead 47 as shown in Fig. 4. The lead 47 may allow electrical power and data to be transferred between the headphones 1, 101.

[0053] The features of the in-ear headphone 1 will now be described in detail.

Base 3

[0054] The base 3 includes a body to which various components are supported. In addition to the audio pipe 7 extending from the base 3, the base 3 may also contain the transducer 13 that provides acoustic signals and other electronic and electrical components such as amplifiers, power source (e.g. batteries), communications modules (e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other protocols), electrical wires and connectors, sensors (such as heart rate monitors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers).

[0055] In some examples, the base 3 may be constructed of a polymer material. This may include one or more pieces that are assembled together. The base 3 includes a protrusion 49 that leads to an associated contact patch 5. The protrusion 49 is sized to be received in the lower concha 215, and medial to the antitragus 213.

[0056] The contact patch 5 may has an outer surface to contact with the lower concha 215. In some examples the contact patch 5 may be substantially flat. In other examples, the contact patch 5 may have a slight convex curvature to better fit the lower concha 215. The surface normal 11 to the contact patch 5 may be the surface normal at (or near) the centre of the contact patch 5.

[0057] A transverse axis 15 is substantially perpendicular to the surface normal 11 (see Figs. 2b and 2c). When the in-ear headphone 1 is in use (i.e. worn by the user), the transverse axis 15 is substantially parallel to a lateral axis of a head of the user. Jacket 51

[0058] In some examples, the base 3 may be covered, at least in part, by a jacket 51. The jacket may be made of a silicone, rubber, nitrile, latex, or other material suitable for contact with the user. The jacket 51 may provide a soft and resilient surface to increase comfort to the user and to reduce or disperse pressure points. In some examples, it is desirable to have a jacket 51 that is water resistant (so that this headphone 1 can be used when the user is sweating) and resistant to bacterial growth. In some examples, the retention fin 25 is integrally formed with the jacket 51 (which will be discussed in a separate section below).

Lead extension 19

[0059] The in-ear headphone 1 may also include a lead extension 19. The lead extension 19 may be integrally formed with the other components of the base 3, or may be a separate component to the base 3. A lead 47 extends from the lead extension 19. The lead extension 19 may guide the direction for the lead 47 from the headphones 1, which in many applications is caudal (which corresponds to an upright person with the leads extending downwards due to gravity). The direction of the lead extension 19 may be important as the weight of the lead 47 may affect the balance and orientation of the headphone 1 in the ear 201.

[0060] Referring to Fig. 2a the lead extension 19 extends in a lead direction B that is substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis 15. The lead direction B is also at a lead acute angle δ to the surface normal 11. As noted above, in use, the lead direction B would extend substantially towards a caudal of a user. Thus the weight of the lead 47 (or tension from pulling of the lead 47 downwards, such as from a connected device) would bias any rotation around the transverse axis 15 so that the headphone 1 is orientated with the lead extension 19 substantially downwards.

[0061] In some examples, the lead acute angle δ is in the range of 15 degrees to 50 degrees. In some further examples the lead acute angle δ is in the range of 25 degrees to 40 degrees. In further examples, the lead acute angle δ is approximately 35 degrees. Audio pipe 7

[0062] The audio pipe 7 includes an internal passage to allow acoustic signals to pass from the transducer 13 towards the ear canal 211 (and subsequently the ear drum). In the example illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the audio pipe 7 is formed with at least part of the base 3. That is, the audio pipe 7 may be integrally formed with the base 3. It is to be appreciate that the audio pipe 7 may be formed separately (e.g. from a separate moulding) and subsequently attached to the base 3.

[0063] As noted above, the audio pipe 7 is in an audio pipe direction A relative to the contact patch 5 that is at an obtuse angle a to the surface normal 11 (see Fig. 2c). In some examples, the obtuse angle a is in the range of 95 degrees to 120 degrees. In some examples, the obtuse angle a is approximately 105 degrees. In some further examples, the obtuse angle a is 105.7 degrees.

[0064] Furthermore the audio pipe 7 and the audio pipe direction A may be at an acute angle β relative to the transverse axis 15 as illustrated in Fig. 2b. This acute angle β provides a headphone 1 that, in use, has an audio pipe 7 that extends from the base 3 towards an anterior of the user.

[0065] In some examples, the acute angle β is in the range of 15 degrees to 45 degrees. In some examples, the acute angle β is approximately 30 degrees.

[0066] A results of the obtuse angle a and the acute angle β is that when the in-ear headphones 1 are worn by the user, the audio pipe 7 extends in an audio pipe direction A that has a component anterior (i.e. towards the front of the head) and a component medial (i.e. inwards towards the centre of the head). In some examples, when the headphone 1 is worn the audio pipe 7 may extend substantially horizontally (i.e. parallel to a transverse horizontal plane of an upright individual). In some further examples, when the headphone is worn, the audio pipe 7 may extend, from the base 3, at a slight upward direction to the horizontal.

[0067] The audio pipe 7 may include a groove 52, whereby the groove may assist in retaining a removable ear gel 44 described below. Ear gel 44

[0068] Referring to Fig. 1, an ear gel 44 may be attached to the audio pipe 7. The ear gel 44 may include a silicone, rubber, nitrile, latex, or other resilient material suitable for contact with the user. The ear gel may include an annular flexible flange 53 to seal a passage between the audio pipe 7 and the ear canal 211. This may assist in attenuating noise from the surrounding environment.

[0069] The flexible ear gel 44 may provide comfortable contact surfaces to the ear 201 and may reduce excessive pressure points. In some examples, the flexible ear gel 44 is removably attached to the audio pipe 7. This allows ear gel 44, which may come in a variety of sizes and/or shape, to be selected by user for best fit. This may also allow a worn ear gel 44 to be replaced.

[0070] It is to be appreciated that in some other examples, the ear gel 44 may be

manufactured with the audio pipe 7 such that it is permanently fixed.

[0071] In some examples, the ear gel 44 may have flanges 53 (in a relaxed state) that extend out to a diameter of 8 to 15 mm (and in some examples, around 12 mm). The diameter of the flexible flange 53 may be reduced as the ear gel is inserted into the ear.

Retention fin 25

[0072] The retention fin 25 may include a flexible resilient material to engage with the antihelix 207. In particular, the retention fin 25 may apply pressure against the antihelix 207 from inside the concha 209.

[0073] The retention fin 25 may extend from the base 3 substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis 15 as shown in Fig. 2a. Furthermore, the retention fin 25 may extend from the base 3 substantially perpendicular to the surface normal 11. Thus in use, the retention fin 25 extends from the base 3 towards a posterior of the user and, in particular, towards the antihelix 207.

[0074] However, it is to be appreciated that in some further examples, the retention fin 25 may not be perfectly perpendicular to the transverse axis 15 and/or surface normal 11. Firstly, the retention fin 25 may extend with some curvature as shown in Fig 1. In Fig. 1, the retention fin 25 extends towards a tip 31 which, in use, would curve towards the medial of the user's head. Secondly with reference to Fig. 2a, the retention fin 25 may initially (when proximal to the base 3) extend substantially perpendicular to the surface normal 11 but then extend towards an arcuate path.

[0075] Such variations may be included so that the retention fin 25 may be suitable for a particular shape of concha 209 and/or antihelix 207 of a user. It is to be appreciated that other variances may be suitable dependent on the shape of the ear 201 of the user.

[0076] Referring to Fig. 2a the retention fin 25 may be substantially arcuate and formed by two portions 27, 29 that extend separately from the base 3 and meet at the tip 31 of the retention fin 25. This arrangement provides a cavity 33 between the two portions 27, 29.

[0077] A first portion includes a convex portion 27, and a second portion includes a concave portion 29. When in use, the convex portion 27 is in contact with the antihelix 207 from inside the concha 209 (which in turn is a generally concave shape). Thus the convex portion 27 may assist in distributing force across a surface of the concha 209 and antihelix 207 to reduce pressure.

[0078] In some examples, the convex portion 27 has an arc radius in the range of 10mm to 20 mm. In some examples, the concave portion 29 has an arc radius in the range of 4mm to 15 mm.

[0079] The retention fin 25 may be constructed to have at least two reaction force ranges to oppose deformation. The retention fin 25 may be configured so that when inserted into the ear 201, force the convex portion 27 forced in a direction C towards the concave portion 29.

[0080] Referring to Fig. 5a, when the convex portion 27 and the concave portion 29 are separated by the cavity 33, each of the convex portion 27 and concave portion 29 may individually deform. The cavity 33 allows each of the two portions 27, 29 to displace (i.e. allow respective strain from each to individually occur). This provides the first reaction force range 35 that resists force applied to the convex portion 27 in direction C. [0081] Referring to Fig. 5b, the convex portion 27 and the concave portion 29 are substantially deformed such that the inner surface 39 of the convex portion 27 is in contact with the inner surface 41 of the concave portion 29. When the convex portion 27 and concave portion 29 are in contact, the may impede further deformation of the retention fin 25 such that an increase in force is required for further deformation.

The two reaction force ranges may be advantageous based on the circumstances of use of the in-ear headphone 1. For example, when performing light activities such as listening to music while the user is stationary, the user may prefer fitting the in-ear headphone 1 with less force/pressure for increased comfort. Therefore when the user inserts and rotates the in-ear headphone 1 into the ear 201, the user may elect to apply mild torque/force such that the retention fin 25 is in the first reaction force range 35. Thus the force/pressure against parts of the ear 201 may be relatively low. In a different example, when undergoing vigorous activities, such as running, the user may prefer to improve retention of the in-ear headphone. Therefore the user may elect to apply more torque/force during rotation such that the retention fin 25 is in the second reaction force range 37. Thus the force/pressure on parts of the ear 201 may be relatively higher, but with the advantage of a more secure fit.

Transducer 13

[0082] The transducer 13 may include electroacoustic transducers that converts electrical signals to acoustic signals. Such transducers 13 typically recreate acoustic sounds such as those in the hearing range for humans (typically from 20Hz to 20,000Hz).

[0083] One type of transducer 13 may include: a moving coil driver which includes a stationary magnet and a voice coil (coil of wire) suspended between the poles of the magnet. A diaphragm is attached to the voice coil so that when an alternating current electrical signal is passed through the voice coil, this produces a varying magnetic field in the voice coil. In turn, this causes the voice coil (and attached diaphragm to move back and forth to produce sounds waves.

[0084] Another type of transducer 13 may include a balanced armature transducer where the coil moves a pivoting armature, which in turn is connected to a diaphragm. It is to be appreciated that other types of transducers 13 may also be used with the headphone 1. A consideration may include size and mass, and it may be advantageous to select a transducer of a size suitable for placement inside the base 3 and with a mass that would not cause the headphone 1 to fall out of the ear 201.

Other electrical or electronic components

[0085] In some examples, the in-ear headphone 1 may include electronics to provide additional functionality. In one example, the in-ear headphone 1 may have active noise cancellation technology to reduce the audible effects of ambient noise in the surroundings. Accordingly, the headphone 1 may also include a microphone (an electroacoustic transducer that converts acoustic signals to electrical signals) to determine the ambient noise. A processing device may be provided to determine a corresponding electrical signal to the transducer 13 so that an acoustic signal can be produced to destructively interfere with the ambient noise. It is to be appreciated that this can be combined with the desired acoustic signal, such as playback of music, voice, etc.

[0086] The in-ear headphone 1 may also include one or more energy storage devices such as electrochemical batteries (primary batteries or secondary batteries) or capacitors. In some examples, each in-ear headphone of a right and left pair may have a respective energy storage device. In further examples, the headphone 1 may include an energy management system such that charging and discharging of the energy storage devices from the pair are managed. This may include providing electrical power from one headphone 1 to the other headphone 101 via the connected lead 47. In some examples, this may include providing electrical power to charge the energy storage device of the other headphone. In other examples, this may include providing electrical power to operate the transducer and/or other electronic components in that other headphone 101.

[0087] The in-ear headphone may also include a communications module. In one example, this may include a wireless communication module such as those using Bluetooth and/or Wi- Fi. This allows data, such as an encoded audio stream or audio file, to be transmitted by a source (such as a mobile communication device, music player, tablet, computer, etc.) and received at the in-ear headphone 1. In turn, one or more processing devices can decode the data to provide electrical signals which, in turn, are converted to audio signals by the transducer 13. It is to be appreciated that other forms of wireless communications may be used, including other digital or analogue radio communications, infrared (such as IrDA), etc.

[0088] In yet other forms, the in-ear headphone may communicate with the source with a wired connection. This may include connecting a cable from the source device to a connector at the in-ear headphone 1. In some examples, the base 3 may include a connector based on USB, mini-USB, micro-USB, LIGHTNING (offered by Apple Inc.), and other formats. In some examples, the connector may allow power, such as 5volt DC from the wired connection to power and/or charge the in-ear headphone. In some examples that include a pair of right and left headphones (1, 101), only of the headphones may have a connector, and electrical power and data may be transferred between the headphones (1, 101) via the lead 47. In some examples, the connector port may be located on the base 3 under the jacket 51. This may be advantageous to keep out dust during use.

[0089] In other examples, the in-ear headphone 1 may include other sensors such as magnetometers, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc. Such sensors may be used to determine physical activity of the user such as walking, running, etc. Such measurements may be used for activity tracking and communicated to another device, such as a mobile communication device.

Heart rate monitoring sensor 45

[0090] In some examples a heart rate monitoring sensor 45 may incorporated in the in-ear headphone 1. Referring to Figs. 3a to 3c, a heart rate monitoring sensor 45 may be provide at the contact patch 5 to receive measurements at the lower concha 215. In some examples, the heart rate monitoring sensor 45 includes an active light source and an optical sensor. The active light source illuminates part of the user' s tissue and the optical sensor detects variations in reflected light. Variations in the reflection due to the pulse and flow of blood may be used to determine the heart rate. In turn, the processing device may transmit data from the heart rate monitoring sensor 45 via the communications module and/or record the data for later processing. In some examples, the data may be communicated to a mobile communication device which in turn may display the heart rate at a display. In yet further examples, a determined heart rate may be provided as an audible notification to the user. As an example, the user may be provided with audible notifications via the headphones such as "YOUR CURRENT HEART RATE IS EIGHTY EIGHT BEATS PER MINUTE". In one example mode of operation, such a notification may be provided at intervals (e.g. every 5 minutes). In other examples to notify the user of the current heart rate. In other examples, the audible notification may be triggered by other events. In some examples, the data from other sensors may indicate that a person is undergoing physical activity and, in turn, this may initiate the audible notifications. In other examples, a user interface (such as an electrical button) may need to be operated to initiate the audible notifications. In yet other examples, tapping of the in-ear headphone 1 may be detected by accelerometers to initiate the audible notification.

Variations

Customisation of the retention fin 25

[0091] In some examples, the retention fin 25 may be manufactured with the base 3 and is not removable. However, in other examples the retention fin 25 may be selected from various sizes and shapes to suit a particular user.

[0092] Referring to Figs. 6a to 6d and 9a, an example of left and right in-ear headphones 1 with a small retention fin 25 will be described in the following table.

Indicator Description Approximate Values for in Figures value some

examples a Width of the contact patch 5 15mm 14.7mm b Height from edge of convex contact 3mm 3.09mm to

patch 5 to a root of the convex portion 29 3.59mm c Height along the axis of the surface 5mm 4.48mm to

normal 11 from the centre of the contact 4.92mm patch 5 to the root of the convex portion

29

d Height along the axis of the surface 9mm 8.64mm to

normal 11 from the centre of the contact 9.18mm patch 5 to the inner surface 29 at root of

the convex portion 29 e Height along the axis of the surface 13mm 12.85mm to normal 11 from the centre of the contact 13.28mm patch 5 to the outer surface at the root of

the concave portion 29

f Height along the axis of the surface 19mm 18.94mm to normal 11 from the centre of the contact 19.37mm patch 5 to the tip 31 of the retention fin

25

g Width from the axis of the surface normal 17mm 17.15mm

11 to the retention fin 25 at the most

distal edge

h Width from axis of the surface normal 11 8mm 7.59mm

to the centre of the distal end of the audio

pipe 7

i Thickness of the retention fin 25 2mm 2mm j Distance along the transverse axis from 7mm 7.06mm to the centre of the contact patch 5 and the 7.1mm centre of the distal end of the audio pipe

7

k Height along the axis of the surface 14mm 14.11mm to normal 11 from the centre of the contact 14.55mm patch 5 to the centre of the distal end of

the audio pip 7

I The average arc radius of the convex 10mm to 11mm

portion 27 12mm

m The average arc radius of the concave 4mm to 11mm 10.7 mm

portion 29

[0093] Referring to Figs. 7a to 7d and 9b, an example of left and right in-ear headphones 1 with a medium retention fin 25 will be described in the table below. The same indicators and description above is used for like features Indicator in Approximate Values for some examples

Figures value

a 15mm 14.7mm

b 3 mm 3.1mm to 3.56mm

c 5mm 4.45mm to 4.89mm

d 9mm 8.47mm to 8.91mm

e 13mm 13.08mm to 13.52mm

f 21mm 20.59mm to 21.02mm

g 1 mm 18.85mm

h 8mm 7.59mm

i 2mm 2mm

j 7 mm 7.06mm

k 14mm 14.11mm to 14.55mm

I 11.5mm 11mm

m 5mm to 11mm 10.5mm

[0094] Referring to Figs. 7a to 7d and 9c, an example of left and right in-ear headphones 1 with a large retention fin 25 will be described in the table below. The same indicators and description above is used for like features

Indicator in Approximat Values for some examples

Figures e value

a 15mm 14.7mm

b 3 mm 2.78mm to 3.28mm

c 5mm 4.61mm to 4.17mm

d 9mm 8.52mm to 8.95mm

e 14mm 13.54mm to 13.98mm

f 24mm 23.66mm to 24.11mm

g 21mm 20.6mm

h 8 mm 7.59mm

i 2mm 2mm

j 7mm 7.06mm

k 14mm 14.11mm to 14.55mm I 12mm to 15mm

17mm

m 8mm to 10.6mm

11mm

Variation of retention fin 25

[0095] Figs. 10 to 12 illustrate a variation of the retention fin 25 in an in-ear headphone 301. In these examples, the retention fin extends from the base 3 such that there is a curvature towards the tip 31 that, in use, is towards a medial of the user. This may assist, in some users, the engagement of the retention fin 25 with the antihelix 207 of the user.

[0096] Figs. 10a to lOd illustrate left and right in-ear headphones 301 with a small size retention fin 25. This example also illustrates the ear gel 44 attached to the audio pipe 7.

[0097] Figs. 1 la to 1 Id illustrate left and right in-ear headphones 301 with a medium size retention fin 25. Figs. 12a to 12d illustrate left and right in-ear headphones 301 with a large size retention fin 25.

[0098] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An in-ear headphone (1) comprising:

- a base (3) including an associated contact patch (5) to contact a lower concha (215) of an ear (201) of a user;

- an audio pipe (7) that extends from the base (3) in an audio pipe direction (A) that is at an obtuse angle (a) to a surface normal (11) of the contact patch (5); and

- a transducer (13) to provide acoustic signals through the audio pipe (7) towards an ear canal (211).

2. An in-ear headphone (1) according to claim 1 wherein the obtuse angle (a) is in the range of 95 degrees to 120 degrees.

3. An in-ear headphone (1) according to claim 1 wherein the obtuse angle (a) is approximately 105 degrees.

4. An in-ear headphone (1) according to claim 1 wherein the obtuse angle (a) is 105.7 degrees.

5. An in-ear headphone (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the base (3) has:

- a transverse axis (15) that is substantially perpendicular to the surface normal (11), wherein in use the transverse axis (15) is substantially parallel to a lateral axis of a head of the user; and wherein the audio pipe direction (A) is at an acute angle (β) to the transverse axis (15) and wherein in use the audio pipe (7) extends from the base (3) towards an anterior of the user.

6. An in-ear headphone (1) according to claim 5 wherein the acute angle (β) is in the range of 15 degrees to 45 degrees.

7. An in-ear headphone (1) according to claim 5 wherein the acute angle (β) is approximately 30 degrees.

8. An in-ear headphone (1) according to claim 5 wherein the acute angle (β) is 29.3 degrees.

9. An in-ear headphone (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8 further comprising:

- a lead extension (19) extending in a lead direction (B) that is:

-substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis (15); and

- at a lead acute angle (δ) to the surface normal (11) of the contact patch (5), wherein in use the lead direction (B) extends towards a caudal of the user.

10. An in-ear headphone (1) according to claim 9 wherein the lead acute angle (δ) is in the range of 15 degrees to 50 degrees.

11. An in-ear headphone (1) according to claim 9 wherein the lead acute angle (δ) is approximately 35 degrees.

12. An in-ear headphone (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising:

- a retention fin (25) that extends from the base (3) to engage with the antihelix (207) of the user.

13. An in-ear headphone (1) according to claim 12 wherein the retention fin (25) extends from the base (3) substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis (15); and substantially perpendicular to the surface normal (11), wherein in use the retention fin (25) extends from the base (3) towards a posterior of the user.

14. An in-ear headphone (1) according to either claim 12 or 13 wherein the retention fin (25) is substantially arcuate.

15. An in-ear headphone (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the retention fin (25) comprises two portions (27, 29) extending separately from the base (3), wherein the two portions (27, 29) join at a tip (31) of the retention fin (25).

16. An in-ear headphone (1) according to claim 15 wherein the two portions (27, 29) comprise a convex portion (27) and a concave portion (29) to define a cavity (33) there between, wherein in use the convex portion (27) contacts the antihelix (207) from inside the concha (209).

17. An in-ear headphone (1) according to claim 16 wherein the convex portion (27) and the concave portion (29) are made of deformable and resilient material and together have at least two reaction force ranges when the retention fin (25) is deformable from force in a direction (C) from the convex portion (27) to the concave portion (29), the two reaction force ranges comprising:

- a first reaction force range (35) when the convex portion (27) and concave portion (29) are separated by the cavity (33); and

- a second reaction force range (37) when the convex portion (27) and concave portion (29) are deformed such that at least part of the two portions (27, 29) at surfaces (39, 41) defining the cavity (33) are in contact to increase force required for further deformation.

18. An in-ear headphone (1) according to either claim 16 or 17 wherein the convex portion (27) has an arc radius in the range of 10mm to 20 mm.

19. An in-ear headphone (1) according to any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the concave portion (29) has an arc radius in the range of 4mm to 15 mm.

20. An in-ear headphone (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 19 wherein the retention fin (25) is separated from the contact patch (5) by a rebate (43), wherein the rebate is in the range of 2mm to 5mm to receive part of the antitragus (213) and/or ridge (217) between the antitragus (213) and antihelix (207).

21. An in-ear headphone (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 20 wherein the retention fin (25) is removably attached to the base (3).

22. An in-ear headphone (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an ear gel (44) that is removably attached to the audio pipe (7).

23. An in-ear headphone (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising:

- a heart rate monitoring sensor (45), wherein the heat rate monitoring sensor (45) is associated with the contact patch (5), such that heart rate of the user is measured from the lower concha (215) of the user and through the contact patch (5).

24. An in-ear headphone (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising:

- an additional base including an associated additional contact patch to contact an additional lower concha (215) of an additional ear (201);

- an additional audio pipe that extends from the additional base in an additional audio pipe direction that is at an additional obtuse angle to a surface normal of the additional contact patch; and

- an additional transducer to provide acoustic signals through the additional audio pipe.

25. An in-ear headphone (1) according to claim 25 further comprising a lead (47) to allow power and/or signals to be transmitted between the base (3) and the additional base (103).