JP2013527636A - DJ mixing headphones - Google Patents

Abstract

  A set of headphones designed to be used by a DJ for the purpose of mixing two or more music tracks being played from two or more audio playback devices. The headphones are configured so that the DJ can easily mute one of the headphone speakers so that the DJ can hear the first music track being played through the sound system. At the same time, the headphones are configured to send a full stereo signal towards the other headphone speaker so that the DJ can hear the complete audio from the second music track. For example, when a DJ presses an audio control button, a set of headphones automatically mutes one of the speakers on the headphones and automatically directs all of the stereo channels to the opposite speaker on the set of headphones. Can be sent.

Description

  The implementation of the present invention generally relates to headphones. In particular, implementations of the present invention relate to headphones that can be used by a disc jockey ("DJ") to assist DJs in music selection and playback.

  A DJ is a person who selects and plays music, usually for the audience. While there are many types of DJs, one of the DJ's most popular types is a club DJ that selects and plays recorded music for a live audience. Club DJs can select and play music in bars, nightclubs, rave or concerts. Club DJs can provide music in arrangements and volumes that allow the audience to enjoy music and dance together. A DJ may play recorded music from a variety of music storage media including compact discs, vinyl record, cassette tape or computer media player.

  DJs characterize themselves within the industry based on their own choice of music and how DJs mix and match multiple music tracks, or transition from one song to the next Can do. For example, some techniques used by DJs as a means of mixing and blending recorded music together include beat matching, phrasing, slip cueing, beat juggling, scratching, phase shifting, sampling, and harmonics. Includes mixing. Each of these technologies can allow a DJ to add a creative and unique style to the playback of recorded music.

  In order to mix music tracks, DJs may use a variety of music equipment. For example, a DJ may use a sound system for recording amplification. In addition, the DJ may use a combination of at least two audio playback devices connected to the sound system. These two audio playback devices may be coupled to a DJ mixing device that allows the DJ to create a continuous playback of music by switching from one audio playback device to the other. . This can allow the DJ to have no silence breaks between the end of one music track and the start of another music track. DJs can also create a smooth and unique transition from one music track to the next using one or more of the techniques described above, such as beat matching.

  In addition to the music equipment described above, DJs may also use headphones. For example, a DJ may listen to a first music track from a first audio playback device using headphones while playing a second music track from a second audio playback device through a sound system. is there. Thus, the headphones allow the DJ to cue the first music track so that, for example, the DJ can be prepared for a smooth transition from the second music track to the first music track. To.

  Conventional DJ headphones often include stereo via ear headphones that include left and right speakers. Due to the fact that the DJ may listen to the first music track through the headphones and the second music track through the sound system at the same time, the DJ may use only one of the headphone speakers. For example, the DJ presses the left speaker of the headphones against the left ear and listens to the first music track through the headphone speaker with the left ear while listening to the second music track being played through the sound system with the right ear. There is a case to do so. In this situation, the right speaker on the headphones may simply hang next to the DJ's neck or be supported near the top of the DJ's head.

  Implementations of the present invention include devices, systems and methods for assisting DJs in the playback and mixing of recorded music. Specifically, one or more implementations of the present invention provide a set of mixing headphones that can selectively direct all music components from a stereo audio signal to a single headphone speaker. Mixing headphones can include various audio control functions. For example, the mixing headphones can automatically mute one of the speakers on the headphones, while the mixing headphones can send all of the stereo channels to the opposite speaker on the mixing headphones. The DJ can trigger the audio control function of the mixing headphones in a variety of ways, including by pressing a button positioned on the mixing headphones or by rotating a speaker assembly on the mixing headphones.

  For example, one implementation of a set of headphones can include a first speaker assembly and a second speaker assembly. The set of headphones may also include an audio control device operatively associated with one or more of the first speaker assembly and the second speaker assembly. When activated, the audio control device combines the first and second audio signals and sends them to one of the first and second speaker assemblies and mutes the other of the first and second speaker assemblies. be able to.

  In addition, another implementation of a set of headphones can include a first speaker assembly and a second speaker assembly. The set of headphones can also include a mute actuation mechanism positioned on the set of headphones. In addition, the set of headphones can include an audio control device configured to mute one or more of the first and second speaker assemblies. Connecting the mute activation mechanism to the on position can activate the audio control device to mute one or more of the first and second speaker assemblies.

  Further, the set of headphones can include a first speaker assembly and a second speaker assembly. The set of headphones can also include a first input jack positioned on the first speaker assembly. The first input jack may be configured to accept an audio cable. In addition, the set of headphones can include a second input jack positioned on the second speaker assembly. The second input jack may be configured to accept an audio cable. In addition to the foregoing, the set of headphones receives the first and second audio signals received via an audio cable fixed to either the first input jack or the second input jack. One or more audio control devices configured to transmit to both of the two speaker assemblies may be included.

  Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of such exemplary implementations. Such implementation features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of exemplary implementations as set forth below.

  In order to illustrate the manner in which the above and other advantages and features of the present invention are obtained, a more detailed description of the invention briefly described above is given by way of specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Made by reference. Note that the drawings are not drawn to scale, and elements of similar structure or function are generally represented by like reference numerals throughout the drawings for purposes of illustration. With the understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting its scope, the invention will be further clarified through the use of the accompanying drawings. Together with the specification and details.

FIG. 4 illustrates an artistic representation of a DJ using mixing headphones according to one implementation of the present invention. It is a figure which illustrates the right side perspective view of the mixing headphones of FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the left perspective view of the mixing headphones of FIG. FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the mixing headphones of FIG. 1 in which the right speaker is rotated out of a default listening position. It is a bottom view of the mixing headphones of FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of various audio control devices. FIG. 2 is a front view of the mixing headphones of FIG. 1 in a folded shape.

  Implementations of the present invention include devices, systems and methods for assisting DJs in the playback and mixing of recorded music. Specifically, one or more implementations of the present invention provide a set of mixing headphones that can selectively direct all music components from a stereo audio signal to a single headphone speaker. Mixing headphones can include various audio control functions. For example, the mixing headphones can automatically mute one of the speakers on the headphones, while the mixing headphones can send all of the stereo channels to the opposite speaker on the mixing headphones. The DJ can trigger the audio control function of the mixing headphones in a variety of ways, including by pressing a button positioned on the mixing headphones or by rotating a speaker assembly on the mixing headphones.

  In addition, one or more implementations of a set of headphones can make the mixing process more comfortable. For example, in one or more implementations, the speaker assembly can be rotated in and out of a default listening position and / or muted. Therefore, a DJ using such headphones does not need to support a single headphone speaker between the ear and the shoulder by bending the DJ's neck at a right angle toward the shoulder and taking an uncomfortable posture. In addition, the DJ holds a single headphone speaker against the ear with one hand, so there is no need to limit the DJ's ability to control music equipment. As such, one or more implementations may allow a DJ to use both hands to control the instrument during mixing and / or transition from one music track to the next.

  In addition to or as an alternative to increasing the comfort of mixing, one or more implementations can also increase the ability to properly mix music. Specifically, the headphones may include left and right speakers in a stereo configuration. When recorded, music often uses different stereo channels for different music components of a single music track. Therefore, a DJ who hears only one speaker of stereo headphones may not completely hear all music components from a specific music track.

  For example, the percussion instrument component on the music track may be sent to the right speaker while the vocal component on the same music track is sent to the left speaker. One or more implementations of the present invention can mute the other speaker while simultaneously extruding both components of a stereo recording to a single speaker. It will be understood in light of the disclosure herein that this can allow a DJ to hear the percussion and vocal components of a music track together while listening to another music track being played through the sound system. Let's be done. Furthermore, due to the fact that a DJ may hear all the music components of a music track through headphones during mixing, the DJ may be able to create a high quality transition from one music track to the next. . Also, the DJ may not have to physically switch between the right and left speakers of the headphones in order to mix the music tracks in an acceptable manner. Avoiding the need to physically switch between the left and right speakers can help to avoid making inadvertent mistakes during music track mixing.

  Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an artistic representation of a DJ 100 that uses a set of headphones 102 according to one implementation of the present invention. As shown, the DJ 100 can use the headphones 102 to listen to the music being played on the audio device (in this case, the mixing table 108). As will be described in more detail below, DJ 100 can use headphones 102 to listen and mix music from first audio playback device 104 and second audio playback device 106 on mixing table 108. . Specifically, the headphones 102 can enable the DJ 100 to create a continuous playback of music by switching from one audio playback device 104 to the other audio playback device 106. The DJ 100 can also create a smooth and unique transition from one music track to the next using one or more techniques, such as beat matching.

  FIGS. 2 and 3 and the corresponding text describe some details and features of the headphones 102 according to one or more implementations of the invention. Specifically, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that the headphones 102 can include a first speaker assembly 202 and a second speaker assembly 204. A headband 206 can connect the first and second speaker assemblies 202, 204 together. The headphones shown in FIGS. 1-3 and the remaining figures have the shape of a headband that covers the ears, but in other implementations, the headphones 102 are either headphones, earphones, or headphones that are worn behind the neck. It will be understood that other shapes, such as other shapes or styles, can be provided.

  Headphone 102 can further include an audio wire 208. An audio wire 208 can connect the headphones 102 to an audio playback device, such as a mixing table 108. The audio wire 208 can further include a jack at one end of the audio cable to allow the audio wire 208 and thus the headphones 102 to be connected to an audio playback device. In general, the audio playback device generates an audio signal that can be carried by audio wires 208 to the first and second speaker assemblies 202 and 204. The first and second speaker assemblies 202 and 204 can then convert the audio signal to sound waves.

  While the headphones 102 are illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 as including audio wires 208, other implementations of the headphones 102 may be configured to be wireless and thus receive wireless audio signals. For example, a wireless version of headphones 102 may receive audio signals wirelessly through infrared signals, BLUETOOTH signals, and / or any other wireless communication signal. The wireless function of the headphones 102 may increase the ability of the DJ to move, dance and control other devices while wearing the headphones 102.

  The headphones 102 can further include one or more audio control devices operatively associated with one or more of the first speaker assembly 202 and the second speaker assembly 204. One or more audio control devices may allow the DJ to control how the audio signal is directed to the first speaker assembly 202 and the second speaker assembly 204. For example, as will be described in more detail below, one or more audio control devices may allow audio signals to be muted, combined, and directed. As described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 8, the one or more audio control devices may be a printed circuit board (“PCB”) or printed wiring board (PWB), and / or one or more. An electrical or electromechanical switch can be included.

  In at least one implementation, the headphones 102 can include one or more audio control buttons for activating one or more audio control devices. For example, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that the headphones 102 can include a first audio control button 210 and a second audio control button 310. Audio control buttons 210 and 310 may be positioned on the outer cover of speaker assemblies 202 and 201, as shown in FIGS. In other implementations, audio control buttons 210 and 310 may be positioned at various other locations on speaker assemblies 202 and 204 or mixing headphones 102. For example, the audio control buttons 210 and 310 may be positioned on top of the speaker assemblies 202 and 204, or alternatively, the audio control buttons 210 and 310 may be incorporated into the headband 206. .

  In addition to changing the position and location of audio control buttons 210 and 310, the shape of audio control buttons 210 and 310 can have a variety of other shapes. For example, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate audio control buttons as including a skull logo. In an alternative implementation, the audio control buttons 210 and 310 can have a generally cylindrical shape. In further implementations, the audio control buttons 210 and 310 can have other shapes, such as a square, oval or triangular shape. Also, audio control buttons 210 and 310 may be configured to be in the form of graphics, logos or other aesthetic forms that characterize audio control buttons 210 and 310.

  Just as the shape of the audio control buttons 210 and 310 may vary from implementation to implementation, the audio control buttons 210 and 310 may include various features. For example, the audio control buttons 210 and 310 include a transparent or translucent material, allowing the audio control buttons 210 and 310 to incorporate a light source visible through the audio control buttons 210 and 310. The light source may be used, for example, to indicate the position of the audio control buttons 210 and 310. For example, the light source can change color or turn on and off based on whether the audio control buttons 210 and 310 are in the “on” or “off” position. The light source may also be configured to blink or change depending on the time signature of the music track being played through the headphones 102.

  As described above, the DJ can use the audio control buttons 210 and 310 to activate one or more audio control devices, and the one or more audio control devices can determine how the audio signal is transmitted. Controls whether it is directed to the first speaker assembly 202 and the left speaker assembly 204. For example, in one implementation, the headphones 102 are configured to operate as stereo headphones, ie, a first channel of the audio signal is played through the first or left speaker assembly 202 and a second channel of the audio signal is Played through the second or right speaker assembly 204. In most cases, DJ 100 will need to cue or mix the first music track being played along with the next or second music track. Therefore, the DJ 100 may need the ability to listen to the second music track through the sound system at the same time as listening to the first music track through the headphones 102.

  In this situation, the DJ 100 can push the first audio control button 210 to the “on” position. By doing so, the DJ 100 can activate one or more audio control devices, and the one or more audio control devices can mute the first speaker assembly 202. When the first speaker assembly 202 is muted, the DJ can fully listen to the second music track that is playing on the sound system. At the same time that the first speaker assembly 202 is muted, the one or more audio control devices transmit the first channel of the audio signal that was playing on the first speaker assembly 202 to the second speaker assembly. 204 can be combined with a second channel of the audio signal being played on 204.

  The one or more audio control devices then route the combined or complete audio signal towards the second speaker assembly 204, which plays both channels or components of the audio signal simultaneously. To be able to. Specifically, the second speaker assembly 204 receives a monaural signal based on the combination of the previous stereo signals that was individually played by each speaker assembly before the DJ 100 pressed the first audio control button 210. Can be received and played back effectively. Further, despite the first speaker assembly 202 being connected to the audio wire 208, the one or more audio control devices are capable of audio for both the second speaker assembly 204 and the first speaker assembly 202. The signals can be combined and sent towards the second speaker assembly 204.

  Thus, one or more audio control devices are activated by the audio control buttons 210 and 310 of the headphones 102 to provide a seamless tool for mixing and / or transitioning from one music track to another music track. It is possible to provide. Specifically, at the touch of a button, the DJ 100 can mute the first speaker assembly 202 and allow the DJ 100 to listen to a music track that plays through the sound system. Also, the audio signal for the first speaker assembly 202 is not lost as in conventional headphones and technology. In contrast, the audio signal for the first speaker assembly 202 is automatically combined with the audio signal for the second speaker assembly 204. After being combined, the one or more audio control devices send the audio signal toward the second speaker assembly 204. This allows the DJ 100 to listen to all music components on the music track. By doing so, one or more implementations allow the DJ 100 to stand comfortably using both hands while mixing the music track. Therefore, the headphone 102 can avoid the need for the DJ 100 to hold the mixing headphone with one hand, or to bend the DJ's neck at a right angle in a clunky and uncomfortable posture to support the headphone between the DJ's ear and shoulder. .

  Similar to the first audio control button 210, the second audio control button 310 can activate and deactivate one or more audio control devices. When the second audio control button 310 activates one or more audio control devices, however, the one or more audio control devices mute the second speaker assembly 204 and complete or combined audio. The signal can be pushed to the first speaker assembly 202. Thus, a right-handed DJ can activate one or more audio control devices, for example, by pressing the second audio control button 310 to the “on” position.

  After being actuated by the second audio control button 310, the one or more audio control devices can mute the second speaker assembly 204. In addition, the one or more audio control devices may also combine an audio signal directed to the second speaker assembly 204 with an audio signal for the first speaker assembly 202, and combine the combined audio signal with the first audio signal. One speaker assembly 202 can also be sent. As such, one or more implementations of the present invention may cause the DJ 100 to mute either the first or second speaker assembly 202, 204 while simultaneously translating the complete or combined audio signal into the first and second audio signals. It may be possible to transmit to the other of the speaker assemblies 202, 204.

  Also, in one or more implementations, the one or more audio control device headphones 102 can mute both the first and second speaker assemblies. When both the left speaker assembly 202 and the right speaker assembly 204 are muted, the DJ 100 can focus on the music track (s) being played on the sound system or the audience's response. For example, in one or more implementations, the one or more audio control devices may include the first and second speaker assemblies 202 when the left audio control button 210 and the right audio control button 310 are both in the “on” position. , 204 are muted together. In addition or alternatively, the headphones 100 can include a mute button 212, as shown in FIGS. Pressing the mute button 212 may cause the one or more audio control devices to mute both the left speaker assembly 202 and the right speaker assembly 204.

  FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that the mute button 212 is positioned on the second speaker assembly 204. In alternative implementations, the mute button 212 may be positioned on the right speaker assembly 204 or the headband 206. In a further implementation, both the first speaker assembly 202 and the second speaker assembly 204 can include a mute button 212. In any event, one or more implementations of the present invention may allow the DJ 100 to selectively mute one or both of the first and second speaker assemblies 202, 204 of the headphones 102. .

  In one or more additional implementations, the headphones 102 can include one or more mechanisms other than audio control buttons 210 and 310 for activating and deactivating one or more audio control devices. . For example, in one or more implementations, the headphones 102 allow the first and second speaker assemblies 202, 204 to rotate away from the default listening position (see FIGS. 1-3). One or more pivot axes may be included. As used herein, the term “default listening position” refers to the position of the speaker assembly that allows the user to listen to the speaker assembly when wearing headphones 102 (see FIGS. 1-3). reference). Along with one or more pivot axes, the headphones 102 can include a rotary switch configured to activate one or more audio control devices upon rotation of the speaker assembly. Thus, according to one or more implementations, the DJ 100 can rotate either the first or second speaker assembly 202, 204 from a default listening position (see FIGS. 1-3) to an operating position. One or more audio control devices can be activated.

  For example, FIG. 4 illustrates that the headphones 102 include a pivot axis 402 and an associated rotary switch. A pivot axis 402 can rotatably couple the first speaker assembly 202 to the headband 206. The pivot 402 can allow the first speaker assembly 202 to rotate from a default listening position as shown in FIGS. 1-3 to an operating position as shown in FIG. Specifically, the pivot axis 402 allows the first speaker assembly 202 to rotate in direction 400 about an axis that extends from the top of the first speaker assembly to the bottom of the first speaker assembly 202. Can be.

  In particular, the rotation switch can include a hinge connection or similar connection that allows the speaker assemblies 202 and 204 to rotate relative to the headband 206. In addition, the rotation switch can include one or more sensing components that detect when the speaker assemblies 202 and 204 are rotated to a particular position relative to the headband 206. For example, the rotary switch can include various electromechanical contact switches that are brought into contact and non-contact when the DJ 100 rotates the speaker assemblies 202 and 204. Alternatively, other similar types of switches or sensors may be used to detect the position of speaker assemblies 202 and 204 relative to headband 202.

  In light of the disclosure herein, the rotary switch associated with the pivot axis 402 can actuate one or more audio control devices based on a predetermined amount of rotation of the first speaker assembly 202. Will be understood. In one or more implementations, the rotary switch can activate one or more audio control devices with a 90 degree rotation of the first speaker assembly 202. In other implementations, the rotary switch can activate one or more audio control devices at 45 degrees or 180 degrees rotation of the first speaker assembly 202, or at another desired degree of rotation.

  In any case, the DJ 100 can control how an audio signal is routed to the speaker assemblies 202, 204 by rotating one of the speaker assemblies 202, 204. For example, the DJ 100 can rotate the first speaker assembly 202 around the pivot axis 402 in the direction 400 from the default listening position to the operating position as illustrated by FIG. By doing so, the DJ 100 can activate one or more audio control devices, and the one or more audio control devices can mute the first speaker assembly 202. At the same time that the first speaker assembly 202 is muted, the one or more audio control devices transmit the first channel of the audio signal that was playing on the first speaker assembly 202 to the second speaker assembly. 204 can be combined with a second channel of the audio signal being played on 204. The one or more audio control devices then route the combined or complete audio signal towards the second speaker assembly 204, which plays both channels or components of the audio signal simultaneously. To be able to. Specifically, the second speaker assembly 204 receives a monaural signal based on the combination of the previous stereo signals that was individually played by each speaker assembly before the DJ 100 pressed the first audio control button 210. Can be received and played back effectively.

  Thus, one or more audio control devices are actuated by rotation of the speaker assembly 202, 204 of the headphone 102 to provide a seamless tool for mixing and / or transitioning from one music track to another music track. Can be provided. Specifically, the DJ 100 can rotate the speaker assemblies 202, 204 away from their ears to allow them to hear the audio being played by the audience or sound system. At the same time, the one or more audio control devices can mute the rotated speaker assembly, and further allow the DJ 100 to listen to the music track playing through the sound system. Also, as described above, the audio signal for the first speaker assembly 202 is not lost, as in conventional headphones and technology. In contrast, the audio signal for the first speaker assembly 202 is automatically combined with the audio signal for the second speaker assembly 204 and sent toward the second speaker assembly 204.

  Similar to the pivot axis 402 and associated rotary switch, the headphones 102 can include a second pivot axis and associated rotary switch positioned between the second speaker assembly 204 and the headband 206. . The second pivot axis and associated rotary switch can activate and deactivate one or more audio control devices. When the DJ 100 rotates the second speaker assembly 204 about the second pivot axis, the associated rotation switch can activate one or more audio control devices. When actuated by rotation of the second speaker assembly 204, the one or more audio control devices mute the second speaker assembly 204 and push the complete or combined audio signal to the first speaker assembly 202. Can do. Thus, a right-handed DJ can, for example, rotate the second speaker assembly to activate one or more audio control devices.

  After being actuated by rotation of the second speaker assembly 204, one or more audio control devices can mute the second speaker assembly 204. In addition, the one or more audio control devices may also combine an audio signal directed to the second speaker assembly 204 with an audio signal for the first speaker assembly 202, and combine the combined audio signal with the first audio signal. One speaker assembly 202 can also be sent. As such, one or more implementations of the present invention may cause the DJ 100 to mute either the first or second speaker assembly 202, 204 while simultaneously translating the complete or combined audio signal into the first and second audio signals. It may be possible to transmit to the other of the speaker assemblies 202, 204.

  FIG. 4 and associated text indicate that the DJ 100 rotates one of the first or second speaker assemblies 202, 204 about an axis extending from the top to the bottom of the speaker assembly. Although the audio control device can be activated, the present invention is not so limited. In practice, the pivot that connects the speaker assemblies 202, 204 to the headband 208 allows the speaker assemblies 202, 204 to rotate in any number of directions to actuate one or more audio control devices. Can be. For example, the headphones 102 can include a pivot that allows the speaker assembly to rotate outwardly away from the user's ear. Alternatively, the headphones 102 can include a pivot that allows the speaker assembly to rotate backward or forward away from the user's ear. In any case, rotation of either the first speaker assembly 202 or the second speaker assembly 204 away from the default listening position causes one or more audio control devices to be described herein above with respect to FIG. Can be operated in a manner similar to that described.

  In a further implementation of the invention, rotating the first or second speaker assembly 202, 204 out of the default listening position may not mute the rotated speaker assembly. A simple rotation of the speaker assemblies 202, 204 away from the DJ 100 ear may allow the DJ 100 to hear the audio being played through the audience or sound system. In such implementations, the mute button 212 can activate one or more audio control devices to mute the rotated speaker assembly. As such, the DJ 100 can choose to rotate the speaker assemblies 202, 204 away from their ears, regardless of whether the rotated speaker assemblies 202, 204 are muted.

  As previously suggested, the headphones 102 may allow the DJ 100 to connect the audio cable 208 to either the first speaker assembly 202 or the second speaker assembly 204. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the headphones 102. As illustrated by FIG. 5, the first speaker assembly 202 can include a first input jack 500, and the second speaker assembly 204 can include a second input jack 502. Both the first input jack 500 and the second input jack 502 can selectively accept the audio cable 208. Therefore, the DJ 100 can selectively select the audio cable 208 to be fixed to one of the input jacks 500 and 502. As such, the DJ 100 can select to route the audio cable 208 from the first speaker assembly 202 or the second speaker assembly 204. The dual input jacks 500, 502 can prevent the audio cable 208 from getting in the way of either left-handed or right-handed DJs 100.

  In addition, the headphones 102 can include one or more audio control devices associated with the first and second input jacks 500, 502. The one or more audio control devices may include a first input jack 500 that receives one or more signals received via an audio cable 208 secured thereto, the first and second speaker assemblies 202, 204 can be sent to both. Similarly, the one or more audio control devices have a second input jack 502 that receives one or more signals received via an audio cable 208 secured thereto, and first and second speakers. It can be possible to transmit to both assemblies 202, 204.

  More specifically, the audio cable 208 can transmit a stereo audio signal to the first input jack 500. The one or more audio control devices can transmit a first channel of the stereo audio signal to the first speaker assembly 202 and a second channel of the stereo audio signal to the second speaker assembly 204. . Similarly, when the audio cable 208 is connected to the second input jack 502. The one or more audio control devices transmit a first channel of the stereo audio signal to the first speaker assembly 202 and a second channel of the stereo audio signal to the second speaker assembly 204.

  In addition to the foregoing, the headphones 102 can include a locking mechanism configured to prevent the audio cable 208 from being inadvertently disconnected from the selected input jacks 500, 502. For example, each input jack 500, 502 can include internal threads 504, 506. The female screws 504 and 506 can be mated with the male screw 508 on the audio cable 208, thereby locking the audio cable 208 to the headphones 208. In alternative implementations, the audio cable 208 can be locked to the input jacks 500, 502 via a snap fit engagement or other locking mechanism.

  As described herein above, headphones 102 may include one or more audio control devices that allow DJ 100 or other users to control the muting, forwarding and combining of audio signals. The one or more audio control devices may include a printed circuit board (“PCB”) or printed wiring board (PWB), and / or one or more electrical or electromechanical switches. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates various PWBs that can function as an audio control device as described above.

  For example, the one or more audio control devices can include one or more jacks PWB 602. Specifically, in one or more implementations, the headphones 102 include a first jack PWB 602 positioned in the first speaker assembly 202 and a second jack positioned in the second speaker assembly 204. Jack PWB 602 may be included. As described above, the jack PWB 602 can receive and transmit an audio signal received from the audio cable 208. Jack PWB 602 may be associated with input jacks 500, 502, respectively.

  The one or more audio control devices may also include one or more mute PWBs 604. Specifically, in one or more implementations, the headphones 102 can include a mute PWB 604 associated with each mute button 212. Thus, in at least one implementation, the headphones 102 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 can include a single mute PWB 604. In an alternative implementation, the headphones 102 can include two mute buttons 212, and thus two mute PWBs 604, one on each speaker assembly 202, 204. In any event, the mute PWB can mute one or more of the speaker assemblies 202, 204 when activated.

  The one or more audio control devices may also include one or more monaural PWBs 606. Specifically, in one or more implementations, the headphones 102 have a first monaural PWB 606 associated with the first speaker assembly 202 and a second monaural PWB 606 associated with the second speaker assembly 204. Can be included. The mono PWB 606 can couple the two stereo channels into a signal mono audio signal, transfer the mono signal to a single speaker assembly, and / or mute the other speaker assemblies 202,204. As such, in at least one implementation of the present invention, the one or more audio control devices may include five PWBs. Specifically, there are two jacks PWB 602, one mute PWB 604, and two monaural PWBs 606.

  In addition to the features and benefits described above, the headphones 102 may also include one or more foldable pivots that allow the headphones 102 to be easily folded into a small retractable shape. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates that the headphones 102 can include a first foldable pivot 702 that connects the first speaker assembly 202 to the headband 206. FIG. 7 also illustrates that the headphones 102 can include a second foldable pivot 704 that connects the second speaker assembly 204 to the headband 206. In at least one implementation, the folding pivots 702, 704 and / or the pivot 402 are a single mechanism, the single pivot folds the headphones 102 into a compact position, and the speaker assembly is the default It may be possible to enable rotation from the listening position.

  The present invention may thus be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims (20)

A set of headphones configured to allow a user to control how a stereo audio signal is routed to a speaker assembly in the headphones;
A first speaker assembly;
A second speaker assembly;
An audio control device operably associated with one or more of the first speaker assembly and the second speaker assembly;
In operation, the audio control device combines first and second audio signals and sends them to one of the first and second speaker assemblies, and the other of the first and second speaker assemblies. A set of headphones configured to mute the.   The set of headphones of claim 2, further comprising a first audio control button, wherein the first audio control button is configured to activate and deactivate the audio control device.   The audio control device is configured to combine and send the first and second audio signals toward the first speaker assembly when the first audio control button is in an on position. Item 3. A set of headphones according to item 2.   4. The set of headphones of claim 3, further comprising a second audio control button, wherein the second audio control button is configured to activate and deactivate the audio control device.   The audio control device is configured to combine and send the first and second audio signals to the second speaker assembly when the second audio control button is in an on position. Item 5. A set of headphones according to item 4.   The set of headphones of claim 1, further comprising a first pivot axis configured to allow the first speaker assembly to rotate in and out of a default listening position.   The set of headphones of claim 6, wherein the audio control device is activated when the first speaker assembly is rotated out of the default listening position.   7. The set of headphones of claim 6, further comprising a second pivot axis configured to allow the second speaker assembly to rotate in and out of a default listening position. A mute button,
The set of headphones of claim 1, wherein when the mute button is activated, both the first and second speaker assemblies are muted.   The set of headphones of claim 1, wherein the audio control device includes one or more printed wiring boards. A set of headphones configured to allow a user to control how an audio signal is directed toward a speaker assembly in the headphones,
A first speaker assembly;
A second speaker assembly;
A mute operating mechanism positioned on the set of headphones;
An audio control device configured to mute one or more of the first and second speaker assemblies;
Connecting the mute activation mechanism to the on position activates the audio control device to mute one or more of the first and second speaker assemblies.   The set of headphones of claim 11, wherein connecting the mute activation mechanism to the on position activates the audio control device to mute both the first and second speaker assemblies.   The set of headphones of claim 11, further comprising a first pivot axis configured to allow the first speaker assembly to rotate in and out of a default listening position.   The set of headphones of claim 13, wherein the mute activation mechanism is activated when the first speaker assembly rotates out of the default listening position. Concatenating the mute activation mechanism to the on position activates the audio control device,
12. The set of headphones of claim 11, wherein the set of headphones includes muting the first speaker assembly and transmitting first and second audio signals of a stereo audio signal to the second speaker assembly. A set of headphones configured to allow a user to selectively connect an audio cable to either the right or left side of the headphones;
A first speaker assembly;
A second speaker assembly;
A first input jack positioned on the first speaker assembly, the first input jack configured to receive an audio cable;
A second input jack positioned on the second speaker assembly, the second input jack configured to receive an audio cable;
One or more audio signals received via an audio cable secured to either the first input jack or the second input jack are transmitted to both the first and second speaker assemblies. A set of headphones including one or more audio control devices configured to: The one or audio signal comprises a two channel stereo signal;
The one or more audio control devices are configured to transmit a first audio signal of the two-channel stereo signal to the first speaker assembly; and
The set of headphones of claim 16, wherein the one or more audio control devices are configured to transmit a second audio signal of the two channel stereo signal to the second speaker assembly.   The set of headphones of claim 16 further comprising a locking mechanism configured to prevent the audio cable from inadvertently disconnecting from the first input jack.   The set of headphones of claim 18, wherein the locking mechanism includes an internally threaded receptacle configured to mate with a male thread on the audio cable.   The set of headphones of claim 16, further comprising a pivot axis configured to allow the first speaker assembly to pivot away from a default listening position.

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