WO2015017484A2

WO2015017484A2 - Three dimensional headphone cushion

Info

Publication number: WO2015017484A2
Application number: PCT/US2014/048760
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephan Roundtree; Randy GRANOVETTER
Original assignee: Comhear, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-07-30
Filing date: 2014-07-30
Publication date: 2015-02-05
Also published as: WO2015017484A3

Abstract

A three dimensional headphone cushion configured for attachment to a headphone is provided. The three dimensional headphone cushion includes an inner circumferential wall. An outer circumferential wall opposes the inner circumferential wall. A center segment is formed between the inner and outer circumferential walls. An inner passage is defined by the inner circumferential wall and is configured to allow passage of sound generated by the headphones. The three dimensional headphone cushion is formed from a biodegradable, visco-elastic, polymeric-based open cell foam material.

Description

THREE DIMENSIONAL HEADPHONE CUSHION

Inventors: Randy Granovetter, Stephan Roundtree

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of pending United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/859,912, filed July 30, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Wireless and mobile electronic devices are increasingly popular. Non- limiting examples of wireless and mobile electronic devices include MP3-style players, cellular phones, laptop and tablet-style computers, game controls, personal digital assistants, embedded connected devices in an automobile, embedded connected devices in a home or office, embedded connected devices in a commercial building such as a hotel or factory, embedded connected devices in a transportation facility such as an airport or train station, digital cameras, DVD players and internet protocol television (IPTV).

[0003] These wireless and mobile electronic devices can include interactive display screens, controls and sound capabilities. In some instances, the sound generated by the wireless and mobile electronic devices is transmitted through wires to one or more speakers that are positioned adjacent to the user's ears. In some instances, the generated sound can be transmitted to speakers via wireless

transmission devices. One non-limiting example of a speaker system positioned adjacent to the user's ears is a set of headphones.

[0004] In addition to speakers, headphones can include materials for softening the contact of the headphones against the user's ear or against portions of the user's head adjacent to the user's ears. The materials are intended to provide comfort to the user as the headphones are used. Despite these efforts, in some instances headphones can be uncomfortable over periods of prolonged use. In addition, headphones can become misaligned with the ears of the user. It would be advantageous if

headphones could be unproved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The above objects, as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are achieved by a three dimensional headphone cushion configured for attachment to a headphone. The three dimensional headphone cushion includes an inner

circumferential wall. An outer circumferential wall opposes the inner circumferential wall. A center segment is formed between the inner and outer circumferential walls. An inner passage is defined by the inner circumferential wall and is configured to allow passage of sound generated by the headphones. The three dimensional headphone cushion is formed from a biodegradable, visco-elastic, polymeric-based open cell foam material.

[0006] Various objects and advantages of the three dimensional headphone cushion will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a headphone used with a mobile electronic device, and having a first embodiment of a three dimensional headphone cushion.

[0008] Fig. 2a is a perspective view of the three dimensional headphone cushion of Fig. 1.

[0009] Fig. 2b is a plan view of the three dimensional headphone cushion of Fig. 1. [0010] Fig. 2c is a side view, in elevation, of the three dimensional headphone cushion of Fig. 1.

[0011] Fig. 3a is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a three dimensional headphone cushion.

[0012] Fig. 3b is a plan view of the three dimensional headphone cushion of Fig. 3 a.

[0013] Fig. 3c is a side view, in elevation, of the three dimensional headphone cushion of Fig. 3 a.

[0014] Fig. 4a is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a three dimensional headphone cushion.

[0015] Fig. 4b is a plan view of the three dimensional headphone cushion of Fig. 4a.

[0016] Fig. 4c is a side view, in elevation, of the three dimensional headphone cushion of Fig. 4a.

[0017] Fig. 5a is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a three

dimensional headphone cushion.

[0018] Fig. 5b is a plan view of the three dimensional headphone cushion of Fig. 5a.

[0019] Fig. 5 c is a side view, in elevation, of the three dimensional headphone cushion of Fig. 5 a.

[0020] Fig. 6 is a chart illustrating the hysteresis of the foam material of the three dimensional headphone cushion of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present invention will now be described with occasional reference to the specific embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the

embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in then respective measurements.

[0024] The description and figures disclose a three dimensional headphone cushion (hereafter "cushion") for use with headphones. Generally, the cushion is configured to soften or cushion the pressure caused by the headphone against the user's ear or against portions of the user's head surrounding the user's ear, such that the user can comfortably wear the headphone for extended periods of time. The term "headphone", as used herein, is defined to mean any configuration of one or more small speakers, designed to be held in place close to a user's ears. Non-limiting examples of headphones include the "Monster Cable" by Beats, the "100 Sport" by Jabra, the "Aviator Headset" by Skull Candy and the "Bounty Hunter" by Hunter Fans.

[0025] Referring now to Fig. 1, one example of a set of headphones is shown schematically at 10 (hereafter "headphones"). Generally, the headphones 10 are worn on the user's head and includes one or more speakers. The speakers are configured to convey audio signals to the user's ears.

[0026] Referring again to Fig, 1, the headphones 10 includes one or more enclosures 12. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, each of the enclosures 12 is configured to include a speaker, shown schematically at 13. The speaker 13 includes an electroacoustic transducer (not shown) that produces sound in response to an electrical audio signal input. The sound is then directed into the ear canal (not shown) of the user. The headphones 10 are connected to a mobile electronic device 14 via wires 16. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, the mobile electronic device 14 is a cell phone or a smart phone, such as the non-limiting examples of an "iphone" marketed by Apple, Inc., an "Android" marketed by AT&T or a "Blackberry" marketed by Research In Motion. However, in other embodiments, the mobile electronic device 14 can be other devices, such as the non-limiting examples of MP3- style players, laptop and tablet-style computers, game controls, personal digital assistants, embedded connected devices in an automobile, embedded connected devices in a home or office, embedded connected devices in a commercial building such as a hotel or factory, embedded connected devices in a transportation facility such as an airport or train station, digital cameras, DVD players and internet protocol television (IPTV).

[0027] Referring again to Fig. 1, the wires 16 are configured as a conduit for conveying the electrical audio signal generated by the mobile electronic device 14 to the speakers 13 in the headphones 10. While the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 shows the wires 16 connecting the mobile electronic device 14 to the headphones 10, it is within the contemplation of this invention that the electrical audio signal can be transmitted to the speakers 13 in the headphones 10 by wireless methods.

[0028] The headphones 10 illustrated in Fig. 1 are passive devices. The term "passive device", as used herein, is defined to mean a device that relies on other electronic devices to provide electrical audio signals. While the headphones 10 illustrated in Fig. 1 are passive devices, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the headphones 10 can be a part of an active electronic device. The term "active electronic device", as used herein, is defined to mean the device includes sufficient electronic components and circuitry to internally generate electrical audio signals. Active electronic devices will be discussed in more detail below.

[0029] While the headphones 10 shown in Fig. 1 are illustrated with a quantity of two enclosures 12, each having one or more speakers 13, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the headphones 10 may only have a single enclosure with a single speaker 13.

[0030] Referring again to Fig. 1, each of the enclosures 12 includes a cushion 18. Each of the cushions 18 includes an inner passage 20. In an installed position, the inner passages 20 of the cushions 18 generally align with the user's ears such that the audio signals generated by the speakers 13 are conveyed to the user's ears.

[0031] Referring again to Fig.l, the cushions 18 are configured to replace cushions (not shown) conventionally provided with headphones. In some instances, conventional cushions can be formed from several components, including a covering fabric (such as for example simulated leather or "leatherette"), one or more cushioning materials, and various shaping or support materials. Often these various materials are bonded together or sewn together thereby forming a conventional cushion. As will be discussed in more detail below, the cushion 18 is formed as an integral one-piece structure. Accordingly, the integral one-piece cushion 18 is advantageously configured to replace conventional multi-component cushions while providing superior audio characteristics and extended wearability. [0032] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the cushions 18 are configured for positioning around the user's ears and against portions of the user's head adjacent to the user's ears. That is, the cushions 18 are configured to surround the user's ears rather be positioned against the user's ear's. However, as will be discussed in more detail below, in other embodiments, the cushions 18 can be configured for

positioning against the user's ears.

[0033] Referring now to Figs. 2a-2c, the cushions 18 are illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the cushions 18 have a generally circular cross-sectional shape, as shown in Fig. 2b. However, as will be discussed below, in other

embodiments the cushions 18 can other cross-sectional shapes.

[0034] Referring again to Figs. 2a-2c, the cushion 18 includes an outer

circumferential wall 30, an inner circumferential wall 32 and a center segment 34 formed therebetween. A first flat surface 36 is formed between the inner and outer circumferential walls 32, 34 on one side of the cushion 18 and a second flat surface 38 is formed on an opposing side of the cushion 18.

[0035] Referring now to Fig. 2c, the first flat surface 36 and the second flat surface 38 are arranged to be substantially parallel to each other. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first flat surface 36 and the second flat surface 38 can have other non-parallel arrangements.

[0036] Referring now to Fig. 2b, the inner wall 32 defines the inner passage 20. The inner passage 20 has a diameter Dl, configured to surround the user's ear. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter Dl is in a range of from about 3.0 inches to about 5,0 inches. In other embodiments, the diameter Dl can be less than about 3.0 inches or more than about 5.0 inches, sufficient to surround a user's ear.

[0037] Referring now to Fig. 2c, a cushion thickness Tl is defined as the distance between the first flat surface 36 and the second flat surface 38. The cushion thickness Tl, in combination with the material forming the cushion 18, is configured to soften or cushion the pressure caused by the headphones 18 against the user's ear or against portions of the user's head surrounding the user's ear, such that the user can comfortably wear the headphones 18 for extended periods of time. In the illustrated embodiment, the cushion thickness Tl is in a range of from about 0.5 inches to about 1.0 inch. In other embodiments, the cushion thickness Tl can be less than about 0.5 inches or more than about 1.0 inch, sufficient to soften or cushion the pressure caused by the headphones 18 against the user's ear or against portions of the user's head surrounding the user's ear.

[00381 Referring again to Figs. 2a and 2b, a first beveled surface 40 is formed between the outer circumferential wall 30 and the first flat surface 36 and a second beveled surface 42 is formed between the inner circumferential wall 32 and the first flat surface 36. The first and second beveled surfaces 40, 42 are configured to provide a comfortable contour to the cushion 18 as the first flat surface 36 is positioned against portions of the user's head. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second beveled surfaces 40, 42 are substantially flat surfaces, formed at an angle of about 45° angle with the first flat surface 36. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first and second beveled surfaces 40, 42 can have other shapes, such as for example a rounded shape, and can be formed at angles other than 45° to the first flat surface, sufficient to provide a comfortable contour to the cushion 18.

[0039] Referring again to Figs. 2a-2c, the cushion 18 is formed as an integral one- piece structure. The term "integral", as used herein, is defined to mean the cushion 18 is formed as a single, homogenous body. While the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 2a-2c shows the cushion 18 as being formed as an integral one-piece structure, it is within the contemplation of this invention that the cushion 18 can be formed from separate and distinct segments that are joined together.

[0040] Referring again to Figs. 2a-2c, optionally, controls and/or sensers can be embedded in the cushion 18. A schematic illustration of a control is shown by reference character 37 and a schmatic illustration of a senser is shown by reference character 39. One non-limiting example of a control 37 is a volume control for the speaker 13. The control 37 can be in communication with the speaker 13 in any desired manner (not shown). Non-limiting examples of sensers 39 can include accelerometers or temperature sensers. The sensers 39 can be configured to affect the operation of the headphones 10 upon sensing or certain parameters, such as for example, reducing the volume of the speakers 13 in the event of incurring dramatic G-forces. The sensors 39 can be in communication with the headphones 10 in any desired manner (not shown). However, it should be appreciated that the controls 37 and the sensors 39 are optional, and the three dimenional headphone cushion 18 can be practiced without the controls 37 and the sensors 39.

[0041] In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 2a-2c, the cushion 18 is formed from a biodegradable, visco- elastic, low resilience, polymeric-based open-cell foam material (hereafter "foam material"). The term "biodegradable", as used herein, is defined to mean that the cushion 18 is capable of being broken down into innocuous products by living things, such as for example microorganisms. The biodegradable aspect of the cushion 18 stems from the replacement of petroleum-based ingredients forming conventional foam materials, with the use of reactive materials made from sustainable, renewable resources, such as the non-limiting example of soy. The use of the sustainable, renewable resources is accomplished while providing cushioning that is comparable, if not better, in tenns of quality and performance to conventional petroleum-based foam material formulas.

[0042] Referring again to Figs. 2a-2c, the open-cell foam material forming the cushion 18 is the product of a reactive mixture of a base material and a catalyst. The reactive mixture uses exothermic temperature to create the foam cell growth. In forming the cushion 18, the reactive mixture is injected into a mold that forms the shape of the cushion 18. In certain embodiments, the forming mold is coated with a coating material prior to the injection of the reactive mixture. The coating material functions as a mold release agent. During the molding process, the coating material can be incorporated into the open-cell foam material forming exterior surfaces of the cushion 18, thereby forming an exterior surface finish 33. In this manner, the exterior surface finish 33 provides a tough exterior finish that can be scratch resistant and can protect against moisture.

[0043] Referring again to Fig. 2a-2c, the exterior surface finish 33 can have a thickness in a range of from about 0.0001 inch to about 0.003 inches. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the thickness of the exterior surface finish can be less than about 0.0001 inch or more than about 0.003 inches.

[0044] As described above, the open cell foam material forming the cushion 18 is a low resilience foam. The term "resilience", as used herein, is defined to mean the surface elasticity or "springiness of the foam material". The use of the unique low resilience open cell foam material allows the cushion 18 to compress upon placement against portions of the user's head, and subsequent recovery of the foam material against portions of the user's head to create an individual personal fit. The use of the low resilience open cell foam provides superior compression and subsequent recovery as compared to traditional high resiliency foams.

[0045] Referring now to Fig. 6, a graph depicting a statistical sampling of the hysteresis loss of the low resilience foam material is illustrated. The term "hysteresis loss", as used herein, is defined to mean the energy lost during compression (loading energy) and recovery (unloading energy) of a foam material. Hysteresis can be measured by testing standards such as ASTM D3 74, which correlates the durability of the foam material with the comfort of the foam material. In a typical test conducted under ASTM D3574 standards, a foam material sample is indented by 75% ± 5.0% of its original thickness after one or more pre-compressions. A graph of the force and the resulting strain can be developed. The energy is defined as the area under the curve. Referring specifically to Fig. 6, the graph includes an upper curve (shown as "70") and a lower curve (shown as "72"). The graph of Fig. 6 has a vertical axis of Force, measured in Newtons, and a horizontal axis of Strain, measured in %. As shown in Fig. 6, the desired hysteresis loss of the foam material is defined by the parallelogram 74. The parallelogram 74 has an upper boundary of approximately 50% strain at 500 Newtons and a lower boundary of approximately 37% strain at 200 Newtons. A foam material within this range provides a superior blend of resilience, comfort and durability.

[0046] The term "visco-elastic", as used herein, is defined to mean a foam material that returns to an original shape upon removal of deforming forces. While the cushion 18 has been described above as being formed from biodegradable, visco- elastic, low resiliency, polymeric-based open-cell foam material, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the cushion 18 can be formed from other polymeric materials, such as for example, an oil-based polymer foam having less than 50% of an oil based content. As will be explained in more detail below, the foam material is configured for several functions.

[0047] Referring again to Fig. 1, in operation the headphones 10 are positioned in contact with portions of the user's head surrounding the user's ears. The foam material forming the cushions 18 compresses and subsequently recovers to the approximate shape and dimensions of the portion of the user's head surrounding the user's ears. In this manner, the foam material of the cushion 18 is three dimensional, self-adjusting and form fitting, thereby creating an original personal fit to the exact shape of the portions of the user's head surrounding the user's ear.

[0048] As noted above, the cushion 18 is three dimensional. The term "three dimensional", as used herein, is defined to mean that upon use, the cushion immediately contracts and recovers to the individual dimensions of the portions of each user's head immediately surrounding the user's ear, such as to form an original fit with each user. Advantageously, this allows each user to immediately test the comfort and audio characteristics of headphones equipped with the cushion 18.

[0049] While the cushion 18 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2a-2c has been described above as having a circular cross-sectional shape, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the cushion 18 can have other cross-sectional shapes. Referring now to Figs. 3a-3c, another embodiment of a three dimensional headphone cushion is shown generally at 118. The cushion 118 is the same as, or similar to, the cushion 18 described above and shown in Figs. 1 and 2a-2c with the exception that it has a generally rounded triangular cross-sectional shape. The generally rounded triangular cross-sectional shape is configured to soften or cushion the pressure caused by the headphone against portions of the user's head surrounding the user's ear, such that the user can comfortably wear the headphone for extended periods of time.

[0050] While the embodiment of the cushion 118 shown in Figs. 3a-3c have a generally rounded triangular cross-sectional shape, it should be appreciated that other cross-sections shapes, such as the non-limiting examples of rectangular, ovular or irregular cross-sectional shapes can be used sufficient to soften or cushion the pressure caused by the headphone against the portion of the user's head surrounding the user's ear, such that the user can comfortably wear the headphone for extended periods of time.

[0051] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 1, 2a-2c and 3a-3c, the cushions 18, 118 have been described as being positioned in contact with portions of the user's head surrounding the user's ears. However, in other embodiments, the cushions can be configured for seating against portions of the user's ears. Referring now to Figs. 4a-4c, another embodiment of the cushions is shown generally at 218. In this embodiment, the cushion 218 is the same as, or similar to, the cushion 18 described above and shown in Figs. 1 and 2a-2c with two exceptions. First, the cushion 218 has an inner passage 220 that has a smaller diameter D2 than the diameter Dl of the cushion 18, as shown in Fig. 4b. The diameter D2 is configured to ensure the cushion 218 seats against the user's ear rather than seating against portions of the user's head surrounding the user's ear. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter D2 is in a range of from about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches. However, in other embodiments, the diameter D2 can be less than about 0.5 inches or more than about 1.5 inches, sufficient to allow the cushion 218 to seat against the user's ear rather than surrounding the user's ear.

[0052] Second, the cushion 218 has generally a funnel shape as shown in Fig. 4c. The funnel shape is formed as a first flat surface 236 is longer than a second flat surface 238. The first flat surface 236 is the surface in contact with the user's ear and the longer length provides a sufficient surface of foam material to allow a user to comfortably wear the headphones (not shown) for extended periods of time. While the cushion 218 is shown in Fig. 4c as having a funnel shape, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the cushion 218 can have other desired shapes.

[0053] While the cushion 218 shown in Figs. 4a-4c has been illustrated as having a generally circular cross-sectional shape, in other embodiments the cushion can have other shapes, sufficient to contact the user's ear. Referring now to Figs, 5a-5c, another embodiment of a cushion is illustrated generally at 318.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the cushion 318 is the same as, or similar to the cushion 218 described above and illustrated in Figs. 4a-4c with several exceptions. First, as shown in Figs. 5a and 5b, the cushion 18 has an inner passage 320 in the cross-sectional shape of an extended oval. The ovular-shaped inner passage 320 is configured such that the cushion 318 seats in an advantageous position against the user's ear. That is, the ovular-shaped inner passage 320 allows the cushion 318 to seat against the peripheral portions of the user's ear, thereby reducing pressure on substantial portions of the user's ear. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the inner passage 320 can have other desired shapes.

[0055] Second, the cushion 318 has a generally rectangular peripheral shape. The rectangular peripheral shape is configured to cooperate with the ovular-shaped inner passage 320 such as to provide sufficient surface area of the foam material to allow a user to comfortably wear the headphones (not shown) for extended periods of time. However, it is within the contemplation of this invention that the peripheral shape of the cushion 318 can have other forms, such as the non-limiting example of a square shape, sufficient to provide enough surface area of the foam material to allow a user to comfortably wear the headphones (not shown) for extended periods of time.

[0056] Finally, as shown in Fig. 5c, the cushion 318 has a reverse funnel shape. The reverse funnel shape is configured such that a first flat surface 336 has sufficient foam material to allow a user to comfortably wear the headphones (not shown) for extended periods of time and the second flat surface 338 is long enough to attach to the headphones (not shown). While the cushion 318 is shown in Fig. 5c as having a reverse funnel shape, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the cushion 318 can have other desired shapes.

[0057] The cushions 218 and 318 are three dimensional. In a manner similar to cushions 18 and 118 as discussed above, upon use the cushions 218 and 318 immediately contract and recover to the individual three dimensional portions of each user's ears such as to form an original fit with each user. Advantageously, this allows each user to immediately test the comfort and audio characteristics of headphones equipped with the cushion.

[0058] The various cushions 18, 118, 218 and 318 provide significant benefits over conventional cushions, although all benefits may not be present in all embodiments and circumstances. First, the foam material forming the cushions 18, 118, 218 and 318 is configured to form a temporary shape that conforms either to portions of the user's head adjacent the user's ears or to portions of the user's ears, thereby providing comfortable wearability of the headphones. Without being held to the theory, it is believed that the comfort afforded by the three dimensional headphone cushions 18, 118, 218 and 318 stems from the ability of the compressed foam material to create a cushion that places less pressure on portions of the user's head and ears by spreading air pressure within the cells of the foam material over adjoining cells. The spreading of the air pressure within the cells of the foam material advantageously improves the ability of the foam material to conform to the shape of the pressure points at the points of contact.

[0059] Second, by forming a close fit with portions of the user's head or portions of the user's ear, the foam material is further configured to substantially block the flow of ambient noise into portions of the ear. This allows the user to more consistently control the volume of the sound emanating from the mobile electronic device as well as allowing the user to receive sounds having a truer quality and less distortion from the headphones.

[0060] Third, as discussed above, the foam material forming the cushions 18, 118, 218 and 318 is a visco-elastic polymeric-based material foam material which compresses upon contact and subsequently recovers such as to automatically adjust to the individual contours and shapes of the user's head and ears.

[0061] Finally, the foam material forming the cushions 18, 1 18, 218 and 318 is a visco-elastic polymeric-based material foam material which feels cool to the touch and does not foster the formation of sweat on the user's skin.

[0062] In embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1, 2a-2c, 3a-3c, 4a-4c and 5a-5c, the material used to form the headphone cushion is the same as, or similar to, the material used in pending PCT application no. US 12/028463, filed March 9, 2012, and titled Earpuff, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, other materials can be used

[0063] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principle and mode of operation of the three dimensional headphone cushion have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that the three dimensional headphone cushion may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A three dimensional headphone cushion configured for attachment to a headphone, the three dimensional headphone cushion comprising:

an inner circumferential wall;

an outer circumferential wall opposing the inner circumferential wall;

a center segment formed between the inner and outer circumferential walls; and

an inner passage defined by the inner circumferential wall and configured to allow passage of sound generated by the headphones;

wherein the three dimensional headphone cushion is formed from a biodegradable, vis co-elastic, polymeric-based open cell foam material.

2. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1, wherein in an installed position, the three dimensional headphone cushion is configured to seat against portions of the user's head adjacent to the user's ears.

3. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1, wherein in an mstalled position, the three dimensional headphone cushion is configured to seat against portions of the user's ear.

4. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1, wherein the center segment has a first flat surface and an opposing second flat surface.

5. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 4, wherein a distance between the first flat surface and the second flat surface is in a range of from about 0.5 inches to about 1.0 inches.

6. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 4, wherein a first beveled surface is formed between the outer circumferential wall and the first flat surface.

7. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 4, wherein a second beveled surface is formed between the inner circumferential wall and the first flat surface.

8. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1, wherein the inner passage has a diameter in a range of from about 3.0 inches to about 5.0 inches.

9. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1, wherein the cushion has a circular cross -sectional shape.

10. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1, wherein the cushion has a triangular cross-sectional shape.

11. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1, wherein the cushion has a funnel shape.

12. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1, wherein the cushion has a reverse funnel shape.

13. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1 _? wherein the inner passage has a diameter in a range of from about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches.

14. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1 , wherein the inner passage has a cross-sectional shape of an extended oval.

15. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1, wherein the foam material has a hysteresis loss in a range of from about 50% strain at 500 Newtons to about 37% strain at 200 Newtons.

16. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1, wherein the cushion is an integral one-piece structure configured as a replacement for

conventional headphone cushions formed from multiple components.

17. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1, wherein the cushion is made from soy.

18. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 4, wherein the first flat surface and the second flat surface are parallel to each other.

19. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1 , wherein the cushion has an exterior surface finish having a thicloiess in a range of from about 0.0001 inch to about 0.003 inches.

20. The three dimensional headphone cushion of claim 1, wherein one or more controls and/or sensors are embedded in the cushion.