NL2022418B1 - Headphone with stiffening mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a headphone for use with an audio or mobile communication device, comprising at least one earbud, a microphone, and a wire. The 5 headphone further comprises a stiffening mechanism, which is constructed to be arranged in an actuated state, in which the stiffening mechanism has a first bending stiffness and in which the stiffening mechanism is in a stiff configuration, and in a relaxed state, in which the stiffening mechanism has a second bending stiffness and in which the stiffening mechanism is in a free-hanging configuration. The first bending stiffness is |argerthan the second 10 bending stiffness. The invention further relates to a method for communicating by means of a headphone, which comprises the steps of arranging, at the onset of communication, a stiffening mechanism of the headphone in an actuated state, in order to position a microphone of the headphone in front of a mouth of the user, and arranging, at the end of communication, the 15 stiffening mechanism in a relaxed state, in order to freely suspend the microphone.

Description

P33886NL00/TRE Title: Headphone with stiffening mechanism The present invention relates to a headphone for use with an audio or mobile communication device. The present invention further relates to a method for communicating by means of a headphone.

Headphones comprising a microphone are commonly available and are used for so- called hands-free communication, for example in combination mobile phones or with other types of mobile communication devices. Such headphones generally comprise at least one earbud, a microphone and a wire in between the earbud and the microphone. Such earbuds can be of an in-ear type, being configured to be inserted at least partially in an ear of a user, or may be of an on-ear or around-ear type, being configured to be arranged against or over the ear of the user.

The microphone of these headphones is generally suspended from the wire that extends between the earbud and a plug of the headphone, which is inserted in the audio or mobile communication device. However, in this position, the microphone is normally arranged at a distance below the mouth of the user, whereas it may, in terms of sound quality, be better to have a microphone directly in front of the mouth.

Users generally try to improve the sound quality by bringing the microphone towards their mouth, in particular in noisy situations, such as in public transport, in the street or while running or cycling. Other users bring the microphone towards their mouth in order to implicitly inform bystanders by a visual signal that they are in a conversation and that they should not be disturbed.

In US 2005/259811 A1, a headphone is disclosed, which comprises a flexible core in between the earbud and the microphone, which allows the microphone to be positioned with respect to the earbud, for example in front of a mouth.

In US 2002/044670 A1, another type of headphone is disclosed, which comprises an elastic pipe. The pipe comprises a sound collector on one end and a microphone on an opposing end, and can be bent in order to bring a sound collector towards the mouth.

Both of these prior art headphones allow a microphone to be brought towards the mouth. They do, however, have the disadvantage that they are not as comfortable to wear as earbud headphones, because the microphone is permanently arranged in front of the mouth and limits possible movements.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a headphone that allows a microphone to be brought towards the mouth of the user, which is simultaneously more comfortable to wear.

22.

This object of the invention is solved by the headphone according to the present invention, which further comprises a stiffening mechanism, which extends in an axial direction between the earbud and the microphone and which is constructed to be arranged in: an actuated state, in which the stiffening mechanism has a first bending stiffness and in which the stiffening mechanism is in a stiff configuration, and a relaxed state, in which the stiffening mechanism has a second bending stiffness and in which the stiffening mechanism is in a free-hanging configuration, wherein the first bending stiffness is larger than the second bending stiffness.

The microphone is connected to the earbud via the stiffening mechanism. The stiffening mechanism is thereby configured to position the microphone with respect to the earbud. In the relaxed state, the stiffening mechanism is not actuated and the stiffening mechanism has a low stiffness, for example corresponding to the stiffness of a conventional headphone cable. As such, the microphone can freely hang from the earbud, such that the headphone according to the present invention is at least equally comfortable to wear as a conventional headphone.

In its actuated state, the stiffening mechanism has a second stiffness, which is larger than its first stiffness in the relaxed state. In the actuated state, the stiffening mechanism resembles a rod, forming a rigid connection between the earbud and the microphone.

The stiffening mechanism is configured to allow positioning of the microphone that is attached to it. This may be done manually by the user, so that he can flex the actuated stiffening mechanism towards his mouth during a conversation over the headphone. Compared to the conventional headphones, he does not need to hold the microphone in front of his mouth during the conversation. When the conversation has been finished, the stiffening mechanism is arranged in its relaxed state, such that the microphone becomes free-hanging again.

Additionally, the stiffening mechanism may comprise a shape-memory function. As such, the shape of the stiffening mechanism changes when it becomes arranged in the actuated state and the microphone can be brought towards the mouth of the user immediately, without requiring him to flex the stiffening mechanism.

The problem of the prior art headphones is solved by the headphone according to the present invention, because in an actuated state of the stiffening mechanism, the microphone can be brought in front of the mouth of a user, for optimal sound quality. In the relaxed state of the stiffening mechanism, the microphone is not arranged near the mouth of the user, so that it does not limit any of his possible movements.

In an embodiment of the headphone, the stiffening mechanism comprises multiple beads, a tensioning cable and a tensioner. The beads are arranged in series in the axial direction of the stiffening mechanism. For example the beads may all have the same shape

-3- and may be arranged end-to-end, so as to form a chain in the axial direction. The axial direction may thereby be a straight or curved line, extending between the earbud and the microphone.

A first end of the tensioning cable is connected to the tensioner and an opposing second end of the tensioning cable is connected to a furthest one of the beads. This furthest one of the beads is the bead that is, seen from the tensioner in the axial direction, set away the furthest.

The beads together form at least part of the stiffening mechanism and may allow for bending of the stiffening mechanism. This bending may, for example, occur upon relative sliding between the beads. Thereto, each of the beads may comprise curved or angled end surfaces, with which it is arranged against corresponding or complementary end surfaces of adjacent beads.

The beads may furthermore be directly placed against each other, or may be set at a distance from each other, defining a spacing in between. This spacing may be used to compensate for relative displacements between adjacent beads, being in the axial direction, in order to allow bending of the stiffening mechanism.

The beads may furthermore have different lengths, in particular when it is desired to have different bending radii over the length of the stiffening mechanism. At locations where a sharp bend, having a relatively large amount of curvature, is to be arranged, the beads may have a relatively short length in the axial direction and/or the stiffening mechanism may comprise a relatively large spacing in between the beads. At locations were no, or at least a small amount of curvature is desired, the beads may have a relatively large length in the axial direction and/or the stiffening mechanism may comprise a relatively small or even no spacing in between the beads.

In this embodiment, the tensioner is, in the actuated state of the stiffening mechanism, configured to apply a pulling force on the first end of the tensioning cable, in order to press the beads against each other in the axial direction. The pulling force in the tensioning cable may be transferred onto the furthest bead, to which the tensioning cable is attached. The tensioner is thereby indirectly configured to apply a pulling force on the furthest bead and is thereby configured to press all beads, in between the furthest bead and the tensioner, against each other.

The pressing force is aligned substantially in the axial direction and further induces a frictional force between each two adjacent beads. The friction force is configured to prevent movements between the adjacent beads, at least until the force that causes these movements overcomes the frictional force. When, for example, the stiffening mechanism requires flexing to position the microphone, the induced flexing force from the user may be sufficient to overcome the frictional force, whereas the weight of the microphone, after

-4- positioning the microphone and when the external flexing force is taken away, is not sufficient to overcome the frictional force.

In this embodiment, the tensioner is, in the relaxed state of the stiffening mechanism, configured to freely suspend the first end of the tensioning cable, in order to freely hang the beads on the tensioning cable. The tensioning cable is thus freely suspended from the stiffening mechanism and the stiffening mechanism is arranged in its free-hanging configuration.

The tensioner may be arranged in or at the earbud, whereas the furthest bead may be arranged adjacent the microphone itself. Alternatively, the microphone may be attached to the furthest bead or may even be the furthest bead. In this configuration, the pulling force from the tensioner is applied on the tensioning cable at or near the earbud. However, the tensioner may also be arranged at or near the microphone and the furthest bead may be the earbud itself or may be attached to the earbud.

In a further embodiment, each of the beads comprises a first opening. The first openings are aligned end-to-end, thereby forming a first channel through the beads. The first channel of each of the interconnected first openings extends in the axial direction and extends from the tensioner towards the furthest bead. The tensioning cable extends through the first channel, such that each of the beads surrounds the tensioning cable and that the tensioning cable does not need to extend along outer surfaces of the beads, but that it may be protected by the beads.

In a further embodiment, the first openings in the beads are offset with respect to a centreline of the beads. This centreline may for example be a symmetry axis, when the beads are for example rotationally symmetrical. This may give the result that the first channel extends at least partially offset from the symmetry axis. The offset between the centreline and the first channel may cause an asymmetrical force distribution between the beads when the pulling force is applied to the tensioning cable and may cause the stiffening mechanism to bend. This bending may provide the shape-memory effect of the stiffening device, so that the microphone can be brought towards the mouth of the user.

In an alternative or additional embodiment, the beads may also be interconnected. The interconnection may for example be formed by a backbone element, which may extend in the axial direction along the outer contour of the beads. The backbone element may, in addition or alternative to the offset first channel, give rise to a bending effect of the stiffening mechanism when the pulling force were to be applied to the tensioning cable.

In an alternative or additional embodiment, each of the beads comprises a second opening. These second openings in the beads may, for example, extend parallel to the first openings. The second openings are arranged end-to-end, thereby forming a second channel

-5- through the beads. The second channel may, similar as the first channel, extend between the earbud and the microphone in the axial direction.

In this embodiment, the wire extends through the second channel. The wire is thereby arranged within the beads and is shielded from the outside. As such, the wire for transmitting audio signals between the microphone and the earbud may be protected against possible damages, occurring from the outside.

In a further embodiment, the second openings are concentric with respect to the centreline of the beads. The second channel through the beads thereby extends concentrically with the centreline. Preferably, this centreline is a neutral axis during the bending of the stiffening mechanism, which means that the second channel may be substantially free of axial displacements. The wire that is arranged in the second channel may therefore be substantially free of deformations as well, resulting in a reduced chance of damaging the wire upon bending of the stiffening mechanism.

In an embodiment of the headphone, the tensioner comprises a pulley and an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism is connected to the pulley and may, for example, be configured to rotate the pulley. The actuating mechanism of the tensioner may for example be associated with the earbud, preferably by means of a rigid connection. As such, the actuating mechanism may be configured to rotate the pulley with respect to the earbud. Alternatively, the actuating mechanism and the pulley may as well be associated with the microphone and may, as such, be configured to rotate the pulley with respect to the microphone.

In this embodiment, the first end of the tensioning cable is arranged at least partially on the pulley. The actuating mechanism is configured to rotate the pulley between a wound and an unwound position. In its wound position, the pulley is configured to apply a pulling force on the tensioning cable and the stiffening mechanism is arranged in the actuated state. In its unwound position, the pulley is configured to freely suspend the tensioning cable and the stiffening mechanism is arranged in the relaxed state.

The actuating mechanism may, be configured to rotate the pulley from the unwound position to the wound position, to further wind the tensioning cable on the pulley. Upon further winding of the tensioning cable, a pulling force is applied on the tensioning cable, which may be transmitted towards the furthest bead, to which the tensioning cable is attached. When the pulling force is applied, the stiffening mechanism is arranged from the relaxed state into the actuated state, preferably by pressing the beads against each other and/or by bending the stiffening mechanism.

In an alternative embodiment, the tensioner comprises a two-position switch mechanism and the first end of the tensioning cable is connected to the switch mechanism. The switch mechanism may be associated with the earbud or the microphone and the second

-6- end of the tensioning cable may thereto be respectively associated with the microphone or the earbud.

The switch mechanism in this embodiment is configured to be arranged in a first position and in a second position. In its first position, the switch mechanism is configured to freely suspend the tensioning cable and the stiffening mechanism is arranged in the relaxed state. In its second position, the switch mechanism is configured to apply a pulling force on the tensioning cable and the stiffening mechanism is arranged in the actuated state. The switch mechanism may thereby be configured to apply the pulling force on the tensioning cable when the switch mechanism is brought from the first position into the second position.

The switch mechanism may, for example, resemble a switch mechanism in a ball-point pen and may comprise a spring-loaded pin that runs in a track, which comprises two discrete rest positions in which the pin is in a local equilibrium. These rest positions of the pin correspond to the first position and the second position of the switch mechanism.

In a further alternative embodiment, the tensioner comprises a spring-loaded friction element and a housing with an opening therein. The first end of the tensioning cable extends through the opening and can be clamped within the opening. The spring-loaded friction element is arranged adjacent the opening and may be movable in a movement direction, within the opening and with respect to the housing.

The spring-loaded friction element is configured to be arranged in a clamping position and a released position. In its clamped position, the spring-loaded friction element is configured to apply a frictional clamping force between the first end of the tensioning cable and the housing, in order to maintain the pulling force in the tensioning cable and the stiffening mechanism is arranged in the actuated state. In its released position, the spring- loaded friction element is configured to freely suspend the tensioning cable and the stiffening mechanism is arranged in the relaxed state.

In the clamped position, the first end of the tensioning cable may be clamped between the housing and the friction element, resulting in a frictional force that is aligned parallel to the axial direction and perpendicular to the movement direction of the spring-loaded friction element. The spring is set such, that the friction force is sufficient to maintain the pulling force in the tensioning cable.

The spring-loaded friction element may further comprise a push button that is, upon actuation by a user, configured to move the spring-loaded friction element away from the tensioning cable in order to release the clamping of the tensioning cable within the opening.

In an embodiment of the headphone, the beads are provided as ball beads and cylindrical beads, which are alternatingly arranged in the axial direction. The ball beads comprise a curved, and preferably a spherical outer surface, which are abutted by head ends of the cylindrical beads. Preferably, the head ends of the cylindrical beads are concave or

-7- comprise a chamfer, in order to increase the contact area between the ball beads and the cylindrical beads.

In the actuated position of the stiffening device, the head ends of the cylindrical beads and the spherical surfaces of the ball beads are pressed against each other by the pulling force in the tensioning cable, in order to introduce a frictional force between them. This force is preferably sufficient to hold the stiffening mechanism, together with the microphone, in a desired position. The frictional force is, however, preferably low enough to allow flexing of the stiffening mechanism towards the desired position, upon external actuation by a user.

In the released state of the stiffening mechanism, the pulling force in the tensioning cable is released at least partially. The frictional forces between the beads are thereby released as well and the stiffness of the stiffening mechanism is substantially reduced, which causes the stiffening mechanism to end up in a free-hanging configuration.

In an alternative embodiment, the stiffening mechanism comprises at least one inflatable pneumatic element to hold pressurized gas. The pneumatic element is configured to be in an inflated condition, in which a gas pressure in the pneumatic element is substantially larger than an ambient pressure and in a deflated condition, in which the gas pressure in the pneumatic element is the same as the ambient pressure.

In the inflated condition, the stiffening mechanism has a larger stiffness than in the deflated condition. The inflated condition corresponds to the actuated state of the stiffening mechanism and the deflated condition corresponds to the relaxed state of the stiffening mechanism.

Preferably, the stiffening mechanism further comprises a pressurization device, for example a gas compressor, which is configured to pump ambient gas, such as air, in the pneumatic element, in order to increase the gas pressure therein and to bring the pneumatic element into its inflated condition.

Alternative or additional to the pneumatic element, may the stiffening mechanism comprise an inflatable hydraulic element to hold a pressurized liquid instead of holding pressurized gas.

In another alternative embodiment, the stiffening mechanism comprises a plurality of magnetic elements, which are, in the actuated state of the stiffening mechanism, configured to apply a magnetic force between them, and configured to prevent the presence of a magnetic force between them in the relaxed state of the stiffening mechanism.

The magnetic elements may thereto for example comprise an electro magnet and an iron element. In the actuated state of the stiffening mechanism is the electro magnet configured to emit a magnetic field and to magnetize the iron element. The magnetization introduces a magnetic force between the electro magnet and the iron element, which causes an increase in the stiffness of the stiffening mechanism. In the relaxed state of the stiffening

-8- mechanism, no magnetic field is emitted. As such, no magnetic force is present and the stiffening mechanism becomes arranged in the free-hanging configuration.

In an alternative embodiment, the stiffening mechanism is free of beads, but comprises a flexible element which has a centreline that extends in an axial direction. The flexible element comprises a plurality of first channels which extend in the axial direction and which are arranged offset with respect to the centreline. The flexible element comprises at least one tensioning cable, which is arranged in one of the first channels and further comprises a second channel which extends in the axial direction and which is arranged concentric with respect to the centreline.

The offset between the centreline and the first channels may cause an asymmetrical force distribution within the flexible element when the pulling force is applied to the tensioning cable and may cause the stiffening mechanism to bend. This bending may provide the shape- memory effect of the stiffening device, so that the microphone can be brought towards the mouth of the user.

In an embodiment, the headphone further comprises a control unit. The control unit is configured to control the stiffening mechanism and may thereto control the stiffening mechanism to be either in the actuated state or in the relaxed state.

Preferably, the control unit is configured to detect and/or to receive a signal about whether the headphone, and in particular the microphone thereof, is being used or should be used for communication. In case the microphone is found to be needed for communication, the control unit may be configured to control the stiffening mechanism to be arranged in its actuated state. When the microphone is not needed, the control unit may be configured to control the stiffening mechanism to be arranged in its relaxed state.

In a further embodiment of the headphone, the control unit comprises a wireless communication unit, for example a Bluetooth® unit, which is configured to receive an actuation signal from an audio or mobile communication device. The actuation signal may comprise information on whether the microphone needs to be used and whether the microphone should be moved towards the mouth of the user. The control unit is configured to control the stiffening mechanism on the basis of the received actuation signal, in order to arrange the stiffening mechanism in its actuated state and to move the microphone towards the mouth of the user.

In an embodiment of the headphone, the wire further extends from the microphone towards a plug. The wire thereby extends from the earbud, via the microphone, towards the plug. The headphone is, by means of the plug, configured to be connected to an audio or mobile communication device. The wire is thereby configured to transmit electric communication signals between the device and the microphone and earbud. When the stiffening mechanism is arranged in its actuated position, the microphone is moved towards

-9- the mouth of the user and the remaining stretch of the cable, in between the microphone and the plug, is moved upwardly as well.

Additionally, the wire may be configured to transmit actuation signals between the device and a control unit of the headphone. These actuation signals may comprise information on whether the microphone needs to be used and whether the microphone should be moved towards the mouth of the user. This embodiment of the headphone may further comprise a second earbud, to be arranged at least partially in the other ear of the user. This second earbud may also comprise a wire that extends towards the plug or towards a T- junction with the wire that extends between the plug and the first earbud.

In an alternative embodiment, the headphone comprises a second wire, which separately extends from the earbud towards a plug. This second wire is different from the first wire of the headphone, which extends between the earbud and the microphone, but also terminates in the microphone. The headphone is, by means of the plug, configured to be connected to an audio or mobile communication device. Accordingly, the second wire is configured to transmit signals between the device and the headphone, whereas the first wire may only be configured to transmit signals to and from the microphone.

This alternative embodiment has the advantage over the previous embodiment, that when the stiffening mechanism is arranged in its actuated position, only the microphone is moved. The second wire towards the device is separated from the first wire towards the microphone, which means that it is no longer necessary to also upwardly move the wire that extends towards the device.

This alternative embodiment of the headphone may also comprise a second earbud, to be arranged at least partially in the other ear of the user. This second earbud may also comprise a separate wire that extends towards the plug or towards a T-junction with the second wire that extends between the plug and the first earbud.

The present invention provides a method for communicating by means of a headphone as described above, wherein the method comprises the steps of: arranging an earbud of the headphone in an ear of a user, connecting the headphone to a communication device, arranging, at the onset of communication, a stiffening mechanism of the headphone in an actuated state, in order to allow positioning of a microphone of the headphone in front of a mouth of the user, and arranging, at the end of communication, the stiffening mechanism in a relaxed state, in order to freely suspend the microphone from the earbud.

The method according to the present invention differs at least from known method for communicating by means of a headphone, in that the microphone may be positioned in front of a mouth of a user at the onset of communication. The microphone is thereby brought

-10 - closer towards the mouth, when compared to the location of the microphone of known headphones.

It is, with the method according to the invention, however not required to manually hold the microphone in front of the mouth during the entire conversation.

The method according to the invention involves, when compared to the usage of known headphones, less distraction, better sound quality, in particular in noisy situations, such as in public transport, in the street or while running or cycling, and allows for the freedom to use both hands for other activities.

The method according to the invention has a further advantage, because the stiffening mechanism is arranged in its relaxed state when the conversation has been finished.

In the relaxed state, the stiffening mechanism is in a freely hanging configuration and the microphone causes less hindrance and an increased amount of comfort, when compared to a headphone that constantly has its microphone at a location in front of the mouth of the user.

Further characteristics of the headphone and the method according to the invention will be explained below, with reference to embodiments, which are displayed in the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1A schematically depicts an embodiment of the headphone according to the present invention, Figure 1B schematically depicts an example of a tensioner, Figure 2A depicts a portion of a first embodiment of a stiffening mechanism, Figure 2B depicts a cross sectional view along line U-[ in figure 2A, Figure 3A depicts a portion of a second embodiment of a stiffening mechanism, Figure 3B depicts a cross sectional view along line II-III in figure 3A, Figure 3C depicts a perspective view on a bead that is suitable to be used in the stiffening mechanism in figure 3A, Figure 4A depicts a portion of a third embodiment of a stiffening mechanism, Figure 4B depicts a cross sectional view along line IV-1V in figure 4A Figure 5A depicts a portion of a fourth embodiment of a stiffening mechanism, and Figure 5B depicts a cross sectional view along line V-V in figure SA.

Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding components or to components that have a corresponding function.

Figure 1A schematically depicts an embodiment of the headphone according to the present invention, to which is referred with reference numeral 1. The headphone 1 comprises

-11 - an earbud 2 and a microphone 3. The headphone 1 is displayed in an installed configuration, which means that the earbud 2 is partially inserted in an ear 102 of a user 101.

The headphone 1 comprises a stiffening mechanism 4, which is, with a first end thereof, connected to the earbud 2. The microphone 3 is connected to an opposing second end of the stiffening mechanism 4. The stiffening mechanism 4 extends between the earbud 2 and the microphone 3 in an axial direction A.

The headphone 1 comprises a first wire 5, which extends through the stiffening mechanism 4 and which is electrically connected to the earbud 2 and the microphone 3, in order to transmit an electric signal between them. The headphone 1 further comprises a second wire 6, which is, with one end thereof, connected to the earbud 2. An opposing end of the wire 6 comprises a plug, not shown in figure 1A, which is configured to be connected to an audio or mobile communication device. The wire 6 is configured to transmit electric signals between this device and the earbud 2 and microphone 3. In the displayed embodiment of the headphone 1 according to the invention, the second wire 6 is separate from the first wire 5, because the first wire 5 only extends between the earbud 2 and the microphone 3 and terminates in the microphone 3.

The stiffening mechanism 4 is, in figure 1A, displayed in its actuated state, in which the microphone 3 is arranged in front of a mouth 103 of the user 101. In this configuration, the microphone 3 is closely positioned near the mouth 103, which allows for an improved sound quality, when compared to the known headphones, of which the microphone was hanging below. The stiffening mechanism 4 is held in the actuated state by means of a tensioner 7, which is rotatable with respect to the earbud 2 in order to move the stiffening mechanism 4 between its actuated state and its relaxed state.

The stiffening mechanism 4 may also be arranged in a relaxed state, which is not shown in the figures. In the relaxed state, the bending stiffness of the stiffening mechanism 4 is substantially lower than in the actuated state. The stiffening mechanism 4 therefore ends up in a free-hanging configuration, in which the microphone 3 is freely suspended from the earbud 2.

In figure 1B, an example of a tensioner 7 is displayed. In figure 1B, a portion of the stiffening mechanism 4 is displayed, which comprises a tensioning cable 8, which extends through the stiffening mechanism 4. The stiffening mechanism 4 is connected to the tensioner

7. The tensioner 7 further comprises a rotatable pulley 9, which is connected to the earbud 2 of the headphone 1 and onto which the tensioning cable 8 is wound partially. The tensioner 7 is thereby configured to rotate with respect to the pulley 9, and accordingly with respect to the earbud 2 that remains stationary in the ear 102 of the user 101.

The tensioner 7 is configured to apply a tension force onto the tensioning cable 8 upon rotation. When the tensioner 7 is rotated in a clockwise direction in figure 1B, with respect to

-12 - the pulley 9 and the earbud 2, the tensioning cable 8 is wound further on the pulley 9. The stiffening mechanism 4 is rotated together with the tensioner 7 and the tensioning cable 8 is moved in direction (i) with respect to the stiffening mechanism 4. As such, a pulling force is applied onto the tensioning cable 8.

The tensioner 7 is also configured to release a tension force onto the tensioning cable 8 upon rotation. When the tensioner 7 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction in figure 1B with respect to the pulley 9 and the earbud 2, the tensioning cable 8 is at least partially unwound from the pulley 9. The stiffening mechanism 4 is rotated back together with the tensioner 7 and the tensioning cable 8 is moved in direction (i1) with respect to the stiffening mechanism 4. As such, the pulling force on the tensioning cable 8 is reduced.

In figure 2A, a portion of a first embodiment of a stiffening mechanism 4 is displayed, comprising beads 10, 11 that are arranged in series. This embodiment of the stiffening mechanism 4 comprises ball beads 10, which have a spherical outer surface 10’. The stiffening mechanism 4 further comprises cylindrical beads 11, comprising head ends 11’ on opposing ends of the bead 11. The beads 10, 11 are arranged alternatingly and the head ends 11’ of the cylindrical beads 11 are arranged against the spherical outer surfaces 10’ of the ball beads 10.

The ball beads 10 and the cylindrical beads 11 comprise first openings, extending through the beads 10, 11. The combined first openings of the beads 10, 11 are aligned end- to-end and form a first channel 12 through the stiffening mechanism 4. The first channel 12 extends in the axial direction A and is aligned concentrically with a rotational symmetry axis S of the stiffening mechanism 4.

The first channel 12 in this embodiment of the stiffening mechanism 4 is configured to receive a tensioning cable, which may be subjected to a pulling force in order to press the beads 10, 11 against each other, in the axial direction A, and in order to introduce a frictional force between each two adjacent beads 10, 11.

The first channel 12 is further configured to receive the wire 5 that extends between the earbud 2 and the microphone 3, in order to transmit an electronic communication signal between them.

Figure 3A displays a portion of a second embodiment of the stiffening mechanism 4. This stiffening mechanism 4 comprises beads 20 that have a quasi-triangular cross-section. The beads 20 are aligned end-to-end and each comprise a first opening 21 and a second opening 22.

The first openings 21 of the beads 20 together from a first channel 23 through the stiffening mechanism 4 in the axial direction A. The first openings 21 and the first channel 23 are offset with respect to a centreline and rotational symmetry axis S of the stiffening mechanism 4. The first channel 23 is configured to receive a tensioning cable. When a pulling

-13 - force is applied onto the tensioning cable, the beads 20 are pressed against each other. Since the first channel 23 is arranged offset with respect to the symmetry axis S, will the pulling result in bending of the stiffening mechanism 4. The bending direction is indicated by means of arrows “B”.

The second openings 22 of the beads 20 together from a second channel 24 through the stiffening mechanism 4 in the axial direction A. The second openings 22 and the second channel 24 are concentrically with respect to the rotational symmetry axis S of the stiffening mechanism 4. The second channel 24 will therefore undergo no substantial axial displacement when the stiffening mechanism 4 is bent, as a result of the applied pulling force in the tensioning cable. The second channel 24 is configured to receive a wire 5 that extends between the earbud 2 and the microphone 3. The absence of axial displacements in the second channel 24, during bending of the stiffening mechanism 4, has the advantage that there is a smaller chance of damaging the wire 5 in the second channel 24.

Figure 3C displays an alternative bead 30 that is suitable to be used in the stiffening mechanism 4 in figure 3A. The bead 30 has a circular cross-section and comprises two first openings 31 and a second opening 32. The bead 30 further comprises a ridge 33 and a groove 34, which are aligned perpendicular to each other.

For forming the stiffening mechanism 4, the ridge 33 is set against a groove of a next bead and the a ridge of a previous bead is set against the groove 34. The ridge 33 allows for rotation between the bead 30 and the next bead, around a first bending direction (i), and the groove 34 allows for rotation between the previous bead and next bead 30, around a second bending (1) direction, which is perpendicular to the first bending direction (1). The stiffening mechanism 4 may be bent around the first bending direction (i) and/or around the second bending direction (i1), which may allow the stiffening mechanism 4 to more accurately bring the microphone 3 towards the mouth 103 of the user 101.

A first one 31’ of the of the first openings 31 is configured to receive a first tensioning cable. The application of a pulling force on this first tensioning cable will result in bending of the stiffening mechanism 4 by means of the ridge 33, around the first bending direction (i). A second one 31” of the of the first openings 31 is configured to receive a second tensioning cable. The application of a pulling force on this second tensioning cable will result in bending of the stiffening mechanism 4 by means of the groove 34, around the second bending direction (ii). The overall bending of the stiffening mechanism 4, around the first bending direction (1) and/or the second bending direction (1) may thus be set by applying a pulling force with a certain magnitude onto the first tensioning cable through the first one 31’ of the first openings 31 and/or onto the second tensioning cable through the second one 31” of the first openings 31.

-14 - In figure 4A, a portion of a third embodiment of the stiffening mechanism 4 is displayed. This stiffening mechanism 4 comprises beads 40 as well, which are arranged in series in the axial direction A. Each of the beads 40 comprises a first opening 41 and a second opening

42. The first openings 41 of the beads 40 together form a first channel 43 in the stiffening mechanism 4 and the second openings 42 together form a second channel 44.

The beads 40 are interconnected by means of a flexible backbone element 45, which is connected to each of the beads 40 on one side of the stiffening element 4. The beads 40 are set at a distance from each other, which causes a spacing 46 to be present in between each two adjacent beads 40.

The first channel 43 is configured to receive a tensioning cable and the second channel 44 is configured to receive a wire 5. Upon application of a pulling force to the tensioning cable, the beads 40 are pressed against each other and the stiffening mechanism 4 is bent. The bending direction is indicated by means of arrows “B”. During bending of the stiffening mechanism 4, the flexible backbone element 45 maintains the spacing between the beads on the one side of the stiffening element 4. The spacing 46 between the beads 40 at the opposing side of the stiffening element 4 is reduced, until the beads 40 eventually abut each other.

In figure SA, a portion of a fourth embodiment of the stiffening mechanism 4 is displayed. This stiffening mechanism 4 comprises a flexible element 50, which extends in the axial direction A. The flexible element 50 comprises four first channels 51 in the stiffening mechanism 4 and a second channel 52. The second channel 52 is aligned concentric with a rotational symmetry axis S, which extend in the axial direction A. The first channels 51 are disposed around the second channel 52 and are offset with respect to the rotational symmetry axis S.

In one of the first channels 51, a tensioning cable 53 is received. The second channel 52 is configured to receive a wire, which is not displayed in the figures. Upon application of a pulling force to the tensioning cables 53, the flexible element 50 is deformed at least adjacent the first channel 51 in which the tensioning cable 53 is provided and the stiffening mechanism 4 is bent. The bending direction is indicated by means of arrows “B”.

Claims (18)

-15- CONCLUSIES-15- CONCLUSIONS 1. Hoofdtelefoon voor gebruik met een audio- of mobiele-communicatie inrichting, omvattende: - ten minste een oordop, - een microfoon, en - een draad, die zich uitstrekt tussen de oordop en de microfoon, waarbij de draad is ingericht om een elektrisch signaal tussen deze beiden door te geven, met het kenmerk dat, de hoofdtelefoon verder een verstijvingsmechanisme omvat, dat zich in een axiale richting uitstrekt tussen de oordop en de microfoon en dat is ingericht om zich te bevinden in: . een bekrachtigde toestand, waarin het verstijvingsmechanisme een eerste buigstijfheid heeft en waarin het verstijvingsmechanisme in een stijve toestand is, en . een ontspannen toestand, waarin het verstijvingsmechanisme een tweede buigstijfheid heeft en waarin het verstijvingsmechanisme in een vrij-hangende toestand is, waarbij de eerste buigstijfheid groter is dan de tweede buigstijfheid.Headphones for use with an audio or mobile communication device, comprising: - at least one earplug, - a microphone, and - a wire extending between the earplug and the microphone, the wire being arranged to connect an electrically signal between the two, characterized in that the headphones further comprise a stiffening mechanism extending in an axial direction between the earplug and the microphone and arranged to be located in:. an energized state, wherein the stiffening mechanism has a first bending stiffness and wherein the stiffening mechanism is in a rigid state, and. a relaxed state, in which the stiffening mechanism has a second bending stiffness and wherein the stiffening mechanism is in a free-hanging state, the first bending stiffness being greater than the second bending stiffness. 2. Hoofdtelefoon volgens conclusie 1, waarbij het verstijvingsmechanisme meerdere kralen, een spankabel en een spanner omvat, waarbij de kralen is serie zijn aangebracht langs de axiale richting van het verstijvingsmechanisme, waarbij een eerste uiteinde van de spankabel is verbonden met de spanner en waarbij een tegenoverliggend tweede uiteinde van de spankabel is verbonden met de verste kraal, gezien vanaf de spanner, waarbij de spanner, in de bekrachtigde toestand van het verstijvingsmechanisme, is ingericht om een trekkracht uit te oefenen op het eerste uiteinde van de spankabel, om de kralen tegen elkaar te drukken in de axiale richting, en waarbij de spanner, in de ontspannen toestand van het verstijvingsmechanisme, is ingericht om het eerste uiteinde van de spankabel vrij te latenhangen, om de kralen vrij op te hangen aan de spankabel.The headset of claim 1, wherein the stiffening mechanism comprises a plurality of beads, a tensioning cable and a tensioner, the beads being arranged in series along the axial direction of the stiffening mechanism, a first end of the tensioning cable being connected to the tensioner and a first end of the tensioning cable being connected to the tensioning cable. opposite second end of the tensioning cable is connected to the furthest bead as seen from the tensioner, the tensioner, in the energized state of the stiffening mechanism, being arranged to exert a pulling force on the first end of the tensioning cable to counteract the beads pressing each other in the axial direction, and wherein the tensioner, in the relaxed state of the stiffening mechanism, is arranged to allow the first end of the tension cable to hang freely, to hang the beads freely from the tension cable. 3. Hoofdtelefoon volgens conclusie 2, waarbij elk van de kralen een eerste opening omvat, waarbij de eerste openingen in elkaars verlengde zijn uitgelijnd, om daarbij, in deHeadphones according to claim 2, wherein each of the beads comprises a first opening, the first openings being aligned in line with each other to thereby, -16 - axiale richting, een eerste kanaal te vormen door de kralen, en waarbij de spankabel zich uitstrekt door het eerste kanaal.-16 - axial direction, forming a first channel through the beads, and with the tensioning cable extending through the first channel. 4. Hoofdtelefoon volgens conclusie 3, waarbij de eerste openingen zijn versprongen ten opzichte van een middellijn van de kralen.Headphones according to claim 3, wherein the first openings are offset from a diameter of the beads. 5. Hoofdtelefoon volgens een van de conclusies 2 — 4, waarbij elk van de kralen een tweede opening omvat, waarbij de tweede openingen in elkaars verlengde zijn uitgelijnd, om daarbij, in de axiale richting, een tweede kanaal te vormen door de kralen, en waarbij de draad zich uitstrekt door het tweede kanaal.Headphones according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein each of the beads comprises a second opening, the second openings being aligned in line with each other, thereby forming, in the axial direction, a second channel through the beads, and wherein the wire extends through the second channel. 6. Hoofdtelefoon volgens conclusie 5, waarbij de tweede openingen concentrisch zijn met de middellijn van de kralen.Headphones according to claim 5, wherein the second openings are concentric with the diameter of the beads. 7. Hoofdtelefoon volgens een van de conclusies 2 — 6, waarbij de spanner een haspel en een actuatormechanisme omvat, dat is verbonden met de haspel, waarbij het eerste uiteinde van de spankabel tenminste gedeeltelijk op de haspel is aangebracht, waarbij het actuatormechanisme is ingericht om de haspel te roteren tussen een opgewonden positie en een afgewonden positie, waarbij: - in de opgewonden positie van de haspel, de haspel is ingericht om een trekkracht uit te oefenen op de spankabel en het verstijvingsmechanisme zich in de bekrachtigde toestand bevindt, en - in de afgewonden positie van de haspel, de haspel is ingericht om de spankabel vrij te laten hangen en het verstijvingsmechanisme zich in de ontspannen toestand bevindt.Headphones according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the tensioner comprises a reel and an actuator mechanism connected to the reel, the first end of the tension cable being mounted at least partially on the reel, the actuator mechanism being arranged to to rotate the reel between a wound position and an unwound position, wherein: - in the reeled position of the reel, the reel is arranged to exert a pulling force on the tension cable and the stiffening mechanism is in the energized state, and - in the unwound position of the reel, the reel is arranged to allow the tension cable to hang freely and the stiffening mechanism is in the relaxed state. 8. Hoofdtelefoon volgens een van de conclusies 2 — 6, waarbij de spanner een twee- positie schakelmechanisme omvat, waarbij het eerste uiteinde van de spankabel is verbonden met het schakelmechanisme, waarbij het schakelmechanisme is ingericht om zich in een eerste positie en in een tweede positie te bevinden, waarbij: - in de eerste positie van het schakelmechanisme, het schakelmechanisme is ingericht om de spankabel vrij te laten hangen en het verstijvingsmechanisme zich in de ontspannen toestand bevindt, en - in de tweede positie van het schakelmechanisme, het schakelmechanisme isHeadphones according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the tensioner comprises a two-position shift mechanism, the first end of the tension cable being connected to the shift mechanism, the shift mechanism being arranged to extend into a first position and into a second position. position, where: - in the first position of the shifting mechanism, the shifting mechanism is arranged to allow the tension rope to hang freely and the stiffening mechanism is in the relaxed state, and - in the second position of the shifting mechanism, the shifting mechanism is -17 - ingericht om een trekkracht uit te oefenen op de spankabel en het verstijvingsmechanisme zich in de bekrachtigde toestand bevindt.-17 - arranged to apply a pulling force to the tensioning cable and the stiffening mechanism is in the energized state. 9. Hoofdtelefoon volgens een van de conclusies 2 — 6, waarbij de spanner een veer- gespannen wrijvingselement en een behuizing met een opening erin omvat, waarbij het eerste uiteinde van de spankabel zich uitstrekt door de opening, en waarbij het veer-gespannen wrijvingselement om zich te bevinden in een klempositie en een vrijgavepositie, waarbij: - in de klempositie positie van het veer-gespannen wrijvingselement, het veer- gespannen wrijvingselement is ingericht om een wrijvingsklemkracht uit te oefenen tussen het eerste uiteinde van de spankabel en de behuizing, om de trekkracht in de spankabel vast te houden, en het verstijvingsmechanisme zich in de bekrachtigde toestand bevindt, en - in de vrijgavepositie positie van het veer-gespannen wrijvingselement, het veer-gespannen wrijvingselement is ingericht om de spankabel vrij te laten hangen en het verstijvingsmechanisme zich in de ontspannen toestand bevindt.Headphones according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the tensioner comprises a spring-loaded friction element and a housing with an opening therein, the first end of the tension cable extending through the opening, and wherein the spring-tensioned friction element is be in a clamping position and a release position, wherein: - in the clamping position position of the spring-tensioned friction element, the spring-tensioned friction element is arranged to apply a frictional clamping force between the first end of the tension cable and the housing, in order to tensile force in the tension cable, and the stiffening mechanism is in the energized state, and - in the release position position of the spring-tensioned friction element, the spring-tensioned friction element is arranged to allow the tension cable to hang freely and the stiffening mechanism is in the relaxed state. 10. Hoofdtelefoon volgens een van de conclusies 2 — 9, waarbij de kralen zijn voorzien als ronde kralen en cilindrische kralen, die afwisselend zijn aangebracht langs de axiale richting.Headphone according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the beads are provided as round beads and cylindrical beads arranged alternately along the axial direction. 11. Hoofdtelefoon volgens conclusie 1, waarbij het verstijvingsmechanisme ten minste een opblaasbaar pneumatisch element omvat, voor het vasthouden van gecomprimeerd gas, dat is ingericht om zich te bevinden in: - een opgeblazen toestand, waarin een gasdruk in het pneumatische element in hoofdzak groter is dan een omgevingsdruk, overeenkomend met de bekrachtigde toestand van het verstijvingsmechanisme, en - een leeggelopen toestand, waarin de gasdruk in het pneumatische element gelijk is aan de omgevingsdruk, overeenkomend met de ontspannen toestand van het verstijvingsmechanisme.Headphone according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening mechanism comprises at least one inflatable pneumatic element, for retaining compressed gas, which is arranged to be in: an inflated state, in which a gas pressure in the pneumatic element is substantially greater then an ambient pressure, corresponding to the energized state of the stiffening mechanism, and - a deflated state, in which the gas pressure in the pneumatic element is equal to the ambient pressure, corresponding to the relaxed state of the stiffening mechanism. 12. Hoofdtelefoon volgens conclusie 1, waarbij het verstijvingsmechanisme meerdere magneetelementen omvat, die: - in de bekrachtigde toestand van het verstijvingsmechanisme zijn ingericht om een onderlinge magneetkracht uit te oefenen, en - in de ontspannen toestand van het verstijvingsmechanisme zijn ingericht om het optreden van een onderlinge magneetkracht te voorkomen.Headphones according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening mechanism comprises a plurality of magnetic elements, which: - in the energized state of the stiffening mechanism are arranged to exert a mutual magnetic force, and - in the relaxed state of the stiffening mechanism are arranged to prevent the occurrence of a magnetic force. prevent mutual magnetic force. -18--18- 13. Hoofdtelefoon volgens conclusie 1, waarbij het verstijvingsmechanisme een flexibel element omvat met een middellijn die zich uitstrekt in een axiale richting, waarbij het flexibele element omvat: - meerdere eerste kanalen die zich uitstrekken in de axiale richting en zijn versprongen ten opzichte van de middellijn, - ten minste een spankabel, die is aangebracht in een van de eerste kanalen, en - een tweede kanaal dat zich uitstrekt in de axiale richting en concentrisch is aangebracht ten opzichte van de middellijn.Headphone according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening mechanism comprises a flexible element having a diameter extending in an axial direction, the flexible element comprising: - a plurality of first channels extending in the axial direction and offset from the centerline , - at least one tension cable arranged in one of the first channels, and - a second channel extending in the axial direction and arranged concentrically with respect to the centerline. 14. Hoofdtelefoon volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, verder omvattende een regelinrichting, die is ingericht om het verstijvingsmechanisme te regelen.Headset according to any preceding claim, further comprising a control device adapted to control the stiffening mechanism. 15. Hoofdtelefoon volgens conclusie 14, waarbij de regelinrichting een draadloze- communicatie inrichting omvat, die is ingericht om een actuatiesignaal te ontvangen van een audio- of mobiele-communicatie inrichting, waarbij de regelinrichting is ingericht om het verstijvingsmechanisme te regelen op basis van het ontvangen actuatiesignaal.A headset according to claim 14, wherein the control device comprises a wireless communication device, which is arranged to receive an actuation signal from an audio or mobile communication device, the control device is arranged to control the stiffening mechanism based on the received actuation signal. 16. Hoofdtelefoon volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de draad zich van de microfoon verder uitstrekt naar een stekker, waarbij de hoofdtelefoon, door middel van de stekker, is ingericht om te worden verbonden met een audio- of mobiele- communicatie inrichting.Headphone according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wire extends further from the microphone to a plug, the headphone, by means of the plug, being adapted to be connected to an audio or mobile communication device. 17. Hoofdtelefoon volgens een van de conclusies 1 — 14, verder omvattende een tweede draad, die zich uitstrekt vanaf de oordop naar een stekker, waarbij de hoofdtelefoon, door middel van de stekker, is ingericht om te worden verbonden met een audio- of mobiele-communicatie inrichting.A headset according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a second wire extending from the earplug to a plug, the headset, by means of the plug, adapted to be connected to an audio or mobile phone. -communication device. 18. Werkwijze voor het communiceren door middel van een hoofdtelefoon volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de werkwijze de stappen omvat van: - het in een oor van een gebruiker aanbrengen van een oordop van de hoofdtelefoon, - met het een communicatie inrichting verbinden van de hoofdtelefoon, - het, bij aanvang van het communiceren, in een bekrachtigde toestand brengen van een verstijvingsmechanisme van de hoofdtelefoon, om een microfoon van de hoofdtelefoon voor een mond van de gebruiker te positioneren, en - het, na afloop van het communiceren, in een ontspannen toestand brengen van het verstijvingsmechanisme, om de microfoon vrij aan de oordop te latenA method of communicating by means of a headset according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: - placing an earplug of the headset in an ear of a user, - connecting a communication device to a communication device. the headset, - at the start of the communication, bringing a stiffening mechanism of the headset into an energized state in order to position a microphone of the headset in front of a mouth of the user, and - after the communication has finished, bringing the stiffening mechanism to a relaxed state to leave the microphone free on the earplug -19- hangen.-19- hang.