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WO2017082963A1 - Système de pince et de gestion de cordon pour récepteur audio sans fil - Google Patents

Système de pince et de gestion de cordon pour récepteur audio sans fil Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017082963A1
WO2017082963A1 PCT/US2016/033515 US2016033515W WO2017082963A1 WO 2017082963 A1 WO2017082963 A1 WO 2017082963A1 US 2016033515 W US2016033515 W US 2016033515W WO 2017082963 A1 WO2017082963 A1 WO 2017082963A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
flexible band
audio
wireless
cord
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2016/033515
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Cecily Sumsion
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Zagg Inc
Original Assignee
Zagg Intellectual Property Holding Co Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/940,943 external-priority patent/US9414146B2/en
Application filed by Zagg Intellectual Property Holding Co Inc filed Critical Zagg Intellectual Property Holding Co Inc
Publication of WO2017082963A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017082963A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1033—Cables or cables storage, e.g. cable reels

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a wireless audio receiver.
  • Related Art
  • Earphones are a common accessory to many portable media players, such as cellular phones, tablets or tablet computers, and digital music players.
  • Such earphones typically have a pair of cords or wires running from a headphone plug that plugs into a headphone jack, to a pair of earphones inserted in the ears of a user, or disposed on the ears of a user.
  • the pair or cords or wires is commonly conjoined for a majority of the length, and splits at a junction into separate cords or wires for each of the earphones.
  • Such wires are often capable of becoming tangled and knotted. Similarly, other types of cords can similarly become tangled and knotted.
  • Wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) receivers typically have a pair of cords or wires running from a headphone plug that plugs into a headphone jack, to a pair of earphones inserted in the ears of a user. Such wireless receivers typically have a mechanical clip to support the wireless receiver. Some wireless receivers are supported by the cord or wires of the earphones themselves, and thus the ears of the user.
  • the invention provides a wireless audio receiver comprising a housing, a wireless transceiver disposed in the housing, a battery disposed in the housing and coupled to the wireless transceiver, a control interface carried by the housing, and an audio cord comprising an audio wire with a pair of earbuds at one end and an audio connection at an opposite end coupled to the housing.
  • a flexible band extends from a proximal end coupled to the housing at an attachment point to a distal free end.
  • a free ferromagnetic button is carried by the distal free end of the flexible band.
  • a fixed ferromagnetic button is carried by the housing and is spaced-apart from the attachment point of the flexible band.
  • a ring is formed by the flexible band along with a portion of the housing of the wireless audio receiver, with the free ferromagnetic button of the distal free end of the flexible band magnetically coupled to the fixed ferromagnetic button of the housing, for enclosing and securing a portion of the audio cord wound around the housing of the wireless audio receiver and secured by the flexible band.
  • a clip is formed by the flexible band along with the housing of the wireless audio receiver, with the free ferromagnetic button of the distal free end of the flexible band magnetically coupled to the fixed ferromagnetic button of the housing, with an article of clothing therebetween.
  • the flexible band and the audio cord have a plurality of
  • the audio cord extends a longer length, and the ring is free of the audio cord or the ring has a lesser number of passes of the audio cord extending through the ring.
  • the audio cord extends a shorter length than the longer length, and is wound around the housing of the wireless audio receiver and through the ring, and secured by the flexible band.
  • the free ferromagnetic button of the distal free end of the band is magnetically coupled to the fixed ferromagnetic button of the housing of the wireless audio receiver with the article of clothing therebetween.
  • the invention provides a cord management and clip system in
  • the audio cord comprises an audio wire with a pair of earbuds at one end and an audio connection at an opposite end.
  • the opposite end of the audio cord is coupled to the wireless audio receiver.
  • the wireless audio receiver comprises a housing, a wireless transceiver, a battery and a control interface.
  • the cord management and clip system comprises a flexible band extending from a proximal end coupled to the housing of the receiver at an attachment point to a distal free end.
  • a free ferromagnetic button is carried by the distal free end of the flexible band.
  • a fixed ferromagnetic button is carried by the housing of the wireless audio receiver and is spaced- apart from the attachment point of the flexible band.
  • a selectively openable and closable ring is formed by the flexible band along with a portion of the housing of the wireless audio receiver, with the free ferromagnetic button of the distal free end of the flexible band magnetically coupled to the fixed ferromagnetic button of the housing, for enclosing and securing a portion of the audio cord wound around the housing of the wireless audio receiver, and secured by the flexible band.
  • a clip is formed by the flexible band along with the housing of the wireless audio receiver, with the free ferromagnetic button of the distal free end of the flexible band magnetically coupled to the fixed ferromagnetic button of the housing, with an article of clothing therebetween.
  • the system and the audio cord have a plurality of configurations, including: a use configuration, a wound storage configuration, and a clip configuration.
  • the audio cord In the use configuration, the audio cord extends a longer length, and the ring is free of the audio cord, or the ring has a lesser number of passes of the audio cord extending through the ring.
  • the wound storage configuration the audio cord extends a shorter length than the longer length, and is wound around the housing of the wireless audio receiver and through the ring, and secured by the flexible band.
  • the free ferromagnetic button of the distal free end of the band is magnetically coupled to the fixed ferromagnetic button of the housing of the wireless audio receiver, with the article of clothing therebetween.
  • the invention provides a wireless audio receiver comprising a housing with a wireless transceiver and a battery disposed therein.
  • An audio cord comprises an audio wire with a pair of earbuds at one end and an audio connection at an opposite end coupled to the housing.
  • a flexible band is coupled to the housing at a proximal end and extends to a distal free end.
  • a magnetic coupling is between the distal free end of the flexible band and the housing.
  • the flexible band and the housing form a ring for enclosing and securing a portion of the audio cord wound around the housing of the wireless audio receiver and secured by the flexible band.
  • the flexible band and the housing form a clip capable of gripping an article of clothing in the magnetic coupling.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cord management and clip system and a wireless audio receiver in combination with a cord (such as an audio cord comprising an audio wire extending from the wireless audio receiver to a pair of earbuds) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, shown in a use or listening configuration, and with a flexible band shown in a closed configuration;
  • a cord such as an audio cord comprising an audio wire extending from the wireless audio receiver to a pair of earbuds
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cord management and clip system and a wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 , shown in a wound storage configuration with the audio cord wound around the wireless audio receiver and secured with the flexible band;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cord management and clip system and a wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 , shown in the use or listening configuration, and shown carried by an article of clothing, and in a clip configuration with the article of clothing between the flexible band and the wireless audio receiver (or housing thereof);
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of the cord management and clip system and a wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 , shown schematically with various components of the wireless autio receiver;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 , showing a flat strain relief for a fiat audio cord;
  • FIG. 9 is a side view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 , showing a round strain relief for a round audio cord;
  • FIG. 1 0 is a perspective view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 1 1 is a top view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 13 is a back view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 , shown in the use or listening configuration, and shown carried by the article of clothing, and in the clip configuration with the article of clothing between the flexible band and the wireless audio receiver (or housing thereof); in addition, FIG 14 is a perspective view of a method for wearing the wireless audio receiver with the cord management and clip system;
  • FIG. 1 5 is a perspective view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 , shown in the wound storage configuration with the audio cord wound around the wireless audio receiver and secured with the flexible band;
  • FIG. 16 is a side view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 , shown in the wound storage configuration with the audio cord wound around the wireless audio receiver and secured with the flexible band;
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. I , shown in a use configuration with the audio cord extending a longer length, and with a ring formed by the flexible band in the closed configuration free of the audio cord or with the ring having a lesser number of passes of the audio cord extending through the ring;
  • FIG. 1 8 is a perspective view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 , shown in a bundle storage configuration with the audio cord extending a shorter length than the longer length and wrapped into a bundle with a greater number of passes of the audio cord extending through the ring than the lesser number of passes, and with the audio cord extending back and forth through the ring;
  • FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 , shown in a loop storage configuration with the audio cord extending a shorter length than the longer length and wrapped into a loop with a greater number of passes of the audio cord extending though the ring than the lesser number of passes, and with the audio cord looping through and around the ring;
  • FIGs. 19 and 20a-b are perspective views of a method for managing an audio cord; with FIG. 20a showing forming the audio cord into a loop; and FIG. 20b showing wrapping a flexible band around a portion of the loop by extending a distal free end through the loop and back towards a proximal end extending from a housing of the wireless audio receiver; and FIG. 19 showing coupling the distal free end to the housing by magnetically coupling a free ferromagnetic button embedded in the distal free end of the band to a fixed ferromagnetic button embedded in the housing forming a ring enclosing and securing the portion of the loop, defining the loop storage configuration;
  • FIGs. 18, 20a and 21 are perspective views of a method for managing an audio cord; with FIG. 20a showing forming the audio cord into a bundle; FIG. 21 showing wrapping a flexible band around a portion of the bundle by extending a distal free end around the bundle and back towards a proximal end extending from a housing; and FIG. 18 showing coupling the distal free end to the housing by magnetically coupling a free ferromagnetic button embedded in the distal free end of the band to a fixed ferromagnetic button embedded in the housing forming a ring enclosing and securing the portion of the bundle, defining the bundle storage configuration;
  • FIG. 22 is a perspective views of the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 , shown in the use or listening configuration, and shown carried by an article of clothing, and in a clip configuration with the article of clothing between the flexible band and the wireless audio receiver (or housing thereof), and further showing securing an earbud of the pair of earbuds to the housing and/or flexible band by magnetically coupling a ferromagnetic element of the earbud to the fixed ferromagnetic button of the housing or free ferromagnetic button of the flexible band;
  • FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another flexible band for the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another flexible band for the cord management and clip system and the wireless audio receiver of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
  • ferromagnetic is used herein to refer to a material or element that has magnetic properties and/or an ability to magnetically couple, either by being magnetic, or being magnetically attracted to a magnet (such as by containing iron) such that one ferromagnetic materia! or element is magnetically attracted to another ferromagnetic material or element.
  • a ferromagnetic button is a magnet or is magnetic, such as a permanent magnet, or is attracted to magnets, such as by containing iron.
  • the term "portable, hand-held computer'” is used broadly herein to refer to a computer or multi-media device that is one-piece and that is portable and handheld, such as cellular or cell phones, smart phones, tablets or tablet computers, so called phablets, digital music players (MPS players), etc..
  • the portable, hand-held computer can have a battery and memory and a processor with software running thereon.
  • the portable, hand-held computer can have WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, and can have a wireless transmitter, receiver, or transceiver.
  • the portable, hand-held computer can include a digital camera.
  • the term "cellular phone” is used broadly herein to refer to any communication device with wireless communication capability.
  • the cellular phone or communication device can connect and communicate over a cellular network.
  • the cellular phone or communication device can wirelessly couple to a wireless area network, which in turn can couple to a telephone network or line.
  • ⁇ is used herein to refer to a portable, hand-held computer, as described above, as well as other computing devices or platforms, such as desk-top or lap-top computers, etc.
  • transceiver is used herein to refer to a transmitter for transmitting a signal, a receiver for receiving a signal, or both a transmitter and a receiver.
  • the transceiver can both send and receive, or can include a transmitter for transmitting a signal, and a receiver for receiving a signal.
  • article of clothing is used broadly herein to refer to an item worn by the user, including by way of example, a shirt, a blouse, a jacket or sweater, a scarf, a strap of a purse or backpack, a lanyard, etc.
  • the article of clothing can have an edge, such as a collar, to which the clip can attach.
  • the article of clothing can have a fold forming an edge to which the clip can attach.
  • a cord management and clip system 10 and a wireless audio receiver 14 with such a cord managemen and clip system 10, and methods for managing an audio cord 18 with earbuds 22, and clipping or wearing the wireless audio receiver 14 on an article of clothing 26, in example implementations in accordance with the invention are shown.
  • the wireless audio receiver 14 can wirelessly pair (such as with Bluetooth) with a portable, hand-held computer 30, namely a cell phone, to receive streaming audio data, such as music and communication data.
  • the cord management and clip system 10 has a flexible band 34 and a ferromagnetic coupling 38 to clip the wireless audio receiver 14 to the article of clothing 26 so that the wireless audio receiver can be worn and easily accessed, without hanging from the audio wire, and thus without hanging from the user's ears.
  • the flexible band 34 and the ferromagnetic coupling 38 of the cord management and clip system 10 allow for easy and secure storage of the audio cord wound around the wireless audio receiver 14, and secured by the flexible band 34 and the ferromagnetic coupling 38.
  • the wireless audio receiver 14 has a housing or body 42.
  • the housing 42 can be elongated with a length greater than a width and depth, or diameter.
  • the housing can be formed of plastic and can be formed by injection molding.
  • the housing can have a front and a back, and a top and a bottom.
  • the front can be configured to face outwardly with respect to the user, and the top can be configured to face the user's face during use.
  • the housing can contain a wireless transceiver, battery, processor, and microphone, and can carry a control interface, all configured to pair the wireless audio receiver 14 with the portable, hand-held computer 30 (cellular phone), such as by Bluetooth, to receiving streaming audio data, such as music and communication data, and to send control signals.
  • cellular phone cellular phone
  • the audio cord 1 8 can comprise the pair of earbuds 22 at one end and an audio connection (fixed or removable) at an opposite end coupled to the housing 42.
  • the audio cord 1 8 can have an audio wire with a proximal end coupled to the housing 42 of the wireless audio receiver 14 and distal free end(s) with the earbuds 22.
  • the audio cord 18 can include a pair of audio wires, including one for each earbud 22.
  • the audio cord 18 can include a pair of conjoined wires extending from the proximal end at the housing 42, and separating at a junction into a pair of separate audio wires terminating at the earbuds 22.
  • the audio cord 1 8 or the audio wire can be flat (wider than depth) to resist tangling.
  • the proximal end of the audio cord 18 or the audio wire can be fixed (inseperable) to the housing 42 of the wireless audio receiver 14 using a strain relief 44a or 44b (FIGs. 8 and 9) coupled to the proximal end of the audio cord.
  • the audio cord 1 8 can include or the strain relief 44a and 44b can be an enlargement on the proximal end of the audio cord and disposed inside the housing 42, and having a size greater than an opening in the housing through which the audio cord passed, to fix the audio cord to the housing.
  • the strain relief 44a can be flat (with flat holes) to accommodate a flat audio cord 18, as shown in FIG. 8.
  • the strain relief 44b can be round (with round holes) to accommodate a round audio cord, as shown in FIG. 9.
  • the strain relief 44a or 44b on the audio cord 1 8 allow the housing to be configured the same whether a flat audio cord or a round audio cord is utilized.
  • the proximal end of the audio cord or the audio wire can include an audio plug (e.g. a 3.5mm plug) removably inserted into an audio port (e.g. a 3.5mm socket) in the housing.
  • the earbuds can be sized and shaped to be received in and carried by the user's ears.
  • the audio cord can be similar to that described above, but with the audio cord extending as a single wire, or pair of conjoined wires, to a first earbud, and a wire extending from the first earbud to a second earbud.
  • the conjoined wires can split at the first earbud.
  • the cord management and clip system 10 can be used to manage and secure the audio cord 1 8 using the flexible band 34, as described in greater detai l below.
  • the flexible band 34 extends from a proximal end coupled to the housing 42 at an attachment point to a distal free end.
  • the flexible band 34 can be coupled to the rear of the housing, opposite the control interface.
  • the flexible band 34 can extend from an aperture 46 (FIG. 10) in the rear of the housing 42.
  • the proximal end of the flexible band 34 can be disposed in the housing 42.
  • the proximal end of the flexible band 34 can extend from inside the housing 42, and out of the aperture 46 in the housing.
  • the proximal end of the flexible band 34 can have one or more bores receiving posts inside the housing to secure the proximal end of the flexible band to the housing.
  • the proximal end of the flexible band can have an enlargement disposed in the housing and sized larger than the aperture.
  • the proximal end of the flexible band 34 can extend substantially perpendicular from the housing 42.
  • the band 34 can be flexible and bendable.
  • the band 34 can be flexible to form a ring 62 and a clip 66 along with the housing 42 in a closed configuration.
  • the band 34 can be flexible so that the distal free end can bend outwardly away from the housing 42 to form an opening to the ring and the clip, and defining an open configuration.
  • the flexible band 34 can be a solid band, and can be formed of a polymer material.
  • the band can be formed of silicone.
  • the flexible band can be flexible and resilient.
  • the flexible band can be elastic.
  • the proximal end and/or the free distal end of the flexible band 34 can be enlarged with respect to an intermediate portion of the flexible band.
  • the reduced size or cross-section of the intermediate portion can facilitate elastic stretching of the band, while the enlarged size or cross-section of the ends can facilitate securement to the housing and can accommodate ferromagnetic elements, as described below.
  • the enlarged distal free end can facilitate grasping and manipulation by the user.
  • the magnetic coupling 38 can comprise ferromagnetic elements or buttons in the housing 42 and in the distal free end of the flexible band 34.
  • the ferromagnetic elements or buttons can magnetically attract and couple with one another.
  • a free ferromagnetic button 50 is carried by and/or embedded in the distal free end of the flexible band 34.
  • the distal free end of the flexible band 34 can be enlarged (with respect to an intermediate portion of the band) to accommodate the button.
  • a fixed ferromagnetic button 54 is carried by and/or embedded in the housing 42. The fixed ferromagnetic button 54 is spaced-apart from the attachment point (and aperture 46) of the flexible band 34.
  • the housing 42 can include a protrusion 58 extending from the rear of the housing, and the fixed ferromagnetic button 54 can be carried by and/or disposed in the protrusion 58 of the housing.
  • the protrusion 58 can space the button 54, and thus the band 34, spaced-apart from the housing 42, and defining a gap or slot (along with the perpendicular orientation of the proximal end of the band 34 with respect to the housing) between the band 34 and the housing 42 to accommodate the audio cord 18 and article of clothing 26, as described in greater detail below.
  • the free ferromagnetic button 50 can be embedded in the distal free end of the band 34; while the fixed ferromagnetic button 54 can be embedded in the housing 42, or protrusion 58 thereof.
  • the buttons can be completely embedded within the material of the housing or the band.
  • the band and/or the housing can include indicia to indicate the location of the buttons, and thus a coupling location.
  • the buttons can be partially embedded, and can have a portion thereof exposed through the band and/or the housing.
  • a ferromagnetic button is a magnet or is magnetic, such as a permanent magnet, or is attracted to magnets, such as by containing iron.
  • both of the buttons can be magnets (and thus both buttons are ferromagnetic).
  • one of the buttons can be a magnet, while the other button contains iron (and thus both buttons are ferromagnetic).
  • the distal free end of the band 34 can have a flat surface
  • the housing 42 or protrusion 58 can have a flat surface to which the flat surface of the distal free end of the band abuts in the closed configuration forming the loop.
  • the flat surfaces can maximize the magnetic grip between the ferromagnetic buttons.
  • the attachment point of the proximal end of the flexible band 34 is located at one end of the housing 42 (such as the top), and the fixed ferromagnetic button 58 is located at an opposite end of the housing (such as the bottom).
  • the flexible band 34 can extend substantially a length of the housing 42 (from the top to the bottom in the closed configuration), and the length of the band 34 can be maxim ized with respect to the housing.
  • the flexible band 34 can be longer than a distance from the attachment point to the fixed ferromagnetic button of the housing.
  • the proximal end of the flexible band 34 can extend substantially perpendicular from the housing 42.
  • the flexible band 34 can bow (or form a bow) in a convex arcuate shape when the free ferromagnetic button 50 of the distal free end of the flexible band is magnetically coupled to the fixed ferromagnetic button 54 of the housing in the closed configuration (as shown in FIGs. 1 , 2, 7 and 10).
  • the bow can also form the gap or slot between the band 34 and the housing 42 to accommodate the audio cord 1 8 and article of clothing 26.
  • the flexible band 34 along with a portion of the housing 42 of the wireless audio receiver 14 form a ring 62 (FIG. 16) in the closed configuration with the free ferromagnetic button 50 of the distal free end of the flexible band 34 magnetically coupled to the fixed ferromagnetic button 54 of the housing 42.
  • the ring 62 can be selectively openable and closablc by separating and coupling the ferromagnetic buttons 50 and 54, or magnetic coupling, respectively.
  • the ring 62 can enclose and secure a portion of the audio cord 18 wound around the housing 42 of the wireless audio receiver 14, and the audio cord 1 8 can be secured to the housing 42 by the flexible band 34.
  • the flexible band 34 along with a portion of the housing 42 of the wireless audio receiver form a clip 66 (FIG. 14) in the clip configuration with the free ferromagnetic button 50 of the distal free end of the flexible band 34 magnetically coupled to the fixed ferromagnetic button 54 of the housing 42 with the article of clothing 26 therebetween to secure the wireless audio receiver 14 to the article of clothing 26.
  • the flexible band 34, and the audio cord 18, and the system 10 can have a plurality of configurations, including: a use configuration, as shown in FIGs. 1 and 17 (and FIGs. 3 and 14); a wound storage configuration, as shown in FIGs. 2, 15 and 1 6; and a clip configuration, also shown in FIGs. 3 and 14.
  • a use configuration as shown in FIGs. 1 and 17 (and FIGs. 3 and 14); a wound storage configuration, as shown in FIGs. 2, 15 and 1 6; and a clip configuration, also shown in FIGs. 3 and 14.
  • the audio cord 18 extends a longer length (from the housing and with respect to the wound storage configuration).
  • the ring 62 is free of the audio cord 1 8, or the ring 62 has a lesser number of passes of the audio cord 1 8 extending through the ring (with respect to the wound configuration).
  • the wound storage configuration FIGs.
  • the audio cord 18 extends a shorter length than the longer length (from the housing).
  • the audio cord 1 8 is wound around the housing 42 of the wireless audio receiver 14, and through the ring 62, and the audio cord 1 8 is secured to the housing (or held to the housing) by the flexible band 34.
  • the free ferromagnetic button 50 of the distal free end of the flexible band 34 is magnetically coupled to the fixed ferromagnetic button 54 of the housing 42 of the wireless audio receiver 14 with the article of clothing 26 between the free and fixed ferromagnetic buttons 50 and 54.
  • the use and clip configurations can be the same; i.e. in the use configuration the system 10 and/or the wireless audio receiver 14 can be clipped to the article of clothing 26; and in the clip configuration the audio cord 1 8 can extend a longer length and the ring 62 can be free of the audio cord.
  • ⁇ method for wearing or clipping the wireless audio receiver 14 with the cord management and clip system 10 comprises: 1 ) opening the clip 66 by separating the free ferromagnetic button 50 of the distal free end of the flexible band 34 from the fixed ferromagnetic button 54 of the housing 42 of the wireless audio receiver 14; 2) positioning the clip 66 on the article of clothing 26 by disposing the article of clothing 26 between the flexible band 34 and the housing 42; and 3) securing the clip 66 on the article of clothing 26 by magnetically coupling the free ferromagnetic button 50 of the distal free end of the flexible band 34 to the fixed ferromagnetic button 54 of the housing 42 of the wireless audio receiver 14 with the article of clothing 26 between the free and fixed ferromagnetic buttons 50 and 54.
  • a method for managing the audio cord 18 with the cord management and clip system 10 comprises: 1 ) opening the ring 62 by separating the free ferromagnetic button 50 of the distal free end of the flexible band 34 from the fixed ferromagnetic button 54 of the housing 42 of the wireless audio receiver; 2) winding the audio cord 1 8 around the housing 42 of the wireless audio receiver; and 3) closing the ring 62 by magnetically coupling the free ferromagnetic button 50 of the distal free end of the flexible band 34 to the fixed
  • the plurality of configurations of the system and the audio cord can further comprise: 1 ) a loop storage configuration, as shown in FIG. 19; and 2) a bundle storage configuration, as shown in FIG. 18.
  • the audio cord 1 8 can extend a shorter length than the longer length, and can wrapped into a loop 70 with a greater number of passes of the audio cord extending though the ring 62 than the lesser number of passes, and with the audio cord looping through and around the ring 62, and around the band 34.
  • the bundle storage configuration FIG.
  • the audio cord 1 8 can extending a shorter length than the longer length, and can be wrapped into a bundle 74 with a greater number of passes of the audio cord extending through the ring 62 than the lesser number of passes, and with the audio cord extending back and forth through the ring 62.
  • a method for managing the audio cord can comprise:
  • the audio cord 18 into a loop 70 (as shown in FIG. 20a, such as by looping the audio cord around the fingers) or a bundle 74 (as shown in FIG. 21 , again such as by looping the audio cord around the fingers or wrapping the cord back and forth over itself);
  • the method can further include: 4) uncoupling the free ferromagnetic button 50 of the distal free end of the band 34 from the fixed ferromagnetic button 54 of the housing 42, and removing the audio cord 18 from the ring 62 or band 34 (to form the use configuration as shown in FIG. 17); and
  • the method can further comprise securing an earbud 22 of the pair of earbuds to the housing 42 and/or the flexible band 34, by magnetically coupling a ferromagnetic element of the earbud to the fixed ferromagnetic button 54 of the housing 42, or the free ferromagnetic button 54 of the band 34 (forming the single earbud configuration as shown in FIG. 22).
  • the method can include coupling the pair of earbuds 22 together by magnetically coupling the ferromagnetic element of one earbud of the pair of earbuds to a ferromagnetic element of another earbud of the pair of earbuds, and/or the free or fixed ferromagnetic buttons 50 and 54.
  • the wireless audio receiver 14 can comprise a wireless transceiver
  • ⁇ battery 104 can be disposed in and/or carried by the housing 42, and coupled to the wireless transceiver.
  • the battery can be a rechargeable battery coupled to a charging port 106 (such as a mini or micro USB port, or USB type-C port, etc.).
  • a processor 1 08 can be disposed in and/or carried by the housing 42, and coupled to the wireless transceiver 100 and the battery 104.
  • a microphone 1 12 can be disposed in and/or carried by the housing 42, and coupled to the processor 108 and the transceiver 1 00.
  • the processor 108 can carry the transceiver, the microphone, an amplifier, and a digital memory device.
  • a control interface 120 (such as one or more buttons) can be carried by the housing 42, and electrically coupled to the processor.
  • the wireless audio receiver 14 can be operable to receive audio data (indicated by 130 in FIG. 3) from the portable, hand-held computer 30, and transmit commands (also indicated by 130 in FIG. 3) to the portable, hand-held computer 30.
  • the audio data can include both music and communication data.
  • the processor 108 and the transceiver 100 can be configured to pair with the portable, hand-held computer 30.
  • the processor 108 can be configured to:
  • the control interfaced 120 can comprise a plurality of buttons coupled to the processor 108.
  • the plurality of buttons can comprise: 1 ) a power and play button 124 configured to cause the processor to power on and off; pair with the portable, hand-held computer; play and pause music; and toggle between music and communication; 2) an up button 128 configured to cause the processor to increase volume or advance to the next audio data or both; and a down button 132 configured to cause the processor to decrease volume or revert to a previous audio data or both.
  • a plurality of ferromagnetic buttons 50b can be arrayed along at least a portion of a length of the flexible band 34b to form a plurality of different sized rings.
  • a tab or flap 140 can extend beyond the distal free end of the flexible band 34c and free of the free ferromagnetic button 50 therein to facilitate grasping and separating the ferromagnetic buttons.
  • the wireless audio receiver 14 can be configured with a pass- through audio feature or configuration in which an audio wire 1 80 (FIG. 3) can be coupled between the portable, hand-held computer 30 and the wireless audio receiver 14.
  • an audio wire 1 80 FIG. 3
  • the earbuds 22 can be coupled to the portable, hand-held computer 30 or other audio source, and the audio signal can pass from the portable, hand-held computer 30 or other audio source through the wireless audio receiver 14 to the earbuds 22.
  • the audio wire 180 can have 3.5 mm audio jacks on each end.
  • the housing 42 of the wireless audio receiver 14 can be provided with an audio port, such as a 3.5 mm audio socket.
  • the pass-through audio feature and the charging feature can be combined, such as with a USB type-C port or socket and cable. Thus, the same cable can both charge the battery and provide an audio signal.
  • the band 34 can be formed of or can comprise a flexible and resilient material, such as a plastic or other elastomer.
  • the material can be elastic.
  • the band can be initially formed in a closed configuration or ring configuration with the distal free end of the band proximal the housing.
  • the band can form the ring and/or clip and can be biased (or have an initial unstressed at rest configuration) into the closed configuration and into the ring and/or clip by the resiliency of the material.
  • the band can have an open configuration where the distal free end of the band is separated from the housing, and the band is under stress or forms a spring element moved to the open configuration by the application of an applied force.
  • the band can have the opposite configuration, i.e.
  • the band can be initially formed in the open configuration so that the band can be biased (or have an initial unstressed at rest configuration) into the open configuration.
  • the band can have a closed configuration with the band under stress and held by the ferromagnetic buttons in the closed configuration.
  • the band can be initially formed in an open configuration in an arc or straight line so that the band can be biased open, and can be held closed by the magnets. Thus, the band can snap open when the ferromagnetic buttons are released.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un récepteur audio sans fil (1) qui comprend un boîtier (42) dans lequel sont disposés un émetteur-récepteur sans fil et une batterie. Un cordon audio (18) comprend un fil audio avec une paire d'oreillettes (22) à une extrémité et une connexion audio à une extrémité opposée couplée au boîtier. Une bande souple (34) est couplée au boîtier à une extrémité proximale et s'étend vers une extrémité distale libre. Il y a un couplage magnétique (38) entre l'extrémité distale libre de la bande souple et le boîtier. La bande souple et le boîtier forment un anneau (62) pour renfermer et fixer une partie du cordon audio enroulé autour du boîtier du récepteur audio sans fil et fixé par la bande souple. La bande souple et le boîtier forment une pince (66) apte à saisir un article d'habillement dans le couplage magnétique.
PCT/US2016/033515 2015-11-13 2016-05-20 Système de pince et de gestion de cordon pour récepteur audio sans fil Ceased WO2017082963A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/940,943 US9414146B2 (en) 2014-07-31 2015-11-13 Cord management and clip system for wireless audio receiver
US14/940,943 2015-11-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017082963A1 true WO2017082963A1 (fr) 2017-05-18

Family

ID=58695978

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2016/033515 Ceased WO2017082963A1 (fr) 2015-11-13 2016-05-20 Système de pince et de gestion de cordon pour récepteur audio sans fil

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2017082963A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030134603A1 (en) * 2002-01-16 2003-07-17 Liao Sheng Hsin Miniature vocal transmitter device
US20070086617A1 (en) * 2005-10-17 2007-04-19 Creative Technology Ltd. Cable coiling method and apparatus
US20130097816A1 (en) * 2010-04-14 2013-04-25 Wayne Rothbaum Cord management system
KR101436939B1 (ko) * 2013-05-11 2014-09-02 정연욱 이어마이크폰
KR20140131920A (ko) * 2012-12-04 2014-11-14 이창선 이어후크에 안테나를 구비하는 블루투스 송수신 장치 및 방법

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030134603A1 (en) * 2002-01-16 2003-07-17 Liao Sheng Hsin Miniature vocal transmitter device
US20070086617A1 (en) * 2005-10-17 2007-04-19 Creative Technology Ltd. Cable coiling method and apparatus
US20130097816A1 (en) * 2010-04-14 2013-04-25 Wayne Rothbaum Cord management system
KR20140131920A (ko) * 2012-12-04 2014-11-14 이창선 이어후크에 안테나를 구비하는 블루투스 송수신 장치 및 방법
KR101436939B1 (ko) * 2013-05-11 2014-09-02 정연욱 이어마이크폰

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