Patents by Inventor Joshua A. Hoover

Joshua A. Hoover has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20250088581
    Abstract: An accessory device includes multiple walls and textile layers covers the walls. The textile layers may be of the same materials. However, one of the textile layers may include a film that provides protections against stains and fraying. The textile layers may come together at a seam. Accessory devices may include a shell that includes a pocket used to seat the textile layers in order to form the seam. An additional seam may be formed by two ends of a textile layer. The additional seam may be supported by a reinforcement layer, and may also align with an opening formed in the accessory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Inventors: Kristen L. CRETELLA, Chengrui ZHANG, Joshua A. HOOVER, Mengshen WU, Timothy C. WULFF, Yue LIANG, Stephanie A. WHALEN, Camille I. HENROT, Deepak SHARMA, Stephen T. SCHOOLEY, Joshua SIU, Donald L. OLMSTEAD, Catherine A. DECLARO, Hao DONG, Amy ZHOU, Anne-Marie HECK, Jonathan Gomez GARCIA, Daniel J. HAGEWOOD, Jessica J. LU
  • Publication number: 20250082078
    Abstract: An accessory device with a button includes modifications and features to conceal internal features of the button as well as block light from passing through some locations of the button. The button may include several pillars and a compressible member between the pillars. The compressible member may conform to the shape of the pillars. In some exemplary implementations, the button may further include a seal that extends around the perimeter of the button to conceal internal features of the button. Additionally, the button may include extensions that further conceal internal components. Still further, the button may include an anti-reflective coating. Modifications to a sidewall may include a compressible member that inclines toward the button and/or an elevated lip used in conjunction with the extension of the button to conceal internal features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Inventors: Timothy C. WULFF, Joshua A. HOOVER, Joshua SIU, Daniel J. HAGEWOOD, Yue LIANG, Stephen T. SCHOOLEY, Nishant R. JAYANT, Chengrui ZHANG, Mengshen WU
  • Publication number: 20250063304
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device may be formed from a layer of fabric having opposing first and second ends. The ends may have first and second respective ear openings that receive a user's ears and may have speakers for playing audio. A soft central portion of the fabric between the ends may overlap the user's eyes. The wearable electronic device may have control circuitry that receives power from a power source. Sensors may be used to gather sensor information such as biometric sensor information. The sensors, control circuitry, and power source may be mounted in a stiff edge portion of the fabric. The stiff edge portion of the fabric may have an elongated strip shape and may extend along an upper edge of the central and the electronic device. Stiffener structures sandwiched between inner and outer layers of the fabric may be used to support speakers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2024
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Inventors: Andrea L. Blakemore, Amit S. Barve, Donald L. Olmstead, Joshua A. Hoover, Samuel G. Smith, Seulbi Kim, James G. Griffin, II, Linda D. Benavente-Notaro
  • Patent number: 12177639
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device may be formed from a layer of fabric having opposing first and second ends. The ends may have first and second respective ear openings that receive a user's ears and may have speakers for playing audio. A soft central portion of the fabric between the ends may overlap the user's eyes. The wearable electronic device may have control circuitry that receives power from a power source. Sensors may be used to gather sensor information such as biometric sensor information. The sensors, control circuitry, and power source may be mounted in a stiff edge portion of the fabric. The stiff edge portion of the fabric may have an elongated strip shape and may extend along an upper edge of the central and the electronic device. Stiffener structures sandwiched between inner and outer layers of the fabric may be used to support speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea L. Blakemore, Amit S. Barve, Donald L. Olmstead, Joshua A. Hoover, Samuel G. Smith, Seulbi Kim, James G. Griffin, II, Linda D. Benavente-Notaro
  • Publication number: 20240393888
    Abstract: Input mechanisms can employ a case for an electronic device that provides input capabilities to enhance the user experience when using the case in concert with the electronic device. For example, a case can provide an electromechanical touch sensor to provide the user with an input mechanism that does not require actuation of the button of the electronic device. The electronic device, upon detecting the presence of the case, can disable one or more buttons and perform actions corresponding to the buttons when signals are received from the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventor: Joshua A. HOOVER
  • Patent number: 12127651
    Abstract: Items such as enclosures may be provided with hidden magnets. An enclosure may be formed from a flexible housing layer. The flexible housing layer may be configured to open and close by folding around fold axes. Portions of the flexible layer may include a flexible base layer with openings. Flexible magnets may be embedded within the openings. The flexible magnets may be used in forming a magnetic clasp for the enclosure. The flexible magnets may each have a height and durometer value that closely matches the height and durometer value of an adjacent portion of the flexible base layer, thereby helping to hide the flexible magnets within the housing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Trincia, Chihchen Sun, Qigen Ji, Yang Zhou, Jenna L. Withrow, Jack Pickup, Joshua A. Hoover
  • Patent number: 12093468
    Abstract: Input mechanisms can employ a case for an electronic device that provides input capabilities to enhance the user experience when using the case in concert with the electronic device. For example, a case can provide an electromechanical touch sensor to provide the user with an input mechanism that does not require actuation of the button of the electronic device. The electronic device, upon detecting the presence of the case, can disable one or more buttons and perform actions corresponding to the buttons when signals are received from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua A. Hoover
  • Publication number: 20240288949
    Abstract: Input mechanisms can employ a case for an electronic device that provides input capabilities to enhance the user experience when using the case in concert with the electronic device. For example, a case can provide an electromechanical touch sensor to provide the user with an input mechanism that does not require actuation of the button of the electronic device. The electronic device, upon detecting the presence of the case, can disable one or more buttons and perform actions corresponding to the buttons when signals are received from the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Inventor: Joshua A. HOOVER
  • Publication number: 20240192511
    Abstract: A wearable device includes a support and a cushion that is coupled to the support, the cushion including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first stiffness, the second portion having a second stiffness, and the first stiffness is at least four times greater than the second stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2024
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dustin A. Hatfield, Liam R. Martinez, Kristine S. Atom, Adam Y. Kollgaard, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Joshua A. Hoover, Jenna L. Withrow, Robert V. Tang, Kendall L. Helbert, Geng Luo
  • Patent number: 11979721
    Abstract: A wearable device can provide an audio module that is operable to provide audio output from a distance away from the ears of the user. For example, the wearable device can be worn on clothing of the user and direct audio waves to the ears of the user. Such audio waves can be focused by a parametric array of speakers that limit audibility by others. Thus, the privacy of the audio directed to the user can be maintained without requiring the user to wear audio headsets on, over, or in the ears of the user. The wearable device can further include microphones and/or connections to other devices that facilitate calibration of the audio module of the wearable device. The wearable device can further include user sensors that are configured to detect, measure, and/or track one or more properties of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Podhajny, Joshua A. Hoover, Nicholas R. Trincia, Yue Chen, Seul Bi Kim, Chad J. Miller, Kristen L. Cretella, Yi Zou, William Leith
  • Publication number: 20240040298
    Abstract: Wireless earbuds may be provided with adjustable-shape housings. The housings may have bendable portions. Bendable metal members, hinges, or other flexible structures may be used in forming bendable structures for the earbuds. Electrical components may be covered by a layer of molded foam. A cover such as a fabric cover may be used to cover the molded foam. Spacer fabric or other soft material may be interposed between the fabric cover and the foam. The housing may be bent or otherwise adjusted between two or more states such as a normal, non-sleep, walking state in which the housing is expanded for normal operation while a user is sitting or walking and a sleep state in which the housing is bent to enhance comfort while sleeping. The wireless earbuds may have illumination systems, sensors, and other components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Yi Zou, Chad J. Miller, Daniel A. Podhajny, Joshua A. Hoover, Kristen L. Cretella, Nicholas R. Trincia, Seul Bi Kim, William Leith, Yue Chen
  • Patent number: 11838716
    Abstract: An electronic device such as a pair of headphones may be configured to be worn on a head of a user. The headphones may have a headband and earcups that are coupled to the headband. The headband may have a frame and a headband frame cover that is removably attached to the frame. The cover may have protrusions, may be inflated using a pump, may include a battery and other components, and may include sensors. An earcup movement synchronization mechanism may be used to synchronize movement of a left earcup with a right earcup. A torsion spring with a stop mechanisms or other bend limiter may be configured to prevent overbending of the headband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kendall L. Helbert, Benjamin C. Creed, Chad J. Miller, Jenna L. Withrow, Joshua A. Hoover, Lee M. Panecki, Donald L. Olmstead, Bryan A. Cloyd
  • Patent number: 11821115
    Abstract: A stretchable fabric signal path may include a conductive strand located between first and second outer fabric layers. The outer fabric layers may be formed from intertwined strands of elastic material. The conductive strand may have a wavy shape to accommodate stretching of the stretchable fabric signal path. First and second inner fabric layers may be located between the outer stretchable fabric layers. The inner fabric layers may be formed from intertwined strands of non-elastic material. The inner fabric layers may have strands that are intertwined with the outer fabric layers to serve as anchor points for maintaining the shape of the conductive strand as the stretchable fabric signal path expands and contracts. The outer fabric layers and inner fabric layers may be woven. The conductive strand may convey electrical signals such as audio signals, power signals, data signals, or other suitable signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Grena, Didio V. Gomes, Joshua A. Hoover, Seul Bi Kim, David M. Kindlon, Kevin T. Pham, Daniel A. Podhajny, Robert J. Rose, Andrew L. Rosenberg, Miikka O. Tikander
  • Patent number: 11818528
    Abstract: Wireless earbuds may be provided with adjustable-shape housings. The housings may have bendable portions. Bendable metal members, hinges, or other flexible structures may be used in forming bendable structures for the earbuds. Electrical components may be covered by a layer of molded foam. A cover such as a fabric cover may be used to cover the molded foam. Spacer fabric or other soft material may be interposed between the fabric cover and the foam. The housing may be bent or otherwise adjusted between two or more states such as a normal, non-sleep, walking state in which the housing is expanded for normal operation while a user is sitting or walking and a sleep state in which the housing is bent to enhance comfort while sleeping. The wireless earbuds may have illumination systems, sensors, and other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Zou, Chad J. Miller, Daniel A. Podhajny, Joshua A. Hoover, Kristen L. Cretella, Nicholas R. Trincia, Seul Bi Kim, William Leith, Yue Chen
  • Patent number: 11792575
    Abstract: An electronic device may be formed from acoustically permeable textile layers and voice coil layers. The voice coil layers may output sound through the textile layers. The textile layers and voice coil layers may be foldable or bent in one or more directions to allow the electronic device to be placed in expanded, collapsed, or folded configurations to allow for improved portability. Additionally, the textile layers and voice coil layers may be folded or bent to place the electronic device in cylindrical, conical, and other configurations to allow for improved sound output from the voice coil layers. The electronic device may also include light-emitting components between the textile layers that emit light through one of the textile layers to form indicators or images for a user of the device. The electronic device may have a plurality of sensors to allow user interactions to control the output of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Yue Chen, Joshua A. Hoover, Daniel A. Podhajny, Nicholas R. Trincia, Seul Bi Kim, Chad J. Miller, Kristen L. Cretella, Yi Zou, William Leith
  • Publication number: 20230319471
    Abstract: A wearable device can provide an audio module that is operable to provide audio output from a distance away from the ears of the user. For example, the wearable device can be worn on clothing of the user and direct audio waves to the ears of the user. Such audio waves can be focused by a parametric array of speakers that limit audibility by others. Thus, the privacy of the audio directed to the user can be maintained without requiring the user to wear audio headsets on, over, or in the ears of the user. The wearable device can further include microphones and/or connections to other devices that facilitate calibration of the audio module of the wearable device. The wearable device can further include user sensors that are configured to detect, measure, and/or track one or more properties of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel A. PODHAJNY, Joshua A. HOOVER, Nicholas R. TRINCIA, Yue CHEN, Seul Bi KIM, Chad J. MILLER, Kristen L. CRETELLA, Yi ZOU, William LEITH
  • Patent number: 11716560
    Abstract: An accessory for wireless earbuds can include a first receiving portion defining a first cavity sized to receive and retain a first earbud and a second receiving portion defining a second cavity sized to receive and retain a second earbud. Each receiving portion can include a charging component to electrically couple with the respective earbud. The accessory can include a flexible portion connected to the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion, the flexible portion at least partially defining an internal volume, and a battery disposed in the internal volume and electrically coupled with the charging components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kristen L. Cretella, Chad J. Miller, Daniel A. Podhajny, Joshua A. Hoover, Nicholas R. Trincia, Seul Bi Kim, William Leith, Yi Zou, Yue Chen
  • Patent number: 11716567
    Abstract: A wearable device can provide an audio module that is operable to provide audio output from a distance away from the ears of the user. For example, the wearable device can be worn on clothing of the user and direct audio waves to the ears of the user. Such audio waves can be focused by a parametric array of speakers that limit audibility by others. Thus, the privacy of the audio directed to the user can be maintained without requiring the user to wear audio headsets on, over, or in the ears of the user. The wearable device can further include microphones and/or connections to other devices that facilitate calibration of the audio module of the wearable device. The wearable device can further include user sensors that are configured to detect, measure, and/or track one or more properties of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Podhajny, Joshua A. Hoover, Nicholas R. Trincia, Yue Chen, Seul Bi Kim, Chad J. Miller, Kristen L. Cretella, Yi Zou, William Leith
  • Publication number: 20220240016
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device may be formed from a layer of fabric having opposing first and second ends. The ends may have first and second respective ear openings that receive a user's ears and may have speakers for playing audio. A soft central portion of the fabric between the ends may overlap the user's eyes. The wearable electronic device may have control circuitry that receives power from a power source. Sensors may be used to gather sensor information such as biometric sensor information. The sensors, control circuitry, and power source may be mounted in a stiff edge portion of the fabric. The stiff edge portion of the fabric may have an elongated strip shape and may extend along an upper edge of the central and the electronic device. Stiffener structures sandwiched between inner and outer layers of the fabric may be used to support speakers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Andrea L. Blakemore, Amit S. Barve, Donald L. Olmstead, Joshua A. Hoover, Samuel G. Smith, Seulbi Kim
  • Patent number: 11290818
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device may be formed from a layer of fabric having opposing first and second ends. The ends may have first and second respective ear openings that receive a user's ears and may have speakers for playing audio. A soft central portion of the fabric between the ends may overlap the user's eyes. The wearable electronic device may have control circuitry that receives power from a power source. Sensors may be used to gather sensor information such as biometric sensor information. The sensors, control circuitry, and power source may be mounted in a stiff edge portion of the fabric. The stiff edge portion of the fabric may have an elongated strip shape and may extend along an upper edge of the central and the electronic device. Stiffener structures sandwiched between inner and outer layers of the fabric may be used to support speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea L. Blakemore, Amit S. Barve, Donald L. Olmstead, Joshua A. Hoover, Samuel G. Smith, Seulbi Kim