Abstract: A circuit assembly (600) includes a printed circuit board assembly (100). The printed circuit board assembly includes a first circuit board (101), a second circuit board (102), and a first flexible substrate (103) interposed between, and continuous with, the first circuit board and the second circuit board. A second flexible substrate (108) extends from, and is continuous with, the second circuit board. One or more electronic circuits comprising electronic components (301,302,303,304,305) are disposed along one or more of the first circuit board or the second circuit board. The printed circuit board assembly is folded about a battery (601), with the first circuit board adjacent to the first major face, the second circuit board adjacent to the second major face, and the first flexible substrate spanning the one or more side faces.

Abstract: A circuit assembly (600) includes a printed circuit board assembly (100). The printed circuit board assembly includes a first circuit board (101), a second circuit board (102), and a first flexible substrate (103) interposed between, and continuous with, the first circuit board and the second circuit board. A second flexible substrate (108) extends from, and is continuous with, the second circuit board. One or more electronic circuits comprising electronic components (301,302,303,304,305) are disposed along one or more of the first circuit board or the second circuit board. The printed circuit board assembly is folded about a battery (601), with the first circuit board adjacent to the first major face, the second circuit board adjacent to the second major face, and the first flexible substrate spanning the one or more side faces.

Abstract: A unitary printed circuit board assembly includes a circuit board and a flexible substrate extending from, and continuous with, the circuit board. The flexible substrate includes a first portion extending from the circuit board and terminating a second portion. The second portion of the flexible substrate can be wrapped about a spring form. The assembly can be disposed in a housing defining a body and an ear insertion stem, with the spring form disposed within the ear insertion stem with arms of the spring form applying a biasing force against inner surfaces of the ear insertion stem.

Abstract: The present invention provides a knuckle for facilitating an adjustable connection between an ear pod and a headband, and/or a headphone device. The knuckle includes a first end slidably coupled to the headband, the first end being adapted for being received within and traveling along a slot in the headband. The knuckle further includes a second end rotatably coupled to the ear pod proximate the point along the slot that the first end of the knuckle is currently located.

Abstract: A circuit assembly (600) includes a printed circuit board assembly (100). The printed circuit board assembly includes a first circuit board (101), a second circuit board (102), and a first flexible substrate (103) interposed between, and continuous with, the first circuit board and the second circuit board. A second flexible substrate (108) extends from, and is continuous with, the second circuit board. One or more electronic circuits comprising electronic components (301,302,303,304,305) are disposed along one or more of the first circuit board or the second circuit board. The printed circuit board assembly is folded about a battery (601), with the first circuit board adjacent to the first major face, the second circuit board adjacent to the second major face, and the first flexible substrate spanning the one or more side faces.

Abstract: A device (400) includes a device hook receiver (503). The device hook receiver defines a port (707) to an acoustic chamber (1103) disposed within the device. An ear hook (403) includes a device hook (502). The device hook attaches to the device hook receiver and at least partially visibly obscures the port. The device hook also provides separation between an outer surface (1303) of the device hook and the port.

Abstract: An ear hook assembly (401) is provided. The ear hook assembly (401) includes a device hook engagement component (405), an ear hook engagement component (406), and a retention sleeve (404). The retention sleeve can include comprising at least one protuberance (1207) extending into the retention sleeve toward an engagement axis (408) of the assembly. One of the device hook engagement component or the ear hook engagement component can include at least two retention sleeve friction engagement components (409,410) radially separated by a cantilevered protuberance engagement component (901) about the engagement axis. The cantilevered protuberance engagement component can include a distal end (1002) biased against the protuberance to retain the device hook engagement component and the ear hook engagement component together.

Abstract: A bone conduction assembly can include at least a microphone, an assembly stem, an ear cushion, and a microphone channel. The microphone can include an acoustic-to-electric transducer. The assembly stem can house the microphone and can be shaped for insertion into an ear canal of a user. The ear cushion can have an inner surface surrounding an outer surface of the assembly stem and an outer, contiguous, annular surface configured to maintain contact with an ear canal of a user when worn. The microphone channel can be shaped to channel vibrations resulting from bone conduction from the ear canal through the assembly stem to the microphone. In one embodiment, the bone conduction assembly can include a speaker having a speaker channel that is acoustically isolated from the microphone channel.

Abstract: A bone conduction assembly can include at least a microphone, an assembly stem, an ear cushion, and a microphone channel. The microphone can include an acoustic-to-electric transducer. The assembly stem can house the microphone and can be shaped for insertion into an ear canal of a user. The ear cushion can have an inner surface surrounding an outer surface of the assembly stem and an outer, contiguous, annular surface configured to maintain contact with an ear canal of a user when worn. The microphone channel can be shaped to channel vibrations resulting from bone conduction from the ear canal through the assembly stem to the microphone. In one embodiment, the bone conduction assembly can include a speaker having a speaker channel that is acoustically isolated from the microphone channel.

Abstract: A method (100) for assembling a portable device configured with an energy storage device, is disclosed. The method (100) can include: providing (105) a portable device with a controller configured to control the operations of the portable device; configuring (110) the portable device with a multi-mode switch including a temporary active mode configured for simplified testing, a temporarily inactive mode configured for minimizing power drain, and a permanent active mode for normal user operation; and controlling (115) the multi-mode switch from outside the portable device. The method (100) can help to prolong the useful shelf life of the device and can help to simplify testing and calibrating before shipping.

Abstract: A combination sliding push button switch is disclosed. The combination switch comprises a sliding button switch (101) coupled to a housing (102). The sliding switch button includes a finger (202) that slideably couples the sliding switch button to the housing and the finger has an actuator portion that selectively engages a second switch 108 as a function of a sliding action of the sliding switch button relative to the housing. The sliding switch button moves with a push-button motion in direction perpendicular to the sliding action in order to engage a popple dome switch 106 when the sliding switch button is positioned in a first sliding position 300 relative to the housing.

Abstract: An acoustic accessory is provided having a loudspeaker and a circuit board disposed therein. An acoustic suspension system is formed within the acoustic accessory by board retention rings disposed within the upper and lower housings of the accessory. The board suspension rings clench the printed circuit board, which includes at least one aperture. Rubber gaskets are coupled to the board retention rings to form an airtight seal. The air mass above the printed circuit board joins with the air mass below the printed circuit board to form a unitary reactance against which the loudspeaker works. The size and number of apertures may be varied in accordance with the acoustic application. Board retention posts optionally seat within notches in the printed circuit board to prevent the printed circuit board from moving laterally. Electrical connections may be made through the printed circuit board into the acoustic chamber, thereby not compromising the airtight seal.

Abstract: An acoustic accessory is provided having a loudspeaker and a circuit board disposed therein. An acoustic suspension system is formed within the acoustic accessory by board retention rings disposed within the upper and lower housings of the accessory. The board suspension rings clench the printed circuit board, which includes at least one aperture. Rubber gaskets are coupled to the board retention rings to form an airtight seal. The air mass above the printed circuit board joins with the air mass below the printed circuit board to form a unitary reactance against which the loudspeaker works. The size and number of apertures may be varied in accordance with the acoustic application. Board retention posts optionally seat within notches in the printed circuit board to prevent the printed circuit board from moving laterally. Electrical connections may be made through the printed circuit board into the acoustic chamber, thereby not compromising the airtight seal.

Abstract: This invention includes a clip holder for use with a portable electronic device. The clip holder employs a flexible cable as a retention device. The flexible cable passes through an aperture 210 formed by a central member and a support member, thereby forming two closed loops. The size of each loop may be adjusted. In its smallest configuration, the clip holder is suitable for attachment to a button on a garment. In an alternate configuration, a loop may be folded over itself and attached to a hook member through a second loop, thereby forming a secure, closed loop around any solid object, including belts, purse straps, bicycle parts, lanyards and backpacks. The clip holder includes a latching assembly for coupling to the appropriate portable electronic device.