REVERSE-TENSION EARBUD ORGANIZER

Abstract

An apparatus facilitates reverse-tension headphone cable organization. The apparatus includes at least one headphone retention point to retain at least one headphone through tension in a headphone cable. The headphone cable is coupled to the at least one headphone. The apparatus also includes a port connector to facilitate connection of the apparatus to a separate electronic device. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one retention point to secure at least a portion of a headphone system, and a graphical element aligned with the retention point to facilitate visual incorporation of a component of the headphone system with the graphical element upon insertion of the secured portion of the headphone system into the retention point.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/581,092, filed Dec. 29, 2011, and entitled “A Reverse-Tension Earbud Organizer” (atty docket no. JTH-P011P), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of electronic devices including personal music players, phones, laptops, and desktop computers has increased to the point of becoming commonplace. Many who use these devices carry cabled headphones, earbuds, etc. with them on a daily basis. These cabled headphones are easily tangled and knotted while stored or carried. Many of the conventional designs intended to address this problem simply add to the number of items one would have to carry without resolving the problem in a simple, user-friendly, and functional manner.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus for reverse-tension headphone cable organization. The apparatus includes at least one headphone retention point to retain at least one headphone through tension in a headphone cable. The headphone cable is coupled to the at least one headphone. The apparatus also includes a port connector to facilitate connection of the apparatus to a separate electronic device.

In another embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one retention point to secure at least a portion of a headphone system. The apparatus also includes a graphical element aligned with the retention point. Alignment of the graphical element with the retention point facilitates visual incorporation of a component of the headphone system with the graphical element upon insertion of the secured portion of the headphone system into the retention point.

Other embodiments of the apparatus and related methods and systems are also described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a reverse-tension cable organizer.

FIG. 2A illustrates several directional schematic views of another embodiment of a reverse-tension cable organizer.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic view of another embodiment of a reverse-tension cable organizer.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of the organizer of FIG. 1 with a headphone cable on the organizer.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a securing element on the port connector.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of several embodiments of the securing element of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6A-B illustrate schematic views of one embodiment of an organizer with a slider adjustment extended and retracted.

FIGS. 7A-B illustrate schematic views of one embodiment of an organizer with a hinge adjustment structure straight (i.e., engaged) and pivoted (i.e., disengaged).

FIG. 8 illustrates schematic views of several examples of customization embodiments of the organizer.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic side view of one embodiment of an attachment plate mounting system.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of another embodiment of an attachment mounting system.

Throughout the description, similar reference numbers may be used to identify similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, specific details of various embodiments are provided. However, some embodiments may be practiced with less than all of these specific details. In other instances, certain methods, procedures, components, structures, and/or functions are described in no more detail than to enable the various embodiments of the invention, for the sake of brevity and clarity.

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described herein and illustrated in the appended figures could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by this detailed description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussions of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the indicated embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, the phrase “point” is used throughout the description of various embodiments; however, this language should not be read so as to limit the present invention to a mathematical definition of a point in any embodiment. The phrase “point” is used to denote an area, piece, region, or portion of the present invention.

Embodiments of the design are expected to be user friendly, have low manufacturing and material cost, maintain high durability, and be adaptable to a plurality of different electronic devices. The simplicity of the design provides for ease use. The design is lightweight and relatively small thus facilitating personal use in frequent or infrequent applications. In some embodiments, the design provides for organization of headphone cables to prevent tangling, damage, and wear of the headphones and cables. In one embodiment, the design allows a user to attach the organizer to an electronic device, secure and organize the headphones and cables, and carry the entire system efficiently and in a unified and organized manner.

Because of the relatively small and simple form, some embodiments of the design allow a user to keep an embodiment of the organizer attached to an accompanying device even while the headphones are in use or not attached to the organizer 100. For example, a user with an electronic device such as an iPhone™ or other device capable of employing headphones may attach the organizer to an input/output access point (e.g., connection port) on the device and secure the headphones in a headphone retention portion and wrap the cable at a cable retention point to prevent the headphones from knotting, tangling, or becoming damaged.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a reverse-tension cable organizer 100. While other embodiments may have other arrangements with more or less functionality, the illustrated embodiment includes two pairs of wings 102, entry slots 104, headphone retention points 106, cable retention points 108, a port connector 110, accessory attachment points 112, and grip points 114. In one embodiment, the organizer 100 is a single piece. In another embodiment, the organizer 100 includes multiple pieces with multiple material properties.

The wings 102 form the headphone retention points 106. The depicted embodiment includes two headphone retention points 106. However, other embodiments may include fewer or more headphone retention points 106 to facilitate organization of fewer or more headphones. In some embodiments the wings 102 form the small gap or entry slot 104 to allow a headphone cable to pass through and into the headphone retention point 106. In some embodiments, the entry slot 104 is slightly open between the wings 102. In other embodiments, the wings 102 are in contact with each other and the cable must be forced through the entry slot 104 where it is retained in the headphone retention points 106.

In one embodiment, the headphone retention points 106 have a geometry large enough to allow the headphone cable to move freely once inside the headphone retention points 106 but small enough that the headphones themselves cannot pass through the headphone retention points 106. (For reference, see FIG. 3, described below.) In this manner, when tension is applied to the headphone cable, the tension maintains the headphones positioned in the headphone retention points 106. In some embodiments, the headphone retention points 106 are teardrop-shaped, as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the headphone retention points 106 have other geometries. In some embodiments, the headphone retention points 106 may include a liner around the inside to protect the headphones and/or cables and reduce wear on the organizer 100.

The organizer 100 also includes cable retention points 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable retention points 108 form pinch points for the cable in order to secure it to the organizer 100. Additionally, the cable retention points 108 allow a user to wrap the headphone cable around the organizer 100 by providing a notch to prevent sliding when the cable is wrapped through. In some embodiments, the cable retention points 108 include a no-slip coating to further reduce cable slippage. In other embodiments, the cable retention points 108 have other shapes to retain the headphone cable.

The illustrated embodiment of the organizer 100 also includes a port connector 110. The port connector 110 interfaces with an input/output access point to secure the organizer 100 to an electronic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the port connector 110 is configured to interface with the docking port of an iPhone™. Other embodiments are configured to interface with other types and brands of electronic devices and ports. The port connector 100 is inserted into the port and connects the organizer 100 with the device. In this manner, a user may keep a pair of headphones together with the electronic device without having to keep the headphones plugged in or wrapped around the device itself. This is particularly useful with small conventional electronic devices. If the device has a touch screen, covering the screen with a wrapped cable is bothersome and inconvenient. By using and attaching the organizer 100 to the device, the headphone cable stays with the electronic device without impeding the use of the device. Additionally, the organizer 100 does not increase the thickness of the device or the ability of the device to lay substantially flat on a surface. The port connector 110 may include additional functionality as is described below with reference to FIGS. 6A-7B. In some embodiments the port connector 110 may include a securing element (shown and described in FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the port connector 110 is made of a stiff material for easy insertion and removal. In other embodiments, the port connector 110 is made of a flexible material to reduce wear, prevent particulate matter from entering the port, and improve retention of the organizer 100 on the electronic device. In some embodiments, the port connector 110 is configured to electrically connect the electronic device to an electronic component (not shown) of the organizer 100. For example, the port connector 110 may connect the electronic device to a display, speakers, lights, memory, an extra battery, a charge port, a data port, or other portable electronic component within the organizer 100.

The illustrated embodiment of the organizer 100 also includes accessory attachment points 112. The accessory attachment points 112 allow a user to attach accessories to the organizer 100. For example, a user may attach a key ring, lanyard, fob, or other decorative or functional item. Additionally, the accessory attachment points 112 may allow a user to secure the organizer 100 while participating in activities other than simply interfacing with the electronic device. For example, a user may attach the organizer 100 to a wristband, necklace, zipper, lace, string, clip, or other attachment mechanism.

In the illustrated embodiment, the organizer 100 also includes grip points 114. The grip points 114 provide a secure gripping point for the user to insert or remove the organizer 100 from an electronic device. The illustrated embodiment shows a toothed embodiment of the grip points 114. Other embodiments include knurled, textured, deformable, or cupped grip points 114. Another embodiment may include an additional material such as grip tape, gel, or other grippable material applied to the grip points 114. Other embodiments may omit grip points or may have a single grip point.

FIG. 2A illustrates several directional schematic views of another embodiment of a reverse-tension cable organizer 100. The illustrated embodiment includes securing elements 116 on the port connector 110. The securing elements 110 provide for additional retention force when the port connector 110 is inserted into an electronic device access point.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic view of another embodiment of a reverse-tension cable organizer 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the wings 102 and the region just above the port connector 110 have different dimensions, compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, to reduce the overall size of the organizer 100. In some embodiments, the organizer 100 has an overall width that is approximately the same as, or smaller than, the typical dimensions of the type of device to which it is configured to attach. Other embodiments of the organizer 100 may have differing geometries to more closely follow dimensions of the electronic device to which it connects or to improve ease of use with that device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of the organizer of FIG. 1 with a headphone cable 120 on the organizer 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the headphones 122 are secured in the headphone retention points 106 (see FIG. 1) and the headphone cable 120 is wrapped around the organizer 100. Although FIG. 3 depicts one way of wrapping the headphone cable 120 on the organizer 100, the organizer 100 facilitates multiple ways or patterns of wrapping the headphone cable 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the jack end of the headphone cable 120 is secured in one of the pinch points of the headphone cable retention points 108.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a securing element 116 on the port connector 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing element 116 is a small fin on the side of the port connector 110 to provide a retention force when the port connector 110 is inserted into an electronic device. In some embodiments, the securing element 116 is a fin oriented with a sloped portion to facilitate ease of insertion and a hook-like portion to prevented unwanted removal of the port connector 110 from an electronic device. Additionally, although the illustrated embodiment depicts the securing element 116 on the side of the port connector 110, other embodiments include securing elements 116 on the top or bottom of the connector. Other shapes may also be used for the securing elements 116.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of several embodiments of the securing element 116 of FIG. 4. In the top embodiment, the securing element 116 is placed on a cut-away portion of the port connector 110. By placing the securing element 116 on the cut-away portion of the port connector 110, the securing element 116 is allowed to deflect towards the port connector 110 to reduce the wear and force on the securing element 116. In essence, the cut-away portion of the port connector 110, upon which the securing element 116 is mounted, behaves like a spring element when force is applied to the securing element 116.

The middle embodiment depicts a reverse spring principle. The cut-away portion of the port connector 110 is attached toward the end of the port connector 110 and detached near the main portion of the organizer 100. This allows for the same spring concept to function during connection but with a reduced chance of difficulty inserting the port connector 110 into an electronic device access point due to the solid front edge of the port connector 110.

The bottom embodiment of FIG. 5 depicts a hybrid design of the two embodiments shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the securing element 116 is split into two pieces and the cut-away allows the securing element 116 to flex inward, towards the port connector 110, to reduce the friction on the securing element 116.

FIGS. 6A-B illustrate schematic views of one embodiment of the organizer 100 with a slider adjustment extended. In the illustrated embodiment, the organizer 100 includes a slider slot 124 with a slider button 126 to extend and retract the port connector 110. FIG. 6A depicts the organizer 100 with the port connector 110 extended for attachment while FIG. 6B depicts the organizer 100 with the port connector 110 in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the port connector 110 is extended or retracted by the user interfacing with the slider button 126 located in the slider slot 124. In some embodiments, the slider may be actuated by a spring or be moved by depressing the slider button 126 within the slider slot 124 and moving the slider button 126 to the desired position before releasing the slider button 126 to lock the port connector 110 in place. Other embodiments include other mechanisms for extending and retracting the port connector 110.

FIGS. 7A-B illustrate schematic views of one embodiment of an organizer 100 with a hinge adjustment structure 128 straight and pivoted. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 7A, the hinge adjustment structure 128 is oriented between the port connector 110 and the main portion of the organizer 100. This allows a user to pivot the port connector 110 to adjust to an application of the organizer 100. The side view shown in FIG. 7B illustrates one embodiment of the pivot feature of the hinge adjustment structure 128.

FIG. 8 illustrates schematic views of several examples of customization embodiments of the organizer 100. The illustrated embodiment includes two logos of well-known entities. As depicted, the logos are incorporated into embodiments of the organizer 100. In this manner, the organizer 100 retains the functionality while also allowing a user to select an identifying aspect for the organizer 100.

In some embodiments, the logo or other graphical element is positioned relative to the retention points 106, or openings, so that placement of earbuds within the retention points 106 aligns the earbuds (or a portion thereof) with the logo or other graphical element to facilitate visual incorporation of the earbud sound ports, stems, cord, or other component with the logo or other graphical element. In one embodiment, a skull logo is incorporated and positioned relative to the retention points 106 so that the sound ports of the headphones appear to be positioned as headphones relative to the skull graphical element. In other words, the sound ports of the earbuds are positioned to represent earbuds worn by the skull, so that it appears that the skull is wearing a pair of headphones. In another embodiment, the retention points 106 are aligned with a familiar mouse logo so that placement of the earbuds within the retention points 106 will appear to visually complete the ears of the mouse logo. While these are specific examples of potential designs, other designs may also be implemented using identifying designs, logos, symbols, characters, etc. For example, the sound ports of earbuds may be visually aligned as tires of an automobile, recreational vehicle, or other wheeled vehicle. As another example, the sound ports of earbuds may be visually aligned in the locations of propellers on an airplane. In other embodiments, the stems, cables, connector, or other components of earbuds may be aligned to graphically coincide with a graphical element on the organizer 100.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic side view of one embodiment of an attachment plate mounting system. In the illustrated embodiment, a first attachment plate 130 with mounting stakes 132 is shown. To secure the first attachment plate 130 to the organizer 100 the stakes 132 are aligned and inserted through mounting channels 134 in the organizer 100. The stakes 132 are then inserted into a second attachment plate 136 at the mounting holes 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the stakes 132 are configured to lock when engaged with the mounting holes 138 of the second attachment plate 136. Alternatively, the stakes 132 may engage directly with mounting holes within the body of the organizer 100, in which case the second attachment plate 136 may be omitted or separately attached to the body of the organizer 100.

In one embodiment, the first attachment plate 130 includes a visual identifier as described with relation to FIG. 8 applied to or printed or molded directly onto the first attachment plate 130. In the illustrated embodiment, a visual element 140 is coupled to the first attachment plate 130. In this embodiment, the visual element 140 includes the visual identifier. In some embodiments, the second attachment plate 136 includes a visual identifier similar to or different from the visual element 140 of the first attachment plate 130. Other embodiments may include other manners of attaching visual identifiers to the organizer 100. For example, one or both of the attachment plates may snap, slide, adhere, or otherwise couple to the body of the organizer 100 and/or the opposing attachment plate.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of another embodiment of an attachment mounting system. The illustrated organizer 100 implements a detachable base port connector 152 and body 154. In one embodiment, the port connector 152 includes securing elements 152 similar to other embodiments described herein. The port connector 152 also includes an opposing body connector 158 that, in some instances, may be similar in form and function to the port connector 152. However, the body connector 158 is configured to connect the detachable body 154 to the base port connector 152. In some embodiments, the body connector 158 includes one or more securing elements 160 similar at the securing elements 152 described herein. Alternatively, another means for securing the body 154 to the base 152 may be used. Some examples of other securing means include, but are not limited to, adhesives, friction fit construction, internal or external tension clips, screws or other fasteners, and so forth. The body 154 includes corresponding cavities 162 and 164 to receive the body connector 158, along with the securing elements 160, if any. In alternative embodiments, the body connector may include two or more structures extending from the port connector 152. In a specific embodiment, the structures of the body connector 158 and the corresponding cavity 162 may be implemented on the opposite components—so the port connector 152 includes the cavity 162 and the body 154 includes the protruding body connector 158. Any other means of connecting the body 154 and the base port connector 152 may be used, as may be understood by one of skill in the art within the context of the description provided herein.

In other embodiments, the organizer 100 may omit the port connector 110 and be configured to attach directly to a separate port connector. In this way, embodiments of the organizer 100 may combine with a typical dock connector cord, so that both the dock connector cord and the headphone cables may be mounted to and organized using the organizer 100. In another embodiment, the organizer 100 may be configured solely for a typical dock connector cord and omit distinct mounting options for headphone cables.

In other embodiments, the organizer 100 may omit the port connector 110 and include a headphone retention point and a graphical element. The headphone retention point may be configured to secure any portion of the headphones such as earbuds, a cable, a microphone, a connector, or another portion, or any combination thereof. The graphical element may be aligned with the headphone retention point to facilitate visual incorporation of the secured portion (or another portion) of the headphones with the graphical element to complete an otherwise incomplete representation of the graphical element.

In the above description, specific details of various embodiments are provided. However, some embodiments may be practiced with less than all of these specific details. Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the invention is to be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus for reverse-tension headphone cable organization, the apparatus comprising:

at least one headphone retention point to retain at least one headphone through tension in a headphone cable, the headphone cable coupled to the at least one headphone; and

a port connector to facilitate connection of the apparatus to a separate electronic device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an accessory attachment point to facilitate attachment of a peripheral accessory to the apparatus.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the port connector comprises a mechanical adjustment structure to move the port connector relative to the headphone retention point and the cable retention point.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the mechanical adjustment structure comprises a hinge to position the port connector relative to the headphone retention point and the cable retention point.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the mechanical adjustment structure comprises a slider to extend or retract the port connector relative to the headphone retention point and the cable retention point.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one headphone retention point comprises an entry slot with clearance dimension sufficient to allow the cable to pass through but insufficient to allow the headphone to pass through, thereby retaining the at least one headphone.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one cable retention point to facilitate securing the headphone cable on the apparatus.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one cable retention point comprises at least three separate cable retention points to facilitate a plurality of cable winding paths for the headphone cable, wherein each cable retention point comprises a concave edge surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a graphical element, wherein the graphical element is aligned with the headphone retention point to facilitate visual incorporation of a headphone component with the graphical element upon insertion of the headphone into the headphone retention point.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the graphical element is disposed on a body surface of the apparatus.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the graphical element is aligned with the headphone retention point to facilitate visual incorporation of an earbud port of the headphone with the graphical element upon insertion of the headphone into the headphone retention point.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each headphone retention point is defined by at least two surrounding wings which protrude longitudinally from a body portion of the apparatus, and interior sidewalls of the surrounding wings form contact points for a back side of a housing of an earbud of the headphones.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an attachment plate to attach to a body portion of the apparatus, wherein the attachment plate comprises a visual element.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the port connector comprises a securing element to allow the connector to provide retention force between the connector and the separate electronic apparatus.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the securing element comprises a spring tab.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein the securing element comprises a flexible material to deform to create contact friction between the connector and the separate electronic apparatus.

17. An apparatus comprising:

at least one retention point to secure at least a portion of a headphone system; and

a graphical element, wherein the graphical element is aligned with the retention point to facilitate visual incorporation of a component of the headphone system with the graphical element upon insertion of the secured portion of the headphone system into the retention point.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the graphical element is aligned with the retention point to facilitate visual incorporation of an earbud of the headphone system with the graphical element upon securing the earbud into the retention point.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the graphical element is aligned with the retention point to facilitate visual incorporation of a cable of the headphone system with the graphical element upon securing the cable into the retention point.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the graphical element is aligned with the retention point to facilitate visual incorporation of a microphone of the headphone system with the graphical element upon securing the microphone into the retention point.