EARBUDS WITH BIOMETRIC SENSING

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be positioned within. 1. An earbud , comprising:a housing defining an opening proximate a first end of the housing;a speaker disposed within the housing and oriented so that audio emitted by the speaker exits the housing through the opening defined by the housing;a biometric sensor positioned along an exterior surface of the housing at the first end of the housing anda compliant member coupled with a second end of the housing.2. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first end is positioned on an opposite end of the housing from the second end.3. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , wherein when the earbud is positioned for use within an ear of a user claim 1 , the compliant member engages the concha of the ear to compress the biometric sensor against a surface of the tragus of the ear.4. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , wherein the earbud has a symmetric geometry that allows the earbud to be worn and operated interchangeably in either ear of the user.5. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , wherein the biometric sensor positioned along an exterior surface of the housing at the first end of the housing and selected from the group consisting of a heart rate sensor claim 1 , a VO2 sensor claim 1 , a GSR (galvanic skin response) sensor claim 1 , an electrocardiogram (EKG) sensor claim 1 , an impedance cardiography (ICG) sensor and a temperature sensor.6. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , wherein the compliant member is ...

CASE WITH MAGNETIC OVER-CENTER MECHANISM

A case for a portable listening device has a housing and a lid. The lid is attached to the housing with a pivotable joint and operates between an open and a closed position with an over-center mechanism that employs a plurality of magnetic elements. 1. A case for a portable listening device , the case comprising:a housing having a cavity to receive the portable listening device;a lid attached to the housing with a pivotable joint allowing the lid to rotate between a closed position where the lid is aligned over the cavity and an open position where the lid is angularly displaced allowing the portable listening device to be removed from the cavity; anda plurality of magnetic elements disposed within the housing and the lid, the plurality of magnetic elements configured to secure the lid in the closed position and to resist the lid moving from the open position to the closed position.2. The case of wherein the plurality of magnetic elements comprises a first pair of magnetic elements configured to repel each other and a second pair of magnetic elements configured to attract each other.3. The case of wherein the first pair of magnetic elements includes a first magnet positioned in the lid adjacent to the pivotable joint and a second magnet positioned in the housing adjacent to the pivotable joint and oriented to repel the first magnet.4. The case of wherein the second pair of magnetic elements includes a first magnetic element positioned in the lid opposite the pivotable joint and a second magnetic element positioned in a housing wall opposite the pivotable joint and oriented to attract the first magnetic element.5. The case of wherein both of the magnetic elements of the second pair of magnetic elements are magnets.6. The case of wherein one of the magnetic elements of the second pair of magnetic elements is a magnet and the other magnetic element is a magnetic material.7. The case of wherein the housing includes first and second opposing sidewalls and third and ...

EARBUDS WITH BIOMETRIC SENSING

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be positioned within. 1. An audio device , comprising:an earbud housing having a size and shape suitable for at least partial insertion into an ear of a user;a speaker disposed within the earbud housing;a biometric sensor disposed within the earbud housing and including a sensing surface arranged along an exterior surface of the earbud housing; anda processor configured to determine an orientation of the earbud housing within the ear of a user using a value of a biometric parameter detected by the biometric sensor and adjust an operational state of the speaker in accordance with the determined orientation.2. The audio device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the biometric sensor is a first biometric sensor and wherein the audio device further comprises a second biometric sensor comprising a light emitter and a light detector claim 1 , the light detector measuring light from the light emitter after being reflected off the tragus of the ear of the user when the earbud housing is positioned within the ear of the user.3. The audio device as recited in claim 2 , wherein the light emitter comprises a first light emitter and a second light emitter claim 2 , the first light emitter being configured to emit light at a different frequency than the second light emitter.4. The audio device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the biometric sensor is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor claim 1 , a capacitive sensor and ...

Earbuds with biometric sensing

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be positioned within.

CASE WITH TORSION SPRING OVER-CENTER MECHANISM

A case for a listening device includes a housing and a lid attached to the housing with a pivotable joint allowing the lid to rotate between a closed position and an open position. An over center mechanism for the lid includes a torsion spring that impels the lid to either the open or the closed position. 1. A case for a listening device , the case comprising:a housing having a cavity to receive the listening device;a lid attached to the housing with a pivotable joint allowing the lid to rotate between a closed position where the lid is aligned over the cavity and an open position where the lid is angularly displaced allowing the listening device to be removed from the cavity; andan over center mechanism for the lid including an extension attached to the lid and disposed on an opposite side of the pivotable joint from the lid, wherein the extension is in contact with an arm that resists the lid rotating from the open position to the closed position until the lid is moved past an over center position when the lid is then impelled to the closed position.2. The case of further comprising a spring configured to apply a force against the arm that forces the arm in contact with the extension.3. The case of wherein the spring is a torsion spring.4. The case of wherein the arm includes a first end attached to an arm pivot and a second end opposite the first end.5. The case of wherein the arm includes first and a second surfaces arranged opposite each other and extending between the first and second ends.6. The case of wherein the extension is positioned to be in sliding contact with first surface as the lid is transitioned between the open position to the closed positions.7. The case of wherein the extension is oriented perpendicular to the first surface when the lid is at the over center position.8. The case of wherein the extension includes a rounded contact end that is in sliding contact with the first surface of the arm when the lid is transitioned between the opened ...

Earbuds with biometric sensing

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be positioned within.

EARBUDS WITH COMPLIANT MEMBER

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be sitting in. 1. An earbud , comprising:an earbud housing defining an opening;a speaker disposed within the earbud housing and oriented so that audio emitted by the speaker exits the earbud housing through the opening; and a first reinforcing member extending along a length of a first portion of the loop; and', 'a second reinforcing member extending along a length of a second portion of the loop, the first and second portions of the loop being more rigid than a third portion of the loop positioned between the first and second portions of the loop., 'a compliant member coupled to the earbud housing and arranged in a loop, the compliant member comprising2. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first and second reinforcing members are the same length.3. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , wherein the compliant member comprises an elastomeric material less rigid than the first and second reinforcing members.4. The earbud as recited in claim 3 , wherein the first and second reinforcing members comprise spring steel.5. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , wherein the compliant member comprises a flexible material at least partially enclosing the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member.6. The earbud as recited in claim 5 , wherein the first portion of the loop is positioned at a first end of the compliant member and the second portion of the loop is at a second end of the compliant member.7. The earbud ...

EARBUDS

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be sitting in. 1. An earbud , comprising:an earbud housing defining an opening;a speaker electrically coupled to the speaker and disposed within the earbud housing, the speaker oriented to emit audio through the opening defined by the earbud housing; anda compliant member comprising flexible material and having a first end pivotally coupled with the earbud housing and a second end configured to be positioned within an ear of a user.2. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a biometric sensor disposed within the earbud housing and including a sensing surface arranged along an exterior surface of the earbud housing and a processor configured to change an operational state of the earbuds based on a value of a biometric parameter detected by the biometric sensor.3. The earbud as recited in claim 2 , wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether the earbud is positioned in the ear of the user and claim 2 , when the earbud is positioned in the ear of the user claim 2 , determine an orientation of the earbud housing within the ear of the user or claim 2 , when the earbud is not positioned in the ear of the user claim 2 , change the operational state of the earbud to a standby or deactivated state.4. The earbud as recited in claim 2 , wherein the biometric sensor is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor claim 2 , a capacitive sensor claim 2 , and a proximity sensor.5. The ...

HINGE FOR CASES THAT STORE WIRELESS LISTENING DEVICES

Embodiments describe a hinge for a case that stores wireless listening devices, including: a first shaft forming a first pivot point for the hinge; a second shaft forming a second pivot point for the hinge, the first shaft and the second shaft defining a conversion axis; a piston rod having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the second shaft and a second end opposite from the first end coupled to a stopper; a piston guide slidably coupled to the piston rod between the first end and the second end of the piston rod; a third shaft forming a third pivot point for the piston guide, the third shaft allowing the piston guide to rotate and maintain concentric alignment with the piston guide; and a spring positioned between the second shaft and the piston guide and wound around the piston rod. 1. A hinge for a case that stores wireless listening devices , comprising:a first shaft forming a first pivot point for the hinge;a second shaft forming a second pivot point for the hinge and being positioned a distance away from the first shaft, the first shaft and the second shaft defining a conversion axis intersecting centers of both the first shaft and the second shaft;a piston rod having a first end and a second end opposite from the first end, the first end being coupled to the second shaft and the second end being coupled to a stopper;a piston guide slidably coupled to the piston rod between the first end and the second end of the piston rod;a third shaft forming a third pivot point for the piston guide, the third shaft allowing the piston guide to rotate and maintain concentric alignment with the piston guide; anda spring positioned between the second shaft and the piston guide and wound around the piston rod, the spring generating a force along an axis of the piston rod.2. The hinge of claim 1 , wherein the force moves the hinge into a first state or a second state depending on the angle between the axis and the conversion axis.3. The hinge of claim 2 , ...

CASE WITH MAGNETIC OVER-CENTER MECHANISM

A case for a portable listening device has a housing and a lid. The lid is attached to the housing with a pivotable joint and operates between an open and a closed position with an over-center mechanism that employs a plurality of magnetic elements. 1. A case for a portable listening device , the case comprising:a housing having a cavity to receive the portable listening device;a lid attached to the housing with a pivotable joint such that the housing and the lid are arranged in a clamshell configuration allowing the lid to rotate between a closed position where the lid conceals the cavity and an open position where the lid is angularly displaced from the cavity; anda plurality of magnetic elements disposed within the housing and the lid, the plurality of magnetic elements configured to create an over-center configuration for the lid where the lid is in a first stable position when in the closed position and is in a second stable position when in the open position, but is in an unstable position in-between the closed position and the open position.2. The case of wherein the plurality of magnetic elements comprises a first pair of magnetic elements configured to repel each other and a second pair of magnetic elements configured to attract each other.3. The case of wherein the first pair of magnetic elements includes a first magnet positioned in the lid adjacent to the pivotable joint and a second magnet positioned in the housing adjacent to the pivotable joint and oriented to repel the first magnet.4. The case of wherein the second pair of magnetic elements includes a third magnet positioned in the lid opposite the pivotable joint and a fourth magnet positioned in a housing wall opposite the pivotable joint and oriented to attract the third magnet.5. The case of wherein when the lid is in the closed position attractive forces between the third and fourth magnets over power repulsive forces between the first and second magnets.6. The case of wherein when the lid is in ...

Earbuds with compliant member

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be sitting in.

Headphones with Telescoping Stem Assembly

This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed. 1. A portable listening device comprising:first and second earpieces; a housing component defining an interior volume;', 'a hollow stem coupling the first earpiece to the housing component and being configured to telescope into and out of the interior volume; and', 'a data synchronization cable extending through the hollow stem and the interior volume to electrically couple the first and second earpieces, a coiled portion of the data synchronization cable being disposed within the hollow stem., 'an adjustable length headband assembly coupling the first earpiece to the second earpiece, the adjustable length headband assembly comprising2. The portable listening device as recited in wherein an interior-facing surface of the housing component defines interior channels that guide the hollow stem along a predefined path when the hollow stem telescopes into and out of the interior volume.3. The portable listening device as recited in further comprising a locking component configured to prevent movement of the hollow stem relative to the housing component.4. The portable listening device as recited in wherein a stabilizing element is positioned at a distal end of the hollow stem to reduce an amount of free play between the hollow stem and the housing component.5. The portable listening device as recited in wherein the housing component comprises one or more leaf springs configured to exert a force to compress the first and second earpieces against a user's head.6. The portable listening device as recited in wherein the hollow ...

EARBUDS

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be sitting in. 1. An earbud , comprising:an earbud housing;a microphone configured to monitor voice input from a user of the earbud;a biometric sensor configured to measure a biometric parameter of the user; anda processor configured to process voice input from the user and to change an operating state of the earbud from a disabled state to an operational state based on the measured biometric parameter of the user.2. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , wherein the biometric sensor is arranged along an exterior surface of the earbud housing.3. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , wherein in the disabled state the microphone is disabled and in the operational state the microphone monitors voice input from the user of the earbud.4. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , wherein the biometric sensor is further configured to determine an orientation of the earbud housing within an ear of the user.5. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , wherein the microphone is a first microphone and the earbud further comprises a second microphone.6. The earbud as recited in claim 5 , wherein the first and second microphones provide spatial filtering that prioritizes audio waves arriving from a direction corresponding to a user's mouth.7. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , wherein the biometric sensor is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor claim 1 , a photoplethysmogram sensor claim 1 , a galvanic skin response sensor claim 1 , ...

Portable Listening Device and Case

Examiner Abstract A case for a pair of earbuds, the case comprising: a housing having a pair of cavities configured to receive the pair of earbuds; and a button coupled to the case and configured to transmit a signal to at least one earbud of the pair of earbuds in response to a user depressing the button, the signal causing the at least one earbud to enter a pairing sequence with a separate electronic device.

Magnet array for securing wireless listening devices

Embodiments describe a magnetic securing component including a set of magnets positioned laterally adjacent to one another and having a curved top surface defined by individual curved top surfaces of each magnet in the set of magnets. The set of magnets includes: first and second magnets positioned laterally adjacent to one another, where the first and second magnets each have a polarity that is oriented parallel to a vertical dimension; and third and fourth magnets laterally positioned from the first and second magnets, where the third magnet is positioned adjacent to the first magnet and the fourth magnet is positioned adjacent to the second magnet, the third and fourth magnets each having a magnetic polarity that is oriented at an angle with respect to the vertical dimension.

Headphones with telescoping stem assembly

This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.

Magnet array for securing wireless listening devices

Attachment mechanism for eartips

Embodiments describe an attachment mechanism including a wire bent in various directions forming a spring compressible in lateral directions. The wire includes a first wireform feature and a second wireform feature extending from the first wireform feature, where the first wireform feature and the second wireform feature each include: an intermediate segment; a u-shaped segment extending from the intermediate segment; and an end segment extending from the u-shaped segment.

Eartips for coupling via wireform attachment mechanisms

Embodiments describe an eartip including an eartip body having an attachment end and an interfacing end opposite from the attachment end. The eartip body can include an inner eartip body having a sidewall extending between the interfacing end and the attachment end, the sidewall defining a channel and having a first thickness near the attachment end and a second thickness different from the first thickness at the interfacing end. The eartip can also include an attachment structure coupled to the inner eartip body at the attachment end, the attachment structure having an inner surface and an outer surface. The attachment structure can include an upper region interfacing with the sidewall and defining discrete through-holes, a lower region below the upper region where the inner surface defines a plurality of recesses positioned around the lower region, and a mesh extending across the channel and into the upper region.

Earbuds

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be sitting in.

Case for a portable listening device

A case for a portable listening device has a housing and a lid. The lid has an open and a closed position. A processor sends an instruction to the portable listening device to initiate wireless pairing of the portable listening device to a host electronic device in response to a signal generated by a component of the case.

Wireless earbuds

A case for a portable listening device has a housing and a lid. The lid has an open and a closed position. A processor sends an instruction to the portable listening device to initiate wireless pairing of the portable listening device to a host electronic device in response to a signal generated by a component of the case.

Acoustic vent and protective membrane

An in-ear electronic device comprising: an enclosure that defines an enclosed space surrounding a driver and an acoustic vent to an ambient environment surrounding the enclosure; and an acoustic frame having an outer surface coupled to the enclosure and defining an acoustic channel between a back volume chamber of the driver to the acoustic vent.

Acoustic vent and protective membrane

An in-ear electronic device comprising: an enclosure that defines an enclosed space surrounding a microphone and an acoustic opening to an ambient environment surrounding the enclosure; an acoustic pathway having a first end that opens to the acoustic opening and a second end that opens to the microphone; and a protective membrane positioned between the second end of the acoustic channel and the microphone.

Earbuds

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be sitting in.

Headphones with increased back volume

This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.

Headphones with increased back volume

This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.

Earbuds with biometric sensing

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be positioned within.

Identification of cushioning members in personal audio devices

A personal audio device (e.g., headphones, earphones) can have an earpiece (e.g., an ear cup or earbud) with a removable cushioning member (e.g., headphone cushions or ear tips for earbuds). The cushioning member can include an identification tag that encodes identification data for the cushioning member. When the cushioning member is attached to the earpiece, the identification tag is brought into proximity with a tag sensor in the earpiece and the earpiece can read the identification tag to determine identification data for the cushioning member. The identification data can be used to modify a behavior of the earpiece and/or of a host device communicably coupled to the earpiece.

Wireless earbuds

A case for a portable listening device has a housing and a lid. The lid has an open and a closed position. A processor sends an instruction to the portable listening device to initiate wireless pairing of the portable listening device to a host electronic device in response to a signal generated by a component of the case. 1005311552

Earbuds with biometric sensing

Earbuds with biometric sensing

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be positioned within.

Identification of cushioning members in personal audio devices

A personal audio device (e.g., headphones, earphones) can have an earpiece (e.g., an ear cup or earbud) with a removable cushioning member (e.g., headphone cushions or ear tips for earbuds). The cushioning member can include an identification tag that encodes identification data for the cushioning member. When the cushioning member is attached to the earpiece, the identification tag is brought into proximity with a tag sensor in the earpiece and the earpiece can read the identification tag to determine identification data for the cushioning member. The identification data can be used to modify a behavior of the earpiece and/or of a host device communicably coupled to the earpiece.

Acoustic vent and protective membrane

An in-ear electronic device comprising: an enclosure that defines an enclosed space surrounding a driver and an acoustic vent to an ambient environment surrounding the enclosure; and an acoustic frame having an outer surface coupled to the enclosure and defining an acoustic channel between a back volume chamber of the driver to the acoustic vent.

Case with magnetic over-center mechanism

A case for a portable listening device has a housing and a lid. The lid is attached to the housing with a pivotable joint and operates between an open and a closed position with an over-center mechanism that employs a plurality of magnetic elements.