18484007. Earbuds simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

Earbuds

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Yi Zou of Cupertino CA (US)

Chad J. Miller of Oakland CA (US)

Daniel A. Podhajny of Morgan Hill CA (US)

Joshua A. Hoover of Boulder CO (US)

Kristen L. Cretella of San Francisco CA (US)

Nicholas R. Trincia of San Francisco CA (US)

Seul Bi Kim of San Mateo CA (US)

William Leith of San Francisco CA (US)

Yue Chen of Saratoga CA (US)

Earbuds - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18484007 titled 'Earbuds

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes wireless earbuds with adjustable-shape housings that have bendable portions. These bendable structures can be formed using bendable metal members, hinges, or other flexible structures. The electrical components of the earbuds are covered by a layer of molded foam, which can be further covered by a fabric cover. Spacer fabric or other soft material may be placed between the fabric cover and the foam. The housing of the earbuds can be adjusted between different states, such as a normal, non-sleep, walking state and a sleep state, to enhance comfort while sleeping. The earbuds may also include illumination systems, sensors, and other components.

• Wireless earbuds with adjustable-shape housings
• Housings have bendable portions
• Bendable metal members, hinges, or other flexible structures used for forming bendable structures
• Electrical components covered by a layer of molded foam
• Foam covered by a fabric cover
• Spacer fabric or soft material placed between the fabric cover and the foam
• Housing can be adjusted between different states for normal operation and enhanced comfort while sleeping
• Earbuds may include illumination systems, sensors, and other components

Potential Applications

• Personal audio devices
• Sleep aids
• Fitness tracking devices

Problems Solved

• Uncomfortable earbuds during sleep
• Limited adjustability of earbud shape
• Inadequate comfort for different activities

Benefits

• Enhanced comfort during sleep
• Customizable fit for different activities
• Improved user experience

Original Abstract Submitted

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.