Abstract:
An optimized cord clip configured to leverage the structural features of a user&#39;s clothing to more effectively secure an audio cord. Embodiment of the present disclosure include a coupling device that serves to securely connect the strap to an audio cord, the strap itself also being securely clasped onto another item. The coupling device prevents unnecessary cord slip by employing a snap-fitting feature that securely manages the audio cord. At the same time, the clasping mechanism provided by the unique configuration of the strap, pockets, and ferromagnetic metals enables the cord clip to resist rotational forces exerted on the cord clip when a user is engaged in a physical activity imposing such forces.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present technology relates generally to the field of personal audio devices, and more particularly to securing cords used with such devices. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The use of personal audio and media devices has become pervasive in recent years. Today&#39;s audio and media devices are small enough that they can now be used in a much wider range of activities than earlier devices. Though many of these devices come equipped with internal speakers for audio playback, nearly all such devices are also equipped with an auxiliary or other port for enabling a user to connect a pair of headphones or earphones (used interchangeably throughout this disclosure) to the device. Headphones and earphone devices have further enabled users to listen to audio and other media (e.g. music, voice, etc.) while engaging in other activities. For example, if a user wants to listen to music while going for a run, they can simply put on a pair of headphones, connect the headphones to a small multi-media device (e.g. a smartphone, MP3 player, etc.) and enjoy their music while they exercise. 
         [0003]    Most earphone and headphone devices come equipped with a cord (containing wiring) used to electronically connect the speakers in the headphones to the signal producing functionality of the multimedia device being used. When user&#39;s wish to use their multimedia devices while performing a physical activity, they often place the multimedia device in a pocket of their clothing or secure the device using an armband, wristband, etc. Thus, the cord of the headphones runs from the multimedia device clear up to the user&#39;s head where the earphones are worn. As a user performs a physical activity, however, the cord can flail about in various directions, become tangled with or caught on other objects, and inevitably tug on the earphones themselves. This results in annoyance and discomfort for the user and often requires the user to make repeated adjustments with their device or to resituate the cord. Additionally, in some cases such movement of the audio cord can cause vibrations that translate into audio interference that disturbs quality of sound the user experiences. 
         [0004]    In more advanced earphones, the earphone housings may be configured with various sensors and circuitry that provide additional functionality (e.g. heartrate detection, motion detection, etc.). The functionality of these devices requires secure and stable placement of the earphone in a user&#39;s ear. Thus, if the cord of these devices is jostled or moved about too vigorously during an activity, it can displace an earphone from its proper position and compromise the accuracy of the sensors embedded within. This can defeat the entire purpose for using the earphones. For example, a user may wish to use earphones with biometric sensors while jogging so that they can monitor their heartrate during an exercise session. If the cord is not properly secured while the user is jogging, the cord may repeatedly tug on earphones and undermine the ability of the sensors in the earphones to obtain an accurate reading. Accordingly, there is an even greater need for cord stability when using these advanced devices. Even where wireless earphones are used (i.e. such that the cord does not run all the way to the multimedia device), however, the cord nevertheless runs between the two earphones themselves (generally resting on the back portion of a user&#39;s neck). Movements of the cord in these devices, albeit less sever in many instances, can still give rise to the above mentioned drawbacks. 
         [0005]    In view of these drawbacks, many attempts have been made to develop a device that can secure an audio cord to avoid tangling and other interference. However, presently available cord securing devices continue to suffer from cord slippage, as well as rotational movement of the actual device itself around the point of contact (and thereby also resulting in cord movement). Indeed, while various devices have been developed, none have been able to secure audio cords in an adequate manner; especially for advanced earphones that incorporate biometric sensors. Accordingly, a need exists for a cord securing device that employs a technical and scientific approach to solving the aforementioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0006]    In view of the above drawbacks, the present disclosure is directed toward an optimized cord clip configured to leverage the structural and mechanical features of a user&#39;s clothing to more effectively secure an audio cord. An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a coupling device that serves to securely connect a flexible strap to an audio cord, the strap itself also being securely clasped onto another item (e.g. an item of clothing the user is wearing). The coupling device (also referred to herein as the dual-channel coupling device) prevents unnecessary cord slip by employing a snap-fitting feature that securely manages the audio cord. At the same time, the clasping mechanism provided by the unique configuration of the strap, pockets, and ferromagnetic metals enables the cord clip to resist rotational forces exerted on the cord clip when a user is engaged in a physical activity imposing such forces. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include a strap made of one or more flexible materials (spandex, suede, silicon, rubber, etc.) that can fold in half to clasp onto another item. The clasping force is generated by attractive forces between two or more ferromagnetic materials. The ferromagnetic materials are disposed in pockets within the strap, the pockets typically being situated near opposite ends of the strap such that when the strap folds in half, the position of the ferromagnetic materials substantially align. The point about which the strap folds is disposed within a channel of the coupling device, which in some embodiments is situated near the middle of the strap. The coupling device is in some embodiments, a rigid material, but in other embodiments may be substantially non-rigid. The coupling device is configured with at least two channels or conduits. As mentioned above, a mid-portion of the strap is situated within one of these channels, and the other channel is configured with an opening fitted to receive an audio cord in a snap-fit manner. 
         [0007]    In particular embodiments, an optimized cord clip of the present disclosure includes two ferromagnetic units contained in pockets located near opposing ends of a flexible strap. In embodiments of the present technology, the pockets are shaped with an outer profile that is substantially square. When the optimized cord clip is properly clasped onto an item of clothing, the square geometry of the proximal side of a pocket forms a rotational interlock with the edge of the hem on a user&#39;s shirt or jacket or other item of apparel. The additional leverage provided by the rotationally interlocked arrangement of the two edges (e.g. the proximal side edge of a pocket formed in the strap, situated adjacent to the bottom edge of a hem on the collar of a user&#39;s shirt) minimizes the overall movement and rotation of the clip, and therefore overall movement of the audio cord itself. The optimized design of the cord clip minimizes rotation of the cord clip about a collar and further minimizes other movements. While embodiments of the present technology are described in connection with earphone and headphone devices, the optimized cord clip technology disclosed herein may also be applied to other cords, strings, cables, etc. that users need secured (e.g. the cord connecting noise-canceling earplugs, or spectacle security cords, etc.). 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The technology disclosed herein, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the disclosed technology. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding of the disclosed technology and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability thereof. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic of a disassembled cord clip strap, and the components enclosed therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1B  is a schematic of a dual-channel coupler detached from the strap of a cord clip in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  is a top view of a cord clip, in an open configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2B  is a bottom view of a cord clip, in an open configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2C  is a side view of a cord clip, in an open configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A  is a top view of a first layer of a strap used in a cord clip in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3B  is a top view of a second layer of a strap used in a cord clip in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4A  is a side view of a dual-channel coupler used in a cord clip in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of a dual-channel coupler used in a cord clip in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of a cord clip in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of another cord clip in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6A  is a side view of a tee-shirt with a cord clip attached thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6B  is a schematic diagram illustrating a magnified view of the cord clip depicted in  FIG. 6A  as it is attached to apparel in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6C  is a magnified cross-sectional view of the cord clip depicted in  FIGS. 6A-6B , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. The figures are not drawn to scale. It should be understood that the disclosed technology can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the disclosed technology may be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]    The technology disclosed herein is directed toward an optimized cord clip for securing a cord of an audio earphone or headphone device being worn by a user. In particular, an optimized cord clip of the present disclosure includes two ferromagnetic units contained in pockets located within and near opposing ends of a flexible strap. In embodiments of the present technology, the pockets are configured with an outer profile that is substantially square. When the optimized cord clip is properly clasped onto an item of clothing, the square geometry of a proximal side of a pocket forms a rotational interlock with the edge of the hem on a user&#39;s shirt or jacket or other item of apparel. The additional leverage provided by the rotationally interlocked arrangement of the two edges (e.g. the proximal side edge of a pocket formed in the strap, situated adjacent to the bottom edge of a hem on the collar of a user&#39;s shirt) minimizes the overall movement and rotation of the clip, and therefore the overall movement of the audio cord itself. The reduced movement of the cord results in an enhanced user experience, and increased quality of entertainment. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, the optimized cord clip of the present disclosure includes a dual-channel coupler configured to: (i) couple the audio cord to the strap (which is clasped onto the user&#39;s apparel), and (ii) minimize sliding of the cord within the optimized cord clip device to avoid disruption to the user. The optimized design of the cord clip of the present disclosure accomplishes both; it minimizes rotation of the cord clip about a collar (and thereby movement of the cord in the same manner), and further minimizes slipping of the cord that may otherwise lead to displacement or complete dislodgement of an earphone from a user&#39;s ear. While embodiments of the present technology are described in connection with earphone and headphone devices, the optimized cord clip technology disclosed herein may also be applied to other cords, strings, cables, etc. that users need secured (e.g. the cord connecting noise-canceling earplugs, or spectacle security cords, etc.). 
         [0026]    The optimized cord clip of the present disclosure includes a strap and a coupler, the coupler being able to secure both the strap and a cord of an audio device.  FIG. 1A  is a schematic of a disassembled cord clip strap, and components enclosed therein in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The strap  100  includes a first layer  200  formed with pockets  210  and  220 , two fitted cushions  503  and  504  formed with apertures  510  and  520 , two ferromagnetic units (e.g. magnetized disks or pellets)  512  and  522 , and second layer  300 . In some embodiments, ferromagnetic units  512  and  522  may be situated in apertures  510  and  520  of fitted cushions  503  and  504 ; fitted cushions  503  and  504  may be further situated in pockets  210  and  220  formed in layer  200  of strap  100 . A second layer  300  may then be mechanically coupled to first layer  200  such that second layer  300  substantially covers the apertures formed in strap  100  by pockets  210  and  220  of first layer  200 , thereby enclosing and securing fitted cushions  503  and  504  and ferromagnetic units  512  and  522  in an interior portion of strap  100 . As discussed in more detail below, the fully assembled cord clip is optimized to fold the strap about a pivot point (e.g. the dual-channel coupler) so that opposite ends of strap  100  clasp together around a portion of a user&#39;s clothing, held together via magnetic force generated by ferromagnetic units  512  and  522 . 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, no cushions  503 ,  504  are used to secure ferromagnetic units  512  and  522  within pockets  210  and  220 . In other embodiments the ferromagnetic units are secured without fitted cushions  503  and  504  because the shape of the ferromagnetic units  512  and  522  substantially matches the profile of pockets  210  and  220  respectively. In still further embodiments, one of the ferromagnetic units is magnetized and the other is not. 
         [0028]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , in some embodiments the strap  100  is formed with one or more notches  222  and  333 , the notches located substantially near the point about which the strap will bend when in a closed configuration during use. As depicted, notches  222  and  333  are configured to secure a mid-portion of strap  100  within a channel  410  of dual channel coupler  400  of  FIG. 1B  when the optimized cord clip device of the present disclosure is assembled. 
         [0029]    Although  FIG. 1A  depicts strap  100  being formed with two separate layers,  200  and  300 , in some embodiments strap  100  is formed from a single piece of material (e.g. compression mold, etc.). However, in embodiments that employ a multilayer approach, such layers may be coupled together in a variety of methods known in the art (e.g. adhesives, plastic weld, etc.). Indeed, it should be noted that the technology disclosed herein is not limited to the figures and examples provided. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, there are many aspects and modifications that may be made to the optimized cord clips depicted in the figures without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, a wide variety of materials may be used in a vast array of sizes in employing this technology. For instance, the strap  100  may include one or more flexible and/or rigid materials well-known in the art (e.g. flexible silicone strap formed with rigid plastic pockets, or a spandex top layer with a suede bottom layer, etc.), and the dual-channel coupler may be formed from a rigid plastic, metal, or other suitable material. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a dual-channel coupler in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed technology. As illustrated, dual-channel coupler  400  is formed with a first channel  410  traversing the thickness dimension, CT, of dual-channel coupler  400  and running in a substantially perpendicular direction to longitudinal axis of second channel  450 . 
         [0031]    First channel  410  is configured to receive and secure strap  100 . In particular embodiments, such as the one depicted, strap  100  is notched, the width dimension of first channel  410  substantially matching the outer width dimension of notched portion of strap  100 , and the height dimension of first channel  410  substantially matching the thickness, T 100 , of strap  100 , the notched portion of strap  100  being defined by the combination of notched portion  222  of first layer  220  and notched portion  333  of second layer  300  when combined to form strap  100 . In embodiments, the first channel  410  is formed to substantially match the outer profile of a portion of strap  100  to hold strap  100  in place during use. In particular, width dimensions W 210  of first layer  200  and W 310  and second layer  300  fit (either in a relaxed or compressed state) within first channel  410  of dual-channel coupler  400 . Additionally, thickness dimension T 100  of strap  100  fits (either in a relaxed or compressed state) within first channel  410  of dual-channel coupler  400 . 
         [0032]    In still further embodiments, one or more of first layer  200  and second layer  300  is made of a compressible material (e.g. memory foam, silicone, rubber, spandex, suede, etc.), and the thickness of strap  100  is equal to or greater than the height dimension of first channel  410  before a portion of strap  100  is positioned within first channel  410 . When strap  100  is positioned within channel  410 , the compressible materials of strap  100  may be compressed by the rigid inside wall of channel  410 . In some embodiments, this compression increases the outward force applied to the interior wall of first channel  410 , and likewise increases the inward force applied to the portion of the strap  100  in contact with the inside wall of the first channel  410 . The increased force increases the friction between strap  100  and first channel  410  in accordance with the well-known equation, Fr=μN, where Fr is the resistive force of friction, μ is the coefficient of friction for the two surfaces, N is the normal or perpendicular force between the two objects. Because friction increases with force, embodiments that employ compressible materials in forming strap  100  may realize further positional security and stability of strap  100  within channel  410 . Consequently, greater stability may be realized for the audio cord as well. In some embodiments the first channel  410  is formed with a ridge  412  within first channel  410  to ensure there is sufficient compressive force applied to strap  100  to hold the strap  100  in place when a portion of strap  100  is disposed within the first channel  410 . 
         [0033]    As illustrated, second channel  450  runs along a distal edge of the coupler  400  in the longitudinal direction substantially orthogonal to first channel  410 . As depicted, second channel  450  is partially open and configured to receive an audio cord in a snap-fit manner. In particular, second channel  450  has a diameter, D 450 , that substantially matches the diameter of an audio cord. The second channel  450  is also configured with a partially open side having a dimension, C O , measuring smaller than the diameter of an audio cord. With sufficient force, an audio cord may be pressed into second channel  450  such that the audio cord is held snug in place by the interior wall of second channel  450 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 2A  is a top view of a cord clip in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed technology, the cord clip depicted in an open configuration.  FIG. 2B  is a bottom view of the cord clip depicted in  FIG. 2A , and  FIG. 2C  is a side view of the same embodiment of the cord clip, also in an open configuration for clarity of discussion. As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C  and discussed above in connection with  FIG. 1B , dual-channel coupler  400  of cord clip  1000  is configured with a second channel  450  to receive and secure cord  50  in a snap-fit manner. As further illustrated, dual-channel coupler  400  of cord clip  1000  is configured with a first channel  410  to receive and secure strap  100  in a substantially orthogonal direction relative to the longitudinal axis of cord  50  when it is situated in second channel  450 . In some embodiments, width dimension W 100  of strap  100  is uniform across the length of the strap  100 . In other embodiments, a portion of strap  100  is configured with one or more notches, wherein the width dimension of the strap  100  at the notched portion is smaller than the width dimension W 100  of the remainder of strap  100 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3A  is a top view of a first layer of a strap used in a cord clip in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed technology.  FIG. 3B  is a top view of a second layer of a strap used in a cord clip in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed technology. As depicted, in some embodiments the outer profile of first layer  200  matches the outer profile of second layer  300 . In this embodiment, width dimension W 200  of first layer  200  is approximately the same as width dimension W 300  of second layer  300 ; width dimension W 210  of notched portion of first layer  200  is approximately the same as width dimension W 310  of notched portion of second layer  300 ; and length dimension L 200  of first layer  200  is approximately the same as length dimension L 300  of second layer  300 . In embodiments the width dimensions W 200  and W 300  is about between 15 and 25 millimeters, and the length dimensions L 200  and L 300  is about between 65 and 75 millimeters. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4A  is a magnified side view of a dual channel coupler component of an optimized cord clip in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed technology.  FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of a dual channel coupler component of an optimized cord clip in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed technology. As depicted, dual-channel coupler  400  is formed with a first channel  410  traversing the thickness dimension, CT, of coupler  400  and running in a substantially perpendicular direction to second channel  450 ; second channel  450  running along a distal edge of dual-channel coupler  400  in a substantially longitudinal direction. 
         [0037]    First channel  410  is configured to receive and secure strap  100 . Interior wall  411  of first channel  410  may be configured to substantially match an outer profile of a portion of strap  100  when strap  100  is situated within first channel  100  as depicted in  FIGS. 2A-2C . In particular, width dimensions W 210  of first layer  200  and W 310  and second layer  300  are collectively less than or equal to the thickness dimension of first channel  410  of dual-channel coupler  400  when strap  100  is situated within channel  410 . In other words, the thickness dimension T 100  of strap  100  fits (either in a relaxed or compressed condition) within first channel  410  of dual-channel coupler  400 . 
         [0038]    When the strap  100  is positioned within channel  410 , the compressible materials of strap  100  are compressed by the inside wall of channel  410 . In some embodiments, this compression increases the outward force applied to the interior wall of the first channel  410 , and likewise increases the inward force applied to the portion of the strap  100  in contact with the inside wall of the first channel  410 . The increased force increases the friction between strap  100  and first channel  410  in accordance with the previously recited equation, Fr=μN, where Fr is the resistive force of friction, μ is the coefficient of friction for the two surfaces, N is the normal or perpendicular force between the two objects. Because friction increases with force, embodiments that employ compressible materials in forming strap  100  realize further positional security and stability of strap  100  within channel  410 . In some embodiments the inside wall  411  of the first channel  410  includes a ridge  412  protruding into the aperture that forms first channel  410 . Strap  100  is situated through first channel  410  when the cord clip  1000  is assembled, and ridge  412  within first channel  410  ensures there is sufficient compressive force applied to strap  100  to hold strap  100  in place. In some embodiments the dimensions of the channel  410  relative to the outer profile dimension of the notched portion of the strap  100  are such that ridge  412  is unnecessary. In other embodiments, the dimensions of the strap  100  otherwise fit too loosely within the channel  410 , and the added functionality of the ridge  410  becomes critical to inhibiting movement. In particular, the increased force on strap  100  created by ridge  412  increases the friction between the surface of the strap  100  that is in contact with the interior wall  411  of channel  410 . The increased friction results minimizes movement of the strap  100  within the first channel  410  and enables the optimized cord clip assembly to maintain its functionality. 
         [0039]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , second channel  450  runs along a distal edge of the coupler  400  in the longitudinal direction substantially orthogonal to the direction traversed by the first channel  410 . As depicted, second channel  450  is partially open and configured to receive an audio cord in a snap-fit manner. In particular, second channel  450  has an inside diameter, D 450 , that substantially matches the outside diameter of an audio cord. However the dimension C O  of the partial opening along the length of second channel  450  is, in some embodiments, less than the outside diameter of an audio cord. With sufficient force, an audio cord may be pressed into second channel  450  such that the audio cord is held snug in place by the interior wall of second channel  450 . That is, when a user attempts to press an audio cord into channel  450  via the partial opening defined by dimension C O  in  FIG. 4B , one or more of (i) the cord material, or (ii) the material forming the channel  450 , may temporarily flex or compress such that the audio cord may settle within channel  450  resulting in a snug fit. Similarly, when a user attempts to remove an audio cord from channel  450 , a sufficient amount of force will incur the same or similar flexure and compression. Accordingly, an audio cord may be releasably coupled to cord clip  1000  via channel  450  of dual-channel coupler  400 . The snap-fit type design for the cord clip of the presently disclosed technology minimizes slippage and enhances the security and stability of the audio cord&#39;s position. 
         [0040]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of a cord clip in a closed configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed technology. The closed configuration embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5A  illustrates how cord clip  1000  functions to minimize rotation and other cord movements. The closed configuration is held in place by the attractive forces between the ferromagnetic units disposed in pocket  210  and pocket  220  when brought close together. As depicted, the closed configuration of optimized cord clip  1000  defines a new aperture  234 . The formation of aperture  234  is provided to allow the hemmed collar of a t-shirt or other hemmed portion of other apparel to be situated therein. As will be discussed in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 6A-6C , the square edge of pocket  210  is designed to situate adjacent to the edge of a t-shirt hem when the cord clip is worn by a user, such that neither the cord clip nor the shirt collar can rotate relative to the other. In some embodiments, the cord clip is designed to utilize the structure provided by a tee-shirt (or other apparel) to minimize cord movement while securing the cord to the user&#39;s apparel. 
         [0041]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of a cord clip in another closed configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed technology.  FIG. 5B  is similar to  5 A, but illustrates an additional configuration, where the second channel  450  of cord clip  1000  is facing the inside of the cord clip when in the closed position. In some instances a user may wish to employ such a configuration to further secure an audio cord. In such embodiments, the total length L T  of strap  100  is slightly longer, ranging from 70-90 mm in length, to ensure that the dual-channel coupler  400  does not obstruct aperture  234  in a manner that precludes the interlocking feature to occur as between the edges of the pocket  210  and hem. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6A  is a side view of a tee-shirt with a cord clip attached thereto in accordance with the technology disclosed herein. As illustrated, optimized cord clip  1000  may clasp around the edge of a collar  61  of tee shirt  60 . In exemplary embodiments, hem  61  of shirt  60  fits within aperture  234  such that the top edge of pocket  210  or  220  aligns with the bottom edge of a hem  61 . In this arrangement, hem  61  provides structure which cord clip  1000  can leverage in order to resist rotational and other forces. In other embodiments, edge of hem  61  may not necessarily align (e.g. in parallel) with an edge of pocket  210  or  220 , but the apparel may be gathered into aperture  234  in a manner that provides similar such structure for cord clip to leverage when resisting rotational and other forces.  FIG. 6B  is a schematic diagram illustrating a magnified view of the cord clip shown in  FIG. 6A , symbolically depicting the location of pocket  210  and hem  61  of shirt  60  in accordance with an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein. As illustrated, a bottom edge of hem  61  substantially aligns with top edge of pocket  210 . Because neither edge is rounded, rotational movement of the shirt  60 , hem  61  and cord clip  1000  with respect to one another is minimized. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6C  is a magnified cross-sectional view of the cord clip shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , here depicting several of the layers discussed earlier in connection with  FIGS. 1A-3B . First layer  200  and second layer  300  are coupled together; pockets  210  and  220  are situated on the same side of first layer  200  such that they may come in contact with one another when the attractive force between the ferromagnetic units is engaged. When worn by a user, cord clip  1000  clasps a portion of a user&#39;s apparel (e.g. tee-shirt  60 ) such that a portion of the collar or hem of the user&#39;s apparel is disposed within an aperture  234  defined in part by the interior portion of first layer  200  when the cord clip is in a closed position. The outside portion of pocket  210  and pocket  220  come in direct contact with user&#39;s apparel, and exert compressive force on the material that further inhibits rotational and other movements. 
         [0044]    While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the disclosed technology, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the disclosed technology. The disclosed technology is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features of the technology disclosed herein. 
         [0045]    Although the disclosed technology is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosed technology, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the technology disclosed herein should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. 
         [0046]    Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future. 
         [0047]    The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed in multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.