Abstract:
An apparatus for securing headphone/earbud/transducer wires through a clasping structure created when the earbuds are connected. The coupling of the headphones may create a clasping structure whereby the headphone wire can be coiled and then held in place, preventing the wires from knotting or tangling. When the headphones are connected to one another, there may exist a space between them, serving as a closed loop around the coiled headphone wires. When the headphones are unconnected, however, no such loop exists. The width of the loop may be approximately the same thickness of the coiled headphone wires so that friction holds the wires in place.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/011,127, filed on Jun. 12, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a headphone apparatus capable of managing headphone wires. Specifically, the present invention may relate to a headphone apparatus having transducer coupling devices that, when engaged, create a structure capable of securing one or more headphone wires. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of Background 
         [0005]    All United States patents and publications referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into the present application. In particular, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,616,080; 7,077,693; 7,436,974; 7,693,295; 8,121,304; 8,139,809; 8,189,843; 8,798,305; 8,908,898; 8,976,993; and D709,355; and U.S. Patent Application Publications Nos. 2014/0169611, and 2011/0252605 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the case of conflict, the present specification, including any definitions, will control. 
         [0006]    The use of portable audio and video devices, including smartphones, has grown rapidly as a way for people to listen to various audio mediums while on the go. These devices require some sort of audio transducer/headphone to convert the electrical signals from the portable device into audible sound. These signals are usually transmitted by means of a signal wire or cord physically connected to the device, but could also be transmitted wirelessly. Many designs of these “headphones” exist but increasingly popular are earbud/in-ear headphones that are small, light weight and easy to carry or store when not being used. These earbud headphones are usually connected to one another by means of secondary wires, which transmit the portable device signal to both the right and left headphone transducers. In each earbud housing, there is typically at least one headphone transducer to convert the device signal into audio. The earbud housing may include housing for at least a portion of a wire connected to the headphone transducer, and may have multiple parts and shapes to it, including, but not limited to a structure designed to fit the shape of a user&#39;s ear or ear canal, a decorative or ornamental structure, a shroud, or a stem. 
         [0007]    While earbud headphones are lightweight and portable, the headphone wires are flexible and can often become tangled or knotted when they are stored away, such as in a pocket or bag. When the wires become tangled or knotted, the user must take time and effort to untangle or unknot them before being able to use the headphones properly. Additionally, this tangling or even the process of untangling the headphones can cause damage to the wires, eventually causing the headphones no longer to function. There are techniques users may employ to coil or wrap the wire and then intentionally knot the wire around itself so that it does not become further tangled. These techniques require user knowhow but also add complexity to un-wrapping the headphones because the user must undo the intentional knot. 
         [0008]    In addition, certain cord management systems exist whereby a portion of the headphone wire is formed into elastic helical coil shape to help facilitate this folding of the wire, such as the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,908,898, as noted above. This embodiment, however, causes the tying portion of the wire to be bulkier, changes its aesthetic properties, and causes it to facilitate tangling with the rest of the wires if the tying portion is not properly engaged with a folded wire. 
         [0009]    Similarly, certain cord management systems exist which allow the user to wrap a wire around them and temporarily secure it to prevent tangling. Such systems are described, for example, in the U.S. Pat. No. 7,077,693, as noted above. Some of these systems include an embedded winding mechanism to help the user spool the wire, such as the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,080, as noted above. Other cord management systems exist that wrap around the coiled headphone wires, securing them in place by means of friction thereby preventing them from tangling. Such systems are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0252605, as noted above. Each of these embodiments requires an additional device, which adds significant size and weight to the headphones or must be carried separately. 
         [0010]    Other cord management systems exist that do not require an additional spooling device but rather use the headphones&#39; bodies as a spooling device. These embodiments, however, require an additional cord fastener to be engaged with the wire, which adds significant size and weight to the headphone wires and changes their aesthetic properties. Furthermore, this system makes returning the headphones to a usable state a three-step process: 1) unclasp the fastener, 2) uncoil the cord, 3) pull the headphone ear pieces apart. Such systems are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0169611, as noted above. 
         [0011]    Certain headphones are designed to be connected by means of a coupling device so that the user may wear the headphones around the neck when they are not in use. Such systems are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,436,974; 7,693,295; 8,189,843; 8,798,305; and 8,976,993, as noted above. In addition to connecting the headphones around the user&#39;s neck, the user may connect the headphones before storing them away in a pocket or a bag, for example. Connecting the headphones helps prevent the two secondary wires from tangling with one another by creating a complete wire loop with no unconnected ends of the earbud wires. While coupling the headphones in this way does provide a way to partially prevent tangling, the earbud wires may still become entangled with the signal wire, creating knots the user must still unknot or untangle. 
         [0012]    Certain cord management systems exist to further secure the signal wire, but they require at least one additional cable management clip device, which adds significant size and weight to the headphone wires, changes their aesthetic properties and introduces the potential for further tangling when the clip device is not properly engaged. Such systems are described, for example, in the U.S. Pat. No. 8,139,809, as noted above. 
         [0013]    Furthermore, certain cord management systems exist which are designed to allow the user to connect each end of the headphone wires (the headphones) and signal wires (the plug) together. Connecting the headphones and plug helps prevent the two secondary wires and one signal wire from tangling with each other by creating a complete wire loop with no unconnected ends of the earbud wires. While connecting the headphones and plug in this way provides a way to partially prevent tangling among the earbud and signal wires, it does not completely prevent tangling as much of the wire is still unconstrained. It does not provide a way to constrain the wire at points other than its ends, still allowing the unsecured wire to become entangled with or snagged on other objects, e.g., keys in one&#39;s pocket or the wire from another device in a laptop bag. Some such systems may require a connection device, i.e., magnets or snaps, at the ends of each of the earbud and signal wires. Having several connection devices adds bulk, changes its aesthetic properties and makes it so returning the headphones to a usable state is at least a two-step process: 1) disconnect the signal wire connection device, 2) pull the earphone connection devices apart. Such systems are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,121,304, as noted above. Other such systems require the use of an additional device which adds significant size and weight to the headphones or must be carried separately, creating the possibility that it will be lost. Such systems are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. D709,355, as noted above. 
         [0014]    There is presently a need in the art for a system or systems to more-effectively prevent the earbud/headphone wires from tangling or knotting, thereby saving the user time and hassle required to untangle the wires. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0015]    The present invention may provide, among other advantages, a headphone apparatus that enables a headphone wire to be secured in such a way that prevents knotting and tangling and may not require an additional device to do so. In one aspect, the invention may provide a earbud/headphone apparatus including a first transducer and a second transducer, a first coupling device and a second coupling device, a first transducer wire and a second transducer wire, and a signal wire. The first and second transducer wires may be connected to the first and second transducers, respectively, and may merge with the signal wire. The signal wire may be capable of being connected to a portable device by an audio connector, which may be attached to the signal wire. The first and second coupling devices may include first and second clips, respectively. When the coupling devices are connected in a specific orientation, the first and second clips may form a loop which can be used to hold coiled headphone wires in place, preventing the headphone wires from tangling. The loop formed when the coupling devices are connected may be fully closed or may leave a small space between each clip, though such space may be less than the diameter of any of the headphone wires and/or audio connector. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, when the coupling devices are connected in a specific orientation, the clips may grip the coiled wires by means of friction, holding them in place. Generally, headphone wires are encased by a flexible material such as rubber or fabric, which can be compressed under moderate pressure, thereby reducing the diameter of the headphone wire. In one embodiment, the loop formed by the connection of the coupling devices and the clips may be smaller than the diameter of the coiled headphone wires, thereby slightly compressing them in the way described above, further securing them in place through the friction between the clips and the wire. In another embodiment, the loop formed by the connection of the coupling devices and the clips may be smaller than the diameter of the audio plug, so that should the wire overcome the force of friction and move freely within the loop, the end of the wire with the audio plug will not be able to pass through the loop, thereby keeping the coiled wires secured. In another embodiment, the loop formed by the connection of the coupling devices and the clips may be used to grip the audio plug by means of friction, thereby securing both the plug and the wire. 
         [0017]    In a further embodiment, the coupling devices may comprise a means of maintaining the specific orientation needed to create the loop. For example, each coupling device may comprise a magnet creating a non-uniform magnetic field, such as the field created by a magnet with an elongated or rectangular surface. Alternatively, one coupling device may comprise two or more magnets with differing polarities, such that magnets on the other coupling device are of complimentary polarities, thereby allowing the two coupling devices to connect in one orientation when in close proximity. In some embodiments, any coupling device may comprise a guiding structure whereby complimentary extrusions and depressions would keep the coupling devices at one or more specific orientations when connected. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the clips may be integrated into the shape of the transducers themselves. In these embodiments, the first transducer and second transducer may act as the first and second half of the clip, respectively. When the coupling devices are connected in a specific orientation, the first and second transducers may form a loop between the transducers which may be used to hold the coiled headphone wires in place, preventing them from tangling. The loop the transducers form when the coupling devices are connected may be fully closed or may leave a small space between each clip, though such space may not be greater than the diameter of any of the headphone wires. The loop may be formed, in part, by the coupling devices, or entirely by the shape of the headphones themselves. 
         [0019]    One aspect of the invention may provide a headphone apparatus including a wire, a first transducer, and a second transducer. The first transducer may have a first mechanical housing. The first mechanical housing may include a first coupling device. The second transducer may have a second mechanical housing. The second mechanical housing may include a second coupling device configured to engage with the first coupling device. The first and second coupling devices may be configured such that engagement of the first and second coupling devices secures the first and second transducers to each other. The first and second coupling devices may be configured such that engagement of the first and second coupling devices creates a structure capable of securing the wire. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the first coupling device may be attached to an interior or exterior surface of the first mechanical housing, or otherwise integrated with it. In some embodiments, the second coupling device may be attached to an interior or exterior surface of the second mechanical housing, or otherwise integrated with it. 
         [0021]    Another aspect of the invention may provide a headphone apparatus including a wire, a first transducer, a second transducer, a first coupling device, and a second coupling device. The first transducer may have a first mechanical housing. The second transducer may have a second mechanical housing. The second coupling device may be configured to engage with the first coupling device. The first and second coupling devices may be configured such that engagement of the first and second coupling devices creates a structure capable of securing the wire. In some embodiments, the first coupling device may be connected to a surface of or integrated into the first mechanical housing, and the second coupling device may be connected to a surface of or integrated into the second mechanical housing. 
         [0022]    Still another aspect of the invention may provide a method for securing a headphone wire of a headphone apparatus having a first transducer including a first coupling device and a second transducer including a second coupling device. The method may include coiling the headphone wire. The method may include securing the coiled headphone wire by engaging the first and second coupling devices. The engagement of the first and second coupling devices may (i) secure the first and second transducers to each other and (ii) create a structure capable of securing the wire. 
         [0023]    Another aspect of the invention may provide a system of modifying preexisting headphone transducers. The system may include a first attachment apparatus and a second attachment apparatus. The first attachment apparatus may be configured to be permanently or removeably attached to a mechanical housing of a first headphone transducer. The first attachment apparatus may include a first coupling device. The second attachment apparatus may be configured to be permanently or removeably attached to a mechanical housing of a second headphone transducer. The second attachment apparatus may include a second coupling device. The second coupling device may be configured to engage with the first coupling device. The first and second coupling devices may be configured such that engagement of the first and second coupling devices creates a structure capable of securing a wire connected to at least one of the first and second headphone transducers. 
         [0024]    A further aspect of the invention may provide a headphone apparatus including a signal wire, a first transducer, a second transducer, a first transducer wire, and a second transducer wire. The first and second transducers may be connected to the first and second transducer wires, respectively. The first transducer may include a first coupling device. The second transducer may include a second coupling device. The second coupling device may be configured to engage with the first coupling device. The first and second coupling devices may be configured such that engagement of the first and second coupling devices creates a structure capable of securing the signal wire. The first and second coupling devices may be configured such that engagement of the first and second coupling devices secures at least a portion of the first and second transducer wires to each other. The first and second coupling devices may be attached to or integrated with the first and second transducer wires, respectively. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, when the user wishes to resume using the headphones, he may simply pull the coupling devices apart, a one-step process. In some embodiments, with the wire no longer secured and the transducers disconnected, the wire may fall neatly to an untangled state, and the user can put the transducers in his ears. 
         [0026]    Further variations encompassed within the systems and methods are described in the detailed description of the invention below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate various, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective and side views, respectively, illustrating a headphone apparatus embodying aspects of the present invention with first and second coupling devices securing first and second transducers together and clips on the coupling devices securing the headphone wire. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the headphone apparatus illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  with the first and second coupling devices unconnected. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are perspective and side views, respectively, illustrating a headphone apparatus embodying aspects of the present invention with first and second coupling devices securing first and second transducers together and clips integrated in the transducer shape securing the headphone wire. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the headphone apparatus illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  with the first and second coupling devices unconnected. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective and side views, respectively, illustrating a headphone apparatus embodying aspects of the present invention with first and second coupling devices securing first and second transducers together and the housings of the first and second transducers securing the headphone wire. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the headphone apparatus illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  with the first and second coupling devices unconnected. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view illustrating a headphone apparatus.  FIG. 7B  is a perspective view illustrating an attachment apparatus embodying aspects of the present invention that may be configured to connect a first coupling device and clip to the headphone apparatus of  FIG. 7A .  FIG. 7C  is a perspective view illustrating first and second attachment apparatuses attaching first and second coupling devices and first and second clips, respectively, to the headphone apparatus of  FIG. 7A , with first and second coupling devices securing first and second transducers together and clips on the coupling devices securing the headphone wire. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view illustrating a headphone apparatus embodying aspects of the present invention with first and second coupling devices securing first and second transducer wires together and clips on the coupling devices securing the headphone wire.  FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the headphone apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 8A  with the first and second coupling devices unconnected. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  2  illustrate perspective, side, and perspective views of a headphone apparatus  100  embodying aspects of the present invention. In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus  100  may include a right transducer (e.g., earbud, earclip, earpiece, or in-ear headphone)  101  and a left transducer  102 . Each transducer may have a mechanical housing. In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus  100  may include an audio connector (e.g., audio plug)  110 , which enables the headphone apparatus  100  to connect to an audio device (e.g., mp3 player, mobile phone, laptop, radio, cd player, or tablet). When the headphone apparatus  100  is connected to the audio device (via the audio plug  110 ) and being used to play audio, the right and left transducers  101  and  102  may be inserted directly in the ear whereby audio can be heard. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, the housing of the right transducer  101  may have a right coupling device  103 , and the housing of the left transducer  102  may have a left coupling device  104 . For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, the right coupling device  103  may be affixed to the right transducer  101 , and the left coupling device  104  may be affixed to the left transducer  102 . The right and left coupling devices  103  and  104  may be configured to engage with each other. When engaged, the right and left coupling devices  103  and  104  may secure the right and left transducers  101  and  102  to each other.  FIGS. 1A and 1B  show the right and left coupling devices  103  and  104  engaged, and  FIG. 2  shows the right and left coupling devices  103  and  104  unconnected. In some embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  103  and  104  may be configured to engage when brought in close proximity to one another. In some non-limiting embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  103  and  104  may be magnets. However, this is not required, and, in alternative embodiments, the coupling devices  103  and  104  could take other forms (e.g., any of the coupling devices described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,798,305, snaps, clasp devices, or interlocking connectors). 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus  100  may include a right transducer wire  107 , a left transducer wire  108 , and a signal wire  109 . The right transducer wire  107  may have an end connected to the right transducer  101 , and the left transducer wire  108  may have an end connected to the left transducer  102 . The other ends of the earbud wires  107  and  108  may be connected to one end of the signal wire  109 , and the other end of the signal wire  109  may be connected to the audio plug  110 . 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus  100  may include a right clip  105  and a left clip  106 . The right clip  105  may be connected to or part of the right transducer  101 , and the left clip  106  may be connected to or part of the left transducer  102 . In some embodiments, engagement of the right and left coupling devices  103  and  104  may create a structure (e.g., a clasping or clipping structure) capable of securing the right transducer wire  107 , left transducer wire  108 , signal wire  109 , and/or audio connector  110 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the right and left clip  105 ,  106  may form opposite halves of a loop or collar created when the right and left transducers  101 ,  102  are secured together. For instance, when the headphones are not being used to play audio, the right and left transducer wires  107  and  108  can be coiled along with the signal wire  109 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
         [0040]    To secure the coiled wires, the right and left coupling devices  103  and  104  may be connected so that the right and left clips  105  and  106  form a loop around the coiled wires ( 107 ,  108  and  109 ). The loop formed by the clips  105  and  106  may be sufficiently small so as to maintain pressure on the coiled wires and/or to prevent the audio connector  110  from passing through the loop when the right and left coupling devices  103  and  104  are connected. That is, in some embodiments, the inside dimension of the closed loop formed by the clips  105  and  106  may be selected so as to securely hold an expected number of coils (e.g., 4 to 8 coils) of wire having a known thickness. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus  100  may include a microphone and/or remote control (not pictured), which may be integrated with one of the right or left transducer wires  107  and  108 . 
         [0042]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, when the right and left coupling devices  103  and  104  are disconnected, the coiled right  107 , left  108 , and signal  109  wires are not secured by the right and left clips  105  and  106 , which may allow any of the right or left transducers  101  and  102  or audio connector  110  to move freely and potentially entangle any of the right or left earbud wires  107  and  108  or signal wire  109 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  4  illustrate perspective, side, and perspective views, respectively, of a headphone apparatus  300  embodying aspects of the present invention. In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus  300  may include a right transducer (e.g., earbud, earclip, earpiece, or in-ear headphone)  301  and a left transducer  302 . Each transducer may have a mechanical housing. In some embodiments, the housing of the right transducer  301  may have a right coupling device  303 , and the housing of the left transducer  302  may have a left coupling device  304 . For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, the right coupling device  303  may be affixed to the right transducer  301 , and the left coupling device  304  may be affixed to the left transducer  302 . The right and left coupling devices  303  and  304  may be configured to engage with each other. When engaged, the right and left coupling devices  303  and  304  may secure the right and left transducers  301  and  302  to each other.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  show the right and left coupling devices  303  and  304  engaged, and  FIG. 4  shows the right and left coupling devices  303  and  304  unconnected. In some embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  303  and  304  may be configured to engage when brought in close proximity to one another. In some non-limiting embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  303  and  304  may be magnets. However, this is not required, and, in alternative embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  303  and  304  could be any other form of coupling device. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus  300  may include a right clip  305  and a left clip  306 . The right clip  305  may be integrated into the shape of the right transducer  301  housing, and the left clip  306  may be integrated into the shape of the left transducer  302  housing. In some embodiments, engagement of the right and left coupling devices  303  and  304  may create a structure (e.g., a clasping structure) capable of securing the right transducer wire  107 , left transducer wire  108 , signal wire  109 , and/or audio connector  110 . For instance, when the headphones are not being used to play audio, the right and left transducer wires  107  and  108  can be coiled along with the signal wire  109 , as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The right and left clips  305  and  306  may each comprise a concave surface or edge of the mechanical housings of the transducer  301 ,  302 , and the concave surfaces or edges may form opposite halves of a closed loop created when the transducers  301  and  302  are secured together. 
         [0045]    To secure the coiled wires, the right and left coupling devices  303  and  304  are connected so that the right and left clips  305  and  306  form a loop around the coiled wires ( 107 ,  108  and  109 ). The loop formed by the clips  305  and  306  may be sufficiently small to maintain pressure on the coiled wires (e.g., based on the thickness of the wires of the number of loops a user might be expected to make) and/or to prevent the audio connector  110  from passing through the loop when the right and left coupling devices  303  and  304  are connected. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus  300  may include a microphone and/or remote control (not pictured), which may be integrated with one of the right or left earbud wires  107  and  108 . 
         [0047]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, when the right and left coupling devices  303  and  304  are disconnected, the coiled right  107 , left  108  and signal  109  wires are not secured by the right and left clips  305  and  306 , which may allow any of the right or left earbuds  301  or  302  or audio connector  110  to move freely and potentially entangle any of the right or left transducer wires  107  or  108  or signal wire  109 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 3B , in various embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  303  and  304  may be constructed and arranged to hold the right and left transducers  301 ,  302  such that the respective housings of the transducers  301 ,  302  are in a back-to-back orientation with the housings contacting each other, except in the position of the right and left clips  305 ,  306 . In addition, the right and left coupling devices  303 ,  304  may be positioned on the respective transducer housing beneath the right and left clips  305 ,  306 . In some non-limiting embodiments, this arrangement may allow the wires  107 ,  108 ,  109  to be coiled over the top of the coupled transducers  301 ,  302  and pulled down between the transducers  301 ,  302 . In these non-limiting embodiments, the coupling devices  303 ,  304  (e.g., magnets) may be configured to allow a slight separation between the housings of transducers  301 ,  302  as the wire is pulled down between the housings (e.g., a slight separation caused by the wire forcing the housings apart) to thereby allow the wire to be pulled into the loop formed by the right and left clips  305 ,  306 . After the wire is pulled into the loop, the coupling devices  303 ,  304  may pull the housings of the transducers  301 ,  302  back into contact with each other, thereby closing the loop to prevent the wire from falling out of the loop. 
         [0049]    In another embodiment, not shown, the housings and the coupling devices may be configured such that the coupling devices  303 ,  304  hold the transducer housings together in mutual contact beneath the loop formed by the clips  305 ,  306  with a small gap between the housings above the loop. Thus, the wires may be coiled over the top of the coupled transducers  301 ,  302  and pulled down between the transducers  301 ,  302  through the gap between the housings above the loop formed by the clips  305 ,  306 . An ideal size of the gap may be determined based on the size (e.g., diameter) of the wire and the resiliency of the wire coating material. Thus, friction between the wire and the housings in the vicinity of the gap may be such as to permit a user to pull the wires into or out of the loop, but prevent the wires from simply falling through the gap. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  6  illustrate perspective, side, and perspective views, respectively, of a headphone apparatus  500  embodying aspects of the present invention. In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus  500  may include a right transducer (e.g., earbud, earclip, earpiece, or in-ear headphone)  501  and a left transducer  502 . Each transducer may have a mechanical housing. In some embodiments, the housing of the right transducer  501  may have a right coupling device  503 , and the housing of the left transducer  502  may have a left coupling device  504 . For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, the right coupling device  503  may be affixed to the right transducer  501 , and the left coupling device  504  may be affixed to the left transducer  502 . The right and left coupling devices  503  and  504  may be configured to engage with each other. When engaged, the right and left coupling devices  503  and  504  may secure the right and left transducers  501  and  502  to each other.  FIGS. 5A and 5B  show the right and left coupling devices  503  and  504  engaged, and  FIG. 6  shows the right and left coupling devices  503  and  504  unconnected. In some embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  503  and  504  may be configured to engage when brought in close proximity to one another. In some non-limiting embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  503  and  504  may be magnets. However, this is not required, and, in alternative embodiments, the coupling devices  503  and  504  could be any other form of coupling device. 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus  500  may include a right clip  505  and a left clip  506 . The right clip  505  may be formed by the shape of the right transducer  501 , and the left clip  506  may be formed by the shape of the left transducer  502 . In some embodiments, engagement of the right and left coupling devices  503  and  504  may create a structure capable of securing the right transducer wire  107 , left transducer wire  108 , signal wire  109 , and/or audio connector  110 . For instance, when the headphones are not being used to play audio, the right and left transducer wires  107  and  108  can be coiled along with the signal wire  109 , as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . To secure the coiled wires, the right and left coupling devices  503  and  504  may be connected so that the right and left clips  505  and  506  form a loop around the coiled wires ( 107 ,  108  and  109 ). The loop formed by the clips  505  and  506  may be sufficiently small to maintain pressure on the coiled wires and/or to prevent the audio connector  110  from passing through the loop when the right and left coupling devices  503  and  504  are connected. 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus  500  may include a microphone and/or remote control (not pictured), which may be integrated with one of the right or left transducer wires  107  and  108 . 
         [0053]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, when the right and left coupling devices  503  and  504  are disconnected, the coiled right  107 , left  108 , and signal  109  wires are not secured by the right and left clips  605  and  606 , which may allow any of the right or left transducers  501  or  502  or audio connector  110  to move freely and potentially entangle any of the right or left transducer wires  107  and  108  or signal wire  109 . 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 5B , in various embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  503  and  504  may be constructed and arranged to hold the right and left transducers  501 ,  502  such that the respective housings of the transducers  501 ,  502  are in a side-to-side orientation with the transducer housings contacting each other to form a loop including the right and left clips  505 ,  506  and the right and left coupling devices  503 ,  504 . In addition, the right and left coupling devices  503 ,  504  may be positioned on the respective transducer housing beneath the right and left clips  505 ,  506 . In some non-limiting embodiments, this arrangement may allow the wires  107 ,  108 ,  109  to be coiled over the top of the coupled transducers  501 ,  502  and pulled down between the transducers  501 ,  502 . In these non-limiting embodiments, the coupling devices  503 ,  504  (e.g., magnets) may be configured to allow a slight separation between the housings of transducers  501 ,  502  as the wire is pulled down between the housings (e.g., a slight separation caused by the wire forcing the housings apart) to thereby allow the wire to be pulled into the loop formed by the right and left clips  305 ,  306  and the coupling devices  503 ,  504 . After the wire is pulled into the loop, the coupling devices  503 ,  504  may pull the housings of the transducers  501 ,  502  back into contact with each other, thereby closing the loop to prevent the wire from falling out of the loop. 
         [0055]    In another embodiment, not shown, the transducer housings and the coupling devices may be configured such that the coupling devices  503 ,  504  hold the transducer housings together in mutual contact beneath the loop formed by the clips  505 ,  506  with a small gap between the housings above the loop. Thus, the wires may be coiled over the top of the coupled transducers  501 ,  502  and pulled down between the transducers  501 ,  502  through the gap between the housings above the loop formed by the clips  505 ,  506 . An ideal size of the gap may be determined based on the size (e.g., diameter) of the wire and the resiliency of the wire coating material. Thus, friction between the wire and the housings in the vicinity of the gap may be such as to permit a user to pull the wires into or out of the loop, but prevent the wires from simply falling through the gap. Additionally, in some non-limiting embodiments, a portion of the housings that create the gap may be tapered so as to guide the wires to the gap when the wire is pulled down between the transducers  501 ,  502 . 
         [0056]      FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C illustrate perspective views of a headphone apparatus, an attachment apparatus  700 , and a modified headphone apparatus with two attachment apparatuses  700  attached, respectively, embodying aspects of the present invention. In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the headphone apparatus may include a right transducer (e.g., earbud, earclip, earpiece, or in-ear headphone)  701  and a left transducer  702 . The right transducer  701  may be connected to a right transducer wire  107 , and the left transducer  702  may be connected to a left transducer wire  108 . In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus may include a signal wire  109 , and/or audio connector  110  (not pictured in  FIG. 7A ). 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, the attachment apparatus  700  may be a right attachment apparatus. As illustrated in  FIG. 7B , in some embodiments, the right attachment apparatus  700  may include one or more of a right attachment device  711 , a right coupling device  703 , and a right clip  705 . In some embodiments, the attachment apparatus  700  may be configured to attach to a headphone apparatus such as, for example, the headphone apparatus of  FIG. 7A . 
         [0058]    In some embodiments, one or more attachment apparatuses  700  may be attached to a headphone apparatus. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 7C , in some embodiments, right and left attachment apparatuses may be attached to the headphone apparatus of  FIG. 7A . In some embodiments, the modified headphone apparatus may include right and left attachment devices  711  and  712 , which may attach to the housing of the right and left transducers  701  and  702 , respectively. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, the right attachment device  711  may attach to the right transducer  701 , and the left attachment device  712  attach to the left transducer  702 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the right and left attachment devices  711  and  712  may permanently or removeably attach to the transducers  701  and  702  through an adhesive and/or by means of friction. In some embodiments, the right attachment device  711  may comprise a space (as shown in  FIG. 7B ) through which a right transducer wire  107  may pass so that the right attachment device  711  may slide onto the right transducer  701 . Similarly, in some embodiments, the left attachment device  712  may comprise a space (as shown in  FIG. 7C ) through which a left transducer wire  108  may pass so that the left attachment device  712  may slide onto the left transducer  702 . 
         [0059]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7C , in some embodiments, the right and left attachment devices  711  and  712  may be attached to right and left coupling devices  703  and  704 , respectively. In some embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  703  and  704  may be configured to engage with each other. When engaged, the right and left coupling devices  703  and  704  may secure the right and left transducers  701  and  702  to each other.  FIG. 7C  shows the right and left coupling devices  703  and  704  engaged. In some embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  703  and  704  may be configured to engage when brought in close proximity to one another. In some non-limiting embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  703  and  704  may be magnets. However, this is not required, and, in alternative embodiments, the coupling devices  703  and  704  could be any other form of coupling device. 
         [0060]    In some embodiments, the right and left attachment apparatuses may include a right clip  705  and a left clip  706 , respectively. In some embodiments, engagement of the right and left coupling devices  703  and  704  may create a structure capable of securing the right transducer wire  107 , left transducer wire  108 , signal wire  109 , and/or audio connector  110 . For instance, when the headphones are not being used to play audio, the right and left transducer wires  107  and  108  can be coiled along with the signal wire  109 , as shown in  FIG. 7C . To secure the coiled wires, the right and left coupling devices  703  and  704  may be connected so that the right and left clips  705  and  706  form a loop around the coiled wires ( 107 ,  108  and  109 ). The loop formed by the clips  705  and  706  may be sufficiently small to maintain pressure on the coiled wires and/or to prevent the audio connector  110  from passing through the loop when the right and left coupling devices  703  and  704  are connected. In some alternative embodiments (not pictured), the right and left attachment apparatuses may instead be configured so a right clip  705  may be formed by the shape of the right transducer  701  and a left clip  706  may be formed by the shape of the left transducer  702  when the attachment apparatuses are attached to the headphone apparatus of  FIG. 7A  (e.g., similar to the clips  505  and  506  shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  6 ). 
         [0061]    In some non-limiting embodiments, the headphone apparatus of  FIG. 7A  may include a microphone and/or remote control (not pictured), which may be integrated with one of the right or left transducer wires  107  and  108 . 
         [0062]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate perspective views of a headphone apparatus  800  embodying aspects of the present invention. In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus  800  may include a right transducer (e.g., earbud, earclip, earpiece, or in-ear headphone)  801  and a left transducer  802 . The right transducer  801  may be connected to a right transducer wire  807  and the left transducer  802  may be connected to a left transducer wire  808 . In some embodiments, the right transducer wire  807  may have a right coupling device  803 , and the left transducer wire  808  may have a left coupling device  804 . For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, the right coupling device  803  may be affixed to the right transducer wire  807 , and the left coupling device  804  may be affixed to the left transducer wire  808 . In some embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  803  and  804  may be configured to engage with each other. When engaged, the right and left coupling devices  803  and  804  may secure the right and left transducer wires  807  and  808  to each other, thereby limiting the movement of the first and second transducers  801  and  802  with respect to each other.  FIG. 8A  shows the right and left coupling devices  803  and  804  engaged, and  FIG. 8B  shows the right and left coupling devices  803  and  804  unconnected. In some embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  803  and  804  may be configured to engage when brought in close proximity to one another. In some non-limiting embodiments, the right and left coupling devices  803  and  804  may be magnets. However, this is not required, and, in alternative embodiments, the coupling devices  803  and  804  could be any other form of coupling device. 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus  800  may include a right clip  805  and a left clip  806 . In some embodiments, engagement of the right and left coupling devices  803  and  804  may create a structure capable of securing the right transducer wire  807 , left transducer wire  808 , signal wire  109 , and/or audio connector  110 . For instance, when the headphones are not being used to play audio, the right and left transducer wires  807  and  808  can be coiled along with the signal wire  109 , as shown in  FIG. 8A . To secure the coiled wires, the right and left coupling devices  803  and  804  may be connected so that the right and left clips  805  and  806  form a loop around the coiled wires ( 807 ,  808  and  109 ). The loop formed by the clips  805  and  806  may be sufficiently small to maintain pressure on the coiled wires and/or to prevent the audio connector  110  from passing through the loop when the right and left coupling devices  803  and  804  are connected. 
         [0064]    In some embodiments, the headphone apparatus  800  may include a microphone and/or remote control (not pictured), which may be integrated with one of the right or left transducer wires  807  and  808 . 
         [0065]    As illustrated in  FIG. 8B , in some embodiments, when the right and left coupling devices  803  and  804  are disconnected, the coiled right  807 , left  808 , and signal  109  wires are not secured by the right and left clips  805  and  806 , which may allow any of the right or left transducers  801  or  802  or audio connector  110  to move freely and potentially entangle any of the right or left transducer wires  807  and  808  or signal wire  109 . 
         [0066]    Although in some of the embodiments described above, the headphone apparatus may secure coiled headphone wires (e.g., right and left transducer wires  107  and  108  and signal wire  109 ), this is not required. In some alternative embodiments, the loop created by the coupling of the transducers (e.g., transducers  101  and  102 , transducers  301  and  302 , transducers  501  and  502 ) and the clips (e.g., clips  105  and  106 , clips  305  and  306 , or clips  505  and  506 ) may be small enough to secure only one width of wire. In these embodiments, the portion of the signal wire  109  closest to the audio connector  110  may be gripped and secured by the clips, and the gripping of this portion of the signal wire  109  may effectively create a continuous loop in the wire and, thus, reduce the likelihood the wires will tangle or knot. In another alternative embodiment, the clips may be configured to grip and/or secure only the connector  110  to essentially create a continuous loop in the wire, and, thus, reduce the likelihood the wires will tangle or knot. 
         [0067]    In some alternative embodiments, the headphone apparatus (e.g., apparatus  100 , apparatus  300 , or apparatus  500 ) may include a means of stabilizing or strengthening the connection between the wire and the right and left clips. For example, such means may include, but are not limited to, wires with adhesives integrated into their surfaces, clips with adhesives on their surfaces, and/or magnets in the clips which are attracted to a material in the headphone wire. 
         [0068]    In some alternative embodiments, the headphone apparatus may include two or more additional coupling devices integrated into the clips themselves. These additional coupling devices can be instead of or in addition to the transducer coupling devices. In these embodiments, when the earbuds are connected, the ends of the clips may also connect (e.g., by means of magnetic force or a snap). 
         [0069]    In some alternative embodiments, the headphone apparatus may include a clip system whereby the right clip and left clip are different but complimentary in shape. Several clip shapes could be used to achieve the loop described above, including, but not limited to hooks and loops, a peg and loop or snaps. Furthermore, these clips can be either rigid or flexible. 
         [0070]    In some alternative embodiments, the headphone apparatus may have the ability to wirelessly connect to an audio or video device. In these wireless embodiments, the transducers may be connected to one another by a wire (e.g., a wire that transmits a signal or a wire that is simply be used to connect the transducers for convenience and portability). These headphone wires can similarly be coiled and secured using aspects of the present invention. 
         [0071]    Moreover, in the various embodiments described herein, any suitable coupling device or devices can be employed to couple the right and left transducers together in accordance with the invention, including those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,798,305, snaps, various clasp devices, interlocking connectors and the like. For example, the coupling device or devices can be permanently or removably affixed to the transducer or can be incorporated into or made a part of the construction of the transducer itself. For another example, the first coupling device may be separate from the first mechanical housing and first transducer, and the second coupling device is separate from the second mechanical housing and second transducer. 
         [0072]    The foregoing disclosure of the various embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art given the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims and by their equivalents.