Patent Publication Number: US-2017374446-A1

Title: Protective, sound absorbing, and/or decorative device for covering and/or coupling to earphones

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/354,625, filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and titled “PROTECTIVE, SOUND ABSORBING, AND/OR DECORATIVE DEVICE FOR COVERING AND/OR COUPLING TO EARPHONES.” The foregoing application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The disclosure relates generally to the field of earphones, and more particularly to protective, sound absorbing, and/or decorative devices for covering and/or coupling to one or more earphone devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments described herein address problems of susceptibility of earphone devices to damage and their general lack of features other than converting signals into audible sounds. 
     Some embodiments include a monolithic protective cap that can be configured to be removably coupled to an earphone device. The monolithic protective cap can comprise a generally circular cap portion comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a side wall portion, wherein the side wall portion comprises a fragment of a generally annular shape, wherein the inner surface extends from at least a fragment of one side of an circumference of the side wall portion and the outer surface extends from at least a fragment of another side of the circumference of the side wall portion, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface comprises a generally flat surface, wherein the inner surface extends from the side wall portion at a first angle measured between the side wall portion and the generally flat surface of the inner surface, wherein the first angle is greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees, wherein the outer surface extends from the side wall portion at a second angle measured between the side wall portion and the generally flat surface of the outer surface, wherein the second angle is greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees, and wherein the outer surface further comprises one or more graphics, wherein the inner surface comprises sound absorbing properties, thereby reducing outside noise from entering the earpiece of the earphone device and further reducing sound from the earphone device from escaping. The monolithic protective cap can further comprise a coupling portion comprising: a stem portion, wherein the stem portion extends from the cap portion at a third angle measured between the stem portion and the cap portion, wherein the third angle is greater than 135 degrees and less than 225 degrees, a first arm, wherein the first arm extends from a portion of one side of the stem and comprises a fragment of a generally annular shape, and a second arm, wherein the second arm extends from a portion of another side of the stem and comprises a fragment of a generally annular shape, wherein end of the first arm and end of the second arm form a gap, wherein the first and second arms are configured to slide onto a shaft of the earphone device in a general direction from the wire of the earphone device to the shaft of the earphone device and wherein the arms are shaped such that the arms form to the shape of the shaft of the earphone device forming a grip on the earphone device, thereby increasing friction between the first and second arms to allow for coupling between the protective device and the earphone device, wherein the first and second arms are configured to detach from the shaft of the earphone device to decrease friction between the monolithic protective cap and the earphone device to allow for easy removal and installation of the cap, and thereby preventing damage to the earpiece and the wire. 
     In some embodiments, the inner surface can connect to the side wall by an edge portion and the outer surface connect to the side wall by an edge portion, wherein the edge portion and the side wall forms an angle of more than 90 degrees and wherein the edge portion has a width of at most 1 cm. 
     In some embodiments, the cap portion is made of a sound absorbing material. 
     In some embodiments, the cap portion is made of a mendable material. 
     In some embodiments, the cap portion further comprises of one or more printed circuit boards. 
     In some embodiments, the cap portion further comprises of one or more electronic display modules configured to display one or more graphics. 
     In some embodiments, the protective device further comprises of one or more sensors configured to measure one or more physiological readings. 
     In some embodiments, the protective device further comprises of one or more sensors configured to collect one or more biometric data. 
     In some embodiments, the protective device further comprises of one or more sensors configured to measure characteristics of the music being played by the earphone device. 
     Some embodiments include monolithic cap configured to be removably coupled to an earphone device comprising: a cap portion comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a side wall portion, wherein the inner surface extends from at least a fragment of one side the side wall portion and the outer surface extends from at least a fragment of another side of the side wall portion, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface comprises a generally flat surface, wherein the inner surface extends from the side wall portion at a first angle measured between the side wall portion and the generally flat surface of the inner surface, wherein the first angle is greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees, wherein the outer surface extends from the side wall portion at a second angle measured between the side wall portion and the generally flat surface of the outer surface, wherein the second angle is greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees, and wherein the outer surface further comprises one or more graphics, wherein the inner surface reduces outside noise from entering the earpiece of the earphone device; and a coupling portion comprising: a stem portion, wherein the stem portion extends from the inner surface and the outer surface of the cap portion at a third angle measured between the stem portion and the inner surface and the outer surface of the cap portion, wherein the third angle is greater than 135 degrees and less than 225 degrees, a first arm, wherein the first arm extends from a portion of one side of the stem and comprises a fragment of a generally annular shape, and a second arm, wherein the second arm extends from a portion of another side of the stem and comprises a fragment of a generally annular shape, wherein end of the first arm and end of the second arm form a gap, wherein the first and second arms are configured to slide onto a shaft of the earphone device in a general direction from the wire of the earphone device to the shaft of the earphone device and wherein the arms are shaped such that the arms form to the shape of the shaft of the earphone device forming a grip on the earphone device, thereby increasing friction between the first and second arms to allow for coupling between the protective device and the earphone device, wherein the first and second arms are configured to detach from the shaft of the earphone device to decrease friction between the monolithic protective cap and the earphone device to allow for easy removal and installation of the cap, and thereby preventing damage to the earpiece and the wire. 
     In some embodiments, the cap portion is made of a mendable material. 
     In some embodiments, the cap portion can be shaped to cover the general shape of the earphone device. 
     In some embodiments, a mount extends from the cap portion. 
     In some embodiments, the mount is connected to the cap portion with a hinge. 
     Some embodiments include a monolithic cap configured to be removably coupled to an earphone device comprising: a generally circular cap portion comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a side wall portion, wherein the side wall portion comprises a fragment of a generally annular shape, wherein the inner surface extends from at least a fragment of one side of an circumference of the side wall portion and the outer surface extends from at least a fragment of another side of the circumference of the side wall portion, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface comprises a generally flat surface, wherein the inner surface extends from the side wall portion at a first angle measured between the side wall portion and the generally flat surface of the inner surface, wherein the first angle is greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees, wherein the outer surface extends from the side wall portion at a second angle measured between the side wall portion and the generally flat surface of the outer surface, wherein the second angle is greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees, and wherein the outer surface further comprises one or more graphics, wherein the inner surface comprises sound absorbing properties, thereby reducing outside noise from entering the earpiece of the earphone device and further reducing sound from the earphone device from escaping; a coupling portion extending from a portion of the cap portion, comprising one or more arms, wherein the arms are configured to couple to the earphone device wherein the one or more arms are configured to removably attach on to an earphone device. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more arms are configured to snap on to a shaft of the earphone device. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more arms are configured to snap on to a wire of the earphone device. 
     In some embodiments, the coupling portion enclose at least a portion of a wire and at least a portion of a shaft of the earphone device. 
     In some embodiments, the coupling portion is made of a mendable material. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more arms comprises of a right arm and a left arm extending from a stem, wherein the left arm and the right arm extend from the stem by a hinge. 
     For purposes of this summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
     All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular disclosed embodiment(s). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A better understanding of the devices and methods described herein will be appreciated upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example embodiment of a protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device engaged onto example earphones. 
         FIGS. 2A-H  illustrates various views of an example embodiment of a protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 2  coupled to an earphone disposed on a human ear. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a side view of the example of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an example embodiment of a protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device coupled to an earphone and forming to the shape of the earphone. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of the example of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates an example embodiment of a protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device wrapping over the ear. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrate an example of a mount comprising a decorative, protective, and/or functional portion, a hinge portion, and a mount portion. 
         FIGS. 6A-E  illustrate side views of various embodiments of a decorative, protective, and/or sound absorbing device. 
         FIG. 6F  illustrates an example embodiment of a wire wrapped around the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or the cap. 
         FIGS. 7A-B  illustrate various embodiments of a protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device with a display. 
         FIG. 7C  illustrates an embodiment of a graphical display of the protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device with LED lights. 
         FIG. 7D  illustrates an embodiment of a blinking graphical display to warn others nearby in the evening. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example embodiment of a protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device communicating with a mobile computing device. 
         FIGS. 9A-D  illustrate various configuration of the noise isolating features of an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Earphones have become a widely popular way to enjoy music, watch movies without disturbing others, or the like. Many people carry portable earphone devices with them as well, for example when traveling on a plane, bus, train, or other means of transportation. However, when one carries around his or her earphone device, such devices can become prone to scratches and/or other types of damage. For example, if a user drops his or her earphone device or friction is caused between an earphone device and other objects, scratches can occur. Also, depending on the force exerted on the earphone device, other more serious damage to the device or to electronics thereof can also occur. The earpiece portion of earphone devices can especially be prone to such damages, as they comprise a large portion of such devices. The portion that connects the earpieces to the wires can be vulnerable to damage because wires can be pulled from the earbud during use, transport, and/or storage. One aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein provides a device for protecting the portion of the earphone that join the earpiece portion of earphones and the wire. Another aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein provides a device for protecting the earpiece portion of earphones, wherein the device can be configured to be removably, semi-permanently, and/or permanently attached and/or coupled to an earpiece portion of earphones, thereby providing a protective cover against damages. 
     Moreover, when using earphones, issues relating to noise seclusion can arise. For example, in some situations, unwanted outside noise can be heard by a user of an earphone device and/or earphones. Also, in certain situations, some sound produced by a user&#39;s earphone device and/or earphones can be heard by other people located nearby. Although integrated noise canceling headphone and earphone devices have been developed to address this issue, they are generally not perfect and are sold at a premium price. As such, another aspect of some embodiments disclosed herein provides a device for absorbing sound, thereby preventing unwanted outside noise from reaching an earphone user and/or preventing sound produced by earphones and/or earphones from escaping to the near vicinity. 
     Furthermore, many earphone devices and/or earphones being sold in the market include a logo, trademark, or other graphic identifying the manufacturer of the device. For example, the earpiece portions of many earphone devices and/or earphones include such graphics. However, some users may not wish to display such graphics. Moreover, certain users can want to display other graphics on their earphone devices and/or earphones instead. Because earphones are a part of everyday life, they can serve as accessories. Furthermore, the uneven contour of earphones and/or earphone devices makes it difficult to add personalization to them. As such, another aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein provides a device for displaying one or more other graphics on an earpiece portion of earphone devices and/or earphones as determined by a user. 
     Many earphones sold in the market do not have other functionality besides converting signals to audible sounds. Many existing earbuds generally do not have the capability of displaying certain lights (for example LED lights), a logo (for example, a logo that can change on a graphical user interface on the earphone device), or having user controls on the earbud. Furthermore, earphones generally do not have customizable options for attaching to the human ear. Earphones generally do not have the option to switch from open-back to closed-back. 
     The disclosure herein provides a protective, sound absorbing, and/or decorative device, and/or a plurality thereof, which can be attached and/or coupled to one or more earpiece portions of an earphone device. For purposes of this summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages can be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as can be taught or suggested herein. 
     In some embodiments, a device as disclosed herein is configured to couple to an earphone device, such as the earphones produced by Apple and other earphone device manufacturers. In some embodiments, such a device comprises a coupling portion and a decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap. In some embodiments, the coupling portion comprises a snap fit coupling shaped and configured to snap around a shaft of an earbud and hold the device in a particular position with respect to the earbud through friction between the coupling portion and the shaft of the earphone. In some embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap is coupled to or integrally formed with the coupling portion and extends from one end of the coupling portion. In some embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap is positioned such that it is positioned adjacent to, covering, encapsulating, and/or the like a speaker portion of an earphone. The decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap can be configured to protect the speaker portion of the earbud from damage. The decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap can be configured to have an area for placing thereon of a graphic, design, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the coupling portion can be configured to serve decorative, protective, and/or functional purposes. 
     In some embodiments, the devices can comprise a color that is similar to or the same as a color of the earphones they are intended to couple to. This can be desirable, for example, to make the device blend in more. In other embodiments, the devices disclosed herein can comprise a different color that is intended to make them stand out more from the earphones they are coupled to. This can be desirable in many cases, because some manufacturers of earbuds  100  use the same color for all their earbuds. For example, some manufacturers of earbuds tend to use a white color that is not very decorative. Accordingly, it can be desirable to have a more decorative device, such as disclosed herein, that can attach to and/or form a part of the earphone to have more distinctive appearance than if a user were just wearing the earbuds alone. 
     Overview 
     The present disclosure discloses embodiments of a protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device that can be coupled to earphone devices to protect the earphones, absorb and/or redirect sound from the earbuds, and/or provide a platform for adding decorative and functional aspects to the earbuds. 
     In some embodiments, a protective, sound absorbing, and/or decorative device, and/or a plurality thereof can be attached and/or coupled to one or more earpiece portions of an earphone device. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more devices can be configured to be attached and/or coupled to one or more earpieces of earphones to provide additional protection for the earpiece portion from damage, such as scratches, to provide an additional layer of sound absorption, and/or to provide means for displaying one or more graphics as determined by a user. The protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing cap can provide protection for earphones that are prone to drops and physical stress of the wire. 
     Example Embodiment of a Protective, Decorative, and Sound Absorbing Device 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example embodiment of a protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device engaged on to example earphones. The earphones of  FIG. 1  each comprise a speaker portion  102 ,  104  and a shaft  116 ,  118 . The speaker portion  102 ,  104  is shaped to fit at least partially within and be held by a human ear. The shaft  116 ,  118  protrudes from the speaker portion  102 ,  104  and has a speaker wire  106 ,  108  protruding at its end of the shaft  116 ,  118 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more protective, sound absorbing, and/or decorative devices  112 ,  114  can be attached and/or coupled to the one or more earpiece portions  102 ,  104  of an earphone device  100 . In certain embodiments, the one or more earpiece portions  102 ,  104  of an earphone device  100  can comprise a generally circular shape and/or a circular façade. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more devices  112 ,  114  can be configured to be removably, semi-permanently, and/or permanently attached and/or coupled to the one or more earpiece portions  102 ,  104  of an earphone device  100 . For example, in some embodiments, a protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device  112 ,  114  can be configured to be attached and/or coupled to an earpiece portion  102 ,  104  of an earphone device  100  via mechanical, magnetic, and/or chemical means to hold the position of the device  112 ,  114  substantially constant with respect to the earpiece portion  102 ,  104  of an earphone device  100 . More specifically, in certain embodiments, a device  112 ,  114  can be attached and/or coupled to an earpiece portion  102 ,  104  of an earphone device  100  via a mechanical locking configuration. Although various embodiments disclosed herein are described as being slid onto an earpiece, various embodiments can mount in various ways. For example, some embodiments can be similar in design to the embodiments shown in the various figures, but can be sufficiently flexible that they can bend and “snap” into place on the earpiece portion. 
     In some embodiments, a protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device  112 ,  114  can be configured to be slid onto an earpiece portion  102 ,  104  of an earphone device  100  from one or more directions. For example, a device  112 ,  114  can be configured to be slid down onto an earpiece portion  102 ,  104  of an earphone device in a general direction from top of the earpiece  102  to a bottom end of the earpiece portion  102 ,  104 . Similarly, a device  112 ,  114  can be configured to be slid up onto an earpiece portion  102 ,  104  of an earphone device  100  in a general direction from the wire to the shaft of the earpiece. 
     In other embodiments, the device  112 ,  114  can be configured to snap onto an earpiece portion  102 ,  104  of an earphone device  100 , whereby the coupling portion can be configured to snap onto one or more existing, pre-existing, and/or newly formed shaft and/or other aspect of the exterior surface of an earpiece portion  102   104 . In other embodiments, a device  112 ,  114  can be stuck onto and/or attached and/or coupled to an earpiece portion  102 ,  104  of an earphone device  100  via one or more chemical adhesives or glue. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more devices  112 ,  114  configured to be coupled to an earphone device  100  or a portion thereof can be made from a material configured to provide a protective layer for the earpiece portion  102 ,  104 . For example, in some embodiments, the device  112 ,  114  can provide some protection for the earpiece portions  102 ,  104  from physical damage, such as scratches or dents, water damage, and/or damage resulting from electromagnetic waves. In certain embodiments, the device  112 ,  114  or a portion thereof can be made from a plastic, metallic, rubber, wood, leather, copper, gloss, snake leather, and/or waterproof, sound absorbing, soundproof, sound reflecting, and/or electromagnetic wave insulating material. The choice of non-conductive material like plastic, rubber, and wood can be advantageous because the device can protect frayed or damaged wires from outside interference. In certain embodiments, the device  112 ,  114  or a portion thereof can be made of a flexible material as to allow easy installation and/or removal. In some embodiments, the device  112 ,  114  or a portion thereof can be made a rigid or substantially rigid material. 
     In certain embodiments, the one or more devices  112 ,  114  configured to be coupled to an earphone device  100  can comprise a decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap. For example, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap can comprise a generally circular, generally elliptical, generally rectangular, and/or generally square shape. In some embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap can comprise one or more surfaces. For example, the protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device  112 ,  114  can comprise an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface or a portion thereof can be configured to face and/or come into contact with the earpiece portion  102 ,  104 . 
     In certain embodiments, the device  112 ,  114  can be configured such that a layer of air (for example, an air gap) is formed between the inner surface or a portion thereof and an exterior surface of an earpiece portion  102 ,  104 . 
     Such layer of air can provide, in some embodiments, a layer of soundproofing, buffer for protection of the earpiece portion  102 ,  104 , and/or decrease friction between the earpiece portion  102 ,  104  and the cap  112 ,  114  as to allow for easy removal and/or installation of the one or more caps  112 ,  114  onto the one or more earpiece portions  102 ,  104  and/or preventing damage to the earpiece portion  102 ,  104  while removing and/or installing the one or more caps  112 ,  114 . In some embodiments, including such an air gap can be desirable to, for example, enable optional insertion of an accessory therein. For example, in some embodiments, a layer of sound deadening material can be shaped or configured to be positioned within such an air gap to help decrease an amount of sound being emitted from the earphones to the external environment. 
       FIGS. 2A-H  illustrates various views of an embodiment of an earphone cap as disclosed herein.  FIGS. 2A-B  illustrate example perspective views of a protective, sound absorbing, and/or decorative device  200 .  FIG. 2C  illustrates a left view, and  FIG. 2D  illustrates a right view of the protective, sound absorbing, and/or decorative device  200 .  FIG. 2E  illustrates a bottom view and  FIG. 2F  illustrates a top view of the protective, sound absorbing, and/or decorative device  200 .  FIG. 2G  illustrates a front view and  FIG. 2H  illustrates a back view of the protective, sound absorbing, and/or decorative device  200 . This embodiment of protective, sound absorbing, and/or decorative device comprises two primary portions, namely a coupling portion  201  and a decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206 . The coupling portion  201  is shaped and configured to attach to the shaft portion  116 ,  118  of an earphone device  100 , as exemplified in  FIG. 1 . The coupling portion  201  can include the stem portion  210 , the left arm  202 , and the right arm  204 . In this embodiment, the coupling portion  201  comprises an elongated C-shaped snap fit mechanism. Accordingly, the coupling portion  201  can be placed adjacent the shaft  116 ,  118  of an earbud, and snapped into place over the shaft by a user. In some embodiments, the coupling portion  201  can be placed onto the wire  106 ,  108  of the earphones  100 . Other embodiments can utilize other coupling methods, such as, for example, adhesive, magnetics, and/or the like. Further, although this embodiment comprises an integrally molded assembly that has a certain amount of flex (i.e. elastic bending) to the material to enable the snap fit, various other embodiments can utilize other mechanisms. For example, the coupling portion  201  can comprise relatively rigid arms that do not flex enough for a snap fit, but that can be hinged and biased to a closed position with a spring to enable the snap fit (for example, similar to a hinged clamshell hair clip). 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 2A-H , a protective, sound absorbing, and/or decorative cap  200  can comprise one or more decorative, protective, and/or functional portions or caps  206  and one or more coupling portions. In certain embodiments, the one or more decorative, protective, and/or functional portions or caps  206  and coupling portions  201  are formed as a single piece, as to create a cap  200  that is monolithic. In other embodiments, the one or more decorative, protective, and/or functional portions or caps  206 , coupling portions  201 , and/or any portion(s) thereof and/or any combination thereof are formed separately first and then attached together to create a single device  200  (or can be assembled together during production of one or more portion, such as by using insert molding and/or the like). 
     Decorative, Protective, and/or Functional Portion(s) or Cap 
     In some embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206  extends from a top surface of the coupling portion  201 . The decorative, protective, and/or functional portion  206  can be positioned adjacent to and/or substantially near at least a portion of the speaker portion  102 ,  104  of the earbud  100  when the coupling portion  206  is snapped into place over the shaft  116 ,  118  of the earbud  100 . For example, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion  206  or cap can be positioned near the back of the speaker portion  102 ,  104  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In some embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206  comprises a generally circular shape. In this embodiment, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion  206  is a generally disk-shaped member, however other embodiments can take a different shape. For example, instead of being relatively flat, some embodiments can include a decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206  that includes a shape that at least partially conforms to the shape of the speaker portion  102 ,  104  of the earbud. In some embodiments, the back of the speaker section  102 ,  104  may not be flat but curved. The decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206  can include malleable material that can form to the shape of the back for the speaker section  102 ,  104 . 
     In other embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206  can comprise a substantially rectangular, substantially square, substantially triangular, substantially pentagonal, substantially hexagonal, and/or any other shape. In certain embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206  can comprise a shape that is substantially equal to and/or is a smaller or larger version of a substantially same shape as an earpiece portion of an earphone. 
     In certain embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206  can comprise one or more surfaces. For example, in certain embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206  can comprise an inner surface  207  and an outer surface  208 . The inner surface  207  can be configured to oppositely face an exterior surface of an earpiece portion  102 ,  104  of an earphone device. In some embodiments, the inner surface  207  of a decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206  or a portion thereof can come into contact with an outer surface of an earpiece of an earphone when coupled to the earphone device  100 . The outer surface  208  of the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206 , in certain embodiments, can comprise one or more decorative artwork and/or other graphical display as discussed. 
     In some embodiments, the outer surface  208  and inner surface  207  can be made of different materials. For example, in certain embodiments, the inner surface  207  and/or outer surface  208  can be made of a sound absorbing material to block sound leakage from the earphones. In some embodiments, only the outer surface  208  can be made of a reflective material to increase visibility of the device. For example, the outer surface  208  can reflect light such that an automobile driving at night can visibly see the light reflecting from the outer surface  208 . 
     In some embodiments, the radius of a circular inner surface  207  and/or outer surface  208  of a decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206  can be about 0.1 cm, about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.6 cm, about 1.7 cm, about 1.8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, about 3 cm, about 3.1 cm, about 3.2 cm, about 3.3 cm, about 3.4 cm, about 3.5 cm, about 3.6 cm, about 3.7 cm, about 3.8 cm, about 3.9 cm, about 4 cm, about 4.1 cm, about 4.2 cm, about 4.3 cm, about 4.4 cm, about 4.5 cm, about 4.6 cm, about 4.7 cm, about 4.8 cm, about 4.9 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, about 11 cm, about 12 cm, about 13 cm, about 14 cm, about 15 cm, about 16 cm, about 17 cm, about 18 cm, about 19 cm, about 20 cm, and/or within a range defined by two of the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the radius of the inner surface  207  can be different from the radius of the outer surface  208 . For example, the radius of the inner surface  207  can be smaller than the radius of the outer surface  208  thus covering the inner surface from view and/or allowing for a larger outer surface  208  while including a radius for the inner surface  207  to fit on the earbud  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, a thickness of the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206  or distance between an outer surface  208  and inner surface  207  thereof can be about 0.01 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.6 cm, about 1.7 cm, about 1.8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, and/or within a range defined by any two of the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, a ratio between a radius of an inner and/or outer surface of a cap portion  206  and a thickness thereof can be calculated by combining any of the aforementioned values. 
     In certain embodiments, one or more edge portions  214 ,  216  further extend from the one or more surfaces  206 ,  208  and connect to the side wall  212 . For example, in some embodiments, a decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206  can comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten edge portions  214 ,  216 . In certain embodiments, one or more edge portions  214 ,  216  can extend and/or protrude from one or more surfaces  206 ,  208  at an angle. An angle measured from the outer surface of the one or more edge portions  214 ,  216  and the outer surface of the side wall  212  can be about 0°, about 10°, about 20°, about 30°, about 40°, about 50°, about 60°, about 70°, about 80°, about 90°, about 100°, about 110°, about 120°, about 130°, about 140°, about 150°, about 160°, about 170°, about 180°, or within a range defined by any of the two above-identified values. In some embodiments, the side wall portion  212  comprises a generally annular shape. The inner surface  207  can extend from at least a fragment of one side of the circumference of the side wall  212 . The outer surface  208  can extend from at least a fragment of another side of the circumference of the side wall  212 . 
     The inner surface  207  can extend from one side of the side wall  212  at an angle, such as an angle greater than 45° and less than 135°. An angle measured from the inner surface  207  and the side wall  212  can be about 0°, about 10°, about 20°, about 30°, about 40°, about 50°, about 60°, about 70°, about 80°, about 90°, about 100°, about 110°, about 120°, about 130°, about 140°, about 150°, about 160°, about 170°, about 180°, or within a range defined by any of the two above-identified values. 
     The outer surface  208  can extend from another side of the side wall  212  at an angle, such as an angle greater than 45° and less than 135°. An angle measured from the outer surface  208  and the side wall  212  can be about 0°, about 10°, about 20°, about 30°, about 40°, about 50°, about 60°, about 70°, about 80°, about 90°, about 100°, about 110°, about 120°, about 130°, about 140°, about 150°, about 160°, about 170°, about 180°, or within a range defined by any of the two above-identified values. 
     In certain embodiments, the width of one or more edge portions  214 ,  216  can be about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.6 cm, about 1.7 cm, about 1.8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, and/or within a range defined by any two of the aforementioned values. 
     In certain embodiments, the width of side wall portion  212  can be about 0.01 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.6 cm, about 1.7 cm, about 1.8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, and/or within a range defined by any two of the aforementioned values. In certain embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206  and the coupling portion  201  connect at a portion of the side wall  212 . 
     Coupling Portion(s) 
     In some embodiments, the coupling portion  201  extends from the bottom of the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  206 . The coupling portion  201  can be comprised of a stem portion  210 , a left arm  202 , and a right arm  204 . In some embodiments, the coupling portion  201  is positioned such that it will be positioned adjacent to and/or covering at least a portion of the shaft  116 ,  118  of the earphone  100 . In other embodiments, the coupling portion  201  is positioned such that it will be positioned adjacent to and/or covering at least a portion of the earphone  100  where the shaft  116 ,  118  and the wire  106 ,  108  connect when the coupling portion  201  is snapped into place over the shaft  106 ,  108  of the earphone. In other embodiments, the coupling portion  201  can couple with the wire  106 ,  108 . In some embodiments, the coupling portion  201  can couple with both the wire  106 ,  108  and the shaft  116 ,  118 . 
     In some embodiments, the height of the coupling portion  201  can be about 0.01 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.6 cm, about 1.7 cm, about 1.8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, and/or within a range defined by any two of the aforementioned values. 
     In some embodiments, the height of the coupling portion  201  can be adjusted. For example, if the shaft  116 ,  118  of the earbud  100  is long, the height of the coupling portion  201  can be adjusted to match the length of the shaft  116 ,  118 . In some embodiments, the wires can be prone to breaking. The height of the coupling portion  201  can be adjusted to couple to the wire  106 ,  108  as well as the shaft  116 ,  118 . 
     In some embodiments, the coupling portion  201  can couple to the wire  106 ,  108 . In some embodiments, the coupling portion  201  can couple to both the wire  106 ,  108  and the shaft  116 ,  118 . The coupling portion  201  can couple to the wire  106 ,  108  and create friction between the coupling portion  201  and the wire  106 ,  108 . During use and storage of the earbud, the wire  106 ,  108  can sway back and forth and/or get pulled or pushed in. Because the wire can be prone to break, especially close to the shaft  116 ,  118 , the coupling portion  201  can help mitigate the damage by providing additional support for the wire  106 ,  108 . 
     In some embodiments, the coupling portion  201  can couple to both the shaft  116 ,  118  and the wire  106 ,  108 . The coupling portion  201  can then provide friction between the coupling portion  201  and the shaft  116 ,  118  as well as friction between the coupling portion  201  and the wire  106 ,  108 . This can provide support for the wire  106 ,  108  to align with the shaft  116 ,  118  to mitigate the stress on the wire  106 ,  108  as the wire  106 ,  108  can be moved around and disalign from the shaft  116 ,  118 . 
     As shown in the example embodiments of  FIGS. 2A-H , the left arm  202  and the right arm  204  include a circular arc shape. In certain embodiments, radius of the arc for the left arm  202  and the right arm  204  can be about 0.01 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.6 cm, about 1.7 cm, about 1.8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, and/or within a range defined by any two of the aforementioned values. 
     In some embodiments, the left arm  202  and right arm  204  are connected and/or are part of a single arm. In some embodiments, the left arm  202  and the right arm  204  form a different shape, such as a rectangular shape or an oval shape, and/or can be made of a malleable material such as to form to the shape of the wire  106 ,  108  and/or the shaft  116 ,  118 . The left arm  202  and right arm  204  can extend from a portion of the stem  210 . 
     In some embodiments, the coupling portion  201  includes one or more arms that couple to the earbud. The one or more arms can couple to the shaft and/or the wire of the earbud. 
     In certain embodiments, a thickness of the coupling portion  201  can be about 0.01 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.6 cm, about 1.7 cm, about 1.8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, and/or within a range defined by any two of the aforementioned values. 
     In certain embodiments, a gap is formed between the left arm  202  and the right arm  204 . In some embodiments, a width of the gap of the left arm  202  and the right arm  204  can be about 0.01 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.6 cm, about 1.7 cm, about 1.8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, and/or within a range defined by any two of the aforementioned values. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-H , in this example embodiment, the stem portion  210 , the left arm  202 , and the right arm  204  are monolithic. In other embodiment, the left arm  202  and right arm  204  can be attached to the stem portion  210  by a flexible bonding material or a hinge and spring. 
     In certain embodiments, the stem  210  includes a flat section. The width of the flat section can be about 0.01 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.6 cm, about 1.7 cm, about 1.8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, and/or within a range defined by any two of the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the length of the flat section can be about 0.01 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.6 cm, about 1.7 cm, about 1.8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, and/or within a range defined by any two of the aforementioned values. Such a flat surface can help with stability of the cap when the cap is placed on a flat surface. 
     In certain embodiments, the stem  210  can conform to the shape of the first and/or second arms  202 ,  204 . For example, the arms  202 ,  204  can include a round arc, and the stem can also be arced in the same radius. In certain embodiments, radius of the arc for the stem 210 can be about 0.01 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.6 cm, about 1.7 cm, about 1.8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, and/or within a range defined by any two of the aforementioned values. 
     In certain embodiments, the arms  202 ,  204  can be connected to the stem  210  by edge portions  209 ,  211 . In certain embodiments, one or more edge portions  209 ,  211  can extend and/or protrude from stem  210  at an angle. An angle measured from the outer surface of the edge portion and the outer surface of the stem  210  can be about 0°, about 10°, about 20°, about 30°, about 40°, about 50°, about 60°, about 70°, about 80°, about 90°, about 100°, about 110°, about 120°, about 130°, about 140°, about 150°, about 160°, about 170°, about 180°, or within a range defined by any of the two above-identified values. 
     The stem  210  can extend from the inner surface  207 . An angle measured from the stem  210  and the inner surface  207  can be about 90°, about 100°, about 110°, about 120°, about 130°, about 140°, about 150°, about 160°, about 170°, about 180°, about 190°, about 200°, about 210°, about 220°, about 230°, about 240°, about 250°, about 260°, about 270°, or within a range defined by any of the two above-identified values. 
     The stem  210  can extend from the outer surface  208 . An angle measured from the stem  210  and the outer surface  208  can be about 90°, about 100°, about 110°, about 120°, about 130°, about 140°, about 150°, about 160°, about 170°, about 180°, about 190°, about 200°, about 210°, about 220°, about 230°, about 240°, about 250°, about 260°, about 270°, or within a range defined by any of the two above-identified values. 
     In certain embodiments, the width of one or more edge portions  209 ,  211  can be about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.1 cm, about 1.2 cm, about 1.3 cm, about 1.4 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 1.6 cm, about 1.7 cm, about 1.8 cm, about 1.9 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.1 cm, about 2.2 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.4 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 2.6 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.8 cm, about 2.9 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, and/or within a range defined by any two of the aforementioned values. 
     A Flat Cap and Earphone on a Human Ear 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates an example embodiment  300  engaged on to an earphone device  306  that is inserted into the ear. In  FIG. 3A , the coupling portion  304  is coupled to the earphone device  306 . In  FIG. 3A , the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  302  is the size of general speaker portions of the earphone and round. The cap  302  can be configured to not come in contact with the ear. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a side view of the example of  FIG. 3A . The example in  FIG. 3B  illustrates a flat inner surface  207  of the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  302 . In some embodiments, the flat inner surface  207  of the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  302  can extend to the speaker section  102 ,  104 . 
     A Malleable Cap and Earphone on a Human Ear 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates an example embodiment  400  engaged on to an earphone device  406  that is inserted into the ear. In  FIG. 4A , the coupling portion  404  is coupled to the earphone device  406 . In  FIG. 4A , the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  402  is made of a malleable material (for example, silicon) that can be shaped to fit the shape of the user&#39;s ear.  FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of the example of  FIG. 4A . The decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  402  can come in contact with the ear will help the earphones stay in the ear. In some embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  402  can be malleable such that decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  402  can at least partially form to the shape of the speaker section  102 ,  104  and/or the shaft portion  116 ,  118 . 
     In some embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  402  can be made of a partially adhesive material. Such an adhesive material can help keep the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  402  attached to the speaker section  102 ,  104  of the earbud  406  and/or to the cavity of the human ear. 
     Mount Extension for Cap Portion 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates an example embodiment engaged on to an earphone device  500  that is inserted into the ear. The coupling portion  502  is coupled to the earphone device  500 . The decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  504  can include a mount  506  extending from the outer surface. In some embodiments, the mount  506  can be made of a flexible material so that it can be shaped around the ear. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates an example of a mount  512  comprising a decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  508 , a hinge portion  510 , and a mount portion  512 . Such a configuration can allow customization of the engagement of the mount  512  with the ear. The mount  512  can be adjusted in length and width to fit over the top of the ear. Such customization of the ear piece can allow for improved performance for attaching to the ear (for example, improved performance while running). In some embodiments, the hinge  510  can be in a different location (such as on the mount  512 ). 
     Side Views of Various Embodiments 
       FIGS. 6A-F  illustrate side views of various embodiments of a protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device.  FIGS. 6A-B  illustrate example embodiments where the coupling portion  604  serves a protective function.  FIG. 6A  illustrates an example of a flat protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device  606  with a coupling portion  604 .  FIG. 6B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 6A . In this embodiment, as shown in cross-section  6 B, the coupling portion  604  extends at least to the wire  602  and encloses a portion of the earphone where the wire  602  and the earphone  600  connect. The coupling portion  604  can couple to both the wire  602  and the shaft  603  of the earphone  600 . The coupling portion  604  can comprise more than one way of coupling. For example, the coupling portion  604  can comprise one way of coupling to the shaft  603  of the earbud and another way of coupling to the wire  602 . 
     In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6A-B , the coupling portion  604  maintains the same width throughout. In other embodiments, the coupling portion  604  can be of different widths. For example, the coupling portion  604  can taper into a smaller width to enclose the wire  602  with a smaller width than the coupling portion encloses the shaft  603  of the earphone. 
       FIGS. 6C-6D  illustrate an example embodiment where the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  606  is shaped to enclose the speaker portion of the earphone  600 . The decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  606  can be made of a flexible material. For example, the flexible material can allow the user to mend the shape. In some embodiments, the speaker section of the earphone  600  can be pressed against the flexible material of the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  606  and the flexible material of the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  606  can mend to the shape of the speaker section of the earphone  600 . The decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  606  can be shaped to fit over various types of earphones as exemplified by the earphone  600  illustrated in  FIG. 6C  and  FIG. 6D . This allows the user to use the same decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  606  for various shapes and sizes of earphones and avoid the need for caps specifically made for a particular model of earphones. 
       FIG. 6E  illustrates an example embodiment where the coupling portion  604  is engaged on to the wire  602  of the earphone device  600 . In this example embodiment, the cap is configured such that a layer of air (for example, an air gap)  614  is formed between the inner surface of the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  606  or a portion thereof and an exterior surface of an earphone  600 . In other embodiments, the cap  606  can be adjacent to the earphone  600 . In some embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  606  can be coupled to an earphone device via one or more adhesives (for example adhesive chemical or glue). Because wire sizes conform typically to a standard size rather than the different shape of earphone devices, this embodiment allows the user to use the same cap for various earphones. 
       FIG. 6F  illustrates an example embodiment of the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion device whereby the wire  602  can be wrapped around the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  606  for storage. This type of structure can provide the user with a way of storing and/or changing the length of the wire  602 . 
     Graphical User Interface 
       FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate example embodiments where the outer surface  700  of the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap comprises of one or more graphics and/or graphical displays  704 . The graphical displays  704  can display graphics to be viewable when a user is wearing his or her earphone device. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7A , the one or more graphical displays  704  can comprise one or more text, logos, drawings, lights, videos, and/or photographs as selected by the user. For example, a user can wish to display text and/or a logo of his or her favorite professional and/or amateur sports team, company, club, and/or association. Alternatively, a user can wish to display his or her name, a family member&#39;s name, photograph of him or herself, photograph of his or her family, or the like. Such customizable text, logos, drawings, etc. can help the owner to identify the earbud. This can also allow others to identify the identity of the owner when the owner is using the earbud. Also, a user can wish to display his or her role, nickname, or job. In certain embodiments, the coupling portion  702  can comprise of one or more graphics. 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates an example embodiment of the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion where the graphical user interface  704  can change the graphics from a smiley face  704 A to a frown face  704 B. The graphical user interface can display changing graphics based on certain characteristics, such as characteristics of the individual, extrinsic characteristics, and/or the functioning of the earbud. For example, the graphical display  704  can display a brighter image during the day and a darker image at night, or other extrinsic characteristic. The graphical display  704  can display the name of the song being played or other characteristic of the audio generated by the earbud. The graphical display  704  can display the name of the person using the device or other characteristic of the user.  FIG. 7B  illustrates an example embodiment of the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion where the graphical user interface  704  displays the time. 
     In certain embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap and/or outer surface thereof can be translucent and/or transparent. In some embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap and/or outer surface thereof can comprise an LED, LCD, and/or other display means, as to allow one or more graphical displays to be displayed. For example, the displayed graphics can be configured to change and/or alternate between a select plurality. In certain embodiments, one or more graphical displays  704  and/or lights displayed on the outer surface can be configured to blink, change in intensity, and/or change another parameter, along with the beat and/or other quality of the music being played. For example, one or more graphical displays and/or features thereof being displayed on the outer surface can be configured to change at a speed corresponding to the beats per minute of the music being played by a user via the and/or earphone device. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 7B , the display can be configured to display the time. 
     In some embodiments, the displayed graphics can be configured to be changed, altered, and/or otherwise controlled by a user via a handheld device, such as a smartphone and/or digital music player. In some embodiments, an outer surface  700  can comprise a white board, chalk board, and/or other type of medium that allows a user or other person to write and/or draw. For example, in certain embodiments, a user and/or other person can write his or her own messages onto the outer surface. In some embodiments, the one or more caps can comprise at least one opening and/or at least partially transparent portion that enables a logo or other portion of the earpiece to be seen therethrough. Such an embodiment can be desirable when, for example, a user desires that an existing logo located on the earpiece be shown along with the graphic or other feature shown on the caps. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more decorative, protective, and/or functional devices can comprise one or more printed circuits. For example, in certain embodiments, a decorative, protective, and/or functional device can comprise one or more circuits adapted to generate one or more graphical displays, as discussed above. 
     In certain embodiments, the device can comprise one or more buttons, sensor touch buttons, pressure buttons, and/or other user interface components configured to initiate one or more commands when selected by a user. For example, in some embodiments, a user can control the music and/or one or more electronics embedded in the cap via one or more buttons of the cap. More specifically, in certain embodiments, the user can be able to turn the music on or off, increase or decrease the volume, turn on or off a display on the cap, pause, play, fast-forward, rewind, go to a next track, go back to a previous track, or the like via one or more buttons and/or other input means located on the one or more caps. In some embodiments, such input received from a user by the one or more caps can be relayed to one or more electronics of the cap and/or audio source via a printed circuit, wire or cable, and/or wireless connectivity, such as Bluetooth. In certain embodiments, a handheld device can be configured to receive any of the aforementioned commands from a user and relay such to one or more caps. In some embodiments, one or more caps can comprise a power source, such as a rechargeable battery, alkaline battery, lithium battery, and/or the like configured to provide power to electrical functions of the caps (for example, graphical display, button press detection, transmission of wireless control commands over Bluetooth, and/or the like). 
     In some embodiments, the one or more decorative, protective, and/or functional portion devices comprise a monolithic configuration (for example, one-piece, unitary structure, and/or the like). In other embodiments, one or more portions of the device can be manufactured separately at first and are molded and/or otherwise connected at a later point in time to form the device (or can be combined during manufacturing of some components, such as by using insert molding or other processes). For example, the whole device can all be made of a single type of material in some embodiments. In other embodiments, different portions of the device can each be made of one or more different materials. More specifically, in some embodiments, a portion of the cap  700 , coupling portion  702 , or any combinations thereof can comprise sound absorbing, sound reflecting, soundproof material, printed circuit(s), LED, LCD, while other portions of the device, such as the cap portion, edge portion, sidewall portion, coupling portion or any combinations thereof can comprise a plastic and/or metallic material for effectively attaching and/or locking the device  112 ,  114  onto an earpiece portion  102 ,  104 . 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates an example use of the LED feature of the example embodiment. When the user is using earphones at night, the LEDs light up and in some embodiments flicker on and off. This feature can increase the visibility of the user when traveling at night. Because using earphones can impair awareness of surroundings, the increased visibility of the user can increase safety for the user. As shown by  FIG. 7C , the entire graphical display  704  of the protective, decorative, and/or sound absorbing device can blink.  FIG. 7D  illustrates an embodiment of a blinking graphical display to warn others nearby in the evening. As such, the graphical display can provide a safety function to notify others of the individual&#39;s presence and/or a communication function to display information to the other individuals. 
     In some embodiments, sensors and/or biosensors can be included.  FIG. 8  illustrates an example embodiment where one or more sensors (for example biosensors) are used. For example, a sensor  804  can be attached to the inner surface of the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  800 . Additionally, the sensors and/or biosensors  806  can be attached to the coupling portion  802  as shown in  FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, the sensors and/or biosensors can be attached to the outer surface of the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap  800 . In some embodiments, one or more sensors can be contained inside of the device. 
     In some embodiments, the sensors and/or biosensors  804 ,  806  can measure physiological readings of the individual (for example, PPG, heartrate, temperature, and/or steps). The data can be sent to a mobile computing device  808  and/or a server where the measurements can be processed and/or displayed  810  to the user. There can be physiological measurements that are more accurate when taken near the ear than in other locations of the body (for example, than the wrist using a wearable electronic watch with sensors). 
     Sound Isolating Features 
     In some embodiments, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap can have sound isolating features. For example, the decorative, protective, and/or functional portion or cap can comprise of a sound absorbing material that helps to absorb sound that would otherwise be transmitted to third parties.  FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate various configurations of the sound absorbing feature. As shown in  FIG. 9A , the device  902  is configured to absorb the sound represented by the arrows  904  leaking from the earphones  900 . In  FIG. 9B , the device  902  is configured to absorb the external sound represented by the arrows  904 . In  FIG. 9C , the device  902  is configured to let the sound represented by the arrows  904  pass through the device  902 . This can be desirable because blocking the sound from the earphones can affect the sound stage and a user may want to preserve the sound stage of an open back earphone. In  FIG. 9D , the device  902  is configured to let the sound from the earphones  900  pass through, and at the same time, let the sound played pass out through the device  902  and into the ear. In certain embodiments, a user can desire not to have a sound isolating feature because sound isolation may endanger the user in a perilous environment. In certain embodiments, the user can desire to exhibit the music he or she is playing to the public. 
     For example, acoustical foams can be used as sound absorbing material. Vinyl barriers can add sound reflective properties to the device. In some embodiments, sound canceling electronics that cancel out ambient noise by actively reducing lower frequencies can be added to the device. In some embodiments, a combination of sound canceling, sound absorbing and sound reflecting techniques can be used. 
     For purposes of this application, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages can be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as can be taught or suggested herein. 
     Although several embodiments, examples, and illustrations are disclosed herein, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the inventions described herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples, and illustrations and includes other uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Embodiments of the inventions are described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the inventions. In addition, embodiments of the inventions can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the inventions herein described. 
     Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosed invention. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above. 
     Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “can,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The headings used herein are for the convenience of the reader only and are not meant to limit the scope of the inventions or claims.