Patent Publication Number: US-2013238829-A1

Title: Audio docking devices and systems

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     N/A 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to portable audio devices and systems. Audio devices and/or systems of the present disclosure may particularly, but not exclusively, be used as or in connection with audio docking stations. An audio device or system of the present disclosure may have one or more audio outputs and one or more audio inputs. In one embodiment, an audio output includes a wired or wireless headphone or earphone, while an audio input includes an audio jack or audio receiver. Such an audio device or system may be used in connection with any number of electronic, consumer or other products. In at least one embodiment, storage or other protective cases for electronic devices, consumer products, or other products may also be adapted for integrated use with audio components or capabilities. 
     RELATED ART 
     Conventional electronic devices have largely been developed to satisfy a particular need. This is no more apparent than with a traditional telephone. A user would use the telephone specifically to vocally communicate with a person at a remote location. Other devices developed for specific purposes included traditional radios with FM and/or AM tuners, televisions for receiving and displaying broadcast audio-visual programs, and early computers were developed to process and analyze large quantities of data. 
     Some of the early breakthroughs in electronic devices related to the miniaturization of components. For instance, advances in semiconductor technology allowed processors, transmitters, receivers, and other electronic components to not only be more easily manufactured, but to be manufactured at a smaller size while maintaining or increasing functionality. As a result, when miniaturized components were added to electronic devices, such devices were no longer required to be generally fixed to a particular location, but could instead be made portable. This paved the way for the widespread use of calculators, portable radios, Walkmans, two-way radios, cellular phones, and other devices. Subsequently, further technological advancements allowed devices to be produced at even smaller sizes and with increased portability. As a result, portable electronic devices such as mp3 players, iPods, PDAs, e-readers, and other devices became commonplace. 
     Advancements in electronic devices were not only related to reduced size and increased portability, but also provided increased functionality. As a result, the once clear lines between types of devices were blurred. Portable music players could access and play stored digital content, but also included wireless transceivers to access remote data stores and download additional music, send text or other communications to other people, or to browse Internet information. A cellular phone became not only usable to make and receive phone calls, but also included contact management, calendaring and other software for managing many other daily tasks. Indeed, a large percentage of the adult population in the United States currently uses a “smartphone” that can not only manage aspects of the person&#39;s home and work life, but can further provide many, if not all, of the same functions previously provided by dedicated devices such as telephones, computers, calculators, PDAs, radios, music players, and personal internet devices. 
     Because a single device may manage the user&#39;s home and work life, the user often has access to the electronic device at almost all times. Whether the person is relaxing, exercising, working, engaging in a recreational activity, or doing some other activity, the user has access to the information the electronic device provides. Often the information is in an audio format, such as where the user maintains a local or cloud-based storage of music files, access a music streaming service, or the like. 
     To make access of music or other information private, portable electronic devices typically include an audio output port, which output allows the user to connect a hands-free audio device. The hands-free audio device will typically include one or more headphones or earphones connected to a wire that connects to an audio input jack. The audio input jack can mate with the audio output port of the portable electronic device. Typically, audio output ports and audio input jacks are of a generally uniform nature so that a hands-free audio device can be used with many different devices. 
     To use the hands-free audio device, a user of a portable electronic device typically will carry the portable electronic device along with the hands-free audio device. Often, the wire attached to the earphones will wrap around the portable electronic device, other items in a user&#39;s pocket, or around itself to tie itself into tangled knots. Additionally, when the user is using the hands-free audio device, the wire can present a safety issue or simply be inconvenient. For instance, when jogging, cycling, skiing, doing manual labor, or the like, equipment, tools, or even the user&#39;s hands or arms may catch on the wire and pull the earbuds or headphones from the user&#39;s ears or the audio connector from its jack on the audio device. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates generally to audio devices, systems and apparatus, and to components thereof. In some embodiments, aspects of the present disclosure relate to simplifying access to audio input or output devices—whether such devices are wired or wireless—while also providing for storage of the devices. Embodiments envision integrated storage of audio components, compatibility of audio devices for use with a variety of electronic or even non-electronic devices, and recharging of battery or other power sources. Example embodiments provide for audio input/output devices convenient to use and store, and which are protected from damage or loss. 
     In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an audio docking station is provided. The audio docking station may include a body defining at least one storage location. An audio output device may be configured to be removably secured within the storage location. Optionally, an audio input device is communicatively linked to the at least one audio output device. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an audio input or output device includes a wired and/or wireless connection. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an audio output device or audio input device may be retractable relative to the body of an audio docking station. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an audio docking station may include attachment means for securing the body to an adapter, sound pouch, protective case, storage or travel case, or other component. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an audio docking station includes one or more earbuds, earphones, headphones, hearing aids, or microphones. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an audio input device may include a male connector, a female connector, or any combination of male and female connectors. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, the storage location includes a cavity, hole or opening having a shape and/or size corresponding to the shape and/or size of the audio output or input. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, a wireless audio input or output device may be configured to have a battery charged while at the storage location. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, a body or audio output device may define a portion of a portable electronic device, computing device, display device, media card, USB device, universal dock, furniture, a storage case, a carrying case, a laptop skin, a protective case, or wearable items such as jewelry, eyeglasses, sunglasses, or watches. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an electronic device is provided for and includes a housing along with one or more audio components. An audio component may be within or otherwise associated with the housing and capable of transferring audio data. At least one audio output and at least one audio input may communicatively couple to the audio communication components. A storage compartment may be integrated with the housing and configured to selectively receive an audio output and/or input component in a storage configuration. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an audio output includes one or more earphones. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, a storage compartment includes a location for selectively maintaining at least one earphone in a storage configuration. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an audio input includes one or more male audio connectors. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, a storage location selectively maintains one or more earphones in a storage configuration. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an electronic device is a portable electronic device. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, a portable electronic device is a telephone, a music player, an e-reader, a gaming console, a camera, a laptop computer, a netbook, a tablet, a video camera, a USB device, an external hard drive, a GPS device, a projector, a singing or karaoke machine, a portable radio two-way communication device, an optical disk player, a video player, a Dictaphone, a personal digital assistant, a calculator, a pager, a time piece, a radio alarm clock, or an accessory for an electronic device. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an accessory for an electronic device includes a remote control, a keyboard, a mouse, a gaming controller, a radio, fixed speakers, detachable speakers, a drafting pad, or a power docking station. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an electronic device is generally intended to not be portable during use. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an electronic device is a desktop computing device, a server, or a gaming console. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an audio output includes a wire connecting the audio output directly or indirectly to an audio communication component, with the wire being retractable with respect to a housing. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an audio input includes a wire connecting the audio input directly or indirectly to an audio communication component, the wire being retractable with respect to the housing. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, a wireless transmitter or receiver directly or indirectly connects an audio input and/or audio output to an audio communication component. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, a storage compartment provides for powering or charging a wireless component of an audio input or output. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an electronic device acts as an audio pass through device when the electronic device is in a powered off state. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an adapter connects to an audio docking station. An example adapter may include a body, a receiving portion and an attachment mechanism. The receiving portion may cooperate with the body to define an area where the adapter connects to an audio docking station. The attachment mechanism can be used to secure the audio docking station to the body. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, the receiving portion may include a cavity, hole or opening. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, the receiving portion may be selectively closeable. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, a receiving portion may have an audio docking station placed or slideably received therein. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an adapter body may define an opening configured to coincide with placement of one or more earphones or other audio output or input devices that are removable and/or extendable from the audio docking station. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, a receiving portion of an adapter may include a connector corresponding to a location of an audio input or output connector of an audio docking station and configured to communicatively couple the adapter to the audio docking station. 
     According to one aspect that may be combined with any one or more other aspects or embodiments herein, an adapter is located on or within furniture, clothing, exercise equipment, an electronic device, a storage, carrying or protective cover or case, or vehicles, including at least automobiles, airplanes, marine vehicles, all terrain vehicles, scooters, motorcycles, and bicycles. 
     Other aspects, as well as the features and advantages of various aspects, of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to describe the manner in which features and other aspects of the present disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of certain subject matter will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, nor drawn to scale for all embodiments, various embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a frontal plan view of an audio docking device in a use or expanded configuration, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a frontal plan view of the audio docking device of  FIG. 1 , with the audio docking device in a storage or retracted configuration, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a side plan view of the audio docking device of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial interior view of the audio docking device of  FIGS. 1-3 , with a set of earbuds and an audio input being shown at least partially retracted; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial interior view of an audio docking device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the audio docking device including an audio input, a wireless transmitter, and wireless earbuds; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial interior view of an audio docking device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the audio docking device including a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, and wireless earbuds; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial interior view of an audio docking device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, the audio docking device including a wireless transmitter, wireless earbuds, and a connection port; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the portable electronic device having integral earbuds and an integral audio input; 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of a portable telephone consistent with the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom plan view of the portable telephone illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the earbuds being in an expanded or use configuration; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom plan view of the portable telephone illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the earbuds being in a retracted or storage configuration; 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  are schematic illustrations of example portable electronic devices according to still other embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a frontal plan view of a display device having audio devices integrated therewith according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of a portable computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of a portable computing device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the portable computing device being integrated with an audio accessory; 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan view of the audio accessory of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  schematically illustrates the audio accessory of  FIGS. 16 and 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a top plan view of a keyboard computing accessory according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  is a side perspective view of a mouse computing accessory according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  is a top plan view of a handheld gaming controller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  is a front plan view of a computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 23  is a frontal plan view of an example adapter including a sound pouch for coupling to an audio docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 24  is a frontal plan view of the adapter of  FIG. 23 , the adapter being integrated with an example audio docking device similar to that illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an example case for an electronic device, the case having one or more audio devices integrated therewith according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 26  is another perspective view of the example case of  FIG. 25 , the case being open to expose an electronic device operational therewith; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of an article of clothing having an adapter for coupling the article of clothing to an audio docking device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a backpack configured for use with an audio docking device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a chair having a headrest, the chair being configured for use with an audio docking device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a chair, the chair having wireless audio components integrated therewith; 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a chair, the chair having a set of headphones integrated therewith, and selectively removable therefrom, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a couch having integrated audio components according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 33  provides a perspective view of an audio assembly for use with a person&#39;s ear, the audio assembly being at least partially integrated with an earring; 
         FIG. 34  is a front plan view of a brooch, the brooch having one or more audio devices integrated therewith; 
         FIG. 35  is a front plan view of a necklace having a pendant, the pendant being configured to provide access to one or more audio devices in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 36  is a frontal perspective view of a eyeglasses the eyeglasses having one or more audio devices associated therewith according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 37  is a top plan view of a wristwatch having one or more audio devices integrated therewith in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to audio devices, components and accessories, and more particularly to portable audio devices and systems that can be used in multiple environments and/or in connection with multiple audio systems. 
     If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, feature, aspect, component, or the like, that does not preclude there being exactly one, or more than one, of the additional element. It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there necessarily is only one of that element. It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may,” “might,” “can,” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included, but may be optional or non-essentially included in some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Methods of the present disclosure may be implemented by performing or completing selected steps, acts, or tasks manually, automatically, or using a combination thereof. As used herein, the terms “method” or “process” refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the present disclosure belongs. The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only. 
     Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present disclosure belong, unless otherwise defined. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein. 
     Relational terms such as, but not exclusively including, “bottom,” “below,” “top,” “above,” “back,” “front,” “left”, “right”, “rear”, “forward”, “up”, “down”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “clockwise”, “counterclockwise,” and the like (as well as derivatives thereof) as used herein do not necessarily indicate, for example, that a “bottom” component must be below a “top” component, or that a component that is “below” is indeed under or at a lower elevation than another component, or that a component that is “above” is indeed over or at a higher elevation as compared to another component. Rather, such designations are purely to facilitate reference to various components or elements of example embodiments, including those illustrated in referenced figures. As such, directions, components or relative positioning may be referenced purely for convenience, or may be flipped, rotated, moved in space, placed in a diagonal orientation or position, placed horizontally or vertically, or similarly modified. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that such example terms are to be used herein for differentiation purposes only, to describe the relative positioning or placement of certain components or elements relative to certain embodiments including those in the referenced figures, to indicate a first and a second component, or to do both. Additionally, to differentiate between components, descriptions may refer to certain components or elements using designations such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like. Such language is merely provided for differentiation purposes, and is not intended limit a component to a singular designation. As such, a component referenced in the specification as a “first” component may, but need not necessarily, be a same component referenced in the claims as a “first” component. 
     In general, aspects of the present disclosure relate to audio components and systems. In some embodiments, the audio components include audio input or output devices which may include illustrative examples such as earbuds, earphones, headphones, hearing aids, and the like. These terms are intended to be interchangeable. For instance, when an earbud is described, a headphone, earbud, hearing aid, or any combination of the foregoing is also contemplated. Indeed, while such components are generally considered audio output devices, earbuds, headphones, earphones, hearing aids, etc., when disclosed, may also be replaced or supplemented by audio input devices such as microphones. Thus, an example embodiment disclosed as having two earbuds may instead include any combination of earbuds, earphones, headphones, hearing aids, microphones, or the like. 
     In order to avoid obscuring the inventive and novel aspects of the present disclosure, certain details that would be apparent to one skilled in the art have been omitted. In particular, aspects of audio components, including a full description of the manners in which earphones operate, have been excluded. 
       FIGS. 1-4  illustrate example embodiments of an audio docking device  100  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least some embodiments, the audio docking device  100  may be configured to allow a user to connect one or more audio components to an audio output device, although the audio docking device  100  need not be limited to such a configuration. In other embodiments, the audio docking device  100  may be used with other audio systems, portable electronic devices or systems, or other electronic or non-electronic devices or components. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the audio docking device  100  generally includes a set of one or more audio output components such as earbuds  102 . The earbuds  102  may be configured to provide sound and audio information to a user. For instance, in one embodiment the earbuds  102  are shaped or otherwise configured to fit at least partially inside the ear of a user so as to transmit sound to the inner ear of the user. In other embodiments, the earbuds  102  may be replaced or supplemented with headphones, earphones, or other audio output components that are positioned wholly or partially inside the ear, on the ear, outside the ear, or in any combination of the foregoing. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, two earbuds  102  may be electronically and/or communicatively linked to an audio input  104  which is, in this embodiment, in the form of an audio plug or jack. The number of earbuds  102  is merely illustrative. For instance, although two earbuds  102  are illustrated, an audio output component may include only a single output (e.g., a single earbud  102 ) or in other embodiments three or more audio outputs may be provided. As will be appreciated in view of the disclosure herein, the specific type of audio output may be varied. Indeed, in some embodiments, a single audio docking device  100  may include an audio output component with different types of audio outputs therein. 
     The audio input  104  may be configured to connect to an audio output port of an electronic or other device. Through such a connection, analog or other sound may be transferred to the audio docking station  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, for instance, the audio input  104  may include a male component configured to mate with a female audio output (not shown). Mono, stereo or other sound may be provided. Accordingly, while it should be appreciated in view of the disclosure herein that the audio input  104  may include a stereo plug, a mini-jack, a Bantam plug, a TS connector, a TRS connector, a TRRS connector, another audio connector, or any other combination of the foregoing, the audio input  104  may also take other forms. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the audio docking station  100  includes a body  106  for at least partially containing or mounting to the earbuds  102  and/or the audio input  104 . For instance, the body  106  may connect to a set of wires  108 ,  110  that connect to the earbuds  102  and audio input  104 , respectively. The wires  108  may extend between the body  106  to the earbuds  102  while the wire  110  extends between the body  106  and the audio input  104 . In some embodiments, the wires  108 ,  110  at least partially define a communication channel by which sound or other input received at the audio input  104  is transferred to the earbuds  102 . 
     The body  106  may be useful for, among other things, storing the earbuds  102  and audio input  104  when the audio docking station  100  is not in use. In other embodiments, the body  106  may have other uses. For instance, in at least one embodiment, the body  106  may be useful for mating the audio docking station  100  to a receiving audio station. The audio docking station  100  may thus have a plurality of arrangements or orientations in which it is useful. For instance,  FIG. 1  generally illustrates a use or expanded configuration illustrative of an example configuration in which the audio docking station may be used to receive sound and transfer the sound to a user through the earbuds  102 . In this particular embodiment, one or both earbuds  102  may be extended or removed from the body  106  to facilitate placement in, on or around a respective ear of the user. In a similar manner, the audio input  104  may be extended or removed from the body  106  to facilitate a connection with an exterior audio component. 
     The audio docking station  100  optionally includes a different appearance when in a storage or retracted configuration similar to that illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . More particularly,  FIGS. 2-4  illustrate an example embodiment in which the earbuds  102  and/or the audio input  104  have been drawn towards the body  106 . More particularly still, in the illustrated embodiment, the earbuds  102  and the audio input  104  are shown in a fully retracted state so as to engage or be drawn fully or partially into the body  106 . 
     To facilitate the retracted or storage position of the earbuds  102  and/or audio input  104 , the body  106  optionally defines one or more cavities. For instance, as best shown in  FIG. 1 , the body  106  may include a set of one or more earbud cavities  112 . The earbud cavities  112  are optionally shaped or sized so as to allow the earbuds  102  to be fully or partially drawn therein. In some embodiments, the earbud cavities  112  may be positioned on or near the periphery of the body  106 . By way of illustration, the illustrated body  106  is generally oval, and the earbud cavities  112  may generally be positioned at opposing sides of the oval. The earbuds  102  and cavities  112  may also be curved or shaped in a manner to generally conform to the curvature of the body  106 . In one embodiment, the earbuds  102  can be positioned in a retracted or storage position in which the earbuds  102  substantially conform to the shape of the body  106  and/or do not substantially alter the footprint size of the body  106 . Although the body  106  is illustrated and described as being oval or curved, one skilled in the art should appreciate in view of the disclosure herein that the body  106  may take any number of other regular or irregular shapes, and that the earbuds  102  may be used in connection with any such shape. 
     In at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, the earbud cavities  112  are shaped and sized in a manner that generally corresponds to the shape and size of the earbuds  102 . By way of example, the earbud cavities  112  may be defined in a manner so as to engage the earbuds  102  and form a frictional or interference fit therewith. In one embodiment, resilient or semi-resilient material may be positioned around at least a portion of the earbud cavities  112 . When the earbud  102  is pressed against the material, the material may flex so as to not only allow the earbud  102  into the earbud cavity  112 , but also to exert a retention force thereagainst. A user may then use his or her hand or finger to exert a force that overcomes the retention force in order to remove the earbud  102  from the earbud cavity  112 . Optionally, the body  106  is similarly configured to operate in connection with the audio input  104 . For instance, an audio input cavity  114  may be defined by the body  106  and facilitate storage and/or retention of the audio input  104 . 
     While the earbud cavity  112  and/or audio input cavity  114  are optionally storage components shaped and/or sized to correspond to, and to facilitate retention of, the earbuds  102  and audio input  104 , respectively, such an embodiment is merely illustrative. In other embodiments, for instance, the earbud cavities  112  may be openings in a surface of the body  106  to allow the earbuds  108  to be fully retracted therein. The shape of the openings may be sized and shaped in a manner allowing retraction of the earbuds  108 , but without necessarily including a frictional, interference or other retentive fit. Indeed, a clasp, cover, or other component may also be provided in embodiments in which it is desired to retain the earbuds  102  and/or audio input  104  within, on or proximate the body  106 . 
       FIG. 4  provides a view of an interior portion of the audio docking station  100 , and illustrates an example manner in which an audio docking station  100  may be used to store audio components such as earbuds  102  and/or an audio input  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the earbuds  102  are connected to a retraction mechanism  116 . The audio input  104  may also be connected to a retraction mechanism  118 . The specific operation of the retraction mechanisms  116 ,  118  may be varied in any number of suitable manners. For instance, in one embodiment the retraction mechanism  116  connects to the wires  108  and includes a rotating shaft or wheel, at least one biasing element, or any other elements or combination of the foregoing. By way of example, a shaft or wheel may be directly or indirectly coupled to the wires  108 . A spring or another biasing element may apply a force tending to cause the shaft or wheel to rotate in a manner that causes the wires  108  to accumulate around the perimeter of the shaft or wheel and within an opening inside the body  106 . A second biasing mechanism may at least partially offset the spring. By way of example, a user may pull on the earbud  102  or the wire  108  to unroll at least a portion of the wire from the shaft or wheel. The second biasing member may stop the rotation of the shaft or wheel to allow the user to select the extent to which the earbud  102  is retracted. In one embodiment, by again pulling on the earbud  102  or wire  108  and releasing the earbud  102  or wire  108 , the second biasing mechanism may be released to allow the spring to again retract the wire  108  and the earbud  102 . 
     While  FIG. 4  illustrates an example embodiment in which the earbuds  108  are each connected to a single retraction mechanism  116 , it will be appreciated that this is merely illustrative. In other embodiments, for instance, each earbud  108  may be independently expanded or retracted. Additionally, while the audio input  104  is shown as being connected to a second retraction mechanism  118 —which optionally operates in a manner similar to that of retraction mechanism  116 —the audio input  104  may alternatively be linked to the same retraction mechanism  116  operating in connection with one or more of the earbuds  108 . 
     While  FIGS. 1-4  generally relate to an audio docking station  100  that may include one or more audio output devices such as earbuds  102 , with such earbuds being substantially visible in the storage or retracted configuration, such disclosure or devices are illustrative only. In accordance with other embodiments, one or more holes or openings may be defined by the body  106  so as to obscure a view of all or any portion of the earbuds  102  in their retracted or storage position. In some embodiments, the earbuds  102  may be totally obscured from view, such as where a cover connects to or fits over the body  106 , or in which the earbud cavities  112  are internal and configured to receive the full three dimensional shape of the earbuds. 
     In accordance with additional or other embodiments, one or more of the earbuds  102  may further be removed to provide a single audio output device, or one or more of the earbuds  102  may be replaced with an audio input device. In at least one embodiment, one of the two illustrated earbuds  102  is an audio output device for positioning in, on or near a user&#39;s ear while the other illustrated earbud  102  is instead an audio input device such as a microphone. Such an embodiment may be useful to, for instance, provide two-way communication in connection with a telephone. More particularly, the audio docking station  100  may be connected to a telephone and the microphone positioned to receive sounds provided by the user, while the earbud  102  positioned to convey sounds received by the user from one or more people at the other end of the telephone connection. 
     Additionally, while the audio input  104  is illustrated as being visible on a same side of the body  106  ad the earbuds  102 , such an embodiment is not limiting of the present disclosure. In other example embodiments, the audio input  104  may be otherwise located, such as on a bottom, side or back of the body  106 , and even used without the audio input cavity  114  in some cases. In at least one embodiment, decorative or informative information may be formed in, printed on, or otherwise displayed on the body  106 . For instance, by moving the audio input  104  to another location, an open area may be provided to include a logo or trademark of a manufacturer or seller of the audio docking station  100 . 
     The audio docking station  100  is merely one example of an audio device or system according to aspects of the present disclosure. By way of illustration, additional embodiments of audio docking stations are illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7 .  FIG. 5  is an interior view of an audio docking station  200  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the audio docking station  200  including at least one wireless component. More particularly, the audio docking station  200  of  FIG. 5  includes wireless earbuds  208  communicatively coupled with an audio input  204  through the use of a wireless transmitter  220 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the audio docking station  200  may be generally similar to the audio docking station  100  of  FIGS. 1-4 ; however, rather than providing a wired communication connection fully between the audio input  204  and the earbuds  202 , the communication may be accomplished at least partially using a wireless connection. In this embodiment, for instance, the audio input  204  may be connected to a wire  210  which connects to the body  206  of the audio docking station  200  using an optional retraction mechanism  218 . In at least one embodiment, the wire  210  is communicatively connected to a wireless transmitter  220 . The wireless transmitter  220  may be capable of transmitting signals using any number of different wireless protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, RuBee, WiFi, WPAN, etc.). To receive the transmitted wireless signals, each earbud  202  may include a wireless receiver  208 . 
     Retraction and/or storage of the earbuds  202  and/or audio component  204  may be provided in a manner similar to that described above for the audio docking station  100 . In particular, in some embodiments, the body  206  may include or define a set of one or more earbud cavities  212 . The earbud cavities  212  optionally are shaped and sized in a manner that corresponds to the shape and size of the earbuds  212  and attached wireless receivers  208 . As a result, when one or more earbuds  202  are not in use, the earbuds  202  can be placed in the corresponding cavity  212  and securely stored in a retracted state. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an interior view of another embodiment of an audio docking station  300  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The audio docking station  300  is similar in some respects to the audio docking stations of  FIGS. 1-5 ; however, in the illustrated embodiment, the audio input  304  includes an optional wireless receiver. The wireless receiver may replace a physical audio jack or connector, and can receive wireless audio signals transmitted from an audio device (not shown). In one embodiment, the audio docking station  300  can act as a relay for audio signals. In particular, the audio signals received by the audio input  304  may be relayed to a set of wireless earbuds  302  using a wireless transmitter  320  of the audio docking station  300 . The wireless earbuds  302  may include a wireless receiver  308  that receives signals directed from the wireless transmitter  320 . 
     In some embodiments, the wireless audio input  304  and the wireless transmitter  320  may be separate components that are communicatively coupled using circuits, wires, or other communication channels. In other embodiments, the wireless audio input  304  and the wireless transmitter  320  may be formed in a unitary transceiver  322  or other optional component. Thus, rather than connecting two separate and distinct components, a single transceiver  322  may be capable of both receiving a wireless signal and transmitting the signal, or a transformed version of the signal, to the wireless receivers  308  of the earbuds  302 . 
     In some embodiments, an audio docking station may not require or use an internal or supplemental power supply. For instance, the audio docking station  100  of  FIGS. 1-4  may use a wired connection that does not require batteries, an electrical plug or other power supply for operation. Other embodiments, however, may utilize additional power supplies. By way of illustration, the audio docking stations  200 ,  300  of  FIGS. 5 and 6  may include a power supply (not shown) in the way of batteries, electrical connectors (e.g., 110 or 212 Volt plugs, USB connectors, etc.), wind-up mechanisms, solar panels, or the like. The power supply in whatever form may be used to power a wireless component such as a wireless transmitter, receiver, or transceiver. Additionally, one or more power supplies may also be provided for the wireless earbuds  202 ,  302  in order to power the wireless receivers  208 ,  308 . 
     According to at least one embodiment, a wireless earbud  202 ,  302  may have a battery or other similar power supply (not shown), which power supply is optionally rechargeable. With reference to  FIG. 6 , the earbuds  302  are optionally storable on or within the body  306  of the audio docking station. For instance, one or more cavities  312  may be molded, cut or otherwise formed in the body  306  to allow secure retention of the earbuds  302 . In at least one embodiment, the cavities  312  include or otherwise correspond to charging stations of the audio docking device  300 . For instance, an electrical connector such as a pin may be aligned with the cavities  312 . Power received by the audio docking station  310  from an internal or external source may be passed through the pin or other connector to a corresponding electrical contact of the wireless earbud  302 . Such electrical contact may be used to recharge a battery or other power source of the earbud  302 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an interior view of another embodiment of an audio docking station  400  which can be used to power wireless components thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio docking station  400  includes a set of wireless earbuds  402  that are selectively connected to a body  406 . Mounted to or within the body  604  is a wireless transmitter  420 . The wireless transmitter  420  may generally be capable of receiving a signal (e.g., corresponding to sound or other audio) and transmitting the signal or a transformed version of the signal to one or more wireless receivers  408  of the wireless earbuds  402 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the audio docking station  400  also includes an input  404  associated with the body  406 , wireless transmitter  420  and/or wireless earbuds  408 . The input  404  may connect to the body  406  and provide any number of uses. For instance, in one embodiment, the input  404  includes pins or contacts for connecting to an electronic device such as a computer. For instance, the input  404  may be a USB connector that can attach to a mating dock in a computer, portable media device, smartphone, or the like. The input  404  may also include other standard or proprietary forms. 
     Regardless of the form of the input  404 , the pins, contacts or other components of the input  404  may be capable of receiving audio signals and/or a power input. In one embodiment, the input  404  receives both audio and power from an external device or source. Where audio is received, the audio signal can be transferred using a communication link  424  to the wireless transmitter  420 , which transmitter  420  can then transmit the signal for receipt by the receivers  408  of the earbuds  402 . Where power is received, the power can be transferred using the link  424  to power the wireless transmitter  420 . The link  424  optionally also includes connections associated with the earbud cavities  412  or other connectors of the body  406 . Such links  424  may allow the wireless earbuds  402  to be placed wholly or partially in or on the body  406  and electrically connected to the input  404 . Such connection may provide power to, for example, charge or recharge battery or other power supplies of the wireless earbuds  402 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 8-12 , still other embodiments of audio components embodied by the present disclosure are illustrated and described in additional detail. In particular,  FIGS. 8-12  illustrate an example portable electronic device  500  having an integrated audio output in the form of earphones  502 , as well as an integrated audio input  504 . 
     In  FIG. 8 , the portable electronic device  500  is representative of a number of different types of devices that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present disclosure. For instance, according to one embodiment, the portable electronic device  500  may be a smartphone or other type of wireless telephone. In other embodiments, the portable electronic device  500  may represent other devices such as mp3 players, music players, e-readers, tablet computing devices, netbooks, portable optical disk players (e.g., DVD, CD, Blu-ray), Internet devices, gaming consoles, portable televisions or other devices, still cameras, video cameras, projectors, singing or karaoke machines, portable radio two-way communication devices (e.g., walkie talkies), video players, Dictaphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), calculators, pagers, time pieces, radio alarm clocks, or any combination of the foregoing. In some cases the portable electronic device  500  may represent an accessory for an electronic device, an illustrative list of which may include a remote control, a keyboard, a mouse, a gaming controller, a radio, a fixed speaker, a detachable or portable speaker, a drafting pad, a power docking station, or other accessory or any combination of the foregoing. 
     Regardless of the particular form or use of the portable electronic device  500 , the portable electronic device  500  may include one or more earphones  502  integrated therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two earphones  502  connected to the portable electronic device  500 . Optionally, the earphones  502  are retractable. In one embodiment, for instance, the earphones  502  may retract to a position where they may be stored in a cavity  512  within a cavity body  506  of the portable electronic device  506 . An example storage or fully retracted position of the earphones  502  is shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . In other embodiments, a retracted or stored position may have other characteristics. For instance, rather than retracting to a cavity  512 , the earphones  502  may simply retract to a position adjacent the body  506 . The earphones  502  may also be connected to one or more wires  508  which can retract fully or partially into the body  506  of the portable electronic device  500 , optionally using a retraction mechanism that facilitates retraction and/or helps to keep the wires  508  from becoming tangled together. In this manner, the portable electronic device  500  may thus also be an audio docking station similar to those described above with regard to  FIGS. 1-7 . 
     The portable electronic device  500  may also include one or more optional audio inputs  504 . In  FIGS. 8-12  the audio input  504  is illustrated as including a male audio connector similar to a mono or stereo plug as discussed herein. In other embodiments, the audio input  504  may include other male, female or other connectors. Optionally, the audio input  504  also includes a wire  510  or other component and/or is retractable or storable within a cavity  514  of the body  506  of the portable electronic device  500 , or in another suitable manner. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9-12 , illustrated as including a body  506  generally having a rectangular shape, although such shape is merely an example and the body  506  may have any number of other shapes, dimensions, or configurations. The body  506  may house a variety of interior components, including electrical components. For instance, where the portable electronic device  500  is a wireless telephone, one or more input buttons  526  may be provided to make phone calls, select menu options displayed on the display  528 , or for any number of other purposes. The input buttons  526  may be physical or software buttons. For instance, in an alternative embodiment, the input buttons  526  may be integrated with the display  528  by including a touch screen input. To facilitate communication with other devices, the portable electronic device  500  may also include an optional antenna  524 . The illustrated antenna is shown as protruding from the body  506  of the portable electronic device  500 , although this is merely illustrative. In other embodiments, a WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, or other antenna may be inside the body  506  and allow communication through any of a variety of different communication systems. 
     The body may also house still other components. For instance, as best shown in  FIG. 12 , one embodiment of a portable electronic device may include numerous electrical components  530 - 540 . The various components  530 - 540  may serve a variety of functions. By way of illustration, the portable electronic device  500  may include one or more processors  530 . In general, the processors  530  may include semi-conductors or other components capable of reading or executing machine-readable instructions. A processor may, for instance, access information from memory or storage on the portable electronic device  500 , or received through the antenna  524 . Such information may be processed and sent to a display  528  ( FIG. 9 ), stored, transmitted, or otherwise handled. Other components may also operate in connection with the processor  520 . For instance, the processor may also communicate with the audio input  504  and/or the earbuds  502 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , for instance, the portable electronic device  500  may include a communication system  540  that communicatively links the processor to the wires  508  of the earbuds  502 , as well as the wire  510  of the audio input  504 . 
     The audio input  504  may be only one example of an audio input to the portable electronic device  500 . In  FIG. 12 , for instance, the processor  530  may communicate with multiple audio inputs. An example audio input is a microphone component  532 . The microphone component  532  may include a physical input port  534  which is optionally a female connector configured to connect to a standard or proprietary microphone plug. Additionally, or alternatively, the portable electronic device  500  may also include a second audio input  536 . The second audio input  536  can include a physical audio input jack  538 , which may also be a female connector that is standard or proprietary in nature. In some embodiments, the input jack  538  may be of a type corresponding generally to the input  504 . In other embodiments, the audio input  526  may be replaced with an audio output. 
     Any or all of the various audio inputs may be communicatively linked. For instance, as noted previously, the processor  530  may be linked through a communication system  540  to the earbuds  502 . The communication system  540  may include one or more wires, circuits, multiplexers, gates, and the like to facilitate such communication. In one embodiment, the processor  530  access information from a remote source (e.g., through the antenna  524 , over the Internet, etc.) and communicates that information to the earbuds  502 . In another embodiment, the microphone  532  receives audio in put through the input port  534 . The microphone  532  may also use the same or a different communication system  540  to relay information to the earbuds. Similarly, information received at the input jack  538  of the second audio input  536  may also be communicated through the communication system  540  to the earbuds  502 . 
     One aspect of the embodiment in  FIGS. 8-11  is that the portable electronic device  500  optionally acts as an audio relay or pass-through device. For instance, when the electronic device  500  is powered on, audio received through any of the inputs  504 ,  532 ,  538  may be passed through the portable electronic device  500  and to the earbuds  502 . As noted previously, such operation may occur using the communication system  540 , circuits, relays, switches, busses, or any number of types of components or elements. Optionally, the portable electronic device  500  may also act as an audio pass-through device even when in a powered off state. In such an embodiment, the earbuds  502  may receive audio received through the input  504  despite the portable electronic device  5000  being powered down or even being disconnected from a power source. In this manner, the portable electronic device  500  can be used to transfer audio from an audio source regardless of the operative state of the portable electronic device  500 . In an illustrative example, when an airplane is taking off or landing and electronic devices are required to be turned off, a passenger using the portable electronic device  100  may nonetheless use the portable electronic device  500  to access audio provided through a headphones jack in the airplane seat. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an interior view of an example portable electronic device  600 . The portable electronic device  600  is similar in many regards to the portable electronic device  500  of  FIGS. 8-12 , and the discussion related to the portable electronic device  500  is thus equally applicable to the embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
     The portable electronic device  600  may also include or more components or features in addition to, or as alternatives to, those of the portable electronic device of  FIGS. 8-12 . By way of illustration, the earphones  602  of the portable electronic device  600  may use wireless technology. In such an embodiment, the earphones  602  may include a wireless transmitter and/or receiver for communicating with a wireless component  608  of the portable electronic device  600 . The wireless component  608  is shown as a transmitter in communication with a processor  630 ; however, the wireless component  608  may also receive information from the one or more earphones  602 . In some additional embodiments, the portable electronic device  600  may also include one or more audio outputs  642  in addition to earphones  602 . For instance, a speaker  642  may be communicatively linked with the processor  630  or other components through a communication system  640 . Optionally, a user of the portable electronic device can selectively determine when audio should be played through the speaker  642  or through the earphones  602 . In one embodiment, when the earphones  602  are positioned in a storage location such as cavity  612 , the portable electronic device  600  optionally automatically uses the speaker  642  instead of the wireless earphones  602 . 
     In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  600  may also connect to and/or include a power supply. In one embodiment, positioning the earphones  602  in the storage location  612  may be useful to securely retain the wireless earphones  602  in a desired location or position and/or to charge or recharge batteries or other components of the wireless earphones  602 . 
     Aspects of the present disclosure may also be encompassed within a variety of types of devices and systems, including both portable and non-portable electronic devices. Turning to  FIG. 14  an example audio-visual system  700  is illustrated in which one or more audio outputs  702 ,  703  may be integrated within an electronic device such as a television or computer monitor. The television, monitor or other audio-visual device may generally be considered non-portable as it is expected to remain in substantially one location during use. In other embodiments, the audio outputs  702 ,  703  may be incorporated into a portable audio-visual system optimized or configured to move while in use. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the audio-visual system  700  has a frame  706  generally defining the shape of the audio-visual system  700 . In this embodiment, a display  728  is formed on or within the frame  706 . The display  728  may be configured to display audio-visual images received from broadcast, cable, satellite or Internet television sources, from a computer or other electronic device, from some other source, or from any combination of the foregoing. The display  728  may be based on any suitable technology, including LCD, plasma, rear projection, CRT or other display technologies. 
     Also defined by the frame  706  of the illustrated embodiment is a cavity  712 . In this embodiment, the cavity  712  is configured to accept and receive two audio output devices  702 , which are illustrated in  FIG. 14  as being earbuds. The cavity  712  may generally be sized and structured to receive the earbuds  702 , and an optional closure  713  may allow the cavity  712  to be selectively opened or closed. In one embodiment, the cavity  712  includes pre-formed depressions shaped to allow the earbuds  712  to be positioned therein. Optionally, the earbuds  702  are wireless and positioning of the earbuds  702  in respective cavities may charge a battery or other power source of the earbuds  702 . 
     Additional audio outputs  703  may also be provided by the audio system  700 . In one embodiment, the audio outputs  703  are loudspeakers. Operation of the loudspeakers  703  may be independent of the earbuds  702  or in concert therewith. For instance, if the display  728  has a picture-in-picture mode, the earbuds  703  may provide audio for one picture while the loudspeakers  703  provide audio from another picture. In another embodiment, a sensor may be included to detect when the earbuds  702  are in the cavity  712  or in use. When the earbuds  702  are in use, the audio to the loudspeakers  703  may automatically be shut off. The automatic shut-off of the audio may be overridden or configured by a user. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate additional example audio systems that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular,  FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate example portable computing devices  800 ,  900  representative of any number of devices such as laptops, netbooks, tablet computing devices, e-readers, portable media players, or a variety of other devices. 
     In  FIG. 15 , the portable computing device  800  includes a display screen  828  that may be used to present visual material. The visual material may include television or recorded programming, computing application data, graphical user interfaces, and the like. A shell  806  of the portable computing device  800  may connect to or house the display  828 , and may also house other components such as processors, storage devices, media readers, communication components, and any number of other components or systems. In accordance with one embodiment, the portable computing device  800  may be capable of providing sound and audio to a user of the device. Sound may be provided through one or more speakers (not shown) or through a headphones jack or port (not shown). 
     In another embodiment, the shell  806  may be designed to operate with one or more integrated audio output components. In  FIG. 15 , for instance, the shell  806  includes two cavities  812  shaped in a manner that allows two earbuds  802  to be positioned therein. When a user does not use the earbuds  802  to receive audio, the earbuds  802  may be stored in the cavities  812 . Optionally, the cavities  812  provide storage and/or provide power sufficient to charge the earbuds  802  as discussed herein, which charging may also be generally simultaneous with charging of the portable computing device  800 . For instance, the earbuds  802  may each include a wireless receiver  808  that uses power. When the earbuds  802  are removed from the shell  806 —and optionally powered on—the receiver  808  may receive signals from a corresponding audio transducer and transmitter of the portable computing device  800 . In other embodiments, the earbuds  802  may connect to a conductive wire that extends between the earbuds  802  and the portable computing device  800 . The conductive wire is optionally retractable within the shell  806  of the portable computing device  800  in any suitable manner, including in a manner similar to that disclosed previously with respect to  FIGS. 1-5  and  8 - 13 . 
     The portable computing device  800  also non-essentially includes an audio input  804 . The audio input  804  may be a male headphones, mono, stereo or other plug or connector. The audio input  804  may include a conductive wire and such wire may be retractable as described herein. The audio input  804 , if included, may also be varied in any number of manners. For instance, the audio input  804  may include a wireless transmitter corresponding to a wireless receiver in the computing device  800 . Thus, audio received by the audio input  804  can be wirelessly transmitted to the computing device  800 , which device can then transfer the sound to the earbuds  802  also using wireless or wired communication. In some embodiments, the audio input  804  also retracts or can be positioned within a cavity or other storage location in the shell  806 . 
     While  FIG. 15  illustrates a portable computing device  800  configured to directly store earbuds  802  in a manner that is integral to the design and/or operation of the portable computing device  800 , it should be appreciated that this embodiment is merely illustrative of some embodiments of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, other devices or components may be utilized in a similar manner. For instance, earbuds  802  may be modular in nature or otherwise interchangeable with other components such as earphones, headphones, microphones, hearing aids, audio transducers, and other components used to input or output audio data. In other embodiments, projectors, cameras, other visual input or output devices, or any other device or combination of the foregoing may be integrated with the portable computing device  800  in addition to, or instead of, the earbuds  802 . 
     In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, rather than include a cavity, shelf, or other storage compartment directly shaped or sized for the earbuds  802  (or other audio or visual component), the storage compartment may be of a more universal nature. For instance,  FIG. 16  illustrates an example portable computing device  900 . The portable computing device  900  includes a shell  906  generally defining the housing for the device  900 . The shell  906  also defines a storage compartment  912  in this embodiment. Such storage compartment  912  may be used to store any number of components, including storage devices, audio devices, video devices, power supplies, and the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the storage compartment  912  may be selectively opened or closed. When the storage compartment  912  is in an open state—as shown in FIG.  16 —an optional accessory  901  is revealed as being housed therein. In accordance with one embodiment, the accessory  901  includes one or more earbuds  902  located within one or more receiving portions  911 . The earbuds  902  and accessory  901  may simply be placed in the storage compartment  912  for storage. In other embodiments, however, the storage compartment  912  may further facilitate use of the earbuds  902 . For instance, in one embodiment the connector is exposed within the storage compartment  912 . The optional connector may have a standard or proprietary configuration. By way of illustration, suitable connectors may use USB, Serial, i.Link, firewire, video, stereo, SC, ST, or other connectors. 
     Regardless of the particular type of connector, a corresponding connector may be provided by the accessory  901 . For instance, as best shown in  FIG. 17 , a connector  904   a  may have a male USB type “A” connector may be provided by the accessory  901 . Such a connector  904   a  may then mate with a corresponding female type “A” connector cooperating with the storage compartment  912 . Additionally, or alternatively, an audio input  904   b  may be provided. The illustrated audio input  904   b  may be a male stereo plug to mate with a corresponding female audio jack of the storage compartment  912 . 
     By providing the connector within the storage compartment  912 , the accessory  901  may be conveniently used with the portable computing device  900 . In some cases, accessories are connected to a computer or other device using a port or connector on the outer periphery of the device. For instance, in  FIG. 16 , the accessory  901  is alternatively shown connected to a connector on the left side of the portable computing device  900 . While such use is acceptable and usable in connection with various embodiments disclosed herein, a user may in some cases desire to avoid using an accessory that will stick out from the device. Such desire may be based on a desire to minimize the footprint size of the device, decrease the chance that the accessory  901  will become dislodged or broken through inadvertent contact, or for any number of other reasons. By including a connector within the storage compartment  912 , the accessory  901  can be moved out from the side of the portable computing device  900  and to a more secure location in which the accessory is less likely to be bumped, jarred loose, or damaged. 
     The illustrated example of the accessory  901  and storage with the portable computing device  900  is merely illustrative of one of the many manners in which audio components may be integrated with a portable computing device and/or an accessory. For instance, in other embodiments, one or more of the earbuds  902  may be integrated with a memory card other than a USB or other similar device. Such an accessory may connect to a port within the portable computing device  900 , with the connection or removal being facilitated by a biasing mechanism. By way of example, the connection may be spring loaded to ease removal of the accessory from a computer, camera, gaming console, or other electronic device. Such a connection may be provided within the storage compartment  912 , or in another location. For instance, the illustrated accessory  901  on the side of the computing device  900  may correspond to the location of a cavity in which the accessory  901  may be inserted and slid therein so as to eliminate or reduce the amount by which the accessory  901  extends from the side of the device  900 . A connector such as a USB or other similar connector, as well as a biasing member, may individually or collectively also be considered examples of means for attaching an audio docking station such as accessory  901  to an adapter (e.g., storage compartment  912 ) or a sound pouch. 
     A more particular discussion of an example accessory  901  is provided with reference to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , in which respective top plan and schematic views of the accessory  901  are provided. As shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , an example accessory  901  may be an audio docking station that can connect to a portable or non-portable electronic device. As discussed herein, such a connection is optionally performed using one or more connectors  904   a ,  904   b  that mate with corresponding connectors, ports, or jacks of the electronic device. In at least one embodiment, the audio docking station includes one or more audio input/output devices such as earbuds  902 . The earbuds  902  may be configured for wireless or wired use. For instance, in a wired configuration, conductive wires may tether the earbuds  902  to the accessory  901 . In a wireless configuration the earbuds  902  may include an audio transducer component, such as a wireless receiver  908 , that communicates with a wireless transmitter  920 . Although  FIG. 18  illustrates the wireless transmitter  920  being included in the accessory  901 , it should also be appreciated that the wireless transmitter  920  may alternatively be included in a corresponding electronic device. 
     In operation, a user may connect the accessory  901  to an electronic device and remove one or more of the earbuds from the earbud cavities  913 , and place them in his or her ears. Audio data that is generated by the electronic device, or passed through the electronic device, may be passed into the accessory  901  through a corresponding audio input  904   a ,  904   b . The inputs  904   a ,  904   b  may be communicatively coupled to the wireless transmitter  920 . Information transmitted by the wireless transmitter  920  may be received by the wireless receivers  908  of the earbuds  902  and used to generate sound in the earbuds  902 . 
     The accessory  901  may also include additional or other components. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 18 , an accessory  901  may include optional storage  944 . In one embodiment, the storage  944  may store information that enables use of the earbuds  902 , or audio data that can be supplied to the earbuds  902 . For instance, software, firmware or other executable instructions may be stored to control operation of the wireless transmitter  920  or the user preferences associated with the accessory  901 . The storage  944  may also store audio files such as music, audio books, lectures, podcasts or other audio data, or any combination of the foregoing. Thus, the accessory  901  may not only provide audio outputs to listen to audio signals, but at least some of the audio data may be stored in an accessory integral with the audio outputs. 
     As will be appreciated in view of the disclosure herein, the accessory  901  may also include still other additional or alternative components. By way of illustration, the accessory  901  may include power components. Batteries or other power supplies may be included and/or charging stations or contacts may be included. For instance, the earbud cavities  912  may include electrical contacts that mate with corresponding leads or contacts of the earbuds  902 . Such electrical contact may allow charging of a battery or power supply in the earbuds  902 . In still other embodiments, power may be input through the inputs  904   a ,  904   b  to power or charge an audio component such as the wireless transmitter  920  or the wireless receivers  908 . In still other embodiments, display and/or interface components may be provided so as to allow the accessory  901  to operate in a self-contained manner. For instance, an interface may allow a user to select an audio file stored in the storage  944  and have that information conveyed to the earbuds  902  in a wireless (e.g., using transmitter  920  and receivers  908 ) or wired (e.g., a retractable conductive wire) manner. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use with any particular accessory, but may instead be incorporated or used in connection with any number of different types of accessories for computing devices or other electronic devices.  FIG. 19 , for instance, illustrates an example computing accessory  1000  in the form of a keyboard. More particularly, the accessory  1000  includes a housing  1006 . The housing  1006  may define one or more receiving or connection portions that allow connection of various components, such as a key array  1005 . The keys of the key array  1005  may be used to provide input to a computing device or other electronic device. 
     The housing  1006  of the illustrated embodiment may also include other portions. In  FIG. 19 , for instance, the housing  1006  devices a compartment  1012 . The illustrated compartment  1012  is an example of any number of different types of compartments. For instance, the illustrated compartment  1012  may be on an upper surface and include a sliding or hinged door which exposes an interior compartment. In other embodiments, the storage compartment  1012  may be on other side, rear or even bottom surfaces of the housing  1006 . A compartment  1012  may not also have a door as illustrated, but instead may have any other suitable mechanism for securing or protecting the contents of the compartment  1012 . In other embodiments the compartment  1012  may remain open. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , the compartment  1012  may have one or more earphones  1002  that are storable therein. The earphones  1002  are illustrative of other earphones described herein. Thus, in some embodiments, the earphones  1002  may be retractable or may be wireless. Where such earphones  1002  are wireless, the housing  1006  may also house a wireless transmitter to transmit data to corresponding audio receivers of the earphones  1002 . In some embodiments, while the earphones  1002  are in the compartment  1012 , the earphones  1002  may receive power to provide a charge or boost to electrical storage, such as by recharging a battery of the earphones  1002 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates another example computing accessory  1100  usable in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 20  the illustrated accessory  1100  may optionally be an input/output device such as a computer mouse. In such an embodiment, the mouse may include some typical components such as a body  1106  that also functions as a grip for a user. Other components such as trackballs, buttons, rollers, optical sensors, or other components may also be integrated into a wired or wireless version of the accessory  1100 . 
     In accordance with some embodiments, the accessory  1100  may be configured for use with one or more audio devices. In at least one example embodiment, the body  1106  of the mouse computing accessory  1100  may include a receiving portion  1111  configured to receive at least a portion of an earphone  1102 . The receiving portion  1111  may include an optional opening, door, depression, snap fit, or other feature that can allow the earphone  1102  to be selectively attached thereto. In some embodiments, the earphone  1102  is positioned in a manner so as to have minimal interference with a user&#39;s grip of the body  1106 . Thus, the receiving portion  1111  may be on a side of the body  1106 , although in other embodiments the receiving portion  111  may instead be located on a bottom surface, rear surface, or other location of the accessory  1100 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the earphone  1102  may be selectively removed from the receiving portion  1111  and used by a user to obtain audio information. Such information may be received from any number of sources. In at least one embodiment, the accessory  1100  may receive audio data and pass the audio data to the earphone  1102  by using wired or wireless technologies such as those described herein. More particularly, the earphone  1102  may be connected to the accessory  1100  using a retractable wire. Alternatively, a wireless transmitter may be included within the accessory  1100  so as to wirelessly transmit data to the earphone  1102 . It should also be appreciated that while a single earphone  1102  is illustrated, such is for convenience only. In other embodiments, multiple earphones may be connected to a single accessory  1100 . 
       FIG. 21  illustrates still another computing accessory  1200  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure and which is usable for providing audio to a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the computing accessory  1200  has the form of a gaming controller, and incorporates multiple different actuators  1205  that can provide input for use in a gaming environment. Such actuators may include buttons, analog sticks, D-Pads, or any number of other types of actuators. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the body of the accessory  1200  also includes a set of hand grips  1206 . The hand grips may generally provide a user with comfort while using the accessory  1200 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the grips may include receiving areas for selectively receiving and/or storing one or more audio devices. Such devices may include earphones  1202  that are selectively removable. As disclosed herein, earbuds  1202  may be secured in place using a number of different mechanisms, and may optionally be removed from the receiving area while remaining connected to the accessory  1200  in a physical or communicative manner. Such connections may include wired or wireless communication connections. In one embodiment, the controller accessory  1200  includes a wireless transmitter  1220  which can transmit audio data to wireless earphones  1202 . 
     As discussed herein, audio devices, accessories, and docking stations of the present disclosure may be used in connection with any number of electronic devices. A further example electronic device which may be used in such a system is illustrated in  FIG. 22 .  FIG. 22  generally represents a computing device that is not specifically intended for portable use. The computing device  1300  of  FIG. 22  represents any number of special or general purpose computing devices. Example devices may include, but are not limited to, servers, desktop computing devices (e.g., general purpose computing devices using WINDOWS™, iOS™, LINUX™ or UNIX™ operating systems), dedicated gaming consoles (e.g., NINTENDO™, XBOX™ PLAYSTATION™ or other systems), home automation systems, landline telephony systems, an appliance, or other systems or any combination of the foregoing. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the computing device  1300  includes a housing  1306  which generally defines the shape of the device  1300 . Within the housing, or attached directly or indirectly thereto, there may be additional components specific to the type of device, including card readers, optical disk readers, input devices, user interfaces, power supplies, and the like. In one embodiment, ports or connectors may be provided. For instance, a connector may be provided to allow the accessory  901  of  FIGS. 16-18  to be used with the computing device  1300 . 
     In accordance with some embodiments, an audio docking station  1301  or other audio accessory may be used in connection with the computing device  1300 . In some embodiments the audio docking station  1301  may be integrally formed with the computing device  1300 . For instance, the housing  1306  may be molded, machined or otherwise formed to include the audio docking station  1301  and components thereof. For instance, the audio docking station  1301  may be formed with a set of one or more earbud cavities to house the earbuds  1302 , microphones, or other audio components. In other embodiments, the audio docking station  1301  may be formed separately relative to the computing device  1306 , but permanently connected thereto. For instance, the audio docking station  1301  may be secured to an opening in the housing  1306  using an adhesive, welding, bonding or other process not intended to allow or facilitate removal of the audio docking station  1301 . In still other embodiments, the audio docking station  1301  may be selectively and/or removably coupled to the computing device  1300 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , an example manner in which an audio docking station  1301  may be selectively and/or removably coupled to a corresponding device, system or apparatus is described in additional detail. The example systems of  FIGS. 23 and 24  may be used in connection with any number of electronic and non-electronic devices and systems, a non-exclusive list of which are included herein or would be appreciated by one skilled in the art in view of the disclosure herein. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a frontal plan view of an example adapter  1400  that may be used to connect an audio docking station to a desired device, system or apparatus. In some embodiments, the adapter  1400  may contain the audio docking station and be referred to as a sound pouch, although the adapter  1400  may operate in any suitable manner. 
     In at least one embodiment, the adapter  1400  may include a sleeve portion  1446  that generally defines the shape of the adapter  1400 . The sleeve portion  1446  may define an opening  1448 , which opening  1448  may provide a base for locating a corresponding audio docking station. Optionally, the opening  1448  may be in communication with one or more secondary openings  1450 . As discussed in greater detail herein, the opening  1448  may generally be used to attach the sleeve  1446  to the audio docking station while the secondary openings  1450  may facilitate use of one or more components of the audio docking station. For instance, earbuds or other audio output or input devices may be extended through the secondary openings  1450 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates an example adapter  1400  configured to couple to an audio docking station while  FIG. 24  illustrates the same adapter  1400  in use once coupled to an audio docking station  1401 . To facilitate attachment of the audio docking station to the adapter  1410  and/or the sound pouch  1446 , the adapter  1410  and/or the audio docking station  1401  optionally includes one or more attachment mechanisms  1452 . Any suitable component may be used as an attachment mechanism  1452 . For instance, in one embodiment, the audio docking station  1401  may be formed of a rigid material. The attachment mechanism  1452  may be biased using a spring or other component. To insert the audio docking station  1400  into the opening  1448 , the attachment mechanism  1452  may be depressed. When the audio docking station  1400  is in place, the attachment mechanism  1452  may at least partially return to its biased position, which can create a frictional fit between the accessory  1400  and the audio docking station  1401 . The frictional force may be sufficient to hold the audio docking station  1401  in place, but low enough to allow a user to overcome the force to remove the audio docking station  1401 . In some embodiments, the audio docking station  1401  may include a recess or slot therein to receive the attachment mechanism  1452 . In some cases, a button release or other component may be provided to facilitate release of the attachment mechanism  1452  and removal of the audio docking station  1401 . 
     The attachment mechanism  1452  may also have any other suitable form or element. For instance, the attachment mechanism  1452  may include a hook-and-loop fastener component, with a corresponding component on the audio docking station  1401 . Still other attachment mechanisms  1452  may include mechanical fasteners such as pins, slots, tabs, hooks, clips, snaps, and zippers as well as magnetic attachment devices. Accordingly, it should be appreciated in view of the disclosure herein that any number of suitable devices or components may be used as the attachment mechanism  1452 , any or all of which are illustrative examples of a suitable means for attaching the audio docking station  1401  to the adapter  1400  or a sound pouch. 
     In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the audio docking station  1401  may be considered a universal audio docking station due to its ability to be utilized in connection with a number of different devices or systems. For instance, the adapter  1400  need not be a stand-alone device as illustrated in  FIG. 23 . Rather, the adapter  1400  may be included in any number of other devices. For instance, the computing device  1300  may have the adapter  1400  of  FIG. 23  built therein to allow the audio docking station  1301  to be selectively used therewith. As a result, when a user is utilizing the computing device  1300 , the user can selectively connect the audio docking station thereto and utilize the corresponding audio input/output devices of the audio docking station. In some embodiments, the adapter  1400  may include openings, ports, jacks, or components to allow a wired (e.g., audio input  1404 ), wireless or other audio input of the audio docking station  1401  in order to establish an electrical or communicative connection between the adapter  1400  and the audio docking station  1401 . In some embodiments, connecting the audio docking station  1401  to the adapter  1400  automatically also creates a connection between the audio docking station  1401  and a corresponding electrical device or other apparatus or system. 
     Before or after establishing a physical and/or audio connection between the audio docking station  1401  and the adapter, the user may remove or extend the earbuds  1402  of the audio docking station  1401 . The earbuds  1402  may be removed in any suitable manner depending on the manner in which they are stored by the audio docking station  1401 . For instance, manual force, a button release, or another mechanism may overcome a force holding the earbuds  1402  in place on or in the audio docking station  1401 . In other embodiments, a window may be opened to allow removal of the earbuds  1402 . 
     As discussed herein, the earbuds  1402  may receive audio through a conductive wire or a wireless component such as a wireless receiver. In a wired embodiment, the earbuds  1402  may be extended from the audio docking device  1401  and through the opening  1448  of the adapter  1400 . In other embodiments, the earbuds  1402  may extend through other openings, including dedicated openings such as secondary openings  1450 . More specifically, when an earbud  1402  is being removed, it may pass through a corresponding secondary opening  1450  before moving the earbud  1402  to the user&#39;s ear. 
     The adapter  1400  may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, for instance, the adapter  1400  is formed at least partially of a rigid or substantially rigid material, suitable examples of which include metals, alloys, polymers, composites, organic materials, or other materials or any combination of the foregoing. In other embodiments, the adapter  1400  may be fully or partially formed of a flexible or pliable material, including fabrics and flexible polymers, composites and organic materials. 
     The illustrated adapter  1400  is but one example of an adapter or audio docking station that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIGS. 25 and 26  illustrate still another example of an audio docking station according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In  FIGS. 25 and 26 , for example, an audio docking station  1500  is formed as a protective case, or carrying case, for a portable electronic device such as a phone, tablet, computer, e-reader, GPS device, gaming console, or other electronic device as disclosed herein or would be learned from a review of the disclosure herein. 
     In the illustrated example embodiment, the case  1500  may include a shell  1506  defining a body portion for containing a portable electronic device  1501 . The shell  1506  optionally includes multiple components. For instance, the illustrated shell  1506  includes upper and lower portions  1506   a ,  1506   b  which can close around an interior cavity  1507  in a clamshell manner. A case  1500  or shell  1506  may have other structures as well. For instance, in another embodiment, the case  1500  may cause the display, access ports, or other portions of the electronic device  1501 , to remain visible or accessible while the case  1500  is in place on the device  1501 . Thus, rather than a clamshell design, the case  1500  may have a sleeve configuration. Other configurations are also possible, including configurations for storing the device  1501  while it is not in use. In other embodiments the case  1500  may be designed to remain in place while the device  1501  is in everyday or intended use. Thus, the case  1500  may include a wide variety of storage, travel, protective, or carrying cases, device skins, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the case  1500  may be configured to act as an accessory that docks to the electronic device  1501  and allows a user to conveniently access or receive audio information. In the illustrated embodiment, the case  1500  includes two receiving portions  1511  configured to retain two earphones  1502  by selectively securing the earphones  1502  to the case  1500 . The illustrated receiving portions  1511  may include openings, holes, depressions, snap fits, frictional fits, or other features defined by the shell. In another embodiment, a selectively removable door, window or other feature similar to that illustrated for the computing accessory in  FIG. 19  may provide access to an interior compartment of the shell  1506  where the earphones  1502  are located. In at least one embodiment, the door, window or other feature opens to a retention component that may receive an additional audio adapter. For instance, the case  1500  may be an adapter configured to receive and use the audio docking device of  FIGS. 1-3  as illustrated in phantom lines in  FIG. 25 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the earphones  1502  are accessible and selectively removable from the receiving portions  1511 . In particular, embodiments contemplate earphones that may be removed while remaining communicatively linked to the case  1500  or the device  1501 . Such link is optionally maintained using a wired connection (e.g., by using retractable cords as disclosed herein), by using a wireless connection (e.g., between the earphones  1502  and a wireless transmitter  1520 ), or in another manner. 
     Although the illustrated earphones  1502  are shown as being secured to an exterior surface of the shell  1506 , such an embodiment is merely illustrative. In other embodiments, the earphones  1502  could be secured or contained in the cavity  1507  interior to the case  1500 , or on other surfaces. In some embodiments, openings extend through a thickness of the shell  1507  so as to allow earphones  1502  contained within the cavity  1507  to pass through the shell  1506  and be used by the user. In accordance with some aspects, the earphones  1502  within the shell  1506  may be secured directly to the case. In other embodiments, the earphones  1502  may be connected to the electronic device  1501  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8 ). 
     The case  1500  may be a standalone case, adapter or docking station, or may be an accessory for use with another device. For instance, in at least one embodiment, the wireless transmitter  1520  may connect to the wireless device  1501  stored inside the case  1500  so as to electrically or communicatively couple the device  1501  to the case. Information from the electronic device  1501  may then be transmitted through the wireless transmitter of the case  1500  to the wireless earphones  1502 . In other embodiments, the wireless transmitter  1520  may not directly connect to the device  1501 . For instance, the case  1500  may include an audio input similar to those discussed with regard to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In another embodiment, the case  1500  may include storage, power components, or other features that allow the case itself to access and provide audio to the earphones  1502 . 
     It should be appreciated in view of the disclosure herein that the case  1500  may act as an adapter or docking station similar to others disclosed herein. Thus, the case  1500  may be used in similar or identical situations that the adapters and audio docking stations discussed previously with respect to at least  FIGS. 1-7  and  22 - 24 . 
     In at least one embodiment, an adapter or audio docking station may be included in a fabric material such as an article of clothing.  FIG. 27  illustrates an example embodiment of a shirt  1705  which may be used in connection with embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, an adapter  1700  may be integral and built within the shirt  1705 , or may be separately formed and later attached to the shirt  1705 . For instance, the adapter  1700  may be made of the same fabric as the shirt  1705  and sewn as a part thereof. In other embodiments, adapter  1700  may be permanently or removably secured to the shirt  1705 . 
     Regardless of the manner in which the adapter  1700  is attached to the shirt  1705 , or the type, shape or configuration of the adapter  1700 , an audio docking device  1701  may be attached to the adapter  1700  for use with the shirt  1705 . In some embodiments, the audio docking device  1701  may be the same device used with another device or apparatus (e.g., the computing device of  FIG. 22  or the electronic device of  FIG. 26 ); however, due to the universal nature of the audio docking device  1701  and/or the adapter  1700 , the audio docking device  1701  may also be used with the shirt  1705 . The audio docking device  1702  may include one or more earbuds  1702 , microphones, or other audio input/output devices for use by the wearer of the shirt  1705 . 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shirt  1705  may also be designed for use with one or more audio devices. In  FIG. 27 , for instance, the shirt  1705  may include interior wiring  1752 . The wiring  1752  may be conductive wiring capable of carrying audio or other transmitted data. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the interior wiring  1752  may extend from a first location (e.g., a pocket) to a second location (e.g., the collar). The wiring may include connectors to attach to suitable devices. For instance, in the pocket location, a connector may be provided to connect the wiring  1752  to a portable electronic device  1754  capable of accessing or providing audio data. The portable electronic device  1754  may be a telephone, dedicated audio device, e-reader, or any other suitable device, including those disclosed herein. At the collar location a connector may be provided to attach to an audio input of the audio docking device  1701 . 
     While the illustrated embodiment depicts interior wiring and specific connection locations of the wiring to a pocket and/or collar, such features are merely illustrative. In other embodiments, for instance, the shirt may include a wireless transmitter/receiver to eliminate interior wiring. Other embodiments contemplate multiple wiring paths so that any number of locations may be used within the shirt  1705 . For instance, each pocket location may include an audio input or output to allow an electronic device  1754  and/or audio docking station  1701  to be connected thereto. Thus, it is not necessary that the audio docking station  1701  be located in the collar. In other embodiments, for instance, the audio docking station  1701  may specifically be located in a pocket location on or even in a fold in the fabric on the interior or exterior of the shirt  1705 . 
       FIG. 28  illustrates another embodiment in which an audio docking station may be used in connection with a portable storage article such as backpack  1805 . In the illustrated embodiment, an adapter  1800  may be formed of a flexible or rigid material and located on an outer surface of the backpack  1805 , although the adapter  1800  may also be located inside a pocket, under a fold in the fabric, or in any other suitable location. In some embodiments, an audio docking station connected to the adapter  1800  may include wireless earbuds  1802  which are selectively removable therefrom. As a result, when a user is wearing or otherwise has possession of the backpack  1805 , the user can use the earbuds  1802  or store the earbuds within an audio docking station in the adapter  1800 . 
     In some embodiments, the backpack  1805  may also include one or more components to facilitate use of the adapter  1800  and the earbuds  1802 . For instance, internal wiring  1852  may be provided, along with suitable connectors. In one embodiment, for instance, a pocket or other location of the backpack  1805  includes wiring  1852  along with a suitable connector for attaching to a phone, portable media player, tablet, laptop, e-reader, or other electronic device  1854 , or any combination of the foregoing. Wiring may be sewn into the backpack  1805 , or otherwise extended therein, and continue to a location proximate the adapter  1800 . At such a location, a connector may allow a removable audio docking station to connect to the wiring and thus to the portable electronic device  1854 . 
     While the embodiments in  FIGS. 27 and 28  are described as being usable with a removable audio docking station, it should be appreciated that such embodiments are merely illustrative. In other embodiments, for instance, a universal audio adapter may be eliminated such that the audio docking station is directly and integrally connected to the clothing, backpack or other item. In other embodiments, the adapter may be combined with the audio docking station, with both being integral to the article of manufacture. 
     In accordance with another aspect, an article of clothing, backpack or other similar item may be washable despite the existence of the adapter, wiring, or audio docking station. For instance, where the audio docking station is removable, the adapter may be fabric so as to be washed without a high risk for damage. Before cleaning, the audio docking station and/or portable audio device may be removed and then reconnected after cleaning. For instance, a zipper or other attachment means may be used to connect the audio docking station to the adapter. In other embodiments, the audio docking station is waterproof or water resistant, and can securely maintain the earbuds in place so that even the audio docking station can remain in place when the article is washed. 
     While  FIGS. 27 and 28  specifically relate to a shirt and backpack, respectively, it will be appreciated that such embodiments are merely illustrative. For instance,  FIG. 27  may represent a coat, jacket, sweater or any other upper-body article of clothing. In other embodiments, similar or identical features may be used with other articles of clothing such as pants, scarves, earmuffs, gloves, mittens, or other articles. In a similar manner, although  FIG. 28  specifically depicts a backpack, other items, including portable storage articles such as hunting packs, hiking packs, camelbacks, fanny packs, laptop cases, briefcases, duffel bags, luggage, purses, or other articles of manufacture, may be used in connection with an adapter, audio docking station or other components consistent with the disclosure herein. 
       FIGS. 29-32  illustrate still other example embodiments of uses of audio devices and systems according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular,  FIGS. 29-32  illustrate use of audio output devices and/or audio docking stations in connection with certain furniture. More particularly,  FIGS. 29-31  illustrate embodiments of chairs, and  FIG. 32  illustrates an embodiment of a couch, which may use embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated in view of the disclosure herein that the furniture in  FIGS. 29-32  is illustrative only, and other furniture such as desks, beds, tables, and the like may also be used in connection with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 29  illustrates an example chair  1905  that may be adapted for use with audio input and/or output devices. The chair  1905  is illustrative of any chair that may be used for sitting, including a recliner, a seat in a movie theatre, a desk chair, seating in a vehicle (e.g., an airplane, automobile, boat or other marine vehicle, scooter, motorcycle, all terrain vehicle, or bicycle), stationary or moving exercise equipment, or any other type of seating. Indeed, it should also be appreciated that embodiments are not limited to use with seating. For instance, in a vehicle, an adapter may be provided in a dashboard, door, console, or other location. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the chair  1905  includes an optional headrest  1900 . In some embodiments, the headrest  1900  may include, or act as, an adapter for an audio docking station. For instance, the headrest  1900  may functionally operate in a manner similar or equivalent to the adapter  1400  discussed above. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the headrest  1900  includes or defines an opening  1948 . The size, shape and configuration of the opening  1948  may correspond to an audio docking station. To provide a more clear view of the headrest  1900 , a body portion of the audio docking station is not illustrated, but may generally be similar to the body of any audio docking station described or illustrated herein. The headrest  1900  may also include optional secondary openings  1950 . In one embodiment, the secondary openings  1950  may be on opposing sides of the headrest  1900 , or in another suitable location so as to allow earbuds  1902  of the audio docking station to be extended therethrough. From such a position, the earbuds  1902  can be positioned inside or on the ears of a user of the chair  1905 . 
     An electrical or communicative connection is optionally established between the audio docking station and the headrest. For instance, in one embodiment, an audio connector of the audio docking station mates with a corresponding audio connector of the headrest  1900  when the audio docking station is permanently or removably secured to the headrest (e.g., within opening  1948 ). In some embodiments, wiring, audio transducers, wireless transmitters/receivers, or other electrical components may be included as part of the chair  1905 . By way of example, an audio connector within the headrest  1900  may connect to wiring extending through a portion of the chair  1950 . In some embodiments, the wiring may extend to an audio input connector  1952  which is illustratively depicted in an armrest of the chair  1905 , although an audio input could be positioned in any suitable one or more locations. When an audio docking station optionally connects to the headrest  1900 , the wiring may thus provide a communication link between the connector  1952  and the earbuds  1902  of the audio docking station. An audio device (not shown) may then provide an input to the audio connector  1952  to provide sound that is ultimately conveyed through the earbuds  1902 . 
     Although the illustrated embodiment depicts the headrest  1900  as having an opening  1948  at a front side thereof, it should be appreciated that such an embodiment is merely an example and not limiting of the present disclosure. For instance, in other embodiments an opening or other means for connecting the adapter to an audio docking station may be located elsewhere, including on a top, side, rear or underside of the headrest  1900 . In other embodiments, the opening  1948  may be on the front of the headrest  1900  but covered with a flap of material or cushioning. Such material or cushioning may serve to ensure the headrest is comfortable to the user notwithstanding the presence of the opening  1948  and/or an audio docking device. In still other embodiments, an adapter or audio docking station may be positioned in a location other than the headrest  1900 . For instance, an adapter may be located in a seatback, arm, or other location of the chair, or even in a different chair altogether. For instance, in an airplane or movie theater, the user may connect an audio docking device to a back of a chair in front of the user. 
       FIG. 30  illustrates another embodiment of a chair  2005  in which a headrest  2000  is configured to facilitate the provision of audio to a user thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the headrest  2000  includes a set of secondary openings or cavities  2050  on the sides thereof. The openings or cavities  2050  may be defined by the headrest to have a particular size and shape. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the size and shape of the openings or cavities  2050  may generally match one or more earbuds  2002 . 
     In some embodiments, the headrest  2000  may act as the audio docking station, or a portion thereof, rather than as an adapter for use with an audio docking station. For instance, in  FIG. 30 , the earbuds  2002  may fit directly into the openings or cavities  2050  and are optionally secured therein when not in use. The earbuds  2002  may be wireless, although in other embodiments they earbuds  2002  may use conductive wires to receive sound. In a wireless embodiment, the earbuds  2002  may include wireless audio receivers. 
     A wireless audio transmitter may be included within the headrest  2000 , another component of the chair  2005 , or in another suitable location. In at least one embodiment, an audio connector  2052  is provided on, or associated with, the chair  2005  and configured as an audio input. When connected to an audio output of an audio device, sound may be received by the chair  2005 . Where there earbuds  2002  are wireless, the received sound may be provided to the wireless transmitter which sends the sound to the earbuds  2002 . For wired earbuds  2002 , a wired connection may extend fully from the audio input to the earbuds  2002 . In still another embodiment, a combination of wired and wireless connections or communication channels may be used. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 31  another example embodiment of an audio system is illustrated according to some aspects of the present disclosure.  FIG. 31  provides a perspective view of an example chair  2105  usable with one or more audio outputs  2102 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the audio output  2102  may include a set of headphones. Accordingly, although various embodiments illustrated or described herein are specifically disclosed as including earbuds, such discussion is merely illustrative and different components or terminology may be used. Accordingly, the terms “earbuds”, “headphones”, “earphones” and the like should be considered to be interchangeable. Moreover, such devices may include any number of different features or functions, including varying degrees of audio quality. In other embodiments, audio components may be water resistant, or have other capabilities or functions. 
     In the illustrated embodiment the chair  2105  includes a seatback attached to a headrest portion  2100 . The illustrated headrest portion  2100  may include a cavity  2148  defined therein. In accordance with one embodiment, the cavity  2148  may have a shape and size allowing the headphones of the audio output  2102  to be positioned therein, and optionally to be securely but removable positioned therein. In operation, the audio output  2102  may be positioned in the headrest portion  2100  for storage or when not in use, and then removed from the cavity  2148  to allow or facilitate use by a user. The audio output  2102  may operate using wireless communication protocols or may use a wired connection. Where a wired connection is used, a conductive wire is optionally retractable or otherwise storable within the cavity  2148  and/or the chair  2105 . 
     In some embodiments, the chair  2105  may operate in a manner similar to embodiments of audio docking stations disclosed herein. For instance, the chair  2105  may include an audio input, optionally in the form of a male or female plug or connector. Such audio input may be located in any number of different locations, including in the headrest portion  2100 , a seatback, an arm, or even in an adjoining seat. In other embodiments, the chair  2100  may not include an audio input. Rather, the headphones  2102  may be synced or paired with an electronic device having its own transmitter or other audio output for transferring sound to the audio output  2102 . 
     While the storage location for the headphones is illustrated as being in the headrest portion  2100 , it should be appreciated in view of the disclosure herein that such location and storage is merely illustrative. In other embodiments, for instance, a shelf, tray or other storage location may be used, or the storage location of whatever type may be located in the seatback, arm rest, in an adjacent seat, in an overhead compartment, or in any other suitable location. Where the audio output  2102  is in the headrest portion  2100  or another location against which a user may sit, the chair  2105  and/or audio output  2102  may include components to enhance user comfort. For instance, the headphones of the audio output  2102  may be provided with a cushioning material on an outer surface thereof so as to provide a soft surface against which the user may place his or her head or other portion of the body. In other embodiments, the chair  2105  may include separate cushioning material to be placed in the cavity  2148  and exterior to the audio output  2100 , or a flap of material may be provided to cover the cavity  2148 . 
       FIG. 32  illustrates still another embodiment for use as an audio system. In the illustrated embodiment, a couch  2200  may include one or more integrated audio components that provide for a user to conveniently have access to audio in a personalized environment. More particularly, the couch  2200  may include one or more sets of audio output devices  2202   a ,  2202   b  integrated therewith. In one embodiment, the audio output devices  2202   a ,  2202   b  may include earbuds, earphones, headphones or the like. Such devices may be used by a single person to have personal access to audio from an audio output device. If multiple sets of audio output devices  2202   a ,  2202   b  are included in the couch  2200 , each set may be configured for independent use, or for collective use with the same audio output system. In some embodiments, use may be both individual and collective based on a user&#39;s preferences. 
     In the example embodiment of  FIG. 32 , the couch  2200  includes a first set of audio devices  2202   a , which are illustrated as earbuds connected to the couch  2200  via one or more conductive wires. The wires may extend into or otherwise attach to the couch  2200 , and the couch  2200  may include additional components for transferring sound to or from the audio devices  2202   a . For instance, wiring may be embedded within the couch  2200 . A transmitter, audio transducer, input or output port, or other component may be communicatively linked to the wiring. 
     The audio devices  2202   a  are optionally storable in or on the couch  2200 . By storing such devices on or in the couch  2200 , the audio devices  2202   a  may be available for use any time by a user of the couch  2200 , thus enhancing the convenience of the audio components. For instance, if a user wishes to listen to music, television, or some other audio programming, the user need not carry around a separate set of earphones or audio outputs, but can simply use those already provided in the couch  2200 . 
     To facilitate storage of the audio devices  2202   a , the couch  2200  may include one or more storage locations  2212   a . Storage locations  2212   a  may have any form, including those discussed herein. For instance, in one embodiment, the storage locations  2212   a  may be of a universal nature to receive a removable audio docking station. In other embodiments, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 32 , the storage locations  2212  may be integral with the couch  2200 . The storage locations  2212   a  may include a cavity, opening, shelf, window or other location on an arm, seat cushion, chair back, or in another location. Each storage location  2212   a  may correspond to one earphone or other audio device  2202   a , or a single storage location  2212   a  may receive multiple audio devices  2202   a.    
     Also illustrated in  FIG. 32  is an example set of wireless audio devices  2202   b  that may be used in connection with the couch  2200 . Similar to the wired audio devices  2202   a , the wireless audio devices  2202   b  are optionally storable within or on the couch  2200  and/or connectable to audio components within the couch  2200  to enable convenient and simple use. In the embodiment in  FIG. 32 , both wireless audio devices  2202   b  may be storable within a single storage location  2212   b . In such an embodiment, the storage location  2212   b  may permanently or releasably receive an audio docking station, or directly receive the audio devices  2202   b . In some embodiments, the storage location  2212  may be configured to provide power for a charging station or for other purposes. 
     As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art in view of the disclosure herein, the couch  2200  may include wires, transmitters, connectors or other components to allow transfer of sound data from an audio source to the audio devices  2202   a ,  2202   b , or even from the audio devices  2202   a ,  2202   b  such as where one of the audio devices  2202   a ,  2202   b  includes a microphone. Often, the audio will be provided from or to an outside source. Non-exclusive examples of outside sources of sound data may include televisions, laptops, tablets, e-readers, telephones, media players, Internet devices, portable media players, and the like. In other embodiments, however, the couch  2200  itself may provide sound data by, for instance, being integrated with electronic components for storing or accessing sound data. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure provide for convenient use of audio input/output devices by a user. Some embodiments additionally, or alternatively, also provide the ability to integrate such devices within other devices, systems or apparatus. Such integration may allow discrete use of the audio devices, ease of storage or access, or any number of other features. In some embodiments, the audio devices may also be interchangeably used with a number of different devices, and even integrated with such devices. 
       FIGS. 33-37  illustrate some additional embodiments of audio devices and systems that provide for use of audio devices in a convenient and/or discrete manner. In particular,  FIGS. 33-37  illustrate integration of audio systems or components with jewelry or other wearable accessories, although the same principles may be applied to any number of industries. Examples of other industries that may benefit from the principles disclosed herein include the costume, hairpiece, accessories, cosmetics, and sports and fitness industries. 
     Specifically referring to  FIG. 33 , convenient use of an audio device such as an earphone  2302  may be provided by integrating the device with an earring. In one embodiment, for instance, the audio system  2300  includes an earphone  2302  as well as a wireless receiver or transmitter  2308 . The audio system  2300  may be stored or used in isolation, although in other embodiments the audio system  2300  may be used in connection with an audio docking station according to the principles disclosed herein. 
     The earring audio system  2300  is optionally designed to maintain a desired aesthetic appearance while also providing enhanced convenience for use of the earphone  2302 . In accordance with one aspect, such aesthetic purposes may be satisfied by reducing the size of the earphone  2302  so it is more difficult to see within the person&#39;s ear and/or reducing the width or size of a wire extending between the earphone and the wireless receiver/transmitter  2308 . In some embodiments, the wireless receiver/transmitter  2308  may serve multiple purposes. For instance, the stud for the earring may also serve as the wireless receiver/transmitter  2308 . In other embodiments, the wireless transmitter/receiver  2308  may be integrated in dangling decorative portions of the earring  2300 . Embellishments or other components may include designs, jewels, precious stones, glasswork or any other design or component, or any combination of the foregoing, either separate from, or integral with, the wireless receiver/transmitter  2308 . 
     Another convenient audio system is illustrated in  FIG. 34 , which illustrates an example brooch  2400  that may provide a decorative appearance as well as access to audio components. In the illustrated embodiment, for instance, the brooch  2400  may include a housing defining one or more cavities  2412  or other storage locations. Optionally, the cavities  2412  or other storage locations are designed to correspond to the size and shape of one or more audio components  2402 , which may include earphones, microphones, other audio components, or any combination of the foregoing. The body of the brooch  2400  may optionally act as a wireless transmitter or wireless receiver in embodiments in which the audio components  2402  are earbuds, earphones, headphones, hearing aids, microphones, or the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the audio components  2402  have a size that can generally be integrated within the brooch  2400 . When the audio component  2402  is removed from the brooch  2400  (e.g., so as to be used by the user to receive or transmit sound), the brooch  2400  may generally retain its desired shape and decorative appeal. The cavities  2412  may be on the exterior of the brooch  2400 , such as in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 34 . In other embodiments, an interior cavity may be provided, such as in the case where the brooch  2400  also serves as a locket. 
     Optionally, the brooch  2400  can be used as such, or connected to a chain and used as a necklace. In other cases, a necklace may include a pendant or other component not intended for use as a brooch. For instance,  FIG. 35  illustrates an example necklace  2500  which includes a pendant  2501  configured to allow convenient access to, and use of, one or more audio devices  2502 . In this embodiment, audio devices  2502  such as headphones, earbuds, earphones, microphones, hearing aids, or the like may be stored on the pendant  2501 . The audio devices  2502  may be selectively removable to facilitate use in receiving or providing sound. In some cases, the pendant  2501  may be an audio docking station similar to those disclosed herein, and optionally removable from the necklace. 
       FIG. 36  illustrates an example embodiment of a set of eyeglasses  2600  which may provide for use of audio components in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The eyeglasses  2600  are illustrative of a number of different types of glasses, including prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, costume glasses, goggles, or virtually any other type of eyewear. In the illustrated embodiment, the eyeglasses  2600  may include a frame  2606   a  configured to hold a pair of lenses  2607 . The frame  2602  may include a bridge  2608  between the lenses  2607 , which bridge may optionally be configured to rest on or above a wearer&#39;s nose. 
     To facilitate use by the wearer, the frame  2606   a  may be connected to a pair of elongated temples  2606   b  configured to extend from the front of the wearer&#39;s face to above, and potentially behind, the wearer&#39;s ears. As shown in  FIG. 36 , the eyeglasses  2600  optionally include one or more audio components. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, a set of earphones  2606  may be selectively connected to the end pieces of the temples  2606   b . The earphones  2606  may be secured in place or may be selectively extendable or removable. By way of illustration, the earphones  2602  may be connected to the temples  2606   b  using a selectively retractable wire. In other embodiments, the earphones  2602  are wireless earphones and may be removed entirely from the temples  2606   b . To connect the earphones  2602 , a snap fit, frictional fit, suction, or other type of connection may be used. 
     An optional wireless transmitter  2620  may also be included within the eyeglasses  2600 . Such a transmitter  2620  may be placed on the frame  2606  or on one or more of the temples  2606   b . In one embodiment, the wireless transmitter  2620  may be located at or near the bridge  2608  of the eyeglasses. The wireless transmitter may be used to access and/or provide audio to the earphones  2602 . In at least some embodiments, the transmitter  2602  may be replaced or supplemented with a memory device so as to allow audio or other programming to be stored on the eyeglasses  2600 . 
     Where audio or information is stored in memory on the eyeglasses  2600 , a user interface may optionally be included to allow selection of stored audio. In other embodiments, wired or wireless connections to other audio sources may also be provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the eyeglasses  2600  include multiple types of audio components. For instance,  FIG. 36  illustrates an optional speaker or microphone component  2642  embedded within a temple  2606   b . Such a component  2642  may output audio information or receive audio information. In the case of a microphone, the transmitter  2620  may also act as a receiver to receive the information, and then as a transmitter to transmit the information to another source that may be independent of the earphones  2602 . Additionally, while the component  2642  is shown as being embedded in a temple, this is merely illustrative. In other embodiments, the audio component  2642  may also be removable and/or wirelessly coupled to the transmitter/receiver  2620 . In at least one embodiment, a portion of the temple  2606   b  or other portion of the eyeglasses  2600  is flexible, hinged, or otherwise movable to allow selective placement of the audio component  2642 . 
       FIG. 37  illustrates an example timepiece  2700  which includes a face  2708  configured to allow a user to tell time. In this embodiment, the face  2708  is a watch face and the time piece  2700  is a watch that includes a watch band  2704  secured to the face  2708 . The timepiece  2700  may be configured to allow convenient access to, and use of, one or more audio devices  2702 . In this embodiment, audio devices  2702  such as headphones, earbuds, earphones, microphones, hearing aids, or the like may be stored on the watch  2700 . The audio devices  2702  may be selectively removable to facilitate use in receiving or providing sound. In some cases, the watch  2700  may be an audio docking station similar to those disclosed herein, and optionally removable from the watch band  2704 . 
     The watch face  2708  may have a frame  2709  located therearound. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  2709  is structured to selectively secure the earphones  2702  in place on the watch  2700 . The frame  2709  and earphones  2702  may provide an optional decorative appearance in which the earphones  2702  minimally detract from the aesthetic qualities of the watch  2700 . The frame  2709  or other portion of the watch  2700  may also optionally include a transmitter  2720  or controls  2722  to facilitate use of the earphones  2702  in receiving audio information. 
     According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the audio devices of  FIGS. 33-37  may use wireless transmitters or receivers, and such components are optionally integrated within the respective earrings, brooches, necklaces, eyeglasses, or timepieces. In other embodiments, such wireless components may be otherwise located. For instance, an audio docking station or other corresponding audio component may have a wireless transmitter/receiver for communicating with the audio devices in jewelry or other wearable items. In still other embodiments, such a wireless transmitter/receiver may be in another, separate item. For instance, the necklace  2500  of  FIG. 35  may be matched with the watch of  FIG. 37 , the eyeglasses of  FIG. 36 , the brooch of  FIG. 34 , the earrings of  FIG. 33 , a corresponding bracelet (not shown). An associated wireless transmitter/receiver in any of the other devices may communicate with the wireless transmitter/receiver in the earphones  2502  from the necklace  2500 . In still other embodiments, wireless components may be removed or minimized by using conductive wires capable of carrying audio signals. 
     Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a user with various benefits over traditional or currently available audio systems, devices, components and accessories. For instance, as discussed herein, audio components such as earbuds, microphones, hearing aids, and the like may be integrated within an audio docking station to allow convenient use of the audio components with any number of different electronic or non-electronic devices. Audio components may also be integrated directly into other objects, and optionally retractable or storable therein, so as to allow convenient access without requiring the user to always carry a set of earphones or the like. In the same or other embodiments, audio components may be hidden or discretely located to allow use without an undesired visual effect that makes use of such audio components overtly obvious. In some embodiments, electrical devices or other objects may include a cavity or other feature to allow modular components to be connected thereto. Modular components may include earphones, a docking station, or still other components. 
     Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure or of any of the appended claims, but merely as providing information pertinent to some specific embodiments that may fall within the scopes of the disclosure and the appended claims. For convenience, aspects of the present disclosure have been illustrated or described in connection with specific embodiments; however, the discussion should not be interpreted as requiring or allowing certain features only in combination with other features or elements. Indeed, features from any of the various embodiments may be employed in combination, and may supplement other features or replace other aspects or features. In addition, other embodiments of the present disclosure may also be devised which lie within the scopes of the disclosure and the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. All additions, deletions and modifications to example embodiments, as disclosed herein, that fall within the meaning and scopes of the claims, are to be embraced by the claims.