Patent Publication Number: US-9888309-B2

Title: Ear jewelry with wireless audio device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/798,073, filed Jul. 13, 2015 titled “Ear Jewelry With Wireless Audio Device” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/835,975 filed Mar. 15, 2013 and issued on Jul. 14, 2015 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,084,054, also titled “Ear Jewelry with Wireless Audio Device” and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/640,303, filed Apr. 30, 2012 and titled “Headphone Apparatus”, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Piercing of various parts of the body for insertion of jewelry has been conducted by humans for thousands of years for a variety of reasons. Some piercings are completed for religious or spiritual beliefs and ceremonies while others are for ornamental purposes. The most common piercings are those in lobes of the ears, but a variety of other locations both in different parts of the ear as well as other parts of the body are not uncommon. For example, ear piercings are commonly formed in cartilaginous parts of the ear like the helix, concha, or tragus, among others. 
     Common earrings include a thin stud that is inserted through the lobe of the ear and retained in place by a clutch installed thereon. However, some subcultures or piercing “purists” employ larger body jewelry that requires or forms much larger piercings in the lobe or other portions of the ear. The body jewelry worn in these piercings is often held in place without the use of a clutch or other fastener and may require insertion into a piercing by stretching the piercing to allow passage of an enlarged end of the jewelry and then allowing the piercing to shrink or return to an original size to retain the jewelry therein in a frictional or obstructive engagement. 
     These body jewelry pieces are available in a variety of types. One type of body jewelry that is often used in cartilaginous parts of the ears is referred to as an industrial piercing. The industrial comprises an elongate rod with enlarged ends that is typically disposed to extend through a pair of piercings in the upper portion of the ear. Another form or variation of an industrial piercing is a spiral piercing which includes a spiral shaped body that is disposed in two or more piercings in the ear and may spiral or wrap around an edge or the scapha of the ear. 
     Gauge-style earrings comprise piercings in which a small initial piercing is created through, for example, the lobe of the ear. The piercing is then expanded or stretched over time by placing incrementally larger earrings therein. These earrings are referred to by their diametrical size measured using the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard or in millimeters. Such earrings include those referred to as a taper and a gauge. A taper typically includes a generally conical body that is larger at one end than the other. An enlarged ball or similar feature may be disposed at the point thereof. The taper may be employed to slowly expand the piercing. The weight of the taper can apply a stretching force on the piercing as a result of the expanding shape of the taper as it is pulled through the piercing. Gauge-style earrings generally comprise a ring, also known as a tunnel, or a plug that is disposed within the piercing. 
     Piercings and/or clamps or wraps have also been employed to support audio devices, such as hearing aids and speakers, on the ear of a user. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,086,288 to Klein describes a wireless earring headset that is attached to the lobe of a user&#39;s ear via a stud extending through a small piercing in the user&#39;s ear and held in place by a clutch or clasp coupled to the stud. The headset includes a speaker that is directed toward the user&#39;s ear canal and a microphone disposed on a boom directed toward the user&#39;s mouth. This configuration with the large body and the microphone boom extending therefrom may be found by users to be bulky and unattractive for wearing in public or in a social setting. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,536,150 to Ryann describes a wireless earpiece assembly configured to give the appearance of an earring. The assembly is attached to the lobe of the user&#39;s ear via a stud or clasp which fully supports the assembly. Other contact with the ear is avoided to reduce discomfort caused by long-term use. The assembly includes a coupling mechanism or hoop on which a speaker and a casing are disposed. The speaker is positioned to direct sound toward the user&#39;s ear canal and the casing is suspended from the coupling mechanism and houses operational components of the assembly. Although, the configuration described by the &#39;150 patent is ostensibly designed to resemble an earring, the speaker is fully visible and disposed adjacent the ear of the user during wearing of the assembly. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0308069 to Stott describes a gauge-style piercing with a speaker disposed therein. The speaker is directed outwardly and away from the user&#39;s ear to enable the user to hear audio outputs therefrom while also retaining the ability to hear sounds from their surroundings and environment. The &#39;069 publication teaches that such a configuration is necessary to ensure the safety of the user and to avoid bulky or uncomfortable headphones that are placed in the user&#39;s ear canal and that block out environmental noises. However, such a configuration broadcasts the audio outputs to the user&#39;s surroundings, which may be unwanted by the user or by those nearby. 
     A need exists for body jewelry disposable in a piercing and with an integral audio device that can be disguised as ornamental jewelry when not used as an audio device. A need also exists for such a device that is configured for gauge and cartilaginous piercings. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims below, not this summary. A high-level overview of various aspects of the invention are provided here for that reason, to provide an overview of the disclosure, and to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described in the Detailed-Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. In brief, this disclosure describes, among other things, a device that is wearable in an ear piercing as body jewelry and that includes an integral audio device. 
     The device includes a body with a wireless communications unit and a sound-production unit, such as a speaker or transducer coupled thereto. The wireless communications unit is connected to a first end of the body and transmits audio output signals through the body to the sound-production unit. The sound-production unit is coupled to the opposite second end of the body via a flexible conduit to allow the sound-production unit to be placed in proximity to or at least partially in the ear canal of the user when listening to audio output. When listening is not desired, the sound-production unit can be covered by an ornamental cover and suspended from the second end of the body or disposed within the body. 
     The wireless communications unit may be detachable from the body to enable a wired connection to be made to the body. The wireless communication unit, the body, and/or the sound-production unit might also include one or more input surfaces that can be manipulated by a user to control a master device that is coupled thereto. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram depicting the pinna or outer portion of a human ear and parts thereof; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an audio device configured as a taper-style earring depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the audio device of  FIG. 2  depicted with a cover in an open position and a sound-production unit extending from an end of the device; 
         FIG. 4  is an elevational view of the audio device of  FIG. 2  depicted with exterior walls removed to reveal components disposed therein; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram depicting components of a control unit of an audio device depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  depicts the audio device of  FIG. 2  disposed in a piercing in the lobe of an ear with an audio-production device disposed to direct audio outputs toward the ear canal in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic view of wireless communications between a wireless communications unit disposed in a control unit of the audio device of  FIG. 2  and a master device depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic view depicting a wired connection between the audio device of  FIG. 2  and a master device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an audio device configured as an industrial-style earring depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  depicts the audio device of  FIG. 9  disposed in a pair of piercings in the helix of an ear in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an elevational view of the audio device of  FIG. 9  depicted with exterior walls removed to reveal components disposed therein; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the audio device of  FIG. 9  depicting a cover enclosing a sound-production unit; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an audio device configured as an industrial-style earring with an extensible conductor configured in a helical form and coupling a body with a sound-production unit of the audio device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14A  depicts a positive and negative element of a conductor disposed interior to a body of an audio device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14B  depicts a positive and negative element of a conductor disposed within a wall of a body of an audio device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14C  depicts a positive and negative element of a conductor disposed on an exterior surface of a body of an audio device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14D  depicts sidewalls of a body of an audio device forming positive and negative element of a conductor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an audio device configured as a swirl-style earring depicted in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an audio device configured as a gauge-style earring depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial cross-sectional view of the audio device of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  depicts the audio device of  FIG. 16  disposed in a piercing in a lobe of an ear with a sound-production unit in a stowed position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 19  depicts the audio device of  FIG. 16  disposed in a piercing in a lobe of an ear with a sound-production unit extended from the body of the audio device and disposed in the ear canal of the user in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 20  is an illustrative view of a user wearing an audio device disposed in a piercing in the pinna of an ear depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a sound-production unit with rotatable leaves that forms a part of the audio device shown in  FIG. 20  depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a side elevational view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 21  shown in a use orientation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a side elevational view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 21  in a non-use orientation taken along the line  25 - 25  depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 21  taken along the line  25 - 25  but depicted with the leaves in a use orientation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a sound-production unit with sliding leaves shown in a non-use orientation and depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 27  shown with the leaves in a use orientation and depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 29  is a first side elevational view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a first side elevational view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a second side elevational view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 27  shown with the leaves in a non-use orientation; 
         FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 31  taken along the line  32 - 32  shown in  FIG. 31  and depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 31  taken along the line  32 - 32  shown in  FIG. 31  but with the leaves in a use orientation and depicted in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 34  is a cross-sectional view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 31  taken along the line  34 - 34  shown in  FIG. 32  and depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a sound-production unit with a telescoping cover in a non-use orientation depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 35  depicted in a use orientation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 37  is a side elevational view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a side elevational view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a cross-sectional view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 35  taken along the line  39 - 39  shown in  FIG. 37  and depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 40  is a cross-sectional view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 36  taken along the line  40 - 40  shown in  FIG. 38  and depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of another sound-production unit in a non-use orientation and depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 41  in a use orientation; 
         FIG. 43  is a side elevational view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 41 ; 
         FIG. 44  is a side elevational view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a cross-sectional view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 41  depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 46  is a cross-sectional view of the sound-production unit of  FIG. 42  depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of an audio device that includes an ornamental structure depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 48  is a perspective view of an audio device that includes an ornamental structure with a spiraling body depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 49  is a perspective view of an audio device that includes an ornamental structure with a snaking form depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 50  is a perspective view of an audio device that includes an ornamental cage-like structure depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention: 
         FIG. 51A  is a side perspective view of an audio device configured as an integrated unit depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 51B  is a cross-sectional diagram of the audio device of  FIG. 51A  taken along the line A-A depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 52A and 52B  are perspective views of the audio device of  FIG. 51A  depicted within and removed from a cover that is configured as a gauge-style piercing in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 53A and 53B  are perspective views of the audio device of  FIG. 51A  depicted within and removed from a cover that is integrated into the temple pieces of a pair of glasses in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 54A and 54B  are perspective views of the audio device of  FIG. 51A  depicted within and removed from a cover that is integrated into distal ends of the temple pieces of a pair of eyeglasses in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIGS. 55A and 55B  are perspective views of the audio devices of  FIG. 51A  depicted within and removed from a cover that is integrated into a wristband in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject matter of select embodiments of the invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. But the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied in other ways to include different components, steps, or combinations thereof similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described. 
     Embodiments of the invention are described herein with respect to the drawings in which reference numerals are employed to identify particular components or features. Corresponding elements in the various embodiments depicted are provided with reference numerals having matching second and third digits but with differing first digits, e.g. element  10  corresponds to elements  110 ,  210 , etc. Such is provided to avoid redundant description of corresponding features of the elements but is not intended to indicate the features or elements are necessarily the same. 
     With initial reference to  FIG. 1 , an external portion or pinna  1  of a human ear is depicted. The pinna  1  comprises a soft appendage generally comprised of cartilage and soft or fleshy tissues that collect and direct sound toward the ear canal  2  for receipt by the inner ear as known in the art. A variety of portions of the pinna  1  may be pierced for insertion of body jewelry. For example, the lobe  3  comprises fleshy tissues such as skin, and may be pierced for insertion of an earring or body jewelry such as a taper- or gauge-style earring. Hereinafter, earrings and body jewelry that are insertable in a piercing in the pinna  1  are collectively referred to as earrings. The helix  4 , scapha  5 , antihelix  6 , tragus  7 , concha  8 , and antitragus  9  are cartilaginous portions of the pinna  1  that can be pierced for insertion of earrings known as an industrial, spiral, rook, tragus, and conch, among others. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 2-8 , an audio device  100  that is wearable in a piercing in the pinna  1  of the ear is described in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The audio device  100  is configured as a taper-style earring and includes a body  110  having a generally conical form. The conical form provides a first end  112  of the body  110  with dimensions that are smaller than those of an opposite second end  114 . Although the body  110  is described herein as including a linear or straight conical taper-style form, it is to be understood that the body  110  can take a variety of different taper-style forms including for example, curved, spiral, claw, or horn shaped tapers among others. The body  110  includes a substantially hollow interior space and is removably coupled at the first end  112  to a control unit  116 . 
     The control unit  116  includes a housing  118  having dimensions larger than the first end  112  of the body  110 , e.g. the housing  118  has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the first end  112  of the body  110 , but the housing  118  can have any desired dimensions—larger or smaller than those of the body  110 . The housing  118  is preferably configured in a spheroidal form but any desired form can be employed. The size and shape of the housing  118  may aid in avoiding inadvertent withdrawal of the audio device  100  from the piercing. Other components might also or alternatively be employed to avoid inadvertent withdrawal and/or to maintain positioning of the body  110  in the piercing, such as rubber O-rings. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 5 , a variety of components are disposed in the housing  118  and configured for operation of the audio device  100  including a wireless communications unit  120 , a processor or logic chip  122 , an on-board memory  124 , and a battery  128 . An amplifier  130  and a microphone  132  might also be included, among a variety of other components. It is to be understood that one or more of these components can be combined or their functions performed by another component. For example, processors can include memory. Additionally, detail of the connections and communications between the components is not necessary for conveying an understanding of embodiments of the invention and is not described in detail herein. 
     The wireless communications unit  120  employs wireless communications protocols, standards, hardware, and the like, available in the art, such as, for example, the BLUETOOTH standards developed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the wireless communications unit  120  in the control unit  116  provides wireless communications between the audio device  100  and a master device  133  such as a digital music player, a cellular telephone, a computer, or similar electronic device. The master device  133  provides audio data, and control signals, among other communications to the audio device  100  via wireless communications with the wireless communications unit  120  for use by the audio device  100 . The audio device  100  may also transmit a variety of communications to the master device  133  via the wireless communications unit  120  like, for example, handshake signaling for creating a secure connection therebetween, audio data collected by the microphone  132 , or command signals to the master device  133 , e.g. to change an audio file being played, among others. 
     The processor or logic chip  122  executes one or more programs or routines useable to produce an audible output using audio data received from the master device  133  via the wireless communications unit  120 . The processor  122  may process audio inputs received from the microphone  132  for communication to the master device  133 . Additionally, one or more control surfaces  134  can be provided on the audio device  100  from which the processor  122  can receive input commands. The control surfaces  134  can include touch interfaces, such as capacitive surfaces, buttons, switches, rotatory dials, or the like and enable a user to provide inputs to the audio device  100  or to the master device  133 . In one embodiment, a capacitive touch interface is provided in a base or distal end of the housing  118 . In another embodiment, a lower portion of the housing  118  is rotatable with respect to an upper portion or with respect to the body  110  to provide input to the audio device  100  or to the master controller. For example, a user might provide an input to change an audio track being played, to increase a volume of the audio output, or to interact with an application executing on the master device  133 . 
     The on-board memory  124  is useable by the processor  122  for execution of programs and routines but is not configured to provide storage of audio or other data for later playback, e.g. the memory  124  cannot be used to store audio data for a plurality of songs on the audio device  100  for later playback in a manner similar to a digital music player—such tasks are reserved for the master device  133 . In another embodiment, the memory  124  can be configured for storage of one or more data or audio files. 
     The amplifier  130  is employed by the processor  122  to provide outputs useable by a sound-production unit  136  disposed proximate the second end  114  of the body  110 . The output of the amplifier  130  comprises electrical signals, which may be amplified, that are communicated to the sound-production unit  136  via an electrical wire or conductor  138  in a known manner. However, the control unit  116  might also be configured to provide outputs to the sound-production unit  136  as air pressure waves carried by a hollow conduit, or as light rays carried by fiber-optic conduits. In one embodiment, the body  110  functions as the electrical wire or conductor  138  (see  FIG. 14D ) or as the conduit for carrying the pressure waves or optical signals. 
     The microphone  132  is any available microphone useable to receive audio inputs from a user including, for example, vocalizations provided during a telephone call as well as voice commands to the master device  133  when such capabilities are present in the master device  133 . Additional microphones  132  may be provided at disparate locations on the audio device  100  for use in collecting audio inputs from a user&#39;s surroundings or environment, such as in the body  110  or in the sound-production unit  136 . Such audio inputs are useable by the processor  122  or the master device  133  for noise cancellation among other uses. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , the control unit  116  is removably coupled to the first end  112  of the body  110 . The coupling can be a threaded coupling provided by mating threads on the first end  112  of the body  110  and a receptacle  140  in the housing  118  of the control unit  116 . Or the body  110  and the housing  118  can include any of a variety of mating flanges, tabs, grooves, slots, or the like that enable snap-fit, friction-fit, magnetic fit, or other engageable couplings. The coupling places the control unit  116  in communication with the conductor  138  by, for example, placing metallic contacts on the first end  112  of the body  110  in contact with mating contacts disposed within the receptacle  140  of the housing  118 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 8 , the first end  112  of the body  110  may also be configured to receive a wire  141  or other conductor for connection to the master device  133  when the control unit  116  is removed therefrom. The threads, flanges, tabs, or other features on the first end  112  of the body  110  for coupling to the housing  118  of the control unit  116  as well as the contacts for coupling to the conductor  138  can be employed for coupling with a receiver  139  on an end of a wire  141 . Such a wired coupling might be employed when wireless communications are restricted, e.g. such as on an airplane, but use of the audio device  100  is desired. 
     Now referring back to  FIG. 4 , the conductor  138  is coupled to the first end  112  of the body  110  within the interior thereof and extends through the interior of the body  110  toward the second end  114  and couples to the sound-production unit  136 . The conductor  138  is flexible and may be extensible to enable the conductor  138  to extend a distance from within the body  110  sufficient to place a distal end of the sound-production unit  136  in proximity to the ear canal  2  of a user wearing the audio device  100  in the pinna  1  of the user&#39;s ear. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the sound-production unit  136  is disposed in the pinna  1  in a space defined by the antihelix  6 , concha  8 , and tragus  7  and is directed toward or into the ear canal  2 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4  the conductor  138  is provided in a spiral or helical configuration to provide sufficient length to the conductor  138  while also enabling retraction of the conductor  138  into the body  110 . The conductor  138  can alternatively be provided in any desired configuration that enables extension and retraction thereof as described herein. For example, the conductor  138  might be disposed on a coil or spool within the body  110  that feeds out the conductor  138  when needed. The conductor  138  may have a memory or may be coated with a resilient coating having a memory to at least partially bias the conductor  138  toward the retracted, spiraled configuration. Such may aid retraction of the conductor  138  into the body  110  when desired. The conductor  138  is flexible and non-supporting in that the conductor  138  has sufficient tensile strength to support the sound-production unit  136  in a suspended or hanging position but has insufficient compressive or flexural strength to support or retain the sound-production unit  136  in positions vertically above the suspended position. 
     The sound-production unit  136  includes a housing  142  comprising a base  144  with a nipple  146  extending from a distal end thereof. The sound-production unit  136  further includes a speaker, transducer, driver, or other sound production components (hereinafter referred to generally as a speaker) disposed in the housing  142  and configured to produce an audible output. Other components, such as an amplifier, microphone, or the like might also be disposed in the sound-production unit  136 . 
     The base  144  of the sound-production unit housing  142  is configured with a frusto-conical form that is dimensioned to fit within the conical shape of the housing  110  and to be received at least partially therein. As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the base  144  is received into the body  110  a distance sufficient to leave only a portion of the nipple  146  extending from the body  110 . A plurality of ribs  147 , ridges, or other protuberances are provided along the perimeter of the base  144 . The ribs  147  may provide a friction-fit between the interior of the housing  110  and the housing  142  to removably retain the housing  142  therein as well as provide a cushion between the housing  142  and the body  110 . The ribs  147  may also provide an air gap between the housing  142  and the body  110  to avoid the housing  142  becoming stuck in the body  110  as a result of entrapment of air within the body  110 . The ribs  147  or similar features might also be configured to provide a snap-fit, mechanical coupling, or magnetic coupling to aid retention of the sound-production unit  136  in the housing  110 . 
     The conductor  138  is coupled to a proximate side of the base  144  of the housing  142  and to the speaker (not shown) or other components disposed therein. In an embodiment, one or more of the components of the control unit  116  may be disposed in the housing  142  and coupled to the conductor  138 . 
     The nipple  146  extends from the distal side of the housing  142  and includes a central aperture  148  through which sound produced by the speaker is directed and emitted from the sound-production unit  136 . An exterior of the nipple  146  is configured to removably engage an ear tip  150 . Although the nipple  146  is shown and described herein as extending from the distal end of the base  144 , such is not intended to so limit embodiments of the invention. For example, the nipple  146  may comprise any structure on the base  144  to which the ear tip  150  may be coupled; the nipple  146  need not necessarily extend from the base  144 . 
     The ear tip  150  comprises a generally dome-shaped portion of a soft, pliable material that surrounds the nipple  146  but does not substantially obstruct the central aperture  148 . The ear tip  150  may also be referred to in the art as an earbud, ear plug, ear piece, or the like. The ear tip  150  provides cushioning to produce a comfortable fit for the user when the sound-production unit  136  is at least partially inserted in the pinna  1 . The ear tip  150  may also provide some frictional characteristics to aid retention of the sound-production unit  136  in the pinna  1  and/or ear canal  2  as well as blocking of environmental noises or sounds from entering the ear canal  2 . The ear tip  150  can be produced in any desired form and from available materials known in the art. For example, the ear tip  150  can be uniquely molded to a particular user&#39;s pinna  1 , or can be formed from compressible memory-foam, silicon, or rubber materials, among others. 
     A cover  152  is provided on the second end  114  of the body  110 . The cover  152  is pivotally or hingedly coupled to the body  110  to enable pivoting thereof from a closed position ( FIGS. 2, 4, and 6 ) covering and enclosing the sound-production unit  136  within the body  110  and an open position ( FIGS. 3 and 7-8 ) in which the sound-production unit  136  can be removed from within the body  110 . In another embodiment, the cover  152  is removably coupled to the body  110  to allow the cover  152  to be detached therefrom. 
     The cover  152  may include a notch  154  in an edge thereof that is configured to engage a mating tab  156  or flange depending from the perimeter of the second end  114  of the body  110 . Annular flanges  158 ,  160  are provided about the perimeters of the second end  114  of the body  110  and the cover  152 , respectively, on which the notch  154  and the tab  156  can be disposed. Frictional, mechanical, and/or magnetic engagement between the notch  154  and the tab  156  releasably retain the cover  152  in the closed position. In another embodiment, a clasp or similar mechanical closure is provided to retain the cover  152  in the closed position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the notch  154  extends a distance along the sidewall of the cover  152  to provide an aperture  162  through which the conductor  138  can be disposed when the sound-production unit  136  is extended from the body  110  and the cover  152  is in the closed position. One of skill in the art will recognize other ways or forms of providing the described features; such other forms are understood as being within the scope of embodiments of the invention described herein. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2-8 , operation of the audio device  100  is described in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The audio device  100  is installed in a piercing in the pinna  1  of the user&#39;s ear as depicted in  FIG. 6 . In some embodiments, two of the audio devices  100  are worn simultaneously, one in each ear of the user, to provide audio outputs to each ear, such as to provide stereo sound. When the audio device  100  comprises a taper-style earring, as described previously, the audio device  100  is usually installed in a piercing in the lobe  3  of the ear. The control unit  116  is removed from the first end  112  of the body  110  and the body  110  inserted through the piercing. The audio device  100  is typically positioned with the first end  112  extending through the lobe  3  to a position between the ear and the head of the user although the reverse placement can be employed. The control unit  116  is recoupled to the body  110 . Or a receiver  139  of a wired connection  141  can be coupled to the first end  112  of the body  110  and connected to the master device  133  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     The audio device  100  is thereby substantially captured by the interaction of the conical form of the body  110  and the enlarged dimensions of the housing  118  of the control unit  116 . The dimensions of the second end  114  of the body  110  and of the housing  118  are preferably larger than that of the piercing into which the audio device  100  is inserted. The audio device  100  can be drawn at least partially through the piercing to at least partially stretch the lobe  3  and thereby provide some frictional engagement therebetween. The annular flange  158  on the body  110  can provide an additional obstruction to passage of the second end  114  of the body  110  through the piercing. 
     The cover  152  is pivoted to the open position and the sound-production unit  136  is withdrawn from within the body  110 . The sound-production unit  136  is extended from the body  110  and placed at least partially into a space in the pinna  1  proximate the ear canal  2  and defined by the by the antihelix  6 , concha  8 , and tragus  7  and directed toward the ear canal  2  of the user. The sound-production unit  136  may be inserted at least partially into the ear canal  2 . The conductor  138  extends from the sound-production unit  136 , into the body  110  and to the first end  112  thereof to communicatively couple with the control unit  116 . The cover  152  can be returned to the closed position with the conductor  138  disposed in the aperture  162 . As such, the audio device  100  retains an attractive ornamental appearance of an earring during use for production of audio outputs from the sound-production unit  136 . 
     An initial setup of the audio device  100  with the master device  133  may be carried out. The setup may include a series of communications between the audio device  100  and the master device  133  to complete processes, such as pairing among others known in the art for providing wireless communications between such devices. Description of such processes is not necessary for an understanding of embodiments of the invention and is thus not provided herein. 
     Using the master device  133  the user selects an audio file or track to be played by the master device  133 . The master device  133  wirelessly (or through the wired connection  141 ) transmits or streams the audio file to the audio device  100  via the wireless communications unit  120 . The wireless communications unit  120  receives the audio file for use by the control unit  116  to generate signals to the sound-production unit  136  for production of an audible output therefrom. As such, the signal path of signals embodying the audio file received from the master device  133  travels from a first side of the pinna  1 , through the body  110  of the audio device  100  and thus through the pinna  1 , and through the conductor  138  to the space proximate the ear canal  2  or in the ear canal  2  where the audio output is finally provided. 
     The user might alternatively employ the control surfaces  134  on the audio device  100  to instruct the master device  133  to begin playing a desired audio track, skip to a next or a previous track, pause, rewind, fast-forward, or stop playing an audio track. The user might also use the control surfaces  134  to navigate menus, interact with software applications, answer incoming telephone calls, provide voice commands, or the like. 
     When use of the audio device  100  to provide an audio output is not desired, the sound-production unit  136  and conductor  138  are returned to the body  110  and the cover  152  moved to the closed position. As such, the audio device  100  is wearable as an ornamental earring. The body  110 , housing  118  of the control unit, and cover  152  can include any desired exterior ornamentation to enhance the appearance of the audio device  100 . When not in use for audio output production, the sound-production unit  136  is completely enclosed and hidden from view. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 9-12 , an audio device  200  is described in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The audio device  200  is configured as an industrial-style earring. Industrial-style earrings are typically inserted through a pair of piercings in the helix  4  or other cartilaginous portions of the pinna  1 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . The body  210  of the audio device  200  comprises an elongate cylindrical form with first and second connectors  264 ,  266  disposed at the first and second ends  212 ,  214  thereof, respectively. The first connector  264  removably couples the body  210  with the control unit  216  and the second connector  266  removably couples the second end  214  of the body  210  with the conductor  238  in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the audio device  100  for connecting the first end  112  of the body  110  with the control unit  116 . 
     The first and second connectors  264 ,  266  are conical members having a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the body  210 , but in other embodiments can have another shape and dimension. As such, when installed in the pinna  1  of the user, the first and second connectors  264 ,  266  may act to obstruct passage of the body  210  through the piercings. One or both of the first and second connectors  264 ,  266  may also be removably coupled to the body  210  to enable removal thereof for installation of the body  210  in the pinna  1 . Alternatively, the conical shape of the connectors  264 ,  266  may aid insertion of the connectors  264 ,  266  and the body  210  through the piercings by stretching of the piercings. 
     The conductor  238  of the audio device  200  includes a receiver  268  at one end thereof that couples the conductor  238  to the second connector  266  and thus, to the body  210  which forms or provides a second segment of the conductor  238  extending through or along the body  210 . The sound-production unit  236  is coupled to the opposite end of the conductor  238  and thus is suspended from the second end  214  of the body  210  via the conductor  238 . The second segment of the conductor  238  thus continues the path of the conductor  328  between the sound-production unit  236  and the control unit  216  or to a wired coupling with a master device (see the wired coupling  141  and the master device  133  depicted in  FIG. 8 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14A-D , the second or other segments of the conductor  238  can take a variety of configurations. For example,  FIG. 14A  depicts a positive and negative conductor  238   a ,  238   b  disposed interior to the body  210  and  FIG. 14B  depicts the positive and negative conductors  238   a ,  238   b  disposed in a wall of the body  210 .  FIG. 14C  shows the conductors  238   a ,  238   b  disposed on an exterior surface of the body  210  and in  FIG. 14D  depicts sidewalls of the body  210  functioning as the conductors  238   a ,  238   b  with an insulating member  269  disposed therebetween. It is to be understood that such configurations can also be employed in other configurations of the audio device  200 , such as in the audio device  100  discussed previously. 
     A chain  270  or other non-extensible member can be intertwined with, disposed alongside, or otherwise associated with the conductor  238 . The chain  270  may provide additional support for the sound-production unit  236  as it is suspended and/or may be provided to enhance aesthetic qualities of the conductor  238 . The chain  270  may be coupled to the receiver  268  and to the base  244  of the housing  242 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , a conductor  238   a  may comprise a resilient or extensible conductor  238   a  that has a shape memory. The conductor  238   a  has a helical or spiral form that can be elongated by pulling or stretching the conductor  238   a . When released the conductor  238   a  will substantially resume its previous form. 
     The cover  252  comprises a pair of actuatable halves, shells, or leaves  272  that are moveable from a use position ( FIGS. 9 and 11 ) to a non-use position ( FIGS. 10 and 12 ). In the use position, the leaves  272  are disposed alongside the base  244  of the housing  242  to expose the ear tip  250  and not interfere with insertion thereof into the ear canal  2  of the user. The leaves  272  are shaped to generally mimic the shape of the ear tip  250  and the base  244  of the housing  242 . As such, the leaves  272  can lie substantially alongside and in close proximity to the sides of the base  244 . In the non-use position, the leaves  272  are rotated or pivoted to extend toward a distal end of the sound-production unit  236  and to substantially enclose the ear tip  250  therebetween. In another embodiment, the cover  252  comprises a cap that is mechanically or magnetically coupled to the housing  242  and may be removable therefrom. Embodiments of covers for ear tips are described more fully below with respect to  FIGS. 20-46 . 
     In use, the audio device  200  is disposed in the pinna  1  of the user&#39;s ear, as depicted in  FIG. 10 . When use of the audio device  200  for audio output is desired, the leaves  272  are rotated from the non-use position to the use position to expose the ear tip  250 . The sound-production unit  236  is placed in the space proximate to the ear canal  2  and the audio device  200  is operated as described previously above with respect to the audio device  100 . As such, the signal path of signals embodying the audio file received from the master device  233  travels from a first side of the pinna  1  through the body  210  of the audio device  200  and thus passes through the pinna  1  two times before passing through the conductor  238  to the space proximate the ear canal  2  where the audio output is finally provided. 
     When use of the audio device  200  for audio output is no longer desired, the sound-production unit  236  is removed from the space proximate the ear canal  2  and the leaves are returned to the non-use position. The sound-production unit  236  is then allowed to dangle or suspend from the second end of the body  210 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . The housing  242 , the leaves  272 , and the chain  270  may be provided with an ornamental appearance to enhance the attractiveness of the audio device  200  as an earring. If desired, one or both of the conductor  238  with the sound-production unit  236  and the control unit  216  can be removed from the body  210  and the body  210  worn alone as an earring. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , an audio device  300  is described in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The audio device  300  is configured as a spiral-type earring. The spiral-type is similar to the industrial-type except for the body  310  thereof being provided in a spiraling or helical form. Features and operation of the audio device  300  correspond to those of the audio device  200  described previously above and are thus not described further here. 
     With additional reference now to  FIGS. 20-46 , the sound-production unit  236  useable with the audio devices  200  and  300  may take a variety of forms. Embodiments of the sound-production unit  236  are described hereinafter using  200  series reference numerals, however such is not intended to limit use of the described sound-production units to the audio device  200 ; the described sound-production units  236 ,  236 ′,  236 ″,  236 ′″ are equally usable in embodiments of the audio device  300 . 
       FIGS. 20-26 , depict the sound-production unit  236  with the cover  252  comprising a pair of rotatable leaves  272  as described previously above. The housing  242  provides a pair of receivers  275  disposed diametrically opposite one another on the housing  242 . Each of the receivers  275  is configured to receive a stud  277  extending from an interior surface of a respective one of the leaves  272 . The stud  277  is rotatable within the receiver  275  to enable the respective leaf  272  to rotate relative to the housing  242  about an axis extending through the receiver  275  between the use and non-use positions. The stud  277  is generally fixed against axial movement within the receiver. The leaves  272  are independently moveable between the use and non-use positions or may be mechanically coupled within the housing  242  to enable movement of one leaf  272  to cause simultaneous and mirroring movement of the opposite leaf  272 . 
     One or more soft-stops may be provided between the leaf  272  and the housing  242  to aid retention of the leaves  272  in one or more rotational orientations relative to the housing  242 , e.g. to retain the leaves  272  in the use and non-use orientations. For example, the stud  277  or the leaf  272  may be provided with a nub that engages a detent on the receiver  275  or the housing  242  to releasably lock the leaf  272  in either the use or the non-use position. A separate detent may be provided for locking the leaf  272  into each of the use and non-use positions. The stud  277  and/or the leaf  272  may at least partially flex to allow engagement with such detents. 
     In another embodiment, the stud  277  is able to move at least a short axial distance within the receiver  275  and a coil spring (not shown) might be provided between the leaf  272  and the receiver  275  or the housing  242 . The stud  277  is thereby biased into the receiver  275  by the spring and thus the nub associated therewith is biased into engagement with the detent. The leaf  272  or stud  277  can be pulled away from the housing  242  a distance sufficient to disengage the nub from the detent and to thereby allow rotation of the leaf  272  between the use and non-use positions. The nub, detent, and coil spring are not shown in the drawings so as not to obscure other features shown therein. It is understood that the nub/detent combination may be reversed to place the nub on the receiver  275  or housing  242  and the detent on the stud  277  or leaf  272 . 
     With additional reference now to  FIGS. 27-34 , a sound-production unit  236 ′ is described in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In the sound-production unit  236 ′ the leaves  272 ′ are retractable from the use position to the non-use position by sliding longitudinally along the housing  242 ′. The housing  242 ′ includes a pair of recessed tracks  285  extending longitudinally along diametrically opposing sides of the housing  242 ′. As depicted in  FIGS. 27 and 34 , the track  285  includes two parallel and spaced apart channels  287  with a ridge  288  therebetween. As shown in  FIG. 34 , the channels  287  have an L-shaped cross-section with a first arm  287   a  of the L-shape extending inward into the housing  242 ′ and a second arm  287   b  extending transversely away from the ridge  288  and the adjacent channel  287 . 
     Each of the leaves  272 ′ includes a pair of legs  289  extending from an interior surface and near a rearward end thereof. The legs  289  are positioned side-by-side and spaced apart a distance sufficient to engage respective ones of the channels  287 . Each leg  289  extends generally orthogonally from the interior surface of the leaf  272 ′ a distance sufficient to engage the first arm  287   a  of the respective channel  287  and then turns outwardly away from the ridge  288  to form a foot  289   a  that engages the second arm  287   b  of the channel  287 . Although pairs of channels  287  and legs  289  are described herein, it is understood that more or fewer channels  287  and legs  289  might be employed in embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of described herein. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 33 and 34 , the foot  289   a  of each leg  289  has an oblong or generally rectangular cross-sectional shape with the long dimension thereof extending generally parallel to the length of the channel  287 . The thickness or height of the second arm  287   b  of the channel  287  is dimensioned to receive the smaller dimension of the foot  289   a  but not the longer dimension. As such, the foot  289   a  is permitted to slide in the longitudinal direction of the channel  287 , but is substantially held against rotation of the foot  289   a  within the second arm  287   b  of the channel  287 . The respective leaf  272 ′ is thus enabled to slide or move along the exterior of the housing  242 ′ between the use and non-use positions but is retained against pivotal movement away from the housing  242 ′ about the feet  289   a.    
     With reference now to  FIGS. 35-40 , a sound-production unit  236 ″ includes a generally cylindrical speaker housing  242 ″ with a cover  252 ″ comprising a tube that has one open end and an opposite second end that includes an endwall  290 ″ extending thereacross. The speaker housing  242 ″ and the tubular cover  252 ″ are dimensioned to enable the speaker housing  242 ″ to fit within the tubular cover  252 ″ and to move coaxially within the tubular cover  252 ″. Although the speaker housing  242 ″ and the tubular cover  252 ″ are shown and described herein having generally circular cross-sectional shapes, other cross-sectional shapes that allow the speaker housing  242 ″ to fit and move coaxially within the tubular cover  252 ″ may be employed. The endwall  290 ″ of the cover  252 ″ includes a central aperture  291 ″ through which the conductor  238 ″ coupling the sound production unit  236 ″ to the remainder of the audio device  200 ″ extends from the tubular cover  252 ″. 
     The ear tip  250 ″ is formed from a generally pliable or resilient rubber, plastic, silicon, or similar elastomeric-type material and has generally tubular shape with a first end and a second end. The first end of the ear tip  250 ″ is dimensioned to fit within and to couple to an interior surface of the tubular cover  252 ″ at the open end thereof. The interior surface of the open end of the tubular cover  252 ″ may include a recess  299 ″ configured to receive the first end of the ear tip  250 ″. The first end of the ear tip  250 ″ may be coupled to the tubular cover  252 ″ using one or more of glues, adhesives, welding, mechanical engagement, fasteners, or the like. 
     The generally tubular shape of the ear tip  250 ″ expands radially outward from the first end to form an enlarged, generally dome-shaped body before gradually reducing in diameter toward a distal end thereof. The second end of the ear tip  250 ″ is turned inward to extend within the enlarged body toward and in the same direction as the first end. The second end of the ear tip  250 ″ engages the nipple  246 ″ of the speaker housing  242 ″ which extends from the open end of the tubular cover  252 ″ into the enlarged body of the ear tip  250 ″. The second end of the ear tip  250 ″ couples around the circumference of the nipple  246 ″ leaving an open pathway  292 ″ through which sound may be directed from the speaker housing  242 ″. The second end of the ear tip  250 ″ may include an annular flange  293 ″ that engages an annular trough  294 ″ provided on the nipple  246 ″. One or more of glues, adhesives, welding, fasteners, or the like may be employed to couple the second end of the ear tip  250 ″ to the nipple  246 ″. 
     Axial or telescopic movement of the speaker housing  242 ″ within the tubular cover  252 ″ enables transitioning the sound production unit  236 ″ between the use orientation shown in  FIGS. 36, 38, and 40 , and the non-use orientation shown in  FIGS. 35, 37, and 39 . In the use orientation, the speaker housing  242 ″ may be partially extended from the tubular cover  252 ″ and the ear tip  250 ″ is fully expanded to enable insertion of the ear tip  250 ″ into the pinna  1 , or more specifically, at least partially into the ear canal  2  of a user for listening to audio produced by the sound production unit  236 ″. 
     To place the sound production unit  236 ″ into the non-use orientation, the speaker housing  242 ″ is moved into the tubular cover  252 ″ toward the endwall  290 ″. The speaker housing  242 ″ can be moved by pulling the conductor  238 ″ through the aperture  291 ″ in the endwall  290 ″ to draw the speaker housing  242 ″ into the interior of the tubular cover  252 ″ or by applying a force on the ear tip  250 ″ or the nipple  246 ″ directed toward the endwall  290 ″. By either method, the speaker housing  242 ″ moves toward the endwall  290 ″ and draws the second end of the ear tip  250 ″ into the tubular cover  252 ″ along with it. The first end of the ear tip  250 ″ remains in engagement with the tubular cover  252 ″ and is thus moved away from the speaker housing  242 ″ as the speaker housing  242 ″ moves toward the endwall  290 ″. The ear tip  250 ″ is thus substantially inverted or turned inward on itself and lies substantially within the tubular cover  252 ″. In one embodiment, the conductor  238 ″ may be reinforced or another structure may be provided to aid pulling the speaker housing  242 ″ into the tubular cover  252 ″ without damaging the conductor  238 ″. Such reinforcement or additional structure may also aid to push the speaker housing  242 ″ through the tubular cover  252 ″ to move to the use orientation. For example, a reinforcing sleeve (not shown) might be provided around a portion of the conductor  238 ″, or an elongate, semi-rigid tab (not shown) might be provided to extend generally parallel to and alongside the conductor  238 ″ that can be employed to move the housing  242 ″ relative to the cover  252 ″. 
     In the non-use orientation, the ear tip  250 ″ is elongated and drawn into the tubular cover  252 ″. The enlarged body thereof is thus deformed through the elongation thereof to fit within the diameter and length of the tubular cover  252 ″. The material comprising the ear tip  250 ″ may include sufficient shape memory to cause the ear tip  250 ″ to resume its original form when the sound production unit  236 ″ is again placed in the use orientation. In another embodiment, the ear tip  250 ″ is caused to resume the original shape by forces applied thereon resulting from coupling of the first and second ends thereof to the tubular cover  252 ″ and the nipple  246 ″ respectively. 
     In the non-use orientation the ear tip  250 ″ and the speaker housing  242 ″ are protected from damage and hidden from view by the tubular cover  252 ″. The tubular cover  252 ″ can be provided with any desired ornamental decoration, exterior shape, or dimensions to enhance the aesthetic appearance thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 41-46 , a sound-production unit  236 ′″ is described in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The sound-production unit  236 ′″ can be used with and coupled to the first or second connectors  264 ,  266  on the body  210  configured as an industrial, swirl, or other style piercing. The sound-production unit  236 ′″ includes a speaker housing  242 ′″ that is removeably insertable into a cover  252 ″′. 
     The cover  252 ′″ includes an interior hollow  295 ′″ shaped and dimensioned to receive the speaker housing  242 ′″, including the ear tip  250 ″′, in a generally form fitting manner. As depicted in  FIGS. 41-46 , the speaker housing  242 ′″ and ear tip  250 ″′ are directed generally downward within the cover  252 ′″ however, other orientations may be employed. The interior hollow  295 ′″ is open for receipt of the speaker housing  242 ′″ along a side of the cover  252 ″′. The speaker housing  242 ′″ is inserted in a downward and inwardly rotating manner to place the center of gravity of the speaker housing  242 ′″ generally centrally within or just beyond the center of the interior hollow  295 ′″ of the cover  252 ′″ to aid retention of the speaker housing  242 ′″ therein. In one embodiment, the interior hollow  295 ′″ is sized just smaller than the ear tip  250 ″′ in at least one dimension. As such the ear tip  250 ″′ is at least partially compressed in at least one dimension to provide a frictional engagement between the ear tip  250 ″′ and an interior surface of the interior hollow  295 ′″ to aid retention of the ear tip  250 ″′ in the interior hollow  295 ″′. 
     The speaker housing  242 ′″ includes an exposed surface  296 ′″ that is exposed to view when the speaker housing  242 ′″ is installed in the cover  252 ″′. The exposed surface  296 ′″ and the exterior of the cover  252 ′″ may include any desired ornamentation and form to enhance the aesthetic appearance thereof. The speaker housing  242 ′″ and/or the exposed surface  296 ′″ may include one or more features, such as flanges, ribs, tabs, ridges, or the like that aid retention of the speaker housing  242 ′″ in the cover  252 ′″ and/or aid to disguise an interface therebetween that may be visible from the exterior of the sound-production unit  236 ″′. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 41-42 and 45-56 , the cover  252 ′″ may include a channel  297 ′″ extending from the interior hollow  295 ′″ to a location adjacent a coupling loop  298 ′″ in which the conductor  238 ′″ extending between the speaker housing  242 ′″ and the remainder of the audio device  200 ′″ can be disposed. The channel  297 ′″ may be configured to receive a single run of the conductor  238 ′″ or the channel  297 ′″ can be configured to receive a plurality of runs of the conductor  238 ′″, for example by folding the conductor  238 ′″ back-and-forth along the channel  297 ″′. A portion of the conductor  238 ′″ may also be disposed within the interior hollow  295 ′″ alongside the speaker housing  242 ′″ and/or ear tip  250 ″′. The channel  297 ′″ may be dimensioned to retain the conductor  238 ′″ therein by friction fit and/or may include features such as ridges, coatings, pads, or the like to aid retention of the conductor  238 ′″ therein. The length of conductor  238 ′″ and thus the configuration of the channel  297 ′″ may be determined based on a desired length of the conductor  238 ′″ needed to enable insertion of the ear tip  250 ″′ into the ear canal  2  of the user. 
     The sound-production unit  236 ′″ thus includes a use and a non-use orientation. In the use orientation, generally shown in  FIGS. 42, 44, and 46 , the speaker housing  242 ′″ is removed from the cover  252 ′″ by pivoting the speaker housing  242 ′″ outwardly and withdrawing the ear tip  250 ″′ from the interior hollow  295 ′″ of the cover  252 ″′. For example, the speaker housing  242 ′″ may pivot or rotate about an edge of cover  252 ″′. The ear tip  250 ″′ can then be moved to place the ear tip  250 ″′ into the pinna  1  and/or the ear canal  2  of the user for listening to audio produced by the audio device  200 ″′. Movement of the speaker housing  242 ′″ away from the cover  252 ′″ also withdraws the conductor  238 ′″ from the channel  297 ′″ to provide sufficient slack for positioning the ear tip  250 ″′ in the user&#39;s ear canal  2 . 
     When removed from the ear canal  2  the sound-production unit  236 ′″ is placed in the non-use orientation (depicted in  FIGS. 41, 43, and 45 ) by inserting the ear tip  250 ″′ into the interior hollow  295 ′″ and at least partially rotating the speaker housing  242 ′″ toward the cover  252 ″′. The conductor  238 ′″ may also be installed into the channel  297 ′″ by pressing into place or may naturally fall or move into the channel  297 ′″ when the speaker housing  242 ′″ is inserted into the interior hollow  295 ″′. As such, the ear tip  250 ″′ is hidden from view by the cover  252 ′″ and the exposed surface  296 ′″ of the speaker housing  242 ″′. The cover  252 ′″ and the exposed surface  296 ′″ may be provided with any desired ornamentation to disguise the identity of the sound-production unit  236 ′″ as such and to provide the appearance thereof as being jewelry. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 16-19 , an audio device  400  is described in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The audio device  400  is configured as a gauge-style earring and might also be referred to as a tunnel- or plug-style earring. Gauge-style earrings are configured for receipt in an enlarged piercing that is often placed in the lobe  3  as shown in  FIGS. 18-19 . 
     The audio device  400  includes a generally ring-shaped body  410  with a hollow interior passage  473  and an annular channel  474  formed about the circumference of the body  410 . The annular channel  474  is configured to receive the perimeter of a piercing in the lobe  3  and to thereby retain the audio device  400  within the lobe  3 . The lobe  3  is substantially contained between opposite sides or flanges forming the annular channel  474 . In some embodiments, the channel  474  comprises only a slight annular recess or is not provided. 
     The first end  412  of the body includes an annular wall  476  depending therefrom. The control unit  416  is disposed in a cap-shaped housing  418  that includes a generally planar body  478  with a flange  480  extending normally thereto and from the perimeter thereof. The annular wall  476  is received within the flange  480  and the housing  428  to removably couple the control unit  416  to the body  410 . It is understood that other available configurations of the housing  418  of the control unit  416  and the coupling with the body  410  will be recognized by one of skill in the art—such configurations are within the scope of embodiments of the invention described herein. For example, the control unit  416  may take a form, such as that of the control units  116  and  216  that couples to a feature disposed on the first end  412  of the body  410 . 
     The housing  442  includes a cylindrical base  444  with a plurality of ribs  447  disposed thereon. An enlarged disc  482  having dimensions larger than the base  444  is provided on the base  444  opposite the ear tip  450 . In another embodiment, the enlarged disc  482  is replaced by another ornamental feature, such as a spike, stud, hook, or chain, among a variety of others. Or the enlarged disc  482  may be omitted. 
     The conductor  438  couples to the base  444  of the housing  442  proximate to the enlarged disc  482 . A groove  484 , trough, or other depression is provided about the circumference of the body  410  alongside the annular channel  474 . The groove  484  is configured to receive the conductor  438  therein. Alternatively, the conductor  438  can be received on the exterior surface of the body  410  without the provision of a groove or other feature to retain the conductor  438 . A cutout  486  is provided in a sidewall of the groove  484  to provide for passage of the conductor  438  from the housing  442  through the sidewall and into the groove  484 . As best depicted in  FIG. 14 , the conductor  438  can thus be disposed through the cutout  486  and into the groove  484  to wrap around the circumference of the body  410  before communicatively coupling with the control unit  416 . The end of the conductor  438  opposite the sound-production unit  436  may insert into the body  410  and extend therein to a coupling with the control unit  416 . The conductor  438  might alternatively insert into the body  410  to couple to a printed circuit or other electrical contact. Or the conductor  438  may be routed into the interior passage  473  and then toward the control unit  416  for coupling therewith. 
     The sound-production unit  436  and the conductor  438  are disposable in a stowed position ( FIGS. 16-18 ) and a use position ( FIG. 19 ). In the stowed position, the sound-production unit  436  is at least partially inserted into the interior passage  473  of the body  410  to place the nipple  446  of ear tip  450  adjacent or in contact with an interior surface of the control unit  416 . The ribs  447  may frictionally engage the wall of the interior passage  473  to retain the sound-production unit  436  in the stowed position. In the stowed position, the conductor  438  is disposed and retained in the groove  484 . 
     To move the sound-production unit  436  to the use position as shown in  FIG. 19 , the enlarged disc  482  is grasped by the user and pulled to remove the sound-production unit  436  from the interior passage  473  of the body  410 . A small gap may be provided between the second end  414  of the body  410  and the enlarged disc  482  to aid grasping thereof. The conductor  438  is removed from the groove  484  and the sound-production unit  436  extended and inserted into the space proximate the ear canal  2  a directed toward or into the ear canal  2 . 
     Operation of the audio device  400  corresponds with the operation of the audio device  100  described above and is thus not described in detail here. As described previously, the signal path of signals embodying the audio file received from the master device travels from a first side of the pinna  1 , through the body  410  of the audio device  400  and thus through the pinna  1 , and through the conductor  438  to the space proximate ear canal  2  where the audio output is finally provided and directed toward or into the ear canal  2 . 
     When not in use for production of audio output, the audio device  400  is wearable as a decorative earring. The enlarged disc  482 , as well as the body  410  and the housing  418  of the control unit  416  can be adorned with any desired ornamentation. The enlarged disc  482  may also obscure or hide the conductor  438  extending from the housing  442  to the groove  484 . 
     Additionally, the control unit  416  and/or the sound-production unit  436  may be detachable from the body  410  for use with a different body  410 . For example, in the practice of wearing gauge-style piercings, users often slowly increase the size or gauge of the earring and thus the size of the piercing in the ear. As such, when the user wishes to increase (or decrease) the size of the body  410 , a new larger body  410  is obtained and the control unit  416  and/or sound-production unit  436  are coupled to the new larger body  410 . The user is thus not required to obtain an entirely new audio device  400 . In an embodiment, the audio device is provided with a set of interchangeable bodies  410  of varied sizes. 
     In another embodiment, the audio device  400  is configured to include a connector coupled to a sound-production unit, like the connector  266  and the sound-production unit  236  discussed previously with respect to the audio device  200 . Such a connector and sound-production unit may be provided instead of or in addition to the sound-production unit  436 . As such, the audio device  400  could be configured with a suspended or dangling sound-production unit like that shown in  FIG. 9 , for example. 
     In use, a pair of the audio devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  may be employed—one in each ear—to listen to an audio output in both ears at the same time. The pair of audio devices can comprise two like audio devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  or different devices can be selected, e.g. an audio device  100  can be used in one ear while an audio device  300  is used in the other ear. 
     Several particular embodiments of the audio devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  are described herein. However, the scope of embodiments is not limited to the described forms of the audio devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 . Embodiments of the audio devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  may employ other forms for the body  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  410  and may incorporate or combine various features of each of the audio devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  to provide a different configuration but with the same or combined functionalities. 
     For example,  FIGS. 47-50  depict additional exemplary embodiments in which the body  510  comprises a hook-shaped member that is installed through a piercing in a user&#39;s ear. The control unit  516  is coupled to one end of the body  510  on one side of the user&#39;s ear and the sound production unit  536  is coupled to the opposite end of the body  510  along with an ornamental structure  537 . The sound production unit  536  and the conductor  538  may be disposed in, wrapped around, coupled to, or otherwise associated with the ornamental structure  537  to provide an aesthetic design, to disguise the conductor  538  and the sound production unit  536  as part of the aesthetic design, and/or to retain the sound production unit  536  and the conductor  538  in a non-use orientation. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 47 , the sound production unit  536  is disposed in a loop-portion of the ornamental structure  537  and a cover  552  is coupled thereto to enclose the ear tip  550 .  FIG. 48  depicts a spiraling ornamental structure  537 ′ about which the conductor  538 ′ is wrapped and from which the sound production unit  536 ′ hangs. Similarly,  FIG. 49  depicts a snaking ornamental structure  537 ″ having pins or a pinch channel disposed on one surface thereof. The conductor  538 ″ is either wrapped around the pins or disposed within the pinch channel to follow the snaking structure  537 ″ and the sound production unit  536 ″ hangs from the conductor  538 ″ at the terminal end of the structure  537 ″. A cover  552 ″ may be coupled to the sound production unit  536 ″. 
     The audio device  500 ″′ depicted in  FIG. 50  includes an ornamental structure  537 ′″ that forms a cage or skeleton within which the conductor  538 ′″ and the sound production unit  536 ′″ are disposed. The cage structure  537 ′″ includes an opening along one side thereof through which the conductor  538 ′″ and the sound production unit  536 ′″ can be moved to transition between use and non-use orientations. A terminal ring of the cage structure  537 ′″ includes a C-shape with the opening of sufficient dimensions to allow the sound production unit  536 ′″ to pass through when the ear tip  550 ″′ is compressed, deformed, or otherwise flexed to decrease the overall diameter thereof. The ear tip  550 ″′ resumes its normal expanded state after passing through the opening and is substantially enclosed by the C-shaped ring of the structure  537 ′″ when disposed therein. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 51A-55B , in another embodiment, an audio device  600  is configured as an integrated unit that can be disposed substantially entirely within the pinna  1  of a user&#39;s ear. The components of the audio device  600 , such as the control unit  616  and the sound-production unit  636  are integrated into the body  610  such that the audio device  600  can be disposed and retained at least partially in the ear canal  2  of a user&#39;s ear in a use orientation. In a non-use orientation, the audio device  600  is removed from the user&#39;s ear and can be placed in a cover  652 . 
     The components can be arranged and integrated to provide substantial size benefits. For example, in one embodiment, the audio device  600  is about 1.0 centimeter in overall length and weighs less than about 30 grams or preferably less than about 20 grams or more preferably less than about 10 grams. Such size enables the audio device  600  to be comfortably placed into the ear of the user without being highly visible to bystanders. 
     The body  610  of the audio device  600  is generally cylindrical and includes a gripping feature  681  on the outer circumferential wall thereof near the first end  612 . The gripping feature  681  comprises a recess or protuberance such as an annular groove that is engageable by, for example, a user&#39;s fingernail to withdraw the audio device  600  from the user&#39;s ear canal  2 . The control unit  616  is disposed within the first end  612  of the body  610 . A control surface  634 , such as a capacitive surface, may be provided on the first end  612  of the body  610  to allow the user to provide touch-based commands to the control unit  616 . In one embodiment, a radar-based, non-touch control system is included in the control unit  616  to allow the user to provide commands via hand movements or gestures. Exemplary radar-based control systems include those developed by the Advanced Technology and Projects team at Google, Inc. referred to as Project Soli and described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/504,038 and 14/513,875. 
     The sound production unit  636  is disposed at the second end  614  of the body  610 . The sound production unit  636  may be partially disposed within the second end  614  of the body  610  or may couple to the second end  614 . In one embodiment, the sound production unit  636  is directly electrically coupled to and/or mounted on a circuit board forming an end of the control unit  616  which may aid in reducing the size of the audio device  600 . As depicted in  FIG. 51B , only a small space for solder or braze material between electrical contacts of the sound production unit  636  and the control unit  616  is provided. As discussed previously with respect to  FIG. 5 , the control unit  616  houses a variety of components configured for operation of the audio device  600  including one or more of a battery, on-board memory, a processor or logic chip, a wireless communications unit, a microphone, and an amplifier, among others. 
     Due to the placement of the audio device  600  within the ear canal  2 , the audio device  600  may include a bone-conduction microphone and may incorporate one or more sensors configured to detect biological data and/or movement data associated with the user. For example, the sensors may detect a user&#39;s body temperature, perspiration, blood pressure, and pulse among other biological data. Sensors such as accelerometers may be provided to detect a number of steps taken by the user and the intensity of the user&#39;s movements among other data useable to determine the user&#39;s level of activity, caloric expenditures, or the like. 
     The control unit  616  may be provided with software configured to collect biological data and/or movement data, process the data, and perform calculations based on the data the results of which can be provided to the user audibly or communicated to an associated mobile device, such as a smartphone or the like. Alternatively, tasks associated with collecting and/or processing the data can be offloaded to the mobile device. 
     In one embodiment, the sound-production unit  636  comprises a speaker with a diaphragm or cone surrounded by a rigid frame  683 . The frame  683  may be formed by the body  610  or may be coupled to the body  610 . The frame  683  provides an annular ring that surrounds the speaker cone and provides a mounting location for the ear tip  650 . 
     The ear tip  650  comprises a section of material similar to those described previously with respect to the ear tip  150 , e.g. silicon, and extends around the annular ring of the frame  683  to form a generally torus-shaped member surrounding the annular ring. Although the ear tip  650  is described as having a torus shape, it is understood that other forms may be employed without departing from the scope of embodiments of the invention described herein, e.g. forms in which a non-circular polygonal or curvilinear shape is revolved about an axis. Forms of the ear tip  650  may also comprise non-uniform forms that vary in shape and/or size around the frame  683 . Such non-uniform ear tips  650  might provide a tailored fit for individual users and/or users with non-uniformly shaped ear canals  2 . 
     The outer diametrical dimension of the ear tip  650  is generally equal to or larger than that of the body  610  and is sized to fit within the ear canal  2  of the user while also forming a seal between the ear tip  650  and the wall of the ear canal  2 . The ear tip  650  may at least partially deform to conform to the shape of the user&#39;s ear canal  2 . The fit with the ear canal  2  is sufficient to provide friction to retain the audio device  600  within the ear canal  2  but not cause discomfort or irritation thereof. In one embodiment, the ear tip  650  is removable and/or replaceable on the annular ring to allow ear tips  650  of different sizes/dimensions to be interchanged, thereby allowing a user to obtain a desired fit. In another embodiment, the ear tip  650  is molded onto the frame  683 ; sizing of the ear tip  650  with respect to the user&#39;s ear canal  2  is thus achieved by selecting an audio device  600  having an ear tip  650  molded thereon with appropriate dimensions. 
     The ear tip  650  and the seal provided between the ear tip  650  and the interior of the ear canal  2  may provide at least partial noise isolation, e.g. prevent a majority of environmental sounds from traveling through the ear canal  2  and being heard by the user. In one embodiment, the ear tip  650  prevents substantially all environmental noise from being heard by the user the ear canal  2 ; it is understood that some environmental noise may be heard by the user through the body, e.g. skin and bones, and not via travel through the ear canal  2 . 
     The audio device  600  may also be configured to provide active noise cancellation and/or pass-through of at least a portion of environmental noise by means known in the art. As described herein, noise cancellation includes production of sound waves of opposite phase to those received from the environment (also referred to as destructive interference) in order to cancel out the environmental sound waves and effectively reduce the volume of the environmental sound waves that is perceivable by the user. Pass-through or audio transparency is understood as reproduction of sounds received from the environment by the audio device  600  such that the user can hear the reproduced sounds. The environmental sounds may be filtered or otherwise processed before being reproduced via the sound-production unit  636 . The level of noise cancellation and/or pass-through may be selectively adjustable by the user. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 52A-B , the cover  652  forms a cavity of sufficient dimensions to receive the audio device  600  therein. The cavity may be dimensioned to form a close fitting relationship with the audio device  600  to provide a friction-fit or mechanical engagement with the audio device  600  to removably retain the audio device  600  therein. The cover  652  might include a lid or cap to retain the audio device  600  within the cavity. 
     The cover  652  can be configured to provide charging of a battery in the audio device  600  when installed therein. Charging of the battery is preferably conducted via an inductive charging means, but may alternatively be performed via engagement of electrical contacts provided on the exterior of the body  610  and the interior surface of the cover  652 . The cover  652  may include a battery or be coupled to a mobile device or power grid that provides a source of electrical power for the charging operation. 
     The cover  652  can be a standalone component that can be coupled to a personal article that is wearable by a user, or the cover  652  can be integrated into a wearable personal article. Wearable personal articles include, for example, but not limitation, jewelry, eyeglasses, watches, belt buckles, belts, bracelets, hats, headbands, shirts, pants, shoes, or other personal items that can be worn by a user on his or her body. For example, in one embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 52A-B , the cover  652  comprises a gauge-style piercing like that described previously with respect to the audio device  400 . The cover  652  comprises a ring with a bore extending axially therethrough in which the audio device  600  can be disposed in friction-fitting manner. The cover  652  may be worn or installed in a piercing in the lobe  3  of a user&#39;s ear. 
     In another embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 53A-B , a cover  652 ′ comprises a cylindrical form with a blind bore extending into one end thereof. The cover  652 ′ is formed integrally with temple pieces  671  of a pair of eyeglasses  679 . The cover  652 ′ might alternatively be formed to include a clip or a pair of arms extending from the outer surface thereof that are configured to grasp the temple  671  of the pair of eyeglasses  679  or any of a variety of other wearable personal articles. The audio device  600  can be disposed in the cover  652 ′ for storage in a non-use orientation or removed therefrom and installed in the ear canal  2  of the user in a use orientation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 54A-B , in another embodiment, a cover  652 ″ is integrated into the end of the temple or at the temple tip, e.g. the blind bore is formed to extend into the temple tip. In other exemplary embodiments, a cover  652 ′″ is integrated into a watchband  667  as depicted in  FIGS. 55A-B  or might be integrated into a headband, a hat, or another personal article. 
     Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below. Embodiments of the technology have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after and because of reading it. Alternative means of implementing the aforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of the claims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.