Patent Description:
Hearing devices (e.g., including hearing aids or devices for providing personalized sound to an individual's ear) may be worn, for example, in and/or around an individual's ear and may be contoured with curved surfaces to facilitate comfort in use. For example, hearing aids may be used to assist an individual suffering from hearing loss by transmitting amplified sound directly to the individual's ear canals. Many hearing devices are portably powered with a battery and some hearing devices may include rechargeable batteries that may be, for example, recharged in a specific charging station. The hearing devices may be designed and powered for, e.g., all day use and then nightly recharged. However, some individuals may choose to only wear the hearing devices when the need is present (e.g., only for a few hours in the day) and store the hearing devices (e.g., in pockets or bags) when not in use. Cables and tubes of the hearing devices may be damaged when transported or stored without protection (e.g., when loose in pockets or bags). Further, hearing devices that are infrequently used may miss regular overnight charging and, therefore, may have depleted or limited power remaining in the batteries when needed.

Various hearing devices cases may include conductive metal plates or pins that make contact with metal plates or pins on the hearing device for charging. The case may require the hearing device to be positioned within or "dropped in" a "blind" pocket to ensure precise seating for proper charging. The "blind" pockets may limit the ability of the user to ensure proper positioning and may be difficult to determine if any debris or foreign items are located within the pocket (e.g., preventing the hearing device from charging properly). Alternatively, the case may be a large bedside unit that may be impractical for transportation (e.g., due to increased size, lack of battery, etc.).

<CIT> discloses a compact and extremely slim case for securely holding a pair of compact earphones, their cables, and the audio plug.

<CIT> disclose an earbuds carrying case hingeably openable and closable in exerting a downward force to hold the earbuds in position and its wound cable connections in place.

<CIT> discloses a container for storage of hearing aids.

Embodiments described herein provide a hearing device case that includes two body portions that are movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position, and a corresponding hearing device is received by one of the two body portions. The case includes , a first body portion comprising an inner surface and a second body portion movably connected to the first body portion. The inner surface of the first body portion defines J Z a first cavity extending into the first body portion to receive a first hearing device. The second body portion includes an inner surface that defines a second cavity extending into the second body portion to receive a second hearing device.

In one or more embodiments, the case may further include one or more hinges operably coupling the first and second body portions such that the first and second body portions move relative to one another. In one or more embodiments, the case may further include a battery disposed in one of the first and second body portions and electronics disposed in the other of the first and second body portions. In one or more embodiments, the case may further include indicator lights (for, e.g., hearing device, battery, etc.) positioned on one or both of the first and second body portions.

In one or more embodiments, each of the first and second body portions may include an outer surface opposing the inner surface, wherein the outer surface of each of the first and second body portions may define an opening extending through the outer surface to the first and second cavity, respectively. In one or more embodiments, first body portion may include a charging contact located within the first cavity and the second body portion may include a charging contact located within the second cavity. In one or more embodiments, one of the first and second body portion comprises an interface port adapted to receive a connector. In one or more embodiments, the case may further include a solar element located on one or both of the first and second body portions. In one or more embodiments, the case may further include an inductive charging element located on one or both of the first and second body portions.

Another exemplary case that is configurable in an open position and a closed position may include a first body portion, electronics, a second body portion movably connected to the first body portion, a battery, and one or more hinges. The first body portion may include an inner surface that defines a first cavity extending into the first body portion. The electronics may be disposed within the first body portion. The second body portion may include an inner surface that defines a second cavity extending into the second body portion. The battery may be disposed within the second body portion. The one or more hinges may operably couple the first and second body portions such that the first and second body portions move relative to one another between the open position and the closed position. The one or more hinges may include a biasing element configured to bias the case in the open position and the closed position.

In one or more embodiments, the biasing element may include a first magnet portion positioned in the one or more hinges of the first body portion and a second magnet portion positioned in the one or more hinges of the second body portion. The first and second magnet portions may be configured to be in equilibrium with one another only when positioned at <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees relative to one another. In one or more embodiments, the one or more hinges may define a first opening proximate the first body portion and a second opening proximate the second body portion. The case may further include a wire extending between the first and second body portions through the first and second openings of the one or more hinges.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more hinges may include one or more contact points that align when the case is in the closed position, and wherein the one or more contact points break alignment when the case is in the open position. In one or more embodiments, the case may include a battery disposed in one of the first and second body portions and electronics disposed in the other of the first and second body portions. In one or more embodiments, the case may include a latching apparatus (e.g., magnetic clasp) adapted to couple the first body portion and the second body portion. In one or more embodiments, the case may further include indicator lights (for, e.g., hearing device, battery, etc.) positioned on one or both of the first and second body portions. In one or more embodiments, each of the first and second body portions may include an outer surface opposing the inner surface, wherein the outer surface of each of the first and second body portions may define an opening extending through the outer surface to the first and second cavity, respectively.

In one or more embodiments, the first body portion may include a charging contact located within the first cavity and the second body portion may include a charging contact located within the second cavity, wherein the charging contact of the first body portion may interact with a first hearing device when received by the first cavity and the charging contact of the second body portion may interact with a second hearing device when received by the second cavity. In one or more embodiments, one of the first and second body portion may include an interface port adapted to receive a connector. In one or more embodiments, the case may further include a solar element located on one or both of the first and second body portions. In one or more embodiments, the case may further include an inductive charging element located on one or both of the first and second body portions. In one or more embodiments, the inner surface of the first body portion may face and may be parallel with the inner surface of the second body portion when the case is in the closed position. In one or more embodiments, the first cavity may be offset from or nested with the second cavity when the case is in the closed position.

An exemplary system may include a case, a first hearing device, and a second hearing device. The case includes a first body portion and a second body portion movably connected to the first body portion. The first body portion includes an inner surface that defines a first cavity extending into the first body portion and the second body portion includes an inner surface that defines a second cavity extending into the second body portion. The first hearing device may be received by the first cavity of the first body portion and the second hearing device may be received by the second cavity of the second body portion.

In one or more embodiments, the system may further include one or more hinges operably coupling the first and second body portions such that the first and second body portions move relative to one another. In one or more embodiments, the system may further include a battery disposed in one of the first and second body portions and electronics disposed in the other of the first and second body portions. In one or more embodiments, each of the first and second body portions may include an outer surface opposing the inner surface, wherein the outer surface of each of the first and second body portions may define an opening extending through the outer surface to the first and second cavity, respectively, such that the first hearing device is visible through the opening of the first body portion and the second hearing device is visible through the opening of the second body portion. The first hearing device is completely contained within the first body portion when received by the first body portion and the second hearing device is completely contained within the second body portion when received by the second body portion.

In one or more embodiments, the system may further include a latching apparatus (e.g., magnetic clasp) adapted to couple the first body portion and the second body portion. In one or more embodiments, the system may further include indicator lights (for, e.g., hearing device, battery, etc.) positioned on one or both of the first and second body portions. In one or more embodiments, the first body portion may include a charging contact located within the first cavity and the second body portion may include a charging contact located within the second cavity, wherein the charging contact of the first body portion may interact with the first hearing device when received by the first cavity and the charging contact of the second body portion may interact with the second hearing device when received by the second cavity. In one or more embodiments, one of the first and second body portion may include an interface port adapted to receive a connector. In one or more embodiments, the system may further include a solar element located on one or both of the first and second body portions. In one or more embodiments, the system may further include an inductive charging element located on one or both of the first and second body portions.

The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation. Rather, a more complete understanding of illustrative embodiments will become apparent and appreciated by reference to the following Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments and Claims in view of the accompanying figures of the drawing.

Exemplary embodiments will be further described with reference to the figures of the drawing, wherein:.

The figures are rendered primarily for clarity and, as a result, are not necessarily drawn to scale. Moreover, various structure/components, including but not limited to fasteners, electrical components (batteries, circuit boards, etc.), and the like, may be shown diagrammatically or removed from some or all of the views to better illustrate aspects of the depicted embodiments, or where inclusion of such structure/components is not necessary to an understanding of the various exemplary embodiments described herein. The lack of illustration/description of such structure/components in a particular figure is, however, not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the various embodiments in any way. Still further, "Figure x" and "FIG. x" may be used interchangeably herein to refer to the figure numbered "x.

In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing, which form a part hereof. It is to be understood that other embodiments, which may not be described and/or illustrated herein, are certainly contemplated. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, and all terms expressing direction/orientation (e.g., vertical, horizontal, parallel, perpendicular, etc.) in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about.

It is noted that the term "comprises" (and variations thereof) does not have a limiting meaning where this term appears in the accompanying description and claims. Further, "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used interchangeably herein. Moreover, relative terms such as "left," "right," "front," "fore," "forward," "rear," "aft," "rearward," "top," "bottom," "side," "upper," "lower," "above," "below," "horizontal," "vertical," and the like may be used herein and, if so, are used as references to help describe portions of the device relative to one another. These terms are used only to simplify the description, however, and not to limit the interpretation of any embodiment described.

Generally speaking, embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to hearing device cases for storing and charging hearing devices contained therein. The hearing device case is configured to move between an open position and a closed position such that the case is, e.g., foldable, pocketable, and transportable. The size of the case may be minimized and the design may be optimized to, e.g., encourage an individual to carry the case such that the hearing devices contained therein are ready to be used (e.g., protected and charged). Further, due to the size and ease of use, the case may be operated (e.g., opened and closed) using only one hand. The hearing device case includes a first body portion adapted or configured to receive a first hearing device and a second body portion adapted or configured to receive a second hearing device. The first and second body portions are movably coupled to one another such that the opposing body portion covers or retains the hearing device located in the corresponding body portion (i.e., the first body portion covers/retains/protects the second hearing device and the second body portion covers/retains/protects the first hearing device). By positioning one hearing device in each body portion (e.g., separate from the other hearing device), the size of the case may be optimized for the hearing devices due to a balancing of the contents of the body portions, and the hearing devices may be prevented from tangling. For example, the overlapping cavity layout may create a tangle free, intuitive, compact charging system with a minimal number of parts. Further, a pass-through opening in the case may assist in removal of the devices stored therein and provide a visual indication regarding the presence of the devices within the case.

The hearing device case may further include a battery and electronics to charge the hearing devices when contained within the case. For example, the case may be configured or adapted such that the hearing devices contained within the case are charging when the case is in a closed position (and, e.g., not charging when the case is in the open position). Specifically, the case may include one or more contact points that interact with one another when the case is in the closed position to charge the hearing devices. As such, a user knows that the hearing devices contained within the case are charging when the case is in a closed position. In one or more embodiments, the case may also be configured or adapted such that the hearing devices contained within the case may charge when the case is in the open position.

With reference to the figures of the drawing, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts and assemblies throughout the several views, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a hearing device case <NUM> in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The case <NUM> includes a first body portion <NUM> and a second body portion <NUM> movably connected to the first body portion <NUM>. The case <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is in a closed position such that the first body portion <NUM> is proximate or covering the second body portion <NUM>, and vice versa.

The first body portion <NUM> and the second body portion <NUM> are movably coupled in any suitable way. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the case <NUM> includes one or more hinges <NUM> operably coupled between the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, a first portion of the one or more hinges <NUM> may be coupled to the first body portion <NUM> and a second portion of the one or more hinges <NUM> may be coupled to the second body portion <NUM> with a hinge pin <NUM> extending therethrough. As such, the first body portion <NUM> and the second body portion <NUM> may rotate about the hinge pin <NUM> to move relative to one another. In one or more embodiments, the one or more hinges <NUM> may include a biasing element such that the case <NUM> is biased into the open position and/or closed position in the absence of a latching force coupling the first body portion <NUM> and the second body portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> may move relative to one another (e.g., about the hinge pin <NUM>) such that the case <NUM> is in the open position. Each of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> may include an inner surface <NUM>, <NUM>. The inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may define a generally planar shape. The inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, may face each other (and, e.g., may abut one another) when the case <NUM> is in the closed position (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). Additionally, the inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be parallel with one another when the case <NUM> is in the closed position. In one or more embodiments, the case <NUM> may include one or more mirrors positioned on one or both of the inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> such that the one or more mirrors are usable when the case <NUM> is in the open position (e.g., the user may use the mirror to assist in donning the hearing devices). The inner surface <NUM> of the first body portion <NUM> may define a first cavity <NUM> extending into the first body portion <NUM> to receive a first hearing device (not shown). The inner surface <NUM> of the second body portion <NUM> may define a second cavity <NUM> extending into the second body portion <NUM> to receive a second hearing device <NUM>. It is noted that the first hearing device is not illustrated herein, but may be identical to the second hearing device.

When the case <NUM> is in the open position, hearing devices may be positioned within each of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., within the first and second cavities <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively). The hearing devices may include any type of hearing device as known by one of skill in the art. Further, the first and second cavities <NUM>, <NUM> may be any suitable size and/or shape to receive any type of hearing device. In one or more embodiments, the case <NUM> may include an adapter to modify the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> to receive a different sized hearing device. By positioning the hearing devices within the cavities <NUM>, <NUM>, the hearing devices may be protected from being damaged due to, e.g., bending, twisting, or other cable failure.

When the hearing device is received by the corresponding cavity <NUM>, <NUM>, the hearing device is contained within the corresponding body portion <NUM>, <NUM> such that the hearing device does not protrude beyond the inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> may be offset from one another such that when the case <NUM> is in the closed position, the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> (and the hearing devices contained therein) minimally overlap one another or "nest" relative to one another. In one or more embodiments, the hearing devices may be removed from the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> by pushing on an end portion of the hearing device (e.g., of the ear piece) such that the other end of the hearing device "tips or pops up" from the corresponding cavity <NUM>, <NUM> such that the user can take out the hearing device.

In one or more embodiments, the first body portion <NUM> may include a charging contact <NUM> located within the first cavity <NUM> and the second body portion <NUM> may include a charging contact <NUM> located within the second cavity <NUM>. The first and second charging contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to interact with the hearing device positioned within the cavity <NUM>, <NUM> to charge the hearing device. The charging contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may include a biasing element (e.g., a spring) that aids in retaining the hearing device within the cavity <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., by applying a force to the hearing devices against the cavities <NUM>, <NUM>). Further, the shape of the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> may automatically position the hearing device correctly within the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> such that the hearing device is aligned with the charging contacts <NUM>, <NUM>. As a result, if the case <NUM> is moved to the closed position, the hearing devices will be correctly positioned to charge. Also, no additional latches may be needed to retain the hearing devices within the cavities <NUM>, <NUM>.

For example, in some embodiments, the biasing elements of the charging contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may include magnets to align the charging contacts <NUM>, <NUM> to the hearing device. For example, the magnets of the biasing elements may create a tactile sensation such that the hearing device "snaps" into place and makes contact with the charging contacts <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., without additional manipulation of the device by the user). Specifically, the corresponding magnets of the hearing device may be added in a planar fashion (e.g., instead of linear) as it relates to the axis of the magnet. Therefore, the sensation resulting from connecting the hearing device within the cavity (e.g., connecting the charging contacts <NUM>, <NUM> to the hearing device) may provide a feeling of the hearing device "jumping" into place.

In one or more embodiments, one or both of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> may include a retaining ledge <NUM> within the corresponding cavity <NUM>, <NUM> to, e.g., assist in retaining or keeping the hearing device <NUM> within the cavity. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the retaining ledge <NUM> may provide an extension of the inner surface <NUM> such that the cavity <NUM> extends beneath the retaining ledge <NUM>. Further, when the hearing device <NUM> is positioned in the cavity <NUM>, an ear interface <NUM> of the hearing device may be restricted from movement due to the retaining ledge <NUM> (e.g., the retaining ledge <NUM> may retain the hearing device <NUM> in the nest of the cavity). Additionally, because the hearing device may be restrained proximate the side opposite the ear interface <NUM> (e.g., due to magnets proximate the charging pins), any temporary deformity of the cable of the hearing device (e.g., due to continual wear by the user) may be removed and "straightened out" by the cavity <NUM> such that the hearing device <NUM> may return to its desired flat shape. In other words, the retaining ledge <NUM> may configure the hearing device <NUM> in a position that is consistent with a relaxed state of the hearing device <NUM>.

Further, each of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> may include an outer surface <NUM>, <NUM> opposing the inner surface <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. A distance between the inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> and the corresponding outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> defines the depth of each of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The depth of each of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be larger than the width of the hearing device contained within the first or second body portion <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, each of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be deep enough such that the hearing devices may be contained therein without protruding past the inner surface <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> may define separate depths; however, as shown, the depths of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> are equal. Specifically, the depths of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., measured between the inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> and the outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>) are about greater than or equal to <NUM> inches and/or less than or equal to <NUM> inches.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of each of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> may define an opening <NUM>, <NUM> extending through the outers surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> to the first and second cavities <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The openings <NUM>, <NUM> are sized such that the hearing devices cannot pass through. In other words, the hearing devices cannot "fall out" of the case <NUM> through the openings <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, the openings <NUM>, <NUM> provide a passageway through the outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> such that debris may not become lodged within the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> and, thereby, may reduce the need for user cleaning and maintenance of the cavities <NUM>, <NUM>. Further yet, the hearing devices may be visible to a user (e.g., visual confirmation) upon inspection of an exterior of the case <NUM> when in the closed position, thereby assuring the user that the hearing devices are positioned within the case <NUM> without having to open the case <NUM>. Additionally, the openings <NUM>, <NUM> may provide the user a way to push the hearing devices out of the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> through the openings <NUM>, <NUM> instead of pulling the hearing devices from proximate the inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first body portion <NUM> may define a top side <NUM>, a hinge side <NUM>, a bottom side <NUM>, and a latch side <NUM>. Similarly, the second body portion <NUM> may define a top side <NUM>, a hinge side <NUM>, a bottom side <NUM>, and a latch side <NUM>. It is noted that <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the top sides <NUM>, <NUM>, the hinge sides <NUM>, <NUM>, the bottom sides <NUM>, <NUM>, and the latch sides <NUM>, <NUM> extending between the inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> and the outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. In some embodiments, the outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be contoured to intersect the inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> such that the top sides <NUM>, <NUM>, the hinge sides <NUM>, <NUM>, the bottom sides <NUM>, <NUM>, and the latch sides <NUM>, <NUM> are effectively part of the outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the one or more hinges <NUM> may be coupled to each of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> at the hinge sides <NUM>, <NUM>. On the latch sides <NUM>, <NUM>, the case may include a latch apparatus (not shown) for restricting the case <NUM> in the closed position. The latch apparatus may include any suitable components for restricting movement of the first body portion <NUM> relative to the second body portion <NUM> to, e.g., maintain the case <NUM> in the closed position. For example, the latch apparatus may include a magnetic clasp/closure, a fastener, a mechanical clasp, a clasping element, a caring element, a spring latch, a toggle latch, a cam lock, a slam latch, etc. The latch apparatus may be positioned on one or both of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> and may be adapted or configured to couple the first body portion <NUM> and the second body portion <NUM>.

As described herein, the one or more hinges <NUM> may include a biasing element such that the case <NUM> is biased into the open position and/or closed position. For example, opposing magnets may be positioned within the one or more hinges <NUM> to provide a tactile feedback to the user when opening and closing the case <NUM>. Specifically, a first magnet portion <NUM> may be positioned in the one or more hinges <NUM> of the first body portion <NUM> (e.g., within the one or more hinges <NUM> proximate the hinge side <NUM>) and a second magnet portion <NUM> may be positioned in the one or more hinges <NUM> of the second body portion <NUM> (e.g., within the one or more hinges <NUM> proximate the hinge side <NUM>), as shown in <FIG>. When the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> are attached at the one or more hinges, the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> may align. The case <NUM> may include any number of corresponding magnets to form the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., one magnet, two magnets, three magnets, four magnets, etc.). For example, as shown in <FIG>, each of the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> includes two magnets.

The first magnet portion <NUM> and the second magnet portion <NUM> interact such that the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> resist opening of the case <NUM> when moving from <NUM> degrees (e.g., the closed position) to about <NUM> degrees (e.g., a <NUM>-degree angle between the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM>). Further, the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> interact to assist in opening the case <NUM> when moving past <NUM> degrees. Therefore, when the case <NUM> is in the closed position, the case <NUM> may resist opening until the halfway point (e.g., <NUM>-degree angle between the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM>) and may assist in opening past the halfway point. Similarly, the case <NUM> may assist in closing when moving from the halfway point to the closed position. As a result, the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> may create a tactile feedback that both assists with opening and closing the case <NUM>.

Specifically, the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be opposing rectangular magnets (e.g., height different than length). When the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> are in an original or equilibrium state (e.g., when the case <NUM> is in the closed position), the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> are attracted to one another. When the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> are initially rotated relative to one another (e.g., just beyond <NUM> degrees or the equilibrium state), the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> resist movement or twisting (e.g., providing a "torque"). Further, the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> resist movement relative to one another when rotated from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees. Thereafter, when the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> are rotated from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> provide an attractive rotation. As such, the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to be in equilibrium with one another (e.g., in an attractive state) only when positioned at <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees relative to one another.

In other words, the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be biased to be positioned in an attractive or equilibrium state such that the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> are at <NUM> degrees (e.g., a closed position of the case <NUM>) or <NUM> degrees (e.g., a fully open position of the case <NUM>). Further, when the case <NUM> is in any position between the closed position and the fully open position, the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> bias the case <NUM> towards the closed position or the fully open position. Therefore, the user may need to overcome the biasing force of the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> to initially open the case (e.g., from a closed position) or initially close the case <NUM> (e.g., from a fully open position), but the first and second magnet portions <NUM>, <NUM> may assist with opening the case <NUM> after reaching the halfway point and may assist with closing the case <NUM> after reaching the halfway point.

The case <NUM> may also include a battery <NUM> and electronics <NUM> for charging the hearing devices when contained within the case <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> may be disposed in one of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> and the electronics <NUM> may be disposed in the other of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM>. It is noted that while the battery <NUM> and electronics <NUM> are described as located within separate body portions, in some embodiments, the battery <NUM> and the electronics <NUM> may be located in the same body portion (e.g., the first body portion <NUM> or the second body portion <NUM>). As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the battery <NUM> is positioned within the second body portion <NUM> and the electronics <NUM> are positioned within the first body portion <NUM>. Each of the battery <NUM> and the electronics <NUM> are illustrated using broken lines to depict that the battery <NUM> and the electronics <NUM> that are contained within the second body portion <NUM> and the first body portion <NUM>, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the case <NUM> may include a heat absorbing material (e.g., foam) proximate one or both of the battery <NUM> and the electronics <NUM>. For example, the heat absorbing material may be positioned proximate one side of the battery <NUM> and/or the electronics <NUM> to assist in increasing the effective heat path from the battery <NUM> and/or the electronics <NUM> towards the outer case surface.

The electronics <NUM> may be implemented, at least in part, in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, various aspects of the techniques may be implemented within one or more processors, including one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry, as well as any combinations of such components, or other devices. Such hardware, software, and/or firmware may be implemented within the same system or within separate systems to support the various operations and functions described in this disclosure. In addition, any of the described components may be implemented together or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices.

When implemented in software, the functionality ascribed to the systems, devices and methods described in this disclosure may be embodied as instructions and/or logic on a computer-readable medium such as RAM, ROM, NVRAM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, magnetic data storage media, optical data storage media, or the like. The instructions and/or logic may be executed by one or more processors to support one or more aspects of the functionality described in this disclosure.

The one or more hinges <NUM> may be adapted or configured to connect the battery <NUM> and the electronics <NUM> depending on whether the case <NUM> is in the closed position or the open position. For example, the one or more hinges <NUM> may operably connect the battery <NUM> and the electronics <NUM> when the case <NUM> is in the closed position. Further, the one or more hinges <NUM> may isolate the battery <NUM> from the electronics <NUM> when the case <NUM> is in the open position. As a result, when the case <NUM> is in the closed position (and when the hearing devices are positioned within the first and second cavities <NUM>, <NUM>), the battery <NUM> is operably coupled to the electronics <NUM> such that power is delivered to the hearing devices for charging.

Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, the one or more hinges <NUM> may include one or more contact points so that power is only supplied to the hearing devices when the case <NUM> is in the closed position (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). For example, the one or more contact points may include a first contact point <NUM> that moves along with the first body portion <NUM> (e.g., attached to the portion of the hinge fixed to the first body portion <NUM>) and a second contact point <NUM> that moves along with the second body portion <NUM> (e.g., attached to the portion of the hinge fixed to the second body portion <NUM>). When the case <NUM> is in the closed position (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), the one or more contact points are aligned to, e.g., operably couple the battery <NUM> and the electronics <NUM>, and provide power to the charging contacts <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, the first contact point <NUM> is aligned with the second contact point <NUM> when the case <NUM> is in the closed position. When the case <NUM> is in the open position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>), the one or more contact points break alignment to, e.g., prevent power from reaching the charging contacts <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, the first contact point <NUM> is not aligned with the second contact point <NUM> when the case <NUM> is in the open position. The one or more contact points may be positioned within the one or more hinges <NUM> to shield the one or more contact points from user and environmental interaction.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more hinges <NUM> may define openings to route wire (e.g., insulated wire) between the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the one or more hinges may define a first opening <NUM> proximate the first body portion <NUM> and a second opening <NUM> proximate the second body portion <NUM>. The wire (e.g., carrying electrical current, signals, etc.) passing through the openings <NUM>, <NUM> between the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., into an internal space of each of the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM>) may connect various electrical components (e.g., batteries, circuit boards, etc.). The openings <NUM>, <NUM> may provide a suitable strain relief to the wire by allowing the wire to freely move without restriction (e.g., such that the wire may be prevented from impingement). Therefore, the electrical connection between the first and second body portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be unaffected by whether the case <NUM> is in the open position or the closed position.

The case <NUM> may also include an interface port <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The interface port <NUM> may be adapted to receive a connector (e.g., cable) to provide electronic communication with the battery <NUM> and the electronics <NUM>. For example, a charging cable may be received by the interface port <NUM> to charge the battery <NUM> located within the case <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, a connector may be inserted into the interface port <NUM> to draw power from the battery <NUM> within the case <NUM>. The case <NUM> may include any number of interface ports <NUM>. The interface ports <NUM> may be positioned at any suitable location on the case <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the interface port <NUM> is located on the top side <NUM> of the first body portion <NUM> (e.g., the same side as the electronics <NUM>). Positioning the interface port <NUM> on the first body portion <NUM> with the electronics <NUM> allows the interface port <NUM> to directly communicate with the electronics <NUM>. In other embodiments, the interface port <NUM> may be located on the same body portion as the battery <NUM> (e.g., if the interface port <NUM> is configured to draw power from the battery <NUM>). In one or more embodiments, the case <NUM> may include a rib or stop to prevent the interface port <NUM> from being rotated or torqued off the PCB solder pad mounts by a force applied to the interface port <NUM> through, e.g., a cable attached thereto.

In one or more embodiments, the case <NUM> may include indicator lights <NUM> to provide a visual indicator regarding the status of components within the case <NUM>. For example, the indicator lights <NUM> may communicate the power level/status of the hearing devices or the battery <NUM> contained within the case <NUM>. The indicator lights <NUM> may be located anywhere on the case <NUM> (e.g., the first body portion <NUM>, the second body portion <NUM>, top sides <NUM>, <NUM>, hinge sides <NUM>, <NUM>, bottom sides <NUM>, <NUM>, latch sides <NUM>, <NUM>). As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the indicator lights <NUM> are located on the latch side <NUM> (e.g., opposite the hinge side <NUM>) of the first body portion <NUM>. Further, the indicator lights <NUM> may be aligned to correspond with the component for which indicator light <NUM> tracks the status. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the indicator lights <NUM> closer to the top side <NUM> may correspond to the hearing device in the second body portion <NUM> and the indicator lights <NUM> closer to the bottom side <NUM> may correspond to the hearing device in the first body portion <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the case <NUM> may include indicator lights on the hinge side <NUM>, <NUM> (of the first or second body portion <NUM>, <NUM>) to indicate the state of charge of the battery <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the case <NUM> may include a solar element <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The solar element <NUM> may collect solar rays to charge the battery <NUM> located within the case <NUM>. The solar element <NUM> may be located on any suitable portion of the case <NUM> (e.g., the first body portion <NUM>, the second body portion <NUM>, etc.). For example, as shown in <FIG>, the solar element <NUM> is located on the outer surface <NUM> of the first body portion <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A case (<NUM>) configurable in an open position and a closed position, the case (<NUM>) comprising:
a first body portion (<NUM>) comprising an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the first body portion (<NUM>) defines a first cavity (<NUM>) extending into the first body portion (<NUM>) to receive a first hearing device in the open position; and
a second body portion (<NUM>) movably coupled to the first body portion (<NUM>) and comprising an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the second body portion (<NUM>) defines a second cavity (<NUM>) extending into the second body portion (<NUM>) to receive a second hearing device in the open position,
wherein the first body portion (<NUM>) retains the second hearing device and the second body portion (<NUM>) retains the first hearing device in the closed position, and
wherein the first hearing device is completely contained within the first body portion (<NUM>) when received by the first body portion (<NUM>) and the second hearing device is completely contained within the second body portion (<NUM>) when received by the second body portion.