PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10841683-B2
Application Number: US-202016883031-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: In-ear headphone

Abstract:
A low-profile earbud is disclosed that sits securely within an ear of a user. The earbud includes a protruding portion that passes through a channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can take the form of a cable configured to supply power and transfer data to the earbud. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can provide additional space for electrical components and sensors supporting the earbud.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wireless earbud comprising:
 an earbud housing including a primary housing portion and a stem portion, the stem portion having a first end coupled to the primary housing portion, a second end opposite the first end, and a microphone opening positioned on the stem, wherein the stem portion protrudes away from the primary housing portion in a first direction at an angle such that, when the wireless earbud is worn by a user the stem portion passes through a channel defined by a tragus and anti-tragus of the user&#39;s ear; 
 a nozzle extending away from the primary housing portion and defining an audio opening at a distal end of the nozzle; 
 a speaker disposed within the earbud housing and aligned to emit sound through the audio opening of the nozzle; 
 a deformable earbud tip having a central opening fitted over the nozzle; 
 a microphone disposed in the earbud housing and operatively coupled to receive audio waves through the microphone opening; 
 a wireless antenna disposed in the earbud housing; and 
 a battery disposed in the earbud housing and configured to provide power to circuitry within the earbud housing; and 
 a plurality of electrical contacts disposed along a surface of the earbud housing and electrically coupled to the battery to enable the battery to be charged from an external power source. 
 
     
     
       2. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 1  wherein the stem portion is at least twice as long as the primary housing portion. 
     
     
       3. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 1  wherein the stem portion has a substantially linear geometry. 
     
     
       4. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 1  wherein the nozzle includes at least one ridge to help retain the deformable earbud tip coupled to an end of the nozzle. 
     
     
       5. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 1  wherein the deformable earbud tip comprises silicone. 
     
     
       6. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 1  wherein the deformable earbud tip includes an outer surface having a substantially parabolic shape. 
     
     
       7. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 1  wherein the speaker is disposed proximate to and extends partially within the nozzle. 
     
     
       8. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 1  wherein the nozzle is pivotally coupled to the earbud housing. 
     
     
       9. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 1  wherein the wireless antenna is disposed in the stem portion. 
     
     
       10. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 9  wherein the wireless antenna extends a substantial portion of a length of the stem portion. 
     
     
       11. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 1  further comprising a second microphone opening formed through the primary housing portion and second microphone disposed within the primary housing portion and operatively coupled to receive sound through the second microphone opening. 
     
     
       12. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 11  further comprising a noise cancellation system configured to generate destructive interference waves to counter audio picked up by the second microphone. 
     
     
       13. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 1  wherein the microphone opening is positioned at the second end of the stem portion and the microphone is disposed within the stem portion adjacent to the microphone opening. 
     
     
       14. A wireless earbud comprising:
 an earbud housing including a primary housing portion and a substantially linear stem portion, the stem portion having a first end extending away from the primary housing portion, a second end opposite the first end, and a microphone opening positioned proximate the second end of the stem, wherein the stem portion protrudes away from the primary housing portion in a first direction at an angle such that, when the wireless earbud is worn by a user the stem portion passes through a channel defined by a tragus and anti-tragus of the user&#39;s ear; 
 a nozzle extending away from the primary housing portion and defining an audio opening extending through the nozzle; 
 a speaker disposed within the primary housing portion and aligned to emit sound through the audio opening of the nozzle; 
 a deformable earbud tip having a central opening fitted over the nozzle; 
 a microphone disposed in the stem portion proximate the microphone opening and operatively coupled to receive audio waves through the microphone opening; 
 a wireless antenna disposed in the stem portion; 
 a battery disposed in the earbud housing and configured to provide power to circuitry within the earbud housing; and 
 a plurality of electrical contacts disposed along a surface of the stem portion. 
 
     
     
       15. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 14  further comprising a wireless receiver disposed in the earbud housing and operable to establish a wireless link with another electronic device via the wireless antenna. 
     
     
       16. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 14  further comprising an orientation sensor. 
     
     
       17. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 14  wherein the wireless antenna extends a substantial portion of a length of the stem portion. 
     
     
       18. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 14  further comprising a second microphone opening formed through the primary housing portion and second microphone disposed within the earbud housing at a location proximate the second microphone opening and operatively coupled to receive sound through the second microphone opening. 
     
     
       19. The wireless earbud set forth in  claim 18  further comprising a noise cancellation system configured to generate destructive interference waves to counter audio picked up by the second microphone. 
     
     
       20. A wireless earbud comprising:
 an earbud housing including a primary housing portion and a substantially linear stem portion, the stem portion having a first end extending away from the primary housing portion, a second end opposite the first end, wherein the stem portion protrudes away from the primary housing portion in a first direction at an angle such that, when the wireless earbud is worn by a user the stem portion passes through a channel defined by a tragus and anti-tragus of the user&#39;s ear; 
 a nozzle extending away from the primary housing portion and defining an audio opening extending through the nozzle, the nozzle including at least one ridge surrounding the audio opening; 
 a deformable earbud tip having a central opening fitted over the nozzle and over the at least one ridge; 
 a speaker disposed within the primary housing portion and aligned to emit sound through the audio opening of the nozzle and the central opening of the deformable earbud tip; 
 a first microphone opening positioned proximate the second end of the stem; 
 a first microphone disposed in the stem portion proximate the first microphone opening and operatively coupled to receive audio waves through the first microphone opening; 
 a second microphone opening formed through the primary housing portion; 
 a second microphone disposed within the earbud housing at a location proximate the second microphone opening and operatively coupled to receive sound through the second microphone opening; 
 a noise cancellation system operable to generate destructive interference waves to counter audio picked up by the second microphone; 
 a wireless antenna and a wireless receiver disposed in the earbud housing and operable to establish a wireless link with another electronic device; 
 a battery disposed in the earbud housing and configured to provide power to circuitry within the earbud housing; and 
 a plurality of electrical contacts disposed along a surface of the stem portion and electrically coupled to the battery to enable the battery to be charged from an external power source.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/748,464 entitled “IN-EAR HEADPHONE,” filed on Jan. 21, 2020, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/169,563 entitled “IN-EAR HEADPHONE,” filed on May 31, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/235,348 filed on Sep. 30, 2015. The disclosure of each of the &#39;563 and &#39;348 applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to features and structures of in-ear headphones. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to a design in which a portion of an earbud passes through a channel defined by an ear of a user. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Audio devices along the lines of in-ear headphones often have trouble achieving a size and shape that fits comfortably and stays securely in place for a large cross-section of users. Earbuds in particular often fall short of a design that fits comfortably within an ear of a user while achieving a high level of audio content delivery. One reason for this problem is that the size and shape of the ears of users can vary widely, making it difficult to achieve a design capable of fitting comfortably within the ears of a broad spectrum of users. For this reason, a comfortable earbud design capable of remaining securely within the ears of a broad spectrum of different ears while maintaining high quality audio content delivery is desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to low-profile, in-ear headphone designs. 
     An earbud is disclosed that includes the following: an earbud housing; a balanced armature audio driver positioned within the earbud housing; a nozzle protruding from an end of the earbud housing and a cable protruding from the housing the end of the earbud, the cable being configured to provide power and data to circuitry within the earbud housing. 
     Another earbud is disclosed that includes the following: a housing; a nozzle protruding from the housing and defining an opening through which audio leaves the housing; an audio driver positioned within the housing and proximate to the nozzle; and a protrusion extending from the housing at an angle that causes a portion of the protrusion to be routed through a channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of an ear of a user. The protrusion can define an interior volume within which additional electrical components and sensors can be positioned. Alternatively, the protrusion can take the form of a protruding cable that carries audio and data to and from the earbud. 
     Yet another earbud is disclosed. The earbud includes the following: a housing; an audio driver positioned within the housing; a nozzle protruding from an end of the housing and defining an opening through which audio emitted by the audio driver leaves the housing; and a protrusion extending from the end of the housing, the protrusion enclosing a plurality of electrical components, the electrical components including a battery, and an antenna. In many embodiments, the protrusion can also enclose a microphone configured to record audio generated by a user wearing the earbud. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a portable electronic device and a number of accessory devices suitable for use with the portable electronic device; 
         FIG. 2  shows a block diagram illustrating exemplary internal components of an earbud; 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  show perspective views of a corded in-ear earbud; 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  show perspective views of a wireless in-ear earbud; and 
         FIG. 4C  shows a partial cutaway view of the wireless in-ear earbud depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     In-ear headphones can be challenging to make for a broad spectrum of users since there are such a wide variety of ear sizes and shapes. What is desired is an earbud design that fits both comfortably and securely within an ear of a user while also providing excellent audio output. One solution to this problem is to design an earbud configured to sit within the ear of a user and to have a portion that fits within a channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of an ear of a user. By configuring the portion of the earbud to pass within the channel an overall shape and size of the rest of the ear becomes less important in retaining the earbud within the ear of the user. 
     In some embodiments, the earbud can have a sealed earbud housing enclosing a number of balanced armature audio drivers. Balanced armature audio drivers include a coil held in place between two magnets until the coil is stimulated by an electric current. When the coil is stimulated by electric current the coil begins to oscillate at a frequency that causes the diaphragm to vibrate and generate sound waves. The sealed earbud housing structure can be important for generating quality low frequency output from a balanced armature audio driver. The earbud housing can be a low-profile design configured to fit unobtrusively within the ear of the user. A separate assembly can protrude from one end of the earbud housing so that it passes through a channel defined by two portions of the ear. The protruding portion can take many forms. In some embodiments, the protruding assembly can take the form of a cable that transfers power and data between the earbud and a digital or analog connector of a portable media device. In some embodiments, the protruding assembly can be operable as a microphone boom that houses various components of the earbud housing. For example, the microphone boom could include components along the lines of a battery, an antenna and one or more sensors. The antenna can be configured to transfer data between the earbud and a nearby electrical device along the lines of portable media device  100  discussed below with respect to  FIG. 1 . For example, the antenna could be configured to communicate by Bluetooth and/or WiFi® protocols. When the microphone boom is pointed towards the mouth of the user a microphone can be positioned at an end of the boom pointed towards the mouth so the strength of audio received at the microphone and spoken by the user can be maximized. This configuration can help to reduce the 16 dB loss of signal strength that normally occurs to audio leaving a user&#39;s mouth and travelling to an ear of the user. 
     The low profile nature of the housing also allows placement of a microphone along the outside of the low-profile earbud body to maximize performance of noise canceling functionality. In this way, audio signals approaching the ear canal can be measured by the microphone and then countered by destructive interference, generally referred to as active noise cancellation. In some embodiments, the earbud can also include a nozzle protruding from the earbud housing and configured to deliver audio signals into the ear canal of the user. The nozzle can be pivotally coupled with the earbud housing so that it is able to rotate with respect to the earbud housing. In this way, the nozzle can be configured to be oriented directly down the ear canal of a user to help achieve a more customized fit. An interface between the nozzle and the earbud housing can take the form of an elastomeric boot that accommodates the relative motion and prevents the leakage of audio or the ingress of contaminates into the nozzle or earbud housing. Mid and/or high frequency audio drivers can be positioned within the earbud housing so that a length of the audio path between the mid and/or high frequency audio drivers and an exit of the nozzle is minimized. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-4C ; however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  shows a portable media device  100  suitable for use with a variety of accessory devices. Portable media device  100  can include touch sensitive display  102  configured to provide a touch sensitive user interface for controlling portable media device  100  and in some embodiments any accessories to which portable media device  100  is electrically or wirelessly coupled. In some embodiments, portable media device  100  can include additional controls such as, for example, button  104 . Portable media device  100  can also include multiple hard-wired input/output (I/O) ports that include digital I/O port  106  and analog I/O port  108 . Accessory device  110  can take the form of an audio device that includes two separate earbuds  112  and  114 . Each of earbuds  112  and  114  can include wireless receivers or transceivers capable of establishing a wireless link  116  with portable media device  100 . Accessory device  120 , which can also be compatible with portable media device  100 , can take the form of a wired audio device that includes earbuds  122  and  124 . Earbuds  122  and  124  can be electrically coupled to each other and to a connector plug  126  by a number of wires. In embodiments where connector plug  126  is an analog plug (as depicted), audio drivers within earbuds  122  and  124  can receive power through analog I/O port  108  while transmitting data by way of a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the like. In embodiments where connector plug  126  interacts with digital I/O port  106 , sensor data and audio data can be freely passed through the wires during use of portable media device  100  and accessory device  120 . It should be noted that earbuds  122  and  124  can be swappable between left and right ears when the wire attached to each earbud is attached along a line of symmetry of each earbud, or alternatively when the wire is attached by a pivoting coupling. It should also be noted that stereo channels can be swapped between wires when attached to digital I/O port  106 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a schematic view of an earbud  200  that can be incorporated into accessory device  110  as earbud  112  and/or earbud  114  or incorporated into accessory device  120  as earbud  122  and/or earbud  124 . In some embodiments, earbud  200  can include a housing  202 . Housing  202  can have a size and/or shape that allows it to be easily inserted within the ear of an end user. Housing  202  also defines an interior volume within which numerous electrical components can be distributed. Housing  202  can also include a nozzle  204  that defines an opening  206  at a distal end of nozzle  204 , which provides a channel by which audio signals can pass into the ear canal of a user of earbud  200 , as indicated by the arrow  208 . 
     Housing  202  can include an I/O interface  210  configured to transmit and receive information from another device such as, for example, portable media device  100  by way of link  212 . Link  212  can be generated in various ways. For example, link  212  can be a wireless link when I/O interface  210  takes the form of a wireless transceiver suitable for use in an accessory such as accessory device  110  depicted in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, link  212  can take the form of a wired connector such as the wires of accessory device  120 . In addition to providing a conduit for receiving power, I/O interface  210  can also be used to receive audio content that can be processed by a processor or controller  214  and sent on to high frequency driver  216  and low frequency driver  218 . While high frequency driver  216  and low frequency driver are depicted as separate components, it should be understood that in some embodiments these drivers could be combined into a unitary audio driver. I/O interface  210  can also receive control signals from a device similar to portable media device  100  for accomplishing tasks such as adjusting a volume output of drivers  216  and  218 . When I/O interface  210  takes the form of a wireless transceiver, I/O interface  210  can include an antenna configured to transmit and receive signals through an antenna window or an opening defined by housing  202 . This type of antenna can be used to transmit data using one or more wireless protocols, e.g. Wifi® and Bluetooth®. The antenna window can be particularly important when housing  202  is formed of radio opaque material. In some embodiments, I/O interface  210  can also represent one or more exterior controls (e.g. buttons and/or switches) for performing tasks such as pairing earbud  200  with another device or adjusting various settings of earbud  200  such as volume or the like. 
     Earbud  200  can also include a memory  220 , which can be configured to carry out any number of tasks. For example, memory  220  can be configured to store media content when a user of earbud  200  wants to use earbud  200  independent from any other device. In such a use case, memory  220  can be loaded with one or more media files for independent playback. When earbud  200  is being used with another device, memory  220  can also be used to buffer media data received from the other device. To support independent use cases, memory  220  can also be used to store entire media files and/or playlists for later playback independent of any other device. With the possible exception of when I/O interface  210  is a wired interface that can provide power to earbud  200  from another device or power source, battery  222  is generally used for powering operations of earbud  200 . Battery  222  can provide the energy needed to perform any of a number of tasks including: maintain a wireless link  212 , powering controller  214 , powering speaker drivers  216  and  218 , and powering one or more sensors  224 . While sensors  224  are shown as a generic block, sensors  224  can include sensors such as microphones, orientation sensors, proximity sensors or any other sensor suitable for improving the user experience of earbud  200 . For example, a microphone positioned within housing  202  could be arranged to detect sound waves approaching earbud  200 . When the sound waves are assessed to be white noise, the sound waves can be characterized by controller  214  and then a noise cancelling speaker associated with the microphone can receive instructions from controller  214  to emit sound waves configured to cancel out the sound waves detected by the microphone. In some embodiments, this microphone could take the form of a directional microphone configured to record only the audio arriving from a particular direction. For example, the directional microphone could be tuned to only record or detect audio originating at or near the mouth of a user of earbud  200 . It should be noted that sensor(s)  224  are not required in all of the embodiments described herein. 
       FIG. 3A  shows an earbud housing  302  of an earbud  300  positioned within the ear of a user. As depicted, earbud  300  is located almost entirely within the ear of a user. The substantially rectangular geometry of housing  302  is sized to fit tucked into the ear when properly installed within the ear. A rear portion of housing  302  can have a curved geometry that helps to reduce or prevent the occurrence of any pressure points forming between housing  302  and the concha of the ear. Cable cord  304  extends away from housing  302  at an angle designed to route cable cord  304  between the tragus and anti-tragus as depicted. As a result of the channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus being generally narrow enough, any inadvertent tugs on cable cord  304  are unlikely to dislodge earbud  300  on account of resistance imparted to earbud housing  302  by the tragus and anti-tragus. 
       FIG. 3B  shows a cross-sectional top view of earbud  300  within the ear of the user. An earbud tip  306  is shown compressed within the ear canal of the ear so that it seals the ear canal of the user.  FIG. 3B  also shows a relative angle between nozzle  308  and cable cord  304 . An angle between an axis  305  that bisects and extends through nozzle  308  and an axis  307  that bisects and extends through a base of cable cord  304  can be between 90 and 130 degrees. In some embodiments, variation of the angle between cable cord  304  and nozzle  308  can be between 100 degrees and 110 degrees with respect to the x-y plane shown in  FIG. 3B .  FIG. 3B  also shows how earbud housing  302  can be positioned between the tragus and concha of the ear of the user.  FIG. 3B  also shows how balanced armature audio driver  309  can be positioned within housing  302  as depicted so that it is directed towards and positioned close to an exit opening defined by nozzle  308 . In this way, an amount of attenuation due to an offset between audio driver  309  and nozzle  308  can be reduced. Reference line  310  demonstrates how the small form factor of earbud housing  302  remains within a recess defined by the ear. It should be noted that in some embodiments, deformable member  309 , which can be formed from a piece of silicone or foam and attached to the earbud housing to create an interference fit between earbud housing  302  and one or more surface of the ear defining the recess. As depicted, deformable member  309  contacts the concha portion of the ear. Deformable member  309  can increase the comfort of earbud  300  and can help earbud housing  302  accommodate a broader range of users as a result of the deformability it imparts to earbud  300 . 
       FIG. 3C  shows a perspective view of earbud  300  removed from the ear. Earbud tip  306  is now depicted in its undeformed shape. While earbud tip  306  is depicted having a substantially parabolic shape, it should be understood that any earbud shape is possible and that earbud tip  306  can be formed from any number of deformable materials including but not limited to silicone, rubber, and foam. Earbud tip  306  fits over a portion of nozzle  308  of housing  302 . Nozzle  308  is configured to direct audio out of housing  302  and into the ear canal of a user through an opening defined by a central portion of ear tip  306 . In some embodiments, nozzle  308  can take the form of an extension of and rigidly coupled with housing  302 . 
     Housing  302  can also define an opening  312  for a microphone disposed within housing  302 . Placement of opening  312  in this location allows the microphone when located proximate the opening to be close to the ear canal of a user. The particularly thin dimensions of housing  302  allows this close proximity of the microphone with respect to the ear canal. Audio arriving at the microphone can then be utilized as an input for a noise cancellation system, that generates destructive interference waves to counter the audio approaching the ear canal of the user. The noise cancelation system can include an additional speaker or speakers for generating the destructive interference waves. 
     As mentioned above, angles between the various components of earbud  300  make substantial differences in the fit and security of earbud  300  within the ear of the user. It should be noted that an angle between a direction  314  associated with nozzle  308  and a direction  316  associated with cord  304  with respect to the x-z plane can be between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. During user trials, this range of angles between nozzle  308  and cord  304  was found to fit a large percent of users&#39; ears. Direction  318  is aligned with housing  302  and an angle between direction  318  and direction  314  can vary between 150 degrees and 160 degrees with respect to the x-z plane. Nozzle  308  and cable cord  304  are both positioned at one end of earbud housing  302 , as depicted. This allows nozzle  308  and earbud tip  306  to engage the ear canal of a user and cable cord  304  to engage the channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear, as depicted in  FIG. 3A . 
       FIG. 3D  shows a bottom, perspective view of housing  302  and directions  314  and  316  illustrate an angle between cable cord  304  and nozzle  308  with respect to the x-y plane of between 100 degrees and 110 degrees. An angle between direction  316  and  318  with respect to the x-y plane can be between 150 and 160 degrees, while an angle between directions  314  and  318  with respect to the x-y plane can be between 130 and 140 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, nozzle  308  can be configured to pivot about one or more axes with respect to housing  302 . In this way, a direction  314  in which nozzle  308  is aligned can be adjusted when a user of earbud  300  has an ear canal that deviates from the angle in which nozzle  308  is designed to be pointed. In some embodiments, the pivoting can include a locking device or ratcheting device that prevents inadvertent motion of nozzle  308  with respect to housing  302  during active use such as for example during a high activity workout. 
       FIGS. 4A-4B  represent an alternative wireless embodiment in which earbud  400  includes protrusion  402 , which takes the place of cable cord  304 . Protrusion  402  can house multiple additional components such as, for example, a battery, an antenna assembly and one or more microphones. The additional weight of protrusion  402  can help to keep housing  404  of earbud  400  engaged within the channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear. Protrusion  402  also provides a convenient way to position a microphone closer to the ear of a user and in this way can act as a microphone boom. In this way, an amount of acoustic energy spoken by a user wearing earbud  400  can be substantially increased when compared with a microphone positioned within the ear of a user. A size and shape of protrusion  402  can be adjusted to accommodate a certain length antenna and/or number of battery cells. In some embodiments, the substantial length of protrusion  402  allows for improved antenna performance and allows the overall device to attain a desired balance. In some embodiments, protrusion  402  can have a circular geometry and be at least two times longer than housing  404 . Angles between the various features of earbud  400  can be similar to those mentioned above, where the angle of the portion of housing  404  in communication with protrusion  402  has about the same angle with respect to housing  404  that cable cord  304  has with respect to housing  302 . While protrusion  402  is shown having a substantially linear geometry, it should be noted that protrusion  402  can vary in size and shape as well. For example, protrusion  402  can be curved so that a distal end of protrusion  402  faces more precisely towards the mouth of a user. In this way, a microphone positioned at a distal end of protrusion  402  can have greater sensitivity and be able to record audio spoken by a user of earbud  400  with greater precision. 
       FIG. 4B  shows a perspective view of earbud  400  removed from the ear of the user so that nozzle  408  is exposed. Angles between nozzle  408 , housing  404  and protrusion  402  can correspond to those angles depicted between nozzle  308 , housing  302  and cable  304 . For example, an angle between nozzle  408  and protrusion  402  can be on the order of between about 100 and 110 degrees. Nozzle  408  can include a number of ridges  410  that help to retain an earbud tip coupled with an end of nozzle  408 . The earbud tip (not depicted) can help provide a robust seal between earbud  400  and the ear canal of the user. In addition to housing multiple other electrical components protrusion  402  can also include electrical contact  412  for charging batteries disposed within protrusion  402  and/or housing  404 . In some embodiments, protrusion  402  and/or housing  404  can include multiple contacts  412 . Electrical contact  412  can also be used for updating a memory device disposed within housing  404 . For example, media items could be transferred by way of electrical contact(s)  412 . 
       FIG. 4C  shows a partial cutaway view of protrusion  402  of earbud  400 . In particular, the cutaway view shows electrical components disposed within protrusion  402 . As depicted, wireless antenna  414  can extend along a substantial portion of a length of protrusion  402 . In this way, wireless signal quality and transmission can be enhanced because the antenna can extend across a longer distance than it could otherwise if it had to be accommodated within housing  404 . While wireless antenna  414  is depicted taking the form of an extended rectangular geometry, other configurations are also possible. In some embodiments, multiple wireless antenna  414  can take the form of multiple antennae. This positioning also allows wireless antenna  414  to extend away from the user, thereby reducing any attenuation or masking caused by the user&#39;s body. Protrusion  402  can also house one or more batteries  416 . While multiple batteries  416  are depicted it should be appreciated that a single larger battery  416  could also be utilized. Protrusion  402  can also include microphone  418 , positioned at a bottom end of protrusion  402 . This positioning can help microphone  418  be positioned as close as possible to microphone openings positioned at a distal end of protrusion  402 . In this way, audio vocalized by a user of earbud  400  can be more efficiently recorded on account of microphone  418  being located much closer to the mouth of a user when compared to a microphone positioned within housing  404 . 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200526
Publication Date: 20201117
Grant Date: 20201117
Priority Date: 20150930
Inventors: TRAINER, GLENN K.
GRINKER, SCOTT C.
HUWE, ETHAN L.
STANLEY, CRAIG M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/26", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2460/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10K11/17873", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1066", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2205/022", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10K2210/3219", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10K11/17857", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/09", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10K11/17873", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2205/022", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10K11/178", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/103", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1075", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/09", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/033", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1083", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/107", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/107", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/033", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1075", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10K11/17857", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10K2210/3219", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R11/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1066", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R11/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10K2210/1081", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1083", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10K2210/1081", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/26", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2460/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/103", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/09", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R11/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10K11/17857", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/26", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/107", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1083", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10K11/178", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10K2210/1081", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1066", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2460/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/103", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2205/022", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1075", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10K2210/3219", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/033", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58406083