PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11690428-B2
Application Number: US-202017131610-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Portable listening device with accelerometer

Abstract:
An earbud includes a housing that includes a driver assembly positioned within the housing forming a front volume in front of the driver and a back volume behind the driver. An acoustic insert is positioned behind the driver assembly and attached to an interior surface of the housing such that it forms a bass channel that is routed from the back volume to a vent in the housing.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable listening system comprising:
 a first housing having a first ear portion sized and shaped to support the portable listening device on a user&#39;s first ear; 
 a second housing separate from the first housing and having a second ear portion sized and shaped to support the portable listening device on a user&#39;s second ear; 
 a first accelerometer positioned within the first housing and configured to generate a first signal in response to detecting contact between a user&#39;s finger and the first housing; 
 a second accelerometer positioned within the second housing and configured to generate a second signal in response to detecting contact between the user&#39;s finger and the second housing; 
 a first processor positioned within the first housing and arranged to output a third signal to a separate electronic device in response to receiving the first signal; and 
 a second processor positioned within the second housing and arranged to output a fourth signal to the separate electronic device in response to receiving the second signal. 
 
     
     
       2. The portable listening system of  claim 1  wherein the first accelerometer is configured to sense a sequence of taps of the user&#39;s finger on the first housing. 
     
     
       3. The portable listening system of  claim 1  wherein the first accelerometer is further configured to detect an orientation of the first housing. 
     
     
       4. The portable listening system of  claim 1  further comprising an in-ear sensor attached to the first housing and configured to detect when the first housing is at least partially inserted in an ear of the user. 
     
     
       5. The portable listening system of  claim 4  wherein the in-ear sensor comprises a pair of optical sensors to detect a user&#39;s tragus and concha. 
     
     
       6. An earbud system comprising:
 a first housing having a first ear portion sized and shaped to be at least partially inserted within a user&#39;s first ear; 
 a first accelerometer positioned within the first housing and configured to generate a first signal when the first accelerometer detects a contact between a user&#39;s finger and the first housing; and 
 a first processor positioned within the first housing and arranged to output a second signal to a separate electronic device in response to receiving the first signal; 
 a second housing having a second ear portion sized and shaped to be at least partially inserted within a user&#39;s second ear; 
 a second accelerometer positioned within the second housing and configured to generate a third signal when the second accelerometer detects a contact between the user&#39;s finger and the second housing; and 
 a second processor positioned within the second housing and arranged to output a fourth signal to the separate electronic device in response to receiving the third signal. 
 
     
     
       7. The earbud system of  claim 6  wherein the first accelerometer is configured to sense a sequence of taps of the user&#39;s finger on the first housing. 
     
     
       8. The earbud system of  claim 6  wherein the first accelerometer is further configured to detect an orientation of the first housing. 
     
     
       9. The earbud system of  claim 6  further comprising an in-ear sensor attached to the first housing and configured to detect when the first housing is at least partially inserted in an ear of the user. 
     
     
       10. The earbud system of  claim 9  wherein the in-ear sensor comprises a pair of optical sensors to detect a user&#39;s tragus and concha. 
     
     
       11. A portable listening system comprising:
 a first housing having a first ear portion sized and shaped to support the first housing on a user&#39;s first ear; 
 a first rechargeable battery positioned within the first housing; 
 a first processor positioned within the first housing and coupled to the first rechargeable battery; 
 a first wireless radio positioned within the first housing and coupled to the first rechargeable battery; 
 a first antenna positioned within the first housing; and 
 a first accelerometer positioned within the first housing and configured to transmit a first signal to the first processor in response to detecting contact between a user&#39;s finger and the first housing, wherein in response to receiving the first signal the first processor transmits a second signal to a separate electronic device; 
 a second housing having a second ear portion sized and shaped to support the second housing on a user&#39;s second ear; and 
 a second rechargeable battery positioned within the second housing; 
 a second processor positioned within the second housing and coupled to the second rechargeable battery; 
 a second wireless radio positioned within the second housing and coupled to the second rechargeable battery; 
 a second antenna positioned within the second housing; and 
 a second accelerometer positioned within the second housing and configured to transmit a third signal to the second processor in response to detecting contact between a user&#39;s finger and the second housing, wherein in response to receiving the third signal the second processor transmits a fourth signal to the separate electronic device. 
 
     
     
       12. The portable listening system of  claim 11  wherein in response to receiving the first signal, the first processor transmits the second signal to the separate electronic device via the first wireless radio and the first antenna. 
     
     
       13. The portable listening system of  claim 11  wherein the first accelerometer is further configured to detect an orientation of the first housing. 
     
     
       14. The portable listening system of  claim 11  further comprising an in-ear sensor attached to the first housing and configured to detect when the first housing is at least partially inserted in the user&#39;s first ear.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/430,823, for “EARBUD CASE WITH INSERT” filed Jun. 4, 2019, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/273,683, for “EARBUDS WITH ACOUSTIC INSERT” filed Sep. 22, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/235,205, for “EARBUD CASE WITH CHARGING SYSTEM” filed on Sep. 30, 2015, to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/235,213, for “CASE WITH MAGNETIC OVER-CENTER MECHANISM” filed on Sep. 30, 2015, to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/235,219, for “MAGNETIC RETENTION OF EARBUD WITHIN CAVITY” filed on Sep. 30, 2015, to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/235,226, for “CASE WITH INDUCTIVE CHARGING SYSTEM” filed on Sep. 30, 2015 and to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/384,114, for “CASE FOR CHARGING AND RETAINING PORTABLE LISTENING DEVICES” filed on Sep. 6, 2016, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     This application is related to the following concurrently filed and commonly assigned U.S. nonprovisional patent applications: 
     U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/273,671, Filed Sep. 23, 2016, “EARBUD CASE WITH CHARGING SYSTEM”, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/273,675, Filed Sep. 23, 2016, “CASE WITH MAGNETIC OVER-CENTER MECHANISM; U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/273,677, Filed Sep. 23, 2016, “EARBUD CASE WITH WIRELESS RADIO SHUTDOWN FEATURE”; U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/273,685, Filed Sep. 23, 2016, “WIRELESS PAIRING OF EARBUDS AND CASE”; U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/273,687, Filed Sep. 23, 2016, “EARBUD CASE WITH RECEPTACLE CONNECTOR FOR EARBUDS”; U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/273,690, Filed Sep. 23, 2016, “WIRELESS EARBUDS WITH ELECTRONIC CONTACTS”; U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/273,691, Filed Sep. 23, 2016, “MAGNETIC RETENTION OF EARBUD WITHIN CAVITY”, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/273,693, Filed Sep. 23, 2016, “CASE WITH INDUCTIVE CHARGING TRANSMITTER TO CHARGE A PORTABLE DEVICE”; U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/273,694, Filed Sep. 23, 2016, “WATERPROOF RECEPTACLE CONNECTOR”, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/273,696, Filed Sep. 23, 2016, “EARBUDS WITH CAPACITIVE TOUCH SENSOR”, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/273,698, Filed Sep. 23, 2016, “CASE WITH TORSION SPRING OVER-CENTER MECHANISM”, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The described embodiments relate generally to portable listening devices such as earbuds and other types of headphones, and to cases for storing and charging such devices. 
     Portable listening devices can be used with a wide variety of electronic devices such as portable media players, smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, stereo systems and other types of devices. Portable listening devices have historically included one or more small speakers configured to be place on, in, or near a user&#39;s ear, structural components that hold the speakers in place, and a cable that electrically connects the portable listening device to an audio source. Other portable listening devices can be wireless devices that do not include a cable and instead, wirelessly receive a stream of audio data from a wireless audio source. 
     While wireless portable listening devices have many advantages over wired devices, they also have some potential drawbacks. For example, wireless portable listening devices, typically require one or more batteries, such as a rechargeable battery, that provides power to the wireless communication circuitry and other components of the device. Single use batteries need to be replaced when their charge is depleted while rechargeable batteries need to be periodically recharged. Also, if the portable wireless listening device is a pair of wireless earbuds, the earbuds can be relatively small and easy to lose when not in use. Further, achieving high-end acoustic performance from the relatively small earbuds can challenge manufacturers due to the reduced amount of space available within each earbud. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a case that can store and charge a portable listening device, such as a pair of wireless earbuds or other types of headphones. In various embodiments the case can include one or more features that can improve the user experience associated with using the case and the portable listening device. For example, some embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a case for wireless earbuds that includes a detector that detects if the earbuds are stored in the case along with a detector that detects if a lid of the case is opened or closed. Circuitry within the case can use information from the detectors to improve the user experience associated with charging the earbuds, pairing the earbuds to a host device, such as a portable media player or other source of an audio signal, and/or turning one or more features of the earbuds off to extend the life of any battery used to power the earbuds. 
     In other embodiments, a case for a portable listening device can include a lid that, when closed, encloses the listening device within the case and when open exposes the stored listening device so that a user can remove the listening device from the case. The lid can be pivotably coupled to a housing of the case with a bi-stable hinge with an over center configuration where the lid is in a stable position when it is either closed or fully open and is unstable at positions in between such that the lid tends to move to the open or closed position. The bi-stable operation of the lid can provide a positive user experience in opening and closing the lid as the lid moves easily, and with minimal effort, between closed and fully open positions. In other embodiments a case for a portable listening device can be configured to magnetically attract and retain the listening device within the case. Still other embodiments facilitate the pairing of a wireless portable listening device with a host device and/or automatically turn OFF the wireless radio of a wireless portable listening device when the device is stored and fully enclosed within the case and automatically turn ON the wireless radio upon opening the case lid. Various embodiments of the disclosure can include all of the above features together or just some of the features. 
     In some embodiments a case for transporting and charging a portable listening device that includes a rechargeable battery and a power contact is provided. The portable listening device case can include a housing configured to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing and operable between a closed position where the lid conceals the listening device within the case and an open position where the lid is displaced from the housing such that a user can remove the listening device from the case; a detector configured to generate a detect signal when the listening device is placed in the housing; and charging circuitry configured to initiate charging of the rechargeable battery in response to receiving the detect signal. 
     In some embodiments a case for a pair of earbuds includes a housing having one or more cavities configured to receive the pair of earbuds; a lid attached to the housing and operable between a closed position where the lid is aligned over the one or more cavities and an open position where the lid is displaced from the one or more cavities; and a charging system. The charging system can include a case battery; an earbud detector configured to detect when an earbud is placed in the one or more cavities; and charging circuitry configured to initiate charging of the earbud when the earbud detector detects that the earbud is inserted into the one or more cavities. The one or more cavities can include a first cavity configured to receive a first earbud in the pair of earbuds and a second cavity sized and shaped to receive a second earbud in the pair of earbuds. The earbud detector can include a first earbud sensor configured to detect when the first earbud is placed in first cavity and a second earbud sensor configured to detect when the second earbud is placed in the second cavity. 
     In some embodiments a case for a pair of earbuds, each earbud having an ear interface portion, a stem, an earbud battery and a wireless radio is provided. The case can include: a housing having a first cavity configured to receive a first earbud in the pair of earbuds and a second cavity configured to receive a second earbud in the pair of earbuds; a lid attached to the housing and operable between a closed position where the lid conceals the earbuds within the case and an open position that allows a user to remove the earbuds from the case; and a charging system. The charging system can include a case battery; a first connector configured to interface to a power source for charging the case battery; a second connector configured to couple to each of the first and second earbuds, the second connector having at least one contact positioned in the first cavity and at least one contact positioned in the second cavity; an earbud detector configured to detect when an earbud is placed in either of the first or second cavities; and charging circuitry configured to initiate charging of an earbud battery when the earbud detector detects insertion of an earbud within either the first cavity or the second cavity and configured to cease charging the earbud when the earbud detector detects an earbud is removed from the cavity. 
     Some embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a case that can be used to store a portable listening device or another type of electronic device. The case can include: a housing having a cavity to receive the electronic device and a receiving opening that communicates with the receiving opening; a lid secured to housing with a pivotable joint, the lid being operable between an open position in which the receiving opening is exposed and a closed position in which the lid covers the receiving opening; and a plurality of magnetic elements disposed within the housing and the lid, the plurality of magnetic elements configured to create an over center position for the lid such that the lid resists rotating from the open position to the closed position until the lid is moved past the over center position when the lid is then attracted to the closed position. 
     In some embodiments a case for a portable listening device is provided. The case can include: a housing having a cavity to receive the listening device; a lid attached to the housing with a pivotable joint allowing the lid to rotate between a closed position where the lid is aligned over the cavity and an open position where the lid is angularly displaced allowing the listening device to be removed from the cavity; and a plurality of magnetic elements disposed within the housing and the lid, the plurality of magnetic elements configured to secure the lid in the closed position and to resist the lid moving from the open position to the closed position. The plurality of magnetic elements can include a first pair of magnetic elements configured to repel each other and a second pair of magnetic elements configured to attract each other. The first pair of magnetic elements can include a first magnet positioned in the lid adjacent to the pivotable joint and a second magnet positioned in the housing adjacent to the pivotable joint and oriented to repel the first magnet. The second pair of magnetic elements can include a first magnetic element positioned in the lid opposite the pivotable joint and a second magnetic element positioned in a housing wall opposite the pivotable joint and oriented to attract the first magnetic element. In some instances both of the magnetic elements of the second pair of magnetic elements are magnets. In some instances one of the magnetic elements of the second pair of magnetic elements is a magnet and the other magnetic element is a magnetic material. 
     In some embodiments, a case for a portable listening device includes: a housing having a cavity to receive the listening device and a receiving opening that communicates with the cavity; a lid secured to housing with a pivotable joint, the lid being operable between an open position in which the receiving opening is exposed and a closed position in which the lid covers the receiving opening; a first magnetic element located in the lid proximate the pivotable joint and oriented to repel a second magnetic element located in the housing proximate the pivotable joint; and a third magnetic element located in the lid at a distal end of the lid opposite the pivotable joint and oriented to attract a fourth magnetic element located in the housing at a distal end of the housing opposite the pivotable joint; wherein the first, second, third and fourth magnetic elements cooperate to define an over center position for the lid disposed between the open position and the closed position such that that the lid resists rotating from the open position to the closed position until the lid is moved past the over center position where the lid is impelled to the closed position. 
     Some embodiments pertain to a case for a portable listening device having a wireless radio where the case includes: a housing having a cavity configured to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing and operable between a closed position where the lid conceals the portable listening device within the case and an open position where the lid is displaced from the housing such that a user can remove the portable listening device from the case; a lid sensor to detect if the lid is in the closed position or the open position; and circuitry configured to turn ON the wireless radio when the lid sensor detects that the lid is moved from the closed position to the open position. The lid sensor can generate an open signal when the lid moves from a closed position to an open position, and the circuitry can be configured to turn ON the wireless radio in response to the open signal. In some instances the case can further include an electrical connector having a first contact positioned within the cavity to electrically connect to a second contact on the portable listening device when the portable listening device is received within the cavity, and the case the circuitry can turn ON the wireless radio in the portable listening device by sending an instruction to the portable listening device over the first contact. 
     In some embodiments a case for a portable listening device having a wireless radio includes: a housing having a cavity configured to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing and operable between a closed position where the lid conceals the portable listening device within the case and an open position where the lid is displaced from the housing such that a user can remove the portable listening device from the case; a device detector configured to detect when the portable listening device is placed in the cavity; a lid sensor to detect if the lid is in the closed position or the open position; and circuitry configured to turn OFF the wireless radio when the lid sensor detects that the lid is moved from the open position to the closed position. The lid sensor can generate a close signal when the lid moves from an open position to a closed position, and the circuitry can be configured to turn OFF the wireless radio in response to the close signal. In some instances the case can further include an electrical connector having a first contact positioned within the cavity to electrically connect to a second contact on the portable listening device when the portable listening device is received within the cavity, and the case the circuitry can turn OFF the wireless radio in the portable listening device by sending an instruction to the portable listening device over the first contact. 
     In some embodiments a case for a pair of earbuds can include: a housing having a first cavity configured to receive a first earbud in the pair of earbuds and a second cavity configured to receive a second earbud in the pair of earbuds; a lid attached to the housing and operable between a closed position where the lid conceals the earbuds within the case and an open position that allows a user to remove the earbuds from the case; a lid sensor to detect if the lid is in the closed position or the open position; a case battery; circuitry configured charge an earbud battery within each earbud; and circuitry configured to turn ON a wireless radio in an earbud when the lid sensor detects that the lid is moved from the closed position to the open position and to turn OFF the wireless radio in an earbud when the lid sensor detects that the lid is moved from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the lid sensor can generate an open signal when the lid moves from a closed position to an open position and generate an close signal when the lid moves from an open to a closed position, and the circuitry included within the case can be configured to turn ON the wireless radio in response to the open signal and to turn OFF the wireless radio in response to the close signal. In various embodiments the case can further include a device detector that detects when a portable listening device is received within the cavity, and circuitry within the case can be configured to only send instructions to the portable listening device to turn the wireless radio ON or OFF if the device detector detects that the portable listening device is received within the cavity. In various examples, the lid sensor can be a Hall-effect sensor. 
     Some embodiments of the disclosure pertain to an earbud that includes: a housing having a non-occluding ear portion; a directional sound port disposed in the non-occluding ear portion; a driver assembly positioned within the housing having a front volume disposed in front of the driver assembly and a back volume disposed behind the driver assembly; and an acoustic insert positioned within the housing behind the driver assembly and attached to an interior surface of the housing such that the acoustic insert and the housing form a bass channel that is routed from the back volume to a multiport vent within the housing. The acoustic insert can include a recess defined by raised weld regions that are acoustically bonded to the interior surface of the housing. In some instances the recess within the acoustic insert forms three walls of the bass channel and the housing forms a fourth wall of the bass channel. The acoustic insert can further include an aperture that couples the front volume to the multiport vent, and the bass channel and the aperture can be coupled to a multiport chamber that is vented through the multiport vent. In some examples the acoustic insert is formed from a carbon doped plastic that absorbs laser energy. In some examples, the earbud housing can be made from Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) with a titanium dioxide pigment.] 
     An earbud according to some embodiments can include: a housing having an ear portion coupled to a stem; a cavity formed within the ear portion; a driver assembly positioned within the cavity and defining a front volume disposed in front of the driver assembly and a back volume disposed behind the driver assembly; an acoustic insert positioned within the cavity behind the driver assembly and attached to an interior surface of the housing; and a bass channel formed by the acoustic insert and the housing that is routed from the back volume to an external environment via a vent. The acoustic insert can include a recess defined by raised weld regions that are bonded to the interior surface of the housing. The acoustic insert can further include an aperture that couples the front volume to the external environment. 
     In some embodiments a method of forming an earbud is provided. The method can include: forming a housing having an interior surface and an exterior surface; forming an acoustic insert such that it has a recess defined by raised weld regions; inserting the acoustic insert within the housing such that the raised weld regions are disposed against the interior surface of the housing; and directing a laser through the housing such that it impinges the raised weld regions of the acoustic insert and welds the raised weld regions to the interior surface of the housing. In some instances the housing can be formed from a plastic that is substantially transparent to a wavelength of the laser, and the acoustic insert can be formed from a carbon doped plastic that absorbs laser energy. 
     In some embodiments a case for a pair of wireless earbuds having a wireless radio can include: a housing having a first cavity configured to receive a first earbud in the pair of earbuds and a second cavity configured to receive a second earbud in the pair of earbuds; a lid attached to the housing and operable between a closed position where the lid conceals the earbuds within the case and an open position that allows a user to remove the earbuds from the case; a connector configured to couple to each of the first and second earbuds, the connector having a first contact positioned in the first cavity and a second contact positioned in the second cavity; a lid sensor configured to generate a detect signal when the lid is moved from a closed position to an open position; and circuitry coupled to the first or second contacts and configured to, in response to the detect signal, send one or more signals to the pair of wireless earbuds to turn ON the wireless radio and to initiate pairing of the pair of wireless earbuds to an electronic device. The circuitry can include a processor operatively coupled to a computer-readable memory that stores instructions that can be executed by the processor to send the one or more signals. The connector can include a first power contact for the first earbud of the pair of wireless earbuds and a second power contact for the second earbud of the pair of wireless earbuds, and each of the first and second power contacts can be configured to transmit both power and data to the first earbud and the second earbud, respectively. 
     In some embodiments a case for a portable listening device that includes a wireless radio can include: a housing having a receiving area for the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing and operable between a closed position where the lid conceals the portable listening device within the case and an open position that allows a user to remove the portable listening device from the receiving area; an electrical connector positioned within the receiving area, the electrical connector having one or more case electrical contacts that electrically connect to the one or more device electrical contacts when the portable listening device is received in the receiving area; an input device configured to generate a signal in response to a user-generated action; and a processor coupled to the input device and the electrical connector. The processor can be configured to receive the signal from the input device and, in response, send an instruction to the portable listening device through the electrical connector to initiate wireless pairing of the portable listening device to a host electronic device. In some instances the processor can be further configured to receive send an instruction to the portable listening device through the electrical connector to turn ON its wireless radio in response to receiving the signal from the input device prior to sending an instruction to the portable listening device to initiate wireless pairing of the portable listening device to the host electronic device. 
     In various embodiments the portable listening device can be a pair (first and second) of wireless earbuds and the electrical connector can include a first contact for transmitting power to the first wireless earbud and a second contact for transmitting power to the second wireless earbud. Circuitry positioned within the housing can be configured to transmit data signals between the case and the first and second wireless earbuds over the first and second contacts, respectively, that are also used to charge the earbuds. The input device can include one or both of a lid sensor that is activated by a user moving the lid from the closed position to the open position and a depressible button on the case. In some instances where two or more different input devices are included, such as a lid sensor and a depressible button, the different input devices can generate different signals that are distinguishable by the processor and can be used by the processor to initiate different pairing procedures. The case can also include a rechargeable battery that is coupled to one or more case electrical contacts within the case that are configured to provide electrical charge to the first and second wireless earbuds to recharge a batteries within the earbuds. 
     In some embodiments a method of wirelessly pairing a first electronic device to a second electronic device is provided. The method can include: receiving an input from a user at a third electronic device, different than the first and second devices. In response to receiving the input, the third electronic device can communicate a user input signal to the first electronic device through a wired connection between the third and the first electronic devices. In response to the first electronic device receiving the user input signal, the first electronic device can broadcast a wireless pairing request, and in response to receiving the wireless pairing request, the second electronic device can wirelessly pair with the first device. In some instances, the first electronic device can be a wireless headphone set, the second electronic device can be a mobile electronic device and the third electronic device can be a case for the portable listening device. Also, in some embodiments where the third electronic device is a case for a portable listening device, the input from the user can be opening a lid of a case. 
     In some embodiments a case for a pair of earbuds is provided where each earbud has an ear portion and a stem portion with an electrical connector disposed at a distal end of the stem portion. The case can include: a housing; an insert positioned within the housing, the insert having first and second cavities sized and shaped to accommodate first and second earbuds, respectively, each of the first and second cavities having a receiving opening to receive an earbud into the cavity and a contact opening opposite the receiving opening; and a contact assembly attached to the insert, the contact assembly comprising a first pair of electrical contacts extending into the first cavity and a second pair of electrical contacts extending into the second cavity, the first and second pairs of electrical contacts configured to make electrical contact with the electrical connector disposed at the distal end of the first and second earbuds, respectively, through the contact opening. The insert can include first and second shells joined together, the first shell including the first cavity and the second shell including the second cavity. The case can further include a collar adhered to a top of the contact assembly and to a periphery of a distal end of each of the first and the second shells. The first and second pairs of electrical contacts can each have arcuate portions that are positioned by a contact carrier to couple to the electrical connector disposed at the distal end of the first and second earbuds. 
     In some embodiments an electrical connector assembly for an earbud charging system is provided. The electrical connector assembly can be configured to receive an earbud having an ear portion and a stem portion with an earbud connector disposed at a distal end of the stem portion. The electrical connector assembly can include: a shell having a receiving opening to receive the earbud in a stem-first orientation, a distal end opposite the receiving opening, and a contact opening proximate the distal end that opens to the receiving opening; a contact carrier formed from a dielectric material and coupled to the distal end of the shell, the contact carrier having a cavity sized to receive the distal end of the shell and a pair of contact receiving slots; and a pair of deflectable electrical contacts disposed within the pair of contact receiving slots, each deflectable electrical contact having a contact portion that extends through the contact opening of the shell. 
     In some embodiments a case for a pair of earbuds is provided where each earbud has an ear interface portion and a stem portion with an electrical connector disposed at a distal end of the stem portion. The case can include: a housing; an insert positioned within the housing, the insert having first and second earbud receiving cavities sized and shaped to accommodate first and second earbuds, respectively, each of the first and second receiving cavities having a receiving opening to receive an earbud into the receiving cavity in a stem-first orientation, a contact opening at an opposite end of the receiving opening; a contact carrier formed from a dielectric material and coupled to the insert, the contact carrier having first and second pairs of contact receiving slots disposed at a contact interface region and a debris recess configured to capture debris positioned between the first pair of contact receiving slots and a second debris recess disposed below the contact interface region and sized and shaped to capture debris; a first pair of deflectable electrical contacts disposed within first pair of contact receiving slots, each of the first pair of deflectable electrical contacts having a contact portion that extends into the first receiving cavity in the contact interface region; and a second pair of deflectable electrical contacts disposed within second pair of contact receiving slots, each of the second pair of deflectable electrical contacts having a contact portion that extends into the second receiving cavity in the contact interface region. In some instance the debris recess can include a first debris recess positioned between the first pair of contact receiving slots and a second debris recess positioned between the second pair of contact receiving slots. Each of the first and second earbud receiving cavities can include an elongated tube portion sized and shaped to accommodate the stem portion of an earbud and a larger earbud receiving opening sized and shaped to at least partially accommodate the ear interface portion. The contact portion of each of the deflectable electrical contacts can have a curved profile. 
     In some embodiments a wireless earbud is provided that includes: a housing having a stem portion aligned with a longitudinal axis, the stem portion including first and second ends; a speaker assembly having a driver unit and a directional sound port proximate the first end and offset from the longitudinal axis, wherein the driver unit is aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port and comprises a magnet, a voice coil, and a diaphragm; a rechargeable battery disposed in the housing; and first and second external contacts exposed at an external surface at the second end of the stem portion and electrically coupled to provide power to the rechargeable battery. The first and second external contacts can each have a partial annular shape and can be spaced in an oppositional and symmetrical relationship with each other. In some instances an outer perimeter of the first and second external contacts is flush with an exterior surface of the stem portion. 
     In some embodiments a wireless earbud includes: a housing having a stem portion aligned with a longitudinal axis, the stem portion including first and second ends; a speaker assembly having a driver unit and a directional sound port proximate the first end and offset from the longitudinal axis, wherein the driver unit is aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port and comprises a magnet, a voice coil, and a diaphragm; a rechargeable battery disposed in the housing; a first semicircular contact disposed at an external surface at the second end of the stem portion and electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery; and a second semicircular contact disposed at an external surface at the second end of the stem portion, the first and second partial annular contacts spaced in an oppositional and symmetrical relationship with each other. 
     In some embodiments a wireless earbud includes: a housing; a rechargeable battery disposed in the housing; a speaker assembly including a driver unit and a directional sound port, wherein the driver unit is aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port and comprises a magnet, a voice coil, and a diaphragm; and a plurality of contacts exposed at an external surface of the housing, each contact in the plurality of contacts including a conductive base having a binary metal alloy plated layer at an outer surface of each contact, the binary metal alloy plated layer comprising rhodium and ruthenium. In some instances, the weight percentage of rhodium is at least 85 percent, with the remainder in ruthenium. 
     Some embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a case for an earbud having one or more earbud magnetic components. The case can include: a receiving cavity sized and shaped to accept the earbud; one or more housing magnetic components disposed within the case and positioned and configured to magnetically attract and magnetically secure the earbud into the receiving cavity and the second earbud into the second receiving cavity; and a lid operable between an open position in which the receiving cavity is exposed and a closed position in which the lid covers the receiving cavity. The case can be configured to store a pair of earbuds and the receiving cavity includes a first receiving cavity sized and shaped to accept a first earbud in the pair of earbuds, and a second receiving cavity sized and shaped to accept a second earbud in the pair of earbuds. In some embodiments the one or more housing magnetic components can include a first plurality of magnetic components disposed around the first receiving cavity and configured to magnetically attract and magnetically retain the first earbud within the first receiving cavity, and a second plurality of magnetic components disposed around the second receiving cavity and configured to magnetically attract and magnetically retain the second earbud within the second receiving cavity. 
     In some examples the first plurality of magnetic components can include a first magnetic component positioned and configured to magnetically attract a speaker magnet in the first earbud and the second plurality of magnetic components can include a second magnetic component positioned and configured to magnetically attract a speaker magnet in the second earbud. In other examples the first plurality of magnetic components can include a first magnetic component positioned and configured to magnetically attract a magnetic plate disposed in an ear portion of the first earbud and the second plurality of magnetic components can include a second magnetic component positioned and configured to magnetically attract a magnetic plate disposed in an ear portion of the second earbud. 
     In some instances the first plurality of magnetic components can includes one or more magnetic components disposed around a portion of the first receiving cavity that accepts an ear interface portion of the first earbud and the second plurality of magnetic components can include one or more magnetic components disposed around a portion of the second receiving cavity that accepts an ear interface portion of the second earbud. In some instances the first plurality of magnetic components can include a first housing magnetic component arranged to attract a speaker magnet in the first earbud, and a second housing magnetic component arranged to attract a magnetic plate disposed within an ear portion of the first earbud; and the second plurality of magnetic components can include a third housing magnetic component arranged to attract a speaker magnet in the second earbud, and a fourth housing magnetic component arranged to attract a magnetic plate disposed within an ear portion of the second earbud. In some instances the first plurality of magnetic components includes a first set of magnetic components that form a first Halbach array to increase attractive forces for the first earbud and the second plurality of magnetic components includes a second set of magnetic components that form a second Halbach array to increase attractive forces for the second earbud. The first and second Halbach arrays can be configured to attract the first and the second earbuds into respective cavities and magnetically retain them within the cavities until they are removed by a user. 
     In some embodiments an earbud includes: a housing formed to fit at least partially within a user&#39;s ear; a directional sound port formed within the housing; a speaker assembly disposed within the housing and including a driver unit comprising a first magnet, the driver unit aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port; a magnetic retention component, separate from the speaker assembly, and positioned in the housing. The housing can have an ear portion and a stem portion, and the magnetic retention component can be disposed within the ear portion. The driver unit can include a diaphragm and a voice coil, and the first magnet can be operatively coupled to the voice coil to move the diaphragm in response to electrical signals and the magnetic retention component is not operatively coupled to the voice coil. 
     In some embodiments a wireless listening system is provided that includes a pair of wireless earbuds and a storage case for the pair of earbuds. Each wireless earbud can include: a housing formed to fit at least partially within a user&#39;s ear; a directional sound port formed within the housing; a speaker assembly disposed within the housing and including a driver unit comprising a first magnet, a diaphragm and a voice coil, and wherein the first magnet is operatively coupled to the voice coil to move the diaphragm in response to electrical signals, the driver unit aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port; and a magnetic retention component, separate from the speaker assembly, and positioned in the housing. The storage case can include: a first receiving cavity sized and shaped to accept a first earbud of the pair of earbuds; a second receiving cavity sized and shaped to accept a second earbud of the pair of earbuds; a plurality of housing magnetic components disposed within the case and positioned and configured to magnetically attract and magnetically secure the first earbud into the first receiving cavity and the second earbud into the second receiving cavity; and a lid operable between an open position in which the first and second receiving cavities are exposed and a closed position in which the lid covers the first and second receiving cavities. The plurality of housing magnetic components can include a first magnetic component positioned and configured to magnetically attract a speaker magnet in the first earbud and a second magnetic component positioned and configured to magnetically attract a speaker magnet in the second earbud. The plurality of housing magnetic components can further includes a third magnetic component positioned and configured to magnetically attract a magnetic plate disposed in an ear portion of the first earbud and a fourth magnetic component positioned and configured to magnetically attract a magnetic plate disposed in an ear portion of the second earbud. 
     In some embodiments a case for a portable listening device includes: a housing having one or more cavities configured to receive the portable listening device and an exterior charging surface; a lid attached to the housing and operable between a closed position where the lid is aligned over the one or more cavities and an open position where the lid is displaced from the one or more cavities; a battery; a first charging system configured to charge the portable listening device when positioned in the one or more cavities; and a second charging system including a transmitting coil positioned within the housing adjacent to the exterior charging surface, the transmitting coil configured to wirelessly transmit power to a power receiving coil of an electronic device positioned outside the housing adjacent to the exterior charging surface. In some embodiments the portable listening device can be a case for a pair of earbuds; the housing can include first and second cavities configured to receive first and second earbuds, respectively; and the first charging system can be configured to charge the first and second earbuds when the earbuds are positioned within the first and second cavities. 
     In some embodiments a case for a pair of earbuds is provided. Each earbud can include an ear interface portion, a stem, an earbud battery and a wireless radio. The case include: a housing having a first cavity configured to receive a first earbud in the pair of earbuds and a second cavity configured to receive a second earbud in the pair of earbuds; a lid operable between a closed position where the lid conceals the pair of earbuds within the case and an open position where the lid is displaced from the case such that a user can remove the earbuds from the case and first and second charging systems. The first charging system can include: a case battery; a wireless power receiving coil positioned within the housing, the wireless power receiving coil configured to wirelessly receive power from a wireless power source; a connector configured to couple to each of the first and second earbuds, the second connector having at least one contact positioned in the first cavity and at least one contact positioned in the second cavity; and charging circuitry operatively coupled to charge the case battery and provide power to the connector to charge the first and second earbuds from wireless power received over the wireless power receiving coil. The second charging system can include a transmitting coil positioned within the housing and configured to wirelessly transmit power to a power receiving coil of an auxiliary electronic device positioned adjacent the case. The case can further include an earbud detector configured to detect when an earbud is placed in either of the first or second cavities. 
     In some embodiments an electrical receptacle connector is disclosed that includes: a housing comprised of an electrically insulative polymer that extends between a receiving face and a rear face, the housing defining a cavity that communicates with an opening in the receiving face to receive a plug portion of a mating plug connector; a contact spacer positioned adjacent to the rear face; a gasket disposed between the rear face of the housing and the contact assembly; a plurality of contacts, each of the plurality of contacts having a tip positioned within the cavity, an anchor portion that anchors each contact to the contact spacer and a beam portion that connects the tip to the anchor portion; and a metallic bracket disposed around an outside surface of the housing. 
     In some other embodiments an electrical receptacle connector includes: a housing comprised of an electrically insulative polymer that extends between a receiving face and a rear face, the housing defining a cavity that communicates with a front opening in the receiving face to receive a plug portion of a mating plug connector and wherein the housing has a plurality of slots that form a portion of the cavity; a contact assembly including: (i) a contact spacer positioned adjacent to the rear face; (ii) a plurality of contacts, each of the plurality of contacts having a tip that extents into the cavity through one of the plurality of slots, an anchor portion coupled to the contact spacer, and a beam portion that connects the tip to the anchor portion; and (iii) a ground latch having first and second spring arms on opposing sides of the plurality of contacts; a gasket disposed between the rear face of the housing and the contact assembly; and a metallic bracket disposed around an outside surface of the housing and formed to secure the contact assembly to the housing. 
     Some embodiments pertain to an earbud including: a housing defining a cavity in which one or more electrical components of the earbud are housed, the housing having a touch sensitive region at an exterior surface of the housing and an interior surface within the cavity opposite the exterior surface; a capacitive sensor insert having a first surface with metallized circuitry formed thereon and positioned within the housing such that the first surface is adjacent the interior surface of the housing; an earbud processor disposed within the housing; and at least one conductor that electrically couples the capacitive sensor insert to the earbud processor. The capacitive sensor insert can be formed to closely match a shape of the housing. In some instances the metallized circuitry forms at least one self-capacitance sensor in which, when touched by a user, loads self-capacitance circuitry that can be detected. In other instances the metallized circuitry includes row and column electrodes that form at least one mutual-capacitance sensor in which, when touched by a user, mutual coupling between row and column electrodes is altered and detected. The capacitive sensor insert is formed from a plastic that includes metallic particulates. 
     In some embodiments an earbud includes: a housing that defines an enclosed cavity in which one or more electrical components of the earbud are housed, the earbud housing having a touch sensitive region at an exterior curved surface of the housing and an interior curved surface within the enclosed cavity opposite the exterior curved surface; a directional sound port formed within the housing; a speaker assembly disposed within the enclosed cavity and including a driver unit comprising a magnet, the driver unit aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port; a capacitive sensor configured to sense a user&#39;s touch on the touch sensitive region, the capacitive sensor including a sensor insert positioned within the enclosed cavity and one or more acoustic apertures aligned with the directional sound port, the sensor insert having a first surface adjacent to and contoured to match the interior curved surface, the first surface including metallized circuitry formed thereon and at least partially surrounding the acoustic aperture; and a processor coupled to the capacitive sensor and disposed within the enclosed cavity. 
     In some embodiments a case for a listening device incudes: a housing having a cavity to receive the listening device; a lid attached to the housing with a pivotable joint allowing the lid to rotate between a closed position where the lid is aligned over the cavity and an open position where the lid is angularly displaced allowing the listening device to be removed from the cavity; and an over center mechanism for the lid including an extension attached to the lid and disposed on an opposite side of the pivotable joint from the lid, wherein the extension is in contact with an arm that resists the lid rotating from the open position to the closed position until the lid is moved past an over center position when the lid is then impelled to the closed position. 
     In some embodiments a case for an electronic device includes: a housing having a cavity to receive the electronic device and a receiving opening that communicates with the receiving opening; a lid secured to housing with a first pivotable joint, the lid being operable between an open position in which the receiving opening is exposed and a closed position in which the lid covers the receiving opening; and a spring loaded over center mechanism for the lid. The spring-loaded over-center mechanism can include: an extension coupled to the lid and having a rounded contact portion at a distal end; an arm coupled to the housing by a second pivotable joint, the arm extending between a first end attached to the second pivotable joint and a second end, opposite the first end, the arm having first and second surfaces extending between the first and second ends; and a torsion spring formed around the second pivotable joint such that it applies a torque to the arm forcing the arm against the rounded portion of the extension. 
     To better understand the nature and advantages of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present disclosure. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose. 
     To better understand the nature and advantages of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present disclosure. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a side view of a case having a lid and configured to hold a pair of earbuds according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a system level diagram of a case with a charging system coupled to a pair of earbuds according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a simplified cross-sectional view of the case shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a partial cross-sectional view of an earbud connector according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a plan view of the earbud connector illustrated in  FIG.  4 A ; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an earbud connector according to the disclosure; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a plan view of the earbud connector illustrated in  FIG.  5 A ; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an earbud connector according to the disclosure; 
         FIG.  6 B  is a plan view of the earbud connector illustrated in  FIG.  6 A ; 
         FIG.  6 C  is an isometric exploded view of a connector assembly for the earbud connector illustrated in  FIG.  6 A ; 
         FIG.  6 D  is an isometric view of the assembled earbud connector illustrated in  FIG.  6 A ; 
         FIG.  7 A  is an isometric exploded view of another embodiment of an earbud connector according to the disclosure; 
         FIG.  7 B  is an isometric view of the assembled earbud connector illustrated in  FIG.  7 A ; 
         FIG.  8 A  is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an earbud connector according to the disclosure; 
         FIG.  8 B  is a plan view of the connector on the earbud illustrated in  FIG.  8 A ; 
         FIG.  8 C  is an isometric exploded view of the earbud connector illustrated in  FIG.  8 A ; 
         FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  are front and rear isometric views of one of the earbuds shown in  FIG.  1   , respectively; 
         FIG.  10    is a top view of the case shown in  FIG.  1    with the case lid removed; 
         FIG.  11    is a partial cross-sectional view of an earbud retained in a cavity within the case illustrated in  FIG.  10    along section A-A; 
         FIG.  12    is a partial cross-sectional view of an earbud retained in a cavity within the case illustrated in  FIG.  10    along section B-B; 
         FIG.  13    is an isometric view of a case having an over center lid according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    is an isometric view of the case shown in  FIG.  13    with the over center lid in an open position; 
         FIG.  15    is a graph showing attraction and repulsion forces associated with an over center lid according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  16    is a side view of a case that includes one pair of magnets with misaligned poles and one pair with a high permeable material surrounding them according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  17    is a side view of a case that includes two pairs of magnets attached to springs according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  18    is an isometric view of a magnet that may be used in a case according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  19    is an isometric view of a magnet that may be used in a case according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  20    is an isometric view of a magnet that may be used in a case according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  21    is an isometric view of a magnet that may be used in a case according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  22 A  is a side view of a case with a torsion spring over center mechanism according to some embodiments of the disclosure with its lid closed; 
         FIG.  22 B  is an isometric view of the torsion spring over center mechanism illustrated in  FIG.  22 A ; 
         FIG.  22 C  is a side view of the case illustrated in  FIG.  22 A  with its lid partially open; 
         FIG.  22 D  is a side view of the case illustrated in  FIG.  22 A  with its lid open further; 
         FIG.  23    is a simplified perspective view of a wireless charging system according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  24    is a block diagram of an inductive power receiving system that can be part of the charging system illustrated in  FIG.  23    according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  25    is a simplified plan view of the earbud case illustrated in  FIG.  23   ; 
         FIG.  26    is a block diagram of an embodiment of the inductive power transmitting system illustrated in  FIG.  23   ; 
         FIG.  27    is a simplified isometric view of an inductively charged case on an inductive charging system according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  28    is an isometric view of an electrical connector that can be included in the case illustrated in  FIG.  1    according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  29    is an isometric exploded view of the electrical connector illustrated in  FIG.  28   ; 
         FIG.  30    illustrates isometric front and rear views of a left earbud according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  31    illustrates isometric front and rear views of a right earbud according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  32    is a cross-sectional view of one of the earbuds illustrated in  FIGS.  30  and  31   ; 
         FIG.  33    is a cross-sectional view of one of the earbuds illustrated in  FIGS.  30  and  31    with some components removed; 
         FIG.  34    is a plan view of a flexible circuit board that can be used in earbuds according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  35    is an isometric view of the flexible circuit board illustrated in  FIG.  34   ; 
         FIG.  36    is an isometric view of a connector structure that can be included in the earbuds illustrated in  FIGS.  30  and  31   ; 
         FIG.  37    is an isometric view of contacts for the connector structure illustrated in  FIG.  36    according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  38    is an isometric view of the contact structure illustrated in  FIG.  36   ; 
         FIG.  39    is an isometric view of an earbud connector contact according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  40    is an isometric view of an insert molded connector contact that was illustrated in  FIG.  39   ; 
         FIG.  41    is an isometric view of an earbud with a capacitive sensor insert according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  42    is a cross-section of the earbud and the capacitive sensor insert illustrated in  FIG.  41   ; 
         FIG.  43    is a plan view of a capacitive sensor insert illustrated according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  44    is a plan view of a capacitive sensor insert illustrated according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  45 A  is an illustration of an earbud with an acoustic insert according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  45 B  is an illustration of the earbud with the acoustic insert illustrated in  FIG.  45 A ; 
         FIG.  46    is a flowchart illustrating steps associated with manufacturing an earbud according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  47    illustrates a system  47  according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  48    is a simplified block diagram of a system  4800  according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  49    is a flowchart illustrating steps associated with pairing wireless headphones with a host device according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  50    is a flowchart illustrating steps associated with activating a wireless radio in earbuds according to some embodiments of the disclosure; and 
         FIG.  51    is a flowchart illustrating steps associated with deactivating a wireless radio in earbuds according to some embodiments of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to portable listening devices and cases for containing and/or charging such devices that have improved features that can improve the user experience associated with using the case and/or the portable listening device. While the present disclosure can be useful for a wide variety of portable listening devices, some embodiments of the disclosure are particularly useful for wireless earbuds and cases for wireless earbuds as described in more detail below. 
     For example, in some embodiments a pair of wireless earbuds are sized and shaped to fit within a case that can also include a rechargeable battery and charging circuitry. The pair of earbuds can be charged when an earbud detector within the case detects that the earbuds are placed within the case. Further the case can include sensors to detect if the lid is open such that the wireless radio within each earbud can be activated so they are ready for use by the user. Similarly, when the lid is closed the wireless radio can be shut off so the charge in the earbud batteries is conserved. 
     In another example the case can have a pairing button on it that is operable to place the earbuds in a pairing mode. In a further example the case can also have one or more charge indicator lights to inform the user of the charge level in the case battery as well as the charge level in each earbud. 
     In another example the case can have a lid with an over center configuration such that the lid is in a first stable position when in a closed position and is in a second stable position when in the open position, but is in an unstable position in-between the closed position and the open position. In some embodiments the over center configuration can be achieved by using two pairs of magnets while in other embodiments it can be achieved with a torsion spring. In further examples the case can have one or more magnets within it to attract the earbuds into cavities formed within the case and to retain them until a user removes them. 
     In another example the case can be liquid-tight to prevent liquid from damaging the internal circuitry. The electrical connections for both the earbud recharging and for recharging the case can be resistant to penetration by a liquid. 
     In another example the earbuds can have an acoustic insert that forms one or more acoustic ports such as a bass port vent and a rear vent that enable the internal speaker to provide audio performance in the confined space within the earbud housing. 
     In another example the earbud case can be used to initiate Bluetooth® pairing of the earbuds with a host device. In one embodiment a lid position sensor detects when the lid is open and initiates pairing of the earbuds. 
     In order to better appreciate the features and aspects of portable listening devices and their cases according to the present disclosure, further context for the disclosure is provided in the following section by discussing several particular implementations for earbuds and a case for earbuds according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The specific embodiments discussed are for example purposes only and other embodiments can be employed in other portable listening devices and cases that can be used for other portable listening devices as well as other devices. 
     As used herein, the term “portable listening device” includes any portable device designed to play sound that can be heard by a user. Headphones are one type of portable listening device, portable speakers are another. The term “headphones” represents a pair of small, portable listening devices that are designed to be worn on or around a user&#39;s head. They convert an electrical signal to a corresponding sound that can be heard by the user. Headphones include traditional headphones that are worn over a user&#39;s head and include left and right listening devices connected to each other by a headband, headsets (a combination of a headphone and a microphone); and earbuds (very small headphones that are designed to be fitted directly in a user&#39;s ear). Traditional headphones include both over-ear headphones (sometimes referred to as either circumaural or full-size headphones) that have earpads that fully encompass a user&#39;s ears, and on-ear headphones (sometimes referred to as supra-aural headphones) that have earpads that press against a user&#39;s ear instead of surrounding the ear. As used herein, the term “earbuds”, which can also be referred to as earphones or ear-fitting headphones, includes both small headphones that fit within a user&#39;s outer ear facing the ear canal without being inserted into the ear canal, and in-ear headphones, sometimes referred to as canalphones, that are inserted in the ear canal itself. 
     Earbud Case 
       FIG.  1    depicts a simplified plan view of a case  100  for a pair of wireless earbuds according to some embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  1   , case  100  includes a housing  105 , also called a body, having one or more cavities  110   a ,  110   b  configured to receive a pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . In some embodiments, cavities  110   a ,  110   b  can be positioned adjacent to each other on opposite sides of a center plane of case  100 . Each cavity  110   a ,  110   b  can be sized and shaped to match that of its respective earbud  115   a ,  115   b . Each cavity can include a stem section  116   a ,  116   b  and a bud section  117   a ,  117   b . Each stem section  116   a ,  116   b  can be an elongated generally cylindrical cavity that extends from its respective bud section  117   a , 117   b  towards a bottom  106  of case  100 . Each bud section  117   a ,  117   b  can be offset from its respective stem section  116   a ,  116   b  and open at an upper surface  108  of housing  105 . Embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to any particular shape, configuration or number of cavities  110   a ,  110   b  and in other embodiments cavities  110   a ,  110   b  can have different shapes to accommodate different types of earbuds, different configurations and/or can be a single cavity or more than two cavities. 
     Case  100  further includes a lid  120  attached to housing  105 . Lid  120  is operable between a closed position where lid  120  is aligned over one or more cavities  110   a ,  110   b  fully enclosing pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  within the housing, and an open position where the lid is displaced from the housing and cavities  110   a ,  110   b  such that a user can remove the earbuds from the cavities or replace the earbuds within the cavities. Lid  120  can be pivotably attached to housing  105  and can include a magnetic or mechanical system (not shown in  FIG.  1   ) that provides lid  120  with a bi-stable operation, as described more fully below. In some embodiments case  100  can also include a charging system  125  configured to charge pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b ; one or more magnets  130  configured to orient and retain the pair of earbuds within one or more cavities  110   a ,  110   b ; and other features that are further described below. 
       FIG.  2    is a simplified block diagram of system  200  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. System  200  can include pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b , a case  204  for the pair of earbuds, and a power source  205  for charging the case. Earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  can be positioned within case  204  (e.g., within an interior space or cavity of the case defined by a housing or an insert within the housing) where they can be conveniently stored and charged. Case  204  can be representative of case  100  and earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  can be representative of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  discussed above with respect to  FIG.  1   . 
     Each earbud  202   a ,  202   b  can each have one or more inputs  255 , internal components  260  and one or more outputs  265 . In some embodiments one or more inputs  255  can be a microphone input and one or more buttons or sensors that register a user&#39;s touch. In various embodiments an accelerometer or a capacitive sensor can be used as an input  255  and can be activated, for example, by a user to answer a call or command earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  to enter a pairing mode that can be indicated by a light on either or both earbuds. In various embodiments one or more internal components  260  can include a speaker, a microphone, a rechargeable battery, a processor, and/or other circuitry and components. In various embodiments one or more outputs  265  can be audio from a speaker, a light or other indicator. In some embodiments the indicator light can indicate an incoming call, a battery charge level, a pairing mode or other function. 
     In some embodiments each of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  can include a wireless radio that can be both an input  255  and an output  265  device. The wireless radio can enable the earbuds to receive an audio signal from an audio player, such as a smart phone. In some embodiments one or more of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  include a radio that can also transmit an audio signal such as a microphone signal from one or more of the earbuds. In yet further embodiments, one or more of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  can include a radio that can transmit communication signals that can command the receiving device (e.g., a host device such as a smartphone) to perform one or more functions such as, but not limited to, connect a phone call, disconnect a phone call, pause audio playback, fast forward or rewind audio playback or mute a microphone signal. The wireless radio can employ any short range, low power communication protocol such as Bluetooth®, low power Bluetooth®, or Zigbee among protocols. 
     Case  204  can include a case processor  210 , an earbud detector  215 , radio  217 , a lid sensor  220 , case charging circuitry  225 , a battery  227  and earbud charging circuitry  230 . Case  204  can also include an earbud interface  245  that enables circuitry within case  204  to communicate with and/or charge earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  and power source interface  250  that couples the case to wired or wireless power source  205 , such as an AC or DC power source or an inductive charging pad. In some embodiments, case charging circuitry  225 , battery  227 , earbud charging circuitry  230  and interfaces  245  and  250  are all representative components of charging system  125  shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     Power source interface  250  can be part of a receptacle connector for a micro USB connector, a Lightening connector or other connector that can provide power to earbud case  204 . Alternatively, or in addition to a receptacle connector, power interface  250  can include a wireless power receiver, such as one or more wireless power receiving coils, that can receive inductive power from power source  205 . Earbud interface  245  can transfer power and/or data between case  204  and the earbuds via case transfer interface  270  in each earbud. Earbud interface  245  can include an electrical connector, such as one of the connectors described herein with respect to  FIGS.  4 A- 8 C , a different type of electrical connector, or a wireless power transmitter, such as a wireless power transmitting coil that can transmit inductive power to an inductive power receiver within the earbuds. 
     Case processor  210  can be configured to control various functions of case  204  as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, earbud detector  215  includes one or more sensors that detect when one or both of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  are placed within case  204 . In one embodiment earbud detector  215  can be a circuit that periodically “pings” the earbud contacts within case  204  to determine if either earbud  202   a ,  202   b  is present. In other embodiments earbud detector  215  can be any type of mechanical or electrical sensor, such as, but not limited to, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a switch, a hall effect sensor, a flux sensor, a capacitive sensor, a photodetector, a proximity detector, a momentary switch or any other type of sensor. 
     In embodiments where earbud detector  215  is a flux sensor, the flux sensor can be beneficial to minimizing power consumption of case  204 . As an example, a flux sensor can be formed in case  204  for each earbud from a coil of wire and one or more magnets within earbuds  202   a ,  202   b . Each flux sensor can be configured to generate a current in the coil of wire when an earbud is inserted or withdrawn from case  204  and the magnet within the earbud passes through the coil of wire. In a further example, a flux sensor can function as a completely passive sensor that requires no power to operate, and generates its own energy to notify processor  210  of the removal or replacement of either earbud  202   a ,  202   b  within case  204 . In some embodiments a hall effect sensor can also be beneficial to minimize power consumption. In various embodiments, one or more sensors can be beneficial so that a voltage bias (e.g., a ping) need not be applied to the earbud connectors, thus mitigating contact corrosion and/or oxidation in moist environments. 
     In one example case  204  can include separate earbud receiving cavities within the case, such as cavities  110   a ,  110   b  described above, and earbud detector  215  can include first and second earbud detectors—one detector for each cavity. The first earbud detector can be operatively coupled to detect when an earbud (e.g., a left earbud) is inserted within a first of the cavities and the second earbud detector can be operatively coupled to detect when an earbud (e.g., a right earbud) is inserted within the other cavity. In other embodiments a single detector can detect when either earbud  202   a ,  202   b  is placed within case  204 . 
     In response to detecting the insertion of an earbud within the case, earbud detector  215  can generate a detect signal that can be sent to and processed by other circuitry within case  204  to initiate charging of the buds. When earbud detector  215  includes first and second detectors that can detect the insertion of the left and right earbuds (or first and second earbuds that are interchangeable between the left and right ears), respectively, each earbud detector can generate a separate detect signal that can initiate charging of the detected earbud only. 
     Similar to initiating charging, earbud detector  215  can also be used to stop charging. For example, earbud detector  215  can detect when either or both of the earbuds are removed from the case and generate a removal signal that stops the charging of the removed earbud or earbuds. 
     In some embodiments earbud detector  215  can initiate the charging process of each earbud  202   a ,  202   b  when the earbud detector detects that electrical contact is made between the earbuds and corresponding charging contacts within the housing (e.g., within each cavity  110   a ,  110   b ). More specifically, in various embodiments earbud detector  215  can periodically “ping” the charging contacts to see if either or both earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  are present within each cavity  110   a ,  110   b . Even if either or both earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  have zero battery charge they can still have a characteristic impedance or other electrical characteristic that enables earbud detector  215  to detect that they are connected to the charging contacts and initiate charging with earbud charging circuitry  230 . The charging contacts and electrical connection between earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  and case  204  will be discussed in detail below. In some embodiments earbud detector  215  is part of processor  210  and the processor does the sensing. In other embodiments, earbud detector  215  is separate active/passive components. In various embodiments, case  204  does not include a case processor  210  and instead, circuitry comprising various active and/or passive components is configured to perform the functions described herein and attributed to the processor. 
     In some embodiments case processor  210  can communicate with pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  by sending and receiving data through earbud interface  245  (and through case interface of either or both earbuds) and can communicate with power source  205  by sending and receiving data through power source interface  250 . That is, in various embodiments earbud interface  245  and power source interface  250  can be capable of carrying both power and data signals for single or bidirectional communication. In some embodiments separate power and data contacts can be used while in various embodiments one set of contacts is used for both power and data. For example, in some embodiments power source  205  can be a computing device that communicates with power source interface  250  through an interface (not shown), such as a USB interconnect or a Lightning interconnect developed by Apple Inc. The interconnect can provide DC current to case battery  227  for charging and can provide bidirectional communication between case processor  210  and the computing device. In another example power source  205  can transmit firmware updates to both case processor  210  and pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  through the same contacts that are used to charge the devices. Data communication between earbud interface  245  and pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  can use a similar communication protocol as discussed above or any other protocol such as, for example, serial communications. 
     In some embodiments case  204  can include a wireless radio  217  that enables the case to transmit and receive data communications with earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  and a host device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer or the like) in addition to, or instead of, relying on data exchange through interfaces  245  and  250 . For example, wireless radio  217  can be used to initiate a pairing sequence between earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  and a host device. In another example radio  217  can be used to receive a music download from a host device to be stored in case  204 . 
     Lid sensor  220  can detect when a lid to the case (e.g., lid  120  shown in  FIG.  1   ) is in the open position and when the lid is in the closed position. In some embodiments case processor  210  is coupled to lid sensor  220  and receives signals from the lid sensor indicating when the lid is opened and closed. More specifically, in some embodiments lid sensor  220  can generate and send an “open” signal to processor  210  upon detecting when the lid is opened, and lid sensor  220  can generate and send a “closed” signal to processor  210  upon detecting the closure of the lid. Processor  210  can be configured to communicate with pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  to turn ON their wireless radios when the lid is in the open position (e.g., in response to receiving the “open” signal) so they are ready for use by a user and turn OFF their wireless radios when the lid is in the closed position (e.g., in response to receiving the “closed” signal) to conserve their power. In various embodiments lid sensor  220  can also trigger case processor  210  to enter a pairing mode when the case lid is opened, as explained in more detail below. In some embodiments case processor  210  can communicate with pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  through earbud interface  245  and case interface  270  using a wired connection as discussed above, while in other embodiments case processor  210  can communicate with earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  through interfaces  245  and  270  wirelessly in addition to, or instead of, using a wired connection. In some embodiments lid sensor  220  can be any type of mechanical or electrical switch including, but not limited to, a momentary switch, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., hall effect) or an optical sensor. 
     Case battery  227  provides power for the circuitry associated with case  204  and can be a rechargeable battery that can be charged by power source  205  and enclosure charging circuitry  225  through power source interface  250 . Case battery  227  is also coupled to earbud interface  245  and can charge pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  in conjunction with earbud charging circuitry  230 . In some embodiments earbud charging circuitry  230  can charge pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  anytime they are properly stored within cavities  110   a ,  110   b  even though case  204  is not coupled to power source  205 . Thus, case  204  can be capable of charging pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  while the case is, for example, in a user&#39;s pocket as long as case battery  227  has sufficient charge. In various embodiments case battery  227  can be sealed within case  204 , while in some embodiments the case battery can be removable for servicing and/or replacement with another charged battery. Case processor  210  can additionally be coupled to case charging circuitry  225  that can control the charging of case battery  227  (e.g., control the voltage and current supplied to the battery to optimize the speed of charging and the life of the battery). In some embodiments case charging circuitry  225  can include a DC/DC converter, an AC/DC converter, battery voltage level monitoring circuitry and/or safety features to properly charge case battery  227 . 
     Similarly, in some embodiments case processor  210  can be coupled to earbud charging circuitry  230  that can control the charging of batteries within pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  (e.g., control the voltage and current supplied to the batteries to optimize the speed of charging and the life of the batteries) through earbud interface  245 . In various embodiments earbud charging circuitry  230  can include a DC/DC converter, battery voltage level monitoring circuitry and/or safety features to properly charge earbud batteries. 
     In various embodiments case  204  can include one or more charge indicators  235  that can indicate a charge level of case battery  227  and/or the pair of earbud batteries such that a user can see the indicators on an outer surface of case  100  (see  FIG.  1   ). In some embodiments charge indicators  235  can include three LEDs, one indicating the status for case battery  227  and one for indicating the status of the battery in each of pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b . In various embodiments charge indicators  235  can be a first color (e.g., green) if the respective battery is near full charge, a second color (e.g., amber) if the respective battery is less than 75 percent charged and a third color (e.g., red) if there is no charge or limited charge. In some embodiments, charge indicators  235  can include multiple LEDs for each of battery  227 , earbud  115   a  and earbud  115   b , where the number of LEDs lit indicate the strength of the battery for each component. For example, in one particular instance three sets of three LEDs can be included on case  204 . 
     In some embodiments case  204  can also include one or more user input devices  240 . Each included input device  240  can be a button or other type of input that, in response to being activated by or otherwise receiving input from a user, generates a signal that can be communicated to processor  210  or other circuitry within case  204 . Processor  210 , or the other circuitry, can then act upon the signal. For example, in various embodiments the wireless radios used by pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  can be a Bluetooth® or other radio system that requires a pairing sequence to establish communication between the pair of earbuds and a wireless transmitter in an electronic device. In such embodiments, if input device  240  is a wireless pairing button, processor  210  can send a signal to the earbuds via earbud interface  245  to place the wireless radios within pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  into a pairing mode. More specifically, in some embodiments the user can depress a pairing button located on case  204  that notifies case processor  210  to instruct pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  via interface  245  to enter a pairing mode. In some embodiments pair of earbuds  202   a ,  202   b  can be required to be within the case (e.g., within cavities  110   a ,  110   b  as shown in  FIG.  1   ) while entering the pairing mode while in other embodiments the earbuds may not need to be within case  204  and only need to be within wireless communication range of the case. Further details with regard to wireless pairing will be discussed later in the application. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  3   , a simplified cross-sectional perspective view of case  100  is illustrated. As shown in  FIG.  3   , case  100  includes housing  105  having cavities  110   a ,  110   b  for holding pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  and various electronic circuitry. Case  100  further includes lid  120  attached to housing  105  and operable between a closed position where lid  120  is aligned over one or more cavities  110   a ,  110   b  fully enclosing pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  within housing and an open position where the cavities  110   a ,  110   b  are exposed such that a user can remove or replace the earbuds within the cavities. 
     As discussed above, lid  120  can be pivotably attached to housing  105  with joint  305  enabling the lid to be operable between a closed position and an open position. In some embodiments lid  120  can have a bi-stable position where it is stable in the closed and open positions, but unstable between those positions such that it tends to be attracted to either the closed or the open position. In various embodiments the bi-stable operation can be enabled by employing a first pair of magnetic elements  310   a ,  310   b  and a second pair of magnetic elements  315   a ,  315   b , as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments a lid sensor  220  can be disposed in housing  105  and configured to detect when lid  120  is in the closed position (e.g., when a detectable medium  320  is adjacent the lid sensor) and when the lid is in the open position (e.g., when the detectable medium is not adjacent the lid sensor). In some embodiments the detectable medium can be a magnetic material. 
     Pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can fit within cavities  110   a ,  110   b  each of which is sized and shaped to accept one of the earbuds. In some embodiments, when each earbud is fully inserted within its respective cavity  110   a ,  110   b , a portion of each earbud extends out of the cavity enabling a user to easily grab and remove the earbud from the case. Lid  120  can include a cavity (or pair of cavities  360   a ,  360   b  as shown in  FIG.  3   ) into which the portion of each earbud that extends out of its respective cavity  110   a ,  110   b , extents into. While not shown in  FIG.  3   , each cavity  360   a ,  360   b  can be sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the portion of each earbud the cavity surrounds to more securely store the earbuds within case  100 . 
     Each earbud can include a speaker assembly (not shown in  FIG.  3   ) disposed within a housing of the earbud. The speaker assembly can include a driver unit aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port. The driver unit can include an electromagnetic voice coil, a speaker diaphragm and a driver magnet (shown in  FIG.  3    as magnet  325 ) operatively coupled to the voice coil to move the diaphragm in response to electrical signals and produce sound. In addition to the driver magnet, earbuds according to some embodiments of the disclosure can include an additional magnetic plate  330  that is not operatively coupled to the voice coil. Either or both of magnet  325  and magnetic plate  330  can be attracted to at least one housing magnetic component  130  disposed within case  100 . The attraction can be strong enough to magnetically secure first earbud  115   a  into first cavity  110   a  and second earbud  115   b  into second cavity  110   b , as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments magnetic plate  330  can be made from a magnetic material and in various embodiments it can be made with a metal injection molding process. In some embodiments magnetic plate  330  is magnetized while in other embodiments it is not magnetized but is magnetically attractable. 
     To increase the magnetic attraction between magnetic component  130  and magnetic plate  330 , the magnetic plate  330  in each earbud can be positioned direction adjacent to the earbud housing. Additionally, the magnetic plate be contoured to match the curvature of the housing thereby ensuring a minimum distance between the magnetic plate and the housing across the surface are of the magnetic plate. Similarly, at least some or the housing magnetic components  130  can be disposed as close as possible to the surface of the receiving cavity at a location that is spaced directly apart from where the magnetic plate  330  will be when an earbud is received within the cavity. In some embodiments the housing components  130  can be contoured to match the curvature of the receiving area (which matches the curvature of its respective earbud) to minimize the distance between the housing magnetic component  130  and the magnetic plate  330 . 
     In some embodiments housing  105  and lid  120  can be made from the same material while in various embodiments they can be made from different materials. In some embodiments both housing  105  and/or lid  120  can be made from a plastic material, stainless steel, aluminum or any other material. 
     Charging system  125  can include a circuit board  335  or other electrical routing structure, a rechargeable case battery  227 , electrical interconnects  340  to pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , one or more electronic components, such as case processor  210 , and an electrical connector  345  for connecting to power source  205  (see  FIG.  2   ). In some embodiments connector  345  can, for example, be a non-proprietary interface such as a USB connector or can be a proprietary interface such as the Lightning connector developed by Apple Inc. In various embodiments connector  345  can be liquid-tight, as discussed in more detail below. One or more charge indicators  235  can be visible on an exterior surface  350  of case  100 . In some embodiments each earbud in pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be electrically coupled to charging system  125  by a connector  347  disposed at an end of a stem portion of each earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , as discussed in more detail below. 
     Earbud Connectors 
       FIGS.  4 A- 8 C  illustrate several examples of electrical connectors that can be used between each individual earbud in pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  and case  100  (see  FIG.  3   ), similar to connector  347  in  FIG.  3   . While each of  FIGS.  4 A- 8 C  illustrate an earbud connector for a first earbud  115   a , it is to be understood that second earbud  115   b  can be configured identical to first earbud  115   a  and thus include a similar electrical connector. Additionally, while the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 8 C  include external contacts that are disposed at the end of a stem of the earbud, the contacts can be at different locations in other embodiments. 
       FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  are simplified cross-sectional views of an electrical connector  400  that can be incorporated into earbud case  100  and an electrical connector  405  at the end of a stem portion of an earbud  115   a  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Electrical connector  405  can be used to conduct power and/or data according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Connector  405  can be part of an earbud interface and can include first and second earbud contacts  410 ,  415 , respectively. A bottom view of electrical connector  405  is illustrated in  FIG.  4 B . In some embodiments, earbud contacts  410 ,  415  can be annular and separated by an insulator  420 . Receptacle connector  400  can be used in a case such as case  100  illustrated above and can have a first earbud case contact  425  and a second earbud case contact  430 . First annular contact  410  can interface with first earbud contact  425  and second annular contact  415  can interface with second earbud contact  430 . First and second annular contacts  410 ,  415  can be any type of conductive material including gold, silver or palladium plated copper. 
     In some embodiments first and second earbud contacts  410 ,  415 , respectively are power and ground contacts. That is, either of first and second earbud contacts  410 ,  415 , respectively can be used for power while the other can be used for ground. As examples, in some embodiments first contact  410  is used for power and second contact  415  is ground while in other embodiments first contact  410  is used for ground and second contact  415  is used for power. In various embodiments other connector configurations can be used that have more than two contacts. 
     First and second earbud case contacts  425 ,  430  can be coupled to charging system  125  (see  FIG.  3   ) with electrical interconnects  340  in case  100  to facilitate charging and communication of each earbud  115   a ,  115   b . In various embodiments a circular microphone aperture  435  can be located in the center of second annular contact  415  of each earbud  115   a ,  115   b  to facilitate two way telephonic communication and/or noise cancellation. Microphone aperture  435  can be covered by an aesthetic acoustic mesh to protect the microphone from debris and damage. 
       FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate another example receptacle connector  500  that can be incorporated into earbud case  100  and an electrical connector  505  at the end of a stem portion of an earbud  115   a  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Connector  500  has one annular contact and one center contact, however, as described in more detail below. Connector  505  can be part of an earbud interface and can include first and second earbud contacts  510 ,  515 , respectively. A bottom view of electrical connector  505  is illustrated in  FIG.  5 B . In some embodiments, ring contact  510  can be ring shaped and circular contact  515  can be circular with the contacts separated by an insulator  520  (e.g., insulator  520  can be an air gap). Ring contact  510  can interface with first earbud contact  525  and circular contact  515  can interface with second earbud contact  530 . In various embodiments a circular microphone aperture  535  can be located between ring contact  510  and circular contact  515  so one or more of pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be used for two way telephonic communication. 
       FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrate another example receptacle connector  600  that can be incorporated into earbud case  100  and an electrical earbud connector  605  disposed at the end of a stem portion of an earbud  115   a  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Receptacle connector  600  can make electrical contact with electrical earbud connector  605  as described in more detail below. Earbud connector  605  can be part of an earbud interface and can include first and second earbud contacts  610 ,  615 , respectively. A bottom view of electrical earbud connector  605  is illustrated in  FIG.  6 B . As shown in  FIG.  6 B , contacts  610 ,  615  can be spaced from each other in an oppositional and symmetrical relationship. In some embodiments, each of earbud contacts  610  and  615  can have a partial annular shape (i.e., a partial ring) with the open portions of each contact facing the other. For example, contact  610  can include ends  610   a ,  610   b  and contact  615  can include ends  615   a ,  615   b  where end  610   a  is spaced apart from end  615   a  and end  610   b  is spaced apart from end  615   b . While  FIG.  6 B  illustrates each of contacts  610 ,  615  as half rings, in other embodiments the contacts can include shorter length arcs and/or have different opposing shapes altogether. 
     Earbud contacts  610 ,  615  can be separated from each other by an insulator  620  (e.g., insulator  620  can be a dielectric material as discussed in more detail below). Earbud contact  610  can interface with first earbud case contact  625  and earbud contact  615  can interface with second earbud case contact  630 . In various embodiments a circular microphone aperture  635  can be located between earbud contacts  610  and  615  enabling pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  to be used for two way telephonic communication. Receptacle connector  600  can include a contact carrier  640  that retains earbud case contacts  625 ,  630  as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, contact carrier  640  can make earbud receptacle cavity  645  liquid-tight. 
     In some embodiments, each of the first and second earbud contacts  610 ,  615 , respectively, can include a contact portion that extends into an earbud receiving cavity of the earbud case when the earbud is positioned within the cavity. Receptacle connector  600  can include a pair of earbud case contacts  625 ,  630  that are positioned on opposite sides of and extend into the earbud receiving cavity. Earbud case contacts  625 ,  630  can be held within receiving slots  628 ,  633  of a contact carrier  640  as discussed further below. The contact portion of each earbud contact  610 ,  615  can have an arcuate cross-section that makes contact with arcuate contact portions  626 ,  631  of contacts  625 ,  630  respectively, during a mating event when the earbud is inserted into the earbud receiving cavity. The combination of arcuate surfaces on the earbud contact and earbud case contact enable a contact wiping motion each time the earbuds are inserted within and drawn out of the receptacle connector, creating a reliable interconnect. In  FIG.  6 A , contacts  625 ,  630  are illustrated in a deflected state that illustrates their approximate position when earbud  115   a  is fully inserted into its receiving cavity such that the earbud contact is engaged with the earbud case connector. 
     The same contacts  625 ,  630  are also illustrated in  FIG.  6 A  in a non-deflected state  627 ,  632  showing the contacts extending into the earbud receiving cavity prior to being mated with the earbud contacts of earbud  115   a . During a mating event, as earbud  115   a  is inserted deeper into the earbud receiving cavity, the earbud case contacts  625 ,  630  come in contact with the earbud contacts and deflect outward. The exterior contacting surfaces of the earbud contacts and earbud case contacts rub against each other during both the mating event and during a de-mating event when the earbud  115   a  is withdrawn from the earbud receiving cavity. In various embodiments the deflecting arcuate portions  626 ,  631  of contacts  625 ,  630  respectively, are deflected by arcuate portions of first and second earbud contacts  610 ,  615 , respectively during insertion and withdrawal of the first and second earbuds. Since the arcuate portions are in direct contact and contacts  625 ,  630  are in a deflected (e.g., spring loaded state), pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  has a vertical (e.g., ejecting) force applied to them when fully mated with the case. In some embodiments, as discussed in more detail herein, one or more magnets can be used to overcome the vertical force and hold the earbuds within their respective cavities. 
     In some embodiments one of contacts  625 ,  630  can be arranged to make contact with the earbud contacts  610 ,  615 , first by preloading one of contacts  625 ,  630  at a different height than the other (e.g., sequential contacts). This can be useful in some embodiments to make a ground connection to the earbud first before making an active electrical connection with it. The wiping contacts and the sequentially contacting contacts can be used in any of the connector embodiments disclosed herein. 
     In various embodiments contact carrier  640  can include a debris recess  609  disposed below the contact interface region. Debris recess  609  can have a cup-like shape defined by sidewalls  609   a  and can be useful for providing a location for debris that falls into either earbud cavity. Debris recess  609  can be disposed between earbud case contact receiving slots  628 ,  633  and spaced apart from the contact area so the debris does not interfere with the earbuds making electrical contact with receptacle connector  600 . Debris recess  609  can further be open to the earbud receiving cavity so that debris can be periodically cleaned out as needed. In some embodiments a separate debris recess  609  is disposed under each earbud contact area while in other embodiments a single debris recess can be sufficiently wide to capture debris from both contact areas. 
     Debris recess  609 , or a similar debris capture structure, can be included in any of the connector embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment debris recess  609  has a depth below arcuate portions  626 ,  631  of contacts  625 ,  630  that is 50 percent or more than a diameter of debris recess  609 . In another embodiment debris recess  609  has a depth that is 75 percent or more than the diameter of debris recess  609  while in another embodiment its depth is 100 percent (e.g., having a depth to diameter ratio of 1:1) or more of the diameter. 
     In some embodiments contacts  625 , can be made out of a copper, nickel and silver alloy while in other embodiments they can be made out of a phosphor and bronze alloy, and in other embodiments a different alloy can be used. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  6 C  an exploded view of receptacle connector  600  is shown. As shown in  FIG.  6 C , connector  600  includes first and second shells  650 ,  655  that define receiving cavities for a pair of earbuds retaining and guiding a stem portion of each earbud into case  100  (see  FIG.  1   ). While not shown in  FIG.  6 C , the receiving cavity in each shell can include an elongated tube portion that opens to a larger earbud receiving opening. The elongated tube portion can be sized and shaped to accommodate the stem section of an earbud and the larger earbud receiving opening can be sized and shaped to partially or fully accommodate the ear interface portion (i.e., the portion of the earbud that fits within a user&#39;s ear). 
     In some embodiments shells  650 ,  655  can be separate components joined together by the contact carrier while in other embodiments shells  650 ,  655  can be a single component that can be formed, for example, in a molding process, a  3 D printing process or with a milling process. Contact carrier  640  holds first and second earbud contacts  625 ,  630 , respectively, that can interface with a first earbud, and also holds third and fourth earbud contacts  660 ,  665 , respectively, that can interface with a second earbud. A collar  670  can be bonded to a top surface  675  of contact carrier  640 . In some embodiments collar  670  can have a removable tie bar (not shown in  FIG.  6 C ) that holds the three pieces of the collar together during assembly and that can then be removed after assembly such that the tie bar is not included within a finished earbud case. 
     Distal ends  680 ,  685  of first and second shells  650 ,  655 , respectively, can be narrower than the elongated tube portion of shell  650 ,  655 , and each distal end  680 ,  685  can be fit within and bonded to collar  670  forming a completed shell and receptacle connector assembly  690 , illustrated in  FIG.  6 D . In the completed assembly, each earbud case contact  625 ,  630  fits within a respective contact opening of shell  650  and each earbud case contact  625 ,  630  fits within a respective contact opening (e.g., opening  687  visible in  FIG.  6 C ) of shell  655 . Each contact opening (e.g., opening  687 ) enables its respective contact to extend into the earbud receiving cavity within its respective shell  650 ,  655  to make electrical contact with an earbud contact during a mating event. When assembled, shell and contact assembly  690  can create a liquid-tight seal as defined herein. Shell and contact assembly  690  can subsequently be assembled into a case, such as case  100  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . In some embodiments first and second shells  650 ,  655  can be a single shell having two cavities, one cavity for each earbud. 
     As defined herein, a liquid-tight seal shall mean a seal that conforms to one or more of the following ratings as defined by the International Protection Rating and International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) 60529 that can also be known as the I.P.68 rating. In some embodiments the liquid-tight seal will protect the connector assembly against the harmful ingress of water and have a “liquid ingress” rating between 1 (dripping water) and 8 (immersion beyond 1 meter). In various embodiments the liquid-tight seal shall be rated between 1 (dripping water) and 4 (splashing water) while in some embodiments the liquid-tight seal shall be rated between 2 (dripping water with device tilted at 15 degrees) and 5 (water jet). In various embodiments the liquid-tight seal shall be rated between 3 (spraying water) and 6 (powerful water jets) while in some embodiments the liquid-tight seal shall be rated between 4 (splashing water) and 7 (immersion up to 1 meter). In various embodiments the liquid-tight seal shall be rated between 5 (water jets) and 8 (immersion beyond 1 meter) while in some embodiments liquid-tight shall mean the seal will protect the electronic device against liquid ingress up to 100 feet for 30 minutes. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  another example of a receptacle connector  700  is illustrated that is similar to connector  600  illustrated in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B . Receptacle connector  700  has a different configuration for the contacts and the contact carrier, however, as described in more detail below. This embodiment can use the same earbud connector shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , where the earbud contacts are semicircular and separated by an insulator. 
     A contact carrier  740  holds first and second earbud contacts  725 ,  730 , respectively, that can interface with a first earbud, and also holds third and fourth earbud contacts  760 ,  765 , respectively, that can interface with a second earbud. A cap  770  can be bonded to a bottom surface  775  of contact carrier  740  with a layer of adhesive  773 . As illustrated in  FIG.  7 B , distal ends of first and second shells  750 ,  755 , respectively, can be fit within and bonded to contact carrier  740  forming a completed shell and receptacle connector assembly  790 . Shell and contact assembly  790  can be liquid-tight, meeting one or more of the ranges as defined herein. Shell and contact assembly  790  can subsequently be assembled into a case, such as case  100  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     Similar to contact carrier  640 , first and second earbud contacts can have an arcuate cross-section and can make contact with arcuate portions of receptacle connector contacts  725 ,  730 . The combination of arcuate surfaces can enable a wiping motion each time the earbuds are inserted within and drawn out of the receptacle connector, creating a reliable interconnect. Further, in some embodiments one contact can be arranged to make contact with the earbud first. In one example the contacts can be preloaded at different heights. This can be useful in some embodiments to ground the earbud first before making an active electrical connection with it. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  another example of a receptacle connector  800  is illustrated that is similar to connector  400  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . Receptacle connector  800  has a different configuration for the inner and outer contacts, however, as described in more detail below. 
     In some embodiments, earbud contacts  810 ,  815  can be annular and separated by an electrical insulator  820 . First annular contact  810  can interface with first earbud contact  825  and second annular contact  815  can interface with second earbud contact  830 . First and second annular contacts  810 ,  815  can be formed from any type of conductive material including copper and copper alloys and can be plated with any metal. In various embodiments a circular microphone aperture  835  can be located in the center of second annular contact  815  so one or more of pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  (see  FIG.  1   ) can be used for two way telephonic communication. Microphone aperture  835  can be covered by an aesthetic acoustic mesh to protect the microphone from debris and damage. 
     Similar to contact carrier  640 , first and second earbud contacts can have an arcuate cross-section and can make contact with arcuate portions of contacts  825 ,  830  respectively in receptacle connector  800 . The combination of arcuate surfaces can enable a wiping motion each time the earbuds are inserted within and drawn out of the receptacle connector, creating a reliable interconnect. Additionally, as shown in  FIG.  8 A , in some embodiments an exterior surface  821  of the earbud stem can be flush with an exterior side surface of the earbud contacts. Further, in some embodiments one contact can be arranged to make contact with the earbud first. In one example the contacts can be preloaded at different heights. This can be useful in some embodiments to ground the earbud first before making an active electrical connection with it. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  8 C  an exploded view of receptacle connector  800  is shown illustrating how it can be coupled to first and second shells  850 ,  855  that retain and guide a stem portion of each earbud into case  100  (see  FIG.  1   ). Contact carrier  840  holds first and second earbud contacts  825 ,  830 , respectively, that can be used with a first earbud, and also holds third and fourth earbud contacts that can be used with a second earbud. Contact carrier  840  can be bonded to distal ends  880 ,  885  of first and second shells  850 ,  855 , respectively, forming a completed shell and receptacle connector assembly. Shell and contact assembly can create a liquid-tight seal as defined herein. Shell and contact assembly  690  can subsequently be assembled into a case, such as case  100  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . In some embodiments first and second shells  850 ,  855  can be a single shell having two cavities, one cavity for each earbud. 
     In some embodiments the electrical connector (for example connector  405  in  FIG.  4 A ) on pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  may not be an annular (e.g., ring shaped) external contact-type connector and can be any other type of electrical connector, such as, but not limited to a pin and socket, a pin and contact pad or a wiping arm and contact pad. In various embodiments one or more contact pads can be located on a vertical portion of the stem portion of the pair of earbuds and a wiping arm can interface with them. In another example an interface connector can be disposed on the ear portion of the earbud housing. A mating connector can be disposed within the case and can interface with the connector when the earbud is placed in its respective cavity. In some embodiments such a connector can be gold plated to minimize corrosion that can occur as a result of being in contact with a user&#39;s ear for extended periods of time. In yet further examples wireless inductive charging of the earbuds can be used. 
     Magnetic Retention of Earbuds 
       FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  illustrate front and rear perspective views, respectively, of one of wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . As shown in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B , earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  include an external housing having an ear interface portion  903  and a stem portion  910 . Ear interface portion  903  can be formed to fit at least partially within a user&#39;s ear and can be non-occluding, as discussed in more detail herein. An aesthetic acoustic mesh  915  can fit on ear interface portion  903  and allow sound to travel from an internal speaker to a user&#39;s ear. Some embodiments can have one or more user inputs  955  that can be used to answer a call, pause or mute playback, or perform other functions. The outer housing for pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be made from a plastic material including, but not limited to, ABS or a polycarbonate. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  10   , a top view of housing  105  (see  FIG.  1   ) of case  100  for pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  is illustrated. As shown in  FIG.  10   , housing  105  can include multiple retention magnets  905   a - 905   h  for the earbuds and one or more sensors. Earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be inserted in cavities  110   a ,  110   b  and retained in the cavities by the retention magnets  905   a - 905   h . Each cavity  110   a ,  110   b  can include a stem section  116   a ,  116   b  and a bud section  117   a ,  117   b . Earbud retention magnets  905   a - 905   d  are used to retain first earbud  115   a  and retention magnets  905   e - 905   h  are used to retain second earbud  115   b . However, in other embodiments fewer or additional retention magnets  905   a - 905   h  can be used and the magnets can vary in geometry, size and placement from those depicted. 
     Lid sensor  220  can be used to detect whether lid  120  (see  FIG.  1   ) is closed or open. In the embodiments illustrated in  FIG.  10   , lid sensor  220  is disposed between cavities  110   a ,  110   b , but the lid sensor can be located differently in other embodiments. Lid magnets  910   a ,  910   b  can be used for operating the lid (not shown in  FIG.  10   ), as discussed in more detail below, and in some cases can increase the strength of retention magnets  905   a - h , as also discussed in more detail below. Cross-sectional view A-A is shown in  FIG.  11    and illustrates a side view of how earbud  115   a  can be oriented relative to the magnets discussed above. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a cross-sectional view of earbud  115   a  in case  100 . As shown in  FIG.  11   , earbud  115   a  is secured within cavity  110   a  in housing  105 . In some embodiments earbud  115   a  can have a speaker magnet  325  and/or a magnetic plate  330  positioned to align with earbud retention magnets  905   f  and  905   h . Speaker magnet  325  and/or magnetic plate  330  can be attracted to one or more earbud retention magnets  905   f  and  905   h  and one or both can include a magnetic material. 
     As defined herein, a magnetic material is any material that is capable of being attracted by or acquiring the properties of a magnet to attract magnetic materials. This includes ferromagnets (i.e., magnets including iron) as well as non-ferrous magnets. Some example magnetic materials are, but are not limited to: neodymium, steel, nickel, cobalt, and alnico, an aluminum-nickel-cobalt alloy, some alloys of rare earth metals, and some naturally occurring minerals such as lodestone. In comparison, a magnet is a magnetic material that is magnetized so it attracts a magnetic material. 
     In one embodiment magnetic plate  330  can include a magnetic material and magnets  905   f  and  905   h  can be oriented and positioned to be within a distance to attract the magnetic plate with sufficient force to retain earbud  115   a  in housing  105  even if the housing is inverted or shaken. However, the strength of retention magnets  905   f ,  905   h  can be selected to allow a user to grasp earbud  115   a  with their fingers and remove it from housing  105  by applying a force greater than the force of magnetic retention. In further embodiments one or more of retention magnets  905   f ,  905   h  can be positioned and oriented to attract speaker magnet  325  which can assist with attracting earbud  115   a  into housing  105  and retaining it. In other embodiments, an earbud ejection mechanism can be included in the case. For example, a mechanical ejector that pushes the earbuds out when the lid is opened (or when an ejection button is pushed). 
     In some embodiments additional magnets such as those depicted in  FIG.  10    can be used to augment the attraction and retention forces imparted on magnetic plate  330  and/or speaker magnet  325 . More specifically, lid magnet  910   b  can be used to attract lid  120  (or a magnetic material  1105  disposed within the lid) and can also be used as a part of a Halbach array to augment the magnetic field of earbud retention magnets  905  to attract earbud  115   a  from a greater distance and to retain it more securely. A Halbach array is a special arrangement of permanent magnets that augments the magnetic field on one side of the magnetic array while cancelling the field to near zero on the other side. Retention magnets  905   e ,  905   f  and  905   g  (see  FIG.  10   ) can also be used as a part of the Halbach array. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  12   , a cross-sectional view B-B of housing  105  is shown from  FIG.  10   . As shown in  FIG.  12    three earbud retention magnets  905   e ,  905   f  and  905   g  are disposed within housing  105  to secure earbud  115   a  within its cavity. In some embodiments, magnets  905   g  and  905   e  can have an angled upper surface to partially conform to the circular shape of ear interface portion  805  of earbud  115   a . Any configuration or arrangement of magnets can be used to attract speaker magnet  325  and/or magnetic plate  330 . In some embodiments a carrier  920  can be formed to retain and position one or more of retention magnets  905   a - 905   h.    
     Also, as described above with respect to  FIG.  3   , the magnetic plate  330  in each earbud can be positioned direction adjacent to the earbud housing and be contoured to match the curvature of the housing (as shown in  FIGS.  11  and  12   ) to ensure a minimum distance between the magnetic plate and the housing across the surface are of the magnetic plate and increase the magnetic attraction between the housing magnetic components and magnetic plate  330  using minimal magnetic material. Similarly, some or all of the housing magnetic components  905   a - 905   h  can be disposed as close as possible to an appropriate surface of the earbud case and contoured in shape to match the surface. 
     Magnetically Actuated Case 
       FIGS.  13 - 21    illustrate case  1300  having a lid with a magnetically actuated over center position and several example magnet geometries. As shown in  FIG.  13   , case  1300  can be similar to case  100  illustrated in  FIG.  1    and used to retain a pair of earbuds, however case  1300  can be used for myriad other purposes such as, for example, but not limited to, a container for storing medicine, a container for storing cigars or a recharging container for a miniature portable media player. 
     Now referring simultaneously to  FIGS.  13  and  14   , in some embodiments case  1300  can include a housing  1305  having a receiving opening  1301 , a bottom face  1302  disposed opposite of the receiving opening. Similar to the cases discussed above, case  1300  can have a closed position, illustrated in  FIG.  13    where a housing  1305  is covered by a lid  1310  that is pivotally coupled to the housing. Case  1300  can also have an open position, illustrated in  FIG.  14    where lid  1310  is pivotally displaced from housing  1305  by an angle theta. Case  1300  can further include an upper wall  1303  opposite a lower wall  1304  and a first sidewall  1306  opposite a second sidewall  1307  where the walls extend between receiving opening  1301  and bottom face  1302  defining a cavity  1308  that communicates with receiving opening  1301 . Receiving opening  1301  can be further defined by four wall ends  1309   a ,  1309   b ,  1309   c  and  1309   d  including ends of upper wall  1303 , lower wall  1304 , first sidewall  1306  and second sidewall  1307 , respectively. 
     A first pair of magnetic elements  1315   a ,  1315   b  can be oriented such that they repel one another and are disposed proximate pivotable joint  1317  with first magnetic element  1315   a  of the first pair disposed within housing  1305  and a second magnetic element  1315   b  of the first pair disposed within lid  1310 . In some embodiments first pair of magnetic elements  1315   a ,  1315   b  can both be magnets. A second pair of magnetic elements  1320   a ,  1320   b  are oriented such that they attract one another and are disposed proximate to a wall end  1309   a  opposite pivotable joint  1317  with a first magnetic element  1320   a  of the second pair of magnetic elements disposed within housing  1305  and a second magnetic element  1320   b  of the second pair of magnetic elements disposed within lid  1310 . In some embodiments both magnetic elements  1320   a ,  1320   b  can be magnets while in another embodiment one of the magnetic elements can be a magnet while the other element is a magnetic material. 
     In some embodiments case  1300  can be configured to create an over center configuration for lid  1310  where the lid is in a first stable position when in the closed position (illustrated in  FIG.  13   ) and is in a second stable position when in the open position (illustrated in  FIG.  14   ), but is in an unstable position in-between the closed position and the open position. In some embodiments this can be achieved by the attractive forces between second pair of magnetic elements  1320   a ,  1320   b  over powering the repulsive forces of first pair of magnetic elements  1315   a ,  1315   b  when lid  1310  is transitioned from the open position to the closed position. This condition can be explained graphically as illustrated in  FIG.  15   . 
     In some embodiments any of the magnetic arrangements disclosed herein can be arranged in a multipole configuration to concentrate the magnetic field within and between the magnets. In some embodiments a multipole can be used for magnetic elements  1320   a  and  1320   b  where  1320   a  has a north end adjacent a south end and  1320   b  has a south end that attracts to  1320   a &#39;s north end, and has a north end that attracts to  1320   a &#39;s south end. In other embodiments any other arrangement can be used. A multipole arrangement can be beneficial to attenuate magnetic fields outside of the case so they don&#39;t negatively interact with other magnetic objects such as cards with magnetic strips on them. 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a graph of the magnetic forces on lid  1310 . As shown in  FIG.  13   , lid  1310  has an over center position due to forces imparted on it from two pairs of magnetic elements. As discussed above, first pair of magnetic elements  1315   a ,  1315   b  (see  FIGS.  13  and  14   ) are oriented to have repulsive forces which are shown as the line on the graph labeled F Repulsion . Similarly, second pair of magnetic elements  1320   a ,  1320   b  are oriented to have attractive forces which are shown as the line on the graph labeled F Attraction . From examination of  FIG.  14    it can be seen than an angle of theta=0° is when lid  1310  is closed and an angle of theta=180° is when the lid is fully open (e.g., pivotally displaced from housing  1305  to its maximum extent). At some angle labeled X° is an over center position for lid  1310  where it is unstable and it will “automatically” (i.e., through magnetic attraction) move either towards the closed position or the open position. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG.  15   , at an angle of 0° lid  1310  is closed and the attractive forces (F Attraction ) of second pair of magnetic elements  1320   a ,  1320   b  are greater than the repulsive forces (F Repulsion ) of first pair of magnetic elements  1315   a ,  1315   b  so the lid is secured in the closed position. In some embodiments, even if first pair of magnetic elements  1315   a ,  1315   b  and second pair of magnetic elements  1320   a ,  1320   b  have the same strength, the over center design will work since the leverage the first pair of magnetic elements has on the pivotable joint is less than the leverage the second pair of magnetic elements has on the pivotable joint. More specifically, since first pair of magnetic elements  1315   a ,  1315   b  are closer to the pivotable joint it will apply less torque to lid  1310  than second pair of magnetic elements  1320   a ,  1320   b.    
     However, as lid  1310  transitions to greater angles of theta (i.e., when transitioning to an open position), second pair of magnetic elements  1320   a ,  1320   b  moves apart from one another faster than first pair of magnetic elements  1315   a ,  1315   b . Since magnetic forces vary exponentially with distance, the F Attraction  falls much faster than F Repulsion , therefore at some angle of X° the F Repulsion  overcomes the F Attraction  and the lid will be attracted to the open position. When transitioning from the open position to the closed position the reverse happens and after the over center point is reached the lid will be attracted to the closed position. 
     In some embodiments first pair of magnetic elements  1315   a ,  1315   b  can be configured to stop lid  1310  from fully opening (i.e., where theta is 180°). In some embodiments first pair of magnets  1315   a ,  1315   b  can be configured to be repulsive, therefore in such embodiments the magnetic elements could be elongated such that when lid  1310  rotates close to the 180° open position first pair of magnetic elements  1315   a ,  1315   b  repel each other such that the weight of the lid is supported by their repulsive force and the lid is essentially suspended in a semi-open position. Some shapes of magnets such as an “L” can be used to enhance the forces to support lid  1310  in a semi-open position. In various embodiments the force vector of first pair of magnetic elements  1315   a ,  1315   b  can be adjusted to increase or decrease this effect, as discussed in more detail below. 
     In some embodiments case  1300  can be designed to have a particular feel for a user. For example, in one embodiment case  1300  can be designed so a user can hold case  1300  in their hand in the closed position and by snapping their wrist lid  1310  will snap open and remain in the open position without resting against  1305 . In further embodiments lid  1310  can be in the open position and the user can snap their wrist and close the lid. In further embodiments a user can use their hand to try to open lid  1310  and once the lid has been moved a certain distance the lid will snap or spring open. In further embodiments a user can grasp lid  1310  and move it towards the closed position and at a certain distance the lid will snap or spring closed. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  16    another embodiment of a case  1600  with a magnetically actuated lid  1604  is illustrated. As shown in  FIG.  16   , case  1600  has one pair of magnetic elements having misaligned poles (i.e., force vectors) and another pair of magnetic elements having a high permeability material used to increase magnetic forces. Similar to previous embodiments, lid  1604  is pivotally attached to housing  1603 . However, in this case first pair of magnetic elements  1605   a ,  1605   b  are oriented so the force vectors are not directly aligned as illustrated by the arrows. In this scenario, lid  1604  can still have an over center position, however the F Repulsion  from first pair of magnetic elements  1605   a ,  1605   b  will be less than the scenario illustrated in  FIG.  13   . However, one feature of such a misalignment of force vectors can be used to resist lid  1604  from transitioning to a 180° fully open position. More specifically, magnetic forces from first pair of magnetic elements  1605   a ,  1605   b  can resist lid  1604  from going to the closed position, but can also resist lid from going to the 180° open position. Other variations of misaligned magnetic force vectors can be used and are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG.  16   , second pair of magnetic elements  1610   a ,  1610   b  can have a high permeability material  1615   a ,  1615   b  at least partially surrounding them to increase the forces of attraction between the second pair of magnetic elements. A high permeability material as discussed herein can be any material with a relatively high permeability. The permeability of a material is the measure of the material&#39;s ability to support the formation of a magnetic field within itself. More specifically, it is the degree of magnetization that a material obtains in response to an applied magnetic field. Thus, the more “magnetically conductive”, or the less resistant a material is to magnetic fields, the higher its permeability. Following this behavior, high permeability material  1615   a ,  1615   b  as discussed herein can essentially re-direct the magnetic fields from second pair of magnetic elements  1610   a ,  1610   b  so the attractive forces are increased. High permeability materials can also be used on repulsive magnets, lid magnets or magnets used to attract and secure earbuds within the case. 
       FIG.  17    illustrates another embodiment of a case  1700 . As shown in  FIG.  17   , case  1700  has springs attached to the first and second pairs of magnetic elements to change the over center behavior of the lid. Case  1700  can have a first pair of magnetic elements  1705   a ,  1705   b  configured to be repulsive and a second pair of magnetic elements  1710   a ,  1710   b  configured to attract. However, in this embodiment springs  1707   a ,  1707   b  can be attached to first pair of magnetic elements  1705   a ,  1705   b  and springs  1717   a ,  1717   b  can be attached to second pair of magnetic elements  1710   a ,  1710   b . Springs  1707   a ,  1707   b ,  1717   a ,  1717   b  can be used to change the over center position and behavior of lid  1704 . For example, when in the closed position, first and second magnetic elements  1705   a ,  1705   b  can repel each other and compress springs  1707   a ,  1707   b , relieving some of the repulsive forces. Conversely, while in the closed position second pair of magnetic elements  1710   a ,  1710   b  can be attracted closer together resulting in higher attractive forces since springs  1717   a ,  1717   b  allow the magnetic elements to move closer together. Other configurations of springs can be used with magnetic elements without departing from this disclosure. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  18 - 21   , various magnet geometries can be used in the cases discussed above. These are only examples, and other geometries can be used without departing from the disclosure.  FIG.  18    shows a square bar  1800 , while  FIG.  19    shows a rectangular bar  1900 .  FIG.  20    shows an “L” shaped bar  2000  while  FIG.  21    shows a cylindrical bar  2100 . 
     Spring Actuated Case 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  22 A- 22 D  a case and a spring actuated hinges are illustrated. As shown in  FIG.  22 A , case  2200  has a lid  2210  with a spring actuated over center mechanism  2220 . Case  2200  can be similar to case  100  illustrated in  FIG.  1    and case  1300  illustrated in  FIG.  13    and in some embodiments can used to store and charge a pair of earbuds or other type of portable listening device. In other embodiments, however case  2200  can be used to store a variety of other objects different than portable listening devices. 
     Similar to the cases discussed above, case  2200  can have a closed position, illustrated in  FIG.  22 A  where a housing  2205  is covered by a lid  2210  that is pivotally coupled to the housing. Case  2200  can also have an open position, illustrated in  FIG.  22 D  where lid  2210  is pivotally displaced from housing  2205 . A spring actuated over center mechanism  2220  is shown in more detail in the expanded view in  FIG.  22 A . Lid  2210  includes an extension  2225  attached to the lid and disposed on an opposite side of pivotable joint  2230  from the lid. That is, when lid  2210  rotates about pivotable joint  2230 , extension  2225  also rotates about the pivotable joint. Extension  2225  has a rounded distal end  2226  that is in contact with a spring loaded arm  2235  such that the lid resists rotating from the open position to the closed position until the lid is moved past an over center position (illustrated in  FIG.  22 C ) when the lid is then impelled to the closed position (illustrated in  FIG.  22 D ). 
     Spring loaded arm  2235  is attached to a second pivotable joint  2240  at a first end and extends to a distal tip  2245 . Spring loaded arm  2235  can have a rounded distal tip  2245  with a first and second surface  2246 ,  2247 , respectively arranged opposite each other and extending between the distal tip and the first end. In the illustration in  FIG.  22 A , spring loaded arm  2235  has a rotational force from a torsion spring applying a clock-wise torque. As lid  2210  is moved towards the open position, extension  2225  rotates in a clock-wise direction about pivotable joint  2230 , slides along a first portion  2248  of first surface  2246 , and forces arm  2235  in a counter-clock-wise direction increasing the clock-wise torque on the arm. Thus, spring loaded mechanism  2220  resists lid  2210  transitioning from the closed position (illustrated in  FIG.  22 A ) towards the open position (illustrated in  FIG.  22 D .) 
       FIG.  22 B  illustrates an isometric view of spring loaded mechanism  2220 . As shown in  FIG.  22 B , spring loaded mechanism  2220  includes a spring loaded arm  2235 , extension  2225 , torsion spring  2250  and spring stop  2255 . Torsion spring  2250  is formed around a pin of second pivotable joint  2240 , however in other embodiments a different configuration for the mechanism can be used including, but not limited to, cantilevered springs and coil springs. 
       FIG.  22 C  illustrates case  2200  with a partially open lid  2210 . As shown in  FIG.  22 C , lid  2210  is shown in an over center position where the lid is in a first stable position when in the closed position (illustrated in  FIG.  22 A ) and is in a second stable position when in the open position (illustrated in  FIG.  22 D ), but is in an unstable position in-between the closed position and the open position. In some embodiments the over-center performance of lid  2210  can be achieved by extension  2225  having a rounded distal end  2226  that is in contact with arm  2235  that has a clockwise torque applied to it. In various embodiments extension  2225  is oriented perpendicular to first surface  2246  when in the unstable position in-between the closed position and the open position. In some embodiments arm  2235  and or distal end  2226  can have a lubricant and/or one or more lubricant channels on it to maintain a low coefficient of friction between the parts and to provide smooth actuation. 
       FIG.  22 D  illustrates case  2200  with a fully open lid  2210 . As shown in  FIG.  22 D , lid  2210  is past the over-center position and is in a stable open position. In some embodiments the stable position can be achieved by extension  2225  being past the over center location on arm  2235 , with extension  2225  sliding along a second portion  2249  of first surface  2246 , and the arm holding the lid open due to the clock-wise torque applied to the arm by torsion spring  2250  (see  FIG.  22 B ). 
     Earbud Case with Wireless Charging Transmitter 
     Reference is now made to  FIG.  23   , which illustrates an earbud case  2300  that includes a wireless power transmitting component  2330  that enables the case to wirelessly charge an accessory electronic device outside of the case instead of within the case. For example, as shown in  FIG.  23   , case  2300  is depicted as wireless charging a watch  2301  that is placed over and aligned with wireless power transmitting component  2330 . While  FIG.  23    illustrates a watch as the accessory device being charged, embodiments of the disclosure can be used to wirelessly charge other appropriate electronic devices as well. In some instances, embodiments of the disclosure are particularly well suited for use with portable electronic media devices because of their potentially small form factor. As used herein, an electronic media device includes any device with at least one electronic component that can be used to present human-perceivable media. Such devices can include, for example, portable music players (e.g., MP3 devices and Apple&#39;s iPod′ devices), portable video players (e.g., portable DVD players), cellular telephones (e.g., smart telephones such as Apple&#39;s iPhone devices), video cameras, digital still cameras, projection systems (e.g., holographic projection systems), gaming systems, PDAs, as well as tablet (e.g., Apple&#39;s iPad devices), laptop or other mobile computers. Some of these devices can be configured to provide audio, video or other data or sensory output. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  23   , case  2300  can include all or some of the features of case  204  discussed above with respect to  FIG.  2    along with a second charging system in which a wireless power transmitting component  2330  is positioned within housing  2335  adjacent to an exterior charging surface  2340 . In some embodiments exterior charging surface  2340  can be any exterior surface of case  2300 . Wireless power transmitting component  2330  can be configured to wirelessly transmit power across housing  2335  to a power receiving coil (not shown in  FIG.  23   ) of watch  2301  when the watch is positioned outside housing  2335  adjacent to exterior charging surface  2340 , as discussed in more detail below. 
     As further shown in  FIG.  23   , watch  2301  includes a casing  2302  that houses a display  2304  and various input devices including a dial  2306  and a button  2308 . Watch  2301  can be worn on a user&#39;s wrist and secured thereto by a band  2310 . Casing  2302  also houses electronic circuitry (not shown in  FIG.  23   ), including a processor and communication circuitry. A battery (not shown in  FIG.  23   ) internal to casing  2302  powers watch  2301 . The battery can be recharged by a wireless power transfer system and watch  2301  can include circuitry configured to operate as a receiver in the wireless power transfer system while wireless power transmitter component  2330  is a transmitter in the system. One example of a wireless power transfer system is an inductive power transfer system. In an inductive power transfer system, a power-receiving electronic device includes or otherwise incorporates an inductive power-receiving element configured to wirelessly receive power and/or charge one or more internal batteries. Similarly, a charging device (i.e., power transmitting component) includes or otherwise incorporates an inductive power-transmitting element configured to wirelessly transmit power to the power-receiving electronic device. 
       FIG.  24    is a block diagram of inductive power receiving system  2400  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  24   , system  2400  is an inductive power receiving system that can be located within casing  2302  of watch  2301  (see  FIG.  23   ) or within a different type of electronic accessory that can be charged by wireless power transmitting component  2330 . When power receiving system  2400  is operatively coupled with an appropriate inductive power transmitting component, such as wireless power transmitting component  2330 , battery  2402  within the device can be wirelessly charged. Battery  2402  is operably connected to a receive coil  2404  via power conditioning circuitry  2406 . Receive coil  2404  can be inductively coupled to a transmit coil of a charging device to receive power wirelessly from the charging device and pass the received power to battery  2402  within the electronic device via power conditioning circuitry  2406 . Power conditioning circuitry  2406  can be configured to convert the alternating current received by the receive coil  2404  into direct current power for use by other components of the device. A processing unit  2410  can direct the power, via one or more routing circuits and under the execution of an appropriate program residing in a memory  2412 , to perform or coordinate one or more functions of the electronic device typically powered by battery  2402 . 
     Now referring to  FIG.  25   , case  2300  is illustrated with a pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  stored within a housing  2505  of the case and covered by a lid  2520 . Case  2300  can charge earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  in the same manner as case  100  discussed above (i.e., either with a wired connection or with a wireless power transfer system). Case  2300  can also, however, include an inductive charging system  2525  positioned and configured to charge a different portable electronic device positioned outside of case  2300  instead of within the case. Inductive charging system  2525  can include a wireless power transmitting component to wirelessly charge an auxiliary device such as watch  2301  (see  FIG.  23   ). In some embodiments case  2500  can be different from case  100  (see  FIG.  1   ) and can be of any other configuration having one or more cavities and a lid that covers the one or more cavities. In one example lid  2520  can be separable from the case. Inductive charging system  2525  can include wireless charging circuitry within housing  2505  that enables case  2300  to wirelessly recharge a battery, for example, battery  2402  (see  FIG.  24   ) of watch  2301 . 
       FIG.  26    is a block diagram of a wireless charging system  2600  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  26   , wireless charging system  2600  includes an inductive power transmitting component  2602 . Inductive power transmitting component  2602  includes a power source  2604 , which can be case battery  227  (see  FIG.  2   ), operatively coupled to a transmit coil  2606  to transmit power to a wearable device via electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance. 
     Transmit coil  2606  can be an electromagnetic coil that produces a time-varying electromagnetic flux to induce a current within an electromagnetic coil within an electronic device (e.g., coil  2404  in  FIG.  24   ). Transmit coil  2606  can transmit power at a selected frequency or band of frequencies. In one example the transmit frequency is substantially fixed, although this is not required. In another example, the transmit frequency can be adjusted to improve power transfer efficiency for particular operational conditions. More particularly, a high transmit frequency can be selected if more power is required by the accessory and a low transmit frequency can be selected if less power is required by the accessory. In other examples, transmit coil  2606  can produce a static electromagnetic field and can physically move, shift, or otherwise change its position to produce a spatially-varying electromagnetic flux to induce a current within the receive coil. 
     When watch  2301  (see  FIG.  23   ) is operatively coupled (e.g., disposed on or adjacent to) case  2300 , the wearable electronic device can receive charge to replenish the charge of its rechargeable battery or to provide power to operating components associated with the electronic device. To facilitate the transfer of electromagnetic energy, transmit coil  2606  can be positioned within the housing of case  2300  (see  FIG.  23   ) such that it aligns with receive coil  2404  (see  FIG.  24   ) in watch  2301  along a mutual axis. If misaligned, the power transfer efficiency between transmit coil  2606  and receive coil  2404  (see  FIG.  24   ) can decrease as misalignment increases. In some embodiments, one or more alignment features can be used to aid the alignment along a mutual axis, including mechanical alignment features (e.g., recesses, ledges, detents) and magnetic features (e.g., alignment magnet  2630 ), as discussed in more detail below. 
     As one example, alignment magnet  2630  can be included in case  2300  that magnetically mates with an alignment magnet (not shown) of watch  2301  to facilitate proper alignment of the case and the wearable electronic device. More specifically, alignment magnet  2630  attracts the mating alignment magnet in watch  2301  such that the wearable device is laterally moved into a particular location and held firmly against an outer surface of the case. Additionally, the top and bottom surfaces of case  2300  and watch  2301 , respectively, can cooperate to further facilitate alignment. For example, in one embodiment a bottom surface of watch  2301  is convex and a top surface of case  2300  is concave, following the same curvature as the bottom surface of the wearable device. 
     In some embodiments, case  2300  (see  FIG.  23   ) can also include one or more sensors to determine whether watch  2301  is present and ready to receive transmitted power from the charger. For example, watch  2301  can include an optical sensor, such as an infrared proximity sensor. When watch  2301  is attached to case  2300 , the infrared proximity sensor can produce a signal used to determine the presence of the wearable device. Other methods or structures to verify the presence of watch  2301  can include a mass sensor, a mechanical interlock, switch, button or the like, a Hall-effect sensor, or other electronic sensor. 
     Some embodiments can include a prioritized charging algorithm to preferentially use the stored charge in case battery  227  (see  FIG.  2   ) depending on what chargeable devices are coupled to case  2300 . For example charging system  2525  (see  FIG.  25   ) can be programmed to first recharge earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , then charge watch  2301 . In another example a user is able to program the charging priority while in another example case  2300  can simply charge any device that is coupled to it. In further examples case  2300  can be coupled to a power source through connector  345  (see  FIG.  3   ) and can charge one device, preferentially charge multiple devices or simultaneously charge multiple devices. 
     Some embodiments can have a wired interface for case  2300  charging battery  2402  (see  FIG.  24   ) and/or for exchanging data with watch  2301 . The wired interface can be in addition to or instead of a wireless interface. For example, in one embodiment case  2300  can include contacts that are sized and positioned to physically and electrically couple to one or more contacts on watch  2301 . The contacts can include one or more power contacts as well as one or more data contacts, such as a pair of differential data contacts. In another embodiment connector  345  (see  FIG.  3   ) of case can be used to charge watch  2301 . 
     Wirelessly Charged Case 
     Now referring to  FIG.  27   , a simplified perspective view of case  2700  on a charging station  2705  is illustrated. As shown in  FIG.  27   , case  2700  can be similar to other cases in this disclosure, such as case  100  in  FIG.  1   , and can be inductively charged by a charging station  2705 . Case  2700  can have a rechargeable battery that can be inductively recharged with a wireless charging system similar to that illustrated and described above with reference to  FIGS.  23  through  26   . More specifically, all of the features described above with regard to inductively charged watch  2301  can be employed in inductively charged case  2700 . 
     Wireless charging station  2705  can include wireless charging circuitry within housing  2710  that enables case  2700  to wirelessly recharge an internal battery. Wireless charging station  2705  can include an inductive power transmitting coil  2715 , that is similar to wireless power transmitting component  2602  described above in  FIG.  26   . Inductive power transmitting coil  2715  is capable of transmitting power to case  2700  via electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance. When case  2700  is operatively coupled (e.g., disposed on or adjacent to) charging station  2705 , the case can receive charge to replenish the charge of its rechargeable battery or to provide power to operating components associated with the case. 
     To facilitate the transfer of electromagnetic energy, transmit coil  2715  can be positioned within the housing of charging station  2705  such that it aligns with one or more receive coils  2720  in case  2700  along a mutual axis. If misaligned, the power transfer efficiency between transmit coil  2715  and receive coil  2720  can decrease as misalignment increases. In some embodiments, one or more alignment features can be used to aid the alignment along a mutual axis, including mechanical alignment features (e.g., recesses, ledges, detents) and magnetic features (e.g., alignment magnet), as discussed herein. In further embodiments case  2700  can include more than one receive coil and can detect which receive coil is better aligned and selectively only receive charge from that particular coil. In various embodiments case  2700  can use one or more planar receive coils  2720 , however in other embodiments other receive coil designs can be used. 
     Waterproof Receptacle Connector 
       FIGS.  28  and  29    illustrate a liquid-tight electrical connector  2800 . As shown in  FIG.  28   , electrical connector  2800  can have mounting flanges and sealed features to make it resistant or impervious to liquid penetration. Electrical connector  2800  can be used to couple power and data to a case, similar to connector  345  in  FIG.  3   . In some embodiments connector  2800  can, for example, be any non-proprietary interface such as a USB connector or can be any proprietary interface such as the Lightning connector used by Apple Incorporated of Cupertino, Calif. In various embodiments connector  2800  can be liquid-tight, as discussed in more detail below. 
     Metallic bracket  2805  is formed around an exterior portion of connector  2800  and has one or more mounting holes  2810  for securing the connector to a circuit board or a chassis. Connector  2800  has a receiving face  2815  that has a front opening (not shown in  FIG.  28   , but shown in  FIG.  3    for connector  345 ) for receiving a plug portion of a mating connector. An interconnection face  2820  contains a plurality of metallic pins  2825  that each connect to an internal electrical contact as described in more detail below. One or more ground pins  2826  can also extend out of interconnection face  2820 . Metallic pins  2825  and ground pins  2826  can be sealed by an overmolded portion  2830  so they are liquid-tight. Metallic bracket  2805  can be two pieces and welded together as described below. Metallic bracket  2805  can also have one or more deformable fingers  2835  that can be used to secure the components of connector  2800  together. 
     As shown in  FIG.  29    connector  2800  includes a contact plate  2980  coupled to a housing  2905  with a gasket to make the connector liquid-tight. Housing  2905  is made from an electrically insulative polymer that extends between receiving face  2815  and a rear face  2910 . Housing  2905  defines a cavity  2915  that communicates with a front opening in receiving face  2815  to receive a plug portion of a mating plug connector. A spacer  2920  is formed from a plastic material and has a plurality of retention features  2925  that are each configured to each receive an electrical contact from a set of electrical contacts  2930  that can be stitched into it. Each electrical contact in the set of electrical contacts  2930 , can include an elongated beam portion  2935  positioned between a contact tip  2940  and an anchor portion  2945 . Each contact tip  2940  is positioned within cavity  2915  so that it can be electrically coupled to a corresponding plug connector contact during a mating event. 
     Beam portion  2935  allows tip  2940  of each contact to flex slightly downward during a mating event and biases the tip to keep physical and electrical contact with a contact in the plug connector that aligns with the particular receptacle contact. Anchor portion  2945  can be a substantially flat plate with one or more cutouts that fits within a slot  2950  of housing  2905  to secure or anchor the contacts in place. Set of electrical contacts  2930  can further include electrical leads  2955  that extend out of interconnection face  2820  (see  FIG.  28   ) of connector assembly  2800  that can couple the receptacle connector to a printed circuit board or similar substrate. Each contact in the set of contacts  2930  can also have an alignment portion  2960  adjacent anchor portion  2945  to align the contact structures within slots  2950  of housing  2905 . In some particular embodiments, set of electrical contacts  2930  includes eight contacts spaced apart from each other along a single row. 
     A ground latch  2965  can be formed from a conductive metal and inserted through ground slots  2970  in spacer  2920 . The ground latch can include first and second spring arms extending along opposing sides of the set of contacts  2930 . The first and second spring arms can latch to retention features of a corresponding plug connector to assist in retaining the plug connector within the receptacle connector  2800  after a mating event. In other embodiments ground latch  2965  can be insert mold within spacer  2920 . Spacer  2920 , with set of contacts  2930  and ground latch  2965 , can then be overmolded with dielectric overmold portion  2975 . Overmold portion  2975  covers a portion of spacer  2920  and the anchor portion of each contact in the set of contacts  2930  forming a liquid-tight seal to leads  2955  and ground latch  2965  and creating an integrated contact plate  2980 . A gasket  2985  can be disposed against rear face  2910  of housing  2905  and contact plate  2980  can then be pressed against the gasket to form a liquid-tight assembly. Metallic bracket  2805  can include a top bracket  2990   a  laser welded to a bottom bracket  2990   b . Bracket fingers  2835  can be formed to hold contact plate  2980  against housing  2905  such that connector  2800  is liquid-tight. That is, if liquid were to enter receiving opening of connector (see connector  345  in  FIG.  3   ) the liquid would not be able to pass through the connector and enter case  100 . 
     Wireless Earbuds 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  30 - 46   , non-occluding earbuds  3000   a ,  3000   b  and methods for making the same are described and illustrated. As shown in  FIGS.  30  and  31    earbuds  3000   a ,  3000   b  can be similar to earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  illustrated in  FIG.  1   , however earbuds  3000   a ,  3000   b  can include various other features including in ear sensing and acoustic features as described in more detail below. 
       FIGS.  30  and  31    show front and rear perspective views, respectively, of a non-occluding left earbud  3000   a  ( FIG.  30   ) and a non-occluding right earbud  3000   b  ( FIG.  31   ). Generally, non-occluding earbuds are designed not to form an airtight seal between the ear (or ear canal) and the outer surface of the earbud. By way of contrast, occluding earbuds are generally designed to fit inside of the user&#39;s ear canal and form a substantially airtight seal. Each earbud  3000   a ,  3000   b  can include an external housing  3005  having an ear portion  3010  coupled to a stem portion  3015 . Housing  3005  can have an asymmetric shape amenable to in-the-ear retention, but does not form an airtight seal with the user&#39;s ear or ear canal. The absence of an airtight seal can benefit from volumes within the earbud being specifically tuned (e.g., by specifically shaping the volumes and/or adding material to the volumes) to achieve a desired frequency response. Ear portion  3010  can include a directional sound port  3020  offset with respect to a center axis of the ear bud. Directional sound port  3020  can be designed to direct sound waves from an internal driver (e.g., part of an earbud speaker, not shown in  FIGS.  30  and  31   ) directly into a user&#39;s ear canal. 
     In addition, secondary apertures in the earbud can be employed in housing  3005  to achieve desired sound performance. For example, one or more secondary apertures can serve as a controlled leak port to expose an acoustic pressure within the earbud to the external, surrounding environment. In this aspect, the secondary apertures can be calibrated to modify an acoustic response of the earbud. In this embodiment earbuds  3000   a ,  3000   b  each include a front leak port  3025  and a multiport  3030  formed in ear portion  3010 . Multiport  3030  can include both a rear vent  3035  and a bass port  3040 , that will be described in more detail below. In addition, earbuds according to embodiments of this disclosure can be constructed to have a seamless finish even though two or more parts are joined together to form part of the earbud. 
     Ear portion  3010  of earbuds  3000   a ,  3000   b  can also include one or more “in the ear” sensors to assist each earbud  3000   a ,  3000   b  in determining whether or not the earbud is in a user&#39;s ear. In one embodiment an optical tragus sensor  3045  is configured to sense the presence or absence of a user&#39;s tragus, and an optical concha sensor  3050  is configured to sense the presence or absence of a user&#39;s concha. Tragus and concha sensors  3045 ,  3050 , respectively, can use any type of optical sensor including, but not limited to an LED or vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) device. Further embodiments can include one or more capacitive sensors and/or accelerometers to detect the presence of a user&#39;s ear and/or earbud orientation, as described in more detail below. In the ear detection can be useful for features such as, but not limited to, determining which earbud  3000   a ,  3000   b  to use as a microphone when a user desires to accept a call and when a user stops using one earbud and starts using the other earbud. 
     A distal end  3055  of stem portion  3015  of each earbud  3000   a ,  3000   b  can include an electrical connector  3060  that is formed to make contact with a corresponding connector (e.g., a receptacle connector) of a charging station and/or earbud charging case, such as one of the connector structures described in  FIGS.  4 A- 8 C . In one particular embodiment, each connector  3060  can include first and second contacts spaced apart from each other in an oppositional and symmetrical relationship, such as partially annular earbud contacts  610  and  615  shown in  FIG.  6 B . Each of the first and second contacts can include an outer perimeter that is flush with an exterior surface of the stem portion and include an arcuate or other curved surface that creates a strong wiping action during a contact mating event. Electrical connector  3060  can be used to recharge an internal battery within each earbud  3000   a ,  3000   b  and in some cases can also be used to transfer data to and from each earbud. Distal end  3055  can also include a bottom microphone port  3065  (e.g., microphone aperture  635  illustrated in  FIG.  6 B ) that works in conjunction with a top microphone port  3070  to receive a user&#39;s voice and/or perform noise cancellation. 
       FIGS.  32  and  33    illustrate partial cross sections of earbuds  3000   a ,  3000   b . As shown in  FIG.  32   , earbuds  3000   a ,  3000   b  include a driver  3205 , an acoustic insert  3220 , a flexible circuit  3225 , an antenna  3330 , a rechargeable battery  3335  and an electrical connector  3060 . Driver  3205  is located within ear portion  3010  and defines a front acoustic volume  3210  in front of the driver and a rear acoustic volume  3215  behind the driver. Driver  3205  can include an electromagnetic voice coil, a driver magnet and a speaker diaphragm (not shown in  FIG.  32   ). Acoustic insert  3220  is positioned behind driver  3205  and adhered to housing  3005 , as described in more detail below. Ear portion  3010  further includes a folded up portion of a flexible circuit  3225  that can contain one or more sensors, controllers and myriad other circuits for operating earbud  3000   a,b . Flexible circuit  3225  can include portions that are flexible as well as portions that are not flexible, such as multilayer epoxy and glass composite circuit boards and can further couple the myriad electronic systems of earbud  3000   a ,  3000   b  together, as described in more detail below. 
     Stem portion  3015  of earbud  3000   a ,  3000   b  can include an antenna  3330 , a rechargeable battery  3335  and electrical connector  3060 . A portion of flexible circuit  3225  can extend down and electrically connect to electrical connector  3060 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  33   , earbuds  3000   a ,  3000   b  include several internal sensors. In  FIG.  33    some internal components of earbud  3000   a ,  3000   b  have been removed for clarity. Ear portion  3010  can contain a tragus sensor  3045 , a concha optical sensor  3050  and an accelerometer  3315  that can work together to determine whether earbud  3000   a ,  3000   b  is in a user&#39;s ear. Flexible circuit  3225  (see  FIG.  32   ) can be used to electrically couple all these devices together. 
     Foldable, Flexible Circuit 
       FIGS.  34  and  35    illustrate simplified views of flexible circuit  3225 . As shown in  FIG.  34   , flexible circuit  3225  is shown in a flat pattern.  FIG.  35    shows flexible circuit  3225  folded up as it is installed in earbud  3000   a ,  3000   b  as shown in  FIG.  32   . Now referring simultaneously to  FIGS.  34  and  35    the various portions of flexible circuit  3225  are described. A concha portion  3405  can be used to attach to and communicate with optical concha sensor  3050  (see  FIG.  33   ). Towards this purpose, concha portion  3405  can include one or more electrical terminals that can be bonded to contacts of optical concha sensor  3050 . 
     Processor portion  3410  can include one or more central processing units, controllers and passives. Processor portion  3410  can be a rigid portion of flexible circuit  3225  and can include multiple stacked routing layers. In one embodiment processor portion can have 4, 6, 8 or 10 routing layers. 
     An accelerometer portion  3415  can include one or more accelerometers to assist in detecting a position and/or orientation of the earbud, to assist in acting as a microphone that may be used to mitigate wind noise and to function as a user input device recognizing a tap or touching sequence on the earbud housing. A top microphone portion  3420  can be used to attach to and communicate with a top microphone through one or more electrical terminals. A tragus sensor portion  3430  can be used to attach to and communicate with optical tragus sensor  3045  (see  FIG.  33   ) through one or more  3430  formed within portion, and a bottom microphone portion  3435  can be used to attach to and communicate with a bottom microphone through one or more terminals formed within portion  3435 . 
     Each of the flexible portions  3440  can be sufficiently flexible to fold up flexible circuit  3225  as illustrated in  FIG.  35   . Further, each of the flexible portions  3440  can include one or more electrical traces that route electrical signals between different components of flexible circuit  3225 . For example, flexible portion  3440  between concha portion  3405  and processor portion  3410  can include one or more electrical traces that run between the concha portion terminals and the processor. Similarly, flexible portion  3440  between bottom microphone portion  3435  can include one or more electrical traces that run between the bottom microphone terminals and the processor. 
     Earbud Connectors 
       FIGS.  36 - 41    illustrate several embodiments of earbud connectors that can be used in the distal end of a stem portion of each earbud such as connector  3060  in  FIG.  30   . As shown in  FIG.  36   , connector  3600  can be affixed to a distal end  3055  of an earbud  3000   a ,  3000   b  and be used to couple charging and data signals to the earbuds. Connector  3600  can be mated with receptacle connectors that can be disposed in a case or docking station such as the receptacle connectors disclosed in  FIGS.  4 A- 8 C . 
     Connector  3600  is illustrated in  FIG.  36    in a partially assembled state before it is attached to a distal end  3055  of a stem portion  3015  of earbud  3000   a ,  3000   b . In this embodiment connector  3600  includes an inner circular metallic contact  3610  and an outer circular metallic contact  3615  with a dielectric ring  3620  separating the two contacts. In various embodiments inner circular contact  3610  can have an aperture  3613  within it that can be used for both a receptacle connector contact surface and an aperture for a microphone. In some embodiments inner and outer circular contacts  3610 ,  3615 , can be separately manufactured components and can be made from a metal or alloy that can have one or more layers of plating, as described in more detail below. In various embodiments inner and outer circular contacts  3610 ,  3615 , can be made from a copper or copper-based alloy such as, but not limited to C5212 phosphor bronze. In some embodiments inner and outer circular contacts  3610 ,  3615 , can be individually machined, cast or metal injection molded. In further embodiments they can be made from an electrically conductive plastic or made from an insulative plastic that is plated with one or more metals or alloys. 
     As shown in  FIG.  37   , connector  3600  includes inner and outer circular contacts  3610 ,  3615 , respectively that can be manufactured as separate components. In one example inner and outer circular contacts  3610 ,  3615 , include one or more ridges  3625  to enable increased retention force to dielectric ring  3620 . To electrically couple inner and outer circular contacts  3610 ,  3615 , to earbuds  3000   a ,  3000   b  the contacts can each include coupling tabs. More specifically inner circular contact  3610  can have a first coupling tab  3630  for attaching to a portion of flexible circuit  3225  (see  FIGS.  34 - 36   ). In some embodiments first coupling tab  3630  is soldered to a metallized pad  3635  (see  FIG.  36   ) on flexible circuit  3225 , however in other embodiments it can be attached with a conductive epoxy or other method. Outer circular contact  3615  can have a second coupling tab  3640  for attaching to a portion of flexible circuit  3225  similar to the aforementioned process. 
     As described above, outer circular contact  3615  can have an arcuate cross-section to facilitate wiping of a mating contact to provide a reliable interconnect with a receptacle connector. Inner circular contact  3610  can also have an arcuate or sloped cross-section to promote contact wiping with a receptacle connector. In some embodiments inner and outer circular contacts  3610 ,  3615 , can be plated with one or more metals that can prevent oxidation of the contact surface for reduced interconnect resistance and in further embodiments the plating can be used to provide an aesthetically appealing appearance, as described in more detail below. 
     In various embodiments inner and outer circular contacts  3610 ,  3615 , can be plated first with a layer of nickel followed by a final layer of gold. In some embodiments inner and outer circular contacts  3610 ,  3615 , can be plated with a first layer of copper between 3 and 5 microns thick, followed by a layer of gold between 0.5 and 0.7 microns thick, followed by a layer of gold between 0.1 and 0.2 microns thick, followed by a layer of palladium between 0.5 and 0.8 microns thick, followed by a layer of gold between 0.1 and 0.2 microns thick, followed by a binary alloy layer including a first element and a second element, between 0.7 and 1.0 microns thick. 
     In some embodiments inner and outer circular contacts  3610 ,  3615 , can be plated with a first layer of copper between 3 and 4.5 microns thick, followed by a layer of gold between 0.5 and 0.9 microns thick, followed by a layer of palladium between 0.5 and 0.8 microns thick, followed by a layer of gold between 0.1 and 0.2 microns thick, followed by a binary alloy layer including a first element and a second element, between 0.65 and 1.0 microns thick. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the first element of the binary alloy layer may be an element in a first group consisting of platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium and rhodium. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the first element may be rhodium. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the second element of the binary alloy layer may be an element in a second group consisting of platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the second element may be ruthenium. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the first element may comprise approximately 85 weight percent of the binary alloy while the second element may comprise approximately 15 weight percent of the binary alloy. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the first element may comprise approximately 90 weight percent of the binary alloy while the second element may comprise approximately 10 weight percent of the binary alloy. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the first element may comprise approximately 95 weight percent of the binary alloy while the second element may comprise approximately 5 weight percent of the binary alloy. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the first element may comprise approximately 99 weight percent of the binary alloy while the second element may comprise approximately 1 weight percent of the binary alloy. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the first element may comprise more than or approximately 99.5 weight percent of the binary alloy while the second element may comprise less than or approximately 0.5 weight percent of the binary alloy. 
     In some embodiments a combination of rhodium and ruthenium for the binary alloy can be used to prevent oxidation of the contact surface while providing an aesthetically appealing gray or silver appearance. Other combinations and compositions of plating are within the scope of this disclosure. In yet further embodiments first and second coupling tabs  3630 ,  3640  can be masked before the final layer of the binary alloy, leaving them with a gold surface for improved solderability. 
     After inner and outer circular contacts  3610 ,  3615  are plated they can be insert molded to form a connector  3600  as shown in  FIG.  38   . A dielectric ring  3620  can be molded in-between and around portions of inner and outer circular contacts  3610 ,  3615 , and can be used to form one or more attachment tabs  3655  that assist connector  3600  being attached to earbud  3000   a ,  3000   b  as illustrated in  FIG.  36   . 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  39  and  40    perspective views of connector  3900  are illustrated. As shown in  FIGS.  39  and  40   , connector  3900  is similar to connector  3600  illustrated in  FIG.  36   , however connector  3900  includes two semicircular contacts instead of circular inner and an outer contacts. An end view of connector  3900  is similar to the end view of connector  605  illustrated in  FIG.  6 B . Connector  3900  includes a first semicircular contact  3910  and a second semicircular contact  3915  with a dielectric layer  3920  separating the two contacts. First and second semicircular contacts  3910 ,  3915 , respectively, can be spaced in an oppositional and symmetrical relationship with each other. In various embodiments first and second semicircular contacts  3910 ,  3915 , respectively, can form an aperture  3913  between them that can be used for both a receptacle connector contact surface and an aperture for a microphone. First and second semicircular contacts  3910 ,  3915 , respectively, can be manufactured and plated using the same processes described above with regard to connector  3600 . 
     To electrically couple first and second semicircular contacts  3910 ,  3915 , respectively, to earbud  3000   a ,  3000   b  they can each include coupling tabs similar to connector  3600 . More specifically first semicircular contact  3910  can have a first coupling tab  3930  for attaching to a portion of flexible circuit  3225  (see  FIGS.  34 - 36   ). Second semicircular contact  3915  can have a second coupling tab  3940  for attaching to a portion of flexible circuit  3225  similar to the aforementioned process. 
     After first and second semicircular contacts  3910 ,  3915 , respectively, are plated they can be insert molded to form a connector  3900  as shown in  FIG.  40   . A dielectric layer  3920  can be molded in-between and around portions of first and second semicircular contacts  3910 ,  3915 , respectively, and can be used to form one or more attachment tabs  3955  that assist connector  3900  being attached to earbud  3000   a,b  as illustrated in  FIG.  36   . 
     Capacitive Sensor Insert 
       FIG.  41    illustrates a simplified perspective view of earbud  4100 . As shown in  FIG.  41   , earbud  4100  includes a housing  4105  and a capacitive sensor insert  4110  that can sense a user&#39;s touch on exterior surface  4115  of the housing. Capacitive sensor insert  4110  has sensor circuitry  4120  that can create one or more capacitive sensors, as explained in more detail below. For example, sensor circuitry  4120  can create a first capacitive sensor in region  4125  on exterior surface  4115  of housing  4105  that can be used to detect the touch of a user&#39;s ear for in the ear sensing and can create a second capacitive sensor in region  4130  that can be used to detect the touch of a user&#39;s finger to answer a call or to perform any other function. 
       FIG.  42    illustrates a simplified cross-section of earbud housing  4104 . As shown in  FIG.  42   , housing  4105  includes a capacitive sensor insert  4110  positioned within a cavity  4205  defined by the housing. Cavity can also house one or more other components of the earbuds  3000   a,b . Earbud housing  4105  has at least one touch sensitive region  4125 ,  4130  at exterior surface  4115  of the housing that is formed by capacitive sensor insert  4110 . Housing  4105  has an interior surface  4210  within cavity  4205 , opposite exterior surface  4115 . Capacitive sensor insert  4110  has a first surface  4215  with metalized sensor circuitry  4120  (see  FIG.  41   ) that is positioned adjacent interior surface  4210  of housing  4105 . Capacitive sensor insert  4110  has a second surface  4220  that is opposite first surface  4215 . 
       FIGS.  43  and  44    illustrate simplified plan views of capacitive sensor inserts  4300 ,  4400 , respectively. As shown in  FIGS.  43  and  44   , different types of circuitry can be used to form the capacitive sensors, for example in  FIG.  43    self-capacitance circuitry can be used and in  FIG.  44    mutual-capacitance sensor circuitry can be used. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  43   , a plan view of sensor insert  4300  is illustrated. As shown in  FIG.  43   , sensor insert  4300  has self-capacitance sensor circuitry  4305  that senses the touch of a user (e.g., the user&#39;s ear and/or finger) on exterior surface  4115  (see  FIG.  42   ) of housing  4105 . The user&#39;s touch loads the self-capacitance circuitry and/or increases the parasitic capacitance to ground which is interpreted by the sensor insert  4300  and communicated to the earbud processor. Sensor circuitry  4305  can have one or more interconnect regions  4310 , for example solder pads or plated through holes, that allow it to be coupled to an earbud processor with one or more conductors. 
     In one embodiment sensor insert  4300  can be formed from a plastic that includes metallic particulates. A laser can then be used to laser activate regions  4315  on first surface  4320  of sensor insert  4300 , that correspond to the desired location of sensor circuitry  4305 . The laser activated regions can then be metallized in a plating bath. In one example metal circuitry can be plated on to the activated regions forming sensor circuitry  4305 . This process may be known in the art as laser direct structuring. Other methods can be used for form sensor insert  4300  without departing from this disclosure. For example in another embodiment a flexible circuit can be adhered to first surface  4320  of sensor insert and used as the sensor circuitry. In another example first surface  4320  can be entirely plated and can be etched using a photo-imageable ink. 
     In further embodiments sensor insert  4300  can have one or more acoustic apertures  4325  that allow sound to pass through and can be aligned with a sound port of the earbuds. In some embodiments insert  4300  can be formed in a hemispherical or other shape to closely match a shape of the external earbud housing. Additionally, in some embodiments, sensor circuitry  4305  can fully surround or partially surround the acoustic apertures. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  44   , a plan view of sensor insert  4400  is illustrated. As shown in  FIG.  44   , sensor insert  4400  has mutual-capacitance sensor circuitry  4405  that senses the touch of a user (e.g., the user&#39;s ear and/or finger) on exterior surface  4115  (see  FIG.  42   ) of housing  4105 . The user&#39;s touch alters the mutual coupling between row and column electrodes  4410 , which are scanned sequentially and communicated to the earbud processor. Sensor circuitry  4405  is formed on first surface  4407  of sensor insert  4400  and can have one or more interconnect regions  4415 , for example solder pads or plated through holes, that allow it to be coupled to earbud processor with one or more conductors. 
     As described above with regard to sensor insert  4300  in  FIG.  43   , sensor insert  4400  can be manufactured in the same way and can have similar features and functions. Additionally, in some embodiments sensor insert  4400  can include one or more acoustic apertures  4425  that allow sound to pass through sensor circuitry  4305  and at least some of sensor circuitry  4405  can fully surround or partially surround the acoustic apertures. Additionally, in some embodiments sensor insert  4400  can be formed in a hemispherical or other shape to closely match a shape of the external earbud housing. 
     Acoustic Insert 
       FIG.  45 A  illustrates a simplified rear perspective view of earbud  3000   a . As shown in  FIG.  45 A , earbud  3000   a  includes an acoustic insert  4505  (shown in dashed lines within housing  3005  and in solid lines outside of the housing) that can be used to provide venting for driver (e.g., speaker) in earbud  3000   a . More specifically, acoustic insert  4505  can be used to assist in forming a bass port  3040  and a rear vent  3035 , that combine into a multiport  3030 . In some embodiments, certain features of acoustic insert  4505  can be useful for forming acoustic vents in a relatively small and confined area such as an earbud housing. 
     Earbud  3000   a  can have multiple acoustic apertures, some of which are shown in  FIG.  30   . In addition to bass port  3040 , rear vent  3035  and multiport  3030 , each earbud can also have a directional sound port  3020  and a front leak port  3025 . These apertures can provide venting for the driver, sound for the user, and can help tune the frequency response of earbud  3000   a . More specifically, each aperture is not just a random opening, but instead can be intentionally formed for a particular purpose, namely to change the frequency response of ear bud  3000   a  in a way that helps to tune the frequency response and/or provide a consistent bass response amongst the same user and across users. The acoustic apertures can each also include various meshes (e.g., a directional sound port mesh, front leak mesh, back vent mesh, bass port mesh, and a multiport mesh) that cover or fit into a corresponding acoustic aperture of earbud  3000   a.    
       FIG.  45 B  illustrates a simplified side view of earbud  3000   a  with acoustic insert  4505 . As shown in  FIG.  45 B , acoustic insert  4505  and driver  4570  are disposed within housing  3005  (illustrated in dashed lines). Now referring simultaneously to  FIGS.  45 A and  45 B  the function of acoustic insert  4505  is described in more detail. Driver  4570  can be positioned within cavity  4510  of housing  3005 , forming a front volume  4515  in front of the driver and a back volume  4520  behind the driver. Driver  4570  can be positioned such that front volume  4515  is acoustically isolated from a back volume  4520 . Front and back volumes  4515 ,  4520 , respectively can be formed within cavity  4510  at least partially by housing  3005  and sized and shaped to achieve a desired frequency response of the earbud. 
     In some embodiments, portions of acoustic insert  4505  are formed to closely match the contours of an interior surface  4525  of housing  3005 . More specifically, raised regions  4530  of acoustic insert  4505  can be formed to fit securely against interior surface  4525  such that they can be bonded to interior surface  4525  forming a bass port channel  4527  and a multiport chamber  4507  that are acoustically sealed. That is, bass port channel  4527  can be formed by first, second and third walls  4535 ,  4540 ,  4545 , respectively of bass port recess  4550  and a fourth wall formed by interior surface  4525  of housing  3005 . Similarly, raised regions  4530  can be sealed to interior surface  4525  forming multiport chamber  4507  that is acoustically sealed. 
     Bass port channel  4527  can have an entrance aperture  4555  that communicates with back volume  4520 . Bass port channel  4527  can be routed from entrance aperture  4555  to an exit aperture  4560  that is formed within multiport chamber  4507  that can be vented to the ambient. Rear vent  3035  can also be routed to multiport chamber  4507 , providing a vent from back volume  4520  through rear vent aperture  4565  in acoustic insert  4505  to multiport chamber  4507 . The size and shape of bass port channel  4527  and rear vent aperture  4565  can be formed for a particular purpose, namely to change the frequency response of ear bud  3000   a  in a way that helps to tune the frequency response and/or provide a consistent bass response amongst the same user and across users. 
     Housing  3005  can serve as a housing for the remaining components of the earbud assembly and can be formed in any suitable manner and can be made from any suitable material. For example, in one embodiment housing  3005  is made from a molded plastic. Similarly, acoustic insert  4505  can be made from any suitable material including a molded plastic. 
     Myriad methods can be used to bond raised regions  4530  of acoustic insert to interior surface  4525  of housing  3005 . In one embodiment housing  3005  can be made from an ABS plastic that is substantially transparent, or at least semitransparent to the wavelength of a laser ( FIG.  46   , step  4605 ). Acoustic insert  4505  can be made from a plastic that is opaque or at least mostly opaque to the same laser ( FIG.  46   , step  4610 ). Acoustic insert  4505  can be placed within cavity  4510  of housing  3005  such that raised regions  4530  are firmly against interior surface  4525  ( FIG.  46   , step  4615 ). A laser beam from the laser can then be directed through housing  3005  such that it impinges raised regions  4530 , melting at least a portion of the raised regions and bonding them to interior surface  4525  of housing  3005  ( FIG.  46   , step  4620 ). 
     In some embodiments, to enable the laser to be directed through housing  3005 , housing  3005  can use a relatively low amount of pigment, a pigment that is transparent to the laser, or other features to allow the laser to be transmitted through the housing with enough energy to melt at least a portion of raised regions  4530 . Acoustic insert  4505  can be made from a plastic that contains an absorptive dopant, such as carbon, so it absorbs the laser energy. In one embodiment a laser system that is similar to a laser direct structuring laser can be used to perform the laser bonding operation. In other embodiments raised regions  4530  can be bonded to interior surface  4525  with other methods such as, but not limited to, a pressure sensitive adhesive, a heat activated film or a laser activated adhesive. 
     Wireless Pairing 
       FIGS.  47 - 49    illustrate a wireless pairing system  4700  that includes a pair of wireless headphones  4710  (e.g., a pair of wireless earbuds) that can be wirelessly paired to a host device  4715  (e.g., a computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, or the like), with the pairing initiated by an intermediate device  4705  (e.g., a case for the headphones). Intermediate device  4705  can instruct wireless headphones  4710  to enter a pairing sequence with host device  4715  in response to a user input. The user input can be a user-initiated event, such as opening earbud case lid  4720  or depressing an input button  4725 . In some embodiments headphones  4710  can receive the pairing instruction via a wired connection between intermediate device  4705  and wireless headphones  4710  (e.g., through mated electrical contacts in a case for a pair of wireless earbuds and the earbuds as described above). In other embodiments, intermediate device  4705  can include a wireless radio that communicates the instruction to the wireless radio within wireless headphones  4710 . Upon receiving the pairing instruction, headphones  4710  can initiate a pairing sequence to host device  4715  via a wireless communication protocol (e.g., via Bluetooth®) that supports bidirectional data transfer. 
     In some cases, headphones  4710  are a pair of wireless earbuds and only one earbud in the pair (i.e., a primary earbud) is paired with the companion host device  4715 . In such cases, the primary earbud communicatively couples with the other earbud (a secondary earbud) so that audio data received from host device  4715  by the primary wireless earbud can be shared with the communicatively coupled secondary wireless earbud. 
     In some embodiments, headphones  4710  do not include a user input mechanism, such as a button that can be pressed for a user to initiate pairing between the headphones and host device  4715 , and wireless pairing between intermediate device  4705  and host device  4715  can only be initiated via intermediate device  4705  (e.g., in response to user-input by either opening the case lid or pressing an input button on the case or other suitable means) or by host device  4715 . 
       FIG.  48    illustrates a wireless pairing system  4800  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that includes intermediate device  4705 , headphones  4710  and host device  4715  shown in  FIG.  47   . While  FIG.  48    illustrates simplified block diagrams of each of intermediate device  4705 , wireless headphones  4710  and host device  4715 , it is understood each of the illustrated devices can include functions and features in addition to those illustrated in  FIG.  48   . For example, while not shown in  FIG.  48   , each of intermediate device  4705 , wireless headphones  4710  and host device  4715  can include a battery, such as a rechargeable battery, that provides power to the various components of each device. 
     In some embodiments, host device  4715  can be an electronic device or portable media player, such as an iPod™ media player manufactured and sold by Apple Inc., assignee of the present application. In general, a media player can be any device capable of storing and playing media assets including, but not limited to, audio, video, and/or still images. Alternatively, host device  4715  can be a mobile phone (e, g., using conventional cellular communication technology), a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a multifunctional device that incorporates a combination of media player, mobile phone, and/or PDA capabilities, such as an iPhone™ mobile device produced and sold by Apple, Inc. Host device  4715  can also be a general-purpose computer, such as a handheld computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, or the like. 
     Host device  4715  includes a processor  4820 , a memory  4825 , a user interface  4830 , a first wireless transceiver  4835  (e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver), a second wireless transceiver  4840  (e.g., a cellular transceiver) and a wired input/output  4845 . Processor  4820 , which can be implemented as one or more integrated circuits, can control the operation of host device  4715 . For example, in response to user input signals provided by a user through user interface  4830 , processor  4820  can initiate programs to search, list or play media assets stored in memory  4825 . In communication with cellular transceiver  4840 , processor  4820  can control placing and receiving of telephone calls. Second transceiver  4840  can also be used to communicate data with a network, including network storage  4815 . First transceiver  4835  can be used to support short range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication) between host device  4715  and various accessory devices, including headphones  4710 . Memory  4825  can store any information, including Bluetooth pairing information as described in more detail below. Wired input/output  4845  can be any wired connection, such as a USB protocol or a proprietary protocol, such as that used by the Apple Lightning connector. 
     Wireless headphones  4710  can be traditional headphones that are worn over a user&#39;s head, headsets (a combination of a headphone and a microphone), earbuds (very small headphones that are designed to be fitted directly in a user&#39;s ear) or any other portable listening device. In some embodiments wireless headphones  4710  include a processor  4850 , a wired input/output  4855 , a memory  4860  and a wireless transceiver  4865  (e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver). 
     Processor  4850 , which can be implemented as one or more integrated circuits, can control the operation of headphones  4710 . Wired input/output  4855  can be any wired connection between intermediate device  4705  and wireless headphones  4710  including a proprietary interconnection. In one example wired input/output  4855  is an electrical connector, such as connector  347  (see  FIG.  3   ) or any of the connectors illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 8 C , that provides a direct electrical connection between wireless headphones  4710  and intermediate device  4705  when the headphones are mated with the intermediate device (e.g., stored in a case). Wired input/output  4855  can be used for charging wireless headphones  4710  and/or communicating data with intermediate device  4705 . In one example, wired input/output  4855  of headphones  4710  can be used to receive a signal from wired input/output  4875  of intermediate device  4705  to initiate a pairing sequence of the headphones, as described in more detail below. 
     Wireless transceiver  4865  can be used to support short range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication) between headphones  4710  and various host devices, including host device  4715 . In one embodiment, intermediate device  4705  may also be equipped with a wireless transceiver (not shown; e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver) that can wirelessly communicate with wireless transceiver  4865 . Wireless transceiver  4865  enables headphones  4710  to communicate wirelessly with host device  4715  once a channel for wireless communication has been established between the two. For example, headphones  4710  and host device  4715  may each be provided with Bluetooth® technology, including appropriate short-range transceiver units. In some embodiments, it may be possible to establish a Bluetooth® pairing between host device  4715  and headphones  4710  using conventional techniques, such as manual entry of a passcode (or PIN code) associated with headphones  4710  into host device  4715 . In other embodiments, Bluetooth® pairings can be established automatically as described below. 
     Memory  4860  can store firmware for operating headphones  4710  as well as data for coupling with other wireless ear buds and for pairing headphones  4710  with companion host devices. For example, memory  4860  can store a connection history for companion host devices such as host device  4715 , with which headphones  4710  have previously paired. The connection history can include data for automatically pairing headphones  4710  with the companion host device without having to configure a connection between the headphones and the companion host device (e.g., enter a password, exchange shared secrets, etc.). For example, the connection history can include one or more link keys for connecting to a wireless network (e.g., Bluetooth link keys). Memory  4860  can also store a MAC address that uniquely identifies headphones  4710  as well as store a paired partner MAC address of another headphone that has previously coupled with the wireless ear bud  165 . For example, in one embodiment headphones  4710  are wireless earbuds and memory  4860  can store the MAC address of a paired partner earbud. 
     In another example once headphones  4710  are paired with host device  4715 , the host device can save related pairing information from headphones  4710  to a network storage system  4815  such as cloud storage. In one embodiment the related pairing information stored in network storage  4815  can then be used by other host devices to be pre-paired with wireless headphones  4710 . As an illustrative example, in one embodiment wireless headphones are initially paired with an iPhone. The iPhone communicates the pairing information to the user&#39;s iTunes or iCloud account that is saved on a remote network separate from host device  4715  (e.g., in the iCloud). The wireless headphones will then be listed on the user&#39;s iTunes or iCloud account as an authorized wireless device for the account. For example, the user&#39;s iCloud account may include a first list of host devices (one or more smart phones, one or more tablet computers and one or more laptop computers) including host device  4715  that are automatically authorized, for example based on the previous authorization and/or authentication of the devices to the iCloud account, to be paired with one or more wireless headphones that have been added to the account (including wireless headphones  4710 ). The user can then go to their iPad which can be automatically paired to the headphones without having to initiate a separate pairing sequence between headphones  4710  and the iPad based on the list of approved pairing in the user&#39;s iCloud account. Multiple host devices can be pre-authorized and automatically paired using this feature. 
     In some embodiments, intermediate device  4705  can be a case for headphones  4710 , a docking station, or another type of accessory or electronic device. In some embodiments intermediate device  4705  includes a processor  4870 , a wired input/output  4875 , and a user input device  4880  and a memory  4885 . 
     Processor  4870 , which can be implemented as one or more integrated circuits, can control the operation of intermediate device  4705  by executing computer instructions stored in a computer-readable memory or medium, such as memory  4885 . For example, instructions stored within memory  4885  can cause processor  4870  to, in response to user input signals provided by user input device  4880 , send an instruction to headphones  4710  (e.g., via wired I/O interface  4875  or by a wireless channel between intermediate device  4705  and wireless headphones  4710 ) to enter a pairing sequence with a host device. Wired input/output  4875  can be any wired connection between intermediate device  4705  and wireless headphones  4710  including a proprietary interconnection. In one example wired input/output  4855  is a portion of an electrical connector  347  (see  FIG.  3   ) between pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  and case  100  and can be any connector illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 8 C . Wired input/output  4855  can be used for charging and/or data. In various embodiments wired input/output  4855  can be used to transmit a signal to headphones  4710  to initiate a pairing sequence, as described in more detail below. 
     User input device  4880  can be any device operable by a user. In one embodiment user input device  4880  is a lid sensor such as lid sensor  220  (see  FIG.  2   ) that detects an opening or a closing of a lid of intermediate device  4705 . In one example an opening event is detected and processor  4870  sends a signal through wired input/output  4875  of intermediate device to wired input/output  4855  of headphones to processor  4850  of headphones  4710  to initiate a pairing sequence and/or to turn on Bluetooth transceiver  4865 . In another example, wireless headphones  4710  have never been paired before and headphones  4710  enter a pairing sequence. In a further example headphones  4710  have been paired before and headphones  4710  activate Bluetooth transceiver  4865  but do not initiate a pairing sequence. In one embodiment intermediate device  4705  may include one or more indicator lights to notify a user that it has sent a pairing signal to headphones  4710 . 
       FIG.  49    describes a method  4900  in which an intermediate device (e.g., intermediate device  4705 ) initiates wireless pairing between a host device (e.g., host device  4715 ) and a pair of wireless headphones (e.g., wireless headphones  4710 ). The method set forth in  FIG.  49    can be carried out by, for example, a processor within the intermediate device executing computer instructions stored within a computer-readable memory (e.g., processor  4870  executing instructions stored in computer-readable memory  4885 ). In step  4905  the intermediate device receives a user input. In some embodiments the intermediate device is a case for a pair of headphones or a pair of earbuds. In various embodiments the user input can be opening a lid of the case, depressing a button on the case or doing anything else to the case that the case registers as a user input indicative of a desire to initiate the pairing sequence. In one particular example, when a user opens a lid of the case, a lid sensor sends a signal to processor  4870  notifying the processor that the lid has been opened. 
     In step  4910 , in response to receiving the user input, the intermediate device determines if the headphones are connected to the intermediate device. For example, in some embodiments the intermediate device is an earbud case and the pair of wireless headphones is a pair of wireless earbuds that fit within earbud receiving cavities of the case. The earbud case can include one or more earbud detectors as described above that can generate a signal indicating whether and can determine whether the earbuds are stored within the case as described above and provide a signal to the processor indicating whether the earbuds are stored within the case. As one particular example, an earbud case can determine if earbuds are stored within the case based on whether one or more electrical contacts on the earbuds are electrically connected to one or more electrical contacts within the case. In another embodiment the intermediate device is a docking station that couples to the headphones with a mating connector. If some embodiments, if the headphones are not connected to intermediate device there is no action taken by the intermediate device (step  4912 ), while if the headphones are connected to the intermediate device the method proceeds to step  4915 . In other embodiments, step  4910  is optional and the intermediate device proceeds with step  4915  regardless. In such embodiments, however, if the headphones are not communicatively coupled to the intermediate device, the headphones will not receive the instruction generated in step  4915  and thus the end result of method  4900  in such cases will be “no action taken” (step  4912 ). 
     In step  4915 , in response to the intermediate device determining that the headphones are connected to the intermediate device, the intermediate device transmits an “initiate pairing” instruction or signal to the headphones. In one embodiment the intermediate device transmits the “initiate pairing” signal through a charging connection between the headphones and the intermediate device. In another embodiment the intermediate device can send the signal wirelessly to the headphones. In one example different user inputs result in the intermediate device transmitting different “initiate pairing” signals to the headphones that are distinguishable by the headphones. As one example where the intermediate device is a case for a pair of earbuds, the case can transmit an instruction to the earbuds to automatically pair with a known and previously paired host when the lid opened. If, the input button is depressed, either before or after the lid is opened, the case can transmit an instruction to the earbuds to enter a discovery mode instead of the automatic pairing mode. The discovery mode then enables the earbuds to be selectively paired by a user to a different host device using a standard pairing sequence. In some embodiments, as described above, step  4910  is optional and intermediate device transmits an “initiate pairing” request signal to the headphones without attempting to determine if the headphones are connected, but if the headphones are not connected, the signal will not be received. 
     In step  4920  the headphones receive the “initiate pairing” signal from the intermediate device through an electrical connector, or through a wireless connection. 
     In step  4925 , in response to receiving the “initiate pairing” signal, the headphones determine if a pairing sequence should be initiated. In one embodiment the headphones examine a pairing memory within the headphones and determine if this is a first pairing or a subsequent pairing of the headphones. If it is a first pairing the headphone processor can determine what type of user input was received to determine if pairing should be initiated. For example, for a first pairing (e.g., the pairing memory of the headphones is empty) if a user opened the lid, pairing can be initiated, but if a user pushed a button pairing is not initiated. However, if this is a subsequent pairing (e.g., the pairing memory of the headphones has at least one registry), if a user opens the lid pairing is not initiated but if a user pushed a button then pairing is initiated. These are only examples and other logic sequences are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     In a further example the headphones will only pair to a host device within a predetermined proximity of the headphones. In one example the headphones will only pair to a host electronic device within 10 meters, while in another embodiment it must be within 5 meters and in a further embodiment within 3 meters and in yet another embodiment within 1 meter. The maximum proximity pairing distance between the headphones and host device can be set at either the headphones or at the host device. 
     In some embodiments, the distance can be controlled by the headphones by the strength of the wireless signal sent from the headphones to the host device. For example, the headphones can broadcast a pairing signal that is at a predetermined reduced power level to insure that the electronic device is within a desired proximity. In one embodiment the headphones may broadcast a pairing signal that is 80% or less of its normal broadcasting power (i.e., its normal signal strength). In another embodiment the pairing signal may be 50% or less of the normal signal strength and in a further embodiment it may be 25% or less of the normal signal strength. 
     In some embodiments, the distance can be controlled by the host electronic device based on the strength of the signal received from the headphones. For example, in some embodiments the host electronic device will only accept the wireless pairing request from the first device if the strength of the wireless signal transmitting the pairing request is above a predetermined threshold that is higher than a minimum signal strength required for normal wireless communication between the first and second devices. In one embodiment the predetermined threshold is 200% higher than the normal minimum signal strength required for wireless communication between the headphones and host device. In another embodiment the predetermined threshold is 150% higher than the normal minimum signal strength and in still further embodiments it can be 100% or 50% higher than the normal minimum signal strength. 
     Regardless of the approach taken, if the host electronic device is not sufficiently proximate the headphones, the headphones will not accept (or will not receive) the pairing request and no further action to consummate the pairing is taken (step  4927 ). However if the required conditions are met, the method proceeds to step  4930 . 
     In step  4930 , in response to the headphones determining that a pairing sequence should be initiated (or should continue), the headphones transmit a wireless pairing signal using a wireless protocol common between the headphones and host device. In some embodiments this may be a standardized recurring Bluetooth signal that can stop after a predetermined period of time if there is no answer. In other embodiments, other known wireless protocols can be used. 
     In step  4935 , in response to receiving the pairing signal, the host device authenticates and pairs the headphones. In one example the host device provides the user a prompt asking if pairing should be performed before pairing the headphones. If the user accepts, the host device sends data to the headphones and authentication of the headphones is performed. 
     In some instances, prior to initiating a wireless pairing sequence between a pair of wireless headphones and a host device, a case for a pair of wireless earbuds according to the present disclosure can automatically turn ON the wireless radio of the earbuds when a user opens the lid that encloses the earbuds within the case.  FIG.  50    illustrates a method  5000  in which an earbud case (e.g., intermediate device  4705 ) turns ON the wireless radio of a pair of earbuds (e.g., wireless headphones  4710 ) stored within the case according to some embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  50   , method  5000  can start when intermediate device  4705  detects that lid  4720  is moved from a closed position to an open position (step  5005 ). 
     If the earbuds are not in the case, then no action is taken (step  5020 ). If wireless headphones  4710  are within the case (step  5010 ), the case can generate and send an instruction to the pair of earbuds that causes the earbuds to turn their wireless radio on. In some embodiments the instruction can be sent over one or more electrical contacts positioned within the receiving cavity as described above. Once the earbuds turn their wireless radio on, the buds can be further instructed to initiate a pairing sequence with a host device. In some embodiments, a single user interaction with the case (e.g., opening lid  4720  or depressing button  4725 ) can generate instructions that are sent to the earbuds to both turn on the earbud wireless radio and initiate a pairing sequence as described with respect to  FIG.  49   . In some embodiments a single instruction from intermediate device  4705  can initiate both actions and in other embodiments the case can send multiple instructions in response to the single event. 
     In other embodiments, the closure of lid  4720  can automatically turn OFF the wireless radio in the earbuds as described with respect to  FIG.  51   , which illustrates a method  5100  according to some embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  51   , method  5100  can start when intermediate device  4705  detects that lid  4720  is moved from an open position to a closed position (step  5105 ). If the earbuds are not in the case, then no action is taken (step  5120 ). If wireless headphones  4710  are within the case (step  5110 ), the case can generate and send an instruction to the pair of earbuds that causes the earbuds to turn OFF their wireless radio thus saving charge of the batteries within the earbuds. 
     While the various embodiments and examples described above were primarily focused on earbuds and a case for storing such earbuds, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to such and the techniques of the disclosure described above are equally applicable to headphones and other listening devices and cases for such. For example, in one embodiment, case  100  described in  FIG.  1    can be a case for a pair of headphones instead of a pair of earbuds. In such an embodiment, cavities  110   a ,  110   b  can be sized and shaped to hold left and right earpads of the headphones along with portions of a band connecting the two earpads. In other embodiments, a single cavity can be included in the case to hold the earpads and some or all of the connecting headband. Similarly, in other embodiments, case  100  can be sized and shaped to hold a portable speaker or other type of listening device. 
     For simplicity, various internal components, such as circuitry, bus, memory, storage devices and other components of pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , case  100  (see  FIG.  1   ) and wearable electronic device  2301  (see  FIG.  23   ) are sometimes not shown in the figures. Also, it is noted that some embodiments have been described as a process that is depicted as a flow diagram or block diagram. Although each diagram may describe the process as a sequential series of operations, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in the figures. 
     In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the disclosure have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the disclosure, and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the disclosure, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction. The specific details of particular embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the disclosure. Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as “bottom” or “top” and the like may be used to describe an element and/or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and/or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as a “bottom” surface may then be oriented “above” other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20201222
Publication Date: 20230704
Grant Date: 20230704
Priority Date: 20150930
Inventors: CHAWAN, ARUN D.
STIEHL, KURT
COUSINS, Benjamin A.
AASE, JONATHAN S.
AZMI, Yacine
CHOINIERE, PAUL
SLABAUGH, SCOTT W.
Assignee: APPLE INC
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