Case with magnetic over-center mechanism

Abstract

The invention provides a case with a magnetic over-center mechanism. A case for a portable listening device has a housing and a lid. The lid is attached to the housing with a pivotable joint and operates between an open and a closed position with an over-center mechanism that employs a plurality of magnetic elements.

Description

Background technique [0001] 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. [0002] 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 placed on, in, or near a user's ear, structural components to hold the speakers in place, and electrical connections for the portable listening device to an audio source cable. Other portable listening devices may be wireless devices that do not include cables but instead receive audio data streams wirelessly from a wireless audio source. [0003] While wireless portable listening devices have many advantages over wired devices, they also have some potential drawbacks. ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, if the portable wireless listening device is a pair of wireless earbuds, the earbuds can be relatively small and easily lost when not in use

Additionally, achieving high-end acoustic performance from relatively small earbuds can challenge manufacturers due to the reduced amount of space available within each earbud

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