Charging container for storing and charging in-ear audio listening devices

Abstract

The present disclosure presents a charging container (100) configured to store and charge an in-ear audio listening device (200A; 200B). The charging container (100) includes a first portion (110) and a second portion (120). The second portion (120) is attached to the first portion (110) to form a cover for enclosing the in-ear audio listening device (200A; 200B) when the second portion (120) faces the first portion (110). At least a portion (122) of the second portion (120) is flexible, for example, made of a flexible material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a charging container (also known as a charging case) for charging an in-ear audio listening device.

[0002] More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a charging container (or charging case) configured to store and charge one or more in-ear audio listening devices. Background Art

[0003] Portable audio listening devices, such as in-ear audio listening devices, can be used with a wide variety of devices, such as portable media players, smartphones, tablets, laptops, stereo systems, and other types of equipment. Portable audio listening devices have historically included one or more small speakers configured to be placed on, in, or near a user's ears, structural components to hold the speakers in place, and a cable that electrically connects the portable listening device to an audio source. Other portable audio listening devices may be wireless, i.e., these devices do not include a cable but instead wirelessly receive an audio data stream from a wireless audio source.

[0004] Some users may consider wireless portable audio listening devices superior to wired portable audio listening devices. However, wireless portable listening devices typically require one or more batteries (such as rechargeable batteries) to power the wireless communication circuitry and other components of the device. Disposable batteries need to be replaced when their charge is depleted, while rechargeable batteries require regular recharging. 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.

[0005] In view of the above situation, U.S. patent application publication US 2017 / 094394 A1 proposes a box that can store and charge a portable listening device (such as a pair of wireless earbuds or other types of headphones). Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is in view of the above considerations and other considerations that various embodiments of the present invention have been made.

[0007] A general object of embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an alternative charging container or charging case.

[0008] This general object has been solved by the attached independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the attached dependent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect, a charging container for charging an in-ear audio listening device is provided. Typically, the charging container has a size and form factor to accommodate the in-ear audio listening device. In other words, the charging container can be formed and dimensioned to accommodate the in-ear audio listening device.

[0010] The charging container is configured to store and charge an in-ear audio listening device. For example, the charging container may be configured to store and charge one or more in-ear audio listening devices, such as a single set of two in-ear audio listening devices (e.g., intended for use in a left ear and a right ear, respectively).

[0011] The charging container includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is attached to the first portion to form a cover for enclosing the in-ear audio listening device when the second portion faces the first portion. In addition, at least a portion of the second portion is flexible.

[0012] The charging container differs from the disclosure of US 2017 / 094394 A1 in that (ia) at least a portion of the second portion is flexible. The present disclosure recognizes the advantages of providing a second portion in which at least a portion is flexible. This has the following advantages: When the in-ear audio listening device is not stored in the charging container, the charging container (or case) can be thinner than prior art cases (such as those disclosed in US 2017 / 094394 A1). This makes the portable charging container increasingly pocket-friendly. Furthermore, the flexible portion of the second portion provides softness. For example, when the charging container is in the closed position, a user can touch the softer portion of the second portion (provided by the flexible portion) to confirm the presence of the in-ear audio listening device(s) within the charging container. This type of tactile feedback for confirming the presence or absence of in-ear audio listening device(s) has not been provided by prior art boxes, such as the box disclosed in US 2017 / 094394 A1.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second portion is made of a flexible material. In some embodiments, the entire or substantially the entire second portion is made of a flexible material.

[0014] For example, the flexible material may include an elastic material.

[0015] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the flexible material can be air-permeable, forming a breathable second portion. Providing a breathable second portion can, for example, help keep the in-ear audio listening device(s) fresh if they are stored in the charging container for an extended period. Furthermore, if the charging container is used frequently, the breathable second portion can extend the lifespan of the in-ear audio listening device(s).

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, the flexible material may be at least partially transparent. This may, for example, enable a user to at least partially view the in-ear audio listening device through the second portion while the in-ear audio listening device is stored in the charging container. Furthermore, in some embodiments, this may enable a user to view the current status of the charging process while the stored in-ear audio listening device(s) are charging. For example, when the charging container is in the closed position, the user may be able to view through the at least partially transparent portion of the second portion to confirm to themselves whether the in-ear audio listening device(s) are present within the charging container. Additionally, in some embodiments, the user may be able to confirm the status of the charging process (e.g., using a light-emitting diode (LED) located within the charging container when it is in its closed position). This type of visual feedback is not provided by prior art cases, such as the case disclosed in US 2017 / 094394 A1.

[0017] In some embodiments, the flexible material may include one or more of: fabric, leather or artificial leather, silicone-based material, or the like.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the second part is removably attached to the first part to form the lid. For example, the second part may be pivotally hinged to the first part. Advantageously, the second part may be pivotally hinged to the first part via a magnetic hinge. In one embodiment, the second part includes a protruding hinge portion on one side, which is provided with at least one first magnetic element; and the first part includes a recessed hinge portion on one side, which is provided with at least one second magnetic element. The recessed hinge portion is shaped to receive the protruding hinge portion, forming a magnetic hinge by establishing a magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements when the protruding hinge portion is positioned within the recessed hinge portion. Providing removable attachment via a magnetic hinge may be advantageous because it makes the charging container relatively easier to manufacture. Furthermore, it may allow the first and second parts to be detached from each other, which may be advantageous if / when a user desires to clean the charging container. Furthermore, allowing the first and second parts to be detached may be advantageous from a sustainability perspective. For example, if one of the components breaks or fails, the user can replace only the broken or failed part, rather than replacing the complete charging container. Additionally or alternatively, removable attachment by means of a magnetic hinge can allow for a durable solution, as the magnetic hinge does not risk wearing out to the same extent after prolonged use as, for example, a mechanical hinge.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, the second part may be permanently (ie, non-removably) attached to the first part to form the lid. For example, the second part may be pivotally hinged to the first part.

[0020] In the embodiments discussed above, the first portion may include a molded portion including a recessed portion to receive the in-ear audio listening device for placement. For example, the shape of the recessed portion may advantageously correspond to the shape of the in-ear audio listening device. The charging container may, for example, be configured to charge the in-ear audio listening device when positioned in the recessed portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the charging container may be formed and sized to accommodate the in-ear audio listening device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the in-ear audio listening device comprises two wireless in-ear audio listening devices, such as a single set of two wireless earbuds.

[0023] Thus, the various embodiments discussed herein provide an improved charging container or charging case that is portable and increasingly convenient to carry around. Additionally, some of the embodiments discussed herein may allow for tactile and / or visual feedback for confirming the presence or absence of in-ear audio listening device(s) when the charging container is in its closed position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] These and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent and elucidated from the following description of various embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a first portion and a second portion for forming a charging container according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the second part of the Figure 1A a first portion to form a charging container;

[0027] Figure 1C is a perspective view of the charging container when the second portion faces the first portion for enclosing an in-ear audio listening device;

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figures 1A-1C Exploded view of the charging container;

[0029] Figure 3 Two in-ear audio listening devices (exemplified by a pair of wireless earbuds) are shown placed Figures 1A-1B The process in the charging container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Throughout the description, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0031] As described earlier, some existing solutions for storing and charging in-ear audio listening devices may be considered inappropriate by some users. To address this, and in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a charging container or charging case for storing and charging an in-ear audio listening device is proposed. The charging container may be formed and sized to accommodate the in-ear audio listening device. According to this aspect, the charging container includes a first part and a second part. The second part is attached to the first part to form a cover for enclosing the in-ear audio listening device when the second part faces the first part. In addition, at least a portion of the second part is flexible. An alternative charging container or charging case is hereby provided. The charging container differs from the disclosure of US 2017 / 094394 A1 in that at least a portion of the second part is flexible. The present disclosure recognizes the fact that it is advantageous to provide a second part, wherein at least a portion of the second part is flexible. For example, this has the following advantages: When the in-ear audio listening device is not stored in the charging container, the charging container (or case) becomes thinner than prior art cases (such as the case disclosed in US 2017 / 094394 A1). This makes the portable charging container increasingly convenient to carry around. Furthermore, this portion of the second part provides softness to the second part. For example, when the charging container is in its closed position, a user can touch the softer portion of the second part (provided by the flexible portion of the second part) to confirm the presence of the in-ear audio listening device(s) within the charging container. This type of tactile feedback for confirming the presence or absence of the in-ear audio listening device(s) is not provided by prior art cases (such as the case disclosed in US 2017 / 094394 A1).

[0032] Reference will now be made to the drawings in order to illustrate various embodiments of the present invention. Figures 1A-1B and Figure 2 A preferred embodiment of a charging container for storing and / or charging one or more in-ear audio listening devices (e.g., a pair of wireless earbuds (e.g., a single set of two wireless earbuds)) is illustrated. This embodiment is provided by way of example. It will be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to this particular example embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood that numerous modifications and variations of the embodiments are contemplated that will still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0033] Now refer to Figures 1A-1C .like Figure 1A As can be seen in FIG, a first portion 110 and a second portion 120 are provided. Figure 1B As shown in FIG, the second portion 120 can be removably attached to the first portion 110 to form the charging container 100. Figure 1CAs further illustrated in FIG, the second portion 120 is removably attached to the first portion 110 to form a cover for enclosing the one or more in-ear audio listening devices when the second portion 120 faces the first portion 110. In other words, Figure 1B The charging container is shown in the open position, and Figure 1C The same charging container is shown in a closed position. At least a portion 122 of the second portion 120 is flexible. For example, portion 122 of the second portion 120 may be made of a flexible material. In some embodiments, the entire or substantially the entire second portion 120 is made of a flexible material.

[0034] Providing a second portion is advantageous, wherein at least a portion 122 of this second portion 120 is flexible. This has the following advantages, for example: when an in-ear audio listening device is not stored in the charging container, the charging container 100 becomes thinner than prior art cases (such as those disclosed in US 2017 / 094394 A1). This makes portable charging containers increasingly convenient to carry around. Furthermore, this portion of the second portion provides softness. For example, when the charging container is in the closed position, a user can touch the softer portion of the second portion (provided by the flexible portion of the second portion) to confirm the presence of an in-ear audio listening device within the charging container. This type of tactile feedback for confirming the presence or absence of in-ear audio listening device(s) is not provided by prior art cases (such as those disclosed in US 2017 / 094394 A1).

[0035] exist Figures 1A-1C In the illustration, the flexible material is illustrated as a fabric. The fabric can advantageously be a mesh fabric as disclosed in the accompanying drawings. The mesh fabric can be elastic. Advantageously, the mesh fabric can be air-permeable, forming a breathable second portion 120. Providing a breathable second portion 120 can, for example, enable the in-ear audio listening device(s) to remain fresh if the in-ear audio listening device(s) are stored in the charging container for an extended period. This can, in turn, be advantageous because it can extend the lifespan of the in-ear audio listening device(s) if the charging container is used frequently.

[0036] In addition, the flexible material 122 (composed of Figures 1A-1CThe mesh fabric in the second portion 120 (as an example) can be at least partially transparent. This can, for example, enable a user to at least partially view the in-ear audio listening device(s) through the second portion while the in-ear audio listening device(s) are stored in the charging container. Furthermore, in some embodiments, this can enable a user to view the current status of the charging process while the stored in-ear audio listening device(s) are charging. By way of example only, when the charging container is in the closed position, a user can view through the at least partially transparent portion of the second portion 120 to confirm to themselves whether the in-ear audio listening device(s) are present within the charging container 100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the user can confirm the status of the charging process (e.g., using a light-emitting diode (LED) located within the charging container when it is in its closed position). This type of visual feedback is not provided by prior art cases, such as the case disclosed in US 2017 / 094394 A1.

[0037] Now refer to Figure 2 , which illustrates Figures 1A-1C and Figure 2 Exploded view of an example embodiment of a charging container 100 .

[0038] In this embodiment, the second portion 120 may include three parts, namely: i) a first portion 121, which is sometimes referred to as a top portion or a top cover; ii) a flexible second portion 122 (e.g., provided with a mesh fabric 122); and iii) a third portion 123, which is sometimes referred to as a lid insert portion (e.g., provided with a lid locking magnet 123A). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first portion 110 may include two parts, namely: i) a first portion 111, which is sometimes referred to as a bottom portion or a container bottom; and ii) a container insert portion 112 (e.g., provided with a container locking magnet 112A, which is adapted to form a magnetic locking function through magnetic attraction with a corresponding lid locking magnet 123A).

[0039] exist Figure 2In the embodiment shown in FIG, the second portion 120 can be removably attachable to the first portion 110 to form the charging container 100. For example, the second portion 120 can be pivotally hinged to the first portion 110 via magnetic hinges 111B, 121B, 111C, and 121C. More specifically, the second portion 120 can include a protruding hinge portion 121A on one side. The protruding hinge portion 121A can be provided with at least one first magnetic element 121A, 121B. Additionally, the first portion 110 can include a corresponding recessed hinge portion 111A on one side. The recessed hinge portion 111A can be provided with at least one second magnetic element 111B, 111C. The recessed hinge portion 111A may advantageously be shaped to receive the protruding hinge portion 121A of the second portion 120 to form a magnetic hinge 111B; 121B; 111C; 121C by establishing a magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element 111B; 111C and the second magnetic element 121B; 121C when the protruding hinge portion 121A is positioned in the recessed hinge portion 111A. Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, first portion 110 may include a molded portion (e.g., portion 112) including a recess 112B for receiving the in-ear audio listening device(s) for placement. The molded portion may be made of plastic. Advantageously, the shape of recess 112B corresponds to the shape of the in-ear audio listening device(s).

[0040] It will be appreciated that portion 112 may alternatively be another material, i.e., other than plastic. Conceivable material options include, for example, metal, glass, PC (polycarbonate), PC-ABS (polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), nylon, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer).

[0041] In some embodiments, it is possible to provide a flexible portion 112. This can prevent damage to the charging pins, for example, if a user were to accidentally sit on or drop the charging container 100 while the in-ear audio listening device is stored and charging therein in certain use cases.

[0042] Now refer to Figure 3, which schematically illustrates the flow or processes I through IV when a user places their in-ear audio listening device 200A, 200B (e.g., a pair of earbuds, such as a single set of two earbuds) in the charging container 100. In the first step I, the in-ear audio listening device(s) 200A, 200B are not placed in the charging container 100. In this closed position, when the in-ear audio listening device(s) 200A, 200B are not stored in the charging container, the charging container 100 becomes relatively thin. This can make the portable charging container increasingly convenient to carry around. In the next two subsequent steps II and III, the in-ear audio listening device(s) 200A, 200B are respectively placed in the recess 112B of the first portion. As can be seen in the third step III, the shape (and size) of the recess 112B can advantageously correspond to the shape of the in-ear audio listening device(s). In some embodiments, the charging container 100 is advantageously configured to charge the in-ear audio listening device(s) 200A, 200B when positioned in the recess 112B, as shown in the third step III. In the fourth step IV, the user can enclose the in-ear audio listening device(s) in their closed position. As can be seen, the charging container 100 remains relatively thin, yet the stored in-ear audio listening device(s) 200A, 200B can remain in place within the charging container. This results in a portable charging container that is convenient to carry around even when the in-ear audio listening device(s) are stored within the charging container 100.

[0043] Modifications and other variations of the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. It will be understood, therefore, that the present invention is not limited to the specific examples described thus far, and that modifications and other variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize numerous variations and modifications of the described embodiments that would still fall within the scope of the appended claims. Below, various conceivable options or alternatives for providing second portion 120 (at least a portion 122 of which is flexible) will be disclosed. For example, the material selection for portion 122 may depend on various needs and / or requirements and should preferably be tested and evaluated for each specific situation or scenario. In the embodiment discussed above, at least a portion 122 of second portion 120 is flexible. This is exemplified by a flexible material in the form of a mesh fabric. Other flexible or bendable types are also conceivable.

[0044] Contemplated material options for providing flexibility to at least a portion 122 of the second portion 120 may include:

[0045] - Fabric

[0046] - Silicone or silicone-based materials

[0047] - Non-woven textile materials (e.g., microfibers)

[0048] - Leather

[0049] - Artificial leather (polyurethane (PU) / protein / polyvinyl chloride (PVC) leather)

[0050] - TPE;

[0051] - TPU;

[0052] - Rubber

[0053] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide a transparent or translucent material. Possible transparent or translucent materials may include:

[0054] - Fabric

[0055] - Plastics / elastomers such as PC, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), TPU, PVC or similar

[0056] - Leather or artificial leather (PU / protein / PVC leather)

[0057] - Perforated metal

[0058] Furthermore, in order to achieve the desired transparency, it is possible to provide at least some of the above-mentioned materials as mesh-type materials.

[0059] Additional or alternative modifications and variations of the described embodiments are also possible. For example, while embodiments have been described herein with reference to the second portion 120 being advantageously removably attached to the first portion 110, it is possible to provide a charging container 100 in which the second portion 120 is instead permanently attached to the first portion 110. If so, the second portion 120 can, for example, be pivotally articulated with the first portion 110 to form the charging container.

[0060] Furthermore, while the present disclosure focuses on a charging container 100 configured to charge in-ear audio listening device(s) 200A, 200B (e.g., when the in-ear audio listening device(s) 200A, 200B are positioned in recess 112B of first portion 110), it should be understood that many of the technical effects and advantages of second portion 120 are also possible with containers used to store in-ear audio listening device(s) 200A, 200B (i.e., not providing charging). Therefore, the present invention also provides a case for storing in-ear audio listening devices, comprising: a first portion; and a second portion attached to the first portion to form a lid for enclosing the in-ear audio listening device(s) when the second portion faces the first portion; wherein at least a portion of the second portion is flexible. At least a portion of the second portion is made of a flexible material. The entire or substantially the entire second portion may be made of the flexible material. For example, the flexible material may include an elastic material. The flexible material may be air-permeable to form a breathable second portion. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible material may be at least partially transparent. The flexible material may include one or more of the following: fabric, leather or artificial leather, silicone-based material. In some embodiments, the second part may be removably attached to the first part to form the lid. For example, the second part may be pivotally hinged to the first part. In some embodiments, the second part may be pivotally hinged to the first part by means of a magnetic hinge. For example, the second part may include a protruding hinge part on one side thereof, which is provided with at least one first magnetic element; and the first part may include a recessed hinge part on one side thereof, which is provided with at least one second magnetic element, wherein the recessed hinge part may be shaped to receive the protruding hinge part to form a magnetic hinge by the magnetic attraction established between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element when the protruding hinge part is positioned in the recessed hinge part. In other alternative embodiments, the second part may alternatively be permanently attached to the first part to form the lid. The second part may, for example, be pivotally hinged to the first part. In the embodiment discussed above, the first portion may comprise a molded portion comprising a recess to receive the in-ear audio listening device for placement thereof. The shape of the recess may, for example, correspond to the shape of the in-ear audio listening device.

[0061] As mentioned above, modifications and other variations of the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific example embodiments described in this disclosure, and that modifications and other variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, while embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to in-ear audio listening devices (such as wireless earbuds), those skilled in the art will appreciate that some aspects or embodiments of the present invention are equally applicable to similar in-ear devices (including, for example, ear defenders). Furthermore, although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize numerous variations of the described embodiments that will still fall within the scope of the appended claims. As used herein, the terms "comprise" or "comprising" do not exclude the presence of additional elements or steps. Furthermore, although individual features may be included in different claims (or embodiments), such features may be advantageously combined, and the inclusion of different claims (or embodiments) does not imply that a certain combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. Furthermore, singular references do not exclude plural references. Finally, reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. A charging container (100) configured to store and charge a pair of wireless earbuds (200A; 200B), the charging container (100) being formed and sized to accommodate the pair of wireless earbuds (200A; 200B). 200B), the charging container (100) comprises: a first portion (110) comprising a molded portion (112), the molded portion comprising a recess (112B) to receive the pair of wireless earbuds (200A; 200B) so as to place the pair of wireless earbuds (200A; 200B), wherein a shape of the recess (112B) corresponds to a shape of the pair of wireless earbuds (200A; 200B); and a second portion (120) attached to the first portion (110) to form a cover for enclosing the pair of wireless earbuds (200A; 200B) when the second portion (120) faces the first portion (110), and wherein, The entire or substantially the entire second portion (120) is made of a flexible material so as to enable tactile feedback for confirming the presence or absence of wireless earbuds (200A; 200B) when the charging container is in the closed position; and wherein, The charging container (100) is configured to charge the pair of wireless earbuds (200A; 200B) when the pair of wireless earbuds (200A; 200B) are positioned in the recess (112B).

2. The charging container (100) according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion (122) of the second portion (120) is made of a flexible material.

3. The charging container (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The flexible material includes an elastic material.

4. The charging container (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The flexible material is air permeable to form a breathable second portion (120).

5. The charging container (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The flexible material is at least partially transparent.

6. The charging container (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The flexible material comprises one or more of the following: fabric, leather or artificial leather, silicone-based material.

7. The charging container (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second portion (120) is removably attached to the first portion (110) to form the cover.

8. The charging container (100) according to claim 7, wherein: The second portion (120) is pivotally hinged to the first portion (110).

9. The charging container (100) according to claim 8, wherein: The second part (120) is pivotally hinged to the first part (110) by means of a magnetic hinge (121B, 121C; 111B, 111C).

10. The charging container (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The second portion (120) includes a protruding hinge portion (121A) at one side thereof, the protruding hinge portion (121A) being provided with at least one first magnetic element (121B, 121C); and The first portion (110) includes a recessed hinge portion (111A) at one side thereof, the recessed hinge portion (111A) being provided with at least one second magnetic element (111B, 111C); and wherein, The recessed hinge portion (111A) is shaped to receive the protruding hinge portion (121A) to form the magnetic hinge by establishing a magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element (121B, 121C) and the second magnetic element (111B, 111C) when the protruding hinge portion (121A) is positioned in the recessed hinge portion (111A).

11. The charging container (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second portion is permanently attached to the first portion to form the cover.

12. The charging container (100) according to claim 11, wherein: The second portion (120) is pivotally hinged to the first portion (110).

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