A holder for storing a wearable audio device

Abstract

A holder for storing a wearable audio device. The holder comprising a body comprising an accommodation portion for accommodating the wearable audio device, and a blocking portion operable between a blocked state and an unblocked state to respectively block and unblock the wearable audio device when stored in the holder. The holder also includes a moveable magnetic element coupled to the blocking portion and arranged to magnetically couple with, and thus cause movement of, the wearable audio device away from the accommodation portion. Also disclosed is a wearable audio system including the holder and a wearable audio device.

Description

[0001] A HOLDER FOR STORING A WEARABLE AUDIO DEVICE

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known to store portable devices (e.g. headphones and earbuds) between uses in (or on) a holder, such as a case or dock. Such storage can, for example, protect a wearable audio device against damage while not in use (e.g. during transportation of the wearable audio device).

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] In a first aspect, there is disclosed a holder for storing a portable device. Example portable devices include: a portable electronic device, a wearable device, and a wearable audio device. The holder comprises: a body comprising an accommodation portion for accommodating (at least a portion of) the portable device; a blocking portion operable between a blocked state and an unblocked state to respectively block and unblock the portable device (e.g. with respect to the accommodation portion) when stored by the holder; and a moveable magnetic element coupled to the blocking portion and arranged to magnetically couple with, and thus cause movement of, the portable device with respect to, for example away from, the accommodation portion.

[0006] Providing a moveable magnetic element that can cause movement of the portable device (i.e. via the magnetic coupling) allows the moveable magnetic element to reposition the portable device relative to the accommodation portion. In some circumstances, this repositioning may improve access to the portable device by a user (e.g. a wearer). Improved access may be beneficial, for example, for removal of the portable device from the accommodation portion (and thus for removal of the portable device from the holder).

[0007] Providing for such movement of the portable device by way of a magnetic coupling may avoid the need to provide externally exposed means to move the portable device. That is, the moveable magnetic element may be concealed within the body so as not to be exposed to e.g. dust or debris which could be detrimental to operation. Similarly, providing the moveable magnetic element that can be concealed (rather than extending from the body to e.g. contact the portable device) may reduce the number of openings (in the body) to the external environment.

[0008] The accommodation portion may be configured to restrict movement of the portable device in at least one direction (when the portable device is accommodated by the accommodation portion). The accommodation portion may comprise a recess (e.g. depression, indentation, aperture, hole (through hole or blind hole), etc). The recess may have a depth. The depth may be in the direction, i.e. the depth direction, in which the recess extends into the body. The depth may be in the direction along which the portable device is inserted into the recess in normal use.

[0009] The recess may be configured (e.g. sized and shaped) for receipt of only part of the portable device or may be configured for receipt of the entirety of the portable device. The recess may comprise a portion for receipt of a stem of the portable device, such as a stem of a wearable audio device. The recess may comprise an elongate portion (e.g. for receipt of the stem). The elongate portion may extend in the depth direction of the recess.

[0010] The accommodation portion may be provided at an in-use upper surface of the body. For example, when the accommodation portion comprises a recess, the recess may be formed in the in-use upper surface of the body.

[0011] The recess may be defined by a recess wall. At least a base of the recess may be sealed (i.e. absent any openings). The recess may be fully enclosed except for an opening into which a portable device may be received. Accordingly, dust and debris may be prevented from entering an interior of the body from the recess.

[0012] The accommodation portion may comprise a length dimension, and the moveable magnetic element may be arranged to move (e.g. as a consequence of or by operation of the blocking portion) along a direction of the length dimension of the accommodation portion (e.g. a length direction of the elongate portion). The length direction may correspond to the depth direction, when the accommodation portion comprises the recess. The moveable magnetic element may be moveable to cause movement of the portable device from a stored position (in which the portable device is accommodated by the accommodation portion) to a removal position (in which the user may access the portable device for removal from the holder).

[0013] The moveable magnetic element may be moveable to cause movement of at least part of the portable device towards and away from the accommodation portion. That is, the moveable magnetic element may be moveable to magnetically levitate a part of (or the entirety of) the portable device away from the accommodation portion. The moveable magnetic element may be moveable towards and away from the accommodation portion.

[0014] The moveable magnetic element may be moveable towards and away from a base of the accommodation portion (e.g. a base of the recess of the accommodation portion when present). The moveable magnetic element may be moveable towards and away from an opening to the recess. The moveable magnetic element may be moveable towards and away from the in-use upper surface of the body.

[0015] The moveable magnetic element may be moveable along a path (e.g. a predetermined path). The path may be a substantially linear path. The moveable magnetic element may be moveable in the direction of the depth of the accommodation portion (e.g. the direction of the depth of the recess when the accommodation portion comprises a recess). The moveable magnetic element may be moveable along the stem of the accommodation portion, when present. The path (along which the moveable magnetic element may be moveable) may be substantially parallel to a depth of the recess.

[0016] The moveable magnetic element may be constrained to movement along the path. The holder may comprise a guide portion for guiding movement of the moveable magnetic element. The guide portion may guide the moveable magnetic element along the path. The guide portion may restrict movement of the moveable magnetic element in at least one direction. The guide portion may comprise a wall of the body. The moveable magnetic element may be moveable for a distance that is more than 1 mm, or e.g. more than 2 mm, or e.g. more than 5 mm. A range of movement of the moveable magnetic element, corresponding to a range of movement of the portable device by the magnetic coupling, may be 1 mm to 20 mm, and preferably, 3 mm to 10 mm.

[0017] The moveable magnetic element may be positioned proximate to (e.g. adjacent to) the accommodation portion. The moveable magnetic element may be positioned proximate to (e.g. adjacent to) the stem of the accommodation portion.

[0018] The moveable magnetic element may comprise a magnet (e.g. a permanent magnet). The moveable magnetic element may be a single magnet. The moveable magnetic element may be located to one side of the accommodation portion. The moveable magnetic element may partially surround the accommodation portion. The magnet may couple with a magnet or ferromagnetic material forming part of a portable device accommodated by the accommodation portion. The movement of the portable device may be irrespective of a polarity of the moveable magnetic element. The portable device may move, by magnetic coupling with the portable device, in any direction with respect to the accommodation portion, as a result of the same polarity of the moveable magnetic element acting on the portable device.

[0019] The moveable magnetic element may comprise a ferromagnetic material (e.g. steel). In such arrangements, the ferromagnetic material may couple with a magnet forming part of a portable device accommodated by the accommodation portion.

[0020] The blocking portion may be moveable relative to the body. Movement of the blocking portion may be converted to movement of the moveable magnetic element. The blocking portion may be moveable between the blocked state (e.g. a blocked position relative to the body to respectively block the portable device with respect to the accommodation portion) and the unblocked state (e.g. an unblocked position relative to the body to respectively unblock the portable device with respect to the accommodation portion). The blocking portion may be rotatable relative to the body. For example, rotational movement of the blocking portion may be converted to translational movement of the moveable magnetic element. The blocking portion may be pivotable relative to the body. The blocking portion may be rotatable (e.g. pivotable) between the blocked and unblocked positions.

[0021] The blocking portion may be mounted to the body. The blocking portion may be moveably mounted to the body. The blocking portion may be pivotably (or hingeably) mounted to the body, for example, by way of a first pivotable connection for pivoting the blocking portion relative to the body portion about a first pivot axis. Thus, the holder may, for example, comprise a hinge connecting the blocking portion to the body.

[0022] The blocking portion may be spaced from (e.g. non-contacting with) the portable audio device in the accommodation portion when in the blocked state.

[0023] The first pivot axis may be perpendicular to the depth of the recess (of the accommodation portion). The first pivot axis may be perpendicular to the path along which the moveable magnetic element is moveable. The first pivot axis may extend in a lateral direction.

[0024] In general, in the blocked state, the blocking portion may prevent egress and / or ingress of the portable device with respect to the accommodation portion, for example into a recess of the accommodation portion. The blocking portion may, in the blocked state, be arranged so as to restrict movement of the portable device away from the accommodation portion. The blocking portion may, in the blocked state, be arranged to prevent movement of the portable device relative to the accommodation portion.

[0025] The blocking portion may, in the blocked state, be arranged to contact (e.g. engage) a portable device accommodated by the accommodation portion.

[0026] In the blocked state, the blocking portion may at least partly (e.g. may fully) cover the accommodation portion (e.g. the recess) so as to at least partly (e.g. may fully) restrict physical access by the user to the accommodation portion, and thus the portable device when stored in the accommodation portion. The blocking portion may retain the portable device, and thus may be a retaining portion. The blocking portion may be or may comprise a lid. The lid may be moveable (e.g. pivotable) between an open position (which may correspond to the unblocked state) and a closed position (which may correspond to the blocked state). In the blocked state, the blocking portion may at least partly (e.g. may fully) cover the portable device when the portable device is stored by the holder so as to at least partly (e.g. may fully) restrict physical access of the portable device with respect to the accommodation portion.

[0027] The lid may be configured to seal the accommodation portion from the external environment. For example, the lid may seal with the body when in the closed position. In this way, the lid may be configured to prevent (or at least limit) dust and debris ingress into the accommodation portion when closed.

[0028] The blocking portion may be configured to accommodate a portion of the portable device. An internal surface of the lid may be configured to accommodate a portion of a portable device accommodated by the accommodation portion. For example, the lid may comprise a recess (e.g. depression) into which part of a portable device is received when the lid is in the closed position. The recess of the accommodation portion (when present) may be such that a portion of a portable device received therein extends beyond the recess. This (exposed) portion of the portable device may be accommodated by the internal surface of the lid (e.g. received in a recess of the internal surface of the lid).

[0029] In the unblocked state the blocking portion may be positioned so as to provide access to the accommodation portion (e.g. access to a portable device accommodated by the accommodation portion). In the unblocked state at least part of the blocking portion may be further from the body compared to when the blocking portion is in the blocked state. In the unblocked state, the blocking portion may resist (but not prevent) movement of the portable device with respect to the accommodation portion.

[0030] In the unblocked state, at least part of the blocking portion may be pivoted away from the body. In the unblocked state the accommodation portion (e.g. lid) may be partly (or fully) uncovered by the lid. For example, the lid may pivot by an angle that is 30 degrees or more between the blocked and unblocked state (or e.g. that is 60 degrees or more, or e.g. 90 degrees or more).

[0031] The coupling between the blocking portion and the moveable magnetic element may be configured such that the moveable magnetic element moves in response to a change in the blocking portion state between the blocked state to the unblocked state.

[0032] The coupling between the blocking portion and the moveable magnetic element may be configured such that the moveable magnetic element is further from a base of the accommodation portion (e.g. recess) when the blocking portion is in the blocked state than when the blocking portion is in the unblocked state. Thus, the coupling between the blocking portion and the moveable magnetic element may be configured such that the moveable magnetic element moves away from a base of the accommodation portion (e.g. recess) in response to a change of the blocking portion from the blocked state to the unblocked state.

[0033] The coupling between the blocking portion and the moveable magnetic element may be configured to move the moveable magnetic element from a first position to a second position when the blocking portion changes from the blocked state to unblocked state. In the first position, the moveable magnetic element may be closer to a base of the accommodation portion (e.g. recess) compared to the moveable magnetic element in the second position.

[0034] The coupling between the blocking portion and the moveable magnetic element may be configured such that the moveable magnetic element moves in response to movement of the blocking portion. The coupling between the blocking portion and the moveable magnetic element may be such that the moveable magnetic element moves instantaneously in response to movement of the blocking portion.

[0035] The coupling between the blocking portion and the moveable magnetic element may be configured such that the motion of the moveable magnetic element is controlled by motion of the blocking portion (e.g. between the blocked and unblocked states). The coupling between the blocking portion and the moveable magnetic element may be configured such that a rate of motion of the moveable magnetic element is proportional to a rate of motion of the blocking portion (e.g. when the blocking portion moves between the blocked and unblocked states).

[0036] In this way, the user may be able to control the position and rate of motion of the moveable magnetic element (and thus the portable device) in a continuous manner by movement of the blocking portion.

[0037] The coupling between the blocking portion and the moveable magnetic element may comprise a mechanical coupling. Thus, the blocking portion and moveable magnetic element may be mechanically connected.

[0038] The mechanical coupling may comprise a linkage. The linkage may be pivotably mounted to the moveable magnetic element. The blocking portion may be pivotably mounted to the linkage (e.g. indirectly or directly) by way of a second pivotable connection for pivoting the linkage relative to the blocking portion about a second pivot axis. The linkage may be pivotably mounted (e.g. indirectly or directly) to the moveable magnetic element by way of a third pivotable connection for pivoting the linkage relative to the moveable magnetic element about a third pivot axis. The third pivotable connection may be spaced from the second pivotable connection.

[0039] The linkage may be elongate (e.g. may be in the form of a bar). The first and second pivotable connections may be located at opposite ends of the linkage.

[0040] The blocking portion (e.g. lid) may comprise a cover portion that at least partly (e.g. fully) covers the accommodation portion, such as the recess, in the blocked state. Additionally, or alternatively, the cover portion may cover the portable device in the blocked state. The blocking portion may comprise a lever extending from the cover portion. The lever may extend into the body (i.e. an interior of the body) from the cover portion. The cover portion may extend from the first pivotable connection in a first direction and the lever may extend from the first pivotable connection in a second direction that is different to the first direction.

[0041] The second pivotable connection (between the linkage and the blocking portion) may be provided on the lever. In this way, the lever may space the first pivotable connection from the second pivotable connection. As may be appreciated, such an arrangement may mean that as the blocking portion is pivoted, the lever also pivots, causing the second pivotable connection to move in an arc about the first pivotable connection.

[0042] At least two of (e.g. all of) the first, second, and third pivot axes may be parallel to one another. The first, second and third pivot axes may lie on a single shared reference plane when the blocking portion is in the blocked state. Thus, in the blocked state, the lever and linkage may be parallel.

[0043] A distance between the first and second pivot axes may be from 3 to 15 mm. A distance between the second and third pivot axes may be from 5 to 20 mm.

[0044] The accommodation portion may be a first accommodation portion (e.g. comprising a first recess) for accommodating a first portable device. The holder may comprise a second accommodation portion (e.g. comprising a second recess) for accommodating a second portable device. The second accommodation portion may be laterally spaced from the first accommodation portion.

[0045] As may be appreciated, the first and second portable devices may be wearable audio devices configured for use with the user’s left and right ears, and one of the wearable audio devices may have an external appearance that is essentially a mirror image of the other wearable audio device. Accordingly, the first accommodation portion may be a mirror image of the second accommodation portion. The second accommodation portion may be as otherwise described above with respect to the first accommodation portion. The moveable magnetic element may be arranged to magnetically couple with the first and second portable devices when respectively accommodated by the first and second accommodation portions.

[0046] Alternatively (or additionally) the moveable magnetic element may be a first moveable magnetic element arranged to magnetically couple with the first portable device when accommodated in the first accommodation portion, and the holder may comprise a second moveable magnetic element arranged to magnetically couple with the second portable device when accommodated in the second accommodation portion. That is, each portable device may couple with a respective one of the first and second moveable magnetic elements.

[0047] The blocking portion may be coupled to both the first and second moveable magnetic elements (such coupling being as already described above).

[0048] As set forth above, the (or each) moveable magnetic element may be pivotably mounted to the linkage (by way of the third pivotable connection). Such mounting may be an indirect mounting. For example, each of the first and second moveable magnetic elements may be supported by a cross-member, and the cross-member may be pivotably mounted to the linkage by the third pivotable connection. The third pivotable connection may be provided at a central region of the cross-member (e.g. may be central to the cross-member in the lateral direction).

[0049] The first and second moveable magnetic elements may be supported at opposite ends of the cross-member.

[0050] The cross-member may be laterally extending. The cross-member may comprise a first arm extending from the third pivotable connection towards the first accommodation portion. The first moveable magnetic element may be mounted to (e.g. a distal end of) the first arm. The cross-member may comprise a second arm extending from the third pivotable connection towards the second accommodation portion. The second moveable magnetic element may be mounted to (e.g. a distal end of) the second arm. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “distal” is used here with reference to the third pivotable connection from which the arms extend.

[0051] The or each moveable magnetic element may be coupled to the blocking portion by the mechanical coupling. The mechanical coupling may be interposed between the first and second accommodation portions (e.g. recesses) in at least one of the open and closed positions. In other words, a space defined between the first and second accommodation portions may be utilised to accommodate movement of the mechanical coupling.

[0052] The holder may comprise a power source. The power source may be a battery (e.g. a rechargeable battery). The power source may be for supply of power to a portable device when accommodated by the accommodation portion.

[0053] The holder may comprise electronic circuitry configured for power transfer, such as wireless power transfer, from the power supply to the or each portable device when received in the recess, for example, for charging a rechargeable power source of the or each portable device. Thus, the holder may function to store and charge the or each portable device. In other arrangements, the holder may (alternatively or additionally) comprise electrical contacts arranged (e.g. in or on the accommodation portion(s)) for supply of power from the power source to the or each portable device.

[0054] The holder may be in the form of a case. The holder may be for holding an earbud (or a pair of earbuds). That is, the portable device may be a wearable audio device e.g. a headphone (on ear, over ear) or earbud (in-ear (fitted to ear canal and / or concha region), around ear, open ear).

[0055] In a second aspect, there is disclosed an apparatus for interacting with a portable device. The apparatus may be a holder for storing the portable device. The apparatus may be for physical contact with the portable device. The apparatus may be for charging a power source, such as a rechargeable battery, of the portable device. Example portable devices include: a portable electronic device, a wearable device, and a wearable audio device. The holder may comprise: an access member to selectively enable and disable extraction of the portable device (e.g. by a user, who may be a wearer of the wearable device), for example, when stored in the holder. The apparatus may comprise a moveable magnetic element magnetically coupleable to the portable device. The moveable magnetic element, such as a magnet, may be moveable in response to an input to the access member to correspondingly move (e.g. raise, lower, or selectively raise and lower) the portable device by magnetic force (the portable device may comprise a magnet) with respect to the accommodation portion (e.g. to magnetically levitate the portable device with respect to the apparatus, such as the holder). The access member may therefore be arranged with at least two functions: first, to selectively enable and disable extraction, and second, to trigger or cause movement of the portable device in response to the input to the access member. The input may be user input, for example, movement of the access member, for example, when the access member is a blocking portion, such as a lid. When the apparatus is for charging the power source of the portable device (for example, when the apparatus comprises a power source), the moveable magnet may be configured to bring the portable device, by the magnetic coupling, into charging contact with a charging feature of the apparatus, such as charging pins.

[0056] When selectively operated to disable extraction, the access member may be configured to prevent removal of the portable device from the holder.

[0057] The moveable magnetic element may be moveable alongside the portable device when stored in the holder. For example, the moveable magnetic element may be moveable within the case with a side of the portable device (rather than with a base of the portable device) as the portable device moves with respect to the accommodation portion.

[0058] The holder may be configured such that there is a substantially constant distance is maintained between the moveable magnetic element and the portable device when the moveable magnetic element moves the portable device.

[0059] A direction between poles of the moveable magnetic element may be substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the moveable magnetic element. The moveable magnetic element may comprise a length in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the moveable magnetic element. The moveable magnetic element may comprise a planar external surface substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the moveable magnetic element.

[0060] The moveable magnetic element may be constrained to move in a repeatable manner.

[0061] The apparatus (such as the holder) of the second aspect may be as described with respect to the holder of the first aspect (may include one or more of the features of the holder of the first aspect). The access member of the second aspect may be include one or more of the features of the blocking portion of the first aspect.

[0062] In a third aspect, there is disclosed a case for storing a wearable audio device, such as an earbud. The wearable audio device is an example of a portable device. The case comprises a lid to provide access to an accommodation portion for accommodating the wearable audio device. The case comprises a magnet for imparting magnetic force on the wearable audio device, such as a magnet of the wearable audio device, and causing movement of the wearable audio with respect to the accommodation portion when the wearable audio is stored in the case. The magnet being moveable in response to movement of the lid, such that the wearable audio device is more accessible for removing the wearable audio device from the case when the lid is opened. Movement of the lid and magnet of the case may be co-ordinated, for example, by being mechanically linked to each other.

[0063] Providing a case having a moveable magnet coupled to the lid may allow for a more compact case. Moving the magnet of the case in response to the movement of the lid, for example, by directly controlling movement of the magnet by operation of the lid, may enable removal of the wearable audio device to be more convenient.

[0064] In a fourth aspect, there is disclosed a portable system. Example portable systems include: a portable electronic system, a wearable system, and a wearable audio system. The portable system comprising: a holder according to the first or second aspect; and a portable device accommodatable in the accommodation portion of the body of the holder, the portable device comprising a magnetic element arranged to magnetically couple with the moveable magnetic element of the holder.

[0065] The portable device of the portable system may be as described above with respect to the first, second or third aspects.

[0066] The magnetic coupling between the moveable magnetic element of the holder and the magnetic element of the portable device may retain the portable device in a predetermined orientation when the portable device is accommodated in the accommodation portion. In this respect, each of the magnetic elements may be non-annular / circular.

[0067] The magnetic coupling between the moveable magnetic element of the holder and the magnetic element of the portable device may be configured to retain the portable device in or on the accommodation portion. The magnetic coupling between the moveable magnetic element of the holder and the magnetic element of the portable device may be configured to retain the portable device in or on the accommodation portion when a gravitational force is applied to the portable device in a direction of removal of the portable device from the accommodation portion. In this way, the magnetic coupling may be able to retain the portable device even when the holder is held in an upside-down orientation (i.e. with the blocking portion in the unblocked state).

[0068] The portable device may comprise a stem (e.g. an elongate stem). The portable device may comprise a head (e.g. enlarged relative to the stem). The head may comprise a speaker. The portable device may comprise a tip (for insertion into the ear canal of a wearer). The stem may extend from the head. The magnetic element of the portable device may be provided in or on the stem (e.g. at a distal end of the stem, distal from the head).

[0069] As may be appreciated, in arrangements where the holder of the portable system comprises first and second accommodation portions, the system may comprise first and second portable devices as described above with respect to the first aspect. For example, the wearable audio device of the third aspect is an example of a portable device. Thus, the portable device of the portable system of the fourth aspect may be as described above with respect to the wearable audio device of the third aspect.

[0070] Any feature of any aspect may be combinable with any other aspect.

[0071] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a wearable audio system comprising a holder with a blocking portion of the holder in a blocked state.

[0073] Figure IB is a perspective view of the wearable audio system of Figure 1A with the blocking portion of the holder in an unblocked state.

[0074] Figure 2A is a front section view of the wearable audio system of Figure 1A with the blocking portion in the blocked state.

[0075] Figure 2B is a side section view of the wearable audio system of Figure 1A with the blocking portion in the blocked state.

[0076] Figure 3A is a front section view of the wearable audio system of Figure 1A with the blocking portion in the unblocked state.

[0077] Figure 3B is a side section view of the wearable audio system of Figure 1A with the blocking portion in the unblocked state.

[0078] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] Figures 1A and IB show an example portable system in the form of a wearable audio system 10. The wearable audio system 10 includes a holder in the form of a case 11, for storing wearable audio devices in the form of a pair of earbuds 12 (i.e. left and right earbuds 12 respectively for a wearer’s left and right ears).

[0080] The case 11 includes a body 13 comprising accommodation portions in the form of two laterally spaced recesses 14, each recess 14 for accommodating a respective earbud 12 (by partial receipt of the respective earbud 12 in the recess 14). In particular, the recesses 14 are formed in an in-use (planar) upper surface 15 of the body 13 of the case 11.

[0081] The case 11 further includes a blocking portion (or access member) in the form of a lid 16. The lid 16 is hingedly mounted to the body 13 by a first pivotable (hinged) connection 28 (see Figure 2B) at a location proximate to a rear edge 17 of the upper surface 15 of the body 13. This first pivotable connection 28 means the lid 16 is operable (i.e. hingeable) between a blocked state and an unblocked state (to selectively enable and disable extraction of the earbuds 12 from the recesses 14).

[0082] In the blocked state (shown in Figure 1A), the lid 16 is in a closed position (i.e. the lid 16 covers the recesses 14) so as to block the earbuds 12 from being dislodged from the recesses 14. In the unblocked state (shown in Figure IB), the lid 16 is in an open position (i.e. is hinged away from the body 13) so as to unblock the earbuds 12, allowing the earbuds 12 to be removed from the recesses 14.

[0083] As apparent from Figure 1 A, when in the closed position, the case 11 has a rounded cuboid shape (i.e. formed by the combination of the lid 16 and the body 13). The case 11 is of a size and shape that allows the case to be stored in, for example, a pocket of the clothing of the wearer.

[0084] Figures 2A and 2B provide section views showing further detail of the case 11 and earbuds 12 in the blocked state. Each earbud 12 includes a spherical head 18 that houses a speaker, and an elongate stem 19 that extends from the head 18 (in a downwards direction as illustrated). Each earbud 12 also includes an elastic tip 22 mounted to the respective head 18 of the earbud 12 for receipt in the ear canal of the wearer. One earbud 12 is a mirror image of the other, such that the earbuds 12 are configured for use with the left and right ears of the wearer. When received in the recesses 14 of the case 11, the earbuds 12 are oriented such that the tips 22 of the earbuds 12 extend towards one another.

[0085] Each recess 14 is complementary in shape to the earbud 12 received therein. For example, each recess 14 includes a primary cavity 20 (see Figure 3A) and an elongate portion 21 extending from the primary cavity 20 (in the downwards direction as illustrated). The primary cavity 20 of each recess 14 receives a lower part (as illustrated) of the head 18 and tip 22 of the earbud 12 in use, and the elongate portion 21 receives the stem 19. In this way, each earbud 12 fits snugly within one of the recesses 14 so that movement of each earbud 12 is restricted when accommodated therein. Movement of the earbuds 12 is further restricted by the lid 16. When the earbuds 12 are fully received in the recesses 14, an uppermost portion of each earbud 12 protrudes upwardly beyond the respective recess 14 (and thus beyond the upper surface 15 of the body 13). To accommodate these uppermost portions of the earbuds 12, an internal surface 23 of the lid 16 (which faces the upper surface 15 of the body 13 in the closed position) includes depressions 24. These depressions 24 are complementary in shape to the upper portions of the earbuds 12 but are sized such that there is a clearance between the internal surface 23 and the heads 18 of the earbuds 12.

[0086] As set forth above, the lid 16 functions as a blocking portion (or access member), so as to block the earbuds 12 when in the closed position. As can be seen in Figure 2A, the internal surface 23 of the lid 16 and the tips 22 of each of the earbuds 12 are in contact when the lid 16 is closed. This contact helps to restrict movement of the earbuds 12 out of the recesses 14 (i.e. so as to block the earbuds 12 from being dislodged from the recesses 14). Further blocking of the earbuds 12 is provided by the fact that the lid 16 (in particular, the internal surface 23) extends across the recesses 14 (which, for example, would prevent the earbuds 12 from falling out of the case 11 under e.g. shock loading).

[0087] In addition to blocking the earbuds 12, the lid 16 limits ingress of dust and debris into the recesses 14 (and / or into the earbuds 12 when received in the recesses 14). This is provided by a seal between an outer periphery 25 of the upper surface 15 of the body 13 and a peripheral rim 26 of the internal surface 23 of the lid 16 (see Figure IB). That is, when the lid 16 is closed, the outer periphery 25 of the upper surface 15 and the rim 26 are in contact to form a seal that restricts ingress of dust and debris into the case 11.

[0088] In Figures 3A and 3B, the lid 16 is in the open position (i.e. the unblocked state). In this position, the lid 16 is rotated about a (laterally extending) first pivot axis 27 by about 90 degrees from the closed position. This rotation is provided by the hinged connection 28 between the lid 16 and the body 13. In this open position, the lid 16 does not cover the recesses 14, and thus does not cover the earbuds 12 when received in the recesses 14. This means the recesses 14 and the earbuds 12 (when received in the recesses 14) are exposed for access by a user. Accordingly, the user can move the lid 16 to the open position to insert the earbuds 12 into the recesses 14 for storage. Likewise, the user can move the lid 16 to the open position to remove earbuds 12 received in the recesses 14.

[0089] The illustrated system 10 is configured to facilitate such removal and insertion of earbuds 12. To provide this, each earbud 12 includes a magnetic element in the form of a magnet 29 (referred to herein as an earbud magnet 29) that is located at distal end 30 (lower end as illustrated) of the stem 19 of the earbud 12. Likewise, the case 11 comprises two moveable magnetic elements in the form of magnets 31 (referred to herein as case magnets 31), each of which is magnetically coupled with a respective earbud magnet 29 when the earbuds 12 are received in the recesses 14.

[0090] Each pair of magnetically coupled earbud 29 and case 31 magnets are separated by a recess wall 33 that defines a respective recess 14 of the case 11. Thus, each earbud magnet 29 (when the earbuds 12 are received in the recesses 14) and each case magnet 31 is positioned adjacent to a respective recess wall 33. As may be appreciated, the magnetic coupling between the earbud 29 and case 31 magnets aids in rotational alignment of each earbud 12 within the respective recess 14 of the earbud 12 (i.e. at least about an axis extending along the stem 19 of each earbud 12). That is, the attraction between the case 31 and earbud 29 magnets can rotate each earbud 12 (if rotational misaligned) to ensure suitable alignment within the recesses 14.

[0091] Each of the case magnets 31 is moveable relative to the recesses 14 (alongside the respective earbud 12 in the recess 14). The magnetic coupling between the case magnets 31 and the earbud magnets 29 means that such movement of the case magnets 31 causes movement of the earbud magnets 29. Further, the earbud magnets 29 are fixedly mounted within the earbuds 12, such that movement of the earbud magnets 29 causes movement of the earbuds 12. In other words, movement of the case magnets 31 causes movement of the earbuds 12 via the magnetic coupling between the case magnets 31 and the earbud magnets 29.

[0092] The case magnets 31 are each coupled to the lid 16. This coupling is configured such that an input to the lid 16 (in the form of movement of the lid 16 between the open and closed positions) causes movement of the case magnets 31. In particular, as the lid 16 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the case magnets 31 are moved along a predetermined linear path that extends parallel to a depth direction of the recesses 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the depth of each recess 14 is parallel to the direction of elongation of the elongate portions 31 of the recesses 14, and thus is also parallel to the direction of insertion / removal of the earbuds into / from the recesses 14 in use (i.e. the vertical direction as illustrated).

[0093] Accordingly, each case magnet 31 is moved, in response to rotation of the lid 16, towards and away from a base 32 of a respective recess 14. As should be appreciated, movement of the case magnets 31 in this way results in movement of the earbuds 12 into and (partly) out of their respective recesses 14. Specifically, as the lid 16 is moved from the closed position (Figures 2A and 2B) to the open position (Figures 3A and 3B), the earbuds 12 are moved in a direction out of the recesses 14 (i.e. are moved away from the bases 32 of the recesses 14). Hence, as should be apparent from Figures 3A and 3B, when the lid 16 is open the earbuds 12 are partially raised or lifted (i.e. levitated) out of the recesses 14. This increases the portion of each earbud 12 that extends out of the respective recess 14, to make the earbuds 12 easier for the user to grip and remove the earbuds 12 from the recesses 14 (and thus from the case 11).

[0094] Conversely, when the lid 16 is closed, the earbuds 12 are lowered into the recesses 14. That is, as the lid 16 is moved from the open position (Figures 3 A and 3B) to the closed position (Figures 2 A and 2B), the earbuds 12 are moved in a direction further into the recesses 14 (i.e. are moved towards the bases 32 of the recesses 14). As may be appreciated, this means the user can control the position (and motion) of the earbuds 12 relative to the recesses 14 by movement of the lid 16. As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, the case 11 comprises a power source 49, and electronic circuitry 50 (illustrated schematically) for power transfer from retractable charging pins 51 of the case 11 (see Figures 3 A and 3B) to a power source 52 of each earbud 12 via charging contacts 53 of the earbuds 12. Each power source 52 of the earbuds 12 is illustrated as being located in the head 18 of a respective earbud 12, but it should be appreciated that each of these power sources 52 may be located elsewhere in or on the respective earbud 12 (such as in the stem 19 of the respective earbud 12). Likewise, the charging pins 51 of the illustrated example are retractable, but in other examples may be non-retractable.

[0095] Each case magnet 31 is moved to bring the charging contact 53 of each earbud 12 into and out of contact with the charging pins 51 to enable charging of each earbud 12. Thus, the illustrated embodiment differs from known examples of cases for earbuds 12 by using a moveable magnet 31 coupled to the lid 16 to align the earbuds 12 for charging.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling between the lid 16 and the case magnets 31 is in the form of a mechanical coupling 34 that includes an elongate linkage 35 (best seen in Figures 2B and 3B). The lid 16 is pivotably mounted to the linkage 35 by way of a second pivotable connection 36 at a first end 37 of the linkage 35. In this way, the linkage 35 and lid 16 can pivot relative to one another about a second pivot axis 38 defined by the second pivotable connection 36.

[0097] At a second end 39 of the linkage 35 (opposite the first end 37) the linkage 35 is pivotably mounted to a cross-member 42 by way of a third pivotable connection 40. In this way, the cross-member 42 can pivot relative to the linkage 35 about a third pivot axis 41 defined by the third pivotable connection 40.

[0098] The third pivotable connection 40 is located substantially centrally on the cross-member 42. The cross-member 42 includes two arms 43 that extend in opposite lateral directions from the second pivotable connection 40, each towards a respective recess 14 of the body 13. In this way, the cross-member 42 extends generally laterally across an interior of the body 13. Each arm 43 of the cross-member 42 extends both upwardly (towards the upper surface 15 of the body 13) and forwardly (i.e. out of the page in Figures 2A and 3A). Accordingly, distal ends 48 of the arms 43 are each located proximate to a respective recess 14. The two case magnets 31 are mounted to the two distal ends 43 of the arms 43 of the cross-member 42. In this way, the case magnets 31 are indirectly (i.e. via the cross-member 42) pivotably mounted to the linkage 35.

[0099] As should be apparent from the figures, the second pivotable connection 36 (about which the linkage 35 rotates relative to the lid 16) is spaced from the first pivotable connection 28 (about which the lid 16 rotates relative to the body 13). The lid 16 includes a cover portion 44 (providing the bulk of the lid 16 that covers the recesses 14 in the closed position) and a lever 45 that extends from the cover portion 44. In particular, the lever 45 extends into an interior 46 of the body 13. The first pivotable connection 28 (between the lid 16 and the body 13) and the second pivotable connection 36 are provided at opposite ends of the lever 45.

[0100] In the closed position (i.e. when the lid 16 is closed), both the lever 45 and the linkage 35 extends substantially vertically (i.e. in the illustrated orientation) along a rear wall 47 of the body 13. In this position, each of the first 27, second 38 and third 41 pivot axes are aligned in a single (vertical) plane.

[0101] As the lid 16 is rotated to the open position (anticlockwise as illustrated), the lever 45 rotates causing the second pivotable connection 36 to move both forward and upward along an arc within the interior 46 of the body 13. This causes the linkage 35 to move in an upward direction, which raises the third pivotable connection 40 and consequently, also raises the cross-member 42 and the case magnets 31.

[0102] While the second pivotable connection 36 moves along an arc, the third pivotable connection 40 moves along a linear (vertical) path. This is because forward and rearward movement (left and right movement on the page) of the cross-member 42 is restricted. In particular, the cross-member 42 is prevented from moving rearwardly because the cross- member 42 engages the rear wall 47 of the body (i.e. the rear wall 47 acts as a guide portion of the case 11). The cross-member 42 is similarly prevented from moving in a forward direction, because of engagement between the case magnets 31 and the recess walls 33 (i.e. the recess walls 33 also act as guide portions). Hence, in effect, the crossmember 42 is wedged between the recess walls 33 and the rear wall 47 of the body 13 so as to be constrained to linear movement in the (as illustrated) vertical direction. In other words, the case magnets 31 are constrained to move in a repeatable manner (e.g. the case magnets 31 move linearly, in this example).

[0103] In this way, rotational movement of the lid 16 is converted to linear movement of the case magnets 13 parallel to the depth direction of the recesses 14. Accordingly, upon opening the lid 16 (e.g. to access the earbuds 12), the earbuds 12 will be raised from the recesses 14 to be more accessible for gripping by the user (i.e. for removal from the case 11).

[0104] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0105] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A holder for storing a wearable audio device, the holder comprising: a body comprising an accommodation portion for accommodating the wearable audio device; a blocking portion operable between a blocked state and an unblocked state to respectively block and unblock the wearable audio device when stored by the holder; and a moveable magnetic element coupled to the blocking portion and arranged to magnetically couple with, and thus cause movement of, the wearable audio device away from the accommodation portion.

2. The holder according to claim 1, wherein the moveable magnetic element is moveable towards and away from a base of the accommodation portion.

3. The holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moveable magnetic element is moveable along a predetermined path.

4. The holder according to claim 3, comprising a guide portion configured to guide the moveable magnetic element along the predetermined path.

5. The holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein motion of the moveable magnetic element is controlled by motion of the blocking portion.

6. The holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a rate of motion of the moveable magnetic element is proportional to a rate of motion of the blocking portion.

7. The holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking portion is pivotably mounted to the body.

8. The holder according to claim 7, wherein the blocking portion pivots relative to the body about a first pivot axis, the first pivot axis being perpendicular to a depth direction of the accommodation portion.

9. The holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking portion and the moveable magnetic element are coupled by a mechanical coupling.

10. The holder according to claims 7 to 9, wherein the mechanical coupling comprises: a linkage pivotably mounted to the moveable magnetic element; and the blocking portion is pivotably mounted to the linkage.

11. The holder according to claim 10, wherein the blocking portion comprises a cover portion that covers the accommodation portion in the blocked state.

12. The holder according to claim 11, wherein the blocking portion comprises a lever that extends into the body from the blocking portion.

13. The holder according to any preceding claim, wherein the accommodation portion comprises a length dimension, and the moveable magnetic element moves along a direction of the length dimension of the accommodation portion.

14. The holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the accommodation portion is a first accommodation portion for accommodating a first wearable audio device and the holder comprises a second accommodation portion for accommodating a second wearable audio device.

15. The holder according to claim 14, wherein the moveable magnetic element is arranged to magnetically couple with the first and second wearable audio devices when respectively received in the first and second accommodation portions.

16. The holder according to claim 14, wherein: the moveable magnetic element is a first moveable magnetic element arranged to magnetically couple with the first wearable audio device when accommodated by the first accommodation portion; the holder comprises a second moveable magnetic element arranged to magnetically couple with the second wearable audio device when accommodated by the second accommodation portion; and the blocking portion is coupled to both the first and second moveable magnetic elements.

17. The holder according to claim 16, wherein the first and second moveable magnetic elements are supported by a cross-member.

18. The holder according to claim 9 and any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the or each moveable magnetic element is coupled to the blocking portion by the mechanical coupling.

19. The holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each moveable magnetic element is a permanent magnet.

20. A wearable audio system comprising: the holder according to any one of the preceding claims; and a wearable audio device accommodatable by the accommodation portion of the body of the holder, the wearable audio device comprising a magnetic element arranged to magnetically couple with the moveable magnetic element of the holder.

21. The wearable audio system according to claim 20, wherein the magnetic coupling between the moveable magnetic element of the holder and the magnetic element of the wearable audio device retains the wearable audio device in a predetermined orientation when the wearable audio device is accommodated by the accommodation portion.

22. The wearable audio device according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the wearable audio device comprises a stem and the accommodation portion comprises an elongate portion for receipt of the stem, and wherein the moveable magnetic element of the holder is proximate to the elongate portion of the accommodation portion.

23. A holder for storing a wearable audio device, the holder comprising: an access member to selectively enable and disable extraction of the wearable audio device when stored in the holder; and a moveable magnetic element magnetically coupleable to the wearable audio device, the moveable magnetic element being moveable in response to an input to the access member to correspondingly move the wearable audio device by magnetic force.

24. The holder according to claim 23, wherein the moveable magnetic element is moveable alongside the wearable audio device when stored in the holder.

25. The holder according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the moveable magnetic element is constrained to move in a repeatable manner.

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