GB2464990A

GB2464990A - Earphone / earbud clip to engage ear lobe

Info

Publication number: GB2464990A
Application number: GB0820128A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Bullen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-11-04
Filing date: 2008-11-04
Publication date: 2010-05-05
Also published as: GB0820128D0

Abstract

The earbud /earphone clip 1 includes attachment means 5 and 9 for attaching to an existing earbud 2 and in turn attaching to the users earlobe 3. The length, angle and material of the clip may be changed so as to provide properties that ensure secure attachment of the earbud to the user's earlobe.

Description

I

Earphone I Earbud Clip This invention relates to a clip that holds an earphone / earbud, hereafter called the earbud' to the user's earlobe / lower ear, hereafter called the earlobe'.

When people use earbuds they find that the earbud frequently work loose and can often fall out, especially during any significant movement such as exercise. This creates a high level of discomfort and frustration for the user.

Currently the earbud has either have no means of holding them to the ear or they use a means of either a tight fit in the earhole (outer ear canal) or even use an extended arm that rises up and over the top of the ear, often referred to as a clip. These and other methods of retaining the earbud in place continue to provide a level of discomfort as well as introducing negative hygiene issues and a significant drop in aesthetic appeal.

To overcome these concerns the present invention proposes a clip that can be fitted to an existing earbud which in turn attaches on to the users earlobe thus holding the earbud securely, comfortably and discretely in place.

The clip can be applied to an existing earbud and secured tightly to the most appropriate comfortable location that being the user's earlobe. The earlobe contains fewer nerve endings thus not being as sensitive to clips as other parts pf the ear. This invention enables the user to move freely without fear of the earbud dropping out of the user's ear.

The earbud clip is essentially one single component for each ear, each ear requiring either a left or right hand version of the earbud clip. The earbud clip can be made of molded, flexible plastic, metals or any other materials with similar properties.

The earbud clip has two main features: Firstly the design allows it to be securely fastened to an existing earphone / earbud, such as those provided with MP3 players or mobile phones.

Secondly; by use of the properties of the material with which it is made combined with the ergonomically designed shape, it can be securely attached to the earlobe or lower ear without the use of fastening devices or hinges.

The two features together, clamping to a pre-existing earbud and also fastening to the earlobe flower ear of the user provide a unique and innovative solution to the constant problem of earbuds becoming loose and dropping out of the users ear.

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings contain three figures, Figure A and Figure B and Figure C. Each figure shows a different view of the invention. Figures B and C also the left and right versions of the invention. Figure A shows how the invention 1 will look when attached to the earbud 2 and in turn attached to the user's earlobe 3. 4 is the user's ear.

The main attachment means 5 in the shape of a barrel / cylinder is the part of the earbud clip within which the pre-existing earbud is placed.

is found in Figures A, B and C. The main attachment means barrel 5 contains ribs 6 on the inside which provide additional purchase of the attachment means 5 to the earbud to ensure the earbud is held firm and secure.

6 is found in Figures B and C. A further feature is that the aperture or opening 7 down the attachment means 5, allows the audio wire 8 of the earbud to pass through the clip. It also allows a degree of flexing which allows the attachment means to close tightly around the earbud.

7 is found in Figure B and 8 is found in Figure A The angle of the stem 9 from the attachment means is such that it allows the wearer to retain the typical locations of the earbud as it would be without the clip whilst sweeping back and down to provide maximum attachment efficiency to the earlobe.

9 is found in Figures A and B The design of the curve on the clip stem 10 is such that it may be manufactured from plastic or metal so that it can benefit from the properties of those materials. The main property being a combination of strength with tension to allow the clip to be prized open slightly by the wearer when attaching the clip to the earlobe, then upon release the angle and material properties allow the clip to close tightly together creating the attachment means either side of the earlobe.

lOis found in Figures B and C. The end of the clip has an enlarged bobble 11 end or an added rubber bobble which helps to secure the clip against the earlobe.

11 is found in Figured B The clips are designed with a curvature for specifically the left or right ear with an "L" or an R" 12 to indicate the correct ear.

12 is found in Figure C. The clips are also marked with an arrow 13 to indicate to the user which end of the attachment means to the earbud should be up.

13 is found in Figure C.

Claims

Claims: Earphone I earbud clip This invention relates to a clip that holds an existing earbud to the users earlobe.1. A one piece clip compromising attachment means for attachment to earbud at one end of the invention with integral tension in the design which allows secure attachment to the user's earlobe at the other end of the invention.
2. A one piece clip according to claim 1 in which a means of attachment with internal ribs to grip to the earbud stem, the means of attachment also has an aperture to allow the audio wire of the earbud to pass through to ease attachment and removal.
3. A one piece clip according to claim 1 where the angle and length of the clip from earbud attachment means to earlobe attachment means provides tension in the stem to ensure the user can open the earlobe attachment means to position the clip on the earlobe and then release the dip such that it returns to its natural state and clamps either side of the earlobe to make sure the clip does not come loose,
4. A one piece clip according to claim 1 with a bobble on the end of the earlobe attachment means which provides further purchase on the user's earlobe, the length of stem behind ear allowing for use on different ear types and sizes.