WO2020122906A1

WO2020122906A1 - Headphone cord holder

Info

Publication number: WO2020122906A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/065283
Authority: WO
Inventors: John E. PUTNAM
Original assignee: Putnam John E
Priority date: 2018-12-12
Filing date: 2018-12-12
Publication date: 2020-06-18

Abstract

A headphone or other wire holder (100) including an elongated central body (102) and a pair of forked portions (104), one on each end of the central body (102). Each forked portion (104) includes two tines (106a, 106b). The central body (102) defines a retention channel (112) running along a length of the central body (102) between the forked portions (104). The retention channel (112) is configured to receive and secure a length of a wire, such as a headphone cable.

Description

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE AS RECEIVING OFFICE

PATENT COOPERATION TREATY APPLICATION

TITLE

Headphone Cord Holder

BACKGROUND

[0001] Headphone holders or wrapping devices provide a convenient storage and organization tool for managing cables of headphones, which can otherwise become knotted and tangled and lead to damage or difficulty arranging for use. Headphone holders or wrapping devices typically must be removed from the cord or cable of the headphones when they are not in use. This means that the headphone holder must be stored by the owner, such as in a purse or pocket, increasing the probability that the headphone holder will be lost or damaged.

[0002] The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound.

SUMMARY

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a headphone holder is disclosed. The headphone holder includes an elongated central body and a forked portion comprising a plurality of tines on either end of the elongated central body, wherein the elongated central body includes a channel running along its length between the forked portions and configured to receive and secure a headphone cable. A storage member is attached longitudinally along the central body and defines storage channels sized for receipt and storage of a cord or stem of a headphone earbud.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a headphone holder is disclosed. The headphone holder includes an elongated central body and a pair of forked portions, one on each end of the central body, each forked portion including two tines. The central body may define a retention channel running along a length of the central body between the forked portions. The retention channel may be configured to receive and secure a length of a headphone cable.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a headphone holder is disclosed. The headphone holder includes a central body with opposing ends, a pair of cord retaining members extending from the opposing ends of the central body, and a storage member extending from a portion of the central body between the opposing ends. The storage member may include a pair of storage channels defined therein and parallel to each other. The storage channels may be configured to receive and retain a length of cord.

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figs. 1 A-1 D are views of a headphone holder having adjacent and centered earbud holders.

[0008] Figs. 2A-2B are views of a headphone holder having laterally separated earbud holders.

[0009] Figs. 3A-3C are views of a headphone holder having adjacent and offset earbud holders.

[0010] Fig. 4 depicts the headphone holder of Figs. 2A-2B operably coupled a headphone cable.

[0011] Fig. 5A depicts the headphone holder of Figs. 2A-2B operably coupled to earbuds.

[0012] Fig. 5B depicts the headphone holder of Figs. 2A-2B having a headphone cable wrapped therearound.

[0013] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a headphone holder according to an additional embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figs. 7-28 illustrate various views of additional embodiments of the headphone holder of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Several example embodiments of a headphone, cable, or other wire holders are disclosed herein. The holder may be positioned and secured along a length of a cable or cord such that the holder is considered in-line. By providing a holder secured in-line (e.g., storing cord lengths in a parallel manner) when the headphones or other retained wires are in use, a user may not need to worry about losing or storing the headphone holder when the headphones are in use, i.e., the holder can remain in position while the user is utilizing the headphones, eliminating the need for the holder to be removed and stored before use of the headphones. Moreover, the embodiments disclosed herein provide additional benefits including a secure channel for holding the headphone cable, earbud holders for securely retaining earbuds when not in use, and a compact, easy-to-use design for wrapping and storing headphones. The headphone holder may include a central elongated body that supports a holding platform including a plurality of retention grooves or channels defined thereon. The holding platform may be positioned such that a central axis of the platform is parallel to and aligned with the central axis of the central body. In other embodiments, the holding platform may be offset from the central axis of the central body but parallel thereto, e.g., extending from a sidewall adjacent to the central body. The various configurations of the holding platform allow the headphone or other wiring retention elements to be easily varied based on the application, type of wires held by the holder platform, and/or user preference.

[0016] Additionally, the headphone holder platform or storage shelf that includes retention grooves that are parallel to the central axis of the central body to ensure that the wires are retained in-line with the length of the holder. The retention grooves may include overhang portions that partially cover the grooves. These overhang features help to retain the wires within the grooves, but allow a user to easily insert and remove the wires when desired. The overhang may be discontinuous to form overhang protrusions that jut out over space above the recessed channel. These overhang protrusions, reduce the material needed for a retention member, but still provide a mechanism to secure the wires within the retention grooves and prevent inadvertent removal of the wires from the grooves. The shape of the overhang protrusions may be varied as desired. In many instances, there may be pairs of overhang protrusions aligned with one another and defined on opposing sidewalls adjacent a retention groove. In other embodiments, the overhang protrusions can be staggered and possibly have a longer length than in other embodiments, allowing a single protrusion to be sufficient at a given point to retain the wire in the groove.

[0017] In some embodiments, the wire holder may include tines extending from opposite ends of the central body and a storage shelf positioned between the two tines. The storage shelf includes retention grooves defined therein with optional securing walls or protrusions extending from a top surface and partially into a space above or otherwise aligned with a bottom center line of the retention grooves. The tines in some example are mirror images of one another and may include an angled extension or may include a curved extension as they extend outwards and away from the terminal ends of the central body.

[0018] Fig. 1 A is a side elevation view of a headphone holder 100 having adjacent and centered earbud holders. As described herein, the headphone holder 100 may be positioned and secured along a length of a cable or cord such that the headphone holder 100 is considered in-line. The headphone holder 100 may generally be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, rubber, or metal. In various embodiments, the headphone holder 100 may be made of a semi-rigid, resilient material that provides limited flexing capabilities, which may provide for appropriate functionality and/or durability as discussed in further detail below. Additionally, the headphone holder may be formed as a monolithic structure, e.g., by injection molding of plastics or rubbers or by machining a desired form out of a block of material, three-dimensional printing, or three-dimensional imaging.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1 A, the headphone holder 100 includes an elongated, shaft-like central body 102 and a Y-shaped or forked portion 104 at each end of the central body 102. As explained below, the forked portions 104, which may be referred to as cord retaining members, may be arranged to secure or otherwise hold at least portions of a headphone cable. The forked portions 104 each include two tines 106a b. The tines 106a/b on each end of the central body 102 extend outward from the central body 102 at opposing angles from a longitudinal axis of the central body 102. The angle and positioning of the tines 106a b may be varied as desired. The opposing angles of the tines 106a b may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The tines 106a/b may further extend distally to form end portions 108a b that are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central body 102. As explained below, the tines 106a b may be shaped or otherwise configured to facilitate holding of a headphone cable. For example, the angle and positioning of the tines 106a/b relative to the central body 102 may provide sufficient grip on the headphone cable to, for example, limit undesired sliding of the headphone holder 100 along the cable. Though shown as extending from the central body 102 in a Y-shaped or forked configuration, one or more of the tines 106a/b may extend from the central body 102 in other configurations, such as axially along the same longitudinal axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central body 102, at a non-parallel and non-perpendicular angle to the longitudinal axis of the central body 102, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the tines 106a/b may curve and/or include linear segments along at least a portion of their lengths.

[0020] The headphone holder 100 may further include a storage member 1 10, such as an earbud holder 1 10 or storage shelf 1 10, positioned along the shaft of the central body 102. In one embodiment, the storage member 1 10 may be defined as a rectangular block extending outwards and optionally away from the central body 102. As shown, the earbud holder 1 10 extends from an outer surface of the central body 102. Depending on the particular application, the earbud holder 1 10 may extend from the central body 102 at an angle towards one of the tines 106a/b. For instance, as shown in Fig. 1 C, the earbud holder 1 10 may extend from the central body 102 and towards the tines 106a. Though Figs. 1A-1 C illustrate the earbud holder 1 10 angled away from the central body 102, other configurations are contemplated, including configurations where the earbud holder 1 10 extends generally perpendicularly away from a plane defined by the tines 106a and 106b (see Figs. 13-15, for example). As discussed in further detail below, the earbud holder 1 10 may receive earbuds of a set of headphones and securely hold them for storage.

[0021] Fig. 1 B is a side isometric view of the headphone holder 100 of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1 B, two of the tines 106a on the same lateral side of the headphone holder 100 may include a portion of a retention channel 1 12. The retention channel 1 12 is sufficiently wide to receive a headphone cable. Because of the inclusion of the retention channel 1 12, the tines 106a may be larger in cross-sectional dimension than the opposing tines 106b on the forked portions 104. As shown in Fig. 1 D, the retention channel 1 12 may run from an end of one tine 106a, along the central body 102, and to the end of a second tine 106a at the opposite end of the central body 102. An end view of the forked portion 104 is shown in Fig. 1 C. The end portion 108a of a tine 106a with the retention channel 1 12 formed therein is shown. The retention channel 1 12 may be substantially or partially cylindrical and extend along the length of the tines 106a as a conduit therein.

[0022] Depending on the particular application, the retention channel 1 12 may be shaped to sufficiently grip and/or retain a headphone cable positioned therein. For instance, the retention channel 1 12 may be shaped to include a decreasing opening space, such as having a teardrop shaped cross-section as shown in Fig. 1 C. In some examples, the decreasing opening space of the retention channel 1 12 may be defined by a sidewall or shelf of the central body 102 and/or tine 106a. For instance, a sidewall or shelf of the central body 102 and/or tine 106a may define a longitudinal slot 1 14 for receiving the headphone cable that connects with the retention channel 1 12. The decreasing opening space of the retention channel 1 12 may or may not continue along the central body 102. In particular, the portion of the retention channel 1 12 extending along the central body 102 may have a wider longitudinal opening for direct insertion of a headphone cable. Additionally or alternatively, the sidewall or shelf defining the decreasing opening space of the retention channel 1 12 may be continuous or discontinuous along the length of the retention channel 1 12. As shown in Fig. 1 B, the retention channel 1 12 may jog from the tines 106a around the earbud holder 1 10 along the shaft of the central body 102. The jogging of the retention channel 1 12 along the length of the headphone holder 100 may increase grip on the portion of a headphone cable positioned within the retention channel 1 12, thereby limiting undesired sliding of the headphone holder 100 along the cable. [0023] As discussed above, the headphone holder 100 may be semi-rigid, yet resilient or pliant and a width of the longitudinal slot 1 14 may be narrower than the diameter of the retention channel 1 12. However, by taking advantage of the resiliency of the material forming the headphone holder 1 10, a width of the slot 1 14 may be expanded to admit a headphone cable and, once a headphone cable is inserted into the retention channel 1 12, the slot 1 14 may be released and return to its normal width to secure the headphone cable within the retention channel 1 12. Also, in this way, the headphone holder 100 is likewise secured to a set of headphones and is less likely to become lost or misplaced.

[0024] Returning again to Fig. 1 B, the earbud holder 1 10 may extend parallel with the axis of the central body 102 and connected along the length of the central body 102. The earbud holder 1 10, which may also be used to store a length of wire or cables, defining a storage shelf, may include many configurations and shapes. For instance, the earbud holder 1 10 may be generally shaped as a rectangular block as shown in Fig. 1 B, though other shapes are contemplated. The earbud holder 1 10 may define two parallel storage channels 1 16 along its length for receiving stems of and/or cables attached immediately adjacent to earbuds of a set of headphones. The storage channels 1 16 may be defined in various locations on the earbud holder 1 10. For example, the storage channels 1 16 may be defined on top, bottom, or side surfaces of the earbud holder 1 10. The storage channels 1 16 may be symmetrical across the headphone holder 100 or may be shaped and/or positioned asymmetrically. For example, the earbud holder 1 10 may extend from the central body 102 in a symmetrical configuration relative to the longitudinal axis of the central body 102 and/or midplane of the central body 102 and tines 106a/b. Alternatively, the earbud holder 1 10 may extend asymmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the central body 102 and/or midplane of the central body 102 and tines 106a/b.

[0025] As with the retention channel 1 12 and the slot 1 14, the earbud holder 1 10 may define sidewalls 1 18 that can flex under pressure to admit the earbud stems and/or cables into the storage channels 1 16. To help retain the earbud stems and/or cables within the storage channels 1 16, the earbud holder 1 10 may be curved or otherwise arranged to sufficiently grip and/or retain the earbud stems and/or cables within the storage channels 1 16. For example, the earbud holder 1 10 may include shelves 120 extending from the sidewalls 1 18. The shelves 120, which may be referred to as overhangs or overhang portions, may extend from terminal end portions 122 of the sidewalls 1 18. In one example, the shelves 120 may extend toward each other to at least partially encapsulate the earbud stems and/or cables within the storage channels 1 16. The shelves 120 may be continuous or discontinuous along their lengths. In some examples, the storage channels 1 16 may include a decreasing opening space similar to the retention channel 1 12. In particular, the storage channels 1 16 may have a teardrop-shaped cross-section or the like.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1 D, the earbud holder 1 10 may be attached to the central body 102 at a seam along a line that is parallel to and between the two storage channels 1 16. The retention channel 1 12 may extend along the central body 102 adjacent to the connection seam of the earbud holder 1 10 and the central body 102. The earbud holder 1 10 provides a compact and secure way to store headphones without the risk that the headphones will become tangled, dislodged, or damaged during storage.

[0027] The earbud holder 1 10 may be positioned central to the longitudinal axis of the central body 102 or offset therefrom. For instance, the earbud holder 1 10 may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the central body 102 such that the longitudinal axis of the central body 102 is coextensive with a midline of the earbud holder 1 10. Additionally or alternatively, the longitudinal axis of the central body 102 may be coextensive with a plane defined by the earbud holder 1 10. In alternative examples, the earbud holder 1 10 may be offset away from the longitudinal axis of the central body 102. For example, the longitudinal axis of the central body 102 may be spaced away from the midline of the earbud holder 1 10.

[0028] In operation, a headphone cable may be inserted into the retention channel 1 12 from one end portion 104 to the other end portion 104. When the headphones are in use, the retention channel 1 12 may hold the headphone holder 100 in in connection with the headphone cable by friction between, or partial enclosure of, an interior surface of the retention channel 1 12 and the headphone cable. When the headphones are not in use, the earbuds may be inserted into the storage channels 1 16 of the earbud holder 1 10 and the remainder of the headphone cable may be wound around the headphone holder 100. For example, the headphone cable may be held between the tines 106a/b and wound from one end portion 104 to the other end portion 104 until the headphone cable is entirely wound around the headphone holder 100.

[0029] Fig. 2A is a perspective isometric view of a headphone holder 200, similar in form to the headphone holder 100 of Figs. 1 A-1 D, but having laterally separated earbud holders 210. In the embodiment of Fig. 2A, the earbud holders 210 are positioned on opposite sides of the central body 202. By positioning the earbud holders 210 on opposite sides of the central body 202, the embodiment of Fig. 2A may enable a headphone cable to be wrapped more compactly around the central body 202 between the tines 206a/b than the embodiment of Figs. 1 A-1 D because the earbuds are held in storage channels 216 out of the area in which the headphone cable is wrapped. Fig. 2B is a side elevation view of the headphone holder 200 of Fig. 2A. As shown in Fig. 2B, the retention channel 212 may extend along the length of the central body 202 between the two storage channels 216 of the earbud holder 210. The retention channel 212 may then extend through a tine 206a on each end of the headphone holder 200 as described above with respect to Figs 1 A-1 D.

[0030] Fig. 3A is a side elevation view of a headphone holder 300 having adjacent and offset earbud holders 310. Figs. 3B and 3C are isometric views of the headphone holder 300 of Fig. 3A. In the embodiment of Figs. 3A-3C, storage channels 316 of the earbud holder 310 are positioned adjacent to one another similarly as in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 A-1 D.

Flowever, rather than attaching the earbud holder 310 at a center line between the storage channels 316 (as shown in Fig. 1 B with respect to storage channels 1 16), the earbud holder 310 may be affixed to the central body 302 along an outer edge of the earbud holder 310. By positioning the earbud holder 310 in this manner, the embodiment of Figs. 3A-3D may enable a headphone cable to be wrapped more compactly than the embodiment of Figs. 1 A-1 D because the earbuds are held out of the area in which the headphone cable is wrapped. As shown in Fig. 3C, the retention channel 312 may extend through two of the tines 306a as described above with respect to Figs. 1 A-1 D and further extend within and along the central body 302 adjacent to the connection seam between the central body 302 and the earbud holder 310.

[0031] Fig. 4 depicts the headphone holder 200 of Figs. 2A-2B operably coupled to a headphone cable 402. As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 4, the headphone cable 402 may be inserted into the channel 212 through the opening 214. The headphone cable 402 may extend from one end portion 208a along the channel 212 between the earbud holders 210 to the end portion 208a of a tine 206a at the opposite end of the headphone holder 200. Because the headphone holder 200 may be made of material that is semi-rigid, the opening 214 may expand to receive the headphone cable 402 and then contract once the headphone cable 402 is inserted to provide pressure against the headphone cable 402 and hold it in place.

[0032] Fig. 5A depicts the headphone holder 200 of Figs. 2A-2B operably coupled to earbuds 502. The earbud holders 210 may include storage channels 216 on either side of the central body 202 for receiving the earbuds 502. In some embodiments, the earbuds 502 may include a stem 504 that may be inserted into the storage channels 216. Because the headphone holder 200 may be made of material that is resiliently pliable, the storage channels 216 may expand to receive the stems 504 and then contract once the stems are inserted to provide pressure against the stems 504 and hold the earbuds 502 in place.

[0033] Fig. 5B depicts the headphone holder 200 of Figs. 2A-2B with the earbud stems 504 retained within the storage channels 216 and having the headphone cable 402 wrapped around the forked portions 204. Once the headphone cable 402 is secured within the channel 212, the excess length of the headphone cable 402 between the plug and the earbuds 502 may be wrapped around the headphone holder 200 by wrapping the cable between the tines 206a/b at each end of the central body 202 until the headphone cable 402 is completely wrapped around the headphone holder 200. When wrapped around the headphone holder 200, such as partly or completely, at least portions of the cable may extend parallel to itself. For example, as shown in Fig. 5B, the cord may be wrapped around the headphone holder 200 in an overlying

arrangement with itself, with portions of the cord extending substantially parallel to each other in a compact arrangement. The earbuds 502 may then be secured within the earbud holders 210 to ensure that the headphone cable 402 does not become unwound during storage of the headphones.

[0034] Fig. 6 is a perspective isometric view of a headphone holder 600, similar in form to the headphone holder 300 of Figs. 3A-3C, but having a retention channel 612 offset from the central body 602. For example, the retention channel 612 may be defined by an elongated secondary body 630 connected to the central body 602. The secondary body 630 may extend along the central body 602. Depending on the particular application, the secondary body 630 may extend parallel to or substantially parallel to the central body 602. In this way, the retention channel 612 may extend parallel to or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central body 602 in a spaced apart relationship. As shown in Fig. 6, the secondary body 630 may extend along a length of the central body 602, such as partly along the length of the central body 602, along the entire length of the central body 602, or otherwise. As such, the retention channel 612 may not be formed within or along the tines 606a/b. The secondary body 630 may offset the retention channel 612 in any direction from the central body 602. For example, the secondary body 630 may be sized and shaped to offset the retention channel 612 in a direction opposite the earbud holder 610, in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the earbud holder 610, in a direction towards the earbud holder 610, or the like. In such embodiments, the length of the retention channel 612 may be open in the same direction as the storage channels 616, in a direction opposite to the storage channels 616, or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the storage channels 616, among others.

[0035] Figs. 7-14 depict various views of a headphone holder 700. Except as otherwise noted below, the headphone holder 700 is similar in form to the headphone holder 100 of Figs.

1 A-1 D. As shown in Figs. 7-14, the headphone holder 700 includes a central body 702, a forked portion 704 with a pair of tines 706a/b at each end of the central body 702, and an earbud holder 710 connected to the central body 702. In the examples illustrated in Figs. 7-14, the headphone cable may be inserted along a side of the headphone holder 700 opposite the storage channels 716 of the earbud holder 710. In particular, the tines 706a may define a first side of the headphone holder 700, with the tines 706b defining an opposite second side. In such examples, the slots 714 for receiving the headphone cable in the tines 706a may be defined on the first side of the headphone holder 700, with the storage channels 716 defined on the second side of the headphone holder 700. The retention channel 712 may extend along the central body 702 on the first side of the headphone holder 700.

[0036] Fig. 15 is an isometric view of a headphone holder 800, similar in form to the headphone holder 700 of Figs. 7-14, but having the storage channels 816 defined on the same side as the retention channel 812 and slots 814 for receiving the headphone cable. In such examples, the retention channel 812 may extend along the central body 802 between the storage channels 816. In one example, the retention channel 812 may extend substantially parallel to at least one of the storage channels 816, such as substantially parallel to both storage channels 816 in the illustrative example of Fig. 15.

[0037] Figs. 16-22 illustrate additional views of the headphone holder 200 of Figs. 2A-2B.

As shown, the retention channel 212 may jog around the earbud holders 210 along the shaft of the central body 202, similar to the retention channel 1 12 described above. In such examples, a portion of the retention channel 212 extending along the shaft of the central body 202 may be positioned between the earbud holders 210 positioned on opposite sides of the central body 202.

[0038] Fig. 23 illustrates an additional view of the headphone holder 300 of Figs. 3A-3C. As shown, a first of the storage channels 316 may be positioned adjacent to an edge of the central body 302, with a second of the storage channels 316 positioned adjacent to the first of the storage channels 316 and separated from the central body 302 thereby. Similar to the headphone holder 800, the storage channels 316 may be defined on the same side of the headphone holder 300 as the slots 814 for receiving the headphone cable within tines 806a.

[0039] Fig. 24 is an isometric view of headphone holder 100 of Figs. 1 A-1 D. Similar to the headphone holders 300 and 800, the storage channels 1 16 may be defined on the same side of the headphone holder 100 as the slots 1 14 for receiving the headphone cable within tines 106a. As shown and described above, the retention channel 1 12 may jog around the earbud holder 1 10 along the shaft of the central body 102.

[0040] Figs. 25-28 depict various views of a wire or headphone holder 900. Except as otherwise noted below, the headphone holder 900 is similar in form to the headphone holder 300 of Figs. 3A-3C. As shown in Figs. 25-28, the headphone holder 900 includes a central body 902, a forked portion 904 with a pair of tines 906a/b at each end of the central body 902 or storage block, and an earbud holder 910 connected to the central body 902. The headphone holder 900 may include features reducing the overall weight and/or increasing a flexibility characteristic of the holder. For instance, the headphone holder 900 may include one or more cutouts 940 reducing the amount of material forming the headphone holder 900. The cutouts 940 may be defined on a surface of the headphone holder 900 or defined through the headphone holder 900. For example, as shown in Figs. 26 and 28, cutouts 940 may be defined on the surface of the tines 906b such that the cutouts 940 form recesses. In such examples, the cutouts 940 or recesses within the tines 906b may curve similar to the curvature of the tines 906b, such as extending along an arc. As shown in Figs. 25 and 26, the cutouts 940 or recesses within the tines 906b may be open to the terminal end surface of the tines 906b.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, cutouts 940 may be defined through the central body 902 and/or the earbud holder 910. In such examples, the cutouts 940 may be open to the retention channel 912 defined in the central body 902 and/or open to the storage channels 916 defined in the earbud holder 910. In one example, four cutouts 940 may be defined in the central body 902, and two cutouts 940 may be defined in each storage channel 916, though other configurations are contemplated.

[0042] The tines 906a b may be sized and shaped to provide a desired characteristic. For instance, in some examples, the tines 906a b may include a rounded outer surface and interior surfaces as compared to the other embodiments. For example, the tines 906a/b may curve outwards as they extend from the terminal and opposite ends of the central body 902. Similarly the interior surface between the two tines 906a b may be curved having a curvature generally matching the curvature on the exterior or outer surface. This curvature may help to reduce the headphone holder 900 from inadvertently catching on items, such as clothing, purse walls, or the like, while in use, as well as to provide a pleasing aesthetic look. For example, in one embodiment, the tines 906a b may be shaped as opposite facing“C”s that extend from either end of the central body 902 and are oriented in different directions. In other words, the tines 906a/b may be mirror images of one another. In some examples, the tines 906a b may have flat, or substantially flat, top and/or bottom surfaces such that the tines 906a b are flattened in cross-section.

[0043] As shown in Figs. 25 and 27, the shelves 920 or retention walls defining the decreasing opening space of the storage channels 916 may be discontinuous along their lengths. In such examples, the cutouts 940 defined through the earbud holder 910 may be aligned with the discontinuous nature of the shelves 920. For instance, the discontinuous shelves 920 may define gaps 942 along the lengths of the shelves 920. In some examples, the gaps 942 may aligned with the cutouts 940, offset from the cutouts 940, or the like. In particular, as shown in Figs. 25 and 27, the gaps 942 may be defined such that the shelves 920 are defined only at positions across from the cutouts 940. In alternative examples, the gaps 942 may be defined across from the cutouts 940. The variation along the length of the shelves 920 or retention walls may also be defined as retaining protrusions 920 that stick out and extend into the open space above the channel 916. In such examples, the protrusions 920 allow a user to more easily insert the wires into the storage channels 916 and easily access the wires or cords to remove them from the channels 916 as compared to instances where the shelves 920 or retaining walls may extend the entire length of the central body 902. Depending on the particular application, each storage channel 916 may include four protrusions 920 spaced along the length of the channel 916, such as a pair of protrusions 920 on each side of the storage channel 916. In such examples, the protrusions 920 may be spaced from the end of the storage channels 916 such that three gaps 942 and two protrusions 920 are defined along each side of the storage channel 916 along its length.

[0044] The retention channel 912 may be configured similarly to the storage channels 916. For instance, the sidewall or shelf defining the decreasing opening space of the retention channel 912 may be discontinuous with gaps 944 defined in similar alignment with the cutouts 940 open to the retention channel 912, such as aligned with the cutouts 940, offset from the cutouts 940, or the like.

[0045] Additionally, in some embodiments, the top surfaces of the central body 902 surrounding the or defining the shelves may include features to allow information, such as branding or promotional content, to be displayed, attached, and/or etched therein. For example, a first portion 913 of the central body 902 may include a recessed space 91 1 on the top surface thereof. The recessed space 91 1 may be surrounded by raised walls and be configured to receive an additional layer of material (e.g., sticker, secondary injection molding shot, plastic portion, adhesive, or the like), that may vary in color or otherwise include content. The shape and depth of the recessed surface 91 1 or space may be varied as desired and depend on the type of connection to the central body 902 used for the content or material and the like.

[0046] Similarly, other exposed surfaces, such as front sidewall 917 or intermediate top surface 915 may be sized and shaped to support aesthetic or promotional content or additional materials thereon. The surfaces 915, 917, which may be referred to as secondary reception surfaces, may be recessed similar to surface 91 1 and support similar applications of materials thereon or may be flush or extend past the remaining surfaces of the central body 902 as desired. In some embodiments, the first reception surface 91 1 may be recessed, whereas the secondary reception surfaces 915, 917 may be flush and the reception surface 91 1 may include an additional layer of material to display content (e.g., company name), whereas the secondary reception surface 915 or 917 may be display content via an etching or carving into the material, which may be done via a molding operation or through an etching processing. The type of process used to include the content may be varied depending on the type of content, location, and applications.

[0047] All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

[0048] The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims.

Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is

1. A headphone holder comprising:

an elongated central body; and

a pair of forked portions, one on each end of the central body, and each comprising two tines,

the central body defining a retention channel running along a length of the central body between the forked portions, the retention channel configured to receive and secure a length of a headphone cable.

2. The headphone holder of claim 1 , wherein one of the tines of each of the forked portions defines a slot therein configured for receipt and storage of portions of the headphone cable.

3. The headphone holder of claim 2, wherein the slots in the tines of the forked portions extend to form a contiguous extension of the retention channel in the central body.

4. The headphone holder of claim 2, wherein the slots in the tines of the forked portions define a central conduit and a slot of a narrower width than a diameter of the central conduit, the slot extending from the central conduit and being open to an external surface of the tines.

5. The headphone holder of any of claims 2-4, wherein the headphone holder is made of a pliable and resilient material such that the slot is expandable in width upon exertion of an external prying force.

6. The headphone holder of any of claims 2-5, wherein the one of the tines of each of the forked portions is larger in cross-sectional dimension than the other of the tines of each of the forked portions.

7. The headphone holder of claim 6, wherein the one of the tines of each of the forked portions has a diameter larger than the other of the tines of each of the forked portions.

8. The headphone holder of any preceding claim, wherein the tines each extend angularly outward from a central longitudinal axis of the elongated central body.

9. The headphone holder of claim 8, wherein the tines each further comprise an end portion that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated central body.

10. The headphone holder of any preceding claim, further comprising a storage member attached to and extending from a sidewall of the central body, wherein the storage member defines a pair of storage channels configured to receive and retain a stem or cable extending from an earbud of a headphone.

1 1 . The headphone holder of claim 10, wherein the storage channels extend parallel to each other.

12. The headphone holder of claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein the storage channels are positioned on opposite sides of the elongate body and the retention channel is positioned between the storage channels.

13. The headphone holder of any of claims 10-12, wherein the storage member is positioned along a single longitudinal edge of a sidewall of the central body.

14. The headphone holder of claim 13, wherein a first of the storage channels is positioned adjacent to the single longitudinal edge of the sidewall of the central body and a second of the storage channels is positioned adjacent to the first of the storage channels and separated from the central body thereby.

15. The headphone holder of any of claims 10-14, wherein the storage channels extend along the length of the central body.

16. An headphone holder comprising:

a central body including opposing ends;

a pair of cord retaining members extending from the opposing ends of the central body; and

a storage member extending from a portion of the central body between the opposing ends, the storage member including a pair of storage channels defined therein and parallel to each other configured to receive and retain a length of cord.

17. The headphone holder of claim 16, wherein each cord retaining member includes a forked portion with a pair of tines.

18. The headphone holder of claim 17, wherein the tines of each forked portion diverge away from each other from an end of the central body to define a Y-shape.

19. The headphone holder of any of claims 16-18, further comprising a retention channel defined along a length of the central body between its opposing ends.

20. The headphone holder of claim 19, further comprising a slot defined in each cord retaining member, the slots of the cord retaining members open to the retention channel of the central body to define a contiguous channel in which to receive a portion of a headphone cable of a headphone.

21 . The headphone holder of any of claims 16-20, wherein each storage channel is defined in part by one or more shelves extending from a sidewall of the storage member.

22. The headphone holder of claim 21 , wherein the one or more shelves are discontinuous along their lengths.