as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2010/0320961 Al
`
`(43) Pub. Date: Dec. 23, 2010
`Castillo et al.
`
`US 20100320961A1
`
`(54) TRANSPORT AND/OR STORAGE
`CONTAINER FOR RECHARGEABLE
`WIRELESS EARPHONES
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`H02J 7/00
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`ArmandoCastillo, Singapore (SG);
`Sven Wilhelmsen, Singapore (SG)
`
`(52) US. CMe coeccccccecsssssssssssssssnseeeseeseees 320/107; 320/108
`
`Correspondence Address:
`TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW,
`LLP
`TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER, EIGHTH
`FLOOR
`
`SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111-3834 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`Sennheiser electronic GmbH &
`
`Co. KG, Wedemark (DE)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/459,466
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jun. 30, 2009
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Jun. 22,2009
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The invention concerns a transport and/or storage container
`with integrated charging function (100) for rechargeable
`wireless earphones (220, 240), comprising a container hous-
`ing (110), at least one receiving unit (120, 140) for at least
`partially receiving a rechargeable wireless earphone (220,
`240), and an electrical container charging contact (111) for
`connecting the transport and/or storage container (100) to an
`electrical energy source, wherein the receiving unit (120,
`140) has an electrical coupling contact (122) cooperating
`with an electrical earphone charging contact (222) of a
`rechargeable wireless earphone (220, 240) when it is placed
`in the receiving unit (120, 140) for recharging and wherein the
`electrical container charging contact (111) andthe electrical
`coupling contact (122) are in the form of mutually comple-
`mentary electrical contacts.
`
`(DE) wee 10 2009 030 070.8
`
`140
`
`a~__100
`
`110
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1114
`Apple v. GUI
`IPR2021-00470
`
`APPLE 1114
`Apple v. GUI
`IPR2021-00470
`
`1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Dec. 23,2010 Sheet 1 of 15
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`Fig. 2
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`Fig. 5
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`9
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`Fig. 10
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Dec. 23, 2010 Sheet 140f15
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`US 2010/0320961 Al
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`Dec. 23, 2010
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`TRANSPORT AND/OR STORAGE
`CONTAINER FOR RECHARGEABLE
`WIRELESS EARPHONES
`
`[0001] The present invention concerns a transport and/or
`storage container with integrated charging function for
`rechargeable wireless earphones. Furthermore the present
`invention concerns a rechargeable wireless earphone and a
`rechargeable transmitter for transmitting audio signals to a
`rechargeable wireless earphone.Finally the present invention
`concerns a charging cable for recharging the aforementioned
`devices.
`
`electrical energy, and an electrical earphone charging contact
`for connecting the rechargeable wireless earphoneto an elec-
`trical energy source.
`[0009]
`Finally there is provided a rechargeable transmitter
`for wirelessly transmitting audio signals to a rechargeable
`wireless earphone. The rechargeable wireless transmitter has
`a transmitter housing, a transmitter battery for the storage of
`electrical energy, and an electrical transmitter charging con-
`tact for connecting the rechargeable wireless transmitter to an
`electrical energy source.
`[0010]
`Further configurations are subject-matter of the
`appendantclaims.
`[0011] Advantages and embodiments by way of example of
`the invention are described in greater detail hereinafter with
`reference to the drawings.
`[0002] When using rechargeable wireless earphones itis
`[0012]
`FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`desirable to provide a transport and/or storage capability with
`example a block circuit diagram ofa transport and/or storage
`integrated charging function for the rechargeable wireless
`container with integrated charging function for rechargeable
`earphones.
`wireless earphones in accordance with a first embodiment,
`[0003] Therefore the object of the present invention is to
`[0013]
`FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`provide a transport and/or storage container with integrated
`example a first perspective view of the transport and/or stor-
`charging function for rechargeable wireless earphones.
`age container with integrated charging function for recharge-
`[0004]
`That object is attained by the features of claim 1.
`able wireless earphones in accordance withthe first embodi-
`[0005] There is provided a transport and/or storage con-
`ment,
`tainer with integrated charging function for rechargeable
`FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`[0014]
`wireless earphones. The transport and/or storage container
`example a second perspective view of the transport and/or
`has a container housing,at least one receiving unitfor at least
`storage container with integrated charging function for
`partially receiving a rechargeable wireless earphone, and an
`rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance withthefirst
`electrical container charging contact for connecting the trans-
`embodiment,
`port and/or storage container to an electrical energy source.
`[0015]
`FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`The receiving unit has an electrical coupling contact cooper-
`example a protective pouch for the transport and/or storage
`ating with an electrical earphone charging contact of a
`container with integrated charging function for rechargeable
`rechargeable wireless earphone when it
`is placed in the
`wireless earphones in accordance withthe first embodiment,
`receiving unit for recharging. The electrical container charg-
`[0016]
`FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`ing contact andthe electrical coupling contact are in the form
`examplearechargeable wireless earphone in accordance with
`of mutually complementary electrical contacts.
`a second embodiment,
`[0006] The term “complementary electrical contacts”
`denotes electrical contacts which are intended to form
`[0017]
`FIGS. 6A and 6B show diagrammatically and by
`way of example insertion of the rechargeable wireless ear-
`phone according to the second embodimentin the ear of a
`wearer,
`
`together an electrical connection, for example a plug connec-
`tion. In this example oneofthe electrical contacts would be
`the female part (plug socket) of the plug connection and the
`FIG. 7 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`[0018]
`other electrical contact would be the male part (plug) of the
`example the replacementof adapter parts of the rechargeable
`plug connection.
`wireless earphone in accordance with the second embodi-
`[0007] The invention concerns the concept of providing a
`ment,
`transport and/or storage container for rechargeable wireless
`FIGS. 8A-8D show diagrammatically and by way of
`[0019]
`earphones, which at the same time provides an integrated
`example the replacement of the rechargeable earphone bat-
`function for recharging the rechargeable wireless earphones.
`tery ofthe rechargeable wireless earphone in accordance with
`Becausethe electrical container charging contact, by way of
`the second embodiment,
`whichthe transport and/or storage container can be connected
`[0020]
`FIG. 9 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`to an electrical energy source, and the coupling contact which
`exampleafirst perspective view of a rechargeable transmitter
`is provided in the receiving unit and cooperates with the
`for the wireless transmission of audio signals to a recharge-
`electrical earphone charging contact of a rechargeable wire-
`able wireless earphone in accordance with a third embodi-
`less earphone when it is placed in the receiving unit for
`ment,
`charging are in the form of mutually complementary electri-
`cal contacts, the rechargeable wireless earphones can be
`FIG. 10 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`[0021]
`recharged both in the transport and/or storage container and
`example a second perspective view of a rechargeable trans-
`also separately, that is to say without being placed in the
`mitter for the wireless transmission of audio signals to a
`transport and/or storage container, in a highly flexible and
`rechargeable wireless earphone in accordance with the third
`embodiment,
`simple fashion in the same way, for example by wayof the
`same charging cable.
`[0022]
`FIG. 11 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`[0008] There is further provided a rechargeable wireless
`example a possible wayoffixing the rechargeable transmitter
`earphone. The rechargeable wireless earphone has an ear-
`for the wireless transmission of audio signals to a recharge-
`phone housing, a transducer housing for receiving an elec-
`able wireless earphone in accordance with the third embodi-
`ment to a mobile audio and/or video device,
`troacoustic transducer, an earphonebattery for the storage of
`
`17
`
`17
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`

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`
`Dec. 23, 2010
`
`[0023] FIGS.12A-12C show diagrammatically and by way
`of example pairing of the rechargeable wireless earphone in
`accordance with the second embodiment with the recharge-
`able transmitter for the wireless transmission of audio signals
`to a rechargeable wireless earphone in accordance with the
`third embodiment,
`[0024]
`FIGS. 13A-13F show diagrammatically and by way
`of example pairing of a second pair of rechargeable wireless
`earphones in accordance with the second embodiment with
`the rechargeable transmitter for the wireless transmission of
`audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earphone in accor-
`dance with the third embodiment,
`[0025]
`FIG. 14 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`example recharging of the transport and/or storage container
`with integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless
`earphones in accordance with thefirst embodiment, a pair of
`rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance with the sec-
`ond embodiment and the rechargeable transmitter for the
`wireless transmission of audio signals to a rechargeable wire-
`less earphonein accordance with the third embodiment, and
`[0026]
`FIG. 15 shows diagrammatically an earphone
`accordingto the invention with an eye mountedthereto and a
`band drawn throughthe eye.
`[0027] The samereferences in FIGS. 1 through 15 denote
`the same components.
`[0028]
`FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`example a block circuit diagram of a transport and/or storage
`container with integrated charging function for rechargeable
`wireless earphones in accordance with a first embodiment.
`Thetransport and/or storage container has a de voltage input
`DCE,a battery charging unit BC, a rechargeable charging
`battery LB, a switch S, a de voltage-de voltage converter
`DCC, a current detection unit CD, a controller C, a voltage
`detection unit VD, a charging pushbutton switch LT and a
`charging display LA. The battery charging unit BC is coupled
`to the de voltage input DCE. The de voltage input DCEis also
`coupledto the current detection unit CD by wayofa selection
`switch. The battery charging unit BC is coupled to the
`rechargeable charging battery LB and the charging display
`LA. The rechargeable charging battery LB is further con-
`nected to the de voltage-de voltage converter DCC by wayof
`a switch S. The rechargeable charging battery LB is also
`coupled to a voltage detection unit VD. The voltage detection
`unit VD is coupledto the controller C. The current detection
`unit CD is coupledto the controller C and to charging contacts
`LW and RWfora pair of rechargeable wireless earphones.
`The controller C is further coupled to the charging pushbutton
`switch LT and the charging display LA.
`[0029] Recharging of the rechargeable wireless earphones
`can be initiated by actuation of the charging pushbutton
`switch LT when the earphones are placed in the transport
`and/or storage container. The rechargeable charging battery
`LBis charged up by meansof the battery charging unit BC.
`The voltage detection unit VD detects the voltage of the
`rechargeable charging battery LB anddetects in particularif
`the battery voltage is too low.
`[0030] Whenthe transport and/or storage containeris con-
`nected to a de voltage input DCE, both the rechargeable
`charging battery LB (by way of the battery charging unit
`(BC)) andalso a pair of rechargeable wireless earphones can
`be charged up whenthey are placed in the transport and/or
`storage container.If the transport and/or storage containeris
`not coupled to the de voltage input DCE, then recharging of
`the rechargeable wireless earphones which have been placed
`
`in the transport and/or storage container can be effected by
`means of the rechargeable charging battery LB and the de
`voltage-de voltage converter DCC.
`[0031] The useable capacity of the rechargeable charging
`battery LB should be selected such that a pair of rechargeable
`wireless earphones can be recharged a numberoftimes, in
`particular three times, without the rechargeable charging bat-
`tery LBitself having to be recharged.
`[0032] Recharging of the rechargeable wireless earphones
`placed in the transport and/or storage container can beinitial-
`ized by actuation of the charging pushbutton switch LT.
`[0033] The charging current of the rechargeable wireless
`earphonesis detected by meansofthe current detection unit
`CD andrecharging is terminated automatically when given
`conditions are reached. That is effected to maximizethe effi-
`
`ciency of the rechargeable charging battery LB.
`[0034] By meansof the charging display LA,it is possible
`to display when the rechargeable charging battery LB of the
`transport and/or storage container is recharged, when the
`rechargeable wireless earphones are recharged and/or when
`the voltage of the rechargeable charging battery LB of the
`transport and/or storage container becomestoo low.
`[0035]
`In addition the electronic system of the transport
`and/or storage container can beat least partially automati-
`cally switched off ifthe useable capacity of the rechargeable
`charging battery LB becomestoolow,to protect the recharge-
`able charging battery LB from overcharging.
`[0036] The rechargeable charging battery LB can be imple-
`mented in the form ofa lithium polymer accumulator with an
`electrical charge of for example 400 mAh or more.
`[0037]
`FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`example a first perspective view of the transport and/or stor-
`age container with integrated charging function 100 for
`rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance withthefirst
`embodiment. The transport and/or storage container 100 has
`a container housing 110 with an electrical container charging
`contact 111 for connecting the transport and/or storage con-
`tainer 100 to an electrical energy source. In this embodiment
`the electrical container charging contact 111 is a plug socket,
`in particular a 2.5 mm jack socket. Alternatively the electrical
`container charging contact 111 however can also be of a
`different configuration.
`[0038]
`Furthermorethe transport and/or storage container
`100 has first and second receiving cradles or receiving units
`120, 140. The first and second receiving cradles 120, 140 are
`of such a configuration that they can atleast partially receive
`arespective rechargeable wireless earphone 220, 240 ofa pair
`of rechargeable wireless earphones. The two receiving
`cradles 120, 140 are preferably of a substantially similar
`configuration so that further description is provided only in
`relation to the first receiving cradle 120. The description
`correspondingly applies to the second receiving cradle 140.
`[0039]
`Thefirst receiving cradle 120 is in particular of such
`aconfigurationthatit can at least partially receive a recharge-
`able wireless earphone 220 substantially in positively locking
`relationship. In this embodimentthefirst receiving cradle 120
`has a support surface 121 on which a transducer housing 223
`ofthe rechargeable wireless earphone 220 comesto rest when
`it is placed in thefirst receiving cradle 120. In this respect the
`shape of the support surface 121 is preferably adapted to the
`shape ofthe transducer housing 223. That permits a particu-
`larly good and secure seat for the rechargeable wireless ear-
`phone 220 in thefirst receiving cradle 120.
`
`18
`
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`
`Furthermore, provided in the region of the first
`[0040]
`receiving cradle 120 is an electrical coupling contact 122
`cooperating with an electrical earphone charging contact 222
`of a rechargeable wireless earphone 220 whenit is placed in
`the first receiving cradle 120 for recharging. In that case the
`electrical container charging contact 111 andtheelectrical
`coupling contact 122 are in the form ofmutually complemen-
`tary electrical contacts. In other words, in this embodiment
`the electrical coupling contact 122 is a plug which is comple-
`mentary to the plug socket(electrical container charging con-
`tact 111), in particular a 2.5 mm jack plug. (Theelectrical
`earphone charging contact 222 is then also an electrical con-
`tact which is complementary to the electrical coupling con-
`tact 122, or which corresponds to the electrical container
`charging contact 111, in other words, in this embodiment, a
`plug socket, in particular a 2.5 mm jack plug socket (see
`FIGS. 5-8)).
`[0041]
`Thefirst receiving cradle 120 is preferably of sucha
`configuration that a rechargeable wireless earphone 220
`whichis placedin thefirst receiving cradle 120 is so guided by
`the shapethereofthat the electrical earphone charging contact
`222 and the electrical coupling contact 122 automatically
`come into contact by placement of the rechargeable wireless
`earphone 220 in thefirst receiving cradle 120.
`[0042]
`In this embodimentthe actuable charging pushbut-
`ton switch LT and the charging display LA are provided in or
`on the container housing 110. The charging display LA can be
`for example an LED which canlight or flash in at least one
`color, preferably in a plurality of colors. Recharging of the
`rechargeable wireless earphones 220, 240 can beinitialized
`by way of the actuatable charging pushbutton switch LT. By
`wayof the charging display LAit is possible to display when
`the rechargeable charging battery LB ofthe transport and/or
`storage container 100 is recharged, the rechargeable wireless
`earphones 220, 240 are recharged and/or the voltage of the
`rechargeable charging battery LB ofthe transport and/orstor-
`age container 100 becomestoo low.
`[0043]
`FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`example a second perspective view of the transport and/or
`storage container with integrated charging function 100 for
`rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance with thefirst
`embodiment. In this view a respective rechargeable wireless
`earphone 220, 240 of a pair of rechargeable wireless ear-
`phones are placed for recharging in the first and second
`receiving cradles 120, 140. Because the first and second
`receiving cradles 120, 140 are of such a configuration that
`they can receive the respective rechargeable wireless ear-
`phones 220, 240, at least partially and in particular substan-
`tially in positively locking relationship, they can be trans-
`ported and/or stored in the transport and/or storage container
`100 without falling out upon transport and/or storage.
`[0044]
`FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`example a protective pouch 150 forthe transport and/orstor-
`age container 100 with integrated charging function for
`rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance with thefirst
`embodiment. The protective pouch 150 is preferably made
`from a robust material, for exampleleatheror plastic, and has
`openings 151, 152, by way of which the electrical container
`charging contact 111 and the actuable charging pushbutton
`LT of the transport and/or storage container 100 are acces-
`sible when it is stored in the protective pouch 150. That
`permits recharging ofthe rechargeable charging battery LB of
`the transport and/or storage container 100, or the recharge-
`able wireless earphones 220, 240, also in the protective pouch
`
`150. The protective pouch 150 further has a flap 153 which
`can be folded overthe transport and/or storage container 100
`for protection purposes and which is preferably fixed by
`magnetic closure elements 154. Optionally, provided on the
`protective pouch 150 is a flap or loop 155 with which the
`protective pouch 150 can be securedto thebelt or to the wrist
`of a wearer.
`
`It is preferable for the transport and/or storage con-
`[0045]
`tainer with integrated charging function 100 in accordance
`with thefirst embodiment (FIGS. 1-3) to be connectable for
`charging for example by wayof a charging cable to an elec-
`trical energy source. Recharging of the transport and/orstor-
`age container 100 or the pair of rechargeable wireless ear-
`phones 220, 240 by way of a charging cable is described in
`greater detail with reference to FIG. 14.
`[0046]
`FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`example a rechargeable wireless earphone 220 in accordance
`with a second embodiment. The rechargeable wireless ear-
`phone 220 can be an earphoneof a pair of rechargeable
`wireless earphones 220, 240, as described with reference to
`FIGS. 2 and 3. The further description correspondingly
`applies to the second rechargeable wireless earphone 240.
`[0047]
`In this embodiment the rechargeable wireless ear-
`phone 220 has an earphone housing 221 with an electrical
`earphone charging contact 222 for connection of the
`rechargeable wireless earphone 220 to an electrical energy
`source. In this embodimentthe electrical earphone charging
`contact 222 is a plug socket, in particular a 2.5 mm jack
`socket. Alternatively howeverthe electrical earphone charg-
`ing contact 222 can also be of a different configuration.
`[0048]
`Furthermore the rechargeable wireless earphone
`220 has a transducer housing 223 for receiving an electroa-
`coustic transducer (not shown) and a support element 224.
`Whenthe rechargeable wireless earphone 220 is fitted into the
`ear of a wearer the transducer housing 223 rests on the audi-
`tory canal. To permit a comfortable fit for the rechargeable
`wireless earphone 220 the transducer housing 223 preferably
`has at its outer edge a removable ring 225 made from a soft
`flexible material such as for example rubber. In addition the
`transducer housing 223 can also be provided with a remov-
`able ear pad (not shown) for cushioning of the transducer
`housing 223. In that case the ear pad is preferably made from
`a sound-transmitting material such as for example foam.
`[0049] The support element 224 can be removablyfixedat
`an upper end 226 of the earphone housing 221. The support
`element 224 preferably involves a flexible structure and is
`made from a soft flexible material of good grippiness, such as
`for example rubber, so that it can be well inserted into the
`concha of a wearer to ensure a securefit for the rechargeable
`wireless earphone 220. In particular it is preferable for the
`soft flexible material from which the support element 224 is
`made to be of a hardness of between 33 and 68 HA, in
`particular between 48 and 52 HA,a tensile strength of 25
`MPa, in particular 27 MPa, an elongation of 2224%, in
`particular =320%,a tearing strength of =12 KN/m,in par-
`ticular 218 KN/m,a tensile deformation residue of =11%, in
`particular =8%, a linear shrinkage of 2.2 through 4.7%, in
`particular 3.1 through 3.6%, a plasticity of 130 through 290,
`in particular 180 through 220. The flexible structure of the
`support element 224 preferably has an outer edge which is
`connected to a central region of the support element 224 by
`three substantially mutually perpendicular limbs, wherein the
`edge portion of the support element 224, that is most remote
`
`19
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`Dec. 23, 2010
`
`from the transducer housing 223, does not involve any con-
`nection to the central region of the support element 224.
`[0050]
`In the case of the rechargeable wireless earphone
`220 the transducer housing 223 is in a first plane which is
`spaced in relation to a second plane in which the earphone
`housing 221 and/or the support element 224 is disposed. The
`second plane is preferably inclined in relation to the first
`plane.It is further preferred if the spacing between that point
`on the outer edge of the transducer housing 223, which is
`closest to the support element 224, and the outer center point
`of the support element 224,
`is between 5 and 11 mm,in
`particular between 7 and 9 mm.
`[0051] An earphone pushbutton switch 227 and an ear-
`phonedisplay 228 are providedin or on the earphone housing
`221. The earphone display 228 can be for example an LED
`which can light or flash in at least one color, preferably in a
`plurality of colors.
`[0052] The rechargeable wireless earphone 220 further has
`a battery compartment 229 for receiving a rechargeable ear-
`phonebattery (not shown)for the storageof electrical energy.
`The rechargeable earphone battery can be for example a
`lithium ion button cell witha voltage of3.7 V and an electrical
`charge of40 mAh.The battery compartment229is preferably
`covered with a removable cap 230 so that if required the
`rechargeable earphone battery can be easily replaced.
`Replacement of the rechargeable earphone battery of the
`rechargeable wireless earphone 220 is described in greater
`detail with reference to FIGS. 8A-8D.
`
`[0053] A wireless receiving unit (not shown) is provided in
`the earphone housing 221 so that audio signals can be wire-
`lessly transmitted to the rechargeable wireless earphone 220.
`That wireless communication preferably uses a high-grade
`uncompressed wireless stereo transmission by way ofa stable
`digital connection. The carrier frequency used can be for
`example a frequency in the range of 2.4 GHz through 2.48
`GHz. In that respect for example an FSK process (frequency
`shift keying) and in particular an MSK process (minimum
`shift keying) can be used for modulation purposes. Alterna-
`tively the wireless communication can also be based on the
`Bluetooth protocol, the WLANprotocol or another wireless
`protocol.
`[0054] The rechargeable wireless earphone 220 is prefer-
`ably light, of a weight of less than 20g,in particular a weight
`of about 10 g. The size of the rechargeable wireless head-
`phone 220 is preferably in the region of about 29x20.5x51
`mm. If the rechargeable earphone battery is completely
`charged the operating time of the rechargeable wireless ear-
`phone 220 should be about three hours or more. The further
`preferred technical data of the rechargeable wireless head-
`phone 220 are as follows: maximum acoustic pressure level:
`about 115 dB (SPL); distortion factor: <0.5% at 1 kHz 100 dB
`SPL; frequency range: 19 Hz through 20 kHz; charging time
`of the rechargeable earphone battery AHB: about 2 hours;
`voltage supply: 5 V DC/30 mA.
`[0055]
`It is preferable that the rechargeable wireless ear-
`phone 220 can be switched on by pressing the earphone
`pushbutton switch 227 for a predetermined time of for
`example four seconds. Successful switch-on can be indicated
`by way of the earphonedisplay 228, for example by colored
`flashing at a predeterminedflashing rate of for example once
`per second. If the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 has
`been placed in the transport and/or storage container with
`integrated charging function 100 in accordance withthe first
`embodiment (FIGS. 1-3), as described with reference to
`
`FIGS. 2 and3, the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 pref-
`erably switches on when it is removed from the transport
`and/or storage container 100. Switch-off the rechargeable
`wireless earphone 220 preferably functions in such a way that
`the earphone pushbutton switch 227 is pressed for a prede-
`termined time of for example four seconds. Successful
`switch-off can also be indicated by way of the earphone
`display 228, for example by colored lighting thereof for a
`predetermined time of for example a second. If the recharge-
`able wireless earphone 220 is placed in the transport and/or
`storage container with integrated charging function 100 in
`accordance with the first embodiment
`(FIGS. 1-3), as
`described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the rechargeable
`wireless earphone 220 preferably switches off. It is further
`preferred ifthe rechargeable wireless earphone 220 switches
`off itself if, after a predetermined period of for example five
`minutes, no connection could be made to a transmitter (see
`FIGS. 12 and 13).
`[0056]
`FIGS. 6A and 6B show diagrammatically and by
`way of example insertion of the rechargeable wireless ear-
`phone 220 in accordance with the second embodimentinto
`the ear 300 of a wearer.In this case the rechargeable wireless
`earphone 220 is firstly fitted into the ear 300 of the wearerin
`such a way that the transducer housing 223 rests on the
`auditory canal (FIG. 6A). Thereupon the rechargeable wire-
`less earphone 220 is turned until the support element 224 is
`seated securely in the concha of the wearer (FIG. 6B).
`[0057]
`FIG. 7 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`example the replacementof adapter parts of the rechargeable
`wireless earphone 220 in accordance with the second
`embodiment. Thuspreferably the support element 224 can be
`removed from the upper end 226 ofthe earphone housing 221
`and replaced. In that case it is preferable for support elements
`224, 224', 224" ofdifferent sizes and/or shapes to be provided
`so that the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 can be adapted
`to the specific ear shape and/or size of a wearer by using the
`appropriate support element 224, 224', 224". In addition it is
`preferable that the ring 225 can be removed from the outer
`edge ofthe transducer housing 223 and replaced. In addition
`aremovable ear pad 231 should be providedfor cushioning of
`the transducer housing 223. Preferablyall adapter parts ofthe
`rechargeable wireless earphone, that is to say the support
`elements 224, 224', 224", the ring 225 andthe ear pad 231 are
`providedin a plurality of configurations.
`[0058]
`FIG. 8A-8D showsdiagrammatically and by way of
`example the replacement of the rechargeable earphone bat-
`tery 232 of the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 in accor-
`dance with the second embodiment. In this case firstly the
`edge of the removable cap 230 is lifted somewhat and the
`removable cap 230 displaced in such a way that latching
`projections 233 (see FIG. 8C) which are provided on the
`removable cap 230 and which come into engagement in
`guides 234 (see FIG. 8C) at the inner edge of the battery
`compartment 229 when the (removable) cap 230 is closed can
`be pushed out of those guides 234 (FIG. 8A). The recharge-
`able earphone battery 232 can then be removed from the
`battery compartment 229 and replaced, wherein attention is to
`be paid to the polarity of the rechargeable earphonebattery
`232 whenfitting it in place (FIG. 8B). Thereafter the remov-
`able cap 230 is re-fitted onto the battery compartment 229
`(with the inserted rechargeable earphone battery 232) (FIG.
`8C) and displaced in such a waythatthe latching projections
`233 comeinto engagementin the guides 234 again (FIG. 8D).
`
`20
`
`20
`
`

`

`US 2010/0320961 Al
`
`Dec. 23, 2010
`
`communication can also be based on the Bluetooth protocol,
` Itis preferable ifthe rechargeable wireless earphone
`[0059]
`the WLANprotocol or another wireless protocol.
`220 in accordance with the second embodiment(FIGS. 5-8)
`can be connected for recharging by way ofa charging cable to
`[0066] The rechargeable transmitter 400 is preferably light,
`an electrical energy source. Recharging of the rechargeable
`of a weight of less than 32 g, in particular of a weight of about
`wireless earphone 220 by way ofa charging cable is described
`16 g. The size of the rechargeable transmitter 400 is prefer-
`in greater detail with reference to FIG. 14.
`ably in the region of about 40x13x40 mm. When the
`[0060]
`FIG. 9 shows diagrammatically and by way of
`rechargeable transmitter battery