This invention pertains generally to the field of earbuds and in-ear headphones, and in particular earbud clips for securing an earbud to an earlobe to reduce the likelihood of the earbud falling out of the ear.

Earbuds and other ear-fitting headphones are very popular due to their size and therefore their convenience. They comprise very small loudspeakers that are partially fitted inside the outer ear, with speaker typically facing the ear canal. However, for many people they can prove to be uncomfortable, and the nature of their size can also present issues of working loose in the ear, and potentially falling out.

Earbuds are often used during physical exercise, to allow a user to listen to music or coaching instructions and programmes whilst undertaking physical activity. As soon as a user changes pace, perhaps breaking into a jog or a run, the movement of the earbud within the ear increases. This movement typically works the earbud out of the ear, and it becomes very frustrating to have to keep replacing it into the ear, or adjust it whilst undertaking the activity. One solution is to use an earbud with an integrated means of securing to the user’s head in some way, such as through a headband or through an ear loop. However, for reasons such as fashion, convenience and comfort, many users prefer not to use these alternatives. Situations also change frequently. A user wearing their earbuds whilst running, may prefer the earbuds to sit lightly within their earlobe when sat down post exercising, or travelling. A change in situation or environment requires a change in the amount that the user would like their earbud to be secured to their ear.

The in-ear earbud typically require the earbud to be pushed into the ear opening to hold it in place. A choice of flexible attachments may be provided with the earbud to accommodate different ear sizes. This arrangement can prove to be uncomfortable and the attachments are easily lost.

The over ear clip is often provided with a hook for locating over the top of the ear in a manner similar to a pair of spectacles. The clip can be uncomfortable and can interfere with spectacles. Whilst providing some support when positioned in the ear, to prevent it from falling out, it does not fit all different shapes and sizes of ears. The earphone expansion is an adapted earphone design having additional material to hold the earphone under pressure using the shape of the outer ear. This can be unreliable and also uncomfortable.

The prior art shows a number of devices which attempt to address these needs in various ways.

GB2464990 discloses a clip for securing an earbud to an earlobe. However, the clip can either fit too tightly to the earlobe, causing discomfort to the user or else is insufficiently tight resulting in the clip and attached earbud becoming dislodged from the ear.

Whilst the prior art appears to address the issue of retaining an earbud within the ear, it does not ensure a comfortable fit to suit all conditions and environments, and allow for different shapes and sizes of ears. Whilst it goes someway towards releasably securing the earbud inside the ear, it does not provide means to alter just how much the earbud is secured to suit different conditions or user requirements.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a convenient, comfortable means of retaining any earbud within the ear of a user, and ensuring that the earbud stays in the required position when the activity level of the user varies. A further embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a means of varying the amount that an earbud is held in the ear of a user, such that they can adjust the amount that it is held as desired. A further embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method by which an earbud is releasably secured to an ear of a user.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an earbud clip for securing an earbud in place within an ear, the earbud clip comprising an arm having at one end an earbud gripping portion for releasably securing the clip to an earbud, and at the other end an earlobe gripping element for releasably securing the earbud clip to an earlobe, whereby the earlobe gripping element is connected to said arm for indexed pivotal movement relative thereto, configured such that an adjustable earlobe accommodating gap is provided between the arm and the earlobe gripping element. Preferably, the earbud gripping portion is push fitted into engagement with the earbud.

Preferably, the earbud gripping portion may be provided with a recess for accommodating a stalk of an earbud.

The earbud gripping portion may be substantially ball-shaped and the recessmay be laterally facing. The width of the recess may be marginally less than the diameter of a stalk of the earbud.

Preferably, the earlobe gripping element may comprise a pad for engaging behind the earlobe.

The pad may comprise a flat face for engaging with the earlobe.

Preferably, the connection between the arm and the earlobe gripping element may comprise a ratchet arrangement.

The ratchet arrangement may comprise a cog located on one of said arm and said earlobe gripping element, and a tongue located on the other of said arm and said earlobe gripping element, for engagement between adjacent teeth on said cog. Preferably, the earbud clip may comprise a plastics material.

The earbud clip may, at least in part, comprise an elastomer.

According to a further aspect of the proposed invention, there is provided a method of securing an earbud in place within an ear, the method comprising the steps of: securing the earbud gripping portion of the earbud clip according to any of the preceding claims to the earbud, positioning the earlobe gripping element of the earbud clip, having a relatively large gap between the earlobe gripping element and the arm of the earbud clip behind the earlobe, and reducing the gap to secure the earbud clip to the earlobe. For a beter understanding of the invention and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows one embodiment of earbud clip when releasably secured to an earbud, and releasably secured to an earlobe of a user;

Figure 2 shows the earbud clip of Figure 1, when releasably secured to an earbud;

Figure 3 shows in greater detail the earbud clip of Figure 1 or Figure 2, showing one embodiment of earlobe gripping element; and,

Figure 4 shows the earbud clip of Figure 3 in plan view.

In the figures like references denote like or corresponding parts.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of an earbud clip 1 of the present invention comprises an arm 3 which has a gently curved main section 5 and two end portions, being an earbud gripping portion 7 at one end of the arm and an ear lobe gripping element 9 mounted at the other end of the arm 3.

Earbud gripping portion 7 is a ball-shaped portion with a large part spherical and laterally facing recess 11 which can accommodate the stalk 13 of earbud 15. The entrance to recess 11 is slightly narrower than the diameter of stalk 13 but the material of clip 1 is such that the recess will resiliently enlarge sufficiently to allow the ear bud stalk to be inserted therein by a push fit and then be firmly held therewithin.

The ear lobe gripping element 9 is a short arm having an enlarged pad 17 with a flat face 19 which is positioned to engage the rear of the ear lobe when the clip 1 is secured to stalk 13 of earbud 15. Element 9 is mounted for pivotal movement at the other end of arm 3 and towards and away from the earbud gripping portion 5. This pivotal movement is constrained by an integral cog 21 having teeth 23 which can engage with a tongue located on arm 3. Due to the resilient flexibility of the material of the arm 3, this ratchet mechanism allows the ear lobe gripping element 9 to be rotated relative to arm 3 by predetermined uniform increments in order to close or open the gap between pad 17 and main section 5 of arm 3. Closing the gap increases the pressure on the ear lobe and hence the security of the engagement of the clip 1 to the ear. Opening the gap reduces the pressure and, when the gap is fully open, the clip 1, with attached earbud 15, can be easily removed from the ear.

A user would require two earbud clips 1, in use, to be able to support an earbud 15 within each of their ears. The user would insert the stalk 13 of an earbud 15 into the recess 11 of the earbud gripping portion 7, and do the same with the other earbud clip 1 for the other earbud 15. The stalk 13 of the earbud 15 is releasably secured to the earbud clip 1 within a recess 11 in one embodiment, where the stalk 13 of the earbud 15 is of a similar size to the recess 11. With some gentle force the earbud 15 may be slidable within the recess 11 of the earbud clip 1 , such that a user can alter the location of the earbud clip 1 to ensure comfort when placed within their ear. The user would ensure that the earlobe gripping elements 9 are in an open configuration, then place the earbuds 15 within their ears. They could then apply pressure to the earlobe gripping element 9 to close the gap and force the pad 27 of a flat face 19 of the earbud gripping element 9 onto the earlobe of a user.

Should the user require the earbuds 15 to be loosely secured to their earlobes, they would apply gentle pressure to the ratchet mechanism such that the cog 21 rotates by incremental amounts until the required level of securement is achieved. If the user decides, however, that they need a firmer attachment to their earlobes, perhaps because they are about to undertake some physical activity, the user can simply apply further pressure to the earlobe gripping element 9, to drive the cog 21 and rotate the pad 17 relative to the arm 3 by further teeth 23, or predetermined uniform increments, such that the earbud is more securely retained within the ear.

The ear lobe gripping element 9 in an alternative embodiment, may comprise a gear and pawl mechanism, whereby the gear teeth ensure the incremental changes to the grip strength, and a push button allows for the mechanism to release for removal from the earlobe. The pad 17 may incorporate cushioning or padding for comfort, and this cushioning or padding may be moulded to coincide with typical internal ear cavity shapes. The surface of the pad 17 may additionally comprise gripping means, such as a surface configured to provide friction with the earlobe. The arm 3 of the earbud clip 1 may be gently curved, or may comprise any suitable shape such that the arm 3 supports the earbud gripping portion 7 in the correct position in relation to the earlobe gripping element 9.

The invention is not limited to having a retrofittable earbud clip 1 that can be used with all earbuds 15, but it may also be incorporated within the earbud 15 itself, such that the stalk 13 of the earbud 15 incorporates the arm 3 of the earbud clip 1 , integrally moulded to it or otherwise. The earbud clip 1 may be ornate and decorative both in shape, and/or embedded with decorative items such as gems, studs or precious stones.

Referring to Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown the ear bud clip 1 in plan view.

It will be appreciated that clips of the present invention may vary in shape and dimensions in order to fit different shapes and sizes of earbuds.

In this specification, the verb "comprise" has its normal dictionary meaning, to denote non-exclusive inclusion. That is, use of the word "comprise" (or any of its derivatives) to include one feature or more, does not exclude the possibility of also including further features. The word “preferable” (or any of its derivatives) indicates one feature or more that is preferred but not essential.

All or any of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all or any of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.