TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments herein relate generally to wearable devices and apparel, and more specifically, to a wireless earbud system for audio output that allows earbuds to be selectively attached and detached from any one of multiple lanyards to allow a user to selectively choose and replace lanyards and/or earbuds, and wherein the earbud system may be worn as a necklace, bracelet, headband, belt, strap or other wearable apparel.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A wireless earbud system includes a pair of earbuds connected at opposite ends of a lanyard. One or both earbuds are connected to the lanyard by a releasable connection, that allows the (or each) earbud to be selectively attached to, detached from and reattached to the lanyard (or other lanyard). The earbuds contain electronics, but the lanyard is free of electrical connections. In certain examples, the wireless earbud system includes multiple lanyards of the same or different styles, colors, materials, or the like. The releasable connection allows the first and second earbuds to be selectively attached and detached from any one of the multiple lanyards, to allow a user to selectively choose and replace lanyards and/or earbuds. In one example, the releasable connector is a threaded connector, having first and second parts that thread together to attach.

Each earbud includes a respective magnet (or one earbud includes a magnet and the other includes a magnetically attractable material) arranged such that the earbuds are magnetically attracted to each other, when brought together. When the earbuds are magnetically connected together, the earbuds and lanyard form a loop, and may be worn as a necklace, a bracelet, headband, belt, strap or other wearable apparel.

In examples in which the earbud system is configured to be worn as a wrist or arm band or bracelet on user's wrist or arm, motion detection electronics in the earbuds may be configured to detect one or more (or a plurality of specific) motions of the user's wrist or arm. In those examples, processing electronics may be configured to interpret detected motion to provide one or more control signals for controlling one or more of the earbud system, a local or remote audio device, or other electronic device.

