Abstract
A waterproof audio system having an audio plug electrically connected to a y-adapter, a left coiled wire having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said y-adapter and said second end connected to a left ear bud speaker; and a right coiled wire having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said y-adapter and said second end connected to a right ear bud speaker, wherein said left coiled wire is releasably affixed to a left section of a stretchable goggle cord and said right coiled wire is releasably affixed to a right section of said stretchable goggle cord.
Claims
1. A swim device, wherein said swim device comprises: a swim goggle having goggles and a goggle strap; an audio headphone plug electrically connected to one end of a middle wire; a y-junction electrically connected to an other end of said middle wire and said y-junction electrically connected to one end of a left wire and one end of a right wire; a pair of earphones, said pair of earphones having a left earbud electrically connected to an other end of said left wire and a right earbud electrically connected to an other end of said right wire; wherein each of said left wire and said right wire has a left coiled wire section with a left plurality of coils pre-formed therein in continuous, regularly spaced left rings one after the other and positioned between said y-junction and said left earbud and a right coiled wire section with a right plurality of coils pre-formed therein in continuous, regularly spaced right rings one after the other and positioned between said y-junction and said right earbud; wherein said left coiled wire section and said right coiled wire section are configured to be wrapped a plurality of times around said goggle strap, and wherein said left wire has a left non-coiled wire section positioned between said left coiled wire section and said left earbud and said right wire has a right non-coiled wire section positioned between said right coiled wire section and said right earbud; wherein said goggle strap further comprises a first goggle strap end and a second goggle strap end; wherein said first goggle strap end is positioned through said left coiled wire section such that said left rings encircle said first goggle strap end, and said second goggle strap end is positioned through said right coiled wire section such that said right rings encircle said second goggle strap end.
2. The swim device of claim 1, said goggle strap further comprising a quick connect configured to enable length adjustment of said first goggle strap end and said second goggle strap end.
3. The swim device of claim 1, wherein said middle wire is a dual channel.
4. The swim device of claim 1, wherein said left wire is a left single channel.
5. The swim device of claim 4, wherein said right wire is a right single channel.
6. The swim device of claim 1, said swim device further comprising a player, said player electrically connected to said audio headphone plug.
7. The swim device of claim 6, wherein said player is removeably affixed to said goggle strap.
8. A method of using a swim device, said method comprising the steps of: obtaining a swim goggle having goggles and a goggle strap; obtaining an audio headphone plug electrically connected to one end of a middle wire, a y-junction electrically connected to an other end of said middle wire and said y-junction electrically connected to one end of a left wire and one end of a right wire, a pair of earphones, said pair of earphones having a left earbud electrically connected to an other end of said left wire and a right earbud electrically connected to an other end of said right wire, wherein each of said left wire and said right wire has a left coiled wire section with a left plurality of coils pre-formed therein in continuous, regularly spaced left rings one after the other and positioned between said y-junction and said left earbud and a right coiled wire section with a right plurality of coils pre-formed therein in continuous, regularly spaced right rings one after the other and positioned between said y-junction and said right earbud, and wherein said left wire has a left non-coiled wire section positioned between said left coiled wire section and said left earbud and said right wire has a right non-coiled wire section positioned between said right coiled wire section and said right earbud, wherein said goggle strap further comprises a first goggle strap end and a second goggle strap end, wherein said goggle strap further comprises a quick connect configured to enable length adjustment of said first goggle strap end and said second goggle strap end; wrapping said left coiled wire section and said second coiled wire section a plurality of times around said goggle strap; removing said quick connect from said first goggle strap end and said second goggle strap end; feeding said first goggle strap end through said left coiled wire section such that said left rings encircle said first goggle strap end and said second goggle strap end through said right coiled wire section such that said right rings encircle said second goggle strap end; and repositioning said quick connect thereon said first goggle strap end and said second goggle strap end.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of: obtaining a player; connecting said player to said audio headphone plug; attaching said player to said goggle strap.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: placing said swim goggle on a user's head; placing said pair of earbuds in a user's ears; and starting said player, wherein starting said player comprises audio being played by said earbuds.
11. The swim device of claim 8, further comprising the step of: adjusting a position of said quick connect on said first goggle strap end and said second goggle strap end.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The present swim cap with headphones device will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:
(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment;
(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment, with the earphones extended out of the swim cap;
(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein the swim cap and embodiment is being stretched;
(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, shown in use;
(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, shown on a user's head; and
(7) FIG. 6.1 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment, shown on a user's head;
(8) FIG. 6.2 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment, shown as an insert for a swim cap;
(9) FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary use of an embodiment;
(10) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the swim cap with a groove for the earphone wires;
(11) FIG. 9A is a close-up perspective view of the embodiment from FIG. 8 showing the groove of the swim cap;
(12) FIGS. 9B1 and 9B2 is a close-up perspective view of the embodiment from FIG. 8 showing the groove of the swim cap
(13) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the swim cap with a groove for the earphone wires, with the earphones extended out of the swim cap;
(14) FIG. 11 is a cross sectional side view of the embodiment from FIG. 8;
(15) FIG. 12 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary use of another embodiment;
(16) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment, of a swim audio system;
(17) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment swim audio system of FIG. 13 in combination with a strapped goggles; and
(18) FIG. 15 is a side view of a user wearing the combination swim audio system integrated strapped goggles of FIG. 14.
(19) It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(20) In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-15, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples.
(21) Referring now to FIGS. 1-12 by way of example, and not limitation, therein is illustrated an example embodiment swim cap 100, wherein swim cap 100 comprises player 110, wires 120, earphones 130, and cover 140. Wires 120 comprise first wire 122 and second wire 124. Earphones 130 comprise first earphone 132 and second earphone 134. It is contemplated herein that first earphone 132 and second earphone 134 and player 110 may include water proof earphones and player. In this embodiment, cover 140 comprises a single layer, cover 140.
(22) In this embodiment, cover 140 comprises an elastic material that can comfortably stretch a certain amount without losing functionality, such as, for exemplary purposes only and without limitation, a rubber-like compound, a stretchable cloth material, etc.
(23) Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is another embodiment of swim cap 100. Once again, swim cap 100 comprises player 110, wires 120, earphones 130, and cover 140, wherein cover 140 comprises first layer 150, second layer 160, and opening 170. In this embodiment, wires 120 are disposed between first layer 150 and second layer 160, wherein wires 120 are in a serpentine disposition when swim cap 100 is a non-stretched position (best shown FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 9; swim cap 100 in a stretched position is best shown in FIG. 3). This serpentine disposition of wires 120 allows swim cap 100 to be stretched without compromising the functionality of wires 120, or negatively affecting either how wires 120 attach to player 110, or how earphones 130 reach to user's U ears.
(24) In this embodiment, opening 170 is disposed within first layer 150, and placing player 110 within opening 170 will thus secure player 110 by virtue of swim cap 100. Alternatively, opening 170 may expose a pouch that will secure player 110 while inside opening 170. However, it is contemplated herein that cover 140 may comprise a single layer, wherein wires 120 are disposed and molded within cover 140, as shown in FIG. 1. It is further contemplated that opening 170 is disposed inside swim cap 100 (not shown), wherein player 110 would need to be accessed before swim cap 100 is placed on user's U head, or alternatively wherein user U could attempt to manipulate player 110 through cover 140 while swim cap 100 is on user's U head. It is further contemplated herein that wires 120 are embedded within an elastic conduit within cover 140 or imbedded therein during molding.
(25) It is also further contemplated that swim cap 100 may be a headband or head cover used for any activity (best shown in FIG. 6), athletic or otherwise, including, for exemplary purposes only and without limitation, a cold-weather hat for skiing or a headband.
(26) Turning now to FIG. 3, illustrated therein is an exemplary embodiment of swim cap 100, wherein swim cap 100 is in a stretched position. In this embodiment, swim cap 100 again comprises player 110, wires 120, earphones 130, and cover 140. Because swim cap 100 is in a stretched position, wires 120 are no longer in a serpentine disposition. In the illustration shown, wires 120 are mostly, but not completely, straightened out when user inserts hands inside swim cap 100 and separates user's hands. However, it is contemplated herein that the maximum stretch of swim cap 100 may only partially straighten wires 120. It is further contemplated herein that the maximum stretch of swim cap 100 may completely straighten wires 120.
(27) Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, illustrated therein is an exemplary embodiment of swim cap 100, wherein swim cap 100 is being utilized by user U. In the illustration shown, swim cap 100 is disposed on user's U head, wherein swim cap 100 only partially covers user's U ears. Earphones 130 extend from swim cap 100 and are placed in user's U ears. However, it is contemplated herein that swim cap 100 may be disposed such that swim cap 100 does not cover user's U ears. It is further, and alternatively, contemplated herein, that swim cap 100 may fully and/or mostly cover user's U ears, in which case earphones 130 would need to be retained or curved back under swim cap 100 to reach user's U ears.
(28) Turning now to FIG. 6.2, illustrated therein is exemplary embodiments of swim cap insert 100.1 wherein swim cap insert 100.1 comprises wires 120, earphones 130, and strip 190. Wires 120 comprise first wire 122, second wire 124, and third wire with headphone plug 126. Earphones 130 comprise first earphone 132 and second earphone 134. It is contemplated herein that first earphone 132 and second earphone 134 may include water proof earphones. It is further contemplated herein that first earphone 132 and second earphone 134 and headphone plug 127 extend beyond edge 191.
(29) In this embodiment, a band, ribbon or layer, such as strip 190 comprises a single strip or one or more strips, such as, first strip 192, second strip 194, and third strip 196 made of an elastic or bendable material that can comfortably stretch or bend a certain amount without losing functionality, such as, for exemplary purposes only and without limitation, a silicone or rubber-like compound, or a stretchable cloth material, etc. It is contemplated herein that strip 190 may be formed in any configuration capable of integration with to any swim cap or head band or the like. It is further contemplated herein that strip 190 may be positioned within or on the exterior of any swim cap or head band or the like.
(30) In this embodiment, wires 120 may be imbedded in strip 190 or disposed within groove 180 of strip 190, wherein wires 120 are in a serpentine disposition when strip 190 is a non-stretched position (best shown FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 9; strip 190 in a stretched position is best shown in FIG. 3). Preferably strip 190 of swim cap insert 100.1 is configured as an insert to be affixed, such as by ultrasonic weld or glue, to any swim cap to form swim cap 100. The serpentine disposition of wires 120 in strip 190 of swim cap insert 100.1 enables swim cap 100 to be stretched without compromising the functionality of wires 120, or negatively affecting either how wires 120 attach to player 110, or how earphones 130 reach to user's U ears. It is contemplated herein that swim cap insert 100.1 may be utilized as a removable insert therein any existing swim cap or may be affixed thereto any existing swim cap, enabling use with one or more existing swim caps to be configured with swim cap insert 100.1 as swim cap 100 or swim cap insert 100.1 may be transferable from one swim cap to another to form swim cap 100.
(31) Turning now to FIG. 7, method of using swim cap with headphones 1000 starts with user U obtaining swim cap 100 via step 1010. Via step 1020, if player 110 is with swim cap 100, then method 1000 proceeds to step 1040, otherwise method 1000 proceeds to step 1030. Via step 1030, player 110 is secured to swim cap 100. Via step 1040, player 110 is started, and optionally secured inside swim cap 100. Via step 1050, swim cap 100 is stretched and placed on user's U head, and via step 1060 earphones are placed in user's U ears. Finally, via step 1070, user U starts swimming.
(32) Referring now to FIGS. 8-11 by way of example, and not limitation, therein is illustrated an example embodiment swim cap 100, wherein swim cap 100 comprises groove 180 to accommodate player 110, wires 120, earphones 130, and cover 140. Wires 120 may comprise first wire 122 and second wire 124. Earphones 130 may comprise first earphone 132 and second earphone 134. It is contemplated herein that first earphone 132 and second earphone 134 and player 110 may include water proof earphones and player.
(33) In this embodiment, cover 140 comprises an elastic material that can comfortably stretch a certain amount without losing functionality, such as, for exemplary purposes only and without limitation, a rubber-like compound, a stretchable cloth material, etc.
(34) Turning now to FIGS. 9-11, illustrated therein is further embodiments of swim cap 100. In one embodiment, swim cap 100 may generally comprise cover 140 with a groove 180. The groove 180 may be adapted to accommodate a wire in a serpentine disposition when cover 140 is not in a stretched position wherein groove 180 is preferably formed in a serpentine configuration therein cover 140. In one embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 9B1 and 9B2, when cover 140 is relaxed, groove 180 may have an overhang lip 186, and when cover 140 is bent, overhang lip 186 may be reduced thereby providing groove opening 188 to access groove 180. This feature of swim cap 100 may allow wire 120 to be easily inserted into groove 180 in a serpentine disposition by merely bending swim cap 100 and inserting the wires 120 into groove 180. Swim cap 100 may also include a player pocket 200 adapted for storing player 110.
(35) In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, swim cap 100 may comprise player 110, wires 120, earphones 130, and cover 140 with groove 180. Cover 140 comprises first layer 150 and/or strip 190, player pocket 200, and wire split pocket 220. In this embodiment, wires 120 are disposed within groove 180 therein first layer 150 and/or strip 190, wherein wires 120 and groove 180 are in a serpentine disposition when swim cap 100 is a non-stretched position (best shown FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 9; swim cap 100 in a stretched position is best shown in FIG. 3). This serpentine disposition of wires 120 positioned therein groove 180 allows swim cap 100 to be stretched without compromising the functionality of wires 120, or negatively affecting either how wires 120 attach to player 110, or how earphones 130 reach to user's U ears. In one embodiment, the strip 190 may be disposed on the interior of first layer 150, thereby forming groove 180 on the interior of first layer 150. In an alternative embodiment, strip 190 may be disposed on the exterior of first layer 150, thereby forming groove 180 on the exterior of first layer 150.
(36) In one embodiment, groove 180 may comprise a first groove 182 for first wire 122 and a second groove 184 for second wire 124. In this embodiment, strip 190 may comprise a first strip 192 for creating first groove 182 and a second strip 194 for creating second groove 184.
(37) In this embodiment, player pocket 200 may be disposed within first layer 150, and placing player 110 within player pocket 200 will thus secure player 110 by virtue of swim cap 100. Alternatively, player pocket 200 may expose a pouch that will secure player 110 while inside player pocket 200. However, it is contemplated herein that cover 140 may comprise a single layer, wherein wires 120 are disposed and molded within a groove 180 inside the single layer of cover 140. It is further contemplated that player pocket 200 is disposed inside swim cap 100 (not shown), wherein player 110 would need to be accessed before swim cap 100 is placed on user's U head, or alternatively wherein user U could attempt to manipulate player 110 through cover 140 while swim cap 100 is on user's U head. It is further contemplated herein that wires 120 are embedded within an elastic conduit within groove 180 or imbedded therein during molding of cover 140.
(38) In one embodiment, a wire split pocket 220 may be provided between player pocket 200 and groove 180 or first and second grooves 182 and 184, respectively. Wire split pocket 220 may be for housing wire 120 where it splits off into the first and second wires before the first and second grooves 182 and 184, respectively.
(39) Turning now to FIG. 12, method of using swim cap with headphones 1000 starts with user U obtaining swim cap 100 (swim goggle audio component 300) via step 1010. Via step 1020, if player 110 is with swim cap 100, then method 1000 proceeds to step 1040, otherwise method 1000 proceeds to step 1030. Via step 1030, player 110 (swim goggle audio component 300) is secured to swim cap 100 (swim goggles 400). Via step 1040, player 110 is started, and optionally secured inside swim cap 100. To secure the player 110 (swim goggle audio component 300) to swim cap 100 (swim goggles 400), step 1030 may include a step 1080 of inserting wire 120 (goggle strap 420) through or positioning therein groove 180 (coiled wire 320 of swim goggle audio component 300) in a serpentine disposition. Step 1080 may include a step 1082 of bending cover 140 to reduce the overhang lip 186 and provide groove opening 188. Once the groove opening 188 is large enough, a step 1084 of inserting the wire 120 through the groove opening 188 into groove 180 may be accomplished. In addition, step 1030 may include a step 1090 of connecting wire 120 to player 110, like through wire jack access hole 210 in player pocket 200. Also, step 1030 may include a step 1100 of positioning player 110 in player pocket 200 (goggle strap 420). Via step 1050, swim cap 100 is stretched and placed on user's U head, and via step 1060 earphones 130 may be placed in user's U ears. Finally, via step 1070, user U starts swimming. At any desired time during the process, a step of starting the player 110 may be included. Starting the player 110 may include, audio being played by the earphones 130.
(40) It is contemplated herein that player 110 may comprise any device that can supply audio to earphones, include, for exemplary purposes only and without limitation, an iPod, any MP3 player, a radio, or any music player with or without internal memory.
(41) Turning now to FIG. 13, illustrated therein is exemplary embodiment of swim goggle attachment, such as swim goggle audio component 300 wherein swim goggle audio component 300 includes electrically connected wires 120, pair of water proof speakers, headphones, or earbuds, with or without ear hooks, such as earphones 130, and an audio plug, such as headphone plug 127. Wires 120 comprise a pair of single channel insulated conductors, such as left or first wire 122, right or second wire 124, and a dual channel insulated conductor, such as third wire 126, the third wire 126 having headphone plug 127. Earphones 130 comprise first earbud or earphone 132 and second earbud or earphone 134. Wires 120, more specifically left or first wire 122, right or second wire 124, each include a coiled wire section(s), segment, partial or full coiled wire, such as coiled wire 320. Preferably coiled wire 320 includes a first or left coiled wire 322 and a second or right coiled wire 324 positioned between third wire 126 and earphone 132 and second earphone 134, respectively. It is contemplated herein that first earphone 132 and second earphone 134 may include water proof earphones or earbuds. It is further contemplated herein that first earphone 132 and second earphone 134 and headphone plug 126 extend beyond right coiled wire 322 and left coiled wire 324, respectively. It is still further contemplated herein that the junction between third wire 126 and first wire 122 and second wire 124 may include straight split wires, or a y-adapter, such as y-junction 330.
(42) It is still further contemplated herein that first wire 122 includes a first straight section 122.1 between said first earbud 132 and first or left coiled wire 322 to extend first wire 122 and position first earbud 132 proximate user's U left ear.
(43) It is still further contemplated herein that second wire 124 includes a second straight section 124.1 between said second earbud 132 and second or right coiled wire 324 to extend second wire 124 and position second earbud 134 proximate user's U right ear.
(44) It is still further contemplated herein that first wire 122 includes a third straight section 122.2 between first or left coiled wire 322 and y-junction 330.
(45) It is still further contemplated herein that second wire 124 includes a fourth straight section 124.2 between second or right coiled wire 324 and y-junction 330.
(46) Turning now to FIG. 14, illustrated therein is exemplary embodiment of swim goggle audio component 300 coiled over or in combination with swim goggles 400. Preferably swim goggles 400 includes goggles 410, goggle strap 420, and quick connect 430. It is contemplated herein that goggle strap 420 may include other flexible strap configurations or material choices, such as latex straps, bungee cord and the like. It is contemplated herein that quick connect 430 may include other tensioners, friction adjustment, fasteners, and like length adjustment devices. It is further contemplated herein that quick connect 430 is configured to enable length adjustment of goggle strap 420 (including length adjustment of first or left goggle strap end 422 of goggle strap 420 and second or right goggle strap end 424)
(47) Turning now to FIG. 14, 15 and FIG. 12, illustrated therein is exemplary embodiment of swim goggle audio component 300 coiled over or in combination with swim goggles 400. In use user U obtaining swim goggle audio component 300 and swim goggles 400 via step 1010. Via step 1030, swim goggle audio component 300 is secured to or coiled around goggle strap 420 of swim goggles 400. To secure swim goggle audio component 300 to swim goggles 400, step 1030 may include a step 1080 of removing or disconnecting quick connect 430 from goggle strap 420 (first or left goggle strap end 422 of goggle strap 420 and second or right goggle strap end 424) and pushing or feeding goggle strap 420 through or positioned therein or therethrough coiled wire 320 of swim goggle audio component 300 or wrapping coiled wire 320 around goggle strap 420. It is contemplated herein that a first or left goggle strap end 422 of goggle strap 420 may be inserted therein or therethrough left coiled wire 322 or wrapped therearound left goggle strap end 422 and a second or right goggle strap end 424 of goggle strap 420 may be inserted therein or therethrough right coiled wire 324 or wrapped therearound right goggle strap end 424. Repositioning or reconnecting quick connect 430 to or adjusting thereon quick connect 430 of goggle strap 420 (first or left goggle strap end 422 of goggle strap 420 and second or right goggle strap end 424). Moreover, quick connect 430 may be utilized to adjust the length of first or left goggle strap end 422 and second or right goggle strap end 424 of goggle strap 420. Preferably player 110 may be attached or removably affixed to goggle strap 420 of swim goggles 400. Swim goggle audio component 300 in combination with swim goggles 400 may be placed on user's U head, and via step 1060 earphones 130 may be placed in user's U ears. Finally, via step 1070, user U starts swimming. At any desired time during the process, a step of starting the player 110 may be included. Starting the player 110 may include, audio being played by the earphones 130.
(48) The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.
