A patent application filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Thursday indicates that Apple is working on a unique set of headphones that can withstand the rigors of athletic activity eliminating the need for cords, AppleInsider has reported.

Titled "Detachable Wireless Listening Device," the application states headphones are designed to free listeners of cumbersome wires while leveraging wireless transmission technology including Bluetooth.

To negate the problem of wired connections, Apple is considering a hybrid system that receives audio data through cable and also detaches from the device and operates wireless when commissioned.

A clip, or a detent or a series of magnets, may connect the listening device to the player. When connected, the headphones will receive audio signals through cable and tap into the media player's power supply when needed while saving energy for untethered use.

AppleInisider has noted that if the headphones get detached accidentally, the host device will discontinue the charging process, activate the wireless module and send audio over Bluetooth or some form of radio communication.

Stereo audio will apparently be enabled to the wireless headset by assigning each side with a unique wireless address.

Intellectual property law Patent