(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2005/0259811A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Nov. 24, 2005
`Kimm et al.
`
`US 2005O259811A1
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`(54) HEADSET FOR COMMUNICATION
`DEVICES
`(76) Inventors: Daniel Kimm, San Diego, CA (US);
`Roy Kim, Newport Beach, CA (US);
`Jino Kim, Mission Hills, CA (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`ROY KIIM
`P.O. BOX 4122
`IRVINE, CA 92616 (US)
`(21) Appl. No.:
`10/852,524
`(22) Filed:
`May 24, 2004
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl. ............................. H04M 1/00; HO4M 9/00
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 379/.430
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`The present invention relates to headsets for communication
`devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones, Smart
`
`phones, PDAS, desktop computers, and lap top computers.
`Specifically, this invention teaches a head Set which may be
`fully retracted and then integrated with a communication
`device. For a wired head Set, the microphone is located in
`proximity to the earpiece. A flexible Sound tube extends
`from the microphone to the user's mouth. This flexible
`Sound tube is pliable Such that the user can bend the opening
`of the Sound tube towards the user's mouth. In addition, the
`Sound tube is coupled to the same wire that transmits signals
`between the microphone/earpiece and the communication
`device. The coupling of the flexible sound tube to the
`transmission wire allows the mouthpiece to be retracted
`along with the wire, up and until the microphone/earpiece.
`For wireless headsets, a flexible Sound tube connects the
`user's mouth with the microphone/earpiece. This flexible
`Sound tube is retractable So as to minimize Space and thus
`allow the wireless headset to be directly integrated into the
`communication device. Should the microphone be placed
`near the user's mouth, a flexible, retractable arm is used to
`connect the microphone to the earpiece.
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 1 of 9
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 2 of 9
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`CROSS SECTION OF PDA/CELL PHONE
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 3 of 9
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 6 of 9
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 7 of 9
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 8 of 9
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 24, 2005 Sheet 9 of 9
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`US 2005/0259811 A1
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`Nov. 24, 2005
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`HEADSET FOR COMMUNICATION DEVICES
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0001. The present invention relates to headsets for com
`munication devices, including, but not limited to, cell
`phones, Smart phones, PDAS, desktop computers, and lap
`top computers. Specifically, this invention teaches a head Set
`which may be retracted and then integrated with a commu
`nication device.
`0002 Headsets were invented in order to relieve phone
`user's of both fatigue and discomfort. Headsets allow the
`user to communicate freely without having to hold and
`Support a phone by one's head. Despite these advantages,
`headsets are often not used because of certain inconve
`niences. For instance, traditional headsets involve wires that
`are often cumberSome and entangle. In order to alleviate this
`problem, Some inventions have focused on having headsets
`with wires that can be retracted, much like a tape measure.
`These inventions retract the wires up and until the actual
`headset. The headset is then left to dangle outside.
`0003. Other problems are associated with wireless head
`Sets. Since wireleSS headsets are not connected to the com
`munication device they are easily misplaced or lost. And,
`having to carry around a separate headset-wired or wire
`leSS-in conjunction with the communication device
`becomes cumberSome.
`0004. The present invention seeks to further maximize
`the benefits associated with a headset while relieving the
`inconveniences. The present invention allows for full retrac
`tion of the head Set. No components are left to dangle outside
`the retraction unit or communication device. In addition, in
`order to increase Sound quality, a flexible mouthpiece is used
`to conduct Sound from the user's mouth to the microphone.
`This flexible mouthpiece is coupled with the wire to allow
`for full retraction. Finally, for wireless headsets, the flexible
`mouthpiece is retractable So as to minimize Space when fully
`retracted, while maximizing Sound quality when fully
`extended. When retracted the wireless headset can then be
`integrated with the communication device.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0005 The present invention relates to an apparatus that
`satisfies the need for a fully retractable headset that can be
`integrated into either a Stand-alone retraction unit or a
`retraction unit inside or coupled with a communication
`device. In a wired head Set, the microphone is located in
`proximity to the earpiece. A flexible Sound tube extends
`from the microphone to the user's mouth. This flexible
`Sound tube is pliable Such that the user can bend the opening
`of the flexible Sound tube towards the user's mouth. In
`addition, the flexible sound tube is coupled to the same wire
`that transmits signals between the microphone/earpiece and
`the communication device. The coupling of the flexible
`Sound tube to the transmission wire allows the mouthpiece
`to be retracted along with the wire, up and until the micro
`phone/earpiece.
`0006. In another preferred embodiment, the microphone
`is moved away from the earpiece and placed in proximity to
`where the user's mouth would be located. A flexible core
`material then spans the length between the earpiece and
`microphone, thus allowing the user to bend and maintain the
`
`microphone near the user's mouth. This flexible core mate
`rial is coupled with the transmission wires to allow full
`retraction up and until the earpiece.
`0007 For wireless headsets, a flexible sound tube con
`nects the user's mouth with the microphone/earpiece. This
`flexible Sound tube is retractable So as to minimize Space and
`thus allow the wireleSS headset to be directly integrated into
`the communication device.
`0008. In yet another preferred embodiment, the micro
`phone is moved away from the earpiece and placed in
`proximity to where the user's mouth would be located. The
`microphone and earpiece are then connected by a flexible
`arm which is retractable.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0009. The features and advantages of this invention are
`better understood with regard to the following drawings,
`description, and claims. The drawings consist of the follow
`ing:
`0010 FIG. 1 is a side view of a user employing an
`apparatus embodying features of this invention.
`0011 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cell phone
`with an apparatus embodying features of this invention.
`0012 FIG. 3 is a front view of an apparatus embody
`ing features of this invention.
`0013 FIG. 4 is a side view of an apparatus embodying
`features of this invention.
`0014 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus
`embodying features of this invention.
`0015 FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus
`embodying features of this invention.
`0016 FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus
`embodying features of this invention.
`0017 FIG. 8 is a front view of an apparatus embody
`ing features of this invention.
`0018 FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus
`embodying features of this invention.
`0019 FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus
`embodying features of this invention.
`0020 FIG. 11 is a side view of an apparatus embody
`ing features of this invention.
`0021 FIG. 12(a) is an exploded view of the hinge
`mechanism.
`0022 FIG. 12(b) is an exploded view of the hinge
`mechanism.
`0023 FIG. 12(c) is an exploded view of the hinge
`mechanism.
`0024 FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the hinge mecha
`nism.
`0025 FIG. 14 is a side view of an apparatus embody
`ing features of this invention.
`0026 FIG. 15 is a side view of an apparatus embody
`ing features of this invention.
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`Nov. 24, 2005
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`0027 FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the telescoping
`mechanism.
`0028 FIG. 17 is a side view of an apparatus embody
`ing features of this invention.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`0029 FIG. 1 discloses the first preferred embodiment, a
`wired head Set. The earpiece 10, adapted for the acoustical
`transmission of Sound to the ear, is preferably like the
`commonly known bud ear phone. However, the earpiece 10
`can be of any design and shape, known in the art. Similarly,
`the microphone 11 may also be of any design and shape, So
`long as it may be located in proximity to the earpiece 10.
`Preferably, the earpiece 10 and microphone 11 are coupled
`to each other.
`0030 Connected to the earpiece 10 and microphone 11
`are their respective wires 12 which transmit Signals to and
`from the communication device. Preferably, the respective
`wires 12 are coupled to each other.
`0.031) To ensure maximum sounds transference between
`the mouth and microphone 11, a flexible sound tube 13,
`which is hollow, extends from the microphone 11 to the
`user's mouth. This flexible sound tube 13 is preferably made
`of a Soft, pliable plastic material that is capable of main
`taining its shape when bent. The user can thus bend the
`opening 14 of the flexible sound tube 13 towards the user's
`mouth. In addition, the flexible sound tube 13 is coupled to
`the transmission wires 12 along Substantially the entire
`length of the sound tube 13. The coupling of the flexible
`Sound tube 13 to the transmission wires 12 allows the
`flexible sound tube 13 to be retracted along with the trans
`mission wires 12, up and until the microphone 11 and
`earpiece 10. See FIG. 2.
`0032 FIGS. 3 through 7 demonstrate that preferably, a
`flattened shaped wire is used to house the transmission wires
`12 and flexible sound tube 13 So as to promote retraction
`without twisting and tangling.
`0033 FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the flexible sound
`tube 13 and transmission wires 12 at cross-section A-A as
`designated in FIG. 4. The transmission wires 12 are com
`prised of the earpiece transmission wire 12(a) and the
`microphone transmission wire 12(b). These transmission
`wires and the flexible sound tube 13 are coupled to each
`other along substantially the entire length of the flexible
`sound tube 13 So as to promote full retraction.
`0034 FIG. 6 shows a cross section at B-B below the
`flexible sound tube. Only the earpiece transmission wire
`12(a) and microphone transmission wire 12(b) run below the
`Sound tube.
`0035) This embodiment allows for full retraction of the
`headset up and until the earpiece/microphone. See FIG. 2.
`For example, a retraction unit, as known in the art, may be
`placed inside a communication device Such as a cellular
`phone or PDA, with the headset connected to the retraction
`unit. When fully retracted, only the earpiece/microphone
`would slightly project from the communication device. The
`earpiece/microphone could then be pulled from the commu
`nication device to the user's ear and the flexible Sound tube
`bent towards the user's mouth. Similarly, a Stand alone
`retraction unit employing this headset embodiment would be
`able to fully retract the headset up to the earpiece/micro
`phone.
`
`0036). In another preferred embodiment, the sound tube
`13 is again made of a plastic material. However, in this
`embodiment, a flexible core 14 is coupled to the flexible
`Sound tube 13 and the earpiece transmission wire 12(a) and
`the microphone transmission wire 12(b). See FIG. 7 which
`represents a cross-section at point A-A of FIG. 4. This
`flexible core 14 helps the user manipulate the shape of the
`flexible sound tube 13 and maintain the opening 14 of the
`flexible sound tube 13 by the user's mouth. In other words,
`in this embodiment, the flexible core 14 is responsible for
`maintaining the shape of the flexible sound tube 13, rather
`than the flexible Sound tube 14 itself, as illustrated in the first
`preferred embodiment. The flexible core 14 is preferably
`made of a pliable metallic wire and is coupled to the Sound
`tube 13 and transmission wires 12, along Substantially the
`entire length of the sound tube 13.
`0037 FIG. 8 illustrates another preferred embodiment of
`the present invention. In this embodiment, the microphone
`11 is moved away from the earpiece 10 and placed in
`proximity to where the user's mouth would be located. Since
`the microphone 11 is placed near the user's mouth, there is
`no longer the need to have the flexible sound tube. However,
`a flexible core 14 is coupled to the earpiece transmission
`wire 12(a) along Substantially the entire length between the
`earpiece 10 and the microphone 11, thus allowing the user
`to bend and maintain the microphone 11 near the user's
`mouth.
`0038 FIG. 9 is a cross section of this preferred embodi
`ment which better illustrate the relationship between the
`flexible core 14 and the earpiece transmission wire 12(a).
`The flexible core 14 and the earpiece transmission wire are
`coupled along Substantially the entire length of the flexible
`core, from the earpiece to the microphone. FIG. 10 illus
`trates the relationship between the earpiece transmission
`wire 12(a) and the microphone transmission wire 12(b)
`below the flexible core 14 at cross section D-D.
`0039 For wireless head sets using technologies known in
`the art Such as Bluetooth or an IR connection, a flexible
`Sound tube 15 connects the user's mouth with the micro
`phone/earpiece 16. This flexible sound tube is retractable so
`as to minimize Space and thus allow the wireleSS headset to
`be directly coupled to the communication device.
`0040 FIG. 11 illustrates this preferred embodiment of
`the present invention. A flexible sound tube 15 connects the
`user's mouth to the microphone. It is preferably made up of
`a pliable plastic material which would allow the flexible
`sound tube 15 to be shaped such that the opening of the
`Sound tube could be placed near the user's mouth and remain
`there.
`0041) The flexible sound tube 15 is further comprised of
`Sections. By way of example, this preferred embodiment is
`comprised of two sections: a top half 17(a) and a bottom half
`17(b). The top half and bottom half are connected by a hinge
`18 which allows the flexible Sound tube 15 to be folded in
`half. FIGS. 12(a)-12(c) illustrate the female component
`18(a) and male component 18(b) of the hinge 18 as well as
`their interconnectivity. The female component 18(a) con
`Sists of two open hoopS 19 placed opposite of each other at
`one end of the top half 17(a) of the flexible sound tube 15.
`The male component 18(b) is located on the bottom half
`17(b) of the flexible sound tube 15 and has two appendages
`20 which mate with the two open hoops 19. As demonstrated
`in FIG. 13, when fully retracted, top half 17(a) and bottom
`half 17(b) form the flexible sound tube 15 which allows
`passage of Sound from the user's mouth to the earpiece/
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`Nov. 24, 2005
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`microphone 16. Although only one hinge is shown here,
`multiple hinges may be used to allow for further retraction.
`0042 FIGS. 14 and 15 demonstrate another preferred
`embodiment of the present invention whereby a telescoping
`mechanism is utilized to retract the flexible Sound tube 15.
`In this embodiment, the flexible sound tube 15 is comprised
`of three sections: top third 21(a); middle third 21(b); and
`bottom third 21 (c). A telescoping mechanism is utilized
`whereby the smaller bottom third 21(c) is capable of sliding
`into the middle third 21(b) which is capable of sliding into
`the top third 21(a). See FIG. 15.
`0043. By way of example, FIG. 16 shows an exploded
`cross section of the relationship between the bottom third
`21(c) and the middle third 21(b). The middle third 21(b) has
`indentations 22 for receiving protrusions 23 of the bottom
`third 21(c). When the protrusions 22 align with the inden
`tations 23, the telescoping mechanism is fully retracted and
`locked into place. Retraction occurs by merely pressing up
`against the bottom third 21(c) and sliding it into the middle
`third 21(b). Although, by way of example, three Sections are
`demonstrated here; the top third 21(a), middle third 21(b),
`and bottom third 21(c), the number of sections may vary.
`0044 FIG. 17 illustrates yet another preferred embodi
`ment for a wireleSS headset. In this embodiment, the micro
`phone 11 is moved away from the earpiece 10 and placed in
`proximity to where the user's mouth would be located. In
`addition, Since Sound no longer needs to travel up to the
`earpiece/microphone, the hollow, flexible Sound tube is no
`longer necessary. Instead, a retractable, flexible arm 24 is
`used to connect the earpiece 10 to the microphone 11. This
`retractable, flexible arm 24 is preferably made out of a
`pliable, plastic material and utilizes the same hinged or
`telescoping mechanism as discussed above. Thus, the micro
`phone may be placed at the end of the bottom half of the
`hinge mechanism as discussed above or at the end of the
`bottom third of the telescoping mechanism as discussed
`above. The microphone 11 can then be manipulated Such
`that it is placed in proximity to the user's mouth while in use.
`Afterwards, the headset can be retracted and then coupled to
`the communication device.
`0.045 Although the present invention has been described
`in detail with respect to certain preferred versions thereof,
`other versions are possible. Therefore, the Scope of the
`claims should not be limited to the description of the
`preferred versions contained herein.
`1. A headset comprised of:
`(a) an earpiece;
`(b) a microphone coupled to the earpiece;
`(c) transmission wires connected to the earpiece and
`microphone;
`(d) a flexible Sound tube extending from the microphone;
`(e) said flexible Sound tube coupled to the transmission
`wires along Substantially the entire length of Said
`flexible Sound tube.
`2. The headset of claim 1 wherein the flexible Sound tube
`is made of a pliable plastic material.
`
`3. The headset of claim 1 or 2, wherein a flattened shaped
`wire is used to house the transmission wires and flexible
`Sound tube.
`4. The headset of claim 1 or 2 wherein a flexible core is
`coupled to Said Sound tube and Said transmission wires along
`Substantially the entire length of Said Sound tube.
`5. The headset of claim 4, wherein a flattened shaped wire
`is used to house the transmission wires, Sound tube, and
`flexible core.
`6. The headset of claim 4 wherein the flexible core is
`made of a pliable metallic wire.
`7. A headset comprised of:
`a. an earpiece;
`b. an earpiece transmission wire connected to the ear
`piece,
`c. a microphone capable of being placed in proximity to
`where a user's mouth would be;
`d. a microphone transmission wire connected to the
`microphone;
`e. a flexible core coupled to the earpiece transmission wire
`along Substantially the entire length between the ear
`piece and the microphone.
`8. The headset of claim 7 wherein the flexible core is
`made of a pliable metallic wire.
`9. A wireless headset comprised of:
`a. an earpiece;
`b. a microphone coupled to the earpiece;
`c. a retractable, flexible Sound tube extending from the
`microphone;
`10. The wireless headset of claim 9, wherein said retract
`able, flexible Sound tube is comprised of Sections connected
`by at least one hinge.
`11. The wireless headset of claim 9 wherein said retract
`able, flexible Sound tube is comprised of Sections connected
`by a telescoping mechanism.
`12. The wireless headset of claim 10 or 11, wherein said
`retractable, flexible sound tube is made up of a pliable
`plastic material.
`13. A wireless headset comprised of:
`a. an earpiece;
`b. a microphone capable of being placed in proximity to
`where a user's mouth would be;
`c. a retractable, flexible arm which connect the earpiece to
`the microphone.
`14. The wireless headset of claim 13, wherein said retract
`able, flexible arm is comprised of Sections connected by at
`least one hinge.
`15. The wireless headset of claim 13 wherein said retract
`able, flexible arm is comprised of Sections connected by a
`telescoping mechanism.
`16. The wireless headset of claim 14 or 15, wherein said
`retractable, flexible arm is made up of a pliable plastic
`material.
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