US20060131468A1 - Accessory for hands-free use of a mobile communicator - Google Patents
Accessory for hands-free use of a mobile communicator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060131468A1 US20060131468A1 US11/291,211 US29121105A US2006131468A1 US 20060131468 A1 US20060131468 A1 US 20060131468A1 US 29121105 A US29121105 A US 29121105A US 2006131468 A1 US2006131468 A1 US 2006131468A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bracket
- communication device
- mobile communication
- accessory
- ear
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/04—Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
- H04M1/05—Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers specially adapted for use on head, throat or breast
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45F
- A45F2200/05—Holder or carrier for specific articles
- A45F2200/0516—Portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
- H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
- H04B1/385—Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets
- H04B2001/3866—Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets carried on the head
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
- H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
- H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to mobile communication devices, and more particularly to devices for hands-free operation of a mobile communication device.
- Mobile communication devices such as cellular telephones
- Mobile communication devices typically require the use of the user's hands, not only to operate the device, but also to hold the device in position against the user's ear.
- the user wishes to have both hands available for other activities.
- this is typically not possible because one hand is needed to hold the mobile device near the user's ear.
- a growing number of jurisdictions have enacted law prohibiting the use of handheld cellular telephones and communication devices while driving a motor vehicle.
- a mobile communication device it is possible to convert a mobile communication device to a hands-free unit by attaching specialized headphones or earphones to the device.
- An example of a specialized earphone is the ear bud, which is sized to fit in the outer canal of the user's ear without the need for a headband.
- the user can insert the ear buds or put on the headphones, then answer the call. If a telephone call is made, the user first inserts the ear buds or puts on the headphones, then makes the call. Headphones and earphones are undesirable or uncomfortable to some users.
- the user When a call is received on a cell phone, for example, the user must either allow the cell phone to keep ringing while the earphones are engaged, or interrupt the phone conversation to insert the earphones; alternatively, the user must wear the headphones or earphones even when no call is in progress.
- an accessory for a mobile communication device having a mouthpiece and speaker comprises a bracket configured to receive and retain a mobile communication device and an ear loop mounted to the bracket, such that when a mobile communication device is retained in the bracket, the mobile communication device may be held in operating proximity of a user's ear and mouth by placing the ear loop over the user's ear.
- a further aspect of the invention is that the ear loop is rotatably mounted to the bracket such that it can be moved between a retracted and a deployed position.
- the ear loop may furthermore be doglegged to fit around the user's ear.
- the bracket comprises a crosspiece and flanges disposed at either end of the crosspiece, such that the mobile communication device may be snap-fit into and retained by the bracket.
- at least one interior surface of the bracket is lined with a rubber or texturized material.
- the bracket comprises two cooperating members in sliding engagement to each other so as to be adjustable to fit the width of a mobile communication device, and a first of the cooperating members is provided with serrations, and a second of the cooperating members is provided with a pawl, the serrations and the pawl cooperating to positively retain a mobile communication device within the bracket.
- the bracket comprises a cage for retaining the mobile communication device, the cage comprising at least four walls for retaining a mobile communication device within the bracket.
- at least one of the four walls comprises a flange for retaining a mobile communication device in the bracket, and optionally at least one of the four walls comprises a flexible, transparent layer through which the keypad of a mobile communication device is accessible when the mobile communication device is disposed within the cage.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an accessory for hands-free use of a mobile communication device mounted on a cellular telephone with the loop in a deployed position;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 1 , with the loop in a retracted position;
- FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the bracket of the accessory of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of the bracket of the accessory of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the bracket
- FIG. 7 is a further embodiment of the accessory.
- a cellular telephone 100 such as that shown in FIG. 1 , is provided with a front face 110 which typically presents a display 120 and keypad 130 to the user.
- a speaker 140 and microphone or mouthpiece 150 are provided at or near opposing ends of the cell phone 100 , frequently on the front face 110 as shown, although the speaker 140 and microphone 150 need not be provided in the exact locations depicted in FIG. 1 .
- the mobile device accessory comprises two principal components, an ear loop 10 and a bracket 20 .
- the bracket 20 is provided with two flanges 24 , 26 disposed at either end of the bracket 20 .
- the length of the flanges 24 , 26 is generally sized to fit around the sides of a typical cell phone; preferably, the flanges 24 , 26 are curved, thus providing a rim 25 , 27 that rests on the face 110 of the cell phone 100 , thus retaining the cell phone 100 within the bracket 20 .
- the rims 25 , 27 may also be disposed at an angle to the flanges 24 , 26 .
- the rims 25 , 27 and flanges 24 , 26 are integrally formed of the same material.
- an ear loop 10 is attached to the bracket 20 at connectors 28 , 30 ; preferably, the connectors 28 , 30 allow the ear loop 10 to swivel around an almost 180-degree arc between a retracted position, shown in FIG. 2 , and the deployed position shown in FIG. 1 .
- the ear loop 10 is formed of thin plastic, leather-like synthetic or similar material.
- the loop 10 has a generally U-shape with a bend or dogleg 12 formed in the legs of the loop 10 , and is of sufficient length to hook over the user's ear when in the deployed position.
- the ear loop is sufficiently thin so as to fit comfortably behind the user's ear when deployed and in use.
- the end pieces of the loop 10 are mounted to the connectors 28 , 30 using jointed means, such as a hinge, ball and socket joint, a screw-type joint, or other pivot joint.
- jointed means such as a hinge, ball and socket joint, a screw-type joint, or other pivot joint.
- the joint then preferably provides sufficient friction between the cooperating portions of the connectors 28 , 30 and the loop 10 so that while the joint can be manipulated by the user through the application of force, it withstands the effect of the weight of the cell phone 100 when the cell phone 100 is mounted in the bracket 20 and suspended by the loop 10 .
- the loop 10 and the bracket 20 are joined in fixed relation to each other, such that the loop 10 is always in the deployed position.
- the bracket 20 may be formed of a sufficiently resilient material, such as plastic, to allow a cell phone 100 to be snap-fit between the flanges 24 , 26 , provided the material has sufficient rigidity to support the cell phone 100 as described below. If the cell phone 100 is not snap-fit between the flanges 24 , 26 , but the bracket 20 is rather provided with resizing means to accommodate variations in cell phone dimension, then the bracket 20 may be formed of more rigid material that is not as resilient, including plastics and metals.
- the bracket 20 is provided in two portions with cooperating attachment means, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 .
- a serrated member 40 is edged with integrally formed serrations 44 along its side edges.
- the serrations 44 extend from the distal end 46 from the flange 24 , to a point between the flange 24 and the distal end 46 .
- the pawled member 50 is provided with a lip 52 provided along either edge of the member 50 , extending between the distal end 56 and the flange 26 .
- Pawls 58 shown in phantom in FIG. 5 , are disposed within the pawled member 50 .
- the pawls 58 are fixed to the pawled member 50 at a first end 61 , and the second end 62 of the pawls 58 protrudes through an aperture 64 in the sides of the pawled member 50 .
- the pawls 58 are preferably spring-biased such that when the serrated member 40 is inserted into the pawled member 50 , the pawls 58 can be engaged between adjacent teeth on the serrations 44 , and secure the pawled member 50 and the serrated member 40 in relation to each other by biasing the pawls 58 against the serrated edges 44 .
- the pawls 58 bias against the serrated edge, preventing the serrated member 40 from being retracted from the pawled member 50 .
- the serrated member 40 may be deliberately removed from engagement with the pawls 58 by retracting the pawls 58 by pulling the second ends 62 outwards and away from the serrated edges 44 , thus releasing the serrations 44 and allowing the serrated member 40 to be withdrawn.
- the inner surfaces 29 , 31 of the flanges 24 , 26 and optionally the inner surface 51 of the pawled member 50 may be lined with a rubber or texturized material to securely grip the cell phone 100 when it is in place within the accessory.
- the bracket 20 may be comprised of a male portion 40 and a female portion 50 ; the female portion 50 is provided with flanges 52 which receive the male portion 40 in slot described by the flanges 52 and the inner surface 51 of the female portion 50 . Apertures 53 provided in the sides of the female portion 50 receive the ends of a clasp 70 , which is spring-biased against the inner surface 51 of the female portion 50 .
- the tang 72 of the clasp 70 retains the male and female portions in fixed relation to each other.
- the interior surface of the female portion 50 and optionally the surface of the male portion 40 in contact with the female portion 50 is roughened or crenulated to provide additional friction to retain the portions in position in relation to each other.
- the serrated member 40 may be provided without serrations 44 , and the pawled member 50 without pawls 58 ; in other words, the member 40 may simply slide into the member 50 , and be held in place using a hook-and-loop fastener (such as VelcroTM) disposed on the outer surfaces 42 , 32 of the members 40 , 50 .
- a hook-and-loop fastener such as VelcroTM
- an alternate embodiment of the invention consists of a basket or cage 60 for holding the cell phone 100 and mounted to an ear loop 10 , as described earlier.
- the basket preferably is provided with one or more cutouts 65 in the front surface 66 so that the display 120 , number pad 130 , and microphone 150 are accessible to the user;
- the cage 60 may be provided with a transparent, flexible layer, for example formed of PVC (not shown) that extends across the cutout 66 to protect the display 120 and/or the number pad 130 from damage.
- elastic straps 67 stretched across the surface of the cell phone can be used to maintain the cell phone in the basket.
- the basket is preferable made of plastic, leather or other similar material.
- the accessory is removably attached to the body of the cell phone 100 .
- the body of the cell phone 100 is simply snap-fit into the bracket 20 ; if the bracket 20 is adjustable, then the cell phone 100 is placed against the inner surface 51 of the bracket 20 , and the serrated and pawled portions of the bracket 40 , 50 are engaged until the flanges 24 , 26 contact the sides of the cell phone 100 .
- the cell phone is inserted into the cage or basket and the elastic 67 maintains the cage or basket in position. The cell phone 100 is thus secured by the bracket 20 .
- the loop 10 When the user wishes to make or receive a call, once a connection has been made and the user is ready for conversation, the loop 10 is rotated to the deployed position (if necessary) so that it extends generally in the direction of the end of the phone 100 with the speaker 140 . It can be seen, with reference to FIG. 1 , that the dogleg 12 in the loop 10 spaces the loop 10 from the front face 110 of the cell phone 100 ; this provides sufficient space between the loop 10 and the front face 110 to allow the user to hook the loop 10 over the ear.
- the loop 10 being mounted to the bracket 20 by the connectors 28 , 30 , thus holds the cell phone 100 generally in the appropriate position for carrying on a telephone conversation, while freeing the user's hands for other activities.
- the precise angle of the loop 10 with respect to the bracket 20 and cell phone 100 may be adjusted by the user as necessary to maintain an adequate distance between the user's mouth and the microphone 150 .
- the ear loop 10 When not in use, the ear loop 10 may be rotated to the retracted state, as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the cell phone 100 When the cell phone 100 is not in use, or if the cell phone 100 has speakerphone capabilities, it may be suspended using the ear loop 10 from any suitable hook or protuberance for use in an automobile or for storage purposes.
- the mobile device accessory may be adapted to fit other configurations of mobile devices that are used for telephonic communication.
- Various embodiments of the present invention having been thus described in detail by way of example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the invention. The invention includes all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Abstract
An accessory for a mobile communication device such as a cellular telephone having a mouthpiece and speaker, to enable hands-free operation. The accessory comprises a bracket configured to receive and retain a mobile communication device, and an ear loop mounted to the bracket, such that when a mobile communication device is retained in the bracket, the mobile communication device may be held in operating proximity of a user's ear and mouth by placing the ear loop over the user's ear. The ear loop may be rotatable between a deployed and retracted position. In use, the ear loop is hooked over the user's ear, holding the communication device within operating proximity of the user such that the user can carry on a conversation using the communication device without using his or her hands to hold the device in place.
Description
- This invention relates generally to mobile communication devices, and more particularly to devices for hands-free operation of a mobile communication device.
- Many people carry about mobile communication devices, such as cellular telephones, as they engage in other activities. Mobile communication devices typically require the use of the user's hands, not only to operate the device, but also to hold the device in position against the user's ear. Often when engaged in conversation with another party using the mobile device, the user wishes to have both hands available for other activities. However, this is typically not possible because one hand is needed to hold the mobile device near the user's ear. Furthermore, a growing number of jurisdictions have enacted law prohibiting the use of handheld cellular telephones and communication devices while driving a motor vehicle.
- It is possible to convert a mobile communication device to a hands-free unit by attaching specialized headphones or earphones to the device. An example of a specialized earphone is the ear bud, which is sized to fit in the outer canal of the user's ear without the need for a headband. When a telephone call is received on the mobile communication device, the user can insert the ear buds or put on the headphones, then answer the call. If a telephone call is made, the user first inserts the ear buds or puts on the headphones, then makes the call. Headphones and earphones are undesirable or uncomfortable to some users. When a call is received on a cell phone, for example, the user must either allow the cell phone to keep ringing while the earphones are engaged, or interrupt the phone conversation to insert the earphones; alternatively, the user must wear the headphones or earphones even when no call is in progress.
- It is therefore desirable to provide an accessory for holding a mobile communication device near the user's ear, in the appropriate position for carrying on a conversation via the device, while freeing the user's hands but without the use of headphones or earphones.
- In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an accessory for a mobile communication device having a mouthpiece and speaker is provided. The accessory comprises a bracket configured to receive and retain a mobile communication device and an ear loop mounted to the bracket, such that when a mobile communication device is retained in the bracket, the mobile communication device may be held in operating proximity of a user's ear and mouth by placing the ear loop over the user's ear.
- A further aspect of the invention is that the ear loop is rotatably mounted to the bracket such that it can be moved between a retracted and a deployed position. The ear loop may furthermore be doglegged to fit around the user's ear.
- Yet another aspect of the invention is that the bracket comprises a crosspiece and flanges disposed at either end of the crosspiece, such that the mobile communication device may be snap-fit into and retained by the bracket. In a further aspect, at least one interior surface of the bracket is lined with a rubber or texturized material. In an alternate aspect, the bracket comprises two cooperating members in sliding engagement to each other so as to be adjustable to fit the width of a mobile communication device, and a first of the cooperating members is provided with serrations, and a second of the cooperating members is provided with a pawl, the serrations and the pawl cooperating to positively retain a mobile communication device within the bracket.
- In a further aspect, the bracket comprises a cage for retaining the mobile communication device, the cage comprising at least four walls for retaining a mobile communication device within the bracket. In another embodiment, at least one of the four walls comprises a flange for retaining a mobile communication device in the bracket, and optionally at least one of the four walls comprises a flexible, transparent layer through which the keypad of a mobile communication device is accessible when the mobile communication device is disposed within the cage.
- In drawings which illustrate by way of example only a preferred embodiment of the invention,
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an accessory for hands-free use of a mobile communication device mounted on a cellular telephone with the loop in a deployed position; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the accessory ofFIG. 1 , with the loop in a retracted position; -
FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of the accessory ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the bracket of the accessory ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the bracket of the accessory ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the bracket; -
FIG. 7 is a further embodiment of the accessory. - The preferred embodiment of the mobile device attachment is shown and described in relation to a cellular telephone, the shape and configuration of which is known in the prior art. A
cellular telephone 100, such as that shown inFIG. 1 , is provided with afront face 110 which typically presents adisplay 120 andkeypad 130 to the user. Aspeaker 140 and microphone ormouthpiece 150 are provided at or near opposing ends of thecell phone 100, frequently on thefront face 110 as shown, although thespeaker 140 andmicrophone 150 need not be provided in the exact locations depicted inFIG. 1 . - In the preferred embodiment, the mobile device accessory comprises two principal components, an
ear loop 10 and abracket 20. Thebracket 20 is provided with twoflanges bracket 20. The length of theflanges flanges rim face 110 of thecell phone 100, thus retaining thecell phone 100 within thebracket 20. Therims flanges rims flanges - On the outside faces of the
flanges FIG. 1 ) and 30 (not shown). Anear loop 10 is attached to thebracket 20 atconnectors connectors ear loop 10 to swivel around an almost 180-degree arc between a retracted position, shown inFIG. 2 , and the deployed position shown inFIG. 1 . Preferably, theear loop 10 is formed of thin plastic, leather-like synthetic or similar material. Theloop 10 has a generally U-shape with a bend ordogleg 12 formed in the legs of theloop 10, and is of sufficient length to hook over the user's ear when in the deployed position. Also preferably, the ear loop is sufficiently thin so as to fit comfortably behind the user's ear when deployed and in use. - If the
loop 10 is intended to be swivelled between the deployed and retracted position, then the end pieces of theloop 10 are mounted to theconnectors connectors loop 10 so that while the joint can be manipulated by the user through the application of force, it withstands the effect of the weight of thecell phone 100 when thecell phone 100 is mounted in thebracket 20 and suspended by theloop 10. In a further embodiment, theloop 10 and thebracket 20 are joined in fixed relation to each other, such that theloop 10 is always in the deployed position. - The
bracket 20 may be formed of a sufficiently resilient material, such as plastic, to allow acell phone 100 to be snap-fit between theflanges cell phone 100 as described below. If thecell phone 100 is not snap-fit between theflanges bracket 20 is rather provided with resizing means to accommodate variations in cell phone dimension, then thebracket 20 may be formed of more rigid material that is not as resilient, including plastics and metals. - In one embodiment of a
resizable bracket 20, thebracket 20 is provided in two portions with cooperating attachment means, as shown inFIGS. 3, 4 and 5. Aserrated member 40 is edged with integrally formedserrations 44 along its side edges. Theserrations 44 extend from thedistal end 46 from theflange 24, to a point between theflange 24 and thedistal end 46. Thepawled member 50 is provided with alip 52 provided along either edge of themember 50, extending between thedistal end 56 and theflange 26.Pawls 58, shown in phantom inFIG. 5 , are disposed within thepawled member 50. Thepawls 58 are fixed to thepawled member 50 at afirst end 61, and thesecond end 62 of thepawls 58 protrudes through anaperture 64 in the sides of thepawled member 50. - The
pawls 58 are preferably spring-biased such that when theserrated member 40 is inserted into thepawled member 50, thepawls 58 can be engaged between adjacent teeth on theserrations 44, and secure thepawled member 50 and theserrated member 40 in relation to each other by biasing thepawls 58 against theserrated edges 44. Thus, when theserrated member 40 is inserted into thepawled member 50, thepawls 58 bias against the serrated edge, preventing theserrated member 40 from being retracted from thepawled member 50. Theserrated member 40, however, may be deliberately removed from engagement with thepawls 58 by retracting thepawls 58 by pulling thesecond ends 62 outwards and away from theserrated edges 44, thus releasing theserrations 44 and allowing theserrated member 40 to be withdrawn. - In a preferred embodiment, the
inner surfaces flanges inner surface 51 of thepawled member 50 may be lined with a rubber or texturized material to securely grip thecell phone 100 when it is in place within the accessory. - In a further embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 6 , thebracket 20 may be comprised of amale portion 40 and afemale portion 50; thefemale portion 50 is provided withflanges 52 which receive themale portion 40 in slot described by theflanges 52 and theinner surface 51 of thefemale portion 50.Apertures 53 provided in the sides of thefemale portion 50 receive the ends of aclasp 70, which is spring-biased against theinner surface 51 of thefemale portion 50. When themale portion 40 is inserted in thefemale portion 50, thetang 72 of theclasp 70 retains the male and female portions in fixed relation to each other. Preferably, the interior surface of thefemale portion 50 and optionally the surface of themale portion 40 in contact with thefemale portion 50 is roughened or crenulated to provide additional friction to retain the portions in position in relation to each other. - In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the
serrated member 40 may be provided withoutserrations 44, and thepawled member 50 withoutpawls 58; in other words, themember 40 may simply slide into themember 50, and be held in place using a hook-and-loop fastener (such as Velcro™) disposed on the outer surfaces 42, 32 of themembers - Referring to
FIG. 7 , an alternate embodiment of the invention consists of a basket orcage 60 for holding thecell phone 100 and mounted to anear loop 10, as described earlier. The basket preferably is provided with one ormore cutouts 65 in thefront surface 66 so that thedisplay 120,number pad 130, andmicrophone 150 are accessible to the user; thecage 60 may be provided with a transparent, flexible layer, for example formed of PVC (not shown) that extends across thecutout 66 to protect thedisplay 120 and/or thenumber pad 130 from damage. In the embodiment with a removed front surface,elastic straps 67 stretched across the surface of the cell phone can be used to maintain the cell phone in the basket. The basket is preferable made of plastic, leather or other similar material. - In use, the accessory is removably attached to the body of the
cell phone 100. In the case of abracket 20 that is not adjustable, the body of thecell phone 100 is simply snap-fit into thebracket 20; if thebracket 20 is adjustable, then thecell phone 100 is placed against theinner surface 51 of thebracket 20, and the serrated and pawled portions of thebracket flanges cell phone 100. Alternatively, in the embodiment of a cage orbasket 60, the cell phone is inserted into the cage or basket and the elastic 67 maintains the cage or basket in position. Thecell phone 100 is thus secured by thebracket 20. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a flip-style cell phone 100 may be used in conjunction with the bracket embodiment of the accessory device; thebracket 20 may be positioned on the body of thephone 100 so that it does not obstruct the operation of a flip-down panel. - When the user wishes to make or receive a call, once a connection has been made and the user is ready for conversation, the
loop 10 is rotated to the deployed position (if necessary) so that it extends generally in the direction of the end of thephone 100 with thespeaker 140. It can be seen, with reference toFIG. 1 , that the dogleg 12 in theloop 10 spaces theloop 10 from thefront face 110 of thecell phone 100; this provides sufficient space between theloop 10 and thefront face 110 to allow the user to hook theloop 10 over the ear. Theloop 10, being mounted to thebracket 20 by theconnectors cell phone 100 generally in the appropriate position for carrying on a telephone conversation, while freeing the user's hands for other activities. The precise angle of theloop 10 with respect to thebracket 20 andcell phone 100 may be adjusted by the user as necessary to maintain an adequate distance between the user's mouth and themicrophone 150. When not in use, theear loop 10 may be rotated to the retracted state, as shown inFIG. 2 . - When the
cell phone 100 is not in use, or if thecell phone 100 has speakerphone capabilities, it may be suspended using theear loop 10 from any suitable hook or protuberance for use in an automobile or for storage purposes. - Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the mobile device accessory may be adapted to fit other configurations of mobile devices that are used for telephonic communication. Various embodiments of the present invention having been thus described in detail by way of example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the invention. The invention includes all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (10)
1. An accessory for a mobile communication device having a mouthpiece and speaker, the accessory comprising:
a bracket configured to receive and retain a mobile communication device;
an ear loop mounted to the bracket;
such that when a mobile communication device is retained in the bracket, the mobile communication device may be held in operating proximity of a user's ear and mouth by placing the ear loop over the user's ear.
2. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the ear loop is rotatably mounted to the bracket such that it can be moved between a retracted and a deployed position.
3. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the ear loop is doglegged to fit around the user's ear.
4. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the bracket comprises a crosspiece and flanges disposed at either end of the crosspiece, such that the mobile communication device may be snap-fit into and retained by the bracket.
5. The accessory of claim 4 wherein at least one interior surface of the bracket is lined with a rubber or texturized material.
6. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the bracket comprises two cooperating members in sliding engagement to each other so as to be adjustable to fit the width of a mobile communication device.
7. The accessory of claim 6 wherein a first of the cooperating members is provided with serrations, and a second of the cooperating members is provided with a pawl, the serrations and the pawl cooperating to positively retain a mobile communication device within the bracket.
8. The accessory of claim 1 , wherein the bracket comprises a cage for retaining the mobile communication device, the cage comprising at least four walls for retaining a mobile communication device within the bracket.
9. The accessory of claim 8 , wherein at least one of the four walls comprises a flange for retaining a mobile communication device in the bracket.
10. The accessory of claim 8 , wherein at least one of the four walls comprises a flexible, transparent layer through which the keypad of a mobile communication device is accessible when the mobile communication device is disposed within the cage.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/291,211 US20060131468A1 (en) | 2004-11-30 | 2005-11-30 | Accessory for hands-free use of a mobile communicator |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US63140504P | 2004-11-30 | 2004-11-30 | |
US11/291,211 US20060131468A1 (en) | 2004-11-30 | 2005-11-30 | Accessory for hands-free use of a mobile communicator |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060131468A1 true US20060131468A1 (en) | 2006-06-22 |
Family
ID=36594486
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/291,211 Abandoned US20060131468A1 (en) | 2004-11-30 | 2005-11-30 | Accessory for hands-free use of a mobile communicator |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060131468A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110063098A1 (en) * | 2009-09-16 | 2011-03-17 | Fischer John J | Standard mobile communication device distraction prevention and safety protocols |
US20110253862A1 (en) * | 2010-03-11 | 2011-10-20 | Kenneth Barley | Multi-purpose hook |
DE102011054346B3 (en) * | 2011-10-10 | 2013-04-04 | Dr. Schneider Kunststoffwerke Gmbh | Holder for e.g. mobile telephone at or on dashboard of lorry, has hemispheres displaced against each other, so that opening formed by bracket is changed and adapted to dimension of electronic device that is inserted into holder |
US20160286119A1 (en) * | 2011-04-18 | 2016-09-29 | 360fly, Inc. | Mobile Device-Mountable Panoramic Camera System and Method of Displaying Images Captured Therefrom |
US11240359B2 (en) * | 2019-11-04 | 2022-02-01 | Polar Pro Filters, Inc. | Auxiliary grip system |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5590417A (en) * | 1993-06-03 | 1996-12-31 | Ericsson Inc. | Radiotelephone apparatus including a wireless headset |
US20040185919A1 (en) * | 2003-02-27 | 2004-09-23 | John Yoo | System and method for providing hands free operation of a phone |
US7155265B2 (en) * | 2003-09-24 | 2006-12-26 | Medhin Michael S | Retractable telephone holding unit |
-
2005
- 2005-11-30 US US11/291,211 patent/US20060131468A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5590417A (en) * | 1993-06-03 | 1996-12-31 | Ericsson Inc. | Radiotelephone apparatus including a wireless headset |
US20040185919A1 (en) * | 2003-02-27 | 2004-09-23 | John Yoo | System and method for providing hands free operation of a phone |
US7155265B2 (en) * | 2003-09-24 | 2006-12-26 | Medhin Michael S | Retractable telephone holding unit |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9756175B2 (en) | 2009-09-16 | 2017-09-05 | Cell Command, Inc. | Standard mobile communication device distraction prevention and safety protocols |
US9294603B2 (en) * | 2009-09-16 | 2016-03-22 | Try Safety First, Inc. | Standard mobile communication device distraction prevention and safety protocols |
US9584652B2 (en) | 2009-09-16 | 2017-02-28 | Try Safety First, Inc. | Standard mobile communication device distraction prevention and safety protocols |
US20110063098A1 (en) * | 2009-09-16 | 2011-03-17 | Fischer John J | Standard mobile communication device distraction prevention and safety protocols |
US10194018B2 (en) | 2009-09-16 | 2019-01-29 | Cell Command, Inc. | Standard mobile communication device distraction prevention and safety protocols |
US10425528B2 (en) | 2009-09-16 | 2019-09-24 | Cell Command, Inc. | Standard mobile communication device distraction prevention and safety protocols |
US10715655B2 (en) | 2009-09-16 | 2020-07-14 | Cell Command, Inc. | Standard mobile communication device distraction prevention and safety protocols |
US11196856B2 (en) | 2009-09-16 | 2021-12-07 | Cell Command, Inc. | Standard mobile communication device distraction prevention and safety protocols |
US11756419B2 (en) | 2009-09-16 | 2023-09-12 | Cell Command Inc. | Standard mobile communication device distraction prevention and safety protocols |
US20110253862A1 (en) * | 2010-03-11 | 2011-10-20 | Kenneth Barley | Multi-purpose hook |
US20160286119A1 (en) * | 2011-04-18 | 2016-09-29 | 360fly, Inc. | Mobile Device-Mountable Panoramic Camera System and Method of Displaying Images Captured Therefrom |
DE102011054346B3 (en) * | 2011-10-10 | 2013-04-04 | Dr. Schneider Kunststoffwerke Gmbh | Holder for e.g. mobile telephone at or on dashboard of lorry, has hemispheres displaced against each other, so that opening formed by bracket is changed and adapted to dimension of electronic device that is inserted into holder |
US11240359B2 (en) * | 2019-11-04 | 2022-02-01 | Polar Pro Filters, Inc. | Auxiliary grip system |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7234010B2 (en) | Body-worn data storage device | |
US8873250B2 (en) | Attachable extendable and retractable earpiece cable assembly for mobile communication and sound devices | |
JP3079162B2 (en) | Earphones for personal audio and communication systems | |
US20070091557A1 (en) | Apparatus for holding a portable electronic device with an integrated cable holder | |
US20230108315A1 (en) | Support system for electronic device | |
US7120476B2 (en) | System and method for providing hands free operation of a phone | |
US20130237290A1 (en) | Protective Communications Device Housing for Retractable Audio Devices Having Optional Gripping Mechanism | |
US20080083797A1 (en) | Stick-on security ring for a hand held device | |
US20050255898A1 (en) | Cell phone and holder | |
US20060131468A1 (en) | Accessory for hands-free use of a mobile communicator | |
WO2005096599A1 (en) | Talking device using bone conduction speaker | |
US20090069060A1 (en) | Clip-on wireless device with retractable ear piece | |
US5668869A (en) | Mobile telephone handset holder | |
US20180069580A1 (en) | Cell bracelet/necklace | |
US7508932B1 (en) | Cell phone holder headband | |
US20100071168A1 (en) | Earpiece retainer | |
US20080272161A1 (en) | Supporting Means | |
US20150139469A1 (en) | Secure Storage Device for Wireless Headsets | |
US20210021917A1 (en) | Outdoor bluetooth speaker with adjustable clip fastener and lanyard holder | |
GB2378893A (en) | A holder for a hand-held electronic device | |
US20050284901A1 (en) | Hands-free over the head portable telephone holder | |
JP2000270066A (en) | Ear-hook portable telephone set holder and ear-hook portable telephone set | |
KR200292178Y1 (en) | Cell-phone carrying device which ear-phone hands-free is built in | |
US7613294B2 (en) | Hands free aural device holder | |
JPH1056502A (en) | Transmitter/receiver holder for telephone |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |