GB2296157A

GB2296157A - Multifunction hands-free cellular telephone adaptor

Info

Publication number: GB2296157A
Application number: GB9516252A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Armen Kazanchian
Original assignee: TCC IND Inc
Current assignee: TCC IND Inc
Priority date: 1994-12-16
Filing date: 1995-08-08
Publication date: 1996-06-19
Also published as: KR960027959A; CN2256614Y; GB9516252D0; JPH08256098A

Abstract

The adaptor is used to convert a hand-held telephone having a transmitter and receiver into a hands-free telephone system. The adaptor includes a power line 14, a speaker 12 and a microphone 16 that form an integral structure for converting the hand-held telephone into a hands-free telephone. No additional wiring is required for the conversion to a hands-free telephone system. The power line includes a phone connector and a power source connector to provide power to the hand-held telephone. In the preferred embodiment the microphone is attached to the telephone connector but in other embodiments it may be attached to the power line 14 or to the speaker section 12. Additional microphones, loudspeakers and an external antenna may also be attached. <IMAGE>

Description

MULTI FUNCTION HANDS-FREE CELLULAR TELEPHONE ADAPTER FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to cellular telephones and, in particular embodiments, to a multifunction, handsfree cellular telephone adapter that converts a handheld cellular telephone into a hands-free cellular telephone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Traditionally, hand-held cellular telephones have been used in remote locations such as inside an automobile. However, operation of a hand-held cellular telephone while driving in an automobile can be dangerous, since the driver must use at least one hand to hold the telephone and possibly one other to dial a number, adjust the volume, etc. This can cause accidents, since the driver does not have all of his hands available to handle emergency or unexpected situations. In fact, many jurisdictions make it illegal for a driver to operate a hand-held cellular telephone inside a moving vehicle.

To overcome the dangers and drawbacks associated with using a hand-held cellular telephone inside a moving vehicle, hands-free cellular telephone systems have been developed. Typical hands-free cellular telephone systems utilize an existing cellular telephone that is connected to a cradle. The cradle is permanently connected to the vehicle and is coupled to a plurality of wires that connect with a permanently installed antenna, microphone and speaker.

Installation of these types of hands-free cellular telephone systems is often expensive, since the wiring is routed throughout the vehicle and the skills of an auto mechanic or electrician are often required to properly and safely install the hands-free system. Also, since the installation is permanent, it can not be easily transferred from one vehicle to another.

Another alternative hands-free cellular telephone system provides a head set for the hand-held cellular telephone. Thus, a driver does not need to use his hands to talk into and listen to the hand-held cellular telephone. However, this system also suffered from several disadvantages. For instance, a driver either has to wear the head set continuously or has to use one or more hands to place the head set on the head of the driver'while operating the car. Also, the use of a head set can interfere with a driver's ability to hear external sounds, such as fire engine sirens or road noises, since the speakers of the head set would tend to block out or muffle sounds not coming from the speakers.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE It is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide an improved hands-free cellular telephone system, which obviates for practical purposes, the above mentioned limitations.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a multifunction hands-free telephone adapter is used to convert a hand-held telephone having a transmitter and receiver into a hands-free telephone system. The hands-free adapter includes a power line, a speaker and a microphone that forms an integral structure for converting the hand-held telephone into a hands-free telephone. In preferred embodiments, no additional wiring is required for the conversion to a hands-free telephone system.

In preferred embodiments, the power line includes a phone connector and a power source connector to provide power to the hand-held telephone. In particular embodiments, the power source connector is adapted to be coupled to the cigarette lighter of a vehicle.

However, in alternative embodiments, other power sources, such as AC wall outlets, batteries or the like may be used.

The speaker is operationally coupled to the power line to produce sounds that would otherwise be produced by the receiver of the hand-held telephone when the hands-free adapter is not connected to the hand-held telephone. In preferred embodiments, the speaker is coupled to the power source connector of the power line. However, in alternative embodiments, the speaker may be'located in other positions, such as the phone connector or the middle of the cable.

The microphone is operationally coupled to the power line to receive sounds that would otherwise be transmitted by the transmitter of the hand-held telephone when the hands-free adapter is not connected to the hand-held telephone. In preferred embodiments, the microphone is coupled to the phone connector of the power line. However, in alternative embodiments, the microphone may be coupled to other locations, such as the power source connector or the middle of the cable.

In further embodiments, the phone connector and the power source connecter each include a jack to couple .to an additional external microphone or speaker. The hands-free adapter may also include a volume control that is coupled to the speaker or microphone to adjust the volume of the sounds. In additional embodiments, the power line of the hands-free adapter may be used to recharge a battery contained within the hand-held telephone.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, various features of embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A detailed description of embodiments of the invention will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals designate corresponding parts in the several figures.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a hands-free cellular telephone system using a hands-free cellular telephone adapter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4. is an enlarged top plan view of the power adapter/speaker section shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged end plan view of the power adapter/speaker section shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6. is an enlarged bottom plan view of the power adapter/speaker section shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a circuit schematic of one embodiment of the hands-free cellular telephone adapter in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a hands-free cellular telephone adapter in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of a hands-free cellular telephone adapter in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the invention is embodied in a multifunction, hands-free cellular telephone adapter for use with a hands-free cellular telephone system.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the hands-free cellular adapter is for use with a hand-held cellular telephone. However, it will be recognized that further embodiments of the invention may be used with two-way radios, citizen band (CB) radios, or the like. Also, the hands-free cellular telephone system and hands-free adapter may be used in other vehicles, such as trains, trucks, construction equipment, airplanes, boats or the like.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a hands-free cellular adapter that allows a handheld cellular telephone to be adapted for hands-free operation in a vehicle. Particular embodiments of the present invention include a hands-free adapter that provides power to the cellular phone via a cigarette lighter adapter at one end of the hands-free adapter and a phone connector at the other end of the handsfree adapter. In preferred embodiments, the cigarette lighter adapter end of the hands-free adapter includes a speaker so that the received sound signal of the cellular telephone can be heard without holding the cellular telephone to the ear. The phone connector end of the cable includes a microphone that can receive sounds from the user without holding the cellular telephone to the mouth. In alternative embodiments, the location of the microphone and the speaker can be interchanged. In further alternative embodiments, the microphone and speaker may be placed in the same location. In particular embodiments, the microphone and speaker functions may be incorporated into a single device that operates on a time sharing basis (similar to that used in walkie-talkies, speaker-phones or the like) to alternate between operating as a speaker or a microphone.

A single multifunction hands-free adapter in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a speaker and a microphone that quickly and easily converts a hand-held cellular telephone to a hands-free cellular telephone, without the need of special tools or expensive wiring. The microphone is placed in the phone connector.end of the hands-free adapter. In preferred embodiments, the microphone is sensitive enough to pick up sounds within the vehicle, but is insensitive or filtered to remove noises from the road. Also, the speaker is placed in the cigarette lighter adapter end of the hands-free adapter and produces a sufficient sound output so that the sound can be heard throughout the vehicle.In alternative embodiments, the locations of the microphone and the speaker may be interchanged; however, caution must be exercised to avoid feedback between the microphone in the hand-held cellular telephone and a speaker on the phone connector end of the hands-free adapter.

In further embodiments, the cigarette lighter adapter end of the hands-free adapter has a jack for coupling an additional external speaker to the device.

Also, the phone connector end of the hands-free adapter has a jack for coupling an additional external microphone to the device. In alternative embodiments, these jacks may be wireless, such as radio, infrared or the like, to receive or transmit signals to hands-free components located in remote locations of the vehicle.

In particular embodiments, the jacks for the microphone and the speaker may be in the same location, for example, both may be located on the cigarette lighter adapter end of the hands-free adapter.

In particular embodiments, the phone connect of the multifunction hands-free adapter is designed to connect to specific phones. However, alternative embodiments may enable connection to a plurality of different phones. In preferred embodiments, the power from the cigarette lighter adapter end of the handsfree adapter can be used to recharge the battery.

Also, the multifunction, hands-free adapter may be used with a phone cradle that secures the phone in a fixed position within the vehicle.

Figs. 1-6 show various views of 8 hands-free cellular telephone system 100 that utilizes a handsfree cellular telephone adapter 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The hands-free cellular telephone system 100 includes a hand-held cellular telephone 102 and a hands-free cellular telephone adapter 10, which can be connected to a power socket 104 on a vehicle 106, such as an automobile, truck, construction equipment, train, boat or the like.

In preferred embodiments, the hands-free cellular telephone adapter 10 includes a power adapter/speaker section 12, a cable section 14 and a phone connector/microphone section 16. The power adapter/speaker section 12 is coupled to the power socket 104 on a dashboard 108 of the vehicle 106 and the phone connector/microphone section 16 is coupled to the hand-held cellular telephone 102 to provide power to the hand-held cellular telephone 102.

Once the hands-free cellular telephone system 100 is assembled together and activated, a user 200 speaks to produce input sound waves 202 that are received by the phone connector/microphone section 16 and listens to output sound waves 204 from the power adapter/speaker section 12. This allows the user to use the hand-held cellular telephone as a hands-free cellular telephone. Thus, the user does not need to use his hands to use the cellular telephone while operating the vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the hand-held cellular telephone 102 of the hands-free cellular telephone system 100 is simply placed on the seat next to the user or in a center console of the vehicle. However, in alternative embodiments, the hand-held cellular telephone 102 can be placed in a hand-held cellular telephone cradle, holder or the like that is secured to the vehicle.

The power adapter/speaker section 12 of the handsfree cellular telephone adapter 10 includes a housing 18 that contains a power connector 20, a speaker 22, and a pair of LEDs 24 and 26. The power connector 20 is adapted to fit into and electrically connect with the power socket 104. In preferred embodiments, the power connector 20 is a standard power connector that provides power from a vehicle cigarette lighter receptacle 104. For example, the illustrated power connector 20 includes a plurality of ground contacts 20A and a center power contact 20B to couple with the power socket 104, and a fuse screw retaining cap 20C to help protect the hand-held cellular telephone 102 and hands-free cellular telephone adapter 10 from electrical overloads.In alternative embodiments, the power connector 20 may be adapted to work with other types of power supplies, such as AC power jacks (such as are used on tape recorders and portable telephones), batteries or the like, or other.styles of male/female power coupling arrangements or other suitable methods of providing operative electrical contact.

The Speaker 22 is contained behind a speaker grill in the housing 18 to produce a sound output (such as sound waves 204) that can be heard throughout the vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the output volume of the speaker 22 is fixed. However, in alternative embodiments, the volume of the speaker 22 may be adjustable by a volume control attached to the housing 18 or may be adjusted by the controls on the hand-held cellular telephone 102. The output of the speaker 22 is powered by the power supplied from the power connector 18. However, in alternative embodiments, the output of the speaker 22 may be powered by a battery connected to the hand-held cellular telephone 102. In preferred embodiments, the speaker is approximately 2 inches in diameter and uses a paper diaphragm.

However, in alternative embodiments, the speaker may be larger or smaller in size, and may uses diaphragms made from other materials, such as plastic, mylar, fabric or the like.

In preferred embodiments, the LEDs 24 and 26 illuminate to indicate when the hands-free cellular adapter 10 is connected to the power port 104 and the hand-held cellular telephone 102. For example, when the power connector 20 is connected to the power port 104, LED 24 will illuminate to indicate a proper connection has been made, and when the phone connector/microphone section .16 is connected to the hand-held cellular telephone 104, the LED 26 illuminates to indicate a proper connection has been made. In particular embodiments, the LED 26 will not illuminate until power is supplied to the hands-free cellular telephone adapter 10. However, in alternative embodiments, the LED 26 will illuminate without external power (i.e., illumination may be powered by a battery inside the power adapter/speaker section 12).

In further alternative embodiments, no LEDs need be used or different types of illuminators may be used, such as Zncandescent lights, electro-fluorescent elements or the like. In particular embodiments, the power adapter/speaker section 12 may include additional LEDs, or the like, to indicate other functions or features, such as charging, cellular telephone call in progress, or the like.

The illustrated cable section 14 includes a coiled section 28, a first straight section 30, a first flexible cable connector 32, a second straight section 34 and a second flexible connector 36. One end of the coiled cable section 28 is coupled to one end of the first straight section 30, and the other end of the first straight section 30 is in turn coupled to one end of the first flexible cable connector 32. The other end of the first flexible cable connector 32 is coupled to the housing 18 of the power adapter/speaker section 12 to join the cable section 14 to the power adapter/speaker section 12.

The other end of the coiled cable section 28 is coupled to one end of the second straight section 34, and the other end of the second straight section 34 is in turn coupled to one end of the second flexible cable connector 36. The other end of the second flexible cable connector 36 is coupled to the phone connëctor/microphone section 16 to join the cable section 14 to the phone connector/microphone section 16. In preferred embodiments, both the first flexible cable connector 32 and the second flexible cable connector 36 are formed with a plurality of depressions and ridges to relieve strain (e.g., caused by flexing or connecting a relatively flexible member with a rigid member or the like) at the connections between the cable 14 and sections 12 and 14. In alternative embodiments, other strain relieving configurations or designs may be used.The illustrated cable 14 includes a coiled section; however, alternative embodiments, may utilize cables without coiled sections.

The illustrated phone connector/microphone section 16 includes a support housing 38 that contains a phone connector jack 40, a phone jack grip 42 and a microphone 44. In preferred embodiments, the phone connector jack 40 is attached to and supported by the support housing 38, and is configured to couple with a Motorola, Inc. flip type cellular telephone. However, in alternative embodiments, the phone connector jack 40 is configured to couple with other Motorola Inc.

cellular telephones or cellular telephones manufactured by Audiovox, Erricsson/GE, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi/Daimondtel, NEC, Nokia, Novatel, Oki, Panasonic, Uniden, AT & , Tandy, Pioneer, JVC or the like. In other alternative embodiments, the phone jack is configured to couple with more than one type of cellular telephone. The phone connector grips 42 are coupled to the housing 38, and are used to facilitate attachment and removal of the phone connector jack 40 with the hand-held cellular telephone 102. The phone connector grips 42 may also serve the dual purpose of locking the phone connector jack 40 into the hand-held cellular telephone 102, when the hand-free cellular cable 10 has been connected to the hand-held cellular telephone 102.In alternative embodiments different shaped grip configurations (such as shown at 16' and 16" in Figs. 8 and 9, respectively) may be used or other types of locking devices, such as locking tabs similar to those used on standard telephone jacks, spring loaded detents, snaps, or the like, may be used.

In preferred embodiments, the microphone 44 is coupled to the support housing 38 of the phone.

connector/microphone section 16 of the hands-free cellular telephone adapter 10. In alternative embodiments, the microphone 44 may be attached to other locations on the hands-free cellular telephone adapter 10, such as on the cable section 14 or the power adapter/speaker section 12; however, caution must be used toaavoid feedback that may be produced when the microphone 44 is too close to the speaker 22. Also, locating the microphone 44 on the phone connector/microphone section 16 tends to improve the audio quality of the signal received by the microphone 44, since the hand-held cellular telephone 102 tends to be located closer to the user, which allows the sensitivity of the microphone to be reduced so as to reduce the microphone's sensitivity to ambient noise from the road.Also, locating the microphone 44 in the phone connector/microphone section 16 tends to isolate the microphone 44 from direct contact with the vehicles body, which in turn tends to prevent vibrations of the vehicle from being picked up by the microphone 44 and transmitted as noise. In preferred embodiments, the exteriors of the microphone 44 is omni-directional.

However, in alternative embodiments, the microphone 44 may be directional.

In preferred embodiments, the cable 14 includes wiring to support the delivery of power to the handheld cellular telephone 102 and wiring to support the speaker 22 and microphone 44. In particular embodiments, the exterior portions of the power/adapter section 12, the cable section 14 and the phone connèctor/microphone section 16 are formed from pieces of molded plastic materials. In preferred embodiments, the power/adapter section 16, the cable section 14 and the phone connector/microphone section 16 are assembled together to form a single integral structure. In alternative embodiments, the sections 12, 14 and 16 are formed from other materials, such as metals, deramics, composites or the like.Also, the sections 12, 14 and 16 may be adapted to removably coupled to each other such that a user can change the sections 12 and 14 to work with different phone connector/microphone sections 16 that are designed to work with different telephones.

In preferred embodiments, the power adapter/speaker section A2 is formed from a plurality of pieces that held together by screws 46 or the like. However, in alternative embodiments, the pieces may be held together by other methods, such as rivets, male/female plastic snap locks formed integrally with the plastic pieces, adhesives or the like.

In preferred embodiments, the phone connector/microphone section 16 is formed from a plurality of pieces that are held together by adhesives. However, in alternative embodiments, the pieces may be held together by other methods, such as rivets, male/female plastic snap locks formed integrally with the plastic pieces, screws or the like.

In preferred embodiments, the wiring for the power and the wiring for both the speaker and the microphone in sections 12 and 16, respectively, are formed as a single cable bundle overlayed with a plastic insulating and sealing covering. However, in alternative embodiments, the wiring may be formed as a plurality of separate cable bundles, and may be covered with materials other than plastic.

In preferred embodiments, the sections 12, 14 and 16 are secured together by adhesives. However, in alternative embodiments, the sections may be secured together by other methods, such as friction (i.e., jacks), screws, rivets, snap connectors or the like.

To assemble the hands-free cellular telephone system 100, the user 200 connects the power connector 20 of the power adapter/speaker section 12 into the power socket 104. Then the user 200 connects the phone connector/microphone section 16 to the hand-held cellular telephone 102 by the phone connector jack 40.

This completes the assembly of the hands-free cellular telephone system 100. No further wiring would be required.

To operate the hands-free cellular telephone system 100, the user 200 turns on the hand-held cellular telephone 102 and dials in a telephone number. Once a called is connected, the user speaks and sounds are received by the microphone 44 without the user having to hold a transmitter 110 of the hand-held cellular telephone 102 to the user's head. The user 200 would listen to the sounds from the speaker 22, without having to hold a receiver 112 of the hand-held cellular telephone to the user's head.

In preferred embodiments, the microphone 44 of the hands-free adapter 10 receives the user's voice rather than the transmitter 110 on the hand-held cellular telephone 102, because circuitry in the hand-held cellular telephone 102 would sense the presence of the microphone 44 and disable the transmitter 110. Also; the speaker 22 of the hands-free adapter 10 produces a sound output rather than the receiver 112 of the handheld cellular telephone 102, because circuitry in the hand-held cellular telephone would sense the presence of the speaker 22 and disable the receiver 112. In alternative embodiments, the hands-free cellular telephone adapter 10 includes a microprocessor that controls the volume and sensitivity of the speaker 22 and the microphone 44, as well disabling or reducing the sensitivity of the transmitter 110 and the receiver 112 of the hand-held cellular telephone 102.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the hands-free cellular telephone adapter 10 can be used to charge a battery coupled to the hand-held cellular telephone 102. In particular embodiments, circuitry on the hand-held cellular telephone 102 detects and controls the recharging of the battery. In alternative embodiments, the hands-free cellular telephone adapter includes a microprocessor that controls the recharging of the battery coupled to the hand-held cellular telephone 102.

Fig. 7 illustrates a detailed schematic of a handsfree cellular adapter 300 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 shows the circuit for use with a Motorola flip type cellular telephone. However, in alternative embodiments, the circuitry shown in Fig. 7 can be altered and configured to couple with other Motorola Inc. cellular telephones or cellular telephones manufactured by Audiovox, Erricsson/GE, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi/Daimondtel, NEC, Nokia, Novatel, Oki, Panasonic, Uniden, AT & , Tandy, Pioneer, JVC or 'the like.

The detailed circuit schematic in Fig. 7 shows that the hands-free cellular telephone adapter 300 includes a phone switching power supply 302 that operates at approximately 100 Khz and which is coupled to a power cord assembly 304 that couples with a cigarette lighter in the vehicle. The power supply 302 is also coupled to a reverse polarity protection diode 306.

The circuit also includes an electrostatic discharge protection diode section 308 that is coupled to a filtered power supply section 310. These sections are in turn coupled to a bias resistance section 312 for the microphone, an audio filter 314, and RFI filter 316, a plurality of microphone volume resistors 318, an audio filter 320 and a microphone amplifier section 322. These components and sections are coupled with a sense resistor 324 for the flip phone, a header 326 on the printed circuit board for connecting to the Motorola flip phone, a microphone assembly section 328, and sense voltage section for the flip phone 330.

Fig. 7 also shows a detailed schematic of the speaker portion of the hands-free cellular telephone adapter 300 which includes a differential input bias circuit section 332, an RFI filter section 334, a differential input section for CPU noise reduction 336, and a bridge audio amplifier section 338 for the speaker output. The circuit also includes a phone connection LED.indicator section 340 and a power connection LED indicator section 342. Also, the schematic of Fig. 7 shows an extra circuit portion 344 not currently used by the flip phone circuit.

Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a handsfree cellular telephone adapter 400 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The adapter 400 is'similar to the embodiments described above, but also includes a modified power adapter/speaker section 12', a modified cable section 14' and a modified phone connector/microphone section 16'. The power adapter/speaker section 12' includes a jack port 402 for operatively and electrically coupling to an external antenna 404. The jack 402 is adapted to receive a male type jack 406 that is connected to the external antenna 404 via a coaxial cable 408 or the like. In alternative embodiments, the jack 402 and jack connector 406 may be wireless, such as radio, infrared or the like, to receive or transmit signals to and from the hand-held cellular telephone (not shown) and the external antenna 404.

The cable section 14' and the phone connector/microphone section 16' are modified to include a coaxial cable that can be connected to the hand-held cellular telephone to carry the RF signal to and from the hand-held cellular telephone and the external antenna 404. This allow hand-held cellular telephones that have circuitry to optionally route the RF signal from an internal antenna to an external antenna to utilize an external antenna with a minimum amount of additional wiring. In preferred embodiments, the external antenna 404 is not permanently fixed to the vehicle. However, in alternative embodiments, the external antenna is permanently affixed and wired to the vehicle.

The phone connector/microphone section 16' of the adapter 400 has also been modified to connect with a Mitsubishi cellular telephone. However, in alternative embodiments, the phone connector/microphone section 16' may be configured to couple with cellular telephones manufactured by Audiovox, Erricsson/GE, Fujitsu, NEC, Nokia, Novatel, Motorola Inc., Oki, Panasonic, Uniden, AT & , Tandy, Pioneer, JVC or the like.

Fig. 9 illustrates a top plan view of a hands-free cellular telephone adapter 500 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The adapter 500 is similar to the embodiments described above, but also includes a modified phone connector/microphone section 16". The phone connector/microphone section 16" of the adapter 500 has been modified to connect with an NEC cellular telephone. However, in alternative embodiments, the phone connector/microphone section 16" may be configured to couple with cellular telephones manufactured by Audiovox, Erricsson/GE, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi/Daimondtel, Nokia, Novatel, Motorola Inc., Oki, Panasonic, Uniden, AT & , Tandy, Pioneer, JVC or the like.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.

The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A multifunction hands-free telephone adapter for converting a hand-held telephone having a transmitter and receiver into a hands-free telephone system, the adapter comprising: å power line having a phone connector and a power source connector to provide power to the hand-held telephone; a speaker operationally coupled to the power line to produce sounds that would be produced by the receiver of the hand-held telephone without the speaker; and a microphone operationally coupled to the power line to receive sounds that would otherwise be transmitted by the transmitter of the hand-held telephone without the microphone, wherein the power line, speaker and microphone form an integral adapter structure such that it can be utilized,to convert the hand-held telephone into a hands-free telephone when the adapter structure is coupled to the external power source and the hand-held telephone.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the microphone is coupled to the phone connector of the adapter, and wherein the speaker is coupled to the power source connector of the adapter.

3. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the phone connector includes a first jack to couple to an additional external microphone, and wherein the power source connector includes a second jack to couple to an additional external speaker.

4. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the power source connector is adapted to be coupled to a cigarette lighter in a vehicle.

5. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the adapter further includes a volume control that is coupled to the speaker to adjust a volume of the sounds output by the speaker.

6. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the hand-held telephone includes a battery, and wherein the external power source can be used to recharge the battery.

7. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the power source connecter includes a first jack and a second jack, wherein the first jack is adapted to couple to an additional external microphone, and wherein the second jack is adapted to couple to an additional external speaker.

8. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the power source connecter includes a first jack, and wherein the first jack is adapted to couple to an external antenna.

9. A multifunction hands-free telephone adapter for converting a hand-held telephone having a transmitter and receiver into a hands-free telephone system, the adaPter comprising: a Power line having a Phone connector and a power source connector to Provide Power to the hand-held telephone; and a microphone operationally coupled to the power line to receive sounds that would otherwise be transmitted by the transmitter of the hand-heldtelephone without the microphone, wherein the power line and microphone form an integral adapter structure such that it can be utilized to convert the hand-held telephone into a hands-free telephone when the adapter structure is coupled to the external power source and the hand-held telePhone.

10. The adapter according to claim 9, wherein the microphone is coupled to the phone connector of the adater.

11. The adaPter according to claim 9, wherein the phone connector includes a first jack to couple to an additional external microphone.

12. The adaPter according to claim 9, wherein the power source connector is adapted to be coup led to a cigarette lighter in a vehicle.

13. The adapter according to claim 9, wherein the adaPter further includes a volume control that is couPled to the microphone to adjust a volume of the sounds received by the micrphone.

1. The adapter according to claim 9, wherein the hand-held telephone includes battery, and wherein the external power source can be used to recharge the battery.

15. A multifunction hands-free telephone adapter for converting a hand-held telephone having a transmitter and receiver into a hands-free telephone system for use in a vehicle having a cigarette lighter, the adapter comprising: a power line having a phone connector and a power source connector to provide power to the hand-held telephone, the power line being adapted to receive power from the cigarette lighter in the vehicle; a speaker operationally coupled to the power source connector of the power line to produce sounds that would be produced by the receiver of the hand-held telephone without the speaker; and a microphone operationally coupled to the phone connector of the power line to receive sounds that would otherwise be transmitted by the transmitter of the hand-held telephone without the microphone, wherein the power line, speaker and microphone form an integral adapter structure such that it.can be utilized to convert the hand-held telephone into a hands-free telephone when the adapter structure is coupled to the external power source and the hand-held telephone.

16. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein the phone connector includes a first jack to couple to an additional external microphone, and wherein the power source connector includes a second jack to couple to an additional external speaker.

17. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein the adapter further includes a volume control that is coupled to the speaker to adjust a volume of the sounds output by the speaker.

18. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein the hand-held telephone includes a battery, and wherein the external power source can be used to recharge the battery.

19. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein the power source connecter includes a first jack and a second jack, wherein the first jack is adapted to couple to an additional external microphone, and wherein the second jack is adapted to couple to an additional external speaker.

20. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein the power source connecter includes a first jack, and wherein the first jack is adapted to couple to an external antenna.

21. A multifunctional hands-free telephone adapter substantially as hereinbefore described by way of example with reference to, and as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7; Fig. 8 or Fig.9, of the accoenying drawings,