MXPA06007912A - Hands-free personal communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

A hands-free personal communication device is worn about a user's neck. The communication device includes an elongated elastic neckband for supporting the communication device about the user's neck. The elastic neckband has memory characteristic and is bendable along its length such that the neckband is formable into and out of various selectable positions. An acoustic output device is attached to the neckband and positioned near an ear of the user when the communication device is worn about the user's neck. A microphone is attached to an end of the neckband. A detachable earbud may be attached to an end of the neckband.

Description

HANDS-FREE DEVICE FOR PERSONAL COMMUNICATION FIELD OF THE I NVENTION The present invention relates to the field of hands-free devices for personal communication. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hands-free device for personal communication that is used around the neck of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Hands-free devices are used for personal communication in a variety of known professional and personal settings. In general, the hands-free devices for personal communication are useful for any application in which it is desired to provide communication in one direction or in both directions, while leaving the hands of the user free to perform various other tasks. Hands-free devices are used for personal communication, for example, by telephone operators and multimedia users, who receive and / or send communications using the device and, at the same time, use both hands for other tasks. Hearing aids are a well-known example of hands-free devices for personal communication. The hearing aids are typically worn on the user's head and have opposite speakers, one for each ear of the user, connected by a headband that extends across the top of the wearer's head. These devices may also include an arm having one end attached to the headband and a second end containing a microphone. Often the arm is flexible and contains memory features, so that the arm can be placed and removed from various selectable positions. A major drawback in known hearing aids is that they are often uncomfortable to use and can become entangled with the user's hair. The known hearing aids are also not as adjustable as are often desired, and are typically rigid, so that they do not fit a wide range of users having different body proportions. Because most headphones are arranged to be in constant contact with the ears and / or the user's head, many users are left with discomfort in the head and / or ears. U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 218,277, of the inventor of the present Christopher Gantz, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by way of this reference, describes a personal communication system and horn that is worn around the neck of a user. The communication system and speaker includes a grip collar attached to a horn housing and an adjustable microphone support arm. The grip collar can rotate 180 degrees around an axis to become a configuration for the left ear, to a configuration for the right ear, and vice versa. A connection is fixed to the distal end of the grip collar, relative to the horn housing. In a particular embodiment, the horn housing of its base can be decoupled, and it can be automatically switched to a headset mode, where the horn is mounted on the user's ear. The aforementioned patent application solves many of the problems described with known hearing aids. However, other improvements in this device are still to be desired. For example, it is desirable to provide an improved device that is more easily adjusted to suit a variety of body types and sizes. Additionally, a device that fits more easily between the use of the headset and the use of the headset is desired. Thus, it is convenient to provide an improved hands-free device for personal communication, which solves the drawbacks of known devices. It is convenient to provide a communication device that is self-supporting and adjustable so that it suits individuals who have different body proportions. It is convenient to provide such a communication device that is easy to put on and take off. It is convenient to provide a hands-free communication device, that is adjustable so that it adapts to the left side or to the right side of the user. It is convenient to provide such a device that eliminates the discomfort of the head and ear, associated with many known tiaras. It is convenient, additionally, to provide said communications device that maintains or improves the quality of the output and input, and the operation of the currently known devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a hands-free device for personal communication, which solves many of the drawbacks of known devices. The hands-free device for personal communication includes an elongated elastic collar, which supports the communication device around the neck of the user. The collar has memory characteristics and can be folded along its length, or at least part of its length, so that the collar can be placed in and out of selectable positions. An acoustic output device is fixed to the collar and is located near an ear of the user, when the communication device is worn around the user's neck. A microphone is fixed at a first end of an elastic arm attached to the collar. The hands-free device for personal communication also includes a headset or headset button, for example, at the second end of the collar. The hearing aid is detachable from the collar, so that the hearing aid can be inserted into the ear of a user, when the communication device is worn around the user's neck. An electrical connection establishes communication to and from the hearing aid and the microphone. The hands-free personal communication device of the present invention can be easily adjusted and adapted to be used comfortably and firmly and stably around the neck, just on the shoulders of a user, or on top of them. It has the advantage that it is not in direct contact with the most sensitive areas of the body, such as the ear and the head or scalp. The present invention includes an ergonomic alternative for a traditional headset or headphones. The device of the present invention places a combination of speaker and microphone at or near the intersection of the neck and shoulders of the user, thereby eliminating the need for any type of contact with the head or ears of the user, or assembly in them. Freedom of movement and rotation provided by the elastic and memory characteristics of the collar provide important advantages when mobility, stability and comfortable fit are desired. Additionally, one embodiment of the present invention allows the user to place a removable earpiece button on the user's ear, if desired. By this arrangement, the user can easily undo the headset button of the elastic collar, and insert it into the user's ear for more private conversations. Additionally, the hands-free personal communication device may include a switch and / or a control module to change the output of the device from the horn mode to the hearing aid mode, in order to eliminate the need to control the volume when the user temporarily places it (for momentary privacy issues, for example), the headset button inside the user's ear. The switch can be manual or the device can be configured to automatically switch to headset mode when the headset button is used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings illustrate the best way contemplated today to put the invention into practice. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the hands-free device for personal communication used around the neck of a user; Figure 2 is a top view of a first embodiment of the hands-free device for personal communication. Figure 3 is a top view of the hands-free device for personal communication shown in Figure 2, where the headset button is removed Figure 4 is a top view of the device, illustrating the memory characteristic and the bending ability of the collar Elastic elongated. Figure 5 is a side view of the hands-free device for personal communication. Figure 6 is a detailed view of the control module. Figure 7 is a detailed sectional side view of the hands-free device for personal communication. Figure 8 is a top sectional view of the audio component. Figure 9 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the hands-free device for personal communication.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hands-free device for personal communication, used around the neck of a user; and Figure 11 is a top view of an alternative mode of the hands-free device for personal communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES In the preferred embodiments of the present invention described in detail in the following, a hands-free device for personal communication is provided. It should be understood that the drawings and description should be considered as exemplification of the principles of the invention, which is defined with more particularity in the claims that come at the end. With reference to figures 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the hands-free device for personal communication is shown. A choker 1 5 includes an elongated elastic collar 17, for supporting the choker 15 around a user's neck. The elastic collar 17 can be bent and / or twisted along at least part of its length, and has memory characteristic, such that when the choker 15 is moved to a certain position, it retains that position. In that way the shape and position of the collar 17 can be changed, so that it fits comfortably around a user's neck. This also allows the various audio components carried by the collar 17 (which are described in more detail below) to be placed in a position where they do not interfere, for example, with the user's chin or mouth. As shown in Figure 1, the collar 17 is worn around the neck of the user 16, and rests either on the shoulders 14 of the user, or on the area where the shoulders 14 meet the neck 16. because the collar 17 can be bent and / or twisted along its length and has memory characteristics, it can be formed so that it fits appropriately around the individual physical parts of the user, so that it has stability and is comfortable to use . Referring now to Figures 1, 2, 7 and 8, in a particular embodiment, the elastic collar 17 includes a bent wire 20, or a bendable metal tube and a flexible rubber liner 22, preferably comprising a thermoplastic elastomer . However, it will be recognized that the elastic collar 17 can comprise any of a variety of known materials that are flexible and have memory characteristics, so that the collar 1 7 can be placed and removed in and from a variety of positions, to along its entire length, or alternatively, along a portion of its length. An acoustic output device or horn 19 is integrally fixed to the elastic collar 1 7 and resides within the horn housing 31. The horn 19 receives audio and electrical input from the audio / power cable 21 of the speaker, and may comprise any of a variety of audio speakers known in the art. However, the horn 19 must be able to provide sufficient audio output so that a user can hear the audio output when the choker 1 5 is worn around the neck of the user and the horn housing is supported on the shoulder of the user. user, as will be described further below, and as shown in Figure 1. The audio output of the horn 19 is controllable by means of a volume control, which in the embodiment shown is a rotary member 18. With reference to figures 1 and 2, a horn screen 30 covers the horn 1 9 and protects the horn 1 9 against damage. The horn display 30 is preferably made of metal and includes a series of perforations 28 which allow the audio of the horn 1 9 to pass through the horn screen 30. The audio / power supply cable 21 provides audio and electrical signals to the choker 15, and includes a 2.5-millimeter plug that is connected to the horn housing 31 by stress relief (not shown). Effort relief provides resistance and durability to the connection, and preferably is formed of a piece of rubber in the form of a notched cone, which provides a flexible and durable connection. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the collar 17 may include a wireless transmitter in place of the audio / power cable 21. Said provision would also include a separate power source, such as, for example, a battery, to power the various audio components provided with the device. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 7, the choker 15 additionally includes a bendable arm 23, which has a microphone 25 fixed to its distal end 27, relative to the loudspeaker 19. The foldable arm 23 is preferably constructed of bendable material, such as wire, a flexible memory plastic or a metal tube 20 and a flexible rubber coating 22, preferably including a thermoplastic polymer. The arm 23 can be placed in a variety of positions, and can be removed from them, along its length, or in a portion of it. The microphone 25 is fixed at the end of the arm 23 and consists of any of a variety of microphones known to receive sound from an external source. The microphone 25 is enclosed in a foam cover 26 to protect the microphone 25 from wind noise, but which allows the pickup of the audio. The arm 23, in such a manner, can be positioned so that it can be easily moved to various positions, and can remain where it moved. This allows the microphone 25 to be placed in a location where it will not interfere with the user's mouth or chin, and yet allows the microphone 25 to move close to the user when the user wishes to speak in a low voice, and to be heard. Referring now to Figures 3 and 7, the illustrated embodiment of the choker 15 includes a detachable hearing aid, which is often referred to in the art as a headset button 47. The headset button 47 is detachably fixed at the distal end 49 of the elastic collar 17. The earphone button 47 is detachable from the elastic collar 17, but remains connected to the elastic collar 17 by means of a retractable audio / energy cord 51. According to this embodiment, the earphone button 47 is easily removed from the elastic collar 17 and easily reattached in the elastic collar 1 7. In the embodiment shown, the retractable energy / audio cord 51 resides within a cavity 54 with an open face. The headset button 47 and the choker 15 may alternatively include wireless transmitters and the headset button 47 may include a power source. In said arrangement, the power / audio cord 51 would not be necessary, since the headset button 47 would be capable of transmitting wirelessly with the choker 15. The headset button 47 provides many advantages that will be recognized by those who have experience in this. countryside. The headset button 47 provides privacy to whomever is using the choker 1 5. The headset button 47 also increases the user's ability to hear the audio output, compared to the 1 9 loudspeaker. This applies particularly when using the loudspeaker. choker 15 in a crowded and / or noisy environment. With reference to Figure 7, the distal end 49 of the elastic collar 17 defines an open-ended cavity 54 for releasably receiving and retaining the earphone button 47. According to this embodiment, the lateral portions 44 of the cavity 54 of The open end is flexible so that the ear bud button 47 is easily inserted and removed in and out of the cavity 54 in the elastic collar 17. In the embodiment shown, the ear bud button 47 has a collar 48 projecting outward, which has dimensions and shape suitable to be received, in a jump adjustment arrangement, by an annular groove 52 inside the cavity 54, to retain in that way, securely and detachably, the headset button 47 in the cavity 54. Various other releasable connections may be employed, such as, for example, an arrangement in which the headset button 47 has dimensions and shapes that press fit within of the cavity 54. In the embodiment shown, the retractable energy / audio cord 51 resides within the open ended cavity 54, in such a manner that easy retraction and unfolding of the energy / audio cord 51 and of the headset button 47. In Figure 7 the power / audio cord is shown in its retracted state, when the headset button 47 is in the open end cavity 54. The power / audio cord 51 is fixed to the headset button 47 by means of an effort relief 53, which provides strength and durability to the connection, and is preferably formed of a piece of rubber in the shape of a cone, and provides a flexible and durable connection. During use the earphone button 47 is separated from the choker 15 and inserted into the ear of a user, thereby providing audio to the user. When the earphone button 47 is removed from the choker 1 5, the horn 19 can be made to stop producing audio or, alternatively, the headset button 47 and the horn 19 can be controlled by means of a control module 41 ( shown in Figure 6). The control module 41 is arranged to control the volume of the horn 1 9. More specifically, the control module 41 includes volume control which, in the embodiment shown, is a rotatable member 43 operable manually. Additionally the control module 41 may include an on / off switch 45 for selectively supplying electrical power to the choker 1 5, which includes the horn 1 9 and the microphone 25. The control module 41 preferably includes an amplifier (not shown) for electrically exciting the audio input in the horn 19 and from the microphone 25. The module 41 may additionally include means for providing power to the choker 1 5, such as, for example, a battery. The headset button 47 and the choker 15 may alternatively include wireless transmitters, and the headset button 47 may include a power source. In such an embodiment, the power / audio cord 51 would not be necessary, since the headset button 47 would be capable of transmitting wirelessly with the choker 15. The headset button 47 provides many advantages that will be recognized by those having experience in the field. The headset button 47 provides privacy to whoever is wearing the choker 15. The headset button 47 also increases the user's ability to hear the audio output as compared to the horn 19. This is particularly applicable when the choker 15 is used in an environment with a lot of people and / or very noisy. With reference to Figure 7, the distal end 49 of the elastic collar 17 defines an open-ended cavity 54, for receiving and retaining the earphone button 47. According to that embodiment, the side portions 44 of the open-ended cavity 54 they are flexible, so that the headset button 47 is easily inserted and removed in and out of the cavity 54 of the elastic collar 17. In the embodiment shown, the headset button 47 has a collar 48 projecting outward, which has dimensions and shape suitable to be received in a jump adjustment arrangement in an annular groove 52, inside the cavity 54, to thereby securely and releasably retain the headset button 47 in the cavity 54. Other releasable connections may be employed, such as, for example, an arrangement in which the ear bud button 47 is dimensioned and shaped to press fit into the cavity 54. In the embodiment shown, the cord 51 Retractable energy / audio resides within the open ended cavity 54, such that easy retraction and unfolding of the audio / power cord 51 and the headset button 47 are possible. In Figure 7, the power / audio cord is shown in its retracted state when the headset button 47 is in the open end cavity 54. The power / audio cord 51 is connected to the headset button 47 by means of an effort relief 53, which provides strength and durability to the connection and which is preferably formed of a rubber piece in the form of a slotted cone, and provides a flexible and durable connection. During use, the headset button 47 is separated from the choker 15 and inserted into the ear of a user, thus providing audio to the user. Removal of the headset button 47 from the choker 15 can automatically cause the horn 19 to stop producing audio or, alternatively, the headset button 47 and the horn 19 can be controlled by a control module 41 (shown in Figure 6). ). The control module 41 is arranged to control the volume of the horn 19. More specifically, the control module 41 includes volume control which, in the embodiment shown, is a manually operable rotating member 43. In addition, the control module 41 may include an on / off switch 45 for selectively supplying electrical power to the choker 15, including the horn 19 and the microphone 25. The control module 41 preferably additionally includes an amplifier (not shown) for electrically actuating the audio input to the horn 19, and from the microphone 25. The module 41 may additionally include means for providing power to the choker 15, such as, for example, a battery. With reference to figure 4, the choker 15 is adjustable, so that the horn 19 can be placed on the left ear or on the right ear of the user. As shown by the arrow 35, the elastic collar 17 is adjustable 180 degrees about the axis 36, so that left 37 and right 39 configurations are possible. In addition to the configurations shown, the elastic collar 17 can be positioned so that the collar 1 7 have dimensions that adjust to the physical characteristics of the individual user. For example, if the user's neck is thick, the collar 17 is positioned so that the horn 19 and the headset button 47 are further apart. Referring now to Figure 5, a side view of the choker 15 is shown. The elastic collar 17 may be provided with a neck collar 56, which may include a curved piece of flexible or rigid rubber (see Figure 9) or a plastic or soft foam sleeve (see figure 11). The collar clamp 56 provides additional stability and additional shape to the collar 17, and helps the collar 17 fit properly around the wearer's neck. Referring now to Figure 9, a further embodiment of the choker 15 includes an open-face cavity 57, which is open along the distal end 49 of the collar 17. The open-face cavity 57 advantageously allows the cord 51 of energy / audio extends in a direction transverse to the distal end 49 of the elongated collar 17 when the headset button 47 is inserted into the ear of the user. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 9, the headset button 47 includes an elongated tapered member 59 having dimensions slightly smaller than the width of the open face cavity 54. In this embodiment, the tapered and elongated member 59 is snapped into the open face cavity 54 to detachably secure the ear bud button 47 at the distal end 49 of the collar 17. Referring to FIG. further recognize that the distal end 49 of the collar 17 may include an additional fixed horn 55, in addition to, or in place of the headset button 47. In said arrangement, the horns 19, 55 are disposed on each side of the user's head, and provide binaural sound to the user. Referring to Fig. 11, there is shown an arrangement in which the distal end 49 of the collar 17 includes an open face cavity 61 with closed ends. In that provision, the headset button 47 has dimensions and shapes that allow it to fit within the open-face cavity 61 and closed ends, in a snap-fit manner, to detachably fix the headset button 47 at the distal end 49 of the collar 17 It is recognized that the choker 15 is usable in a variety of modalities. Thus, for example, the horns 19, 55, the headset button 47 and the microphone 25 may be designed to be waterproof. Referring briefly to Figure 7, a water repellent paper (not shown) may be provided on the microphone 25 to protect the microphone 25 from damage caused by moisture or water. Additionally, the horn housing 31 may include water repellent paper (not shown), which is preferably located at the top and bottom of the horn 19 and / or inside the horn screen 30 and in the portion lower of housing 31 of the horn. The water repellent paper prevents water from entering the horn housing 31 and damaging the horn 19. It is also recognized that one embodiment of the choker 15 may not include the headset button 47. In that embodiment, the distal end 49 of the collar 17 would form a button with weight, which balances the weight of the horn 19, the arm 23 and the microphone 25, when the choker 15 is worn around the user's neck. While the present invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, the drawings and specification describe in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention. They are not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the illustrated embodiment.

Claims (3)

1. CLAIMS 1 .- A hands-free device for personal communication, to be used around the neck of a user, characterized the communication device because it comprises: an elongated elastic collar to support the communication device around the neck of the user; the collar having memory characteristics and being able to bend along its length, so that the collar can be formed at various selectable positions, and be removed from them; an acoustic output device fixed to the collar and which can be located near a user's ear, when the communication device is used around the neck of the user; and a microphone fixed to a first end of the collar.
2. 2. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a hearing aid fixed to a second end of the collar; the hearing aid of the collar being separable, so that the hearing aid can be inserted into a user's ear when the communication device is worn around the user's neck. 3. The hands-free device for personal communication, in accordance with claim 2, further characterized in that it additionally comprises an electrical connection between the hearing aid and the communication device. 4. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a battery. 5. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises an electrical connection by wire. 6. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a wireless electrical connection. 7 .- The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a hearing aid connected to a second end of the collar. 8. The hands-free device for personal communication, in accordance with claim 7, further characterized in that the hearing aid is detachable from the collar and can be inserted into the ear of the user when the communication device is worn around the neck of the user. 9. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1, further characterized in that the elastic collar comprises a foldable wire and a flexible rubber coating. 10. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a weight arm fixed to a second end of the collar; the arm having sufficient weight weight to counteract the acoustic output device and the microphone when the device is worn around the user's neck. 1 .- The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises means for controlling the volume of the output acoustic device. 12. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1, further characterized in that the output acoustic device comprises an audio horn.
3. 3. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 8, further characterized in that the collar comprises a cavity that facilitates the retraction and deployment of the electric wire connected to the hearing aid. 14. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a second acoustic output device, fixed on the collar and that can be located near the other ear of the user. 15.- The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a collar clamp fixed to the collar, to provide additional stability to the collar. 16. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1, further characterized in that the output acoustic device is waterproof. 17. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1, further characterized in that the microphone is waterproof. 18. A hands-free device for personal communication, for use around the neck of a user, characterized in the communication device because it comprises: an elongated elastic collar to support the communication device around the neck of the user: an acoustic output device connected to the elongated elastic collar, and which can be located close to a user's ear when the communication device is worn around a user's neck; and a hearing aid connected to one end of the collar; the hearing aid of the collar being separable and being able to be inserted in the user's ear when the communication device is worn around the user's neck. 19. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 4, further characterized in that the hearing aid is detachably connected to the communication device by means of an electrical cord having memory characteristics. 20. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 18, further characterized in that it additionally comprises an electrical connection between the hearing aid and the communication device. 21 .- The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 18, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a battery. 22. - The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1 8, further characterized in that it additionally comprises an electrical connection with wire. 23. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1 8, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a wireless electrical connection. 24. The hands-free device for personal communication, in accordance with claim 18, further characterized in that the elastic collar comprises a bendable wire and a flexible rubber coating. 25. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1 8, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a weight arm connected to a second end of the collar; the arm having sufficient weight weight to counteract that of the acoustic output device and the microphone when the device is worn around the user's neck. 26. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 18, further characterized in that it additionally comprises means for controlling the volume of the output acoustic device. 27. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 18, further characterized in that the output acoustic device comprises an audio horn. 28. The hands-free device for personal communication, in accordance with claim 18, further characterized in that the collar comprises a cavity that facilitates the retraction and deployment of an electrical wire connected to the hearing aid. 29. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1 8, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a second output acoustic device fixed to the collar and that can be placed close to the other ear of the user. 30. The hands-free device for personal communication, according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a collar clamp, fixed to the collar, to provide additional stability to the collar. 31. The hands-free device for personal communication, in accordance with claim 18, further characterized in that the output acoustic device is waterproof. 32. The hands-free device for personal communication, in accordance with claim 18, further characterized in that the microphone is waterproof. 33.- A hands-free device for personal communication, to be used around the neck of a user, characterized the communication device because it comprises: an elongated collar to support the communication device around the neck of a user; the collar having memory characteristics, and which can be folded along its length, so that the collar can be formed at several selectable positions, and can be removed from them; an output acoustic device, fixed to the collar and which can be located close to a user's ear when the communication device is worn around the neck of the user; a microphone fixed to a first end of the collar; a hearing aid attached to one end of the collar; the microphone of the collar being separable, and being able to be inserted in an ear of the user when the communication device is worn around the neck of a user; and a collar clamp attached to the collar, to provide additional stability to the collar.