WO1998020661A1

WO1998020661A1 - Mobile phone accessory

Info

Publication number: WO1998020661A1
Application number: PCT/AU1997/000756
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rodney L. Minchin; Alison Margaret Minchin
Original assignee: Aust-Indo Tech Pty. Limited
Priority date: 1996-11-07
Filing date: 1997-11-07
Publication date: 1998-05-14
Also published as: AUPO347996A0

Abstract

An adaptor (1) to allow remote use of a telephone handset (7), said adaptor (1) including clamping means (3) to releasably clamp an audio receptor (5) adjacent a speaker outlet (6) on the telephone handset (7), and audio signal transmission means (9) terminating in a remote earpiece (11), such that, in use, sound from said speaker outlet (6) is transmitted to said remote earpiece (11) and wherein said adaptor (1) is adapted to be collapsible to facilitate storage and transportation.

Description

TITLE: MOBILE PHONE ACCESSORY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to hands-free support devices for

telephones.

The invention has been developed primarily for use with portable and mobile

phones and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. It will be

appreciated, however, that the invention is also applicable to conventional telephones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The recent rise of cellular or mobile phones throughout the industrialised world

has seen a corresponding increase in the number of accidents arising from their misuse

while driving. The distraction of speaking to another person is exacerbated when

using a mobile phone, because the user only has one hand free to operate the vehicle

controls. "Hands free" systems are becoming more common, although they tend to be

relatively expensive due to the complicated electrical plugs, microphones and speakers

associated with them. Another disadvantage is that the cradle used with such systems

to hold the handset usually requires that a number of mounting holes be drilled

through an interior surface of the car. The holes which remain after the cradle is

removed, for example when the car is to be sold, are aesthetically displeasing and may

have an impact on resale value. The permanent nature of such installations is a

disadvantage where company or hired cars are involved, since the user is unable to

easily transport the system from car to car. It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least ameliorate one or

more of the disadvantages of the prior art.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention provides an adaptor to allow remote use of a

telephone handset, said adaptor including clamping means to releasably secure an

audio receptor adjacent a speaker outlet on the telephone handset, and audio signal

transmission means terminating in a remote earpiece or speaker, such that, in use,

sound from said speaker outlet is transmitted to said remote earpiece or speaker, and

wherein said adaptor is at least partially collapsible to facilitate storage and

transportation.

In one preferred embodiment the adaptor is configured for releasable

engagement with a handset support unit including a platform for the handset and hook

means to engage a space between an inner surface of a car window and an inner seal

associated therewith such that the platform rests on the inner window sill. Preferably,

the adaptor is releasably attachable to the handset support by means of hook and loop

fastening.

In an alternative embodiment, the adaptor and the handset support unit are

integrally formed. It is preferred that the hook means is a tab hingedly mounted to an edge of the

platform for limited rotation between a collapsed position resting against the platform

for storage, and an operative position wherein further rotation is prevented such that,

in use, the platform extends inwardly from the inner surface of the car window. Preferably, the audio receptor includes an acoustic cup formation adapted for

engagement with the speaker outlet and audio signal transmission means in the form

of an acoustic tube extending from the acoustic cup formation to the earpiece.

Preferably, the clamping means comprise a generally 'C -shaped bracket, having

a pair of arms adjustable in spacing to suit a number of different handset sizes. More

preferably, one of the arms of the 'C'-shaped bracket is slidably adjustable with

respect to the other, and is held in the selected position by a grub screw assembly.

It is desirable that the bracket be collapsible for storage. Where the bracket is

generally 'C'-shaped, one or both of the arms may be hinged so as to fold into

overlapping relationship .

In an alternative embodiment, the clamping means comprises a flexible strap

with appropriately positioned hook and loop fastening elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of

example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an acoustic adaptor in accordance with the

invention, in its generally operative condition;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the acoustic adaptor shown in Figure 1, in a

folded condition for storage;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a handset support for use with the acoustic

adaptor as shown in Figures 1 and 2, folded for storage; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the handset support shown in Figure 3, in the

operative configuration;

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an acoustic adaptor and

handset support apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 6 is a cross sectional view showing a third embodiment of the invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an acoustic adaptor 1 includes clamping means in

the form of bracket 3 to clamp an audio receptor in the form of an acoustic cup 5 in

sealing engagement with a speaker outlet 6 on telephone handset 7. The cup 5

includes an outlet port in fluid communication with the interior of an acoustic tube 9.

The cup thus acts as an acoustic coupling between the speaker and the tube. The tube

extends from the cup 5 to a remote earpiece 11 , to transmit the audio signal in the

form of pressure waves to the ear of the user.

Preferably, the acoustic adaptor is configured to be used with a handset support

unit, such as that shown in Figures 3 and 4. The handset support 17 includes hook

means in the form of a bracket or tab 19 which is designed to engage the space

between an inner surface of a car window and an inner seal associated therewith. The

handset support further includes a platform or base element 21 which in use is

positioned in a generally horizontal orientation adjacent the inner window sill to hold

the handset. The adaptor is releasably attachable to the handset support by means of

hook and loop fastening (not shown), or other suitable means although in other

embodiments the adaptor and handset support unit may be integrally formed. Tab 19 is hingedly mounted to an edge of platform 21 for limited rotation

between a collapsed position as shown in Figure 3, and an operative position as shown

in Figure 4 wherein the tab extends downwardly from and perpendicular to the

platform. In the preferred embodiment there is also provided a second locating tab 23

hingedly connected to an opposite edge of the platform or base to prevent the handset

from sliding or rolling from the platform in use. In each case, the hinge is off-set from

the plane of the platform 21, so that the tabs 19 and 23 can fold completely flat when

not in use.

In the first embodiment shown, the clamping means takes the. form of a

generally 'C'-shaped bracket having a pair of arms adjustable in spacing to suit a

number of different handset sizes, as best shown in Figure 2. Arm 4 is slidably

adjustable with respect to the other fixed arm, and is held in the selected position by a

grub screw 15. Once the handpiece is positioned correctly and clamping means 3

adjusted so as to clamp the acoustic cup 5 against the speaker outlet, the grub screw 15

is tightened, thereby locking the cup in position over the speaker. It will be

appreciated, however, that the precise configuration of the clamping means is not

critical. For example, in some cases, it may be more convenient to use a spring loaded

clamping mechanism or other securing means to hold the cup against the speaker

outlet. The handset may also conveniently be clamped to the handset support by the

acoustic adaptor. This may be achieved by hooking the arm 4 underneath the platform

21 and then clamping the acoustic cup 5 down onto the handset. In one form, there is

provided fastening means such as hook and loop fastening elements or a clip to releasably attach the arm 4 and thereby the acoustic adaptor 1 to the underside of the

platform 21. By clamping the handset to the platform in this way, it is less likely to be

bumped out of position in normal use, or to become a projectile during a collision.

The invention can also include padding on any of the surfaces which come into

contact with windows or painted surfaces such as the sill, thereby to prevent

undesirable scratching.

Figure 5 shows an acoustic adaptor and a handset support apparatus according to

a second embodiment of the invention, wherein corresponding features are denoted by

corresponding reference numerals. It will be noted that in this case, the clamping

means takes the form of a flexible strap 30. One side of the strap is lined with hook

fastening material while the other side of the strap is lined with loop fastening

material. It will thus be appreciated that by wrapping the strap 30 around the

telephone handset, the complementary hook and loop fasteners on the overlapping

ends of the strap are brought into contact, whereby the acoustic cup 5 is releasably and

securely clamped in position against the speaker outlet of the phone. In one preferred

form, the underside of the platform 21 is also lined with hook or loop fastening

material 31 (see Figure 6). In this way, when the handset is placed on the platform 21

of the support unit, the strap 30 can be wrapped around the handset and the ends

secured to the fastening material on the underside of the platform by engagement of

the complementary hook and loop materials. Thus, the strap can be used

simultaneously to locate the acoustic cup in position above the speaker and to secure

the handset to the platform of the support unit. Advantageously, the hook or loop

material on the underside of the platform also acts as an anti-scratch pad. In a further variation, instead of the clamping strap 30 wrapping around the platform 21, the strap

may be wrapped around the handset, and the hook or loop fastening material on the

outside of the strap engaged with complementary hook or loop material 32 on the

upper surface of the support platform, as shown for example in Figure 6. This

arrangement has the advantage that the telephone handset can then be pulled from the

platform when no longer required for use in the vehicle, without the need to remove

the strap or the acoustic cup from the handset. Additional tabs of hook or loop

fastening may also be provided with a self-adhesive backing, for adherence to the

underside of the handset, and engagement with the complementary fastening material

on the upper surface of the platform, for added security and stability.

To make a call, the user places the earpiece into his or her ear, and then uses the

key pad on the handset in the usual manner. The user speaks towards the handset,

whilst the earpiece enables the user to hear the other side of the conversation. In this

way, the user is free to use both hands to manipulate the vehicle controls, yet is able to

use the telephone easily and safely.

It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is not confined to use in

vehicles. For example, when used without the handset support unit, the mobile

telephone (or handset from a standard telephone) may be placed on a flat surface such

as a desk, table-top, or even the user's lap. The user may then converse on the phone

whilst maintaining use of both hands. This may be particularly convenient in a office

environment.

Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the invention, wherein again

corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In this embodiment, the clamping means takes the form of a flexible strap 30 with hook and

loop fastening material on opposite sides, as described above. A cup formation 5 is

also provided to act as an acoustic coupling. In this case, however, the acoustic

coupling further includes a microphone 35 which receives the audio signal from the

speaker outlet of the telephone handset, and converts this to an electronic signal. The

electronic signal is directed to a circuit board 36, including appropriate amplifying

circuitry, which is powered by a batteries 38. The output signal from the amplifier is

then fed to a more powerful speaker 40. The output from the supplementary speaker

40 is regulated via a user operated volume control (not shown), so that the signal is

audible to the user at a range of several feet. It will be seen from the drawing that the

supplementary speaker 40 is disposed at an angle, such that, in use, the audio signal is

directed toward the user. It will also be appreciated that the speaker is directed away

from the microphone, so as to reduce feedback or howling. The maximum volume of

the speaker is also limited for the same reason. If necessary, a digital delay circuit can

be provided to introduce a delay of, say, 0.1 seconds between the signal received from

the microphone and the signal fed to the supplementary speaker, again to reduce

feedback. This embodiment of the invention has the advantage of avoiding the need

for the acoustic tube and earpiece as used in the previous embodiments.

The collapsible nature of the clamping mechanism and the handset support mean

that they are both readily portable. In the preferred form of the invention, the handset

support folds flat and may easily be carried in, say, a pocket or a purse. The acoustic

adaptor is also easily carried when collapsed particularly in the form with the strap fastener mechanism. The compact nature of the invention in its collapsed state is

particularly important where the system will be moved frequently from car to car.

Another advantage offered by the invention, at least in preferred forms, is that it

may be used on either side of a vehicle, simply by reversing the orientation of the

handset and the acoustic adaptor on the handset support unit. Thus, the handset can

always be placed or clamped onto the support unit in the correct orientation,

irrespective of whether the support is on the left or right hand side of the vehicle.

The apparatus can be formed from any number of materials. In a preferred

forms, the whole device as well as the handset support is formed from sheet metal

which is painted or powder coated. However, moulded plastics or any other suitable

material may be used as desired.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular

embodiment, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be

embodied in many different forms.

Claims

CLAIMS:-

1. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset, said adaptor including

clamping means to releasably clamp an audio receptor adjacent a speaker outlet on a

telephone handset, and audio signal transmission means terminating in a remote

earpiece or speaker, such that, in use, sound from said speaker outlet is transmitted to

said remote earpiece or speaker, and wherein said adaptor is at least partially

collapsible to facilitate storage and transportation.

2. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to claim 1 ,

wherein the adaptor is configured for releasable engagement with a handset support

unit including a platform for the handset and hook means to engage a space between

an inner surface of a window and an inner seal associated therewith such that the

platform rests on an inner window sill.

3. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to claim 2,

wherein the adaptor is releasably attachable to the handset support by means of hook

and loop fastening.

4. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to claim 2 or

claim 3, wherein the hook means include a tab hingedly mounted to an edge of the

platform, said tab being adapted for limited rotation between a collapsed position

resting against the platform for storage, and an operative position wherein further

rotation is prevented such that, in use, the platform extends inwardly from the inner

surface of the window.

5. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to any one of

claims 1 to 4, wherein the audio receptor includes a cup formation adapted for engagement with the speaker outlet, and wherein the audio signal transmission means

comprise an acoustic tube extending from the cup formation to the earpiece.

6. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to any one of

the preceding claims, wherein the clamping means comprise a generally 'C'-shaped

bracket, having a pair of arms adjustable in spacing to accommodate handsets of

different size.

7. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to claim 6,

wherein one of the arms of the 'C'-shaped bracket is slidably adjustable with respect

to the other, and is held in selected positions by a fastening assembly.

8. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to claim 7,

wherein the fastening assembly includes a grub screw.

9. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to any one of

claims 1 to 7, wherein the adaptor includes spring loaded clamping means.

10. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to any one of

claims 1 to 5, wherein the clamping means include a flexible strap adapted to wrap

around the telephone handset and thereby releasably to retain the audio receptor in

engagement with the handset.

11. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to claim 10,

wherein the ends of the ends of the clamping strap are joinable by fastening means.

12. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to claim 11 ,

wherein the fastening means include hook and loop fastening material.

13. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to claim 12,

wherein the strap is configured simultaneously to retain the audio receptor in engagement with the speaker outlet and to retain the telephone handset in engagement with the support unit.

14. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to any one of

the preceding claims, wherein the adaptor is formed substantially from a rigid sheet

material.

15. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to any one of

the preceding claims, wherein said adaptor folds flat or is otherwise collapsible, to

facilitate handling and transportation when not in use.

16. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to any one of

the preceding claims, wherein the adaptor can be placed on a substantially flat surface.

17. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to any one of

claims 6 to 8, wherein one or both arms of said bracket may be hinged so as to fold

into an overlapping relationship.

18. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset according to any one of

claims 1 to 4, wherein the audio receptor includes a cup formation adapted for

engagement with the speaker outlet, and wherein the signal transmission means

include a microphone disposed within the cup formation to receive the audio signal

from the speaker outlet, processing circuitry to convert the audio signal to an

electronic signal, an amplifier to amplify the electronic signal and to generate a

corresponding output signal, and a speaker connected to receive the output signal and

generate an audio signal audible to a user remote from the handset.

19. An adaptor to allow remote use of a telephone handset, substantially as herein

described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention shown in the

accompanying drawings.