WO2012137015A1

WO2012137015A1 - A jacket assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2012137015A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/050779
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roger Finlay-Hudson
Original assignee: Piggiback Limited
Priority date: 2011-04-08
Filing date: 2012-04-05
Publication date: 2012-10-11
Also published as: GB201106002D0

Abstract

A jacket assembly for a mobile phone handset, the jacket assembly comprising a body adapted to receive said handset, a plug member adapted to be received in a socket in said handset, and a headset for audio output, wherein the jacket assembly further comprises a switching mechanism, the switching mechanism being operable to move the plug member between first and second positions in which electrical contact between the headset and the handset is made in one said position and the electrical contact is broken in the other position.

Description

A Jacket Assembly

The invention relates to a jacket assembly. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a jacket assembly for a mobile phone handset.

Personal electronic devices, for example, mobile phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, generally have means for allowing a user to connect headphones to the device. Often, a socket if provided on the device for receiving a plug adaptor attached to cabling on the headphones. During use, a user simply connects the plug adaptor into the socket to allow sound to be transmitted through the cabling.

It is a known problem when wearing headphones with a mobile phone, that if a user wishes to answer a call, in order to be able to speak privately with the phone adjacent their face, they must first disconnect the plug adaptor from the phone so that audio is transmitted through the internal speaker system of the phone. Disadvantageously, if the user does not disconnect the headphones, they must hold the microphone of the mobile phone towards their mouth in order to be clearly heard. Often, the user feels uncomfortable using the phone in this manner because they must speak louder to compensate for the microphone being an extended distance from them. Furthermore, in this configuration, their conversation can be overheard and thus is no longer private. In order to overcome the problem of allowing ready access to a microphone whilst wearing headphones, it is known to provide a microphone on the headphone cable. However, such headphones still have the disadvantage that the conversation is not private, and such headphones are often expensive and prone to damage.

It is a further known problem that it is difficult for a user to readily store a length of headphone cable. A headphone cable generally comprises a length of cable having earplugs at a first end, and the plug adaptor at a second end. Typically, the plug adaptor comprises a male member for connecting in the socket. In use, a user often winds the cable around the electronic device for storage. Disadvantageously, when the device is placed in a pocket or bag, the cable unwinds and becomes tangled. The user must then untie the cable before being able to use the headphones. Further disadvantageously, the earplugs become readily damaged because they knock against other items in a bag or pocket. It is an object of the invention to provide a jacket assembly which overcomes the aforementioned problems. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a jacket assembly for a mobile phone handset, the jacket assembly comprising a body adapted to receive said handset, a plug member adapted to be received in a socket in said handset, and a headset for audio output, wherein the jacket assembly further comprises a switching mechanism, the switching mechanism being operable to move the plug member between first and second positions in which electrical contact between the headset and the handset is made in one said position and the electrical contact is broken in the other position.

Preferably, the headset is connected to the plug member.

Preferably, the plug member comprises a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the plug member comprises a first portion and preferably a second portion. Preferably, the first portion is substantially cylindrical in cross section. Preferably, the second portion extends downwardly from the first portion, preferably in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the second portion is an integral part of the first portion. Preferably, the second portion is semi-cylindrical in shape. Preferably, the plug member is located on an inner surface of the body. Preferably, the plug member is manufactured from metal material. Preferably, the second portion is operable to make the electrical contact between the headset and the handset. Preferably, the second portion is operable to make said contact in the first position.

Preferably, a cable member is provided between the headset and the plug member. Preferably, the cable is an audio cable. Preferably, at least one earphone is provided on the headset. Preferably, a pair of earphones are provided on the headset. Preferably, said earphones are adapted to be received in a cut-out on the body.

Preferably, the switching mechanism is operable to cause rotation of the plug member, preferably about a longitudinal axis thereof. Preferably, the switching mechanism comprises an engaging member. Preferably, the engaging member is located on the plug member, preferably at an end remote from the second portion thereof. Preferably, the engaging member comprises at least one tooth. Preferably, the engaging member comprises a plurality of teeth. Preferably, the engaging member, preferably the teeth, is operable to interengage with a meshing member.

Preferably, a locking mechanism is provided on the body. Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a lock portion. Preferably, the locking portion comprises an abutment part. Preferably, the locking mechanism is located on a surface of the body, preferably an outer surface thereof. Preferably, the locking mechanism is connected to the meshing member. Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a channel. Preferably, the locking portion is operable to move in the channel, preferably in a sliding configuration. Preferably, the locking portion is operable to move to cause the meshing member to interengage with the teeth so as to cause the plug member to move, preferably to be rotatable, about said axis. Preferably, the plug member is rotatable in a clockwise and/or anticlockwise direction about said axis.

Preferably, contact members are provided on the assembly. Preferably, the contact members are adapted to make contact with a plate. Preferably, the plate is manufactured from conductive material, preferably copper material. Preferably, the contact members are in communication with the meshing member, preferably operable to make an electrical contact with the meshing member. Preferably, a cable winding mechanism is provided on the assembly. Preferably, said winding mechanism comprises a reel for housing the cable. Preferably, resilient means are located on said mechanism. Preferably, the resilient means comprise a spring member. Preferably, the spring member is connected to the cable. Preferably, a rolling member is provided on said winding mechanism. Preferably, at least one track is provided on said winding mechanism. Preferably, the rolling member is operable to move in the at least one track. Preferably, the rolling member is operable to move in said track to cause the cable to unwind from the reel.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a jacket assembly for an electronic device, the jacket assembly comprising a body adapted to receive said device, a plug member adapted to be received in a socket in said device, and a headset for audio output, wherein the jacket assembly further comprises a switching mechanism, the switching mechanism being operable to move the plug member between first and second positions in which electrical contact between the headset and the device is made in one said position and the electrical contact is broken in the other position.

Preferably, the electronic device is a games console. The electronic device may be a laptop computer or a MP3 or MP4 player. All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a jacket assembly according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a jacket assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a jacket assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a jacket assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a part of a jacket assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of a jacket assembly according to the present invention; Figure 7 shows a further schematic perspective view of the portion of the jacket assembly of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective top view of a jacket assembly according to the present invention; Figure 9 shows a further schematic perspective top view of a jacket assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 10 shows a schematic side sectional view of a jacket assembly according to the present invention; and

Figure 1 1 shows a schematic side sectional view of a jacket assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a jacket assembly 2 according to the present invention. The jacket assembly 2 comprises a body 4 having a first end 6 and a second end 8. The body 4 is generally rectangular in plan view and is adapted to fit a mobile phone handset. It will be understood by the reader, that the jacket assembly 2 could, in addition, be adapted to fit an alternative electronic device, for example, a games console, a laptop computer, or any suitable electronic device having a headset socket.

An aperture 10 is provided on the body 4. The aperture 10 is dimensioned to lay adjacent a camera lens of the handset and thus does not obscure the lens. A locking mechanism 12 is located on the body 4 towards the first end 6 as shown in the figure. The locking mechanism 12 will be described in further detail below.

The body 4 comprises an outer surface 14 and an inner surface 16. As shown in Figure 2, the outer surface 14 comprises a cut out 18 towards the first end 6. The cut out 18 is dimensioned to allow a user to readily grip and pull on a headset or earphones 20 which are housed in the cut-out 18 when in a stored configuration as shown in the figure.

Figure 3 shows the inner surface 16 of the body 4. A plug member 22 is provided on the inner surface 16. The plug member 22 extends downwardly from the first end 6, in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis 24 of the body 4. As shown most clearly in Figure 4, the plug member 22 comprises a first plug portion 26 and a second plug portion 28. Both said portions 26,28 are manufactured from metal material. The first plug portion 26 is generally cylindrical in cross section being dimensioned to be received in a headset socket on a handset. The second plug portion 28 is semi cylindrical in shape and extends downwardly from the first plug portion 26 as shown in Figure 5.

Figures 6 and 7 show a switching mechanism 30. The switching mechanism 30 is operable to cause the plug member 22 to rotate about a longitudinal axis 32 of said member 22. The switching mechanism 30 comprises an engaging member 34 having a plurality of teeth 36 to form a cog wheel. The teeth 36 are adapted to inter-engage with a meshing member 38 on the locking mechanism 12. In a first position, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second plug portion 28 is in communication with the meshing member 38. A plurality of contact members 40 are provided on the assembly 2. The contact members 40 are L-shaped and are connected at a first end to a plate 42. A second end 43 of said members 40 is connected to the meshing member 38. The plate 42 is preferably manufactured from copper to provide good electrical conductivity through the contact members 40 to the meshing member 38.

The plate 42 is adjacent a reel 44 as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The reel 44 is generally circular in plan view and is housed on a shaft 46. The reel 44 is configured to house a cable 48 of the headset 20 in a wound configuration. A track 50 is located on the reel 44. A portion of the track 50 curves to follow the trajectory of the reel 44 as shown in Figure 8. A ball 52 is dimensioned is fit in the track 50 as will be described in further detail below.

Figures 8 and 9 show the locking mechanism 12. The locking mechanism 12 comprises a lock portion 54. The lock portion 54 is generally rectangular in plan view having an abutment part 56 against which a user pushes to move the lock portion 54. The lock portion 54 is seated in a channel 58 and is operable to move in a sliding configuration along the channel 58, in a backwards and forwards direction. The lock portion 54 is connected to the meshing member 38 such that when said portion 54 moves in the channel 58, the meshing member 38 is caused to moved simultaneously. During use, a mobile phone is inserted into the jacket assembly 2 such that the plug member 22 is received in the headset socket on the phone. If the user wishes to listen via the headset 20, the lock portion 54 is pushed along the channel 58, in a direction towards the edge of the assembly 2. In so doing, the meshing member 38 is caused to interengage with the engaging member 30 of the plug member 22. The teeth 36 engage with corresponding teeth on the meshing member 38 to cause rotation of the engaging member 30 about the longitudinal axis 32. The plug member 22 moves into a first position, or operational mode, wherein the second plug portion 28 communicates with the contact members 40 as shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this first position, the cable 48 transmits sound to the user. If the user wishes to disconnect the sound from the headset 20, they simply slide the lock portion 54 in a backwards direction, away from the edge of the jacket 2. Such action causes the meshing member 38 to inter-engage with the teeth 36, to cause the plug member 22 to rotate. The second plug portion 28 is caused to move away from the meshing member 38 such that a void exists between the meshing member 38 and the second plug portion 28. In this configuration, no contact is made between the plug member 22 and the contact members 40; the headset 20 is in a second position which is a non-operational position. In the second position, no sound is transmitted through the cable 48 but instead, audio will route to the internal speaker of the mobile phone.

Figures 10 and 1 1 show the reel 44 arrangement in further detail. Adjacent the reel 44 is located a compartment 60 for housing a resilient member 62. The resilient member 62 shown in the figures is a coiled metal spring. A portion of the resilient member 62 is connected to the cable 48 to allow the cable to wind and unwind about the reel 44. In use, when the user pulls on headset 20, the cable 48 unwinds. The ball 52 moves to follow the track 50 until said ball 52 reaches a resting position in the track 50 wherein the ball 50 is held in said position. In this position, the cable 48 cannot extend further from the reel 44. In order to release the ball 52, the user must relax the cable 48 to release the ball 52. To retract the cable 48, the user pulls on the cable 48 which in turn forces the ball 52 from the resting position. The resilient member 62 provides the force to pull or rewind the cable 48 back on to the reel 44.

Advantageously, provision of the locking mechanism 12 allows the user to readily switch off the headset 20 without first having to remove the plug member 22 from the socket. In so doing, the headset 20 remains on the phone and jacket assembly at all times. It is a distinct advantage for a user to be able to have immediate access to earphones but to also have the capability of switching the earphones off without having to unplug parts and thus risk losing said parts. The present invention allows a user to interchange between use of a loudspeaker function on a device, Bluetooth, or earphones, by simply moving a switch on the jacket assembly.

Further advantageously, use of a ball and track winding mechanism enables simple retraction of the cable for winding.

The invention provides a jacket assembly which is readily received in a personal electronic device. The user has ready access to headphones which can be easily turned on or off, with cabling which is easily extended or rewound for immediate storage.

The jacket assembly is slim-line in appearance and aesthetically very pleasing to the user. Preferably, when used in conjunction with a mobile phone, said assembly tapers towards one end to allow a user to slide the assembly into their pocket without the device catching on clothing.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1 . A jacket assembly for a mobile phone handset, the jacket assembly comprising a body adapted to receive said handset, a plug member adapted to be received in a socket in said handset, and a headset for audio output, wherein the jacket assembly further comprises a switching mechanism, the switching mechanism being operable to move the plug member between first and second positions in which electrical contact between the headset and the handset is made in one said position and the electrical contact is broken in the other position.

2. A jacket assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the headset is connected to the plug member.

3. A jacket assembly according to either of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plug member comprises a longitudinal axis.

4. A jacket assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the plug member comprises a first portion and preferably a second portion.

5. A jacket assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first portion is substantially cylindrical in cross section.

6. A jacket assembly according to either of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the second portion extends downwardly from the first portion, preferably in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

7. A jacket assembly according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second portion is an integral part of the first portion.

8. A jacket assembly according to any of claim 4 to 7, wherein the second portion is semi-cylindrical in shape.

9. A jacket assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the plug member is located on an inner surface of the body.

10. A jacket assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the plug member is manufactured from metal material.

1 1 . A jacket assembly according to any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the second portion is operable to make the electrical contact between the headset and the handset.

12. A jacket assembly according to any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the second portion is operable to make said contact in the first position.

13. A jacket assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein a cable member is provided between the headset and the plug member.

14. A jacket assembly according to claim 13, wherein the cable is an audio cable.

15. A jacket assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one earphone is provided on the headset.

16. A jacket assembly according to claim 15, wherein a pair of earphones are provided on the headset.

17. A jacket assembly according to claim 16, wherein said earphones are adapted to be received in a cut-out on the body.

18. A jacket assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the switching mechanism is operable to cause rotation of the plug member, preferably about a longitudinal axis thereof.

19. A jacket assembly according to claim 18, wherein the switching mechanism comprises an engaging member.

20. A jacket assembly according to claim 19, wherein the engaging member is located on the plug member, preferably at an end remote from the second portion thereof.

21 . A jacket assembly according to either of claims 19 or 20, wherein the engaging member comprises at least one tooth, preferably a plurality of teeth.

22. A jacket assembly according to claim 21 , wherein the engaging member, preferably the teeth, is operable to interengage with a meshing member.

23. A jacket assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein a locking mechanism is provided on the body.

24. A jacket assembly according to claim 23, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a lock portion.

25. A jacket assembly according to claim 24, wherein the locking portion comprises an abutment part.

26. A jacket assembly according to either of claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the locking mechanism is located on a surface of the body, preferably an outer surface thereof.

27. A jacket assembly according to any of claims 24 to 26, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a channel, the locking portion preferably being operable to move in the channel, preferably in a sliding configuration.

28. A jacket assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein contact members are provided on the assembly.

29. A jacket assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein a cable winding mechanism is provided on the assembly.

30. A jacket assembly according to claim 29, wherein said winding mechanism comprises a reel for housing the cable.

31 . A jacket assembly according to either of claim 29 or claim 30, wherein resilient means are located on said mechanism.

32. A jacket assembly for an electronic device, the jacket assembly comprising a body adapted to receive said device, a plug member adapted to be received in a socket in said device, and a headset for audio output, wherein the jacket assembly further comprises a switching mechanism, the switching mechanism being operable to move the plug member between first and second positions in which electrical contact between the headset and the device is made in one said position and the electrical contact is broken in the other position.

33. A jacket assembly according to claim 32, wherein the electronic device is a games console.