Attachable extendable and retractable earpiece cable assembly for mobile communication and sound devices

An extendable and retractable earpiece or audio headset cable assembly for mobile electronic devices having an audio output port having a mount attached to a portion of the mobile communication or sound device, such as the battery access door or panel. An earpiece cable reel housing is removably connected to the mount, and the mount includes a flange having an outwardly extending rim. The reel housing includes a slot that receives and engages the rim of the flange to removably attach the reel housing to the mount. In another embodiment, the mount is integrally formed with the battery access door or panel. In a further embodiment, the reel housing is integrally formed with a protective casing that is attached to the mobile electronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to extendable and retractable earpieces for mobile electronic devices, such as mobile sound and communication devices, and more particularly to embodiments of an extendable and retractable earpiece assembly that is removably attached to the mobile electronic device in certain embodiments, and is permanently attached to a casing for the mobile electronic device in another embodiment.

2. Description of the State of the Art

Portable sound and communication electronic devices deliver sound waves through either a built in speaker unit or a pair of earpieces or an audio headset adapted to be electrically connected to and removed from the device. While a speaker is a practical feature for a portable communication device, portable sound systems designed to deliver a user's musical selections over a period of time generally require connection of a headset's earpieces, or earpieces per se, to the portable device through a plurality of cables, or a single cable, to convey the sound to the user in private, and without disturbing those near the user. Also, many portable electronic communication devices that have a built-in speaker system also have an audio output port or socket for receiving an earpiece connection jack plug, where the jack plug is normally attached to a cable or cables.

Currently, most if not all portable sound devices, and many portable communication devices, are used with headsets or earpieces attached to wires or cables. For example, portable communication device users rely on headsets or earpieces for convenience in multi-tasking. Such headsets and earpieces, and associated wires and cables, however, when not in use, extend and freely dangle from the mobile device and the earpieces or headset, allowing the wires, headset and/or earpieces to become ensnared on a nearby object, such as the user's clothing, and to rip out of the device causing damage to the headset or earpieces and wires, or both. Replacement of such damaged parts can be costly.

Additionally, most users of portable electronic sound and communication devices are required to carry at least three separate pieces: a carrying case, a headset or earpieces, and the sound or communication device. Locating and carrying three separate pieces is often frustrating and time consuming. Additionally, certain scientific studies have suggested that the extended use of cell phone or blue tooth wireless headset devices, when the cell phone or blue tooth wireless headset device is placed directly adjacent to one's ear, can result in undesirable health problems, such as tumors and cancer, not the least of which is known as cell phone elbow. Some users of blue tooth wireless headset devices or cell phones in close proximity to the ear have also reported increased headaches.

Presently available recharging units and carrying cases for portable sound and communication devices include assemblies to hold earpiece cables around a spool attached to the carrying case or recharging unit. See, for example, U.S. Patent Publications No. 2005/0116684; 2005/0255898; and 2007/0293288. The prior art also includes stand alone headset cable reel assemblies that attach to the cable itself. These devices add yet another separate component for a user of a portable sound or communication device to deal with. For example, see Patent Publication No. 2001/0035242.

None of the aforesaid prior mobile electronic devices provide a combined integral extendable and retractable earpiece cable reel assembly that removably attaches to the battery access door or panel of a mobile sound device, or is integrally formed as part of a removable casing for a portable sound or communication device, or integrally formed as part of the battery access door or panel of the mobile electronic device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a holder partially formed as an earpiece cable reel mount, where the holder is permanently affixed to the battery access door of a mobile communications device. Alternately, the holder and reel mount may be permanently affixed to a surface of the mobile communication device housing, the surface located opposite the display screen. In each of these embodiments, a cable reel housing is nested in a cavity formed in the holder, and the cable reel housing is removably attached to the reel mount such as through a snap-fit or other attachment device. A clasp assembly for attaching the mobile communication device to wearing apparel, a back pack, or the like, supported by the user is removably attached to the cable reel housing.

In an additional embodiment, the holder and cable reel mount are integrally formed with the battery access door or panel. The battery access door can cover the entire rear of the mobile communications or sound device, or comprise a panel that covers only a portion of the rear of the device. A cable reel housing is removably attached to the integrally formed reel mount, by means of a snap-fit connection or other suitable connecting means. An attachment clasp is also removably attached to the cable reel housing, such as by a snap-fit connection, or other connection as is known in the art.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, an earpiece or headset cable reel housing forms part of a protective casing or “skin” accessory that extends tightly around the outer body of the mobile communication or sound device, with apertures in the casing allowing the user to freely access the controls, inputs, outputs and displays of the mobile communication or sound device. The protective casing is made of rubber or plastic, and maintains the integrity of the device if the device is accidentally dropped or flung against a hard surface by absorbing and dissipating potentially disabling shock forces before they reach the mobile device. In this embodiment of the present invention, the cable reel housing has a housing base portion integrally formed as part of the casing itself, and a housing cover portion adapted to form a chamber or cavity between the housing base portion and the housing cover portion, where the cable reel is rotatably mounted in the chamber or cavity. An attachment clasp is removably attached to the housing cover portion to attach the mobile device to the clothing or other item supported by the user.

In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the earpiece or headset cable reel housing forms part of the battery access door or panel itself of the mobile electronic device.

The illustrated embodiments of the present invention are ancillary to the mobile communication and sound device and earpiece cable reel housing combinations described and claimed in the inventor's co-pending patent application Ser. No. 12/629,220, filed Dec. 2, 2009, titled “Attachable Extendable and Retractable Earpiece Assembly for Mobile Communication and Sound Devices,” and Ser. No. 12/708,695, filed Feb. 10, 2010 and titled “Attachable Extendable and Retractable Earpiece and Protective Casing Assembly for Mobile Communication and Sound Devices.” the contents of which applications are incorporated herein by reference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention, in one embodiment, provides an extendable and retractable earpiece cable or headset assembly in a reel housing, where the reel housing is detachably fastened to a holder, and the holder is permanently fixed to the battery access door or panel of a mobile electronic communication or sound device. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the side of an electronic mobile communications or sound device10opposite the display screen (not shown) is illustrated. In the electronic device10, illustrated inFIG. 1, the battery access door12extends along the entire length and width of the rear of device10, and includes aperture14for access to a camera lens16, and an aperture18for access to a speaker20, for example. In other mobile electronic communication devices (not shown) the battery access panel may extend only over a portion of the rear of device10. The embodiment of the present invention shown inFIGS. 1 and 2is also applicable to these devices, as will be explained.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, an earpiece or headset cable reel housing22encloses a retractable and self-retracting reel of the type disclosed and illustrated in the inventor's two co-pending applications, Ser. Nos. 12/629,220 and 12/708,695 mentioned above. Earpiece cables24,26extend from the reel located inside housing22through aperture28in the reel housing. Each cable is attached at its outer end to an earpiece30in the illustrated embodiment. The present invention contemplates that the cables24,26could also be attached to speakers embedded in a headset (not shown). If desired, a microphone32is connected to one of the cables24,26, as is known in the art.

Referring toFIG. 2, one side of a reel housing mount holder34is permanently affixed to battery access door12by means of an adhesive36, or other suitable attachment means as are known in the art. Reel housing mount holder34includes a mounting post38having a radially outwardly extending flange40at the top of post38. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, mounting post38is cylindrical in configuration, and flange40is circular in configuration. The rim42of flange40has a curved surface, for purposes to be explained. The outer extent of holder34includes an upwardly and outwardly extending support surface44, and an outer decorative surface46. The space formed in reel housing mount holder34between mounting post38and support surface44provides a nesting recess48.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, reel housing22is constructed to be readily attached to and removed from mounting post38of holder34. Reel housing22comprises an upper surface50that is circular in the illustrated embodiment and a lower surface52, also circular in the illustrated embodiment. The outer edge of upper surface50curves downward, and connects to a reel housing support surface54. Reel housing support surface54has a contour that corresponds to the contour of support surface44of reel housing mount holder34, such that when reel housing22is attached to mount holder34as will be explained, reel housing support surface54contacts mount holder support surface44.

The space between lower surface52and upper surface50of reel housing22defines a chamber or cavity58between the upper and lower surfaces50of the reel housing. Reel60is located in chamber58, and cables24,26are coiled around reel60when the earpieces30are not in use. The radially inner portion of reel housing22is defined by a wall62. A flat plate64extends across the circular center of reel housing22to provide support for and strength to the reel housing.

As viewed inFIG. 2, the lower portion of wall62includes a first circumferential slot66that is dimensioned to form a releasable snap-fit with curved rim42of flange40when reel housing22is attached to mounting post38. As shown inFIG. 2, when reel housing22is attached to mounting post38, the lower surface52of the reel housing is lodged in the chamber68formed between mounting post38and support surface44of holder34. Also, reel housing support surface54engages support surface44of holder34to provide support for the reel housing22.

As also seen inFIG. 2, the upper portion of wall62includes a second circumferential slot70adapted to receive a flange72of the base plate74of a clasp assembly76. The clasp assembly76, when attached to reel housing22, provides a means for attaching the mobile electronic communications or sound device10and reel housing22to an article of clothing or other accessory worn or supported by a user of the mobile communication device10. Clasp assembly76comprises one or two upwardly extending brackets78through which a spring loaded pin80extends. A clasp arm82having a forward portion84and a rear portion86is attached to brackets78and to pin80, with the forward portion of clasp arm82biased towards engagement with base plate74. A plurality of ribs88on base plate74enhances the ability of the clasp assembly to firmly engage the wearing apparel or accessory of the user. Applying a manual force to rear portion86moves forward portion84of clasp arm82out of engagement with base plate74against the bias of the spring attached to pin80. Clasp assembly76can be removed from reel housing22when not needed by disengaging flange72form second circumferential slot70. The embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 5show the clasp assembly removed from slot70.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 3 and 4, the mount holder134for the reel housing122is formed integrally with the battery access door or panel112of the mobile communications device10(FIG. 1). In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the battery access door112extends the entire length of the rear of the mobile communication device10. It is also contemplated that in other embodiments of the present invention, battery access door112may comprise a panel, and only extend partially along the length or width of the rear of the mobile communication device.

Referring toFIG. 3, the battery access door or panel112has a chamber168formed as part of the battery access door, which cavity is circular in the illustrated embodiment, chamber168has a support surface144adapted to contact a corresponding support surface of the detachable reel housing122, as will be described. Also formed as part of battery access door112is an upwardly extending, as viewed inFIG. 3, mounting post138with a radially extending flange140. Flange140has a rounded rim142.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, the reel housing122is identical to the reel housing22of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The reel housing122is adapted to be removably attached to mounting post138. To this end, the reel housing122includes a circular first circumferential slot166in a lower portion of wall162. When reel housing122is manually inserted over mounting post138, the rounded rim142of flange140extends into slot166, thus securing reel housing122to mounting post138and to battery access door112.

To remove reel housing122from battery access door112, a manual upward force is applied to reel housing122, and flange140becomes disengaged from slot166, and reel housing122is then placed in a storage location for future use.

Reel housing122includes lower surface152that extends into and is supported by chamber168when reel housing122is attached to mounting post138. Reel housing122also includes a support surface154that engages support surface144on the edge of chamber168for added support when reel housing122is attached to mounting post138.

An upper portion of wall162of reel housing122in the embodiment ofFIG. 2includes a second circumferential slot170that is adapted to removably receive a flange of a clasp assembly similar to that identified as76and72in the embodiment ofFIG. 2. A reel160is located in chamber158formed in reel housing122, and cables124,126are coiled around reel160when the earpieces30(FIG. 1) are not in use. When withdrawn from or retracted into reel housing122, cables124,126extend through aperture128in the reel housing122.

FIG. 5illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention where the earpiece cable reel housing222is integrally formed with a rear protective cover, or casing212for mobile electronic communications device10(FIG. 1). Casing212has a downwardly extending curved portion213adapted to extend around and engage an electronic mobile communication or sound device10, as is known in the art.

In today's vernacular, casing212is sometimes referred to as a “skin.” Casing212has an upstanding outer ridge or rim214formed on a surface216that is circular in the illustrated embodiment. A cutout dimpled portion218is also formed on casing surface216, and forms an inner ridge or rim220.

A reel housing cover222is adapted to be affixed to casing212. Reel housing cover222includes an upper surface224that curves outwardly and downwardly in the illustrated embodiment and ends outwardly at a support surface226. The center portion of reel housing cover222comprises a circular wall228in the illustrated embodiment, where a lower portion of wall228comprises a circular edge surface230. A circular support plate232of reel housing222extends across open dimpled portion218of casing212.

Reel housing222is permanently mounted to casing212by attaching outer support surface226of the reel housing222to outer rim214of casing212by adhesive, brazing, clamps or other suitable fastening means as are known in the art. In similar fashion, edge surface230of reel housing222is attached to inner rim220of casing212by adhesive, brazing, clamps, or other suitable fastening means as are known in the art.

When reel housing222is fixed to casing212as described above, and as shown inFIG. 5, a cavity232is formed between reel housing cover222and surface216of casing212. A reel234is rotatably mounted in cavity232, with earpiece cables236,238coiled around reel234as is known in the art. Cables236,238are the same as cables24,26of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. Cables236,238enter and exit cavity232through aperture240formed in reel housing cover222in the same manner as earpiece cables24,26enter and exit cavity58of the embodiment shown inFIG. 2. The reel234and cables236,238are placed in cavity232prior to attaching reel housing cover222to casing212for manufacturing purposes.

Referring again toFIG. 5, the upper portion of wall228of reel housing222includes a circumferential slot242. Slot242is adapted to removably receive a flange of a clasp assembly similar to that identified as76and72in the embodiment ofFIG. 2.

Referring toFIG. 4, the underside of the battery access door112shown inFIG. 3is illustrated. A jack plug cable90extends from an aperture (not shown) in reel housing122. The outer end of cable90is electrically attached to a jack plug92that is adapted to be inserted into the audio output port of mobile communications or sound device10(FIG. 1). The inner end of cable90is electrically connected to the ends of earpiece or headset cables124,126in reel housing122, which cables are also attached at their outer ends to earpieces30, or to an audio headset (not shown). Further details of the electrical connections between cable90and cables124,126are described and illustrated in the inventor's co-pending patent applications referred to above.

As seen inFIG. 4, one end of battery access door112includes an opening94through which jack plug cable90extends when the access door is assembled with mobile communication device10. Jack plug92is removed from the audio output port of device10prior to disassembling battery access door112from mobile communications or sound device10.

In operation of the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the mobile communication or sound device10has reel housing mounting holder34fixed to battery access door or panel12with fastening adhesive36or other suitable fastening means. To attach earpiece cable reel housing22to holder34, reel housing22is placed adjacent chamber58and downward manual pressure is applied to reel housing22such that the lower portion of wall62extends over mounting post38, and the rim42of flange40enters slot66. The present invention contemplates that flange40and/or wall62are made of a material having at least a slight degree of give, whereby rim42of flange40and slot66provide a releasable snap-fit, releasably holding reel housing22to mounting post38. In this position, lower surface52of reel housing22is supported by the upper surface35of mount holder34, and reel housing support surface54of the reel housing contacts and is supported by support surface44of mount holder34.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2, flange72of clasp assembly76is inserted into slot70such that the clamp assembly is firmly held to reel housing22. Manual pressure is applied to rear portion86of clasp arm82, pivoting forward portion84of the clasp arm upward. The user then attaches the clasp arm82, reel housing22and mobile communications or sound device10to an article of clothing worn by the user, such as a belt or pocket, or to an accessory supported by the user, such as a purse or backpack. Jack plug92(FIG. 2) is next inserted into the audio output port of mobile communications device10(FIG. 1). The user then grasps earpieces30and manually unreels cables24,26from reel60through aperture28in reel housing22, and inserts earpieces30into the ears. The mobile electronic communications or sound device10is then activated.

When the user concludes listening to the audio output of the mobile communications or sound device, the earpieces are removed from the ears, and a gentle tug or tension force is applied to the cables24,26. The automatic rewind feature of the reel60in reel housing22, as explained in detail in the inventor's co-pending patent applications mentioned above, rewinds cables24,26back onto reel60until earpieces30abut the outer surface of the reel housing surrounding aperture28. Aperture28is large enough in diameter to allow cables24,26to freely enter and exit reel housing22, but small enough to prevent one or both earpieces30to enter reel housing22.

Next, the user unplugs jack plug92from the audio output port of device10. Upward manual pressure is then applied to reel housing22to disengage rim42of flange40from slot66, thus separating reel housing22and clasp assembly76from reel housing mount holder34. If desired, clasp assembly76can also be disengaged from reel housing22by removing flange72from slot70. The reel housing22and clasp assembly76may then be stored until the user desires to use the earpieces30again.

Referring to the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the reel housing122is inserted over mounting post138, and downward manual pressure is applied to reel housing122until rim142of flange140enters slot166and the bottom surface of reel housing122is lodged in chamber168and support surface154is lodged against support surface144. The clasp assembly76may be attached to reel housing122, if desired, in the same manner as described above in conjunction with the description of the operation of the embodiment of the invention ofFIGS. 1 and 2. The remainder of the operation, cable extension and retraction, and the assembly and disassembly of the reel housing onto and from the battery access door in the embodiment ofFIGS. 3 and 4are also the same as described above regarding the operation of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2.

Referring toFIG. 5, in this embodiment of the invention the cable reel housing cover is permanently attached to casing212, and the casing212is either permanently attached to the mobile communication or sound device10(FIG. 1), or attached to the device10prior to use. Upon use, the user grasps earpieces30by hand, and extends cables236,238, out of chamber or cavity232through aperture240until the earpieces can be comfortably inserted into the user's ears.

The operation of retracting the cables236,238into the reel housing chamber232is the same as described above regarding the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1,2and3. Also, if desired, clasp assembly76(FIG. 2) can be attached and/or detached from reel housing cover222in the same manner as described above regardingFIGS. 1,2and3.

FIG. 6illustrates an additional embodiment of the present invention where the reel housing310is formed integrally with the battery access door or panel312of mobile electronic device10(FIG. 1). The battery access door312includes an upstanding outer ridge or rim314formed in the battery access door or panel, and upstanding inner ridge or rim316also formed in the battery access door. Reel housing cover318has a first support surface320that is firmly attached to outer ridge314by adhesive, brazing, or other suitable means that are known in the art. Likewise, reel housing cover has a second support surface322that is firmly attached to inner ridge316of battery access door312. As seen inFIG. 6, a cavity324is formed between the surface326of battery access door312and reel housing cover318. A reel328is disposed in cavity324. Reel328is similar in construction and operation to the reel60of the embodiment ofFIG. 2, as described above.

Either a single cable with two electrically conductive wires or two electrically conductive cables330,322are coiled around reel328which reel, as described above in conjunction with the embodiments of the invention disclosed inFIGS. 2,3and5, is a self-recoiling reel that allows cables330,332to be withdrawn from cavity324through aperture334in reel housing cover318. Upon the application of a gentle tension force on the cables332,334after the cables have been withdrawn from cavity324and the user of mobile electronic device10(FIG. 1) desires to rewind the cables into cavity324, the cables332,334are rewound on reel328.

During the process of manufacturing the embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 6, the reel328with cables330,332and earpieces30(FIG. 1) electrically connected to the cables330,332is placed in cavity324before the support surfaces320,322of reel housing cover318are affixed to outer ridge314and inner ridge316of the battery access door.

The embodiment ofFIG. 6also includes a slot336for the removable attachment of a clasp assembly similar to clasp assembly76illustrated inFIG. 2.

As described above, the embodiment ofFIG. 5shows the housing for the reel234integrally formed as part of a protective casing212for a mobile electronic device. The embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 6shows the housing for the reel integrally formed as part of a surface of a battery access door or panel312. In other respects, the description above regarding the function of the embodiment of the present invention ofFIG. 6is similar to the function of the embodiment ofFIG. 5.

The foregoing descriptions of the illustrated embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. The description was selected to best explain the principles of the invention and practical application of these principles to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by the specification, but be defined by the claims set forth below.