Abstract:
A wearable wireless speakerphone that can be worn by a user on their bodies either by attachment to their garments or other accessories by means of a variety of clips, magnets or worn around the neck using a lanyard to provide a hands-free means of communication with a smart phone or other smart devices. An exemplary embodiment of the invention combines the wireless speakerphone of the invention with a corporate badge or other badges worn by a user in the course of their work to enable them to communicate with their smart phones or other devices or with their co-workers smart phones or devices so that their hands are free to accomplish the tasks that they are engaged in. The wireless speakerphone uses a PCB circuitry for wireless and/or hands-free connectivity with the latest Bluetooth protocol 4 or other advanced protocols including, but not limited to RF, RFID, NFC, WIFI protocols.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/658,842 which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is generally related to wireless devices. More particularly, the invention is related to a wireless speakerphone that can be worn on the body of a user through various attachments means. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The advent of telecommunication devices such as, cell phones, smart phones, pagers, iPads, PDA&#39;s and other similar devices, has also spurred the desire and need to be able to remotely communicate with these devices, leaving the user&#39;s hands free to perform other tasks concomitantly. Prior art in this field have been primarily focused on hands-free communication with cellular phones while navigating a vehicle. A majority of the communication devices used for this purpose are ones that are placed on the dashboard, sun visor, or other areas in the vicinity of the user while navigating a vehicle. U.S. Pat. No. 8,380,254 (Linhard) describes a speech device for a hands-free system in a vehicle having at least one microphone arranged on a guide element encompassing a safety belt. U.S. Pat. No. 8,301,26 (Kakehi) is an in-vehicle hands-free apparatus that establishes a concurrent communication between a BT interface device and a cellular phone. 
         [0004]    Prior art in the field of wearable hands-free speakerphones capable of communicating with wireless devices is limited to U.S. Pat. No. 6,895,261 (Palamides) which describes a portable, wireless communication apparatus integrated into a garment. The apparatus comprises of a host unit with a docking station attached to an unobtrusive location on the interior of a garment such as the torso area, an interactive communication unit attached to the end of the garment sleeve, collectively providing wireless communication capabilities, such as paging, advanced messaging, voice communications, and/or entertainment features. The apparatus of this prior art requires the concomitant functioning of disparate units attached to various parts of a garment to wirelessly communicate with other devices. 
         [0005]    The present invention is a wearable speakerphone that has the capability to wirelessly communicate with smart phones and similar smart devices without the need to be integrated into the garment worn by the user. The apparatus for the present invention can be attached to the garment of a user by various attachment means that do not require integration into the garment. In addition, the wireless speakerphone of the invention can also be used as a stand-alone device without attachment to the body of a user. The exemplary features of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention will become obvious to one skilled in the art through the summary of the invention, detailed description of the invention, and the claims that follow. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention is a wireless speakerphone that is configured to attach to the body of a user through a variety of attachments means. The capability of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention to attach to the garment worn by a user through the use of clips, magnetic holders and other attachment means and/or hung from a lanyard around the neck of the user, makes it non-intrusive compared to speakerphones in the prior art such as Bluetooth (BT) type devices which require placement in the ear of the user. When the speakerphone of the present invention is paired with a compatible smart phone or other smart device, it becomes a convenient, hands-free, wireless personal communication device. 
         [0007]    In an exemplary embodiment of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention, the speaker for the speakerphone is housed in a forward facing speaker housing assembly which has a concave-shaped hard shell, mesh grill exterior, capable of collapsing when compressed, to activate the speaker through a micro-switch. Multi-functions are possible by varying the number of times the mesh grille is compressed. For example, a press and hold for three seconds will control the on/off cycles. In this embodiment, the speaker housing assembly also has a micro-USB (universal serial bus) charging port located at one end and an LED (light-emitting diode) indicator window located on the opposite end of the housing structure. 
         [0008]    In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wireless speakerphone uses a printed circuit board (PCB) for wireless and/or hands-free connectivity with the latest Bluetooth (BT) protocol 4 or other advanced protocol including, but not limited to RF (radio frequency), RFID (radio frequency identification), NFC (near filed communication), WIFI (wireless fidelity) protocols. Other exemplary features of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention include, a micro-switch, capacitive sensor, vibrating motor, full duplex voice technology and noise canceling technology which helps to minimize unwanted background noises from getting through to the person on the other end of a call. The directional speaker system of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention, allows for clear sounds even from a distance of up to one meter or more from the user&#39;s ears. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention, a smart phone or other smart device application for the wireless speakerphone would allow the user to control many functions. For example, a proximity function would alarm the user by sound and vibration if the smart phone has been left behind by a pre-set distance. Other user-controllable features would include loudness settings, alert settings, alarm tones, and emergency dialing. The smart phone could also be used in reverse to locate the wireless speakerphone. 
         [0010]    In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wireless speakerphone is light weight and measures just under 1.5 inches (39.1 mm) in diameter, is fully self contained and re-chargeable through the USB port located within the speaker housing assembly. 
         [0011]    An exemplary embodiment of the present invention combines the wireless speakerphone with a wearable identification badge (ID) badge to replace a typical corporate ID badge reel with another badge reel that has the wireless speakerphone attached to the badge. Thus the interchangeable speakerphone module and badge reel combination embodiment of the invention is engineered to replace a typical corporate ID badge reel with a badge reel plus micro-sized speakerphone and becomes a wearable aesthetically pleasing designer device. In this embodiment, the miniature size and light weight of the wireless speakerphone adds very little bulk or weight to the traditional ID badge reel. In this embodiment, the wireless speakerphone when combined with an ID badge of any size or shape can also be worn clipped to a shirt pocket, shirt collar, or belt through an alligator or other type of clip, or worn around the neck using a lanyard. 
         [0012]    In a related exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wireless speakerphone can be attached to a stationary stand-alone ID badge holder without the need to attach it to an ID badge retractable reel for clipping on to a garment worn by the user, showcasing the versatility of the wireless speakerphone as one device with multiple uses. 
         [0013]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the wireless speakerphone may also be used to form the ID badge worn by others such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, fire fighters, police officers, first responders, or other professionals for whom the ability to wirelessly communicate in a hands-free fashion might prove beneficial in an emergency situation of saving a life. 
         [0014]    Related embodiments of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention would include integration with heart rate and blood pressure monitors, temperature, humidity control and other sensors both standard and miniaturized, GPS and other systems that can benefit from the incorporation of a wireless speakerphone that is capable of communicating with smart devices. 
         [0015]    Other embodiments of the present invention would incorporate the wireless speakerphone with ornamental jewelry, necklaces, watch bands, and sports gear. 
         [0016]    Yet, another embodiment of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention would be a line of clothing with a sewn-in magnet that would allow for quicker attachment and detachment of the wireless speakerphone module with garments. 
         [0017]    The foregoing summary of the embodiments of the present invention should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention. In this summary of the invention and in the specification in general the various references to “the exemplary embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” “related embodiment”, “yet another embodiment,” and “other embodiments” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment (s). Rather, these references to the various embodiments in general mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with an embodiment is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments of the invention. The objects, embodiments, and features of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention as described in this summary of the invention will be further appreciated and will become obvious to one skilled in the art when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, detailed description of the invention, and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the forward facing, hard shell, mesh grille of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective side view of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention with an alligator clip attachment means. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the forward facing, hard shell, mesh grille of the wireless speaker phone of the present invention attached to an extendable and retractable cable reel with an ID badge holder. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective side view of the speakerphone of the present invention, illustrating an alligator clip in combination with an ID badge holder arrangement. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a nurse wearing the wireless speakerphone of the present invention linked to her ID badge and hung from her neck through a lanyard. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the internal components of the speaker assembly of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of the inside front compartment of the speaker assembly structure illustrating the back side of the mesh grille and the microphone attached to it. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a second embodiment of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention magnetically clipped to the garment of a user. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is an exploded front, top, and side view of the components of the second embodiment of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is another exploded view of the second embodiment of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  illustrates the use of a name badge with the second embodiment of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention when used with a name badge. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    The present invention is a wireless speakerphone that can be worn by a user on their bodies either by attachment to their garments or other accessories to provide a hands-free means of communication with a smart phone or other smart devices. An exemplary embodiment of the invention combines the wireless speakerphone of the invention with a corporate badge or other badges worn by a user in the course of their work to enable them to communicate with their smart phones or other devices or with their co-workers smart phones or devices so that their hands are free to accomplish the tasks that they are engaged in. 
         [0031]    The wireless speakerphone of the present invention is a hands-free full duplex speakerphone utilizing the latest Bluetooth Low Energy protocol. Its tiny, miniature size and design measuring just over 1.5 inches (39.1 mm) in diameter adds minimal weight to an ID badge reel when worn on a lanyard around a user&#39;s neck. The wireless speakerphone of the present invention allows for direct access to the native voice command functions of today&#39;s smart phones, further extending the voice control capability and allowing for hands and ears-free communication. 
         [0032]    Referring now to the drawings, more particularly to  FIG. 1  a perspective view of the forward facing, hard shell, mesh grille  10  of the wireless speakerphone  100  of the present invention is illustrated. The mesh grille  10  acts as a large mechanical switch that is integrated on its back side with a micro-switch in contact with the rear casing (not seen). The mesh grille  10  is integrated with a front casing  12  which houses the integral components (not seen) of the wireless speakerphone  100  immediately behind the mesh grille  10 . The operation of the wireless speakerphone is initiated by depressing/pressing the mesh grille  10  which in turn activates the printed circuit board (PCB) mounted micro-switch by making contact with a rear casing (not seen). The front casing  12  becomes a mechanical button that has to be physically depressed about 0.5 mm to activate the micro-switch on the PCB. Multi functions are possible by varying the number of presses on the mesh grille  10 . For example, a press and hold of the mesh grille  10  for three seconds will control power on/off cycles. A tap, tap, or double tap on the mesh grille  10  would signal the rejection of an incoming call. By way of another example, a long press (1.5 seconds) on the mesh grille  10  would invoke access to the paired smart phones native voice command features. With the voice command access feature, the wireless speakerphone  100  of the present invention becomes an extension of the smart phones features and functions. For example, the user would be able to access the smart phones messaging application, compose a message, and send the message to a selected party simply by using only voice commands while the smart phone stays in the user&#39;s pocket, purse, backpack, or charger the entire period of communication.  FIG. 1  also illustrates a hook  28  to thread an optional lanyard if the user wishes to hang the wireless speakerphone  100  alongside the ID badge of the user. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a perspective side view of the wireless speakerphone  100  of the present invention with a removable alligator clip  30  that can be used to clip the wireless speakerphone  100  to a shirt pocket, shirt collar, lapel or belt. In this embodiment, the wireless speakerphone  100  can be used with or without an ID badge. The forward facing hard shell, mesh grille  10  integrated with the speaker housing assembly front casing  12  can be depressed to activate or deactivate the wireless speakerphone  100  as described previously through  FIG. 1 . The method of activation is accomplished by the micro-switch located within the front casing making contact with the rear casing  14   a . A small gap  13  allows for the movement of the front casing as it relates to the rear casing  14   a . The USB charging port  18  is conveniently located on the underside of the speaker housing assembly to charge the wireless speakerphone  100 . When the alligator clip  30  is removed by a Philips-type screw, a magnet can replace it for attachment directly to a shirt or other garment worn by the user. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the forward facing, hard shell, mesh grille  10  of the wireless speaker phone  100  of the present invention integrated with the front casing  12  of the speaker housing assembly and attached to an extendable and retractable ID badge cable reel  32  hooked to an ID badge strap with snap closure  34 . The hook  28  is used to thread the wireless speakerphone  100  through an optional lanyard to place around the user&#39;s neck along with the ID badge which will be attached to the ID badge strap with snap closure  34 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a perspective side view of the speakerphone  100  of the present invention, showing the forward facing hard shell, mesh grille  10  and illustrating further the manner in which an alligator clip  30 , an ID badge holder arrangement with a retractable reel  32  and an ID badge strap with snap closure  34  are integrated with the speakerphone housing assembly. The essential components of the retractable reel  32  are housed within the rear casing  14   b  which is a thicker casing than the casing  14   a  used with the alligator clip in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  illustrates a typical user, in this case a nurse or perhaps a doctor with the wireless speakerphone  100  threaded through a lanyard hung around her neck with an ID badge reel holding an ID badge  1  of the user. Besides allowing this user to scan her ID badge  1  through security and other access points during her workday, the convenience of the wireless speakerphone  100  attached to her badge reel allows for multi-tasking and hands-free communication with her smart phone or another phone or other smart device. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the internal components of the speaker assembly of the wireless speakerphone  100  of the present invention. The forward facing hard shell, mesh grille  10  is integrated with the front casing  12  of the speaker assembly. The speaker  16  housed within the speaker assembly structure is shown in relief and is in contact with the microphone (not seen) behind the mesh grille  10 . When interlocked with the mesh grille  10  the speaker  16  is angled upward towards the user&#39;s ears. The USB cable outlet  18  and the LED light  20  form part of the middle section of the speaker housing assembly. The LED light window  22  is configured on the front outer casing  12  and aligns with the LED light  20  when the parts are assembled. This figure also illustrates the difference in thickness of the rear casing  14   b  used to house the badge reel assembly as compared to the thickness of the rear casing  14   a  used with an alligator or other type of clip in  FIG. 2 . The rear casing  14   b  housing the badge reel assembly is thicker than the rear casing  14   a  used for the clips. The rear casing  14   b  housing the badge reel assembly uses a top cover  27  to hold the reel firmly within the rear casing to prevent it from popping out and also functions to act as the micro-switch contact pad for the badge reel model of the wireless speakerphone  100 . In this embodiment of the wireless speakerphone  100  a post  36  located within the rear casing  14   b  holds the badge reel assembly. In the non-reel embodiment of the wireless speakerphone  100  when the mesh grille  10  is compressed/pressed, it forces the front casing  12  to press upon the rear casing  14   a  which in turn makes contact with the micro-switch contact pad  26  on the rear casing  14   a  to activate the micro-switch  24  on the PCB. In the badge reel embodiment, when the mesh grille  10  is compressed, it forces the front casing  12  to press upon the rear casing  14   b  with the top cover  27  acting as the micro-switch contact pad. The unique design of the locking pins  38  allows for the movement of the front and rear casings when the mesh grille  10  is depressed as well as contributes to a thin design for the wireless speakerphone  100  when it is assembled. 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of the inside of the forward facing front compartment of the speaker assembly structure illustrating the back side of the mesh grille  10  and the microphone  40  attached to it. The microphone housing  40  which is completely contained in a separate compartment within the speaker housing assembly reduces noise and feedback. This figure also shows the PCB mounts,  42   a ,  42   b  and  42   c.    
         [0039]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective front view of another embodiment  200  of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention clipped magnetically to the garment of a user.  200   e  is an ornamental accessory that can be attached to the front of the main speaker housing assembly structure  200   a  of the wireless speakerphone of this embodiment. When the front facing side of the ornamental accessory is touched or tapped, it activates a proximity sensor, or capacitive switch which enables control of the speakerphone system. In this embodiment, the capacitive switch is activated by contact with the skin just as with the touch screen of a smart phone and therefore does not require the exertion of any pressure on the contact area for activation. 
         [0040]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the components of the second embodiment  200  of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention. This view shows the main speaker housing assembly structure  200   a  of the wireless speakerphone with the microphone  200   b  and the speaker arrangement  200   d  which are configured to be directed towards the mouth and ears of the user. The LED window  200   c  is configured at the center of the panel. The detachable, ornamental design assembly  200   e  can be replaced with other ornamental designs, name badges, or the corporate logo. The main speaker housing assembly structure  200   a  houses the PCB, battery, microphone, speaker, USB charger port and other components of the wireless speakerphone.  200   s  is a side view of the speakerphone  200 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 10  is another exploded view of the second embodiment  200  of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention with the ornamental accessory  200   e  separated from the main speaker housing assembly structure  200   a  of the speakerphone system. This view also shows the location of the proximity sensor/capacitive switch control  200   f  on the main speaker housing assembly structure  200   a  and a back cover  200   g.    
         [0042]      FIG. 11  shows two perspective views of the second embodiment  200  of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention with a name badge  200   h  attached to the main speaker housing assembly structure  200   a . Similar to the ornamental accessory, the name badge  200   h  when touched or tapped allows for system control through the proximity sensor/capacitive switch. The name badge  200   h  may be replaced by a corporate logo or an ornamental accessory. 
         [0043]      FIG. 12  is another exploded view of the second embodiment  200  of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention with the main housing assembly structure  200   a , a badge holder  200   i  which is attached to the name badge  200   h  with a tape or other adhesive, a back cover  200   g , and magnetic badge attachments  200   j  and  200   k  1.75 inches wide and 0.5 inches in height. The detachable universal name badge holder  200   i  fits any size name badge with adhesive tape. 
         [0044]    The foregoing description of the invention through its figures and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that the embodiments of the wireless speakerphone of the present invention as described herein do not limit any application or scope of the invention and that the invention can be carried out and practiced in various ways and implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above. It should be understood and obvious to one skilled in the art that alternatives, modifications, and variations of the embodiments of the present invention may be construed as being within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.