Patent Publication Number: US-2009229083-A1

Title: Headset Clip System

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Wireless mobile headsets offer users convenient and discrete telecommunications. However, when not in use, storage of the headsets in a secure but convenient to access manner is problematic. Currently, most users simply place the headset in their purse or pocket. However, in this location the headset is difficult to quickly access. In addition, the headset may be scratched or damaged. 
     As a result, there is a need for improved methods and apparatuses for headset storage during non-use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       The present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a headset clip system of the present invention in a decoupled state. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a headset clip system of the present invention in a coupled state. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of the clip assembly shown in  FIG. 1  in one example of the invention. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a top view of the clip assembly shown in  FIG. 1  in one example of the invention. 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a side view of the clip assembly shown in  FIG. 1  in one example of the invention. 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates an end view of the clip assembly shown in  FIG. 1  in one example of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of the headset interface of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates the backside of the headset shown in  FIG. 4  in one example. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates coupling of the clip assembly to the headset interface. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a further embodiment of a headset clip system of the present invention in a decoupled state. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a further embodiment of a headset clip system of the present invention in a coupled state. 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a perspective view of the clip assembly shown in  FIG. 8  in one example of the invention. 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates a top view of the clip assembly shown in  FIG. 8  in one example of the invention. 
         FIG. 9C  illustrates a side view of the clip assembly shown in  FIG. 8  in one example of the invention. 
         FIG. 9D  illustrates a bottom view of the clip assembly shown in  FIG. 8  in one example of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an example of a headset clip system in a decoupled state 
         FIGS. 11A-11D  illustrate a perspective view, top view, side view, and end view, respectively, of the clip assembly shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate a further example of a headset clip system in a decoupled state and coupled state, respectively. 
         FIGS. 14A-14D  illustrate a perspective view, top view, side view, and bottom view, respectively, of the clip assembly shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a further example of a headset clip system in a decoupled state. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
     Methods and apparatuses for headset storage or transport are disclosed. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Descriptions of specific embodiments and applications are provided only as examples and various modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
     The invention relates to the general field of headsets and specifically to storage or transport of headsets when not in use. This description describes a method and apparatus for headset with a headset interface which may be coupled to a clothing clip assembly. This invention allows a headset to be attached almost anywhere on the user&#39;s clothing for easy access when an incoming call is received. In one example, the headset interface serves a dual purpose as a charging interface and a clothing clip interface. 
     In one example, a headset clip system includes a clip assembly and a headset interface. The clip assembly includes a biting pair of spring loaded teeth, and a cylindrical plug including an interior receptacle and an exterior surface having a groove. The headset interface includes a housing with a front surface, where the front surface includes an aperture leading to a housing well. A spring coil is disposed within the housing well for positioning against the groove and a pin is disposed within the housing well for inserting into the interior receptacle. The clip assembly is in a coupled state with the headset interface when the pin is inserted in the interior receptacle and the spring coil is in physical contact with the groove. 
     In one example, a headset clip system includes a clip assembly and a headset interface. The clip assembly includes a gripping mechanism for removably attaching to a cloth material, and a cylindrical plug comprising an interior receptacle and an exterior having a groove. The headset interface includes a housing with a front surface, where the front surface includes an aperture leading to a housing well. A spring coil is disposed within the housing well for positioning against the groove and a pin is disposed within the housing well for inserting into the interior receptacle. The clip assembly is in a coupled state with the headset interface when the pin is inserted in the interior receptacle and the spring coil is in physical contact with the groove. 
     In one example, a headset clip system includes a clip assembly and a headset interface. The clip assembly includes a clip capable of gripping a cloth material, and a cylindrical plug with an interior receptacle and an exterior having a groove. The headset interface includes a housing with a front surface, where the front surface includes an aperture leading to a housing well. A spring coil is disposed within the housing well for positioning against the groove and a pin is disposed within the housing well for inserting into the interior receptacle. The clip assembly is in a coupled state with the headset interface when the pin is inserted in the interior receptacle and the spring coil is in physical contact with the groove. 
     In one example, a headset clip system includes a clip assembly and a headset interface. The clip assembly includes a cylindrical plug having a first end, a second end, and an exterior having a groove, where the first end includes an interior receptacle. The clip assembly includes a post portion with a third end attached to the second end and a fourth end having a pointed portion capable of piercing a cloth material. The clip assembly further includes a clasp for receiving the pointed portion and releasably attaching to the post portion. The headset interface includes a housing with a front surface, where the front surface includes an aperture leading to a housing well. A spring coil is disposed within the housing well for positioning against the groove and a pin is disposed within the housing well for inserting into the interior receptacle. The clip assembly is in a coupled state with the headset interface when the pin is inserted in the interior receptacle and the spring coil is in physical contact with the groove. 
     In one example, a headset clip system includes a headset and a clip assembly. The headset includes a headset interface utilizing a first coupling mechanism. The clip assembly includes a clip device capable of gripping a cloth material, and a second coupling mechanism capable of removably coupling to the first coupling mechanism. In one example, the first coupling mechanism is a charging interface capable of receiving charging power when coupled to a power source. In a further example, the first coupling mechanism is a micro USB AB type receptacle (female) connector and the second coupling mechanism comprises a micro A or micro B connector plug. In yet another example, the first coupling mechanism is a magnet and the second coupling mechanism is a second magnet. In one example, the clip device is a pair of clipping portions and a spring. In a further example, the clip device is a clasp removably attachable to a post. 
     In one example, a headset clip assembly includes a clip device capable of gripping a cloth material, and a coupling mechanism capable of removably coupling to a headset interface. In one example, the headset interface is a charging interface capable of receiving charging power when coupled to a power source. In one example, the coupling mechanism is a micro A or micro B connector plug. In a further example, the coupling mechanism comprises a magnet. In one example, the clip device is a pair of clipping portions and a spring. In a further example, the clip device is a clasp removably attachable to a post. 
     In one example, a headset clip assembly includes an affixing means, such as an alligator clip or shirt pin mechanism, for attaching to a cloth material. The headset clip assembly further includes a coupling means, such as a cylindrical plug or micro A or micro B connector plug, for removably coupling to a headset interface. The coupling means is attached to the affixing means. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an embodiment of a headset clip system  100  of the present invention in a decoupled state and coupled state, respectively, is illustrated. The headset clip system  100  includes a clip assembly  50  and a headset  2  having a headset interface  4 . The clip assembly  50  includes an “alligator” style clip  54  having a biting pair of spring loaded teeth, and a cylindrical plug  52 . Cylindrical plug  52  is described in further detail with reference to  FIGS. 3A-3D . Headset interface  4  is described in further detail with reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the headset clip system  100  is shown in a coupled state where cylindrical plug  52  has been inserted into headset interface  4 . In this coupled state, clip assembly  50  is used to attach headset  2  to a user&#39;s clothing with the spring loaded teeth. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate a perspective view, top view, side view, and end view, respectively, of the clip assembly  50  shown in  FIG. 1  in one example of the invention. Alligator clip  54  consists essentially of a spring  58 , and a pair of clipping portions  60 ,  62 . Clipping portions  60 ,  62  have spring loaded teeth  64 ,  66  respectively. In a further example, clipping portions  60 ,  62  do not have teeth. In operation, the spring loaded teeth  64 ,  66  clamp to the wearer&#39;s clothing such as a pocket flap thereby securing the headset for transport while not in use and maintaining easy accessibility when use is desired. Cylindrical plug  52  includes an interior receptacle  68  and an exterior surface  69  having a flanged surface  70  and groove  72 . Interior receptacle  68  is designed to receive and mate with a headset interface  4  component as described below in reference to  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of the headset interface  4  of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 . The headset interface  4  is referred to by the inventor as a Standard Mechanical Interface (SMIF) charge connector, which in one example has a dual use both as a charging interface and as a snap to a clothing clip assembly. 
     The headset interface  4  includes an outer housing  132  with a front surface  116  and a back surface  118 , where the front surface includes an aperture  114  leading to a housing well  134  for accepting a male plug. Outer housing  132  is made of a molded polymer, although any suitable material may be used. When integrated with a headset, the front surface of the headset interface  4  is exposed on the headset surface as shown in  FIG. 1 . A spiral coil  104  is disposed within the housing well  134  and a pin structure  102  is disposed within the housing well  134 . Spiral coil  104  operates as a spring coil capable of extending in a radial direction when a force is applied and automatically retracting when the force is released. The clip assembly  50  is in a coupled state with the headset interface  4  when the pin structure  102  is inserted in the interior receptacle  68  and the spiral coil  104  is in physical contact mated with the groove  72 . 
     In operation, the cylindrical plug  52  is inserted through aperture  114  into well  134 . During insertion of cylindrical plug  52 , spiral coil  104  of headset interface  4  extends in an outward radial direction due to force from cylindrical plug exterior surface  69 . Simultaneously, pin structure  102  of headset interface  4  fits into the cylindrical plug interior receptacle  68 . As the insertion process of cylindrical plug  52  continues, the force on spiral coil  104  by exterior surface  69  recedes as the flanged surface  70  becomes parallel with spiral coil  104 , resulting in spiral coil  104  retracting into groove  72  of exterior surface  69  in a detent position. 
     Simultaneously, pin structure  102  continues to be inserted into interior receptacle  68  until full insertion is reached, corresponding to the coupled detent position. In this manner, the clip assembly  50  is secured to the headset  2 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , spiral coil  104  of headset interface  4  is shown mated in a detent position with groove  72  of exterior surface  69  after insertion of cylindrical plug  52  into well  134 . For clarity, headset interface pin structure  102  is not shown in  FIG. 6 . In one example, cylindrical plug  52  is composed of a non-electrically conductive material, such as a molded polymer, although any suitable material may be used. 
     In one example, headset interface  4  serves as both a charging interface to receive charging power for the headset battery and as an interface to attach a clip assembly  50 . In this example, where headset interface  4  serves both purposes, headset interface  4  includes two charging interfaces. Referring again to  FIG. 4 , the first charging interface utilizes stationary charging contacts comprising negative contact arc  106  and positive contact arc  108  disposed on front surface  116 . Negative contact arc  106  and positive contact arc  108  mate with corresponding contacts on a charging base when the headset is inserted into the charging base. The corresponding contacts on the charging base are typically spring loaded, and engage negative contact arc  106  and positive contact arc  108  when the headset is inserted into the charging base. Negative contact arc  106  is coupled to electrical ground. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the first charging interface further utilizes a semi-spherical recessed area  111  and aperture  114  to secure contact between negative contact arc  106  and positive contact arc  108  with corresponding charging contacts on a charging base. In one example, the aperture  114  receives a charging member to detent the second positive contact and the second negative contact with corresponding contacts on a charger. Charging bases, charging cables, and associated charging members are discussed further in U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,688 assigned to Plantronics, Inc., which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     The second charging interface comprises a negative contact and positive contact disposed within well  134  behind aperture  114 . Spiral coil  104  positioned within well  134  serves as the negative contact and pin structure  102  disposed in the center of well  134  serves as the positive contact. 
     A male charging plug is used to mate with spiral coil  104  and pin structure  102  to transfer charging current to the headset battery. The male charging plug is substantially similar to the cylindrical plug  52  described earlier. However, in this example, the charging plug interior receptacle  68  is an electrically conductive contact and the exterior surface  69  is an electrically conductive contact made of a suitable material, such as copper. 
     Each set of the headset interface charging contacts can be used independently from the other set to transfer charging current. When the headset is coupled to a charger, one of the sets of charging contacts electrically couple to contacts of the charger, and charging current is supplied from the charger to the battery at the headset to recharge the battery. Dual contact systems disposed on a single headset are beneficial in that they allow a user a choice of charging systems depending on the user&#39;s location. For example a cable adaptable for use with a cigarette lighter may be used in an automobile environment, while a charging base may be preferred at the user&#39;s office location. In the present example, the headset interface serves the dual purpose of a dual charging contact system and a clothing clip interface, thereby maximizing available space on the headset housing. 
     Although referred to with different designations herein, in one example, negative contact spiral coil  104  and negative contact arc  106  are a single piece construction and electrically parallel. Similarly, positive contact  108  and positive contact pin structure  102  are a single piece construction and electrically parallel. In this dual use charging interface example, the negative contact spiral coil  104  and the positive contact pin structure  102  are made of a suitable electrically conductive material such as copper. 
     The headset interface  4  utilizes aperture  114  in both the first charging interface and the second charging interface. By utilizing the aperture  114  in both charging interfaces, the area required by the headset interface  4  is minimized. 
     In one example, the headset interface  4  is mounted from inside the headset housing and presents an approximately 6.5 mm diameter plastic face with slightly raised metal negative contact arc  106  and positive contact arc  108  arrayed around aperture  114 . For appearance purposes, the module is mounted so that the face is as flush as possible to the surface of the headset housing. The contact arcs are proud of the surface by about 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm in one example. The contact arcs may either be are concentric or linearly shaped. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5  showing the backside of outer housing  132  is shown. The bottom surface of pin structure  102  is shown. Outer housing  132  includes a back surface  118 . A negative terminal  120  and positive terminal  122  are utilized to provide charging current to a rechargeable battery located at the headset. In an embodiment of the invention, spiral coil  104 , negative contact arc  106 , and negative terminal  120  are a single piece construction. Similarly, pin structure  102 , positive contact arc  108 , and positive terminal  122  are a single piece construction. 
     The headset battery is a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery, which is electrically coupled to negative terminal  120  and positive terminal  122 . The electrically parallel first charging interface and second charging interface provide an efficient and space saving arrangement to provide charging power to the rechargeable battery. In an alternate embodiment, although electrically coupled, spiral coil  104 , negative contact arc  106 , and negative terminal  120  are not a single piece construction. Similarly, in an alternate embodiment, pin structure  102 , positive contact arc  108 , and positive terminal  122  are not a single piece construction. Pin structure  102  extends through positive terminal  122  and back surface  118  into well  134 . Outer housing  132  further includes headset mounting handles  126  and  128  for mounting headset interface  4  within a headset. Charging current is provided to a battery at the headset coupled to negative terminal  120  and positive terminal  122  regardless of which charging interface is utilized. 
     Furthermore, the headset interface  4  is designed for use with common preexisting systems for providing charging power such as spring loaded contact mechanisms while also providing for use with charging power systems with advanced mechanisms to protect the headset surface during coupling of the headset and charger. Thus, a headset charging interface can be implemented in the headset that can accommodate different charger system configurations in a space saving, compact, mass produced, and low cost headset. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an embodiment of a headset clip system  200  of the present invention in a decoupled state and coupled state, respectively, is illustrated. The headset clip system  200  includes a clip assembly  250  and a headset  202  having a headset interface  204 . The clip assembly  250  includes a clasp  254 , and a cylindrical plug  252  having a post  256  attached to which clasp  254  attaches. Cylindrical plug  252  is as described above in reference to cylindrical plug  52  in  FIGS. 3A-3D . Headset interface  204  is described in further detail above with reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , the headset clip system  200  is shown in a coupled state where cylindrical plug  252  has been inserted into headset interface  204 . 
       FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate a perspective view, top view, side view, and bottom view, respectively, of the clip assembly  250  shown in  FIG. 7  in one example of the invention. Clip assembly  250  includes a clasp  254  and a cylindrical plug  252  having a post  256 . One end of post  256  is attached to cylindrical plug  252  and the other end of post  256  terminates at a pointed portion capable of piercing a cloth material. For example, clasp  254  may be a “butterfly” clutch such as those used with lapel or shirt pins. Clasp  254  is configured to releasably lock onto post  256 . Clasp  254  includes a pair of releases  258 ,  260  which are depressed to remove clasp  254  from post  256  or attach clasp  254  to post  256 . In operation, a user attaches the clip assembly  250  to a headset by inserting cylindrical plug  252  into headset interface  204 . The user removes clasp  254  from post  256  by pinching releases  258 ,  260  between the user&#39;s fingers and pulling the clasp  254  off of post  256 . The exposed pointed end of post  256  is pushed through the desired area of clothing and the user affixes clasp  254  to post  256  by pinching releases  258 ,  260  between the user&#39;s fingers and placing a clasp hole over post  256  and releasing. The headset is thereby secured to the user&#39;s clothing for transport while not in use and maintains easy accessibility when use is desired. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , an embodiment of a headset clip system  300  of the present invention in a decoupled state is illustrated. The headset clip system  300  includes a clip assembly  350  and a headset  302  having a headset coupling magnet  304 . The clip assembly  350  includes an “alligator” style clip  354  having a biting pair of spring loaded teeth, and a coupling magnet  352 . In a coupled state where headset coupling magnet  304  and coupling magnet  352  form a magnet bond, clip assembly  350  is used to attach headset  302  to a user&#39;s clothing with the spring loaded teeth. 
       FIGS. 11A-11D  illustrate a perspective view, top view, side view, and end view, respectively, of the clip assembly  350  shown in  FIG. 10 . Alligator clip  354  consists essentially of a spring  358 , and a pair of clipping portions  360 ,  362 . Clipping portions  360 ,  362  have spring loaded teeth  364 ,  366  respectively. In a further example, clipping portions  360 ,  362  do not have teeth. In operation, the spring loaded teeth  364 ,  366  clamp to the wearer&#39;s clothing such as a pocket flap thereby securing the headset for transport while not in use and maintaining easy accessibility when use is desired. Coupling magnet  352  and headset coupling magnet  304  may be any type of common magnet. In a further example, coupling magnet  352  is replaced with any magnetic metal capable of coupling with coupling magnet  304 , or coupling magnetic  304  is replaced with any magnetic metal capable of coupling with coupling magnet  352 . For example, steel may be used to replace either coupling magnet. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , an embodiment of a headset clip system  400  of the present invention in a decoupled state and coupled state, respectively, is illustrated. The headset clip system  400  includes a clip assembly  450  and a headset  402  having a headset coupling magnet  404 . The clip assembly  450  includes a clasp  454 , and a coupling magnet  452  having a post  456  (shown in  FIG. 14C ) attached to which clasp  454  attaches. Referring to  FIG. 13 , the headset clip system  400  is shown in a coupled state where coupling magnet  452  has been mated with headset coupling magnet  404 . In a further example, coupling magnet  452  is replaced with any magnetic metal capable of coupling with coupling magnet  404 , or coupling magnetic  404  is replaced with any magnetic metal capable of coupling with coupling magnet  452 . 
       FIGS. 14A-14D  illustrate a perspective view, top view, side view, and bottom view, respectively, of the clip assembly  450  shown in  FIG. 12 . Clip assembly  450  includes a clasp  454  and a coupling magnet  452  having a post  456 . One end of post  456  is attached to coupling magnet  452  and the other end of post  456  terminates at a pointed portion capable of piercing a cloth material. For example, clasp  454  may be a “butterfly” clutch such as those used with lapel or shirt pins. Clasp  454  is configured to releasably lock onto post  456 . Clasp  454  includes a pair of releases  458 ,  460  which are depressed to remove clasp  454  from post  456  or attach clasp  454  to post  456 . In operation, a user attaches the clip assembly  450  to a headset by contacting coupling magnet  452  to headset coupling magnet  404 . The user removes clasp  454  from post  456  by pinching releases  458 ,  460  between the user&#39;s fingers and pulling the clasp  454  off of post  456 . The exposed pointed end of post  456  is pushed through the desired area of clothing and the user affixes clasp  454  to post  456  by pinching releases  458 ,  460  between the user&#39;s fingers and placing a clasp hole over post  456  and releasing. The headset is thereby secured to the user&#39;s clothing for transport while not in use and maintains easy accessibility when use is desired. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , an embodiment of a headset clip system  500  of the present invention in a decoupled state is illustrated. The headset clip system  500  includes a clip assembly  550  and a headset  502  having a headset interface  504 . The clip assembly  550  includes an alligator clip  554  having a biting pair of spring loaded teeth, and a clip interface  552 . The structure and operation of alligator clip  554  to clamp to the wearer&#39;s clothing is as described previously herein. In further examples, clip assembly  550  may utilize other devices capable of attaching to the wearer&#39;s clothing in place of alligator clip  554 . 
     Headset interface  504  is a micro USB AB type receptacle (female) connector (also referred to as micro-AB), having a flat and narrow shape capable of receiving either a micro A or micro B connector plug. Clip interface  552  is a micro A or micro B connector plug. The plugs and sockets have  5  contacts, where the Mini-A plug has contacts  4  and  5  joined together inside the Mini-A plug. Both the Mini-A plug and Mini-B plug are rectangular in shape, with the contact opening measuring approximately 6.8(W)×3.1(H) mm. 
     In further examples, headset interface  504  and clip interface  552  may take the form of other types of USB connectors other than micro-type. For example, headset interface  504  may utilize mini-USB connectors. Headset interface  504  may also be an A-type or B-type connector as defined by the USB On-The-Go specification supplement to the USB 2.0 specification. The A-type USB interface has a flat and wide shape, while the B-type USB interface has a rectangular shape. Furthermore, headset interface  504  may take the form of a plug (male) or receptacle (female) USB connector, regardless of the USB architecture. In further examples, the headset interface  504  and clip interface  552  may utilize matching Ethernet or Firewire connectors. 
     When coupled, clip interface  552  has been inserted into headset interface  504 . In this coupled state, clip assembly  550  is used to attach headset  502  to a user&#39;s clothing with the spring loaded teeth. The headset interface  504  has a dual use both as a charging interface to receive charging power for the headset battery and as an interface to attach a clip assembly  550 . Headset interface  504  may also serve as a data interface to receive data transferred to or from headset  502 . When integrated with a headset, the front surface of the headset interface  504  is exposed on the headset surface as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     The various examples described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Based on the above discussion and illustrations, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without strictly following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein. Such changes may include, but are not necessarily limited to: form factor of the headset, and location of the headset interface. Such modifications and changes do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the present invention that is set forth in the following claims. 
     While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that they are merely illustrative and that modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only in terms of the following claims as may be amended, with each claim being expressly incorporated into this Description of Specific Embodiments as an embodiment of the invention.