Patent Publication Number: US-8989420-B1

Title: Throwable wireless microphone system for passing from one user to the next in lecture rooms and auditoriums

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/328,012, filed on Apr. 26, 2010, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     The invention relates to wireless microphones in general and in particular to a foam enclosed wireless microphone system and for use with typical speaker systems in a lecture hall, classroom, auditorium-like room or the like to facilitate passing of the microphone and use thereof by multiple people in the audience. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Currently, wireless microphones used in college lecture halls or the like are intimidating to use for many people and take a long time to pass from one user to another during a class or lecture. Accordingly, many people are afraid or at least reluctant to use a microphone in front of a large group and do not participate or ask questions, the answers to which could benefit many. Likewise, much time is lost in lectures or classes passing standard batton-like microphones around the large room. 
     Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a passable microphone system that is not intimidating and can be passed easily, safely and quickly around a large room—by throwing it from one user to another, as desired. 
     This invention can include a wireless microphone transmitter or recorder enclosed inside of and surrounded by a durable, easily hand-held object, which has an outer durable skin or cover portion such as vinyl or plastic and a foam-like or cushion-like, resilient inner core material to enable gripping and throwing of the object within the room from person to person, while preventing damage to the transmitter or injury to the person that may be hit by the object. Throughout this application, the object shall be referred to as the “mic ball”. It could be filled with loose or solid foam material like a pillow. Alternatively, the enclosure can be like an inflatable beach ball, with a sealed chamber or compartment that resealably receives the wireless microphone unit therein. 
     The shape of the object can be round, oblong like a football, square or virtually any other shape. The holder of the object can choose to speak into the object, which is wirelessly linked to the receiver of an audio system (and or teleconferencing device), or to pass it on to someone else who does want to use the microphone to speak. The wireless microphone is replaceable through an opening in the object and can be powered by either disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries or any other means of alternative local or portable power generation. 
     The cover or skin of the object is durable enough in that it can be tossed around from user to user without compromising the efficiency or operation of the microphone transmission or the product, as a whole. Optimally, the cover should be smooth and washable. While it should have a texture that makes it easy to hold, it should not be abrasive. The cover must also have enough durability and elasticity to be capable of being sewn or otherwise made to adhere to surface mounted components such as lights, buttons or the like. 
     The professor, lecturer or host in the auditorium is able to wirelessly (or via classroom computer) control the mic ball by muting (or performing other desired functions such as raising or lowering volume) one or several mic balls in the audience from a handheld device. By doing so, one can prevent or cut short use of the mic ball, or amplify and transmit statements to the speaker system for broadcast throughout the room or elsewhere outside the room as permitted by the wireless sound system. In addition, the exterior will consist of a sanitary or washable material and due to the foam interior, the electronics will not be damaged or compromised during portability. The safety of all members in the audience is not compromised because of the sanitary concerns, sufficient padding surrounding electronics, and protection from sharp objects such as the zipper. 
     This device can be utilized in places where traditional wireless microphones are used with portable or built-in sound systems such as classrooms, auditoriums, conference rooms, theatres, etc. It is intended to act as a convenient means of integrating multiple people over the transmission of an audio system. The cover and foam insert of the present invention is meant to retrofit a conventional belt pack and clip style of traditional wireless microphone/receiver units of wireless speaker systems. This device can also be utilized as means of audio recording to compliment video capturing systems in classrooms, auditoriums, conference rooms, theaters, etc. The device replaces and/or can be used in conjunction with traditional handheld, ceiling suspended lavalieres, built-in camera microphones, etc for the purposes of capturing small to large audience verbal responses. 
     This invention is an innovative tool that can encourage audience participation by eliminating the necessity to raise one&#39;s voice in a large room in order to be heard. The device can be conveniently and safely tossed around from one user to the next, unlike the current conventional wireless microphone to save wasted time between questions asked. As a result of this physically engaging activity, individuals in the audience will be further encouraged to participate in discussions or ask questions. 
     One embodiment of the present invention comprises a throwable microphone unit including a wireless audio transmitting device, adapted for use in a lecture hall, classroom, or auditorium to amplify what the user is saying. An outer enclosure having an interior for substantially surrounding and operably protecting the wireless audio transmitting device therewithin, serves to keep the transmitting device from being operationally affected by physical impact when the unit is thrown around, hits an object or is dropped. 
     The interior of the enclosure is operably associated with the transmitting device within the enclosure. Controls operably associated with the transmitting device allow users to interact with the transmitting device from the exterior of the enclosure. The enclosure and the wireless audio transmitting device provide for facilitated transfer of the enclosure and the device from user to user. 
     The invention can alternatively include a wireless controller operably associated with the unit for someone other than the user to selectively, remotely activate and deactivate the transmitting device. in addition the invention can alternatively include one or more of the following items: an audio recorder for recording of the comments of the user (with or without transmitting what the user is saying to a loudspeaker system); an RF mute button operably associated with said transmitting device: voice activated transmission of the transmission device; an RFID security tag; a laser pointer; use of rechargeable batteries; a non-round enclosure shape; and surface mounted display and controls. 
     The invention can be used in the following way as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 8  herein: 
     1) User obtains a belt pack wireless microphone unit or audio recording device  13  with the microphone  21  attached; 
     2) User takes the microphone clip off of the microphone  21  and detaches the microphone from the connector  22  on belt pack unit  13 ; 
     3) The user will slide the microphone  21  into the bushing  18  and tighten the three Allen-head set screws  19 ,  20 ,  20 A. The bushing  18  is inserted and rotates 60 degrees clockwise into the clip-fastener  17  until a compress fit is achieved between clip-fastener  17  and busing  18  shown in  FIG. 6 . Clip-fastener  17  is sewn or otherwise securely fastened to shell  11 . 
     4) Buttons  50 ,  52 , and laser  55  are inserted into button-rings  51 ,  53  and laser ring  54  respectively. Button rings  51 ,  53  and laser ring  54  are sewn or otherwise fastened to shell  11 . 
     5) Microphone and button wires are fed through bore holes in ball  23 . The shell  11  is then applied over ball  23 . 
     6) The microphone wire is fed through the bore hole  15 , and is hardwired to the push to talk button  50 . The male end of mic ball&#39;s internal electronics is connected to the belt pack  13  via connector  22 . Antenna wire  14  is attached to the belt pack unit  13  or antenna wire  14  will already be sewn into or placed alongside the shell  11  of the ball  10  to increase wireless signal strength; 
     7) Belt pack unit  13  is slid into ball  23 , compartment  40  and the zipper  12  is closed. A hook and loop type fastener strip (not shown) such as Velcro® can be used instead of or in addition to the zipper  12  to protect users from zipper  12 ; 
     8) For replacement purposes, the user can remove and replace skin  11  as well as release bushing  18  from clip-fastener  17  to remove and replace microphone  21 . The inside diameter of the bushing  18  is wide enough to fit any standard wireless microphone component  21 . 
     Variations of the invention include the following: 
     1) Voice-Activated Push-to-Talk Button: Utilizes voice-activated accessory to establish a signal. 
     2) Manual Push-to-Talk: Exterior button (with possible indicator light) used to establish a signal. 
     3) Lecturer disable button: Handheld RF Transmitter to disengage the audio transmission. (This option will be available for all variations) In  FIG. 8 , RF receiver  74  intercepts the audio signal from microphone receiver  72  into audio mixer  78  and amplified speaker  79 . The hand-help transmitter  76  engages or disengages the signal pass-through of receiver  74 , thus enabling or disabling the audio transmission of the mic ball. 
     4) Integrated microphone: Individual microphone attaches to 4-pin connector of the belt pack  13  (not included). Individual must supply belt pack. Microphone  21  is therefore permanently fastened by methods not illustrated in drawings  1  through  8 . 
     5) Integrated circuitry: Reconfigure belt pack or audio recording circuitry and extract the internal circuitry to place inside mic ball&#39;s foam enclosure  23 . This would decrease weight and create a user-friendly setup. The belt pack controls and display would be mounted to the face of the mic ball. In  FIG. 8  the display and controls  70  are hardwired to belt pack  13  and mounted on the surface of shell  11 . Mounting display and controls  70  are not illustrated on  FIGS. 1-8 . 
     6) Enclosure only: Invention is compatible and able to retrofit any wireless microphone belt pack unit on the market. Individual must supply both the microphone and belt pack unit. In order to control the belt pack unit, such as changing the channel and switching power, the user must remove the pack from the zippered enclosure. Note this variation is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 . 
     7) Audio Recording: Replacing belt pack  13  with audio recording device to seize the dependency on a wireless audio system. The audio recording device  13  connects to microphone  21  and button  50  the same way illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     Alternatives for the battery include: 
     1) Retrofit circuitry in order to use rechargeable batteries of a higher voltage (9 v-10 v). Location of batteries within the device can be strategically placed to create an optimal weight distribution; 
     2) Use regular alkaline batteries and replace them when necessary; 
     Other alternatives include: 
     Some microphone clips are designed with a mute option, and it is always transmitting a signal (8 hour battery life) as soon as the device is turned on. The belt pack  13  circuitry could be adapted so that it is not transmitting until push to talk is active so as to conserve battery life. 
     The laser pointer can be used to enable the user of the device to point out specific portions of what is being displayed by the instructor or lecturer. A Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) implant can be included for tracking the device and/or setting off an alarm, silent or otherwise, if the unit is removed from the permitted area. The RFID sensor can also be used to identify on a computer screen or the like, the location of the user or holder of the device. Lights may also be included on the device which would light up and/or flash to draw attention to the user of the device. 
     The exterior shell or cover  11  should be a sanitary, vinyl the like. The interior  23  should be a shock absorbing, semi-rigid foam-like material that protects the electronics. 
     The foregoing objectives and others should become clear after reviewing the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the mic ball  10 . 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of mic ball  10  showing line  5 - 5 . 
         FIG. 3  is a transparent outline view of mic ball  10  surrounded by shell  11 . 
         FIG. 4  an exploded transparent outline view of mic ball  10  showing microphone unit  13  outside of shell  11 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of mic ball  10  taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2  and in the direction of the arrows. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the microphone assembly comprising microphone  21 , clip fastener  17 , bushing  18 , and set screws  19 ,  20 ,  20 A. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the microphone assembly of  FIG. 6  taken along the axis  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2  and in the direction of the arrows. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic showing the connect between the electronic components of the mic ball  10  and the audio system with which it is to be used. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of the mic ball including microphone  21 , busing  18 , clip fastener  17 , push to talk button  50 , laser button  52 , zipper  12  and shell  11 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of the mic ball, noting section  5 - 5 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the a transparent outline view of the final assembly configuration including belt clip unit  13  contained in compartment  40 , four pin connector  22 , antenna  14 , zipper  12  and bushing assembly  6  containing microphone  21 , talk button  50 , laser button  52  and laser  55  within ring  54 . The mic ball assembly is enclosed in shell  11 . 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the wireless microphone belt clip unit  13  outside of mic ball shell  11  comprising wireless microphone belt clip or audio recorder unit  13 , four pin connector  22 , shell  11 , zipper  12 , hole  15 , compartment  40 , clip fastener  17 , antenna  14 , bushing  18 , allen screws  19 ,  20 ,  20 A. Also shown are push to talk button  50  and button ring  51 , as well as laser (on-off) button  52  and laser ring  53 . Also shown are laser  55  and laser ring  54 . 
     Both push to talk button  50  and laser button  52  clip into button ring  53  and laser ring  54 . Rings  53  and  54  are sandwiched between surface  11  and foam  23  or otherwise fastened. Laser  55  is pre-fitted into laser ring  54  with laser ring  54  sandwiched or otherwise fastened between surface  11  and foam  23 . 
       FIG. 5  is cross section  5 - 5  denoted in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , cover  11  surrounds core  23  with wireless belt clip or recorder unit  13 , having antenna  14 , received within central compartment  40 . Zipper  12  on cover  11  provides access to central compartment  40 . Clip-fastener  17  and laser ring  54  are fastened between foam  23  and skin  11 . Microphone  21  is secured in busing  18  by set screws  19  and  20 . 
     One type of wireless microphone unit that can be used in the present invention is the Shure (R) Model ULX1J1. Its specs include; a rechargeable or Alkaline 9 volt battery that can have a 8-9 hour battery life; 1400 User-programmable channels; a TAF4 4-pin Mini Connector; a 25 dB gain adjustment knob; a mute switch; a wire type antenna; a size of 3.68″H×2.68″W×1.10″D; and a weight of 2.8 oz. The invention contemplates use of such a wireless microphone unit so as to be compatible with the most common type of audio amplification system employing speakers already installed in most lecture rooms, auditoriums etc. Alternatively the invention can be used with portable speaker systems compatible with wireless microphone systems. 
     One type of audio recording device that can be used in the present invention is the Olympus® Model VN-5000. Its specs include; 512 MB flash memory allowing for 20 hours of audio recording, a 3.5 mm mini-jack for the microphone, two AAA alkaline or NiMH batteries yielding 22-39 hours of battery life; a size 4.0×1.4×0.8 in. 2.2 oz. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the assembly of microphone  21 , clip fastener  17 , busing  18 , and set screws  19 ,  20 ,  20 A.  FIG. 7  shows the cross section of assembly  6  indicated by  5 - 5  in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , Microphone  21  is held within bushing  18  by set screws  19 ,  20  and  20 A within holes  25 C,  25 B and  25 A. Tabs  24 A,  24 B and  24 C of bushing  18  are shown in  FIG. 6  and serve to detachably hold bushing  18  by inserting bushing  18  from the back side of clip fastener  17  and rotating clockwise until a compressed fit is achieved (about 20 degrees clockwise). 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , bushing  18  is concentrically aligned with clip  17  as well as hole  15  and rotationally aligned such that tabs  24 A,  24 B,  24 C will clear tabs  27 A,  27 B of clip fastener  17 . Tabs  24 A,  24 B and  24 C of bushing  18  and tabs  27 A and  27 B of bushing  18  have an incline to achieve a compression fit once the bushing is rotated clockwise about 20 degrees into assembly position. Lower rim  26  of bushing  18  is sized to be larger than the opening in clip  17 . If the user would like to replace, access or remove microphone  21 , vinyl cover  11  is removed and bushing  18  should be rotated counter-clockwise about 20 degrees and removed from clip fastener  17 . Similar arrangements for easy removal can be provided on buttons  50  and  52  or laser  55 . 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic showing the interconnection between the mic ball&#39;s electronics and the audio system. Microphone  21  is hardwired to push to talk button  50  which connects to belt pack  12  by connector  22 . Optional display and control  70  is hardwired to belt pack  13 . Antenna  14  is connected to belt pack  13  for audio transmission to audio receiver  72 . A wireless hand held mute button  76  can be operably interposed utilizing RF receiver  74  between the wireless receiver  72  and audio mixer/speaker  78 / 79  to enable the lecturer or professor to mute the microphone of the mic ball as desired. 
     The invention can also include a human interface device such as a touch pad or mouse to point or draw a sketch on a computer screen or projection device. 
     The foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but is intended only to provide examples of how this invention is constructed and operates. Other alternatives should be considered as being within the scope of the invention.