Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/347,683 filed May 24, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a headset for a mobile phone, and in particular, to a headset for a mobile phone with a retractable earphone and plug construction. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many people have grown accustomed to the convenience afforded by wireless cellular telephones. Many people, including young children, carry a cellular phone on their person at all times or know where they can get their hands on one at all times. To further the functionality of such phones, manufacturers have recently added the ability to sync a wireless headset using a BLUETOOTH® connection or equivalent protocol. 
     Even with the availability of such wireless earpieces, many users prefer wired headphone solutions due to their reduced RF exposure, higher fidelity, lower cost, and ease of use. 
     One (1) drawback associated with the use of wired headphones is that the cord is unruly and annoying to manage when not in use. Many users place the headphones into a pocket or purse where they become knotted up. This causes difficulty the next time they headphones are need, and can damage the headphones and wiring over a long period. 
     In some cases, to avoid tangling, the cord is just left dangling from the user&#39;s head even while they are not using it. This has obvious downsides such as posing safety hazards, diminishing the user&#39;s ability to hear environmental sounds, looking strange, and increasing likelihood of damage to the headphones due to contact or snagging. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide cord take-up devices for earphones. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 3,798,389; U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,617; U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,957; U.S. Pat. No. 5,684,883; U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,098; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,480,611. However, none of these designs is similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices are not sized or designed for constant comfortable connection to a cellular phone or similar device. Many such devices do not work with a wide range of audio devices. Many such devices do not provide convenient attachment or carrying means adaptable to a user&#39;s preferences and particularly suited for portable connection to a cellular phone. Many such devices do not include provisions for microphone assemblies as are necessary for cellular phone compatible headsets. Many such devices do not provide convenient concurrent operation of headphones, microphones, and plug assemblies in a quick and ergonomic manner. Accordingly, there exists a need for a recoil device for mobile phone headsets without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a recoil device for mobile phone headsets that is easily carried and connected to an existing mobile phone or other audio device in a manner which is adjustable, automatic, low-maintenance, and convenient before, during and after use. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to extend and automatically retract headset cables and provide a discreet and tangle-free means to store a phone plug, ear buds, and microphone. The device has an enclosure body with a plurality of form-fitting recessed areas that receive and retain the phone plug, ear buds, and microphone. 
     Another object of the present invention is to connect to an existing mobile phone or other compatible audio device such as an MP3 player, CD player, walkie-talkie, or the like using the plug. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a spring-loaded internal flanged reel enabling coincidental winding and retracting of a plug cable and ear bud cables and an integrally-molded cable groove that retains a cable between the ear bud and microphone. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow two (2) spools of the reel to rotate as a single unit around a stationary axle, with the ear bud cables about a first spool and the plug cable about a second spool. The first spool also has a positive diametrical ratio compared to the second spool so that the ear bud cables are extended at a faster rate than the plug cable. When the plug cable is attached to a belt or similar area, a short length of plug cable is provided providing a low-slack length of cable to the phone while the ear bud cables have a greater length suitable for reaching the user&#39;s ears. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a ratchet and a pawl mechanism that automatically lock the ear bud cables and plug cable in a deployed position. This allows the user to continuously use the device at their desired deployed length. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a pushbutton that retracts the pawl mechanism, thereby releasing the reel and causing the spring to automatically retract and wind the cables. In this manner, the user can quickly and automatically return the device to a compact, undeployed state. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide grommets along the enclosure body that provide protection to the cables during extension and retraction to reduce abrasion damage to the cables. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a belt clip that can be used to removably attach the device to a belt, garment, or other similar location. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of procuring a model of the device, attaching a mobile phone and the device in close proximity, the plug cable, first cable, and second cable simultaneously away from the enclosure body until a desired extended length is obtained, removing excessive slack in the cables, if desired, by pressing the pushbutton, utilizing the mobile phone in a hands-free manner, and automatically retracting the cables into the enclosure body by pressing and holding the pushbutton after use. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a mobile phone headset recoil device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a partial cut-away bottom perspective view of the mobile phone headset recoil device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a transparent perspective view of the mobile phone headset recoil device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   c  is an isolated close-up view of a reel portion  25  of the mobile phone headset recoil device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   d  is a section view of the reel portion  25  of the mobile phone headset recoil device  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2   c ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   e  is a bottom perspective view of the mobile phone headset recoil device  10  depicting a belt clip portion  14 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective top view of the mobile phone headset recoil device  10  depicted in a state in which the cables  41 ,  42 , and  43  are extended, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 10 
                 mobile phone headset recoil device 
               
               
                   
                 11 
                 enclosure body 
               
               
                   
                 12 
                 enclosure cover 
               
               
                   
                 13 
                 fastener 
               
               
                   
                 14 
                 belt clip 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                 pushbutton 
               
               
                   
                 16 
                 stationary axle 
               
               
                   
                 17 
                 name plate 
               
               
                   
                 18 
                 reel release mechanism 
               
               
                   
                 19 
                 pawl mechanism 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 rivet 
               
               
                   
                 21 
                 plug 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 first ear bud 
               
               
                   
                 23 
                 second ear bud 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 microphone 
               
               
                   
                 25 
                 reel 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 first flange pair 
               
               
                   
                 27a  
                 second flange 
               
               
                   
                 27b 
                 tooth 
               
               
                   
                 28a  
                 first spool 
               
               
                   
                 28b 
                 second spool 
               
               
                   
                 29 
                 third flange pair 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 grommet 
               
               
                   
                 31 
                 first nest 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 second nest 
               
               
                   
                 33 
                 third nest 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 fourth nest 
               
               
                   
                 35 
                 guide tube 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 first spring 
               
               
                   
                 37 
                 second spring 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 recess 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 pin 
               
               
                   
                 41 
                 plug cable 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 first cable 
               
               
                   
                 43 
                 second cable 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 cable groove 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 connecting aperture 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a mobile phone headset recoil device (herein described as the “device”)  10 , which provides a means for extending and retracting headset cables for use with an existing mobile phone. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective top view of a device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  provides a means for extending and retracting headset cables and comprises a small cylindrical or ovular-shaped enclosure body  11  having a flat enclosure cover  12  to enclose a bottom opening portion of said enclosure body  11 . The device  10  further comprises a pushbutton  15  and a name plate  17 . The device  10  provides a discreet and tangle-free means to store a phone plug  21 , a first ear bud  22 , a second ear bud  23 , and a microphone  24 . The enclosure body  11  provides a means to secure and store said plug  21 , ear buds  22 ,  23 , and microphone  24  portions in an approximate flush-mount manner within a plurality of snug form-fitting recessed areas molded into outer surfaces of said enclosure body  11 . As illustrated here, the plug  21  is stored within a first nest  31 , the first ear bud  22  is stored within a second nest  32 , the second ear bud  23  is stored within a third nest  33 , and the microphone  24  is stored within a fourth nest  34 . Said nests  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34  comprise recessed molded features being shaped so as to provide slight retaining interference with said corresponding plug  21 , buds  22 ,  23  and microphone  24  portions at or slightly below side and top surfaces of the enclosure body  11 . 
     The enclosure body  11  and the enclosure cover  12  are envisioned to be manufactured as plastic moldings and introduced in various attractive colors and patterns. The name plate  17  is envisioned being a painted or molded-in feature of the enclosure body  11  which communicates various indicia such as product identification, logos, personal identification, and the like. 
     The device  10  is preferably utilized in conjunction with an existing mobile phone; however, it is understood that the device  10  and included cable  41 ,  42 ,  43 , ear bud  22 ,  23 , and microphone  24  portions may be utilized with other compatible audio devices such as MP3 players, CD players, walky-talky devices, and the like, with equal benefit, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the device  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   a , a partially cut-away perspective bottom view of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The enclosure cover portion  12  of the device  10  is fastened onto a bottom opening portion of the enclosure body  11  using a plurality of fasteners  13  such as screws, rivets, or the like. The device  10  further comprises an internal flanged reel  25  further comprising a cylindrical recess portion  38  along a bottom surface containing a spiraled coil-type first spring  36 . An outer end portion of said first spring  36  is permanently fastened onto a perimeter surface of the recess  38 , while an inner end portion of said first spring  36  is permanently fastened onto a central stationary axle portion  16  which extends vertically along a center of said reel  35  and is attached to a top inner surface of the enclosure body  11  and an inner surface of the enclosure cover  12 . The rotation of the reel  25  upon said stationary axle  16  by the first spring  36  enables coincidental winding and retracting of a plug cable  41  portion of the plug  21 , a first cable  42  portion of the first ear bud  22 , and a second cable  43  portion of the second ear bud  23 . Preferably, the first cable  42  and the second cable  43  are a bifurcated portion of a shared cable assembly with the plug cable  41 . 
     The enclosure body  11  provides a means to discreetly secure and contain a length of the second cable  43  located between the second ear bud  23  and the microphone  24 , along a side surface of said enclosure body  11  via an integrally-molded cable groove  44 . Said cable groove  44  comprises a groove having a generally semi-circular cross section and being sized so as to snuggly retain said second cable  43  allowing insertion in a manner which is approximately flush with said outside surface of the enclosure body  11 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2   b ,  2   c , and  2   d , transparent, perspective, and section views of the device  10  depicting the reel portion  25 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The reel portion  25  of the device  10  comprises coaxial integral members including a first flange pair  26  which defines a first spool  28   a , a second flange  27   a , and a third flange pair  29  which defines a second spool  28   b . The first spool  28   a  comprises a large diameter portion of the reel  25  while the second spool  28   b  defines a small diameter portion of said reel  25 . The coaxial arrangement of the spools  28   a ,  28   b  upon the reel  25  allow both the reel  25  and the spools  28   a ,  28   b  to rotate as a single unit around the stationary axle  16 . Correspondingly, the first  42  and second  43  cables are concurrently wound onto the larger first spool  28   a  between the first flange pair  26 , while the plug cable  41  is coincidentally wound onto the smaller second spool  28   b  between the third flange pair  29 . The diametrical ratio of the first spool  28   a  with regards to the second spool  28   b  is to be approximately four (4) to one (1), thereby extending the first  42  and second  43  cables at a linear rate of approximately four (4) times that of the plug cable  41 . This feature allows the enclosure body portion  11 , being attached to a belt, to extend a short length of plug cable  41  for normal connection to an adjacent cell phone, while a longer length of the first  42  and second  43  cables is extended to a user&#39;s ear area. The inner end portions of the plug cable  41 , the first cable  42 , and the second cable  43  are envisioned to be routed from the first spool  28   a  to the second spool  28   b  through a plurality of connecting apertures  46  passing through an innermost one (1) of said first flange pair  26 , the second flange  27   a , and an innermost one (1) of said third flange pair  29  portions of the reel  25 . Said connecting apertures  46  provide electrical communication between the plug cable  41  and both first  42  and second  43  cables. Said connecting apertures  46  also avoid detachment of said cables  41 ,  42 ,  43  when fully extended. 
     The second flange  27   a  is positioned between the first  28   a  and second  28   b  spools and having a perimeter edge comprising a plurality of ratchet teeth  27   b  which engage a pawl mechanism portion  19  of a reel release mechanism  18 . The reel release mechanism  18  further comprises a vertical pin  40  having an integral pushbutton  15  at a top end portion which protrudes upwardly through a top surface of the enclosure body  11 . The pushbutton portion  15  is spring-loaded in an upward direction via a second spring  37  which encompasses the pin  40 . Said second spring  37  is supported and housed within a hollow cylindrical guide tube  35  being integral to, and extending downwardly from an inner surface of the enclosure body  11 . The pawl mechanism  19  is also integrated into the pin  40  at a bottom end portion. The second spring  37  biases the pawl mechanism  19  against the ratchet teeth  27   b  of the second flange  27   a , thereby securing the cables  41 ,  42 ,  43  at various desired lengths. The ratcheting interaction of the pawl mechanism  19  and the teeth  27   b  allow the cables  41 ,  42 ,  43  to be manually extended away from the enclosure body  11  and locked at said desired extended length. Extending the cables  41 ,  42 , and  43  causes the reel  25  and spool  28  to rotate in a clockwise direction, thereby winding up the first spring  36  (see  FIG. 2   a ). A downward push onto the pushbutton  15  disengages the pawl mechanism  19  from the ratchet teeth  27   b  of the second flange  27   a , thereby causing the first spring  36  to rotate the reel  25  and integral spool portions  28   a ,  28   b  to simultaneously retract the cables  41 ,  42 ,  43  for storage or to remove slack. 
     Furthermore, the enclosure body  11  comprises a plurality of captivated spool-shaped plastic or rubber grommets  30 , one (1) being at each location where a cable  41 ,  42 ,  43  penetrates and exits said enclosure body  11 , thereby providing protection against abrasion damage during extension and retraction of said cables  41 ,  42 ,  43 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   e , a bottom perspective view of the mobile phone headset recoil device  10  depicting a belt clip portion  14 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The belt clip  14  comprises a “U”-shaped portion of spring steel affixed to the enclosure cover  12  using a pair of rivets  20 , further comprising a protruding arcuate portion to facilitate fastening onto a structure such as a user&#39;s belt. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective top view of the device  10  depicted in a state wherein the plug cable  41 , the first cable  42 , and the second cable  43  are extended outwardly, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The extended outer end portion of the plug cable  41  provides the integral plug  21  which is envisioned to provide a standard phone connector. An extended outer end portion of the first cable  42  comprises an integrated first ear bud  22 , and the extended outer end portion of the second cable  43  comprises an integrated second ear bud  23 . An intermediate portion of the second cable  43  further comprises a microphone  24 . The first cable  42  and the second cable  43  are concurrently wound onto the first spool portion  28   a  of the reel  25  in a manner wherein the deployed length of the first cable  42  is equal to the deployed length of the second cable  43 . The integral configuration of the reel  25  allows the plug cable  41 , the first cable  42  and the third cable  43  to be extended and retracted simultaneously. The smaller diameter first spool  28   a  is intended to provide a shorter extended length for the plug cable  41  relative to the extended length of the first  42  and second  43  cables, thereby allowing for a shorter distance between the device  10  and the receptacle of the mobile phone, as compared to a longer distance between the device  10  and a user&#39;s ears when the device  10  is fastened onto a user&#39;s belt. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be received in a retracted and stored state as indicated in  FIG. 1  and utilized in an extended state as indicated in  FIG. 3 . 
     The method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of the device  10  having a desired color; selecting desired locations on the user&#39;s belt to attach a mobile phone and the device  10 ; attaching the mobile phone at said desired location upon the belt; attaching the device  10  in close proximity to said mobile phone upon the user&#39;s belt using the belt clip  14 ; extracting the plug  21 , the first ear bud  22 , the second ear bud  23 , and the microphone  24  from respective recessed first nest  31 , second nest  32 , third nest  33 , and fourth nest  34  features; grasping the plug cable  41  using one (1) hand while using the remaining hand to grasp the first cable  42  and the second cable  43 ; extending the plug cable  41 , first cable  42 , and second cable  43  simultaneously away from the enclosure body  11  until obtaining a desired extended length of the first  42  and second  43  cables, thereby enabling comfortable insertion of the first  22  and second  23  ear buds into one&#39;s ears; inserting the first ear bud  22  into a user&#39;s ear; inserting the second ear bud  23  into the user&#39;s opposite ear; inserting the plug  21  into the mobile phone receptacle; removing excessive slack in the first  42  and second  43  cables, if desired, by pressing the pushbutton  15  inward and allowing partial retraction of said cables  42 ,  43 ; utilizing the mobile phone in a hands-free manner as needed; disconnecting the plug  21  and removing the ear buds  22  and  23  from the user&#39;s ears when finished using the mobile phone in a hands-free state; retracting the cables  41 ,  42 ,  43  into the enclosure body  11  by pressing and holding the pushbutton  15 ; returning the device  10  to a stored state by inserting the plug  21  into the first nest  31 ; inserting the microphone  24  into the fourth nest  34 ; inserting the second ear bud  23  into the third nest  33 ; inserting the portion of the second cable  43  between the microphone  24  and the second ear bud  23  into the cable groove  44 ; storing the first ear bud  22  within the second nest  32 ; and, storing the device  10  in a pocket, purse, or other suitable location. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications and variations can be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the invention.

Technology Category: 7