as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2008/0132293 Al
` GUNDLACHetal. (43) Pub. Date: Jun. 5, 2008
`
`
`
`US 20080132293A1
`
`(54) WIRELESS HEADSET
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Sep. 6, 2007
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`John D. GUNDLACH,Acton, MA
`Inventors:
`(75)
`ed on sep.
`>.
`rovisional a
`ication
`No.
`5
`> Lerrence
`.
`3
`
`(US); T 60/824,730, filedonSepK. JONES 60) Provisional application No.
`
`
`
`
`Jamestown, RI (US); Jack
`6, 2006.
`CORRAO,San Diego, CA (US)
`
`
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Correspondence Address:
`GROSSMAN,
`TUCKER,
`PFLEGER, PLLC
`55 SOUTH COMMERICAL STREET
`
`PERREAULT &
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`HO04M 11/00
`(52) US. CD. ceeccceccecscsesssseessseessnsessnssssseesesvesenees 455/569.1
`
`MANCHESTER, NH 03101
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Thepresent disclosure relates to a device, such as a wireless
`.
`
`(73) Assignee: headset that may includeafirst expanded configuration and aNEWTON PERIPHERALS,
`
`LLC,Natick, MA (US)
`second collapsed configuration. When collapsed the device
`maybestored and chargedin a host device such as a portable
`laptop computeror cell phone.
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/851,332
`
`_™
`
`1956
`
`1958
`
`1956
`
`
`
`APPLE 1005
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 1 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`100
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`2
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 2 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`200
`
`FIG. 2a
`
`3
`
`3
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`>
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 3 of 26
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`FIG.2b
`
`4
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 4 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`FIG.2d
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`201
`
`5
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 5 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`
`
`FIG. 2e
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`|
`
`FIG. 2f
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`6
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 6 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`Tt
`
`FIG.3a
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`
`
`© o
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`D
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`7
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 7 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`FIG.3b
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`8
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 8 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`404
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`9
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 9 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`FIG.4b
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`10
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 10 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`LOS
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`
`11
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`11
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`

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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 11 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`FIG.6b
`FIG.6a
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`Patent Application Publication
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`600
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`12
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`FIG.6d
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 12 of 26
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`FIG.6c
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`13
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 13 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`Patent Application Publication
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`704
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`FIG. 7a
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`FIG. 7b
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`14
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`14
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 14 of 26
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` 800
`
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`FIG. 8
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`15
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 15 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`FIG.9b
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`FIG.9a
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`16
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`16
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 16 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`90b‘Sid
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`9OL'Sl4
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`17
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`17
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 17 of 26
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`FIG.11b
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`FIG.11a
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`18
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`18
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 18 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`1200~,
`
`FIG. 12a
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`1200
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`1244
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`1241
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`FIG.12b
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`1210
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`19
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 19 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`Geb‘Sid
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`20
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 20 of 26
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`Patent Application Publication
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`FIG.14b
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`FIG.14a
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`21
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`21
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 21 of 26
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`1500 OY
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`FIG. 15b
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`22
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`22
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 22 of 26
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`1616
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`FIG. 16a
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`1600 NY
`1645
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`1600 ON
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`1616
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`FIG. 16b
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`23
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`23
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`FIG. 17a
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`24
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 24 of 26
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`FIG.17c
`FIG.17b
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`1740
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`25
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`25
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`Patent Application Publication
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`1843
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`co
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`ow
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`FIG.186
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 25 of 26
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`FIG.18a
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`26
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`FIG. 19a
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`FIG. 19b
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`Jun. 5, 2008
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`WIRELESS HEADSET
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`Manyslots have power that can be used to charge battery
`operated devices as well as high speed communications buses
`to interchange data.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
`Provisional Application No. 60/824,730, filed on Sep. 6,
`2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
`herein.
`
`FIELD OF INVENTION
`
`[0002] The present invention relates to a device that when
`in a first configuration, such as when expanded, becomes a
`wireless monoor stereo headset and when in a second con-
`
`figuration, such as when collapsed, stores and charges in a
`host device such as a laptop computerorcell phone.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0007] Anaspect ofthe present disclosure relates to a wire-
`less device. The wireless device may include a housing, a
`microphone,a transceiver, and a speaker which directs sound
`through an earpiece movablyaffixed to said housing, wherein
`at least a portion of the earpiece maybe configured to fit
`within a user’s ear. In addition, the wireless device may have
`a physical envelope which may be defined by a length, width
`and thickness andthe earpiece, in an expandedconfiguration,
`may be capable of expandingthe physical envelope in at least
`one direction. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the
`wireless device may also assume a form factor of a card
`capable of being inserted into a host device.
`[0008] A further aspectofthe present disclosure relates to a
`system for a storing and charging a wireless device. The
`system may include a wireless device and a power supply
`capable of supplying powerto the wireless device. In an
`additional aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system
`for storage or charging ofa wireless device that may exhibit a
`form factor of a card capable of being inserted into a host
`device.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0010] The detailed description below maybe better under-
`stood with reference to the accompanying figures which are
`providedforillustrative purposes andare not to be considered
`as limiting any aspect of the invention.
`[0011]
`FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wireless device
`contemplated herein in communication with a host device.
`[0012]
`FIG. 2a is a perspective view of wireless device
`contemplated herein.
`[0013]
`FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the wireless device of
`FIG.2a.
`
`[0003] The portable computer market continues to grow
`and appears now outpaces the desktop personal computer
`market. People want computing mobility that replicates the
`powerand convenience oftheir homeor office computer. One
`of the burdens of mobility is managing the wires and periph-
`[0009] Another aspect ofthe presentdisclosurerelates to an
`erals that accompany a portable computer. In many cases
`earpiece that may include a flexible material, havingafirst
`peripherals are addedto the portable computer in an attempt
`shape. The earpiece may be capable of conforming to a sec-
`to replace the functionsthat are present in a desktop machine.
`ond shape and expandin at least one dimension upon place-
`To reduce the connection complexity, wireless technologies
`mentinto a user’s ear.
`have become integrated into portable computers. Bluetooth
`radios have becomestandard in manylaptops available today.
`In addition, many devices have incorporated rechargeable
`batteries to alleviate the need to powerthe peripheral devices
`from, for example, an AC supply connection or to maintain a
`supply of replaceable batteries.
`[0004] VOIP technology (Voice Over Internet Protocol)
`such as Skype™ and Vonage™is fast becoming the tele-
`phony choice for cost and mobility reasons. VOIP may be
`operated on virtually any internet connected portable com-
`puter. The voice input and audio output require a microphone
`and speakers. Using the speakers and microphone embedded
`in the portable computer offers no privacy to the userso it is
`commonto implementa portable wired or wireless headset as
`an accessory.
`
`In addition, it may be inconvenient for laptop or
`[0005]
`mobile phoneusers to carry extra equipmentlike corded or
`even wireless headsets to gain privacy during calls. Keeping
`track of the headsets and other peripherals and keeping them
`charged and ready to use becomes a burden. Many battery
`operated wireless headsets (with rechargeable batteries)
`require a cord connecting the headset to the laptop or wall
`outlet for charging which addsyet another thingto store, carry
`and keep track of.
`[0006] Most portable and handheld computers have expan-
`sion slots built-in such as the ExpressCard™or PC Cardslots.
`The slots may conform to form and protocol standards that
`may allow third party vendors to create interchangeable
`accessory devices. Expansion cards may allow the user to
`increase a device’s memory or add different types of commu-
`nication interfaces. Dueto the rise in popularity of the USB
`interface and the subsequent migration of the accessory mar-
`ket to that interface, most PC card slots sit empty in laptops.
`
`[0014]
`2a.
`
`FIG. 2cisa front view ofthe wireless device of FIG.
`
`[0015]
`2a.
`
`[0016]
`2a.
`
`[0017]
`2a.
`
`FIG. 2d is a top view ofthe wireless device of FIG.
`
`FIG. 2e is a side view of the wireless device of FIG.
`
`FIG. 2fis a side view ofthe wireless device of FIG.
`
`FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a wireless device
`[0018]
`contemplated herein in a relatively flat, collapsed configura-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the wireless device
`[0019]
`of FIG. 3a in an expanded configuration.
`[0020]
`FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a wireless device
`contemplated herein.
`[0021]
`FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the wireless device
`of FIG. 4a, wherein the earpiece is rotated around axis B-B
`defined by the arm.
`28
`
`28
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`

`US 2008/0132293 Al
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`Jun. 5, 2008
`
`FIG. 5a isa side view of a wireless device contem-
`[0022]
`plated herein having an ovoid shaped earpiece that may be
`thicker than the thickness of the housing of the wireless
`device.
`
`FIG. 17a is a perspective view of a host device
`[0048]
`including a recess defined therein for retaining a wireless
`device.
`
`FIG. 17is a perspective view of a host device
`[0049]
`FIG. 5d isa side view of a wireless device contem-
`[0023]
`including a cradle having a wireless device retained therein.
`plated herein having an earpiece that may be as thick as or less
`[0050]
`FIG. 17c is an exploded view of the host device,
`than the housing of the wireless device.
`cradle and wireless device of FIG. 176 including electrical
`
`[0024] FIG.6a isaside view of a wireless device contem-
`contacts in the cradle and host device for transferring power
`and/or data to the wireless device.
`plated herein,illustrating a side view ofthe earpiece, wherein
`the earpieceis in a first configuration and uncompressed.
`[0025]
`FIG.64 is a rear view of the wireless device of FIG.
`6a, illustrating a rear view ofthe earpiece.
`[0026]
`FIG.6c isa side view of the wireless device of FIG.
`6a, illustrating a side view of the earpiece, wherein the ear-
`piece is in a second configuration, as may be seen when
`inserted into an ear canal.
`
`FIG. 18a is a perspective view of a caseforretaining
`[0051]
`a wireless device in a closed configuration.
`[0052]
`FIG. 18d is a perspective view ofthe case of FIG.
`18a including a wireless device retained therein.
`[0053]
`FIG. 19a is a perspective view of a wireless device
`contemplated herein in a collapsed configuration.
`[0054]
`FIG. 19bis a perspective view ofthe wireless device
`of FIG. 19a in an expanded configuration.
`
`FIG.6d is a rear view of the wireless device of FIG.
`[0027]
`6c, illustrating a rear view of the earpiece, wherein the ear-
`piece is in the second configuration.
`[0028]
`FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a wireless device
`contemplated herein in a first collapsed state.
`[0055] The present invention relates to a device that when
`[0029]
`FIG. 7d is a perspective view of the wireless device
`in a first configuration, such as when expanded, becomes a
`wireless monoor stereo headset and when in a second con-
`of FIG. 76 in a second expandedstate.
`[0030]
`FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a wireless device
`figuration, such as when collapsed, may be stored and
`contemplated herein illustrating the removable cover and
`charged.
`shoulder cap.
`In an exemplary embodiment the device may have
`[0056]
`[0031]
`FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a wireless device
`an articulating ear piece that when expanded mayfit into or
`contemplated herein having a power supply and supply
`over the ear. When collapsed the earpiece maybesituated in
`adapter as connected to the wireless device.
`a plane with the housing of the headset creating a product
`[0032]
`FIG. 9is an exploded view of the wireless device
`thickness of, e.g., about 5 mm or less. The relatively thin
`and adapter and power supply of FIG. 9a.
`shape may allow the headset to be stored and charged in a
`[0033]
`FIG. 10a is a perspective view ofa cradle for retain-
`portable cradle or with a mini USB charger. The portable
`ing a wireless device contemplated herein.
`cradle may be a holder, clip, case or card that may fit inside a
`[0034]
`FIG. 10d is a rear view of the cradle of FIG. 10a.
`standard expansion slot conforming to any expansion slot
`[0035]
`FIG. 10c is a perspective view ofthe cradle of FIG.
`standard including, for example, PCMCIA, ExpressCard54
`10a including a wireless device retained therein.
`and ExpressCard34, etc. Additionally a uniqueslot or cavity
`[0036]
`FIG. 11a is a perspective view of a cradle including
`may be designed into a laptop or cell phone or any other
`a clip for retaining a wireless device contemplated herein.
`communication device that may utilize a speaker and micro-
`[0037]
`FIG. 114 is a perspective view of the cradle of FIG.
`phone to accommodate such as a wireless headset.
`11a including a wireless device retained therein.
`[0057] Expanding on the above,the overall size and shape
`[0038]
`FIG. 12a is an exploded view of a wireless device
`of the headset may be designed to accommodateorfit within
`and a cradle for retaining said wireless device having a form
`the form factor of a standard expansionslot. For example, the
`factor ofaslot.
`device itself may be 24 mmx60 mmx5 mm whenfolded for
`storage purposes. A 34 mmx75 mmx5 mm headset cradle
`may be provided which may accommodate andfit within the
`size of a standard Expresscard 34 card. Such device mayfit
`into the 34 mm Expresscard slot for storage and charging
`inside a portable computer. Once again,it should be appreci-
`ated thatdifferent form factors are also contemplated and may
`include the ExpressCard 54 or PCMCIAform factors as well
`as a form factor that may be later specifically developed for
`such a wireless device. Furthermore, the device itself may be
`relatively light in weight. An exemplary device may weigh
`less than 20 grams and in certain embodiments, less than 10
`grams.
`Asillustrated in FIG.1, the wireless device 100 may
`[0058]
`include a housing 101 a microphone 102 andan earpiece 104.
`A speaker 105 may direct sound through the earpiece. In
`addition, the wireless device may include a transceiver 106
`for sending and receiving information 108 from a host device
`110, such as a computer, a cell phone or a media player,
`including music players, dvd playersor a television. Further-
`more, the device may include a power source 111, such as a
`battery. The power source may be a rechargeable source or the
`29
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`FIG. 125 is a schematic drawing of a wireless
`[0039]
`device, located in a card, positioned within a slot in a host
`device.
`
`FIG. 13a is a perspective view ofa cradle for retain-
`[0040]
`ing a wireless device having a form factor of an ExpressCard
`for an ExpressCard slot.
`[0041]
`FIG. 134 is a perspective view of the cradle of FIG.
`13a including a wireless device retained therein.
`[0042]
`FIG. 14a is a perspective view ofa cradle for retain-
`ing a wireless device having a form factor of a PCMCIAcard
`for a PCMCIAslot.
`
`FIG. 144is a perspective view of the cradle of FIG.
`[0043]
`14a including the wireless device retained therein.
`[0044]
`FIG. 15a is a perspective view of a wireless device
`contemplated herein in a collapsed configuration.
`[0045]
`FIG. 155 isa perspective view ofthe wireless device
`of FIG. 15a in an expanded configuration.
`[0046]
`FIG. 16a is a perspective view of a wireless device
`contemplated herein in a collapsed configuration.
`[0047]
`FIG. 165is a perspective view ofthe wireless device
`of FIG. 16a in an expanded configuration.
`
`29
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`

`

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`Jun. 5, 2008
`
`earpiece may include a thinner portion 604a on one end ofthe
`power source may be replaceable. For example, the power
`earpiece and a thicker portion 6046 near another end of the
`source may utilize a rechargeable battery or a replaceable
`earpiece, the thinner portion may accommodate the tragus
`battery.
`slot, whereas the thicker portion may accommodate the
`Asalluded to above, the wireless headset may be
`[0059]
`remainderof the ear canal.
`expandable havingafirst configuration, that when expanded
`may be used as a wireless monoorstereo headset and when in
`[0064]
`To further aid in adjustmentofthefit ofthe earpiece,
`a second configuration may be collapsed andstored. FIGS. 2a
`FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate a configuration of the device 700,
`through 2fillustrate various views of an exemplary embodi-
`wherein the earpiece 704 maybe provided on a pivoting arm
`mentof a wireless device 200, illustrating the speaker 204 in
`714, which may pivot around axis “C-C”defined by the arm.
`a collapsed position against the housing 201. It may also be
`FIG.7aillustrates the wireless headset wherein the earpiece
`appreciated from theillustrations of FIGS. 2a through 2f that
`704 may be in a collapsed or storage configuration and FIG.
`the device 200 may have a physical envelope. The physical
`7b illustrates the wireless headset wherein the earpiece may
`envelope may be defined by a length “L”, width “w” and
`be in an expanded configuration.
`thickness “t”, as illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 2c, or other
`[0065] The wireless headset may also be provided with
`appropriate dimensions.
`other design features. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates an
`[0060]
`FIGS. 3a and 34 illustrate the back side 312 of the
`exploded view of the device 800 including a housing 801, a
`wireless device 300 in both the collapsed and expandedstate.
`removable cover 820, and a shoulder cap 822. The device,
`As can be seen in the figures, the speaker or earpiece 304 may
`housing cover and shoulder cap may be assembled by posi-
`be provided on an arm or boom 314 that mayrotate away from
`tioning the shoulder cap onto the device and then placing the
`the wireless device 300 in or through plane “P” perpendicular
`cover over the shoulder cap. The cover 820 and shoulder cap
`to a side 312 of the device 300 or around axis “A-A”defined
`822 may beretained on the housing 801 by one or more
`mechanicalfasteners, such as by snapfits or press fits located
`aroundthe cover and/or shoulder. Such removable cover and
`shoulder cap may provide a numberof design configurations,
`including pieces having interchangeable colors, designs or
`shapes, depending on user or manufacturer preference.
`[0066] The wireless device may be stored and charged by a
`number of devices. In one example,
`the device may be
`directly charged by a micro or mini USB. The USB connector
`may beinserted into the device or an adapter for communi-
`cation between the wireless device and USB may bepro-
`vided. FIGS. 9a and 96 illustrate the use of a mini USB
`connector 920 provided with an adapter 922. The adapter may
`slide over a shoulder of the device in a detent left by the
`shoulder cap. The USB connector 920 may apply powerto the
`adapter 922, which may then apply power to the wireless
`headset 900 via electrical contacts 924 on the adapter and
`electrical contacts located on the wireless headset, illustrated
`in FIG. 3b as 326. Asillustrated, the adapter may be formed in
`a mannerthat may reducethestress on the electrical connec-
`tion between the adapter and wireless device. For example,
`the adapter may be formedso asto slideor latch onto a portion
`of the wireless device, preventing, e.g., torsional motion
`between the adapter and device.
`[0067]
`In another example, a cradle may also be provided
`for the device. FIGS. 10a through 10c illustrate a cradle 1028
`in which the wireless device 1000 maybe inserted. The cradle
`1028 may have a double sided adhesive 1030 placed on the
`back 1032, wherein oneside of the adhesive is affixed to the
`cradle 1028 and an adhesive backing 1034 remains until the
`user peels the backing andaffixes the cradle to a surface. The
`surface may be any surface, such as that of a host device or
`another portable device. The cradle may also be provided
`with a power supply adapter for the wireless device, or the
`wireless device may be connected to a separate adapter while
`located in the cradle.
`
`by the hinge connection 316. Rotational motion may be pro-
`vided by a hinge connection 316 between the arm 314 and
`device 300. Accordingly, upon expansion ofthe earpiece, the
`physical envelope of the wireless device may change in at
`least one dimension. Furthermore, detents may be provided at
`various angles through the rotation of the arm allowing for
`mechanical resistance to motion once the earpiece 304 has
`been placed at a desired angle.
`[0061]
`Inaddition to rotational motion ofthe arm ina plane
`perpendicular to the back side of the device, FIGS. 4a and 46
`illustrate a further embodiment, wherein the speaker 404 may
`also be rotated about the axis “B-B”of the arm 414. FIG. 4a
`
`illustrates the earpiece 404 as the arm mayrotate outward
`from the back of the device and FIG. 46illustrates the ear-
`piece as it may rotate aroundthe axis ofthe arm. Detents may
`be similarly provided at various angles of rotation of the ear
`piece around the arm axis.
`[0062] The earpiece may also be provided in a numberof
`geometries, as illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 56. FIG. 5a illus-
`trates the earpiece 504 in first geometry, wherein the earpiece
`504 may be ovoid and thicker than the housing 501 of the
`wireless device 500. FIG. 50 illustrates the earpiece 504
`having a second geometry wherein the earpiece may assume
`a thickness similar to the housing 501, or the earpiece 504
`may exhibit a thickness less than that of the housing 501.
`Accordingly, it may be appreciated that at least a portion of
`the earpiece mayfit within a user’s ear. In addition, the ear-
`piece may be utilized to retain the wireless device on the
`user’s ear.
`
`Furthermore, regardless of the geometry, the ear-
`[0063]
`piece may be provided with a flexible and expandable mate-
`rial, which may exhibit elastic deformation and recovery. The
`flexible material may include polymeric materials, such a
`rubber, silicone,
`thermoplastic elastomers, etc. FIGS. 6a
`through 64,illustrate conformation of an earpiece 604 having
`an ovoid shape. Asthe earpiece is insertedinto an ear, such as
`in the tragusslot, the earpiece may deform from a first geom-
`etry, as illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 64,into a second geometry
`illustrated in FIGS. 6c and 6d. The second geometry may be
`more curvate in shape and may conform to an ear canal,
`sealing of the earpiece in the ear to achieve improved sound
`characteristics or improved retention within the ear. In addi-
`tion, it may be notedthat the cross sectional geometry of the
`
`[0068] The device 1000 may be held to the cradle by a
`magnet 1036, which may be embeddedin the cradle 1028.
`The wireless device 1000 may also include a ferromagnetic
`portion 1038, such as another magnetor ferrous material to
`which the magnetin the cradle maybe attracted. The wireless
`device mayalso be held to the cradle by mechanical means,
`such as a bendableclip or protrusion thatretains the wireless
`headset to the cradle.
`
`30
`
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`US 2008/0132293 Al
`
`Jun. 5, 2008
`
`Asillustrated in FIGS. 11a through 114, the cradle
`[0069]
`may also include a holder 1140 that may be clipped onto a
`belt, shirt pocket or hung aroundthe neck. The clip 1142 may
`be an integral portion of the holder or may include, for
`example, a spring loaded lever. Once again, the holder may be
`provided with a power supply adapter 1143, such as a USB
`adapter for receiving a USB plugto electrically connect the
`wireless headset to a USB plug. Asillustrated in FIG. 11a, the
`electrical contacts 1124 maybe provided in the holder 1140
`for engaging electrical contacts (326 illustrated in FIG. 3) on
`the wireless device. FIG. 116 illustrates a cable 1141 provid-
`ing a powersupply, such as a USB cable, plugged into the
`power supply adapter 1143. In addition to powertransfer,
`additional contacts may be provided for data transfer pur-
`poses between a host device and the wireless headset.
`[0070]
`In another example, the wireless headset may be
`stored and charged in a cradle that may have attributes, such
`as a form factor or configuration that may allow the cradle to
`be inserted into a slot ina host device. Or, the wireless headset
`itself may take on a form factor of a slot in a host device.
`[0071]
`FIG. 12a illustrates a cradle 1244 for a wireless
`headset 1200 as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b. The cradle 1244
`
`end of the PCMCIA card may havea plug 1445, which may
`include up to 68 pins, or as may be required by a given host
`device. The card may plug into a PCMCIAslot in a host
`device and the plug may provide an electrical connection
`between the host device and the wireless device.
`
`Similar to the above ExpressCard cradle, the wire-
`[0075]
`less headset may beretained in the recess of the PCMCIA
`cradle by mechanical protrusions 1450. The cradle may
`include a partial bottom cover 1448 located in proximity to
`the earpiece 1404 of the device 1400 to prevent the earpiece
`from rotating open during storage or upon removal from
`storage. The remainder of the wireless headset may remain
`exposed within the recess and may, therefore, form a portion
`of the card surface itself.
`
`In addition, as noted above, the wireless headset
`[0076]
`itself may be of a form factor of a card slot and include a plug
`for engaging the portable computeror cell phonebuilt into the
`headset. Illustrated in FIGS. 15a and 156 is such a device,
`wherein the wireless headset 1500 maybe provided in the
`form factor of a card, such as an ExpressCard. The wireless
`device 1500 may include an earpiece 1504 having a speaker
`and an arm 1514. The arm maypivotout from the back of the
`card 1512. Asillustrated, the arm may be flexible and may
`pivot in a numberof directions. A recess 1552 may bepro-
`vided in the card to accommodate for the earpiece 1504 and
`arm 1514, which may beretained in the wireless headset
`whennotin use. Retention ofthe earpiece and arm may be by
`mechanical meansor a function of the material, due to elastic
`recovery. The wireless headset 1500 may then be plugged
`directly into a host device by plug 1545 in which the card may
`be stored and/or charged.
`[0077]
`FIGS. 16a and 164illustrate a second embodiment,
`wherein the wireless headset 1600 may be provided in the
`form factor ofa card. Similar to the device illustrated in FIG.
`
`3, the arm 1614 maypivot around a hinge 1616. In addition,
`in this embodiment, the speaker 1604 may pivot away from
`the card plug 1645, rather than towardsthe plug,as illustrated
`in FIGS. 15a and 156. Once again, the arm 1614 and speaker
`1604 maybestored in a recess 1652 in the device housing. It
`may be appreciated that a headset with a compliant earpiece
`arm may providea retention force between the speaker 1604
`and the housing 1601 of the headset that aids in the retention
`of the headset on the user. Such retention force may be pro-
`vided by the given resistance in the pivot point 1616 orin the
`flex arm 1614.
`
`In a further example illustrated in FIGS. 17a
`[0078]
`through 17c, the wireless device 1700 may be provided on the
`host device 1710 itself. While the host deviceas illustrated is
`
`maybein the shape of a card. The card may have a plug 1245
`at an end capable of being engaged with or in a slot in a host
`device, or engaged by an adapter for providing power. As
`illustrated in FIG. 128, the card may havethe form factor ofa
`slot 1241 that may be foundin a host device 1210. As can be
`seen in FIG. 126,at least a portion of, or the entirety of the
`cradle 1244 maybe inserted into the slot. Once the headset
`has been charged, the cradle 1244 may be removed from the
`slot and the device may be removed from the card. The cradle
`may include battery charging circuitry, charge indicators,
`communication circuits and memory which in aggregate may
`provide someorall of the VOIP functionality.
`[0072]
`FIGS. 13a and 136 illustrate a cradle 1344 having
`the attributes of an ExpressCard™. Asillustrated, the cradle
`may be 34 mm in width, 75 mm in length and 5 mm thick, or
`the cradle may be, for example, 54 mm in width, 75 mm in
`length and 5 mm thick. Either form factor may have a plug
`1345, such as a 26 pin plugor other plug to accommodate a
`given host slot. The cradle may plug into an ExpressCardslot
`ofa host device for storage or charging, or both. Thus, the host
`device may support, for example, both PCI express or USB
`2.0 connectivity through the ExpressCardslot.
`[0073] The cradle 1344 may be capable of receiving the
`wireless headset 1300 in a recess 1346 and providing power
`to the wireless headset for charging. Asillustrated, the cradle
`may include a numberofelectrical contacts 1324 capable of
`a mobile phone, other devices may be provided, such as a
`engaging electrical contacts (326 illustrated in FIG. 3) in the
`portable music player, laptop, etc. For example,as illustrated
`wireless headset. In addition, the cradle may includeapartial
`in FIG. 17a, the host device 1710 may define a recess 1746
`bottom cover 1348, which mayprevent accidental rotation of
`therein which mayreceive the wireless device 1700.
`the earpiece whenthe carrieris inserted into or removed from
`ahost device. Other than one side ofthe earpiece, the wireless
`[0079]
`Inanother example, illustrated in FIGS. 176 through
`headset may remain exposedin the remainderofthe recess.
`17c, a cradle 1740 maybe providedthat maybe retained onto
`Stated another way, the wireless headset may form a portion
`the host device 1710. A recess 1746 maybe defined within the
`of the surface of the card. Once again, the wireless device
`cradle 1740 for retaining the wireless device 1700. Power
`1300 may be retained in the cradle 1344 via mechanical
`may be supplied by host device 1710 either directly to the
`wireless device 1700 or to the cradle 1740 and then to the
`means. For example a retaining protrusion 1350 may be pro-
`vided in a numberofpositions aroundthe cradle 1344.
`[0074]
`FIGS. 14a and 146 illustrate an embodiment
`wherein the cradle 1444 may assumetheattributes of a PCM-
`CIA card or PC card, having a recess therein 1446 to accom-
`modate the wireless headset 1400. The PCMCIA card may be
`85.6 mm long, 54 mm in width and 5 mm in thickness. The
`
`wireless device 1700 through electrical contacts 1725 of the
`host device and/or contacts 1724 of the cradle 1740.
`
`Inanother embodiment,asillustrated in FIG.18, the
`[0080]
`wireless device 1800 may be provided in a case 1860, such as
`a clamshell case. The case may have a recess 1846 defined
`therein to accommodate the wireless device. The case may
`
`31
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`31
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`

`US 2008/0132293 Al
`
`Jun. 5, 2008
`
`as handheld devices, or even desktop devices where the clut-
`ter caused by cable managementis undesirable.
`[0086] The foregoing description is provided to illustrate
`and explain the present invention. However, the description
`hereinabove should not be consideredto limit the scope ofthe
`invention set forth in the claims appended hereto.
`Whatis claimedis:
`1. A wireless device comprising:
`a housing;
`a microphone;
`a transceiver; and
`a speaker which directs sound through an earpiece mov-
`ably affixed to said housing, wherein at least a portion of
`said earpiece is configuredto fit within a user’s ear, and
`wherein said wireless device has a physical envelope and
`said earpiece in an expanded configuration is capable of
`expanding said physical envelope in at least one direc-
`tion.
`
`contain a reserve powersupply, such as a reserve battery and
`charging circuitry. The case may include a power supply
`adapter 1843 for receiving power embeddedin the case. The
`powersupply adapter may be capable of receiving USB con-
`nector, including USB connectors ofmini or micro format, or
`other connector capable of supplying powerordata. Thus, the
`wireless headset and case may be charged together and the
`wireless headset may receive data from a host device. The
`case may includean indicator light indicating whenthe bat-
`tery of the headset has reached full charge. Full charge may
`provide for up to 20 hours of talk time, howeverit should be
`