(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2008/0132293 A1
`
` GUNDLACH et al. (43) Pub. Date: Jun. 5, 2008
`
`
`US 20080132293A1
`
`(54) WIRELESS HEADSET
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Sep. 6, 2007
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`John D. GUNDLACH, Acton, MA
`(US); Terrence K- JONES,
`Jamestown, RI (US); Jack
`CORRAO, San Diego, CA (US)
`
`Related U'S' Apphcatm“ Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/824,730, filed on Sep.
`6, 2006.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Correspondence Address:
`GROSSMAN,
`TUCKER,
`
`PERREAULT &
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`H04M 11/00
`
`(2006.01)
`
`PFLEGER: PLLC
`55 SOUTH COMMERICAL STREET
`
`(52) us. Cl. ..................................................... 455/569.1
`
`MANCHESTER, NH 03101
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`.
`(73) Ass1gnee:
`
`NEWTON PERIPHERALS:
`LLC: Natlck, MA (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/851,332
`
`The present disclosure relates to a device, such as a wireless
`headset that may include a first expanded configuration and a
`second collapsed configuration. When collapsed the deVice
`may be stored and charged in a host deVice such as a portable
`laptop computer or cell phone.
`
`1900‘~x\‘
`
`1956
`
`1956
`
`1958
`
`
`
`APPLE 1005
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 1 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`100
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 2 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`200
`
`FIG. 2a
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 3 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`3
`
`FIG.2b
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 4 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`200
`
` FIG.2d
`
`201
`
`5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 5 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
`
`
`
`FIG. 26
`
`‘
`
`FIG. 2f
`
`6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 6 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`/\
`
`3o
`
`,
`
`316
`
`7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 7 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`FIG.3b
`
`8
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 8 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`404
`
`FIG.4a
`
`9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 9 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`FIG.4b
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 10 of 26
`
`US 2008/0132293 A1
`
`mm.GE
`
`gm
`
`wow
`
`
`
`am.OE
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 11 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
`
`FIG.6b
`FIG.6a
`
`600
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 12 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`FIG.6d
`
`FIG.6c
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 13 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
`
`
`
`704
`
`FIG. 7a
`
`
`
`FIG. 7b
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 14 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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` 800
`
`
`FIG. 8
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 15 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`FIG.9b
`
`FIG.9a
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 16 of 26
`
`US 2008/0132293 A1
`
`“5%.0E
`
`NMOr
`
`.QE
`
`
`
`Q2..0t
`
`7m2.
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 17 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`FIG.11b
`
`FIG.11a
`
`18
`
`18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 18 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`1200~‘
`
`
`
`FIG. 12a
`
`1244
`
`1241
`
`FIG. 12b
`
`1210
`
`19
`
`19
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 19 of 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`9...“GE
`
`.ommr
`
`ommP
`
`.GE
`
`mm.“
`
`20
`
`20
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 20 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`'FIG.14b
`
`FIG.14a
`
`21
`
`21
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 21 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`1500
`
`W F
`
`IG. 15b
`
`22
`
`22
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 22 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`1600
`
`\ 1
`
`616
`
`FIG. 16a
`
`1600
`
`N 1
`
`616
`
`1614
`
`FIG. 16b
`
`23
`
`23
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 23 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`
`
`24
`
`24
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 24 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`FIG;17c
`FIG.17b
`
`1740
`
`
`
`25
`
`25
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 25 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`1843
`
`(.0
`u-
`no
`‘—
`
`FIG.18b
`
`FIG.18a
`
`26
`
`26
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 26 0f 26
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
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`
`
`FIG. 19a
`
`
`
`FIG. 19b
`
`27
`
`27
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`

`

`US 2008/0132293 A1
`
`Jun. 5, 2008
`
`WIRELESS HEADSET
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] The present application claims the benefit of US.
`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 mono or stereo headset and when in a second con-
`
`figuration, such as when collapsed, stores and charges in a
`host device such as a laptop computer or cell phone.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0003] The portable computer market continues to grow
`and appears now outpaces the desktop personal computer
`market. People want computing mobility that replicates the
`power and convenience oftheir home or office computer. One
`of the burdens of mobility is managing the wires and periph-
`erals that accompany a portable computer. In many cases
`peripherals are added to the portable computer in an attempt
`to replace the functions that are present in a desktop machine.
`To reduce the connection complexity, wireless technologies
`have become integrated into portable computers. Bluetooth
`radios have become standard in many laptops available today.
`In addition, many devices have incorporated rechargeable
`batteries to alleviate the need to power the peripheral devices
`from, for example, anAC supply connection or to maintain a
`supply of replaceable batteries.
`[0004] VOIP technology (Voice Over Internet Protocol)
`such as SkypeTM and VonageTM is fast becoming the tele-
`phony choice for cost and mobility reasons. VOIP may be
`operated on virtually any intemet 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 user so it is
`common to implement a portable wired or wireless headset as
`an accessory.
`
`In addition, it may be inconvenient for laptop or
`[0005]
`mobile phone users to carry extra equipment like 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 adds yet another thing to store, carry
`and keep track of.
`[0006] Most portable and handheld computers have expan-
`sion slots built-in such as the ExpressCardTM or PC Card slots.
`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. Due to 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.
`
`Many slots have power that can be used to charge battery
`operated devices as well as high speed communications buses
`to interchange data.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0007] An aspect 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 movably affixed 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 and the earpiece, in an expanded configuration,
`may be capable of expanding the 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 aspect ofthe 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 power to the wireless device. In an
`additional aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system
`for storage or charging of a wireless device that may exhibit a
`form factor of a card capable of being inserted into a host
`device.
`
`[0009] Another aspect ofthe present disclosure relates to an
`earpiece that may include a flexible material, having a first
`shape. The earpiece may be capable of conforming to a sec-
`ond shape and expand in at least one dimension upon place-
`ment into a user’s ear.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0010] The detailed description below may be better under-
`stood with reference to the accompanying figures which are
`provided for illustrative purposes and are 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. 2b is a bottom view of the wireless device of
`FIG. 2a.
`
`[0014]
`2a.
`
`[0015]
`2a.
`
`[0016]
`2a.
`
`[0017]
`2a.
`
`FIG. 20 is a front view ofthe wireless device ofFIG.
`
`FIG. 2d is a top view of the wireless device of FIG.
`
`FIG. 26 is a side view ofthe wireless device ofFIG.
`
`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. 3b 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. 4b 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
`
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`
`

`

`US 2008/0132293 A1
`
`Jun. 5, 2008
`
`FIG. 5a is a side view ofa 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. 5b is a side view ofa wireless device contem-
`[0023]
`plated herein having an earpiece that may be as thick as or less
`than the housing of the wireless device.
`[0024]
`FIG. 6a is a side view ofa wireless device contem-
`plated herein, illustrating a side view ofthe earpiece, wherein
`the earpiece is in a first configuration and uncompressed.
`[0025]
`FIG. 6b is a rear view ofthe wireless device ofFIG.
`6a, illustrating a rear view of the earpiece.
`[0026]
`FIG. 60 is a side view ofthe 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. 6d is a rear view ofthe wireless device ofFIG.
`[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.
`[0029]
`FIG. 7b is a perspective view of the wireless device
`of FIG. 7b in a second expanded state.
`[0030]
`FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a wireless device
`contemplated herein illustrating the removable cover and
`shoulder cap.
`[0031]
`FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a wireless device
`contemplated herein having a power supply and supply
`adapter as connected to the wireless device.
`[0032]
`FIG. 9b is an exploded view of the wireless device
`and adapter and power supply of FIG. 9a.
`[0033]
`FIG. 10a is a perspective view of a cradle for retain-
`ing a wireless device contemplated herein.
`[0034]
`FIG. 10b is a rear view of the cradle of FIG. 10a.
`[0035]
`FIG. 100 is a perspective view ofthe cradle of FIG.
`1011 including a wireless device retained therein.
`[0036]
`FIG. 11a is a perspective view of a cradle including
`a clip for retaining a wireless device contemplated herein.
`[0037]
`FIG. 11b is a perspective view ofthe cradle of FIG.
`1111 including a wireless device retained therein.
`[0038]
`FIG. 12a is an exploded view ofa wireless device
`and a cradle for retaining said wireless device having a form
`factor of a slot.
`
`FIG. 12b 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 of a cradle for retain-
`[0040]
`ing a wireless device having a form factor of an ExpressCard
`for an ExpressCard slot.
`[0041]
`FIG. 13b is a perspective view ofthe cradle of FIG.
`1311 including a wireless device retained therein.
`[0042]
`FIG. 14a is a perspective view of a cradle for retain-
`ing a wireless device having a form factor of a PCMCIA card
`for a PCMCIA slot.
`
`FIG. 14b is a perspective view ofthe cradle of FIG.
`[0043]
`1411 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. 15b is a 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. 16b is a perspective view ofthe wireless device
`of FIG. 16a in an expanded configuration.
`
`FIG. 17a is a perspective view of a host device
`[0048]
`including a recess defined therein for retaining a wireless
`device.
`
`FIG. 17b is a perspective view of a host device
`[0049]
`including a cradle having a wireless device retained therein.
`[0050]
`FIG. 170 is an exploded view of the host device,
`cradle and wireless device of FIG. 17b including electrical
`contacts in the cradle and host device for transferring power
`and/or data to the wireless device.
`
`FIG. 18a is a perspective view of a case for retaining
`[0051]
`a wireless device in a closed configuration.
`[0052]
`FIG. 18b is a perspective view of the case of FIG.
`1811 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. 19b is a perspective view ofthe wireless device
`of FIG. 19a in an expanded configuration.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0055] The present invention relates to a device that when
`in a first configuration, such as when expanded, becomes a
`wireless mono or stereo headset and when in a second con-
`
`figuration, such as when collapsed, may be stored and
`charged.
`In an exemplary embodiment the device may have
`[0056]
`an articulating ear piece that when expanded may fit into or
`over the ear. When collapsed the earpiece may be situated in
`a plane with the housing of the headset creating a product
`thickness of, e.g., about 5 mm or less. The relatively thin
`shape may allow the headset to be stored and charged in a
`portable cradle or with a mini USB charger. The portable
`cradle may be a holder, clip, case or card that may fit inside a
`standard expansion slot conforming to any expansion slot
`standard including, for example, PCMCIA, ExpressCard54
`and ExpressCard34, etc. Additionally a unique slot or cavity
`may be designed into a laptop or cell phone or any other
`communication device that may utilize a speaker and micro-
`phone to accommodate such as a wireless headset.
`[0057] Expanding on the above, the overall size and shape
`of the headset may be designed to accommodate or fit within
`the form factor of a standard expansion slot. For example, the
`device itself may be 24 mm><60 mm><5 mm when folded for
`storage purposes. A 34 mm><75 mm><5 mm headset cradle
`may be provided which may accommodate and fit within the
`size of a standard Expresscard 34 card. Such device may fit
`into the 34 mm Expresscard slot for storage and charging
`inside a portable computer. Once again, it should be appreci-
`ated that different form factors are also contemplated and may
`include the ExpressCard 54 or PCMCIA form 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.
`[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wireless device 100 may
`include a housing 101 a microphone 102 and an 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 players or 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
`
`29
`
`

`

`US 2008/0132293 A1
`
`Jun. 5, 2008
`
`power source may be replaceable. For example, the power
`source may utilize a rechargeable battery or a replaceable
`battery.
`[0059] As alluded to above, the wireless headset may be
`expandable having a first configuration, that when expanded
`may be used as a wireless mono or stereo headset and when in
`a second configuration may be collapsed and stored. FIGS. 2a
`through 2fillustrate various views of an exemplary embodi-
`ment of a wireless device 200, illustrating the speaker 204 in
`a collapsed position against the housing 201. It may also be
`appreciated from the illustrations of FIGS. 2a through 2], that
`the device 200 may have a physical envelope. The physical
`envelope may be defined by a length “L”, width “w” and
`thickness “t”, as illustrated in FIGS. 2b and 20, or other
`appropriate dimensions.
`[0060]
`FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate the back side 312 of the
`wireless device 300 in both the collapsed and expanded state.
`As can be seen in the figures, the speaker or earpiece 304 may
`be provided on an arm or boom 3 14 that may rotate away from
`the wireless device 300 in or through plane “P” perpendicular
`to a side 312 of the device 300 or around axis “A-A” defined
`
`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 of the 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]
`In addition to rotational motion ofthe arm in a plane
`perpendicular to the back side of the device, FIGS. 4a and 4b
`illustrate a further embodiment, wherein the speaker 404 may
`also be rotated about the axis “B-B” ofthe arm 414. FIG. 4a
`
`illustrates the earpiece 404 as the arm may rotate outward
`from the back of the device and FIG. 4b illustrates the ear-
`
`piece as it may rotate around the 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 number of
`geometries, as illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b. 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. 5b 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 may fit 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 6d, illustrate conformation of an earpiece 604 having
`an ovoid shape. As the earpiece is inserted into an ear, such as
`in the tragus slot, the earpiece may deform from a first geom-
`etry, as illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b, into a second geometry
`illustrated in FIGS. 60 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 noted that the cross sectional geometry of the
`
`earpiece may include a thinner portion 60411 on one end ofthe
`earpiece and a thicker portion 604b near another end of the
`earpiece, the thinner portion may accommodate the tragus
`slot, whereas the thicker portion may accommodate the
`remainder of the ear canal.
`
`To further aid in adjustment ofthe fit ofthe earpiece,
`[0064]
`FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate a configuration of the device 700,
`wherein the earpiece 704 may be provided on a pivoting arm
`714, which may pivot around axis “C-C” defined by the arm.
`FIG. 7a illustrates the wireless headset wherein the earpiece
`704 may be in a collapsed or storage configuration and FIG.
`7b illustrates the wireless headset wherein the earpiece may
`be in an expanded configuration.
`[0065] The wireless headset may also be provided with
`other design features. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates an
`exploded view of the device 800 including a housing 801, a
`removable cover 820, and a shoulder cap 822. The device,
`housing cover and shoulder cap may be assembled by posi-
`tioning the shoulder cap onto the device and then placing the
`cover over the shoulder cap. The cover 820 and shoulder cap
`822 may be retained on the housing 801 by one or more
`mechanical fasteners, such as by snap fits or press fits located
`around the cover and/or shoulder. Such removable cover and
`
`shoulder cap may provide a number of 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 USE. The USB connector
`may be inserted into the device or an adapter for communi-
`cation between the wireless device and USB may be pro-
`vided. FIGS. 9a and 9b 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 power to 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. As illustrated, the adapter may be formed in
`a manner that may reduce the stress on the electrical connec-
`tion between the adapter and wireless device. For example,
`the adapter may be formed so as to slide or 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. 1011 through 100 illustrate a cradle 1028
`in which the wireless device 1000 may be inserted. The cradle
`1028 may have a double sided adhesive 1030 placed on the
`back 1032, wherein one side of the adhesive is affixed to the
`cradle 1028 and an adhesive backing 1034 remains until the
`user peels the backing and affixes 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.
`
`[0068] The device 1000 may be held to the cradle by a
`magnet 1036, which may be embedded in the cradle 1028.
`The wireless device 1000 may also include a ferromagnetic
`portion 1038, such as another magnet or ferrous material to
`which the magnet in the cradle may be attracted. The wireless
`device may also be held to the cradle by mechanical means,
`such as a bendable clip or protrusion that retains the wireless
`headset to the cradle.
`
`30
`
`30
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`US 2008/0132293 A1
`
`Jun. 5, 2008
`
`[0069] As illustrated in FIGS. 1111 through 11b, the cradle
`may also include a holder 1140 that may be clipped onto a
`belt, shirt pocket or hung around the 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 plug to electrically connect the
`wireless headset to a USB plug. As illustrated in FIG. 11a, the
`electrical contacts 1124 may be provided in the holder 1140
`for engaging electrical contacts (326 illustrated in FIG. 3) on
`the wireless device. FIG. 11b illustrates a cable 1141 provid-
`ing a power supply, such as a USB cable, plugged into the
`power supply adapter 1143. In addition to power transfer,
`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 in a 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
`
`may be in 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. 12b, the card may have the form factor of a
`slot 1241 that may be found in a host device 1210. As can be
`seen in FIG. 12b, at least a portion of, or the entirety of the
`cradle 1244 may be 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 some or all of the VOIP functionality.
`[0072]
`FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate a cradle 1344 having
`the attributes of an ExpressCardTM. As illustrated, 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 plug or other plug to accommodate a
`given host slot. The cradle may plug into an ExpressCard slot
`ofa host device for storage or charging, orboth. Thus, the host
`device may support, for example, both PCI express or USB
`2.0 connectivity through the ExpressCard slot.
`[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. As illustrated, the cradle
`may include a number of electrical contacts 1324 capable of
`engaging electrical contacts (326 illustrated in FIG. 3) in the
`wireless headset. In addition, the cradle may include a partial
`bottom cover 1348, which may prevent accidental rotation of
`the earpiece when the carrier is inserted into or removed from
`a host device. Other than one side ofthe earpiece, the wireless
`headset may remain exposed in the remainder of the recess.
`Stated another way, the wireless headset may form a portion
`of the surface of the card. Once again, the wireless device
`1300 may be retained in the cradle 1344 via mechanical
`means. For example a retaining protrusion 1350 may be pro-
`vided in a number of positions around the cradle 1344.
`[0074]
`FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrate an embodiment
`wherein the cradle 1444 may assume the attributes 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
`
`end of the PCMCIA card may have a 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 PCMCIA slot 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 be retained 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 computer or cell phone built into the
`headset. Illustrated in FIGS. 15a and 15b 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 may pivot out from the back of the
`card 1512. As illustrated, the arm may be flexible and may
`pivot in a number of directions. A recess 1552 may be pro-
`vided in the card to accommodate for the earpiece 1504 and
`arm 1514, which may be retained in the wireless headset
`when not in use. Retention ofthe earpiece and arm may be by
`mechanical means or 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 16b illustrate a second embodiment,
`wherein the wireless headset 1600 may be provided in the
`form factor of a card. Similar to the device illustrated in FIG.
`
`3, the arm 1614 may pivot around a hinge 1616. In addition,
`in this embodiment, the speaker 1604 may pivot away from
`the card plug 1 645, rather than towards the plug, as illustrated
`in FIGS. 15a and 15b. Once again, the arm 1614 and speaker
`1604 may be stored in a recess 1652 in the device housing. It
`may be appreciated that a headset with a compliant earpiece
`arm may provide a 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 or in the
`flex arm 1614.
`
`1711
`In a further example illustrated in FIGS.
`[0078]
`through 170, the wireless device 1700 may be provided on the
`host device 1710 itself. While the host device as illustrated is
`
`a mobile phone, other devices may be provided, such as a
`portable music player, laptop, etc. For example, as illustrated
`in FIG. 17a, the host device 1710 may define a recess 1746
`therein which may receive the wireless device 1700.
`[0079]
`In another example, illustrated in FIGS. 17b through
`170, a cradle 1740 may be provided that may be retained onto
`the host device 1710.A recess 1746 may be defined within the
`cradle 1740 for retaining the wireless device 1700. Power
`may be supplied by host device 1710 either directly to the
`wireless device 1700 or to the cradle 1740 and then to the
`
`wireless device 1700 through electrical contacts 1725 of the
`host device and/or contacts 1724 of the cradle 1740.
`
`In another embodiment, as illustrated 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
`
`31
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`

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`US 2008/0132293 A1
`
`Jun. 5, 2008
`
`contain a reserve power supply, such as a reserve battery and
`charging circuitry. The case may include a power supply
`adapter 1843 for receiving power embedded in the case. The
`power supply adapter may be capable of receiving USB con-
`nector, including USB connectors ofmini or micro format, or
`other connector capable of supplying power or data. Thus, the
`wireless headset and case may be charged together and the
`wireless headset may receive data from a host device. The
`case may include an indicator light indicating when the bat-
`tery of the headset has reached full charge. Full charge may
`provide for up to 20 hours of talk time, however it should be
`appreciated that talk time may be determined by factors such
`as the type ofbattery used in the wireless device, the range of
`the wireless device from a host device, etc.
`[0081] When not engaged with a slot or recess in a host
`device, the wireless headset may communicate with a host
`device wirelessly using various communication protocols,
`such as Bluetooth, 802.11, RF, etc. The host device (i.e.
`portable computer or cell phone) may include a transceiver
`for communicating with the wireless device. Wherein a cradle
`may be used, a transceiver receiver may be incorporated into
`the cradle and pa