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`I 1111111111111111 11111 111111111111111 IIIII IIIII IIIII IIIII IIIIII IIII 11111111
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`US007457649Bl
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`02)United States Patent
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`
`Wilson
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`(IO) Patent No.: US 7,457,649 Bl
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`(45)Date of Patent:
`Nov.25,2008
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`(54)HEADSET CHARGING STATION
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`(56)
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`References Cited
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`(75)Inventor: Jay Wilson, Portola Valley, CA (US)
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`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`6,923,688 Bl* 8/2005 Burson et al ................ 439/675
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`(73)Assignee: Plantronics, Inc., Santa Cruz, CA (US)
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`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`the term of this ( *) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer,
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`EP
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`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
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`U.S.C. 154(b) by 464 days.
`* cited by examiner
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`1548911 * 6/2005
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`(21)Appl. No.: 11/218,190
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`(22)Filed:Aug. 31, 2005
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`(51)
`Int. Cl.
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`(74)Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Intellectual Property Law
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`Primary Examiner-Lee Nguyen
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`Offices of Thomas C. Chuang
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`(57)
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`ABSTRACT
`
`(2006.01)
`H04M 1100
`Systems and methods for a charging station are disclosed. The
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`(2006.01)
`H04Q 7/20
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`system generally includes a housing with pockets for receiv­
`(52)
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`U.S. Cl. ............... .. 455/575.2; 455/569.2; 455/572;
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`
`
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`ing a wireless headset and providing charging power from the
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`379/428.02; 381/374
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`charging station to the wireless headset. The charging station
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`Field of Classification Search .............. 455/575.2,
`(58)
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`allows for easy docking and allows the headset to occupy a
`minimum footprint.
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`455/572, 573, 569.1, 569.2; 381/370, 374;
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`379/428.02, 428.08; 320/114, 115
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`See application file for complete search history.
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`24 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
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`4
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`23
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`APPLE 1021
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`US, Patent
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`Noy. 25, 2008
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`Sheet 1 of 8
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`US 7,457,649 BI
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`FIG, 1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 25, 2008
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`Sheet 2 of 8
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`US 7,457,649 B1
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`FIG. 2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 25, 2008
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`Sheet 3 of 8
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`FIG. 3
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 25, 2008
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`Sheet 4 of 8
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`FIG. 4
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`5
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov.25, 2008
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`Sheet 5 of 8
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`US 7,457,649 B1
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`FIG. 5
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 25, 2008
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`Sheet 6 of 8
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`FIG. 6
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 7,457,649 B1
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`8
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov.25, 2008
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`Sheet 8 of 8
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`US 7,457,649 B1
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`FIG. 8
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`US 7,457,649 B1
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`1
`HEADSET CHARGING STATION
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`Wireless headsets and other portable communications
`devices are often battery poweredsuchthat a user can use the
`wireless headset or other such device without being directly
`connected to larger power source such as an A/C outlet or
`automobile battery. This allows wireless headset users flex-
`ibility and convenience to move about without beingtied to a
`power cord. Wireless headset batteries are generally
`rechargeable so that the batteries can be re-used instead of
`being discarded after use.
`Typically, the wireless headset includes an electrical inter-
`face such as a mating connectorto transfer charging currentto
`the headset battery so that charging current power can be
`supplied to recharge the batteries without removing the bat-
`teries from the device. Recharging is generally performed in
`one of two ways: (1) a low-voltage cable connector from a
`wall transformeris plugged directly into the headset’s mating
`connector, or (2) the headset is placed in a charging station.
`Charging stations mayalso be referred to as dockingstations
`or charging bases. In a typical setup, the portable device is
`inserted into a charging station which has contacts that cor-
`respond to and couple with the contacts on the portable
`device.
`
`The charging station is connected to a power source, and
`supplies charging current through the coupled contacts to
`recharge the batteries located within the device. Once
`inserted, the charging station begins to charge the headset
`battery. The charging station also performsthe dual function
`of providing a place to store the headset that is open and
`convenient.
`
`Mostfolding headsets are compact when folded but some-
`whatdifficult to handle and place into a charging station. In
`the prior art, charging stations for folding headsets have had
`difficult or inconvenient systems for mating the headset
`charging interface (also referred to herein as an electrical
`interface) with the charging station charging interface. For
`example, if the headset’ s charging connector is on the bottom
`ofthe speaker puck,it is difficult to dock because the docking
`is “blind”i.e., the user cannot see the connectorinterface.
`As a result, there is a need for improved methods and
`apparatuses for wireless headset charging stations and asso-
`ciated headset interfaces.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`2
`FIG.7 illustrates a rear view of the wireless headset elec-
`trical interface shownin FIG.6.
`
`FIG.8 illustrates mating of the wireless headset electrical
`interface with the charging station electrical interface.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
`
`Methods and apparatuses for charging stations for wireless
`mobile communication devices are disclosed. The following
`description is presented to enable any personskilled in theart
`to make and use the invention. Descriptions of specific
`embodiments and applications are provided only as examples
`and various modifications will be readily apparent to those
`skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be
`applied to other embodiments and applications without
`departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Thus, the
`present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encom-
`passing numerousalternatives, modifications and equivalents
`consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
`For purpose ofclarity, details relating to technical material
`that is known in the technical fields related to the invention
`have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily
`obscure the present invention.
`Generally, this description describes a method and appara-
`tus for a charging station for a wireless mobile communica-
`tion device such as a headset which does not require “blind”
`docking, minimizes the charging station footprint and overall
`size, and presents the docked headsetin an elegant and stable
`manner. The present invention is applicable to a variety of
`different types of mobile communication devices in addition
`to headsets. While the present invention is not necessarily
`limited to headsets, various aspects of the invention may be
`appreciated through a discussion of various examples using
`this context.
`
`According to an example embodimentofthe present inven-
`tion, a wireless folding headset includes a yoke stem on each
`side ofthe headset. Whenthe headsetis foldedandoriented in
`an upright manner, the yoke stems point downward asvertical
`sticks. By placing the charging connectorin one of the stems
`and vertically docking the stems into a thin horizontal base,
`the procedure becomes easy and visually elegant, allowing
`the headset to occupy a minimum footprint and makingit easy
`to remove.
`
`Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a charging sta-
`tion with a wireless headset inserted therein in one example of
`the inventionis illustrated. A headset 4 is shown docked ina
`
`The present invention will be readily understood by the
`following detailed description in conjunction with the accom-
`panying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate
`like structural elements.
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`50
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`charging station 2. The charging station 2 generally includes
`a pocket 6 and a pocket 8. Headset 4 is described in further
`detail below in reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. Charging
`station 2 further generally includes a power supply connector
`10. Power supply connector 10 provides connection to a cord
`that is connected to a main AC powersupply of the type used
`FIG.1 illustrates a perspective view of a charging station
`with a commonwall outlet. In a further example, the cord may
`with a wireless headset inserted therein in one example of the
`55
`invention.
`be connected to a DC powersource suchasacarbattery. In
`one example of the invention, power supply connector 10 is
`FIG.2 illustrates a schematic side view and a top view of
`the sameas headsetelectrical interface 26 described below in
`the charging station shownin FIG.1.
`FIG.3 illustrates a perspective view of an electrical inter-
`face used by the charging station in one example of the
`invention.
`FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view ofthe wireless headset
`shown in FIG.1.
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`reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, allowing the use of standard-
`ized modular components.
`FIG.2 illustrates a schematic side view and a top view of
`the charging station 2 shown in FIG.1. The charging station
`2 includes a main body whichis substantially planar and
`horizontally oriented with a top surface, main body underside
`portion, and a charging contact device. For example, the
`charging contact device maybeelectrical interface 12 which
`functions as described below. The main bodyis preferably
`made of lightweight plastic, but may consist of any suitably
`
`FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of a wireless headset
`electrical interface disposed in a headset yoke in one example
`of the invention.
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`FIG.6 illustrates a close-up view of the wireless headset
`electrical interface shown FIG.5.
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`3
`rigid material. The main body underside portion provides
`support and a non-scratching material for the base of the
`charging station.
`Pocket 6 and pocket 8 in the top surface 3 of charging
`station 2 guide and align the inserted headset. Pocket 6 and
`pocket 8 are shaped to substantially match the shape of the
`inserted headset component, andare aligned withthe electri-
`cal interface 12 such that when headset yokesare inserted into
`pocket 6 and pocket 8, the headset contact interface is prop-
`erly mated with the contacts of electrical interface 12. In one
`example of the invention, the pocket 6 and pocket 8 have a
`circular cross-section. In an example of the invention, the
`openingsofpocket6 and 8 are elevated above a lower surface
`5 of the top of charging station as shown in FIG.2, allowing
`for convenient insertion and retention ofthe headset.
`
`Referring to FIG.2, an electrical interface 12 is located at
`the bottom of the pocket 6 to provide electrical contact
`between a headsetbattery anda source ofcharging current fed
`to electrical interface 12 via power supply connector 10. The
`headset battery may be any rechargeable battery, such as a
`lithium ion battery for example. When a headsetis inserted
`into pocket 6 and pocket8, a headset electrical interface mates
`with the electrical interface 12. It is through the mated elec-
`trical interfaces that charging poweris supplied to the head-
`set.
`
`Charging station 2 further includes a printed circuit board
`(PCB) (not shown). The powerreceived from power supply
`connector 10 is transferred to the PCB, which may include
`variouselectrical components andcircuits for controlling the
`charging of the headset battery. For example, the PCB may
`include voltage regulators, current regulators, microproces-
`sors andtransistors to form a charging circuit responsible for
`starting, ramping, tapering, and ending charging voltage and
`current. Additionally, the charging circuit may monitorbat-
`tery parameters such as voltage, capacity, and temperature.
`The PCBelectrical circuit is coupled to power supply con-
`nector 10 andelectrical interface 12 by wire or other form of
`electrical connector.An AC/DC powerconverter converts the
`external AC powersupply to a standard DC voltage whichis
`usable by the charging base for charging the headsetbattery.
`The charging station may also have external indicators for
`identifying the charging status of the headset battery.
`Although a charging station 2 for use with a portable headset
`device is illustrated, the charging station 2 may be utilized
`with any battery powered communication devicethat requires
`battery power during portable operation.
`Charging station 2 enables easy insertion of the headset
`into the charging station and easy coupling of the headset
`charging contacts to the charging station charging contacts
`without the need for visual mating of the charging station
`contacts and headset contacts. In particular, charging station
`2 allows the headsetto be inserted into the charging station 2
`suchthat the headset is properly guidedto its proper location
`to achieve a locked position detent between the headset and
`charging station 2, enabling secure contact between the con-
`tacts of the headset and the corresponding contacts of the
`charging base whenthe headsetis inserted into the charging
`station pockets.
`Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of an electrical
`interface 12 used by the charging station 2 in one example of
`the invention is illustrated. The charging station electrical
`interface 12 has a cylindrical male plug 17 with interior
`positive contact 14 and exterior negative contact 16. Interior
`positive contact 14 includes a female connector. In one
`example, interior positive contact 14 has a female connector
`constructed to receive and mate with a positive contact 102 of
`a headsetelectrical interface 26 as described below. Exterior
`
`4
`negative contact 16 has a flanged outer surface constructed to
`couple with a negative contact 104 ofelectrical interface 26 as
`described below.
`
`FIG.4 illustrates a perspective view ofthe wireless headset
`4 shown in FIG. 1. The wireless headset 4 includes a head-
`
`band 30, speaker 18, speaker 20, and a wireless communica-
`tion module installed within the housing of the headset. The
`term “module” is used interchangeably with “circuitry”
`herein. In an example ofthe invention, speaker 18 and speaker
`20 are flexibly coupled to headband 30 using a yoke 21 and
`yoke 23, respectively. Referring to FIG. 5, yoke 21 includes a
`yoke stem 22 coupled to headband 30 via a pivot pin 27. Ina
`similar manner, referring to FIG. 4, yoke 23 includes a yoke
`stem 24 coupled to headband4 viaa pivot pin 25. An electrical
`interface 26 is disposed within yoke stem 22.
`The headset 4 may further include a user interface and
`status indicator. The user interface may include a multifunc-
`tion power, volume, mute, and select button or buttons. Other
`user interfaces may be included on the headset, such as a link
`active/end interface. It will be appreciated that numerous
`other configurations exist for the user interface. The particu-
`lar button or buttons andtheir locationsare notcritical to the
`present invention. The wireless headset 4 includes a boom
`interface 29 for coupling a boom module with a microphone
`installed at the lower end ofthe boom. The wireless headset 4
`further includes a rechargeable battery for providing powerto
`the various components of the headset.
`Wireless headset 4 may include a headset controller that
`comprises a processor, memory and software to implement
`headset functionality. The headset controller receives input
`from the headset user interface and manages audio data
`received from the microphone and sent to speaker 18 and
`speaker 20. The headset controller further interacts with a
`wireless communication module to transmit signals from
`wireless headset 4 and receive wireless signals.
`Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG.7, aclose-up perspective view
`ofa wireless headsetelectricalinterface 26(also referred to as
`a “dual system charging interface module”) disposed in a
`headset yoke in one example of the inventionis illustrated.
`Referring to FIG. 6, a front view illustration of an embodi-
`ment of the headset electrical interface 26 is shown. The
`headset electrical interface 26 is shown removed from a head-
`
`set. In use, the front surface of the dual charging interface is
`aligned with the base surface of the headset yoke.
`The headset electrical interface 26 comprises an outer
`housing 132 having a front surface 116 and a back surface
`118. Outer housing 132 is made of a molded polymer,
`although any suitable material may be used. Front surface 116
`contains an aperture 114 openingto a well 134 located within
`outer housing 132 for accepting a male plug. Front surface
`116 further contains a semi-spherical recessed area 111. Two
`surface charging contacts, negative contact arc 106 andposi-
`tive contact are 108 are disposed on front surface 116. The
`headset electrical interface 26 further comprises a negative
`contact 104 anda positive contact 102 disposed within well
`134. Althoughreferred to with different designations herein,
`in an embodimentof the invention, negative contact 104 and
`negative contact arc 106 are a single piece construction and
`electrically parallel. Similarly, positive contact 102 and posi-
`tive contact 108 are a single piece construction andelectri-
`cally parallel. The negative contact and the positive contact
`are made ofa suitableelectrically conductive material such as
`copper. Contacts designated positive herein can also be des-
`ignated negative and vice versa.
`The headsetelectrical interface 26 is mounted from inside
`the headset yoke and presents an approximately 6.5 mm
`diameterplastic face with slightly raised metal negative con-
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`US 7,457,649 B1
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`tact arc 106 and positive contact arc 108 arrayed around
`aperture 114. The module is mounted so that the face is as
`flush as possible to the base surface of the headset yoke. The
`contact arcs are proud of the surface by about 0.1 mm to 0.2
`mm in an embodimentof the invention. In an embodiment of
`
`the invention, the contact arcs are concentric shaped. In a
`further embodimentofthe invention, the contact arcs may be
`linear.
`
`The headset electrical interface 26 includes two charging
`interfaces. The first charging interface comprises a negative
`contact 104 and positive contact 102 disposed within well 134
`behind aperture 114. The second charging interface operates
`as a female connector for use with a cable having a male
`charging plug. In an embodimentof the invention, negative
`contact 104is a spiral coil contact positioned within well 134
`that engages the inserted cable having a male charging plug.
`Positive contact 102 is a pin structure disposed in the center of
`well 134 that inserts into a corresponding positive contact
`receptacle of the male charging plug. For example, positive
`contact 102 and negative contact 104 mate with the cylindri-
`cal male plug 17 of charging station electrical interface 12
`shown and described above in reference to FIG.3.
`
`The second charging interface utilizes stationary charging
`contacts comprising negative contact arc 106 and positive
`contact arc 108 disposed on front surface 116. Negative con-
`tact arc 106 and positive contact arc 108 mate with corre-
`sponding contacts on a charging base when a headset is
`inserted into the charging base. The corresponding contacts
`on the charging base are typically spring loaded, and engage
`negative contact arc 106 and positive contact arc 108 whenthe
`headset is inserted into the charging base. Negative contact
`arc 106 is coupled to electrical ground. In an embodiment of
`the invention, the first charging interface further utilizes
`recessed area 111 and aperture 114 to secure contact between
`negative contact arc 106 and positive contact arc 108 with
`corresponding charging contacts on a charging base.
`Referring to FIG. 7 showing the backside of headsetelec-
`trical interface 26, the bottom surface of positive contact 102
`is shown. Outer housing 132 includes a back surface 118. A
`negative terminal 120 and positive terminal 122 are utilized to
`provide charging current to a rechargeable battery located at
`the headset. In an embodiment of the invention, negative
`contact 104, negative contact arc 106, and negative terminal
`120 area single piece construction. Similarly, positive contact
`102, positive contact are 108, and positive terminal 122 are a
`single piece construction. The battery is a rechargeable bat-
`tery, such as a lithium ion battery, which is electrically
`coupled to negative terminal 120 and positive terminal 122.
`Theelectrically parallel first charging interface and second
`charging interface provide an efficient and space saving
`arrangement to provide charging power to the rechargeable
`battery. In an alternate embodiment, although electrically
`coupled, negative contact 104, negative contact arc 106, and
`negative terminal 120 are not a single piece construction.
`Similarly, in an alternate embodiment, positive contact 102,
`positive contact arc 108, and positive terminal 122 are not a
`single piece construction. Positive contact 102 extends
`through positive terminal 122 and back surface 118 into well
`134.
`
`As aresult, charging current is provided to a battery at the
`headset coupled to negative terminal 120 andpositive termi-
`nal 122 regardless of which charging interface is utilized.
`Outer housing 132 further includes headset mounting handles
`126 and 128 for mounting headset electrical interface 26
`within a headset yoke or elsewhere. The headsetelectrical
`
`6
`interface 26 may be manufactured as a stand-alone module,
`and hasthe packaging flexibility allowing for cither board or
`cable mounting.
`The electrical interface 26 provides at least two sets of
`charging contacts. Each set of charging contacts can be used
`independently from the otherset to transfer charging current.
`When a headsetusing electrical interface 26 is coupled to a
`charging station, one of the sets of charging contacts electri-
`cally couple to contacts ofthe charger, and charging currentis
`supplied from the charger to the battery at the headset to
`recharge the battery. Dual contact systems disposed on a
`single headset are beneficialin that they allow a user a choice
`of charging systems depending on the user’s location. For
`example a cable adaptable for use with a cigarette lighter may
`be used in an automobile environment, while a charging base
`maybepreferred at the user’s office location.
`Furthermore,
`the headset electrical interface 26 of the
`present invention is designed for use with commonpreexist-
`ing systems for providing charging power such as spring
`loaded contact mechanismswhile also providing for use with
`charging power systems with advanced mechanismsto pro-
`tect the headset surface during coupling of the headset and
`charger. Thus, a headset charging interface can be imple-
`mented in the headsetthat can accommodatedifferent charger
`system configurations in a space saving, compact, mass pro-
`duced and low cost headset. In summary, the headset electri-
`cal interface 26 described herein offers several advantages.
`The headsetelectrical interface 26 provides a solutionthatis
`small, adaptable to both stationary and mobile environments,
`and flexible in its mounting andorientation for optimal posi-
`tioning on future headsets. Although they may be of a single
`piece construction, each set of charging contacts are intended
`to be used independently from each other, depending on user
`choice. By utilizing headset electrical interface 26 as a stan-
`dardized interface, manufacturers can reduce the design time
`on future devices and make future headsets backwards com-
`
`patible with previous chargers.
`In operation, when the headset4 is to be placed in charging
`station 2, the user positions speaker 18 and speaker 20 in an
`upright position as shown in FIG. 1 (as opposed to a down
`listening position shownin FIG.4), resulting in headset yoke
`22 and headset yoke 24 pointing in a downwarddirection. The
`downward pointing headset yoke 22 and headset yoke 24 are
`inserted into pocket 6 and pocket 8 in a downwarddirection7
`as shownin FIG.1.
`
`Uponinsertion, the charging station cylindrical male plug
`17 is inserted through the headsetelectrical interface aperture
`114 into well 134. Positive contact 102 of headsetelectrical
`interface 26 fits into the female connector of charging station
`interiorpositive contact 14 to form an electrical interconnec-
`tion. During insertion ofmale plug 17, negative contact 104 of
`headset electrical interface 26 extends in an outwardradial
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`direction due to force from the charging station male plug 17.
`Simultaneously, positive contact 102 enters interior positive
`contact 14.
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`55
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`Asthe insertion process of male plug 17 continues, the
`force on negative contact 104 by exterior negative contact 16
`recedes as the flanged outer surface of negative contact 16
`becomesparallel with negative contact 104, resulting in nega-
`tive contact 104 retracting into a groove in the outer surface of
`negative contact16 ina detent position. Simultaneously,posi-
`tive contact 102 continuesto be inserted into interior positive
`contact 14 until full insertion is reached, correspondingto the
`locked(also referred to herein as “detent”) position of nega-
`tive contact 16. The radial force applied by male plug 17
`against negative contact 104 results in sideways movementof
`negative contact 104 until positive contact 14 engages posi-
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`tive contact 102 and maintains contact. Referring to FIG.8,
`back surface 118 shown in FIG. 7 has been removed and
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`US 7,457,649 B1
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`8
`may be amended, with each claim being expressly incorpo-
`rated into this Description of Specific Embodiments as an
`embodimentof the invention.
`Whatis claimed is:
`1. A charging station for a wireless headset comprising:
`a horizontally oriented housing;
`a first pocket for receiving a first wireless headset yoke;
`a second pocket for receiving a second wireless headset
`yoke;
`a charging station electrical interface disposed within the
`first pocket for mating with an associated wireless head-
`set electrical interface disposedatthefirst wireless head-
`set yoke, wherein the charging station electrical inter-
`face comprises a male plug with an interior contact and
`an exterior contact.
`
`negative contact 104 of headset electrical interface 26 is
`shown mated in a detent position with exterior negative con-
`tact 16 of male plug 17 after mating of headset electrical
`interface 26 with charging station electrical interface 12. For
`clarity, positive contact 102 is not illustrated in FIG.8.
`Pocket 6 and pocket 8 provide the necessary alignment to
`mate electrical interface 12 together with electrical interface
`26 upon insertion of headset yoke 22 and yoke 24. In addition
`to providing electrical coupling,electrical interface 12 physi-
`cally locks the headset within the charging station, allowing
`the headset to be displayed in a visually elegant manner
`without the possibility of the headset being tipped off the
`charging station.
`2. The charging station of claim 1, wherein the associated
`The locked headsetis therefore captured in pockets 6 and 8
`wireless headset electrical interface comprises:
`and prevented from tipping over out of the charging station,
`a first contact interface system for receiving a male con-
`providing a convenient, reliable, and elegant mechanism for
`nector, the first contact interface system comprising a
`storing and charging the headset. Electrical interface 12 and
`housing with a front surface, wherein the front surface
`26 are mated to provide charging powerto the headsetbattery
`includesan aperture leading to a well within the housing,
`by forming a charging loop.
`and whereina first positive contact comprising a spring
`To removethe headset4, it is lifted in an upward direction
`coil is disposed within the well anda first negative con-
`out of pocket 6 and pocket 8. As headset4is lifted, negative
`tact comprising a pin structure is disposed within the
`contact 104 of headset electrical interface 26 extends in an
`25
`well; and
`outward radial direction due to force from male plug 17,
`a second contact interface system comprising conductive
`thereby allowing electrical interface 26 to be raised and
`contacts disposed on the front surface outside the aper-
`uncoupled from charging station electrical
`interface 12.
`ture, wherein the conductive contacts comprise a second
`Simultaneously, positive contact 102 is withdrawn out from
`positive contact and a second negative contact, wherein
`charging station interior positive contact 14. Once the headset
`the aperture receives a charging memberto detent the
`electrical interface 26 and chargingstation electrical interface
`secondpositive contact and the second negative contact
`12 are uncoupled, the headset 4 can then be freely withdrawn
`with corresponding contacts on a charger, and wherein
`from chargingstation 2.
`thefirst positive contactis coupled to the second positive
`Althoughreference is made throughoutthe specification to
`contact and the first negative contact is coupled to the
`a headset charging station and headset, the present invention
`second negative contact.
`could be employed in any device having contacts which
`3. The charging station of claim 1, wherein the interior
`couple with contacts of a removable device. Althoughrefer-
`contact comprises a female connector for receiving a male
`ence is made throughout the specification to utilizing the
`connector and the exterior contact comprises a flanged ring
`contacts for charging, other purposes suchas the transfer of
`for mating with a spring coil.
`data or any other purpose requiring coupling of devices. Fur-
`4. The charging station of claim 1, further comprising a
`thermore, althoughin the preferred embodimentthe charging
`powersupply interface comprising:
`station is used with a folding stereo headset, in other embodi-
`a contact interface system for receiving a male connector,
`ments other types of headsets may beutilized.
`the contact interface system comprising a housing with
`The various examples described above are provided by
`a front surface, wherein the front surface includes an
`wayofillustration only and should not be construedto limit
`aperture leading to a well within the housing, and
`the invention. Based on the above discussion andillustrations,
`whereinafirst positive contact comprising a spring coil
`those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various
`is disposed within the well and a first negative contact
`modifications and changes may be madeto the present inven-
`comprising a pin structure is disposed within the well.
`tion without strictly following the exemplary embodiments
`5. The charging station of claim 1, wherein thefirst pocket
`and applications illustrated and described herein. Such
`and the second pocket havea circular cross-section.
`changes mayinclude,but are not necessarily limitedto: loca-
`6. The charging station of claim 1, whereinafirst pocket
`tion of the headset electrical interface; structure of the charg-
`opening and a second pocket opening are elevated above a
`ing station and headsetelectrical interfaces; number, place-
`lower surface of the horizontally oriented housing.
`ment, and functions performed by the headset and charging
`7. The charging station of claim 1, further comprising a
`station user interface; wireless communication technologies
`charging circuit for controlling the transfer of charging
`or standards to perform the wireless communication.Further-
`power.
`more, the shapes andsizes of the illustrated charging station
`8. A charging station system for a folding wireless headset
`and headset housing and components maybealtered. Such
`comprising:
`modifications and changes do not depart from the true spirit
`a charging station comprising:
`and scope of the present invention that is set forth in the
`a horizontally oriented housing;
`following claims.
`a first pocket;
`While the exemplary embodimentsofthe present invention
`a second pocket; and
`are described andillustrated herein,it will be appreciated that
`a charging station electrical interface disposed within
`they are merely illustrative and that modifications can be
`the first pocket for mating with an associated wireless
`made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit
`headset electrical interface, wherein the chargingsta-
`and scopeofthe invention. Thus, the scope ofthe invention is
`tion electrical interface comprises a male plug with an
`interior contact and an exterior contact; and
`intendedto be defined only in termsofthe following claims as
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`US 7,457,649 B1
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`10
`9
`15. The charging station system of claim 8, wherein the
`a folding wireless headset comprising:
`a headband;
`yoke has a circular cross-section.
`a speaker;
`16. A charging station for a wireless headset comprising:
`a yoke coupling the speaker and the headband, wherein
`a housing means for presenting a wireless headset in an
`the yoke hasa first position for headset use and a
`upright position;
`second position for insertion into the first pocket of
`a first pocket means for receiving a first wireless headset
`the charging station, and
`yoke;
`a wireless headset interface disposed within the yoke for
`a second pocket means for receiving a second wireless
`coupling to the chargingstation electrical interface.
`headset yoke;
`9. The charging station of claim 8, wherein the wireless
`interface means disposed
`a charging station electrical
`headset interface disposed within the yoke c