Integrated corded system connector for a wireless communications device

• US 20050094841A1
• Filed: 10/29/2003
• Published: 05/05/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications USA Incorporated (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications USA Incorporated (Sony Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Mllani, Neil
• Granted Patent: US 7,492,890 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 381/384
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/16 for telephony
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/02 Intermediate parts for distributing energy to two or more circuits in parallel, e.g. splitter with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/92
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6058 involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60

Abstract

An accessory for a wireless communications device includes a cord that electrically connects a first peripheral device and a system plug. The system plug mates with a system connector on the wireless communications device, and electrically connects the first peripheral device to the wireless communications device. An auxiliary system connector integrally formed with the cord permits the connection of a second accessory to the wireless communications device.

Claims

1. An accessory for a wireless communications device comprising:

a first peripheral device;

a system plug that mates with a system connector on the wireless communications device;

a cord electrically connecting the first peripheral device with the system plug; and

an auxiliary system connector integrally formed with the cord to connect a second peripheral device.

2. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the auxiliary system connector is disposed along the cord between the first peripheral device and the system plug.

3. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the auxiliary system connector includes a switch to selectively connect the first and second peripheral devices.

4. The accessory of claim 3 wherein the switch connects the wireless communications device to the first peripheral device via a first audio-in path in a first position, and to the second peripheral device via a second audio-in path in a second position.

5. The accessory of claim 3 wherein the switch connects the wireless communications device to the first peripheral device via a first audio-out path in a first position, and to the second peripheral device via a second audio-out path in a second position.

6. The accessory of claim 3 wherein the switch connects the first peripheral device to the wireless communications device via a first path in a first position, and to the second peripheral device via a second path in a second position.

7. The accessory of claim 3 wherein the switch comprises circuitry to automatically detect the type of peripheral device connected to the auxiliary system connector.

8. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the auxiliary system connector further connects a third peripheral device.

9. The accessory of claim 1 wherein one of the first and second peripheral devices is a hands-free headset.

10. The accessory of claim 1 wherein one of the first and second peripheral devices is a battery charger.

11. The accessory of claim 1 wherein one of the first and second peripheral devices is a MP3 player.

12. The accessory of claim 1 wherein one of the first and second peripheral devices is a camera.

13. The accessory of claim 1 wherein one of the first and second peripheral devices is a flash accessory.

14. The accessory of claim 1 further comprising a second auxiliary system connector integrally formed with the cord.

15. A method of connecting accessories to a wireless communications device comprising:

connecting a first accessory to a system connector on the wireless communications device, wherein the first accessory comprises a cord interconnecting a first peripheral device and a system plug; and

connecting a second accessory to an auxiliary system plug integrally formed with the cord interconnecting the first peripheral device and the system plug on the first accessory.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein connecting a first accessory comprises mating the system plug on the first accessory with a system connector on the wireless communications device.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein connecting a second accessory comprises mating a system plug on the second accessory with the auxiliary system plug.

18. The method of claim 15 further comprising connecting a third accessory to the auxiliary system plug by mating a system plug on the third accessory with the auxiliary system plug.

19. The method of claim 15 further comprising switching a source of audio into the wireless communications device from the first accessory to the second accessory.

20. The method of claim 15 further comprising switching a source of audio out of the wireless communications device into the second accessory from the first accessory.

21. The method of claim 15 further comprising switching a source of audio into the first accessory from the wireless communications device to the second accessory.

22. The method of claim 15 further comprising automatically detecting the type of peripheral device connected to the auxiliary system plug.

23. The method of claim 22 further comprising controlling signals communicated between the wireless communications device and the first or second peripheral devices responsive to the detected peripheral device type.