Portable Electronic Apparatus With Detachable Audio Earpiece

• US 20070259701A1
• Filed: 05/07/2007
• Published: 11/08/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/08/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Time Piece Financial Services
• Original Assignee: Time Piece Financial Services
• Inventors: Mirvis, Mark
• Application Number:
  US11/745,424
• Publication Number:
  US 20070259701A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/575.200
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/05 specially adapted for use on head, throat or breast
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6058 involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6066 including a wireless connection

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an audio-output capable portable electronic device (PED), such as a mobile telephone or a media player, having at least one integrated detachable earpiece, in one of a wireless, or a retractable wired configuration, that is stored at least partially within a storage cavity in the housing of the PED. In this manner, the detachable earpiece does not need to be carried separately from the PED and is always available when needed. In another inventive embodiment the detachable wireless earpiece is rechargeable, and the PED includes a recharger component connected to a power interface in the storage cavity in the PED housing, and also to the PED power sources such that when the rechargeable earpiece is placed into the storage cavity, it contacts the power interface and is recharged with energy from the PED power source. In yet another inventive embodiment, a novel case for storing a PED is provided, with the case having at least one integrated detachable wireless earpiece, stored at least partially within a storage cavity in the case, the earpiece being capable of wireless communication with the audio-output capable portable electronic device. Optionally, if the wireless earpiece is rechargeable, the case also includes the necessary components to recharge the earpiece when it is placed in the storage cavity. In an alternate inventive embodiment, the case may provide a substitute wireless link to the PED through the PED'"'"'s conventional audio interface.

Claims

1. An apparatus for enabling at least partially handsfree utilization of a portable electronic device, comprising:

an earpiece for receiving audio data from the portable electronic device

a storage region defined at least partially within the portable electronic device, operable to store said earpiece; and

releasable means for releasably detaching said earpiece from said storage region to receive said audio data, and for selectively replacing said earpiece therein.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a wire connecting said earpiece to the portable electronic device through said storage region, wherein said releasable means comprise a extension/retraction device positioned in said storage region and connected to said wire, operable to selectively extend and retract said wire and said earpiece.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first wireless link positioned in the portable electronic device, and a second wireless link positioned in said earpiece