Communication device for rock climbing and the like

• US 20080096493A1
• Filed: 08/14/2007
• Published: 04/24/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/20/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Jason Kerwood
• Original Assignee: Jason Kerwood
• Inventors: Kerwood, Jason
• Application Number:
  US11/893,218
• Publication Number:
  US 20080096493A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/90.2
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 29/00 Apparatus for mountaineering helmets A42B3/00; non-skid devices or attachments for footwear, e.g. crampons, A43C15/00; breathing masks or helmets for use at high altitudes A62B18/00; picks B25D7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 11/02 using take-up reel or drum
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/385 Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/44291 including pivoted gripping member

Abstract

A communication device for rock climbers and the like is provided. The communication device comprises an outer casing and a plastic insert mounted within the outer casing. Communication electronics are mounted within the plastic insert. An earbud is connected to the communication electronics and seatable in an opening in the outer casing with the earbud having an easy grab protrusion extending beyond the opening. A retraction mechanism connects the earbud for extending and retracting the earbud into the opening. A releasable closure mechanism is secured to the outer casing for securing the communication device to, and releasing the communication from, an object.

Claims

1. A communication device for rock climbers and the like, the communication device comprising:

an outer casing;

a plastic insert mounted within the outer casing;

communication electronics mounted within the plastic insert, the communication electronics providing hands-free communication;

an earbud connected to the communication electronics and seatable in an opening in the outer casing, the earbud having an easy grab protrusion extending beyond the opening;

retraction means connected to the earbud for extending and retracting the earbud into the opening; and

releasable closure means secured to the outer casing for securing the communication device to, and releasing the communication device from, an object.

2. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the retraction means further includes a button for retracting the earbud into the opening after the earbud has been extended.

3. The communication device of claim 1 and further comprising:

an internal speaker and microphone for using the communication device as a hand-held walkie-talkie.

4. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the outer casing has a substantially carabiner shape having a substantially triangular cross-sectional configuration, the outer casing having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein when the outer casing is releasably secured to the object, the outer casing is oriented in a single direction only.

5. The communication device of claim 4 wherein the outer surface of the outer casing has an on/off indicator light, the indicator light facing in a generally upward direction.

6. The communication device of claim 4 wherein the inner surface of the outer casing has at least one operational dial for activating the communication electronics and adjusting the volume, each operational dial facing in a generally upward direction.

7. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the outer casing has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration, the outer casing having a front surface, a back surface, and a top surface.

8. The communication device of claim 7 wherein the releasable closure means are mounted to the back surface of the outer casing.

9. The communication device of claim 7 wherein the top surface of the outer casing has an on/off indicator light and at least one operational dial for activating the communication electronics and adjusting the volume.

10. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the protrusion of the earbud is an arcuate appendage attached to or formed in the earbud, the arcuate appendage receiving being sized and shaped for receiving a digit of a hand.

11. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the retraction means includes a spring loaded spool retractor mechanism.

12. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the releasable closure means includes an automatic closure for maintaining the communication device on the object.

13. The communication device of claim 1 wherein the releasable closure means includes at least two, spring-loaded gates for restricting horizontal and vertical motion of the communication device.

14. A communication device for rock climbers and the like, the communication device comprising:

an outer casing;

communication electronics mounted within the outer casing, the communication electronics providing hands-free communication;

an earbud connected to the communication electronics and seatable in an opening in the outer casing, the earbud having an easy grab protrusion extending beyond the opening;

retraction means connected to the earbud for extending and retracting the earbud into the opening;

activation means for activating the communication electronics;

indicator means for indicating activation of the communication device, the indicator means facing in a substantially upward direction;

volume control means for controlling the volume, the volume control means facing in a substantially upward direction; and

releasable closure means secured to the outer casing for securing the communication device to, and releasing the communication device from, an object.

15. The communication device of claim 14 and further comprising:

an internal speaker and microphone for using the communication device as a hand-held walkie-talkie.

16. The communication device of claim 14 wherein the outer casing has a substantially carabiner shape having a substantially triangular cross-sectional configuration, the outer casing having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein when the outer casing is releasably secured to the object, the outer casing is oriented in a single direction only.

17. The communication device of claim 14 wherein the outer casing has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration, the outer casing having a front surface, a back surface, and a top surface.

18. The communication device of claim 14 wherein the protrusion of the earbud is an arcuate appendage attached to or formed in the earbud, the arcuate appendage being sized and shaped for receiving a digit of a hand.

19. The communication device of claim 14 wherein the retraction means includes a spring loaded spool retractor mechanism.

20. The communication device of claim 14 wherein the releasable closure means includes an automatic closure for maintaining the communication device on the object.