Portable communication apparatus

• US 4,472,603 A
• Filed: 02/01/1983
• Issued: 09/18/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/1982
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Arnold M. Berg
• Original Assignee: Arnold M. Berg
• Inventors: Berg, Arnold M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rubinson, G. Z.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Schroeder, L.
• Application Number:
  US06/462,758
• Time in Patent Office: 595 Days
• Field of Search: 179/107 R, 179/182 R, 179/157, 179/156 R, 381/68, 381/69, 381/120, 381/122, 381/74, 381/77
• US Class Current: 381/324
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/04 comprising pocket amplifiers

Abstract

A portable communication apparatus (10) for communication between a first person of normal hearing ability and a second person whose hearing is impaired is disclosed. The communication apparatus includes a first housing (12) enclosing a microphone and an amplifier, the first housing (12) being adaptable for being carried in a coat pocket or the like of the first person. The communication apparatus further includes a second housing (22) constructed and arranged to fit over the ear of the second person. The second housing (22) includes means for receiving electrical signals from the amplifier and converting the electrical signals into sound. An electrical connector (20) electrically connects the receiving means in the second housing (22) with the amplifier in the first housing (12) whereby the voice of the first person is amplified and transmitted to the receiving means in the second housing (22), thereby enabling the second person to hear the first person.

Claims

1. A portable communication apparatus for communication between a first person of normal hearing ability and a second person whose hearing is impaired, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a first rectangular housing enclosing a microphone and an amplifier, said first housing having a size adaptable for carrying in a coat pocket of said first person, said housing having a top and bottom portion;

(b) said first housing defining a sound inlet portion in said top portion, said microphone being positioned adjacent said sound inlet portion, whereby said first person is able to speak into said microphone through said inlet portion;

(c) said first housing further including a DC battery power source for providing power for said microphone and amplifier, said microphone and amplifier being electrically interconnected so as to detect sound and amplify the same;

(d) said first housing including a switch for manually switching said communication apparatus on and off, said switch further being adapted for regulating the amount of amplification by said communication apparatus;

(e) a second housing separate and distinct from said first housing, said second housing being constructed and arranged to fit over the ear of said second person, said second housing having a U-shaped configuration and being necessarily configured for carrying on the body of said first person, said U-shaped second housing having a side wall and flexible edge walls extending perpendicular to the side wall and extending along the sides and top of said sidewall, the edge walls and side wall defining a cavity for placement of the ear, said second housing having means for receiving electrical signals from said amplifier, and for converting said electrical signals into sound waves;

(f) an electrical connector electrically connecting said receiving means in said second housing with said amplifier in said first housing, whereby the voice of said first person is amplified and transmitted to said means in the second housing, thereby enabling the second person to hear the first person, said second housing including a pivotal adaptor for interconnecting said electrical connector thereto; and

(g) said first housing including adapter plug means for enabling said electrical connector to be readily connected and disconnected from said first housing.

2. A portable communication apparatus for communication between a first person of normal hearing ability and persons whose hearing is impaired, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a first rectangular housing enclosing a microphone and an amplifier, said first housing having a size adaptable for carrying in a coat pocket of said first person, said housing having a top and bottom portion;

(b) said first housing defining a sound inlet portion in said top portion, said microphone being positioned adjacent said sound inlet portion, whereby said first person is able to speak into said microphone through said inlet portion;

(c) said first housing further including a power DC battery power source for providing power for said microphone and amplifier, said microphone and amplifier being electrically interconnected so as to detect sound and amplify the same;

(d) said first housing including a switch for manually switching said communication apparatus on and off, said switch further being adapted for regulating the amount of amplification by said communication apparatus;

(e) second and third housings separate and distinct from said first housing, said second and third housings being constructed and arranged to fit over a person'"'"'s ear, said second and third housings having a U-shaped configuration and being necessarily configured for carrying on the body of said first person, said U-shaped second and third housings having a side wall and flexible edge walls extending perpendicular to the side wall and extending along the sides and top of said side wall, the edge walls and side wall defining a cavity for placement of the ear, said second and third housings having means for receiving electrical signals from said amplifier, and for converting said electrical signals into sound waves;

(f) an electrical connector electrically connecting said receiving means in said second and third housings with said amplifier in said first housing, whereby the voice of said first person is amplified and transmitted to said receiving means in said second and third housings, thereby enabling two hearing impaired persons to simultaneously hear the first person, said second and third housings each including a pivotal adaptor for interconnecting said electrical connector thereto; and

(g) said first housing including an adaptor plug means for enabling said electrical connector to be readily connected and disconnected from said first housing.