System and method for providing hands free operation of a phone
US7120476B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 10, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M1/6058
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A phone handset having a speaker and a microphone which are connected by a flexible connector to form a connected unit, wherein the connected unit is detachable from the handset to form a headset. In a preferred embodiment, the connected unit is automatically releasable from the handset via a release means, which when activated, forcibly inserts the speaker of the connected unit into a user's ear when a hands-free mode is desired. The connected unit may be physically and electrically connected to the handset via a retractable cord, or may comprise a wireless headset device. An apparatus according to the present invention advantageously provides vastly improved convenience in hands-free phone operation and uninterrupted phone conversation during user transitions between a handset mode and a hands-free mode and vice versa.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.