U.S. patent application number 10/481683 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-25 for neck strap with integrated wire.
Invention is credited to Chauhan, Tejal.
Application Number | 20040232179 10/481683 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9917662 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040232179 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chauhan, Tejal |
November 25, 2004 |
Neck strap with integrated wire
Abstract
A strap for carrying a portable electronic apparatus, such as a
telephone, around the neck of a user is disclosed. The strap has an
elongate element (100) for positioning around the neck of the user.
The elongate element (100) has a longitudinal channel (110) shaped
to releasably retain a wire connecting an accessory to the
apparatus.
Inventors: |
Chauhan, Tejal; (Middlesex,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARRINGTON & SMITH, LLP
4 RESEARCH DRIVE
SHELTON
CT
06484-6212
US
|
Family ID: |
9917662 |
Appl. No.: |
10/481683 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
June 27, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB02/02978 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/257 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2003/002 20130101;
H04R 5/0335 20130101; A45F 5/02 20130101; H04R 1/1058 20130101;
A45F 5/00 20130101; H04M 1/05 20130101; A45F 2200/0516 20130101;
A45F 2003/142 20130101; A45F 2003/146 20130101; A45F 3/14 20130101;
A45F 2200/0508 20130101; H04R 1/1033 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/257 |
International
Class: |
A45F 005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 29, 2001 |
GB |
0115997.9 |
Claims
1. A strap for carrying a portable electronic apparatus around the
neck of a user, comprising: an elongate element for positioning
around the neck of the user, the elongate element comprising a
longitudinal channel shaped to releasably retain a wire connecting
an accessory to the apparatus.
2. A strap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the longitudinal channel
runs from a mid point of the elongate element towards an end
point.
3. A strap as claimed in claim 2 comprising a pair of longitudinal
channels.
4. A strap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the longitudinal channel
is generally c-shaped in cross section.
5. A strap as claimed in ceding claim 1 wherein the accessory is a
headset and the elongate element comprises a recess for releasably
retaining an earpiece.
6. A strap as claimed in claim 5 wherein the elongate element
comprises a recess for releasably retaining an in-line
microphone.
7. A strap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongate element
comprises means for securely attaching the accessory.
8. A strap as claimed in claim 7 wherein the means for securely
attaching the accessory comprises a stud positioned substantially
midway along the length of the elongate element.
9. A strap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongate element is a
unitary part.
10. A strap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongate element is a
moulded part.
11. A strap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongate element
comprises a thermo-plastic elastomer.
12. A strap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongate element
comprises a recess at an endpoint for coupling with a mating part
and for attaching the portable electronic apparatus.
13. (CANCELED)
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a strap for carrying a
portable electronic device around the neck of a user. It finds
particular utility in the field of portable radio telephones,
especially telephones incorporating music playback equipment, such
as an integrated MP3 player.
[0002] Prior art portable telephones from the late 1980s until the
mid 1990s tended to be quite bulky, and were generally carried
around as discrete articles, or in a briefcase. As advances in
technology have resulted in ever smaller portable devices equipped
with ever more features, users can now carry their portable
telephones in a pocket or attached to a belt.
[0003] Some of the features which can now be found incorporated
into portable telephones include personal organisers, web-browsers
and music playback equipment, such as an MP3 player.
[0004] It is quite customary to provide a headset having an
earpiece with an integrated in-line microphone so that the portable
telephone can be used in hands-free mode, for instance if the user
is driving. The in-line microphone is positioned on the wire
connecting the earpiece to the connector, and is intended to hang
in a position suitable for picking up the user's voice.
[0005] To benefit from the stereo sound available from currently
available portable telephones equipped with music playback
functionality, it is necessary to provide two earpieces to carry
the left and right channel audio signals.
[0006] Among some regional markets, particularly Japan, there is an
increasing trend for users of portable telephones to carry their
telephone on a cord which enables the telephone to worn around the
neck.
[0007] While such an arrangement ensures that the telephone is
always to hand, and less likely to be misplaced, it poses a
problem. With the increased connections required for accessories
such as earpieces, microphones and remote controls, it is easy for
the neck strap to become entangled with the various wires
associated with the accessories. This situation can be particularly
problematic if the user is not currently using the earpieces, at
which time they will hang from the telephone and be prone to snag
on objects and become tangled as the user walks around. Such
entanglement can be inconvenient and may damage the wires and
accessories.
[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a
strap for carrying a portable electronic apparatus around the neck
of a user, comprising: an elongate element for positioning around
the neck of the user, the elongate element comprising a
longitudinal channel shaped to releasably retain a wire connecting
an accessory to the apparatus.
[0009] Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide
a convenient means, namely a neck strap, by which users of portable
electronic equipment, particularly equipment having a music
playback facility, can carry the said equipment about their person,
with a reduced risk of any wires or cables, associated with the
equipment and accessories, becoming entangled and possibly
damaged.
[0010] A typical accessory for use with the portable electronic
equipment is a headset. The headset may comprise one or two
earpieces. It may additionally include an in-line microphone to
enable the user to make hands free telephone calls. The headset may
also advantageously include an in-line remote control which can be
used to control certain functions of the telephone or music
player.
[0011] The wires or cables which connect an accessory to the
portable equipment may be stowed securely in channels provided in
the neckstrap. In this way, the wires are positioned so that they
are less likely to become entangled and possibly damaged. The user
is able to remove the wires and earpieces from the neckstrap when
he wishes to make use of the accessory. The channels are shaped to
allow wires to be easily retained within them, but also to allow
easy removal by the user when necessary. A preferred channel has a
generally c-shaped cross section, the extremities of the c-shape
forming a resilient enclosure for the wire.
[0012] Preferably, the neck strap is provided with one or more
channels which function to capture the wire and hold it captive
until removed by the user.
[0013] Preferably, the neck strap is provided with a pair of
channels so that wires associated with a pair of stereophonic
earpieces can be accommodated. The channels may be configured to
run from a fixed attachment point on the neck strap. Preferably,
the channels may be configured to run from a central point towards
the two endpoints.
[0014] In preferred embodiments, recesses are additionally provided
which accommodate the earpiece or earpieces of a headset. The
recesses act in a similar way to the longitudinal channels in that
they are formed from the same resilient material, and act to grip
the earpiece in position when stowed away. To release the earpiece,
the user simply has to pull it away from the neck strap.
[0015] Advantageously, the neck strap comprises mouldings or
recesses shaped to accommodate specific corresponding elements
which form part of the accessory. Preferred embodiments have
recesses for accommodating earpieces, microphones and remote
controls for a headset for use with a portable telephone, but other
elements can be envisaged.
[0016] Preferably, the strap includes a stud-like member, for
coupling with a mating part on the accessory, which secures the
accessory to the neck strap. In this way, the relative position of
the accessory to the neck strap may be maintained, ensuring that
the earpiece or earpieces are positioned correctly for retention by
the recesses provided.
[0017] A suitable technique for manufacturing the elongate element
is moulding using a suitable material such as a thermoplastic
elastomer or rubber-like substance.
[0018] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to
understand how the same may be brought into effect, the invention
will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to
the appended drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a view of a neck strap according to embodiments
of the invention together with a separate headset accessory;
and
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a view of a neck strap according to embodiments
of the invention with the headset accessory attached.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a neck strap 100 according to an embodiment of
the invention. The neck strap is constructed from a relatively
flexible thermo-plastic elastomeric material. A suitable technique
for manufacture of the material uses a moulding process. The
neckstrap is moulded as a unitary part.
[0022] The neck strap 100 is connected to the portable apparatus at
its end points 150. The means of connection is described later.
[0023] The neck strap 100 has a pair of longitudinal channels 110
running from a midpoint 140 of the strap towards the endpoints 150.
The channels 110 provide a resilient chamber for receiving the
wires associated with accessory 200. The channels have a cross
section approximating to a `C` shape. This shape enables the wire
to be easily inserted and retained in the channel, but also allows
it to be easily removed from the resilient closing provided by the
extremities of the `C` shaped channel.
[0024] The accessory 200 comprises a pair of stereophonic earpieces
220 and an in-line microphone 230. These are connected via wires
which run to a connector 210 which connects the accessory to a
portable telephone.
[0025] The accessory is mechanically connected to the neck strap at
locator stud 140 by a mating part 240. In this way, the position of
the accessory 200 relative to the neck strap 100 can be maintained.
The locator stud 140 is a rigid part added to the neck strap to
enable an accessory to be mechanically coupled to the neck strap.
The mating part 240 is integrally formed with the accessory. It is
relatively resilient and attaches to the stud 140 by a snap-fit
connection. The distance from the locating stud 140 and each recess
120 is matched by the distance from mating part 240 to each
earpiece 220.
[0026] When the user is listening to the audio player, which forms
part of his portable telephone, the earpieces 220 are positioned in
his ears. However, when he has finished listening to the audio
player, he can remove the earpieces 220 and insert them into the
recesses 120, which form part of the neck strap. The wires
connecting the earpieces can similarly be located in channels
110.
[0027] The recesses 120 and channels 110, as they are formed from a
relatively flexible elastomeric material, provide a means by which
the earpieces or wires can be releasably retained within a
resilient medium. This allows for them to be easily removed when so
desired by simply pulling them away from the neck strap.
[0028] When the headset accessory 200 is not in use, then the wires
and earpieces 220 are conveniently and tidily stored in the
recesses 120 and channels 110. The neck strap and accessory appear
to completely integrated, with no loose wires or parts hanging free
to become entangled or damaged.
[0029] When the headset accessory 200 is in use, then the earpieces
220 are removed from the recesses 120 and positioned in the user's
ears. The wire from the in-line microphone 230 and onward to the
locating part 240 is meanwhile retained within a channel 110, and
kept conveniently secure.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows the neck strap 100 when the headset accessory
200 has been stowed. The left hand side of the drawing, as shown,
portrays the earpiece and wire in the fully stowed position. The
right hand side of the drawing shows the wire prior to retention in
the channel 110. Earpieces 220 are held in place in recesses 120 by
the resilient nature of the material making up the neck strap 100.
Likewise, the wires are held in place in channels 110.
[0031] The neck strap is attached to a portable telephone at its
endpoints 150. The portable telephone (not shown) comprises a pair
of cords, each terminated in an elongate metal plug (not shown)
having a somewhat bulbous end.
[0032] The plugs are inserted into a hollow portion or recess
provided for this purpose at the endpoints 150 of the neck strap.
The resilient nature of the neck strap material ensures that the
mating connection is secure and will not easily separate. However,
if the neck strap is caught, for instance in a door, the plugs will
come free, thus limiting the risk of possible injury to the
user.
[0033] Use of such a connection system allows a variety of
different models of telephone to use the same neck strap.
[0034] Other connection methods are possible. For instance, the
neck strap can be provided with a sprung clip at each of its
endpoints which can be attached to appropriate parts of a portable
telephone. The skilled man will be aware of a number of alternative
schemes which achieve the desired effect.
[0035] The present invention includes any novel feature or
combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or any
generalisation thereof irrespective of whether or not it relates to
the claimed invention or mitigates any or all of the problems
addressed.
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