U.S. patent application number 11/101991 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-11 for telephone headset with indicator light.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lighten-Up, LLC. Invention is credited to Winegar, Patricia M..
Application Number | 20050175171 11/101991 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26938154 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050175171 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Winegar, Patricia M. |
August 11, 2005 |
Telephone headset with indicator light
Abstract
A telephone headset with an in-use or off-hook indicator light
that uses a light source on or attached to the headband, ear hook,
earpiece or boom components of the headset to indicate when the
wearer of the headset is using the telephone. The telephone headset
is configured for use with the headband type headset where the
light source is at the end of an extension member attached to the
headset, incorporated into the extension member or incorporated
into the headset. The telephone headset is configured for use with
the over-the-ear type of headset where the light source is at the
end of the extension or incorporated into the extension attached to
the ear hook or earpiece component. The extension member can be
formed from a section of fiber optic cable. The light source can
also connect to a microphone or microphone clip configured for
hands-free telephone use.
Inventors: |
Winegar, Patricia M.;
(Fresno, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RICHARD A. RYAN, ATTORNEY AT LAW
8497 N. MILLBROOK AVENUE, SUITE 104
FRESNO
CA
93720
US
|
Assignee: |
Lighten-Up, LLC
|
Family ID: |
26938154 |
Appl. No.: |
11/101991 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11101991 |
Apr 7, 2005 |
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09909911 |
Jul 20, 2001 |
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6879688 |
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60246693 |
Nov 9, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
379/430 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/6033 20130101;
H04M 1/05 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
379/430 |
International
Class: |
H04M 001/00; H04M
009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An improved telephone in-use indicator for use with a telephone
unit, comprising: a microphone attached to a microphone clip, said
microphone in operational connection with said telephone unit; and
a light source electrically connected to said telephone unit for
indicating when said telephone unit is in an off-hook
condition.
2. The telephone headset of claim 1, wherein said light source is
incorporated into said microphone.
3. The telephone headset of claim 1, wherein said light source is
incorporated into said microphone clip.
4. The telephone headset of claim 1 further comprising an extension
member on said microphone, said extension member configured to
extend upwardly from said microphone.
5. The telephone headset of claim 4, wherein said light source
located at the upward end of said extension member.
6. The telephone headset of claim 1 further comprising an extension
member on said microphone clip, said extension member configured to
extend upwardly from said microphone clip, said light source
located at the upward end of said extension member.
7. The telephone headset of claim 6, wherein said light source
located at the upward end of said extension member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/909,911 filed Jul. 20, 2001, now patented as U.S. Pat.
No. 6,879,688, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/246,693 filed Nov. 9, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A. Field of the Invention
[0003] The field of the present invention relates generally to
headset apparatuses for use with telephones. More specifically,
this invention relates to such telephone headsets having an
indicator means thereon for automatically indicating use of the
telephone headset. Even more specifically, this invention relates
to such telephone headsets having an indicator light thereon to
indicate that the person wearing the headset is on the
telephone.
[0004] B. Background
[0005] Many people utilize the telephone as an integral part of
their work or frequently at the home. Often these people are on the
phone for long periods of time, perhaps even the majority of the
time during the day. For convenience, comfort and/or improved
efficiency, it is common for these people to utilize a headset that
has a connecting cord connected to the telephone, telephone line or
telephone system. The typical telephone headsets come in two basic
types. One type is the over-the-head headset that has a headband
that places an earpiece near the ear and a microphone near the
person's mouth. The other type is the ear wrap or jack type that
utilizes an earpiece which wraps around the ear with a microphone
extending therefrom to be in front of the user's mouth. As with the
headband type, a connecting cord connects to the telephone,
telephone line or telephone system. However, unlike the previously
described headset, this type does not utilize a headband.
[0006] Telephone headsets have proven to be very popular because
they reduce the weight and difficulty associated with holding a
telephone handset for extended periods of time, whether the
telephone is held in the hand or on the person's shoulder.
Telephone headsets also allow the user some freedom of movement,
compared to the standard telephone handset. Although telephone
headsets provide significant advantages with regard to ease of use
and comfort, they create a problem in that other people are not
able to determine if the user of the headset is on a telephone call
or between telephone calls unless the wearer is actually talking.
When the headset user is not talking, it is very difficult, if not
impossible, to determine if the user is listening to another person
on the other end of the telephone line or merely waiting between
telephone calls. As a result, it is not at all uncommon for someone
to come up to a person wearing a telephone headset and start
talking to the headset user, not realizing that he or she is
actually engaged in a telephone conversation at that time. This
often requires the headset user to interrupt either or both the
person talking or the person on the other end of the line.
Naturally, this can create problems with trying to delicately
interrupt someone. Depending on the context, the interruption can
present some problems with regard to confidentiality or other
private matters. Even if the person who desires to talk to the
headset user does not speak, and therefore does not actually
interrupt, there is usually an awkward period of time that passes
until the headset user indicates that he or she is either available
to talk (because they are not on the telephone) or is not
available.
[0007] There are some telephone indicator mechanisms currently
available. Some of these mechanisms require the user to manually
activate a switch or button to indicate that they are on the
telephone and to switch it off when they are not. The need to
manually turn on or off the indicator mechanism severely limits the
usefulness of these devices. As would be expected, headset users
forget to turn them on, thereby eliminating the benefit of the
device, or forget to turn them off, which results in false
indication of telephone use (after time, this will be ignored).
There are some headset in-use devices that are intended to be
automatically activated by use of the headset. Unfortunately, these
headset indicator devices also have limitations which have limited
the commercial success of the devices.
[0008] For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,791 to Krasik discloses a
telephone headset on-line indicator that determines the "on-line"
or "off hook" condition by monitoring the voltage potential across
the two transmitting lines between the headset and the telephone
base unit. A light emitting diode at the end of the microphone boom
or mechanisms for lighting up the boom are provided. When the phone
is "off the hook" or other in-use condition is determined, the
circuitry lights up the diode or the microphone boom to indicate
that the user is "on-line" and should not be disturbed. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,359,647 to Regen, et al. discloses a headset in-use indicator
that utilizes a transformer and amplifier circuit to amplify the
audio signals across the transmission lines so as to determine if
the telephone headset is in use or off-hook. A signal activates a
light emitting diode or light emitting source at the end of the
microphone boom. Placement of the light emitting diode on the end
of the boom or lighting up the boom limits the ability of other
persons to see the light and, therefore, to know when the user
should not be disturbed.
[0009] What is needed, is an easy to use and effective means of
indicating to other people when the telephone headset user is on
the telephone, as opposed to just wearing the headset. The
preferred headset use indicator would automatically indicate to
another person when the telephone line is active so that he or she
would know not to interrupt the headset user. To be effective, the
indicator should clearly indicate to another that the user is on
the telephone line. It is therefore an object of the present
invention to overcome the disadvantages associated with presently
available headset use indicators and to provide a telephone headset
indicator that indicates when the user is actually on a telephone
call so that he or she will not be interrupted by others. It is
also an objective of the present invention to provide a headset
indicator mechanism that is automatically activated when the
telephone line is active. It is also an object of the present
invention to provide a telephone headset indicator that activates a
clearly positioned light when the user is on the telephone.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The telephone headset with indicator light apparatus of the
present invention solves the problems identified above. That is to
say, the present invention discloses a new and useful telephone
headset that is easy to use and effective at indicating when the
headset wearer is on the telephone. The headset of the present
invention maintains the lightweight and convenient benefits of
telephone headsets while eliminating the problems heretofore
associated with the use of these headsets.
[0011] The improved telephone headset is configured for use with a
telephone unit, such as a telephone, telephone system or telephone
line, and the headband and over-the-ear types of headsets. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the headset has a headband
that is used to support the headset on the head of a user, an
earpiece connected to both the headband and the telephone unit for
the user to hear the person with whom he or she is on the telephone
with and a boom that is connected (typically it is pivotally
connected) to the earpiece. At the distal end of the boom is a
microphone for the user to speak to the other person on the
telephone. A light indicator is attached to or incorporated into
the headset and is electrically connected to the telephone unit in
a manner that permits it to indicate when the telephone unit is in
an off-hook condition. When the telephone is in an off-hook
condition, the light source component of the indicator is
illuminated to indicate that the user is on the phone and should
not be disturbed. The indicator can be a light bulb, one or more
light emitting diodes ("LED") or fiber optic cable at the end of an
elongated extension member, which can be made to be adjustable in
height, connected to the headset's headband, boom or earpiece.
Alternatively, the light source can be incorporated inside the
extension member or in the headband or the extension member can be
made from a section of fiber optic cable.
[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
telephone headset is of the over-the-ear type of headset that
utilizes an ear hook that supports the headset on the head of a
user, an earpiece connected to the ear hook and the telephone unit
and a boom connected to the earpiece. The boom has the microphone
thereon, typically at the distal end of the boom. As with the
headband type of headset, the light indicator is located on the
headset and electrically connected to the telephone unit for
indicating when the telephone unit is in an off-hook condition. The
light indicator can be an elongated extension member that is
connected to the ear hook or earpiece. The extension member can
have a light source on its distal (upward). In another embodiment,
the light indicator is a light source, such as a fiber optic cable,
incorporated or made into the elongated extension member.
[0013] In yet another configuration, the present invention is an
improved telephone in-use indicator for use with a hands-free
telephone unit having a microphone attached to a microphone clip
and a light source electrically connected to the telephone unit for
indicating when the telephone unit is in an off-hook condition. The
light source can be incorporated into the microphone or microphone
clip or it can be at the end of or inside an extension member
extending upwardly from the microphone or microphone clip. The
light source can also be incorporated into the earpiece component
or, if used, the speaker component of the hands-free type of
device.
[0014] Accordingly, the primary objective of the present invention
is to provide a telephone headset with indicator light having the
features generally described above and more specifically described
below in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. It
is also an important objective of the present invention to provide
a telephone headset that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture,
easy to use and adaptable to existing telephones. It is also an
important objective of the present invention to provide a telephone
headset that utilizes a light source on an extension member
connected to the headset, in the extension member or in the headset
headband itself. It is also an important objective of the present
invention to provide a telephone headset indicator that is
adaptable to over-the-ear type of headset. The above and other
objectives of the present invention will be explained in greater
detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of
the preferred embodiment which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] In the drawings which illustrate the best modes presently
contemplated for carrying out the present invention:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a headband type of headset
incorporating an upwardly extending extension member in one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a headband type of headset
incorporating a fiber optic line into the headband in another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a headband type of headset
incorporating one or more LED strips into the headband in another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an over-the-ear type of headset
incorporating an upwardly extending extension member with a light
source at the end in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an over-the-ear type of headset
incorporating an upwardly extending extension member attached to
the earpiece portion of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an over-the-ear type of headset
incorporating an upwardly extending extension member with a fiber
optic line therein in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is an illustration of use of the present invention
incorporated into an extension member attached to a microphone of a
hands-free telephone device; and
[0023] FIG. 8 is an illustration of use of the present invention
incorporated into the microphone of a hands-free telephone
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] With reference to the figures where like elements have been
given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader's
understanding of the present invention, and particularly with
reference to the embodiments of the present invention illustrated
in the attached figures, the preferred embodiments of the present
invention are set forth below. In the preferred embodiments of the
present invention, shown generally as 10 in FIGS. 1 through 6 for
an over-the-head headband type of headset and an over-the-ear or
ear wrap type headset, the improved telephone headset with
indicator means 10 comprises an earpiece 12 for allowing the user
to hear the person on the other end of the telephone line, a
microphone 14 at the end of a curved microphone boom 16 for
speaking to that person and a connecting line 18 that connects the
headset 10 to the telephone, telephone line or telephone system
(shown generally as telephone unit 20 in FIG. 1). The over-the-head
type headset, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, also comprises a headband 22
that is configured to go over the user's head and be adjustably and
removably affixed thereto. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the indicator mechanism, shown generally as 24,
comprises an extension member 26 that extends upwardly from headset
10 with a light source 28 at the upwardly most end of extension
member 26. Extension member 26 can attach and extend upwardly from
the earpiece 12, boom 16 or headband 22 portion of the headset 10
of the present invention.
[0025] Extension member 26, shown in FIGS. 1,4 and 5, can be an
antenna-like member that is either made out of a single length
piece of material or it can be comprised of two or more telescoping
pieces to allow the user to select the height above headband 22
that light source 28 will be positioned. The user can adjust the
height of extension member 26 so that it can be seen from any
position (i.e., whether the user is facing or has his or her back
to someone who may interrupt the user) and whether the user's hair
would otherwise interfere with seeing light source 28. Extension
member 26 can be made out of a tubular, light weight material so as
not to add much weight to headband 22. Materials suitable for
extension member 26 include lightweight metals, plastic, fiberglass
and the like. The wiring necessary to connect the telephone
transmission wires to the light source can pass through the
interior of extension member 26 to connect to light source 28. As
is known in the art (i.e., as disclosed in the Krasik patent
referenced above), light source 28 is wired or otherwise connected
to the telephone connecting line 18 such that when the telephone 20
on-hook or on-line signal is active (i.e., when the headset user is
on the telephone 20) the light source 28 is turned on to indicate
that the user is "talking" on the telephone 20 (whether they or the
person on the other end of the line are actually speaking or not).
The light source 28 can be a standard small light bulb or a light
emitting diode ("LED") that is connected to the electrical wiring
of the telephone headset 10 or it can be a fiber optic light
source, such as a fiber optic line that terminates at the end of
extension 26 or which emits light along extension 26 (requiring
extension 26 to be made out of a transparent or semi-transparent
material). Alternatively, extension 26 can be formed from a
sufficiently stiff section of fiber optic cable, such that the
fiber optic cable is the extension. As set forth above, light can
emit from the end or the sides of extension 26. The light source 28
can emit light of any one of a variety of colors, however, it is
likely that certain colors will be more visible and, therefore,
more desirable for certain uses.
[0026] One embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 2
and 6, incorporates fiber optic line(s) directly into the improved
headset 10. Typically, fiber optic light sources comprise an outer
plastic tubing with one or more strands of fibers inside the tubing
that transmit light from one end of the tubing to the other end.
Some types of fiber optic light lines utilize an opaque tubing that
primarily transmits the light to the end of the tubing where it can
radiate light similar to a light bulb. Another type of fiber optic
cable is known as side-emitting fiber optic cables due to the
transparent nature of the tubing, which causes light to emit from
the entire length of the tubing, or at least that portion that is
not intentionally blackened out. In either type of fiber optic
line, the tubing is typically made out of plastic or other
materials and are known to be flexible and lightweight. Unlike the
electrical wires used for standard lighting, fiber optic lines do
not transmit electricity along the length of the line and do not
heat up from the transmission of the light. To get the light into
the optic fibers, an end of the line should be open (i.e., not
sealed or closed) such that the hollow optic fibers can be exposed
to an emitting light source. The side-emitting fiber optic line 30
can be used along the entire, or a desired portion, of headband 22,
as shown in FIG. 2, to indicate use of the telephone 20. When the
user is on the phone (i.e., the telephone is off the hook), light
will be transmitted through the fiber optic line 30 lighting up the
area of the headband 22. Alternatively, one or more LED strips,
shown as 32 in FIG. 3, can be utilized to light up the headband to
indicate use of the telephone 20 by the user (i.e., telephone off
the hook).
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, which illustrate the use of
the present invention with an over-the-ear or ear wrap type of
headset 10, the indicator light source 28 can be located at the end
of or along extension member 26 that extends upwardly from headset
10, which is typically an adjustable frame-type unit having ear
hook 34 that connects around the base of a user's ear. This type of
headset is preferred by many people do to the less intrusive nature
of the headset 10 and the reduced likelihood of affecting the
user's hair. FIG. 4 illustrates the embodiment where a light bulb
or LED 28 is positioned at the furthermost upward end of extension
member 26 and extension member 26 connects directly to ear hook 34
and extends upwardly therefrom. FIG. 5 illustrates the embodiment
where extension member 26 connects directly to earpiece 12 and
extends upwardly therefrom. FIG. 6 illustrates the use of a side
emitting fiber optic cable (not shown) inside extension member 26,
causing part or all of extension member 26 to light up when the
user is on the telephone 20. As set forth in the headband
embodiment above, extension member 26 can formed from a
sufficiently stiff section of fiber optic cable that emits light
from the sides and/or end of extension 26. In each of these
embodiments, extension member 26 is preferred to be adjustable in
height (i.e., by being telescoping or otherwise) to allow the user
to adjust the position of light source 28 so that it can be best
seen by someone who approaches and who would otherwise disturb the
user of headset 10. For instance, for some users it is necessary to
adust the height of light source 28 upward to avoid interference
with their hair.
[0028] In either headset 10 configuration, i.e., the headband type
or ear wrap type, the indicator 24 should be lightweight so as not
to be bothersome and bright enough so as to effectively indicate
use of telephone 20. The light source indicator 24 is wired or
otherwise connected to the telephone line 18 such that when
telephone 20 is active (i.e., the headset user is on the telephone
with another person), the indicator 24 will automatically be
activated. As soon as the headset user disconnects from the
telephone line 18 (i.e., hangs up), the indicator 24 will
deactivate, thereby indicating that the headset user is available
for other (i.e., non-telephone) conversations.
[0029] In use, the headset user merely places the headset 10 on as
he or she would normally utilize the headset 10, whether it is the
over-the-head type or ear wrap type. If an adjustable extension 26
is utilized, the user can extend it to the desired height. No other
effort is required by the headset user. When the telephone rings or
the user makes a telephone call, the indicator 24 will become
activated and light source 28 will emit light to indicate the
telephone headset 10 is in use (that the telephone 20 is "off-hook"
or the user is "on-line"). Light source 28, 30 or 32 can be any
desired color. Use of the headset 10 of the present invention
allows a user's co-workers or other persons to easily determine
that he or she is "talking" on the telephone 20 and should not be
disturbed.
[0030] In addition to the above, the headset of the present
invention is adaptable for use with the radio/intercom connecting
headsets that are utilized by many people in various industries.
For instance, many fast food and other companies utilize a radio
headset that allows the user to be in communication with each other
or customers. In this manner, when a customer of such an
establishment or a co-worker is near (or at least in sight) of the
user of the headset 10, they will know when the user is conversing
with another person and know not to speak to the user. This will
avoid such problems as where a person orders food, pulls up to the
window and then starts talking to the order person while the order
person, unbeknownst to the person starting to talk, is conversing
with another person ordering food. Many other example are also
applicable to headset 10.
[0031] The headset 10 of the present invention can also be utilized
with hands-free cellular/mobile telephones that some people use
while driving their vehicles or during other activities where there
hands need to be free. In one configuration of this type of use,
shown as FIG. 7, extension member 26 and light source 28 can be
attached to and extend upwardly from the microphone 36 or
microphone clip 38 that attaches to an article of the person's.
Alternatively, not shown, extension member 26 and light source 28
can attach to the earpiece portion of these devices. In another
alternative embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 8,
light source 28 can be incorporated directly onto the microphone 36
or the microphone clip 38. In these configurations, a person near
the user of the present invention (such as a person traveling in
the same vehicle with the user) will know that the user is on the
line with someone whether the user is actually speaking or not
(i.e., the user is just listening). As with the other embodiments,
the present invention can help prevent the user from being
interrupted while they are on the telephone, particularly when the
user is not speaking and, therefore, would not otherwise indicate
to others that they are connected on the telephone.
[0032] While there are shown and described herein certain specific
alternative forms of the invention, it will be readily apparent to
those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but
is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in
design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present
invention is subject to modification with regard to the dimensional
relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly,
materials, size, shape, and use. The present invention resides in
the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and
combination of elements presently described and understood by the
claims.
* * * * *