WO2010063081A1

WO2010063081A1 - Hands-free kit

Info

Publication number: WO2010063081A1
Application number: PCT/BE2008/000094
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ivan Peeters; Jurgen Demeulemeester
Original assignee: Ivan Peeters; Jurgen Demeulemeester
Priority date: 2008-11-19
Filing date: 2008-11-19
Publication date: 2010-06-10

Abstract

A hands-free kit comprises at least one signal cable, a microphone and at least one earphone provided with a loudspeaker. The hands-free kit is intended to be connected to an apparatus, for example a mobile apparatus such as a cellphone. The hands-free kit is provided with a roll-up system for the signal cable, and the microphone is provided as an extension to the at least one earphone. The signal cable is provided for transmitting a signal, in particular an audio signal, from the apparatus, for example the cellphone, to an ear. The hands-free kit according to embodiments of the present invention has the advantage of being more convenient to use than known hands-free kits.

Description

HANDS-FREE KIT

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a hands-free kit, for combination with an apparatus, for example portable or mobile apparatuses or appliances, such as cellphones, walkmans, diskmans, dictaphones, portable radio appliances or communication appliances, portable CD-ROM or DVD players, GPS appliances, MP3 players, iPods and the like. The invention is in particular useful for mobile apparatuses or appliances having, in addition to a sound- reproducing function, also a sound-recording function.

Prior art

It is known that the use of mobile appliances has risen markedly in recent years. In many cases, sound signals from mobile appliances have to be brought to the user's ear. In certain circumstances, it is not permitted or not convenient for the user himself to bring the appliance to his ear, for example in the case of a cellphone such as a GSM, which is used by a person when driving a vehicle, for example on a public road.

Hands-free kits may for this application be, for example, systems which are fastened to the vehicle, such as a hands-free kit which is mounted in the vehicle, one or more loudspeakers and one or more microphones being placed in the vehicle and assuming the task of the loudspeaker and microphone of the cellphone.

The available hands-free kits 10 which are not connected to the vehicle, an example of which is represented in Fig. 1 , are in many cases very awkward to use, for example as a result of the long wires 11 or cables connecting the sound-reproducing and sound-recording functions of the mobile appliance (not shown) to a loudspeaker 12 and a microphone 13 respectively and which easily become knotted or for example entangled around the gearstick.

Other mobile apparatuses, such as for example an iPod, have a roll-up system for rolling up signal cables, so that the problem of knotting is solved. A system of this type is described inter alia in JP-63-300081.

A roll-up system of this type cannot be used for mobile apparatuses which also have a sound-recording function, because, in order to function properly, the microphone is necessarily fastened to a cable at a well-defined distance from the ear.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hands-free kit for a mobile appliance, wherein signal cables do not become knotted when the mobile appliance is not in use. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hands-free kit of this type, in particular for mobile appliances also having a sound-recording function.

This objective is achieved by providing a hands-free kit according to the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a hands-free kit is provided that comprises at least one signal cable, a microphone and at least one earphone provided with a loudspeaker. The hands-free kit is intended to be connected to an apparatus, for example a mobile apparatus such as a cellphone. The hands-free kit is provided with a roll-up system for the signal cable, and the microphone is provided as an extension to the at least one earphone. The term "as an extension" means that the microphone is not provided on the signal cable, but via a flexible or non-flexible connection piece on the at least one earphone. The signal cable is provided for transmitting a signal, in particular an audio signal, from the apparatus, for example the cellphone, to an ear. The hands-free kit according to embodiments of the present invention has the advantage of being more convenient to use than known hands-free kits.

In a hands-free kit according to embodiments of the present invention, the microphone is provided as an extension to the at least one earphone by means of a solid connection such as for example a rod. This rod can be deformable by exerting a predetermined force, for example in order to direct the microphone towards the user's mouth. In that way, the microphone, which is positioned in the prolongation of one of the earphones, is brought substantially in parallel with the signal cable between the roll-up system and the earphone. The term "deformable" means that the shape of the rod can be altered under an external force, or deformation force, and this changed shape will remain virtually completely after the deformation force is taken away. In the context of the invention, the deformation force must be understood as a force having a strength of the same order of magnitude as a force that can be exerted by a normal person using his or her fingers, i.e. by finger manipulation. In alternative embodiments, the microphone can be provided as an extension to the at least one earphone by means of a non-solid connection, such as for example a straight or spiral-shaped cable. The spiral-shaped cable can optionally be wound around the signal cable. In some of these embodiments, the microphone hangs down under the influence of gravity. The at least one signal cable is connected to the at least one earphone in order to provide the earphone with a signal which is obtained from, for example, electric or acoustic elements which generate or receive this signal on the basis of information, for example an input signal, which is received from the mobile appliance connected to the hands-free kit. In embodiments of the present invention, the earphone, also known as an "earpiece", is provided with means, for example a coupling system, of attaching the earphone to an ear in a simple manner, for example by clipping a clamping system to or on the ear, for example to the ear lobe or auricle. When the earphone is not in use, the signal cable, which the signal, which is a sound signal or an electric signal which is converted into sound by an electronic chip or component present in the loudspeaker, can be rolled up on the roll-up system and thus constitute no further obstruction.

The rolling-up of the signal cable can optionally take place by means of a moment which is exerted on the roll-up system, for example by a spring, for example a torsion spring. The spring is tensioned as a result of the unrolling of the signal cable. The roll-up system can be provided with a braking system or blocking system which prevents the signal cable, once the signal cable is partly or completely unrolled as a result of the exerting of a force on the signal cable, for example a tensile force, from being spontaneously rolled back up by the roll-up system. Optionally, the braking system or blocking system can be deactivated by exerting a tensile force for a short time on the signal cable, wherein the rolling-up starts again.

The signal cable can be guided through an opening in the housing in order to guide the signal cable to the roll-up system in the housing. Optionally, this opening is provided with a guide or a guiding system, for example a guide or guiding surface which is embodied in a funnel-shaped manner and guides the signal cable in the opening. In specific embodiments, the roll-up system comprises a housing provided with a first fastening means for detachabiy fastening the microphone to this housing. The fastening means may be one from the group consisting of a magnet, Velcro, a click-in system or a plug-in system.

The term "housing" means a casing in which various of the components of the hands-free kit are accommodated. The housing can be made of any suitable material, for example metal, but also plastic, for example extruded plastic, optionally glass or other fiber-reinforced plastic or the like.

A hands-free kit according to embodiments of the present invention can further be provided with a second fastening means for fastening, optionally detachabiy fastening, the housing of the roll-up system to an apparatus having a sound-recording function, for example a cellphone. For example, the hands- free kit comprises a tape, for example an elastic tape or elastic band, with which the mobile appliance can be fastened on the hands-free kit. Alternatively, the hands-free kit is provided with an adhesive surface, for example a surface comprising pressure-sensitive adhesive, in order to fasten the mobile appliance thereon.

It goes without saying that a hands-free kit according to embodiments of the present invention can comprise two earphones, for example two identical or two similar earphones, which are connected to the at least one signal cable. Optionally, each earphone is connected to a separate signal cable. Each of these signal cables can optionally be rolled up in the housing by the at least one roll-up system, or by further roll-up systems which may be identical or similar to the first roll-up system. Optionally, the hands-free kit comprises two earphones, of which one is suitable to be coupled to a left ear of a user, and the other earphone is suitable to be coupled to the right ear of the user.

A hands-free kit according to embodiments of the present invention can further be provided with a switch in order to accept or reject a call from an external apparatus, for example a cellphone. This switch may or may not be accommodated in the housing of the roll-up system. It may for example be provided in the axis of the roll-up mechanism. In embodiments of the invention, the switch can form the axis of the roll-up mechanism.

The hands-free kit according to embodiments of the present invention can optionally further be provided with a coupling system in order to couple the hands-free kit to the user or to an item of clothing worn or object carried by the user. For example, the hands-free kit can be provided with one or more loops to receive a belt, for example a trouser belt, waistband or a similar band- shaped object forming part of the user's clothing. Furthermore or alternatively, the hands-free kit can be provided with a clip for clipping to an item of clothing, for example a collar of an item of clothing; a shirt fastener, a pocket, for example a breast pocket, or a similar part of the clothing.

A hands-free kit according to embodiments of the present invention can further comprise a connector for connecting the at least one earphone to an apparatus, for example a mobile apparatus such as a cellphone. The connector can be connected to the signal wire via a coupling or couple piece. The coupling can comprise a cord which connects the connector to the at least one signal wire.

By using a coupling, various sorts of connectors can be used, allowing connections to various apparatuses, for example various mobile appliances or even different versions or different makes. The connector can be removable from the cord or can be designed as part of a set of adapters. Each adapter has on one side a coupling facility, adapted to connect to the coupling, and is on the other side suitable to be coupled to one or more types of appliances as a result of the provision of a connector, which connector is specifically suitable for connecting to this appliance or this type of appliances.

Additional signal-processing elements can optionally be provided between the connector via which a signal, which is delivered by the mobile appliance to the hands-free kit, and the signal wire which supplies a signal to the at least one earphone. The connector is connected to the signal wire via these signal-processing elements. Alternatively, the signal received via the connector is identical to the signal supplied to the earphone via the signal wire. In this case, the connector may be connected directly to the signal wire optionally via the adapter and cord.

Separate and preferential aspects of the invention are presented in associated independent and dependent claims. Characteristic features of the dependent claims can be combined in an appropriate manner with characteristic features of the independent claims and with characteristic features of other dependent claims, and not only as explicitly presented in the claims.

The reference numerals as used hereinafter refer to the attached drawings. Other characteristic features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description together with the attached figures which illustrate, as an example, the principles of the invention.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a hands-free kit according to the prior art. Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a hands-free kit according to an embodiment of the invention, in an at least partially extended or unrolled state. Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the hands-free kit represented in Fig. 2, in a substantially fully retracted or rolled-up state.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a fastening mechanism for attaching a loudspeaker to an ear or another base.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of the back of the hands-free kit represented in Fig. 2.

Fig. 6(a) and (b) are schematic representations of hands-free kits according to embodiments of the present invention, Fig. 6(a) being an illustration of a hands-free kit which is fastened, in the rolled-up state, to a mobile apparatus such as for example a cellphone, and Fig. 6(b) being an illustration of the hands-free kit in the rolled-up state, but not fastened to a mobile apparatus.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of an alternative hands-free kit according to an embodiment of the present invention, a part of the housing of the roll-up system having been omitted for the sake of clarity.

Fig. 8(a), (b), (c), (d) are schematic representations of various embodiments of connections between an earphone and a microphone, in each case in the rolled-up, partially unrolled and fully unrolled state, except for Fig. 8(c) in which the partially unrolled state is not represented.

In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like or analogous elements.

Embodiment

The present invention will be described based on specific embodiments and with reference to specific figures. However, the invention is not limited thereto; on the contrary, it is only limited by the scope of protection of the claims. These figures are only schematic and non-limiting. In the figures, the dimensions of some elements may be drawn in enlarged form and not to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to the actual dimensions of physical embodiments.

Furthermore, the terms "first", "second", "third" and similar terms are used only to distinguish between various like elements and these terms do not necessarily describe a specific sequence, neither in time, nor in space, order of rank, order of succession or in any other manner. It will be clear that the terms are mutually exchangeable under suitable circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described in the present document can function in a sequence other than that described or illustrated in the present document.

It should be noted that the term "contain" must not be interpreted as being limited to the steps, elements, pieces, components or the like that are named thereafter. This term does not rule out any further steps, elements, pieces, components or the like. It indicates the presence of steps, elements, pieces, components or the like, but does not rule out the presence of one or more steps, elements, pieces, components or the like, or groups of steps, elements, pieces, components or the like. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device containing A and B" is not limited to a device consisting solely of A and B. It means that, in the light of the present invention, the components or elements that are relevant to the invention are A and B.

A reference to "one" or "an" embodiment means that specific characteristic features, properties or structures described in relation to that embodiment are at least integrated into at least one embodiment according to the invention. Therefore, references to "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" in various parts of the description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the specific characteristic features, properties or structures can be combined in one or more embodiments, as will be clear to a person skilled in the art.

In a similar manner, it will be understood that, in the description of the embodiments presented as an example, various characteristic features of the invention are sometimes grouped in one embodiment, figure or part of the description with the aim of providing a clear description in order to make the various characteristic features of the invention clear. However, this manner of presentation does not mean that the invention should contain more characteristic features than those which are worded in the claims. Instead, as is apparent from the following claims, the inventiveness of the invention resides in fewer than all the characteristic features of one single preceding embodiment as described. Thus, the claims following the description are explicitly integrated therein in the detailed description of the invention, each of the claims forming per se a separate embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, although some embodiments contain specific characteristic features described in the present document and do not contain others, combinations of characteristic features of the various embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the invention, as will be comprehensible to the person skilled in the art. For example, all the embodiments hereinafter may be combined in all possible combinations, unless otherwise stated.

The enclosed description describes and represents numerous details. It will however be clear that the invention can be carried out without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, structures, elements and the like are not shown in order to avoid making the description needlessly unclear in the light of the invention.

The invention will now be described based on a detailed description of various embodiments of the invention. It will be clear that other embodiments may be configured in accordance with the knowledge of the person skilled in the art without departing from the technical contribution according to the spirit of the invention. The invention is limited merely by the wording of the appended claims.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a hands- free kit 20 in the half rolled-out state. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a hands-free kit 20 as represented in Fig. 2, but in this case in the rolled-up state.

The hands-free kit 20 comprises in this embodiment one or more earphones 21 , for example two earphones 21 , each provided with a loudspeaker 22. In embodiments of the invention, the earphones 21 can be provided with a clamping system 40 for clamping the loudspeaker 22 to the ear or another base, as for example illustrated in Fig. 4. Other fastening mechanisms for fastening the earphones 21 to the ear or another base can also be provided in alternative embodiments. The hands-free kit 20 comprises in this embodiment a signal cable 23 connected to the earphone 21. The hands-free kit 20 further comprises a roll- up system 25 for rolling up the signal cable 23.

The hands-free kit 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention further comprises a microphone 24 as an extension to an earphone 21 , as illustrated in Fig. 2. This means that the microphone 24, in contrast to the prior art, is not fastened directly to the signal cable 23 between the earphone 21 and the roll-up system 25, but is fastened to the earphone 21 via a solid or non-solid connection. The connection between the microphone 24 and the earphone 21 may be a simple cable 80, as represented in Fig. 8(a). In alternative embodiments, it may be a cable 81 wound up in a spiral shape, as represented in Fig. 8(b). In further alternative embodiments, the connection between the microphone 24 and earphone 21 may be a solid connection 82, as represented in Fig. 8(c). The solid connection 82 may optionally be deformable in order to bring the microphone 24 into a better position. In further alternative embodiments, as represented in Fig. 8(d), the connection between the microphone 24 and earphone 21 may be a spiral-shaped cable 83, which is wound around the signal cable 23 in a spiral-shaped manner. In all cases, the connection between the microphone 24 and earphone 21 has dimensions adapted to the distance between the ear and mouth, in order to receive sound, for example speech, in an optimum manner.

The roll-up system 25, and more particularly in the illustrated embodiment the housing 26 of the roll-up system, contains a first fastening mechanism 27 for detachabiy fastening the microphone 24 to the roll-up system 25. A part of the housing 26 of the roll-up system 25 has been omitted in Fig. 2 for the sake of clarity. In a well-defined embodiment, the first fastening mechanism 27 may for example be a magnet which automatically couples, during rolling-up of the signal cable 23 in the housing 26 of the roll-up system 25, to a metal plate or component of the microphone 24 or to a metal plate or component at the connection 62 between the earphone 21 and microphone 24. In an equivalent manner, the first fastening mechanism 27 may be a metal plate which automatically couples, during the rolling-up of the signal cable 23 in the housing 26 of the roll-up system 25, to a magnet in the microphone 24 or to the connection 62 between the earphone 21 and microphone 24. Alternatively, mutually attracting magnets are attached both on or in the roll-up system 25 and on the microphone 24 or the connection 62 between the earphone 21 and microphone 24. In an alternative embodiment, the first fastening mechanism 27 may for example be a piece of hook-and-loop tape fastener, e.g. Velcro®, which attaches to a corresponding surface on the microphone 24. In a further alternative embodiment, the first fastening mechanism 27 may for example be a click-in system, such as for example a press-stud, a first part of the click-in system being fastened to the housing 26, and a second part of the click-in system being fastened to the microphone 24; the first and the second part of the click-in system are adapted in such a way that they can in some way click-engage with each other. According to a further alternative embodiment, the fastening mechanism 27 can consist of a tongue- and-groove connection, there being provided on the housing 26 or on the microphone 24 a tongue (protruding part) which fits precisely into a corresponding groove which is provided in the microphone 24 or housing 26 respectively. An example of a fastening mechanism of this type is a dovetail connection.

An example of a first fastening mechanism designed as a magnet 27 is illustrated in Fig. 3. The illustrated state is that in which the signal cable 23 has been rolled up sufficiently far that only the loudspeakers 22 still protrude from the housing 26 of the roll-up system 25, and a metal plate 62 on the solid connection 82 between the earphone 22 and the microphone 24 is attracted by the magnet 27. Of course, the opposite situation is also an embodiment of the invention, with a magnet on the microphone 24 or the connection between the earphone 22 and microphone 24, and a metal component provided on the housing (optionally a completely or partially metallic housing). Likewise an embodiment of the invention is that in which the illustration in Fig.3 illustrates a first magnet 27 on the roll-up system 25, and a second magnet 62 on the solid connection 82 between the earphone 22 and the microphone 24, both magnets having opposite poles which are arranged in such a way that they exert a force of attraction on each other.

A hands-free kit 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention can further comprise, for example, a sound volume regulator (not shown in the figures) for regulating the volume of the sound supplied to the loudspeaker 22.

The hands-free kit 20 further comprises a connector 28 for connecting the earphone 21 , in particular the loudspeaker 22 and the microphone 24, to a mobile apparatus, such as for example a cellphone 60 (see Fig. 6). In the embodiments in Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 to Fig. 6, the connector 28 is connected to the signal cable 23 via a coupling 29.

The coupling 29 represented comprises a further signal cable or cord 30. The connector 28 may be removable from the cord 30 and form part of a set of adapters, of which one adapter 31 is shown in Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 5. This adapter 31 has on one side a coupling facility 32, adapted to be connected to the coupling 29. The coupling 29 has for this purpose a corresponding coupling facility 33. The adapter 31 has on the other side a connector 34 which is suitable for coupling to one or more types of mobile appliances. An intermediate cord 35 between the coupling facility 32 and connector 34 may optionally be provided. Depending on the mobile appliance to which the hands-free kit 20 is to be coupled, a suitable adapter 31 with a suitable connector 34 can be selected. In alternative embodiments, the adapter 31 can be connected directly to the cord 30 and not be removable therefrom. In that case, the adapter 31 is non-exchangeable.

In the embodiments as shown in the figures, no signal-processing components or elements are provided in the housing 26 of the roll-up system 25. The signal from the mobile appliance 60 is transmitted via the connector 34, the adapter 31 of which forms part of the connector 34, and the coupling 29, of which the cord 30 forms part, directly to the loudspeaker(s) 21 via the signal cable 23. A signal coming from the microphone 24 is directly transmitted to the mobile appliance 60, also via the signal cable 23, coupling 29 and adaptor 31 with the connector 34. The cord 30 and the signal cable 23 may thus be identical, for example be directly connected to each other, or may even form a single entity.

The signals which are delivered from the mobile appliance 60 to the loudspeakers) 22 are converted by electric components in the loudspeakers) 22 itself/themselves into appropriate sound signals. The sound signals which are delivered from the microphone 24 to the mobile appliance 60 are converted by electric components in the microphone 24 itself into appropriate electric signals. A switch (not shown) can be provided on the housing 26 of the roll-up system 25 in order to accept or reject calls. This switch can be provided in the axis of the roll-up mechanism. In embodiments of the invention, the switch may form the axis of the roll-up mechanism.

The housing 26 of the roll-up system 25 may for example be a plastic or metal housing having, for example, two halves which can be mounted on each other and together enclose a space in which the signal cable 23 can be rolled up. In embodiments of the invention, in addition to the signal cable, the cord 30 can also be rolled up in the housing 26. In embodiments of the invention, the signal cable 23 and the cord 30 can be symmetrically rolled up within the housing 26, i.e. for each centimeter of signal cable 23 that is rolled up, one centimeter of cord 30 is also rolled up. A roll-up system as for example known from JP-63-300081 can be used for this purpose.

In alternative embodiments, separate mechanisms are provided for rolling up the signal cable 23 and the cord 30, as represented for example in Fig. 7, in which a first roll-up mechanism is provided with rolls 70 and 71 for rolling up the signal cable 23, and a second roll-up mechanism with a roll 72 for rolling up the cord 30. The rolls 70, 71 and 72 are each rotatable about an axis. Each roll-up mechanism can comprise a guiding mechanism which guides the signal cable 23, or the cord 30 respectively, in the axial direction, i.e. the direction of the axes of the rolls 70, 71 , 72, back and forth along the axes of these rolls.

The rolling-up of the signal cable 23 can take place by means of a moment which is exerted on the first roll-up system comprising rolls 70, 71 by a torsion spring. The torsion spring is tensioned as a result of the unrolling of the signal cable 23. The first roll-up system has a braking system or blockage system which prevents the signal cable 23, once the signal cable 23 is partly or completely unrolled as a result of the exerting of a force on the signal cable that causes the unrolling, from being spontaneously rolled back up by the first roll-up system 70, 71.

The hands-free kit 20 can further comprise facilities to roll up the cord 30 in the housing 25. This rolling-up would be possible by means of the same first roll-up system that is used for rolling up the signal cable 23, but is performed in the embodiments as shown in Fig. 7 by a second roll-up system comprising the roll 72.

The second roll-up system rolls the cord 30 up on a roll 72 which can rotate about an axis 73. The second roll-up system can comprise a guiding mechanism which guides the cord 30 in the axial direction, which is the direction of the axis 73, back and forth along this axis 73.

The rolling-up of the cord 30 can take place by means of a moment which is exerted on the second roll-up system by a torsion spring. The torsion spring is tensioned as a result of the unrolling of the cord 30 under the influence of a force. The second roll-up system has a braking system or blocking system which prevents the cord 30, once the cord 30 is partly or completely unrolled as a result of the exerting of a force on the cord 30 that causes the unrolling, from being spontaneously rolled back up by the second roll-up system. The cord 30 and the signal cable 23 both have an end which remains present on the roll 72 or on one of the rolls 70, 71 , even in the fully unrolled state. These two ends can optionally be connected by a coupling part 74.

The roll-up system 25, and more particularly in the illustrated embodiment the housing 26 of the roll-up system, can contain a second fastening mechanism 50 for detachably fastening the roll-up system 25 to an apparatus, for example a cellphone 60. In a well-defined embodiment, the second fastening mechanism 50 may for example be a magnet which automatically couples to a metal component of the apparatus, for example the cellphone 60. In an alternative embodiment, the second fastening mechanism 50 may for example be a piece of hook-and-loop tape fastener, e.g. Velcro®, which attaches to a corresponding surface 61 on the apparatus, for example the cellphone 60. In a further alternative embodiment, the second fastening mechanism 50 may for example be a click-in system, such as for example a press-stud, a first part of the click-in system being fastened to the housing 26, and a second part of the click-in system being fastened to the apparatus, for example the cellphone 60; the first and the second part of the click-in system are adapted in such a way that they can in some way click-engage with each other. According to a further alternative embodiment, the fastening mechanism 50 can consist of a tongue-and-groove connection, there being provided on the housing 26 or on the apparatus, for example the cellphone 60, a tongue (protruding part) which fits precisely into a corresponding groove which is provided in the apparatus or the housing 26 respectively. An example of a fastening mechanism of this type is a dovetail connection. In a further alternative embodiment, the fastening mechanism 50 provided is an adhesive surface, for example a surface comprising pressure-sensitive adhesive, in order to fasten the apparatus, for example the cellphone 60, thereto.

The hands-free kit 20 can optionally further be provided with a coupling system (not shown) to couple the hands-free kit to the user or to an item of clothing worn or object carried by the user. For example, the hands-free kit can be provided with one or more loops in order to receive a belt, for example a trouser belt, waistband or a similar band-shaped object forming part of the user's closing. Furthermore or alternatively, the hands-free kit 20 can be provided with a clip in order to be clipped to an item of clothing, for example a collar of an item of clothing; a shirt fastener, a pocket, for example a breast pocket, or a similar part of the clothing.

In the embodiment seen most clearly in Fig. 4, the clamping force of the clamping system 40, which is exerted on, for example, an ear to which the earphone 21 can be clamped, is adjustable.

The clamping system 40 comprises a clamp or clip with two legs 41 , 42 between which an object or carrier, for example a part of the ear, can be clamped. The two legs 41 , 42 may be mutually rotatable with respect to a common axis of rotation 43. The clamping force is caused by a spring, for example a torsion spring, which causes a rotation toward each other of the legs 41 , 42 about the axis 43. This rotation can for example be limited by an adjustable screw or adjustable vice 44, also known as a set vice. By adapting the set vice 44, it is possible to define the opening which finally remains between the clamping sides 45, 46 of the two legs 41 , 42. It is thus possible to limit or regulate the clamping force which is exerted by the clamping legs 41 , 42 on an object located between the legs. Optionally, the clamping sides 45, 46 are provided with a force-balancing object or surface, for example a cushion 47 or foam. As also seen most clearly in Fig. 4, the connection 48 between the loudspeaker 22 of the earphone 21 and the clamping system 40 of the earphone 21 is preferably designed to be flexible.

The loudspeaker 22, which in this embodiment is rod-shaped, is connected to the clamping system 40 of the earphone 21 via a movable or deformable medium, in this design a deformable rod or support 48. Before or after the earphone 21 is fastened to the ear, the sound signal generated by the loudspeaker 22 can be directed into the auditory duct by bending, i.e. deforming, the rod or support 48.

The rod or support 48 may for example be a deformable piece of plastic.

When using the apparatus, for example a cellphone 60, the second connection element 50 can optionally be detached from the apparatus. Afterwards, at least the signal cable 23 and optionally the cord 30 are unrolled. During unrolling of the signal cable 23, the microphone 24 is detached from the housing 26 of the roll-up system 25, as represented in Fig. 8(a), (b), (c) and (d). The signal cable 23 is unrolled at least sufficiently far that the at least one earphone 21 can be introduced into or attached to the ear. The microphone 24, which is attached as an extension to the earphone, then assumes, for example automatically, a position such that it can easily receive sound, for example speech, and transmit it to the mobile apparatus 60. At that instant, the microphone is brought substantially in parallel with the signal cable between the roll-up system and the earphone. The apparatus is ready to be used. In order to stow or put the apparatus, for example the cellphone 60, away again, the signal cable 23 and/or cord 30 are rolled back up after the at least one earphone 21 has been removed from the ear or ears. The signal cable 23 is rolled up sufficiently far that the at least one earphone 21 allows, for example in such a way, that only the loudspeaker 22 of the earphone or earphones 21 protrudes from the housing 26 of the roll-up system 25. During the rolling-up of the signal cable 23, the microphone 24 is detachably fastened to the first fastening means 27, for example by a magnetic force, so that the microphone 24 is located on the housing 26 of the roll-up system 25. The roll- up system 25 can then be fastened, for example detachably, to the apparatus, for example the cellphone 60, by means of a second fastening means 50 or 50, 61.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be clear to the person skilled in the art that various alterations and adaptations in form and detail are possible without departing from the scope of protection of the claims for the present invention.

Claims

1. A hands-free kit (20) comprising a signal cable (23), a microphone (24) and at least one earphone (21 ) provided with a loudspeaker (22), wherein the hands-free kit (20) is provided with a roll-up system (25) for the signal cable (23), and wherein the microphone (24) is provided as an extension to the at least one earphone (21 ).

2. The hands-free kit (20) according to claim 1 , wherein the roll-up system (25) comprises a housing (26) provided with a first fastening means (27) for detachably fastening the microphone (24) to the housing (26) of the roll-up system (25).

3. The hands-free kit (20) according to claim 2, wherein the fastening means (27) is one of the group consisting of a magnet, Velcro, a click-in system or a plug-in system.

4. The hands-free kit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, further provided with a second fastening means (50) for fastening the housing (26) of the roll-up system (25) to an apparatus having a sound-recording function.

5. The hands-free kit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the microphone (24) is provided as an extension to the at least one earphone (21 ) by means of a solid connection.

6. The hands-free kit (20) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the microphone (24) is provided as an extension to the at least one earphone (21 ) by means of a non-solid connection.

7. The hands-free kit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hands-free kit (20) further comprises a connector (28) for connecting the at least one earphone (21 ) to an apparatus.

8. The hands-free kit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, provided with a coupling system in order to couple the hands-free kit (20) to a user or to an object carried by the user.

9. The hands-free kit (20) according to claim 8, wherein the coupling system is a clamp (40), adapted to be securely clamped to an ear lobe of a user.

10. The hands-free kit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hands-free kit (20) is further provided with a switch in order to accept or reject a call.

11. The hands-free kit (20) according to claim 10, wherein the switch is provided in the axis of the roll-up mechanism.