Accessory-style wireless audio communications system and associated devices, methods and apparatuses.

Abstract

The present invention consists of an accessory-style wireless audio communications system and the associated devices, methods and apparatuses for providing the convenience and functionality of wireless audio communications in a variety of exchangeable fashion accessory styles. The invention comprises a specially designed accessory-style wireless audio communications device; various fashion accessory-style apparatuses; and various methods for combining the wireless audio communications device and one or more of the accessory apparatuses. By integrating the mobile, hands-free convenience of Bluetooth and other wireless audio technologies with the look of desirably wearable fashion accessories, the invention allows users, and particularly female users, to maintain discrete access to their mobile phones and other connected devices without having to carry the devices directly on their persons or wear unbecoming and otherwise undesirable headsets or earpieces. The slimline style of the wireless audio communications device and the diverse form factors of and methods for the accessory apparatuses allow users to achieve multiple accessory looks with a single wireless audio device. This includes the use of neck-, ear- and eye-based accessory apparatuses that have been specifically designed for invention device, as well as certain types of a user's own personal accessories. The invention also integrates a number of different hardware, software and application features that allow users to control from the wireless audio communications device multiple convenient features and functions that are either not currently available in other mobile audio devices or that users would otherwise require multiple devices to access.

Claims

1. A fashion accessory-style wireless audio communications device comprising: two or more fashion accessory-style subcomponent packages containing the transceiver(s), circuit board(s), module(s), sensor(s), speaker(s), microphone(s), other hardware, other components, and all associated firmware, software and materials needed for the wireless audio communications device's operations, features and functionality; fashion accessory-style covered wire connecting the subcomponent packages; two fashion-accessory style earphones connected to the wireless audio communications device via two secondary fashion-accessory style covered wires; two fashion accessory-style earphone docking elements, each having on the one end the means to be permanently attached to the unconnected end of a subcomponent package, and each having on the other end the means to be removably connected to the opposite earphone docking element.

2. A fashion accessory and wireless audio communications system comprising the wireless audio communications device of claim 1; and one or more of the following: one or more fashion accessory-style necklace elements that can be removably connected to the unconnected ends of each accessory-style earphone docking element; one or more fashion accessory-style scarf elements that can be removably attached to the wireless audio communications device; an accessory apparatus comprising: an aperture through which a scarf accessory can be threaded in a decorative or otherwise useful manner a slot, clip or other device for securing one or more of the subcomponent packages for the wireless audio communications device; and one or more accessory-style earphone docking elements.

3. The wireless audio communications device of claim 1, wherein the fashion-accessory style earphone docking elements are instead attached to or otherwise positioned above the respective end subcomponent package.

4. The accessory and wireless audio communications system of claim 2, wherein the fashion-accessory style earphone docking elements are instead attached to or otherwise positioned above the respective end subcomponent package.

5. The wireless audio communications device of claim 1, wherein the two accessory-style earphones are instead wirelessly connected to the main wireless audio communications device, which is the primary power source, wherein each wireless earphone is configured to receive power from a secondary power source when decoupled from the primary power source, and wherein each wireless earphone is configured to charge its secondary power source using the first power source when the wireless earphone is connected to the primary power source.

6. The accessory and wireless audio communications system of claim 2, wherein the two accessory-style earphones are instead wirelessly connected to the main wireless audio communications device, which is the primary power source, wherein each wireless earphone is configured to receive power from a secondary power source when decoupled from the primary power source, and wherein each wireless earphone is configured to charge its secondary power source using the primary power source when the wireless earphone is connected to the primary power source.

7. The accessory-style wireless audio communications device of claim 3, wherein the two fashion accessory-style earphones are instead wirelessly connected to the main wireless audio communications device, which is the primary power source, wherein each wireless earphone is configured to receive power from a secondary power source when decoupled from the primary power source, and wherein each wireless earphone is configured to charge its secondary power source using the first power source when the wireless earphone is connected to the primary power source.

8. The fashion accessory-style wireless audio communications device of claim 4, wherein the two accessory-style earphones are instead wirelessly connected to the main wireless audio communications device, which is the primary power source, wherein each wireless earphone is configured to receive power from a secondary power source when decoupled from the primary wireless audio communications device, and wherein each wireless earphone is configured to charge its secondary power source using the first power source when the wireless earphone is connected to the primary power source.

9. The accessory and wireless audio communications system of claim 2, having a primary power source; and an additional accessory-style wireless earphone having a secondary power source, wherein the wireless earphone is configured to receive power from its secondary power source when decoupled from the primary power source, and wherein the wireless earphone is configured to charge its secondary power source using the primary power source when the wireless earphone is connected to the primary power source.

10. The accessory and wireless audio communications system of claim 4, having a primary power source; and an additional accessory-style wireless earphone having a secondary power source, wherein the wireless earphone is configured to receive power from its secondary power source when decoupled from the primary power source, and wherein the wireless earphone is configured to charge its secondary power source using the primary power source when the wireless earphone is connected to the primary power source.

11. The accessory and wireless audio communications system of claim 6, having a primary power source; and an additional accessory-style wireless earphone having a secondary power source, wherein the wireless earphone is configured to receive power from its secondary power source when decoupled from the primary power source, and wherein the wireless earphone is configured to charge its secondary power source using the primary power source when the wireless earphone is connected to the primary power source.

12. The accessory and wireless audio communications system of claim 8, having a primary power source; and an additional accessory-style wireless earphone having a secondary power source, wherein the wireless earphone is configured to receive power from its secondary power source when decoupled from the primary power source, and wherein the wireless earphone is configured to charge its secondary power source using the primary power source when the wireless earphone is connected to the primary power source.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] FIG. 1 shows the wireless audio communications device with earphone docking elements, with one earphone docked and one earphone undocked.

[0064] FIG. 2 shows the wireless audio communications device in FIG. 1 integrated with a custom necklace accessory apparatus.

[0065] FIG. 3 shows the wireless audio communications device+necklace accessory apparatus shown in FIG. 2, with both earphones docked.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional side view of a scarf ring accessory apparatus, with the device open to show the integrated earphone docking element and the slot for the respective subcomponent package.

[0067] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the accessory apparatus shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0068] The invention is directed to the devices, methods and apparatuses for integrating or otherwise combining a wireless audio communications device with a fashion-style accessory such as a necklace or scarf, including the ability to create multiple fashion looks and styles with the one audio communications device.

[0069] In its most complete version, the present invention includes all of the devices, methods and apparatuses needed to combine the functionality and convenience of a Bluetooth or other wireless audio communications device with the look of an attractive fashion accessory. This includes a specially designed wireless audio communications device and the accessory apparatuses needed to facilitate the integration of the wireless audio communications device with various neck-, ear- and eye-based accessories. The accessory apparatuses include various custom necklace, scarf, ear-based and eye-based accessory apparatuses designed specifically for exchangeable combination with the wireless audio communications device; various exchangeable decorative earphone tops and cuffs, which can be easily attached and detached from the earphone(s) to create alternative accessory styles and looks; and various accessory apparatuses, which can be used to combine the wireless audio communications device with other accessory apparatuses and/or a user's own personal neck-, ear- and eye-based accessories.

[0070] FIG. 1 shows a particular version of a neck-based Bluetooth wireless audio communications device designed to be combined with custom necklace and scarf accessory apparatuses, and with certain of a user's own personal accessories. In this particular embodiment, the wireless audio communications device is shown with: a wireless audio communications device wire 1 that is between approximately 24 inches and 32 inches in length, connected on each end to an accessory-style subcomponent package 4; two earphone wires 2, each between approximately 8 inches and 16 inches in length, that are connected to the wireless audio communications device wire 1 at or near the middle point; two earphones 3, that are each connected to the end of the respective earphone wire 2; and two earphone docking elements 5, that are each connected to the bottom of the respective subcomponent package 4. The subcomponent packages 4 include the hardware components, power support, software and user controls necessary to support the wireless audio communications device's functionality and features, including access to and control of the user's connected Bluetooth-enabled devices (e.g., mobile phones, smart speakers, tablets, computers and other streaming devices).

[0071] The size, style and design of the wireless audio communications device shown in FIG. 1 allow for discrete, low-profile integration with specially designed custom necklace and scarf accessory apparatuses, as well as with certain of the user's own personal fashion accessories. The wireless audio communications device wire 1 is thin and flexible, with no superfluous packaging, and is covered with decorative materials to create a jewelry-like look. In this particular embodiment, it includes magnet-attracting elements to facilitate docking with the earphone wires 2 when the latter are not in use. The earphone wires 2 are also thin and covered with decorative materials to create a jewelry-style look. In this particular embodiment, they include magnetic elements to facilitate docking with the wireless audio communications device wire 1 or certain accessory apparatuses (not shown) when not in use. The earphones 3 are also jewelry-like in color, style and materials. In this particular embodiment, they have decorative, magnet-attracting tops to facilitate optional combination with exchangeable decorative earphone tops (not shown). In this particular embodiment, the sides of the earphones 3 also contain magnetic design elements (not shown) to facilitate discrete integration with the earphone docking elements 6 when the earphones 3 are not in use. FIG. 1 shows the earphone 3 and earphone wire 2 on the left undocked for use, and the earphone 3 and earphone wire 2 on the right docked with the earphone docking element 5 and wireless audio communications device wire 1, respectively. The subcomponent packages 4 are also jewelry-like in color, style and materials.

[0072] In other embodiments of the wireless audio communications device shown in FIG. 1, one or both of the earphones 3 may be wireless, and/or may be of a different design, size and/or shape—for example, the earphones 3 may be in the form of another geometric shape, or a flower, decorative knot or other object (not shown). Alternatively, there may be two wired earphones and an additional wireless earphone in the style of an attractive ear-based accessory such as a cuff or ring. The earphone docking elements 5 and/or the subcomponent packages 4 may also be of a different design, size and/or shape (not shown). The wireless audio communications device wire 1 and earphone wires 2 (if any) may be longer or shorter in other embodiments of the invention (not shown), or placed in different locations relative to the other wireless audio communications device subcomponents (not shown). Alternative means of docking any earphone wires to the wireless audio communications device wire may also be used, including, for example, an easy-release gate, channel or clasp.

[0073] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show a particular version of a custom necklace accessory apparatus 7, combined with the wireless audio communications device shown in FIG. 1. The custom necklace accessory apparatus 7 connects to the wireless audio communications device via a clasp 6 on the bottom of each earphone docking element 5 to form the complete necklace-like accessory shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. When one or both of the earphones 3 are not in use, the respective earphone wire 2 attaches to the wireless audio communications device wire 1 via a combination of magnetic elements on the earphone wire 2 and magnet-attracting elements on the wireless audio communications device wire 1. The magnetic sides of the earphones 3 dock on the respective earphone docking element 6 with the decorative earphone tops facing upward as part of the overall custom necklace accessory apparatus 7 design and look. The clasps 6 on the ends of the custom necklace accessory apparatus 7 allow for easy front removal and attachment of the combined wireless audio communications device+accessory apparatus. In other embodiments, exchangeable decorative earphone tops (not shown) may be added to the earphones 3 to create an alternative accessory look.

[0074] The wireless audio communications device hardware, software and wireless audio communications device user interface allow for haptic notification, voice control of connected device and headset features, digital assistant access, audio caller ID and message readback, priority contacts mode, emergency alert features, fitness tracking, external application integration, ringer shut-off, phone locator and out-of-range alert.

[0075] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show a particular version of an accessory apparatus in the style of a scarf ring that allows the user to integrate the wireless audio communications device shown in FIG. 1 with a personal scarf accessory. FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional open view of the scarf ring accessory apparatus, with the special earphone docking element 9 and the subcomponent package slot 10. The user can place the wireless audio communications device shown in FIG. 1 around her neck, then fasten the scarf ring accessory apparatus 8 around her personal scarf accessory and arrange the latter as desired. She can then dock the earphone 3 in the special earphone docking element 9, and slide the subcomponent package 4 into the special slot 10. This allows her to have easy access to at least one earphone and one set of wireless audio communications device controls while wearing her scarf. If she wishes to have the same access to the other earphone and controls, she can simply use another accessory apparatus—either like the one shown in FIG. 5 or another style (not shown).

[0076] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the scarf ring accessory apparatus shown in FIG. 4.

[0077] In other embodiments of the scarf ring accessory apparatus (not shown), the earphone docking element 9 will be a C-shape or half-circle or other -geometric shape on the edge of the accessory apparatus 8. The device for securing the respective subcomponent package 10 could also take another form or design.

[0078] The accessory apparatus could also take a variety of other shapes and designs (not shown), including but not limited to a pin or brooch, a bobby-pin like clip, a dip with interlocking or otherwise connecting teeth, a filigree ring or other shape (closed or open), a clamp, a clasp, a coil, a spiral, a zig-zag, an infinity symbol, a knot, a chain, a twisty or elasticized band, a fastener, or other specially designed jewelry element. The accessory apparatus could also be made of a wide variety of materials, including but not limited to various metals, fabric and woven materials, beads, ceramics, plastics and other synthetics, glass, jewels or jeweled materials, paper, and any other materials from which jewelry-type accessories can be made.

[0079] While the present invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.