New Sony Ericsson hands-free accessory for mobile telephone patent

Abstract
A hands-free unit mounts to the sun visor in a vehicle and communicates with a remote hands-free unit. The hands-free unit includes a solar panel that is pivotally attached to a hands-free unit. The solar panel moves between a storage position in which the solar panel lies flat against the hands-free unit, and a deployed position in which the solar panel is pivoted away from the hands-free unit. A biasing mechanism urges the solar panel to the deployed position. A latch mechanism can be provided to hold the solar panel in the storage position when the hands-free unit is not being used in a vehicle.

Description
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BACKGROUND

[0001]The present invention relates generally to mobile communication devices, and more particularly, to a hands-free accessory for a mobile communication device for use in a vehicle.

[0002]It is estimated that over 200 million people in the United States have used mobile telephones. The prevalence of mobile telephones has led to a rise in the number of people who use mobile telephones while driving. Driver inattention is the main cause of vehicle accidents and mobile telephones have been identified as a major cause of driver distraction. When using a mobile telephone, the driver of a vehicle must typically take their eyes off the road while dialing the mobile telephone. For this reason, the use of handheld mobile telephones has been banned in many states.

[0003]Numerous hands-free accessories for mobile telephones have been developed that allow a driver of a vehicle to more easily place or answer calls. For example, some hands-free units mount on the sun visor of a vehicle. The hands-free unit typically includes a microphone and speaker that enable the driver to engage in conversation without the need to hold a handheld mobile telephone. The hands-free unit typically includes simple controls that can be easily manipulated by the user without the driver taking their eyes off the road. Modern hands-free units typically include a short range interface, such as a Bluetooth interface, that enables the hands-free unit to communicate with the user's mobile telephone. When the mobile telephone is "paired" with the hands-free unit, signals are transmitted between the mobile telephone and hands-free unit.

[0004]Power for the hands-free unit is typically provided by internal batteries in the hands-free unit. Alternatively, the hands-free unit may include a power cord for connecting the hands-free unit to a power source in the vehicle. Neither of these approaches is entirely satisfactory. The main problem with batteries is the need for frequent replacement and/or recharging. The alternative approach avoids this problem, but the user must tolerate a cord dangling from the hands-free unit.

SUMMARY

[0005]The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing power to a hands-free unit that is mounted to the sun visor of a vehicle. A solar panel provides power for the hands-free unit and is pivotally connected to the hands-free unit by a hinge mechanism. The solar panel is movable from a storage position in which the solar panel lies flat against a surface of the hands-free unit, and a deployed position in which the solar panel is pivoted away from the surface of the hands-free unit. The hinge mechanism may include a biasing member, such as a spring, to bias the solar panel to the deployed position. A latch mechanism may be provided to retain the solar panel in the storage position when the hands-free device is not in use, or when it is being used as a desk unit. Additionally, a dampening mechanism may be provided to prevent the solar panel from opening too fast and causing damage to the unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the main components of the hands-free unit.

[0007]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary hands-free unit according to one exemplary embodiment with a solar panel in a closed position.

[0008]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hands-free unit with the solar panel in a deployed position.

[0009]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the hands-free unit illustrating the hinge mechanism.

[0010]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the hands-free unit mounted in a vehicle.