Patent No. 3983483 Communications device arranged to be worn in intimate contact with the body of a user

 

Patent No. 3983483 

Communications device arranged to be worn in intimate contact with the body of a user (Pando, Sep 28, 1976)

Abstract

A communications device arranged to be worn in intimate contact with the body of a user and without interference with bodily movements includes a radio transmitter and receiver for communicating with a remote station. The transmitter includes means arranged therewith and operative in conjunction with the body of the user for providing a relatively high transmitting frequency range. The device is miniaturized so as to provide predetermined transmitting and receiving circuit characteristics and is encapsulated so as to be essentially floatable, resilient and waterproof whereby it is rendered suitable outdoor activities such as sports and the like.

 

Notes:

 

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to communications devices and particularly to communications devices including radio transmitters and receivers which are worn on the body of a user for use without interference with bodily movements so as to be adaptable for outdoor use such as sports activities and the like. More particularly, this invention relates to a communications device of the type described wherein the transmitter is arranged in conjunction with the body of the user to provide a relatively high transmitting frequency range.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Outdoor activities such as water skiing, surfboard riding, hiking and the like are increasingly popular forms of sport and recreation. The need for the safety of the participant in these activities makes effective communications between the participant and a remote station which may be, for example, a towboat in a water skiing activity, imperative. Prior to the present invention there has not been an effective device for providing such communications, particularly in view of the fact that it is often necessary that the participant have free use of his hands while performing the activity. Moreover, communication devices for the purposes described have heretofore been housed in body or shoulder harnesses and have been generally cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear, and have not provided the degree of mobility required in many activities. Additionally, the circuit characteristics of these devices has not been such to provide high frequency transmission which is an asset in the type of communication described.

Typical of the prior art devices are such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,541,042 issued to Curtis on Feb. 13, 1951, U.S. Pat. No. 3,114,105 issued to Neumiller on Dec. 10, 1963, U.S Pat. No. 3,122,609 issued to Moore on Feb. 25, 1964, U.S. Pat. No. 3,478,344, issued to Schwitzgebel, et al on Nov. 11, 1969, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 212,850 issued to Roberts on Dec. 3, 1968 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,492,582 issued to Heywood on Jan. 27, 1970. A device disclosing transmitting circuitry and adapted to be worn in a manner similar to that of the present invention is described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 157,291 filed June 28, 1971 by Donald J. Pando, invention of the present invention, and now abandoned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention contemplates a communications device to be worn in intimate contact with the body of a user for communicating with a remote station and includes a radio transmitter and a microphone, and a power supply therefor, and a radio receiver and an earphone, and another power supply therefor. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the above noted elements are housed in a waterproof, floatable and resilient collar type structure which is adapted to be worn around the neck of the user for minimum interference with bodily movements. The transmitter includes a conductive wire loop which in the structure described cooperates with the body of the user for forming a capacitor which provides a relatively high transmitting frequency range. Thhe arrangement described provides an effective communications device while permitting maximum user mobility, and is therefore particularly adapted for physical activities such as sports and the like.

One object of this invention is to provide a portable communications device including radio transmitting and receiving apparatus and arranged to be worn on the body of a user for permitting maximum bodily mobility when communicating with a remote station.

Another object of this invention is to provide a communications device of the type described which is particularly useful for paticipants in physical activities such as sports and the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide a communications device of the type described which is encapsulated so as to be floatable and waterproof whereby it is impervious to damage due to environmental conditions.

Another object of this invention is to provide a portable communications device which is adapted to be worn so as to permit maximum freedom of the hands and body when using the device.

Another object of this invention is to provide a communications device of the type described which is comfortable and unhazardous to use.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the type described which is miniaturized for providing predetermined transmitting and receiving circuit characteristics.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the type described including means associated with the radio transmitter so that when the device is worn in intimate contact with the body of the user said means cooperates with the body to provide relatively high transmitting frequency characteristics.