Electronic audio accessory for use with automotive stereo loudspeakers

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A preferred embodiment of the invention is now described in detail.
Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on.
" This invention takes advantage of special connections on the back plate of commercial automotive radios to provide a low-cost, easy to install, high fidelity hands-free system.
Specifically, radios such as the DEH-P7300 manufactured by Pioneer, the DF941 manufactured by Delphi, and the PU2354A-Z manufactured by Clarion each provide specific input connectors on the back plate of the radio for mute and audio functionality.
This invention provides a means for interfacing a mobile telephone to such a radio.
Referring now to FIG.
1, illustrated therein is one preferred embodiment of a hands-free device 100 in accordance with the invention.
The device 100 includes a housing 101 having optional fastener apertures 102 for mounting in a vehicle.
The housing 101 is preferably made of plastic, polycarbonate or other durable equivalents via an injection molding process.
The device 100 includes a cable 103 for coupling to a mobile telephone 104.
The cable 103 has a plurality of conductors disposed within.
The plurality of conductors may carry both power and data signals to and from the telephone 104.
These signals include power for charging a rechargeable battery and for powering the phone, audio and digital data, control signals, and return paths.
The cable 103 includes a phone specific connector 105 suited for the particular telephone 104.
The device 100 includes a power connector 106 for coupling power to the device 100.
The power connector 106 may take any number of forms, including permanent connection to the automotive power system, a cigarette lighter adaptor for coupling to a power jack, or other equivalents