Abstract: A wireless hands-free device is operable to communicate with a mobile communication device over a short-range wireless link. The hands-free device includes a transceiver, a memory, a delayed answering mode actuator (DAMA), and a processing device. The transceiver is operable to receive incoming call information from the mobile device over the short-range link. The incoming call information corresponds to an incoming call received by the mobile device over a wireless wide area network. The memory is operable to store one or more pre-recorded audio messages. The DAMA is activatable by a user of the hands-free device. The processing device is operable to: detect activation of the DAMA after receipt of the incoming call information, retrieve at least one pre-recorded audio message responsive to detecting activation of the DAMA, and provide the retrieved, pre-recorded audio message(s) to the transceiver for subsequent transmission to the mobile device over the short-range link.

Abstract: A wireless hands-free device is operable to communicate with a mobile communication device over a short-range wireless link. The hands-free device includes a transceiver, a memory, a delayed answering mode actuator (DAMA), and a processing device. The transceiver is operable to receive incoming call information from the mobile device over the short-range link. The incoming call information corresponds to an incoming call received by the mobile device over a wireless wide area network. The memory is operable to store one or more pre-recorded audio messages. The DAMA is activatable by a user of the hands-free device. The processing device is operable to: detect activation of the DAMA after receipt of the incoming call information, retrieve at least one pre-recorded audio message responsive to detecting activation of the DAMA, and provide the retrieved, pre-recorded audio message(s) to the transceiver for subsequent transmission to the mobile device over the short-range link.

Abstract: A small portable headset includes a housing (102) including a first housing member (104) and a second housing member (106), said first housing member slidingly carried on said second housing member. A spring (402) carried in said housing is biased to push said second housing member away from said first housing member to move said housing to an open position. A damper (404) carried in said housing to resist movement of the second housing away from said first housing member. A key assembly carried in said housing includes a key (150), said key actuated to release said first and second housing members to slide apart responsive to the force of said spring. Said key assembly includes an electrical switch (332) positioned below said key and actuated by pressing the key when said housing is in an open position, and an electrical circuit (1500) responsive to actuation of said switch when the housing is in the open position to transmit a mode change signal.

Abstract: A communication headset (10) having an ear mount (12), a communication base unit (14), a hinge unit (16) that pivotally connects the communication base unit (14) to the ear mount (12) and allows the ear mount (12) to be rotated between an open position and a closed position relative to the communication base unit (14), an activation switch (18) that automatically activates the communication base unit (14) in the open position and automatically de-activates the communication base unit (14) in the closed position.