11.   The inventor, Brent Perrier of Brunswick Bowling and Billiards, recently patented the idea.

12.   The invention was not something the company could use right away, but Plantronics executives did not want to risk letting a competitor patent the idea first.

13.   Though the idea has been patented, it may be some time before it becomes a reality.

14.   Gratistelefon has patented the idea.