AU2010201820A1

AU2010201820A1 - Improved Ladies Handbag

Info

Publication number: AU2010201820A1
Application number: AU2010201820A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Aaron Taylor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-05-08
Filing date: 2010-05-08
Publication date: 2011-11-24

Abstract

The disclosed improved ladies handbag 3 contains an electronic device 4 comprising of a radio frequency (RF) detector 4, sensor(s) 5, power source 6, a Timer Unit 4, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 1 and an LED Driver 4. The said RF detector 4 is configured to measure the power/strength of the radio frequencies emitted from a GSM style mobile phone located within the Sensor(s) 5 range (within the handbag). The said RF detector has a user adjustable threshold level which can be calibrated to activate the Timer Unit when the threshold level has been reached. As radio frequency power/strength emitted from a mobile phone increases during the time of an incoming call and this increase varies amongst phone models, the threshold level can be calibrated to activate the Timer Unit according to the users' specific phone model. Upon Timer Unit activation, said Timer Unit drives an illumination device for a period of time which provides a visual signal on the outside of said handbag, thus providing user of said handbag and said phone with an external visual signal of incoming/missed call.

Description

Editorial Note Application No. 2010201820 Description There are 6 pages of description TITLE Improved Ladies Handbag FIELD OF INVENTION The invention relates to a ladies handbag which comprises of an electronic device designed to 5 extend the call notification capabilities of a mobile phone while it is located in a handbag which would otherwise normally be limited by conventional ladies handbags. In particular, the electronic device relates to a radio frequency (RF) detector and various electronic components/units connected to an electronic illumination device which provides an external visual signal on the outside surface of the handbag, in response to an incoming/missed call of a mobile phone that was .0 located in the improved ladies handbag during the time of the incoming call, thus enabling the user of the improved ladies handbag/mobile phone to be potentially notified of an incoming/missed call event. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A mobile phone has the capacity to provide users with a visual and auditory signal advising when an .5 incoming call is occurring. However, while a mobile phone is positioned inside a conventional ladies handbag, the capacity of the mobile phone to still provide that visual signal to the user is in most cases restricted by the material of the handbag. Therefore, in this situation, the only other cues available to the mobile phone user are auditory and/or tactical cues (vibration). However, in loud environments -such as clubs, bars, music concerts, and festivals - the mobile phone's capacity to .0 provide a standard real-time auditory signal directly to the users' attention would be restricted because the auditory signal capacity of the phone may potentially be below the absolute hearing threshold of the mobile phone user to detect. Moreover, in a situation where a mobile phone is positioned inside a conventional ladies handbag, the capacity of the mobile phone to continue to provide any visual or auditory signals to advise the user of an incoming call is severely limited. .5 Similarly, a tactical cue would be inefficient should the user not have direct possession of a conventional handbag at the time of the incoming call. Either of these situations could result in missing a potentially important phone call. It would be advantageous to have a handbag that would be able to extend the capabilities of current mobile phones to be able to provide notification of an incoming/missed call to the user in said situations. 30 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is designed to be a method of improving the flow of communication for said limitations of mobile phones in the situations and environments as described above. The Improved Ladies Handbag comprises an electronic device, wherein the said electronic device comprises of an RF detector connected to an electronic illumination device. The detector is capable of sensing RF 35 generated signals emanating from most Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) mobile phones that are within its sensing range. If the mobile phone receives an incoming call while the said mobile phone is within the electronic device sensor's range, the said electronic device provides a visual signal on the outside of the handbag via activation of said electronic illumination device (providing both the electronic device and mobile phone are both operational and functioning within 40 the scope of the present invention). As described above, this method and use of said handbag with electronic device restores the visual signal cues - which would potentially be lost when in the said situations and environments- by providing the stimuli via a visual cue presented to the outside of the handbag. The said electronic device is designed to improve the likelihood the user would be presented with the stimuli advising of 45 an incoming call in real-time and for a period of time after the call (a missed call). The said handbag is intended for settings where the environment is louder than the phones auditory output capacity. In addition, it is expected that the visual cue is most effective under dimmed light conditions. The benefits of using said device as opposed to any other detecting device is that it can detect the incoming call from an array of GSM type mobile phones models without the phone needing to be O connected to any external devices or apparatus via a cable or cradle/dock like connection - a requirement noted with other current products. Using the said device and method, the need for any connection between the device and the mobile phone is eliminated, thus saving time and need for connecting up a cable to the mobile phone every time the user wishes to keep the mobile inside the handbag. 5 Another benefit of using said electronic device over other already established devices is that the said device's ability to detect the signal is not significantly affected by the presence of other commonly found objects in ladies handbag. Other established devices may use a light sensing detector which would be inefficient if the mobile phones screen was covered by items contained within the handbag. iO In addition, devices utilizing an auditory detection means are inefficient if the environment was loud and/or if the phone was on 'silent' profile whilst it was located in a conventional handbag. As the said device uses an RF detector, it can sense an incoming call even when the phone is placed in 'silent' mode. Therefore, an additional benefit of this invention is that it is not limited to whether the vibration function of the phone is switched on or not. i5 Another benefit of the RF detector is that it can be used with most commercial GSM compatible phones and apart from the mobile phone specific set up of said detector device, no further programming or set up is required. Depending on the sensor configuration described below, the user may simply place a GSM mobile phone (or multiple phones) anywhere within the handbag from which said electronic device should operate upon sensing an incoming call from a mobile phone 'O (providing the device and mobile phone are fully operational at the time). In an alternative sensor configuration of said invention, the phone is placed in a pouch/compartment of which the sensor is located nearby. PREFERRED ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION In a preferred form of the present invention, the visual signal is provided by mounting the 75 illuminating device central to the outside of each longest side of the handbag. In a further preferred form of the invention, the said illumination device would take the form of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) encased (or otherwise attached) to either a piece of Perspex or plastic (or any other material) designed to amplify the illuminative properties of the LED(s). In a further preferred form of the invention, the said illumination device would provide a flashing 80 visual signal of unspecified pattern, duration and frequency. In a further preferred form of the invention, the external signal would commence once an incoming call is sensed by the RF detector and continue from zero up to ten minutes after the incoming call has ceased. In a further preferred form of the invention, it is preferable to have said electronic device and its 85 associated components located in the space between the inner and outer lining of the handbag. In a further preferred form of the invention, it is preferable to allow convenient access to the power source for the purposes of replacement. It is preferable that this takes the form of an accessible lining on the side of the bag where the said electronic device is to be located.

In a further preferred form of the present invention, it is preferable that said electronic device be 0 factory fitted to the said handbag and sold as a single unit. In a further preferred form of the invention, it is preferable that the threshold level of the RF detector of the said electronic device is able to be manually and easily adjusted by the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The innovation may be better understood with reference to the illustrations of embodiments of the )5 device which is: FIG. 1 shows an external view example of the improved ladies handbag; FIG. 2 shows a perspective view example of the improved ladies handbag in the first sensor configuration; FIG. 3 shows a second perspective view example of the improved ladies handbag in the second 0 sensor configuration; FIG. 4 shows a top down view example of the improved ladies handbag in the first sensor configuration, with a mobile phone shown merely for illustrative purposes only. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The handbag, associated devices and methods described herein serve to provide ladies who use a )5 mobile phone and handbag combination, with a handbag that is capable of detecting an incoming call from the mobile phone located in the handbag (at the time of the call) and provide a visual signal external to the handbag in response to an incoming call. In order to do this, the handbag comprises an electronic device embedded into the handbag, which is configured to detect the strength of radio frequencies emitted from mobile phones located within its sensing range. Moreover, the electronic .0 device is configured to operate an illumination device upon sensing an incoming call. In addition, the electronic device features a timer which is configured to operate the illumination device for a period of time upon and after the incoming call, thus increasing the chances of the handbag/mobile phone user of being notified of an incoming/missed call. Moreover, the electronic device also features a unit which controls the pattern, frequency and individual duration of the illumination device 15 components, which comprises of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) driver, multiple LEDs and material referred to as the Light Plates. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the improved ladies handbag 3 with shoulder straps 7 attached. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 the externally associated components of the illumination device are presented and are referred to as the LED 1 and the Light Plate 2 surrounding the LED. The Light Plate 20 2 can be comprised of, as examples, Perspex, rubber or plastic. In addition, said Light Plate 2 may be any shape or size other than what is presented from the illustration. The illumination device 1, 2 is fixated closer to the centre of the handbag 3, on the longest sides of the outside surface of the handbag 3. The Light Plate 2 is designed to increase the surface area of the light emitted from the LED 1. In a further embodiment of the invention, the handbag 3 may not comprise of shoulder straps 25 7 but instead comprise of another form of carrying structure either attached/integrated into the handbag 3. In a further embodiment of the invention, the Light Plates 2 may be located anywhere on the handbag 3. In a further embodiment of the invention, the Light Plate 2 may, prior to manufacture, be replaced by an alternative material or even retracted from the design of the present invention.

0 In another embodiment of the invention, the illumination device 1, 2 may comprise of any other electronic powered sources of light and combination of material designed to amplify or otherwise increase the light surface area and/or brightness to increase the chance of the user noticing the visual signal. In an embodiment of the invention, the illumination device 1, 2 is controlled and powered by the 5 LED Driver 4 and Timer Unit 4 .The light emitted from the LEDs 1 may be sensed by the person using this invention, also referred to as the user. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the electronic device is presented and its associated components are referred to as: the Circuit Board 4, power source 6, LEDs 1, Sensor(s) 5, and wires 8. The electronic components which form the circuit board 4 may comprise of; for example, diodes, transistors, O capacitors, resistors, 555 timer(s), and integrated circuit chips. In a further embodiment of FIG. 2, the Circuit Board 4 of the electronic device is mounted within the lining of the handbag 3. The Circuit Board comprises of the radio frequency detector, the Timer Unit and the LED Driver, which are all referred to by label 4 of the illustrations. The Sensor(s) 5, power source 6, and LEDs 1 may all connect to the Circuit Board by wires 8. 5 In an embodiment of the invention, some or all of the components of the electronic device 4 may be encased in a structure (or multiple structures) additional to the handbag 3 material, thus providing the various components of the electronic device with a level of protection by shielding it from unwanted elements which may damage it. In such embodiments, this surrounding structure may be made of durable and potentially waterproof materials; for example, plastic and rubber. 0 In a further embodiment of the invention, the handbag 3 may comprise of additional support materials; for example, foam and plastic, to provide structural support to the handbag 3. This may prevent the handbag 3 from deforming under the weight of the electronic device 4 contained within it. In an embodiment of the invention, the radio frequency detector 4 is configured to measure the 5 strength/power of radio frequencies emitted from GSM mobile phones. In an embodiment of the invention, the improved ladies handbag is user-specific in the meaning that the person using the improved ladies handbag also controls the threshold level for the RF detector 4. Control in this context means preparing the handbag for desired operation. In an embodiment of the invention, the user has the capability to manually adjust the threshold level by manipulation of an electronic 60 component; for example, a variable resistor and potentiometer. Upon the threshold level being reached, the RF detector 4 activates the Timer Unit 4, which in turn activates and controls the LED Driver 4 which itself controls and operates the LEDs 1. In a further embodiment of the invention, the threshold level of the RF detector 4 may, in addition 65 to the manually adjustable threshold level, be factory configured to distinguish between an incoming call and any mobile phone radio frequency power spikes or changes in radio frequency power not associated with an incoming call. As the strength/power of mobile phone frequency power spikes would be of a shorter duration than the duration of time of an incoming call, the RF detector 4 may be configured to only activate the Timer Unit 4 during an incoming call. This would involve increasing 70 the period of time that the threshold level would need to remain at before activating the Timer Unit 4. As described above, the RF detector 4 can be configured to ignore these spikes, even if they reach or surpass the user-adjustable frequency power/strength threshold. Therefore, if both conditions (threshold level and duration of threshold) have been met, the RF detector 4 then proceeds to activate the Timer Unit 4. 75 In another embodiment of the invention, the threshold adjuster may be mounted on or separately to the Circuit Board 4. In an embodiment of the invention, each Sensor 5 may comprise of a coiled wire-wound component. The Sensor(s) 5 is/are configured to measure the radio frequency strength of a GSM mobile phone. 0 The Sensor(s) 5 provides input to the RF detector 4. The Sensor 5 is a coil comprised of enamelled wire, and configured to measure radio frequencies from GSM mobile phone handsets. In an embodiment of the invention, the handbag 3 may comprise one of two different Sensor 5 arrangement versions. FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 show the embodiment of the first configuration, referred to as the first Sensor configuration, wherein the Sensor configuration may comprise of only one Sensor 5 5 embedded or fixated on any side of the handbag 3, and feature a pouch/compartment 9 stitched/sewn on either the inside or outside of the handbag 3 for placement of users mobile phone 10 (which again is merely illustrated in FIG. 4 as an example of said mobile phone 10 placement and method). More specifically, said pouch/compartment 9 would be superimposed directly over said Sensor 5 for increased Sensor 5 detection capabilities. Additional or lesser number of electronic 0 components may be used in this configuration. For desired operation of this configuration, the user must place a GSM type mobile phone 10 (again, illustrated purely as an example) into the pouch/compartment 9 of the handbag 3 prior to the incoming call. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the second Sensor configuration, referred to as the second Sensor configuration, in which the handbag 3 may comprise of two Sensors 5, either embedded midway on 5 both the longest sides of the handbag 3, within the lining of the handbag 3, or embedded on the underside of the handbag 3, also within the lining of the handbag 3. This would allow the mobile phone to be placed anywhere within the bag and still be within the range of the Sensors 5. Additional or lesser number of electronic components may be used in this configuration. For desired operation of this configuration, the user must place a GSM type mobile phone into the handbag 3 )0 prior to the incoming call. The Direct Current (DC) power source 6 may comprise of either a single battery or multiple batteries of any kind. The power source 6 supplies power to said electronic device. The said power source may be located within the lining of the handbag 3 and may be situated next to said Circuit Board 4. The power source 6 is connected to the Circuit Board 4. 05 In another embodiment of the invention, the power source 6 may be rechargeable and may also feature a low battery indicator feature. In a further embodiment of the invention, the power source 6 may also include a switch of some sort to turn off the electronic device 4. The electronic device 4 may further comprise control logic for recharging the power source 6 and for monitoring the charge status of the power source 6. Additional or lesser number of electronic components may be used in 10 the aforementioned configurations. In an embodiment of the invention, the Timer Unit 4, located on the Circuit Board 4, is comprised of electronic components and configured to operate the LED Driver 4 for a set period of time upon said RF detector threshold being reached. The exact duration of time is yet to be determined but may range from zero up to ten minutes. In another embodiment of the invention, the electronic device 15 may also include a user available switch to deactivate the Timer Unit 4, thus providing the user of the invention with an option to only display a visual signal during the time of an incoming call but cease displaying the visual signal upon cessation of the incoming call. The purpose of the Timer Unit 4 is to provide the user with notification of any recent missed calls. The output of the Timer Unit 4 is connected to the input of the LED Driver 4.

.0 In an embodiment of the invention, the LED Driver 4, located on the Circuit Board 4, is comprised of electronic components and configured to operate and control the LEDs 1. As described above, the LED Driver is activated directly by the Timer Unit 4. In an embodiment of the invention, the LED Driver 4 operates two LEDs 1. In a further embodiment of the invention, the LED Driver may be configured to operate the LEDs in an alternating flashing-like pattern, meaning each LED operates .5 independently of the other at any one time. This pattern may produce an effect which is easily distinguishable and noticeable to the user. In an embodiment of the invention, the LED Driver may be configured to operate the LED(s) at different durations (frequencies), which are yet to be determined. In another embodiment of the invention, the LED Driver may be configured to either (or also) produce a fading effect, wherein the 0 brightness of each LED fluctuates over time. In a further embodiment of the invention, the LED Driver 4 may also be configured to amplify the brightness of the LEDs 1 by increasing or reducing the voltage and/or current provided to the LEDs 1. In an embodiment of the invention, each LED 1 may be comprised of a clear 5mm 6000mcd LED, which is fixated (or otherwise attached) to the Light Plate 2. LEDs are 1 used because of their low 5 current draw, which is advantageous in prolonging the battery life of the invention, with the added benefit of keeping the size of the electronic device to a minimum. In another embodiment of the invention, the LEDs 1 may be arranged, fixated or otherwise attached anywhere on the external surfaces of the handbag 3 and may include additional LEDs 1. In a further embodiment of the invention, the LED may be comprised of different LED types, brightness ratings 0 and colours. As already described above, the Light Plate may be located anywhere on the handbag 3. In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic components may be standard size or surface mounted size, wherein the meaning of surface mounted size is a smaller size than the standard size of electronic components. Using smaller sized components reduces the size of the electronic device of the invention. 5 It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present embodiments have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structures and functions of the embodiments, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the 50 appended claims are expressed. AARON TAYLOR 03 MAY 2010 (Name of Applicant) (Date)

Claims

1. An improved ladies handbag which comprises: an illuminating means configured to illuminate selected external areas of the said handbag in response to an incoming call to a GSM type mobile cellular phone when said mobile phone is located within the said handbag; and an 5 electronic device, wherein said electronic device controls and incorporates said illumination means.

2. A ladies handbag of claim 1, wherein the said electronic device is powered by a DC voltage provided by a user-accessible battery supply embedded within the lining of said ladies .0 handbag.

3. A ladies handbag of claim 1, wherein said electronic device comprises a radio frequency detector, embedded in the lining of the handbag, which is configured to detect an incoming call of said mobile phone when said mobile phone is located within the said handbag. .5

4. A ladies handbag of claim 3, wherein the said radio frequency detector is connected to either one or two Sensors, embedded inside the lining of the handbag, wherein each Sensor is comprised of a coil-wound wire assembly which is configured to measure the strength of radio frequencies emitted from most functioning GSM type mobile phones placed within the O0 said handbag.

5. A ladies handbag of claim 3, wherein the sensitivity of the said radio frequency detector can be manually adjusted by the user to calibrate the activation threshold of said radio frequency detector according to the users' mobile phone model. -5

6. A ladies handbag of claim 1, wherein said electronic device further comprises a Timer Unit configured to control the total duration of said illumination means upon and post activation of said radio frequency device. o

7. A ladies handbag of claim 6, wherein the said Timer Unit is activated upon said radio frequency detector sensing an incoming call.

8. A ladies handbag of claim 1, wherein the Timer Unit is configured to remain activated for a to be decided duration of time, ranging from zero up to ten minutes after an incoming call is 35 received by said mobile phone.

9. A ladies handbag of claim 1, wherein the electronic device further comprises an electronic illumination device, wherein the electronic illumination device facilitates the said illumination means and wherein the said illumination device is configured to control the frequency, 40 pattern and brightness of the said illumination means.

10. A ladies handbag of claim 9, wherein the said electronic illumination device comprises of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) driver and multiple LEDs. 45

11. A ladies handbag of claim 10, wherein the said LED Driver is connected to the said LEDs and Timer Unit.

12. A ladies handbag of claim 9, wherein the LED Driver is configured to provide factory pre selected control of frequency, pattern and brightness of said LEDs. 50

13. A ladies handbag of claim 10, wherein the said LEDs are fixated (or otherwise attached) to a piece of Perspex, rubber or plastic fixated to the outside faces of the handbag.

14. A ladies handbag substantially as herein before described with reference to figures 1-3 of 5 the accompanying drawings.

15. A ladies handbag of claim 1, wherein the electronic device and the said handbag form an integrated and sturdy structure. 0

16. A method for extending the capabilities of said mobile phones, said method comprising: notifying user of said mobile phone and said handbag of incoming/missed call(s) by providing a visual signal emanating from the outside of the said handbag, wherein said mobile phone is fixated into said handbag. 5

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said method further comprises: an RF detector configured to detect incoming calls from most GSM mobile phones within said detectors sensing range, wherein the said detectors RF sensing capabilities is/are facilitated by one or more coil assembly Sensor(s) which is/are integrated into the said handbag and wherein activates a Timer Unit of claim 8 when said RF detector reaches configured sensing threshold. F0

18. The method of claim 16, wherein said method further comprises: a timer feature which activates the illumination device for a yet to be determined duration of time ranging from zero up to ten minutes. 5

19. The method of claim 16, wherein said method further comprises: an illumination device comprising: multiple LEDs and an LED Driver which controls the said LEDs, activating LEDs with yet to be determined patterns of frequency, individual on time duration and brightness.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein said method further comprises: a manual calibration io feature, wherein the threshold of the RF detector can be user adjusted to calibrate the said RF detectors activation threshold level for the users said mobile phone. AARON TAYLOR 30 APRIL 2010 85 (Name of Applicant) (Date)