CA2509435A1 - Penfone and locketfone - Google Patents
Penfone and locketfone Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2509435A1 CA2509435A1 CA002509435A CA2509435A CA2509435A1 CA 2509435 A1 CA2509435 A1 CA 2509435A1 CA 002509435 A CA002509435 A CA 002509435A CA 2509435 A CA2509435 A CA 2509435A CA 2509435 A1 CA2509435 A1 CA 2509435A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sub
- communication device
- base unit
- calls
- communication
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
- H04M1/0279—Improving the user comfort or ergonomics
- H04M1/0285—Pen-type handsets
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/04—Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
- H04M1/05—Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers specially adapted for use on head, throat or breast
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
- H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
- H04M1/72409—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
- H04M1/72412—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus that includes a telephone base unit capable of sending and receiving calls, and one or more sub-communication devices that are capable of remotely answering the incoming calls made to the base unit. The apparatus allows the user to remotely answer incoming calls to a base telephone unit using wireless communication between the base unit and each sub-communication device. There are no facilities on the sub-communication device for originating outgoing calls. This answer-only feature of the sub-communication device makes a compact design more feasible.
Description
1.
DESCRIPTION
Field of the Invention NORMAN W BROOKS
ANSWER-ONLY PHONE
The present invention is directed to the field of telephone systems.
In particular, the present invention is directed to a telephone system that allows the user to remotely answer calls using a radio operated communications device than can be small enough to be worn on the user's person.
Summary of the Invention In the past, telephones could only be answered by physically going to the place where the phone was plugged into the wall, and the users movement was restricted to the length of the phone's receiver cord. Now, cordless phones have become common, allowing the user to answer incoming calls and dial outgoing calls from anywhere within 500 feet or more of the base unit, which is plugged into a telephone network.
However, these cordless phones are still too large and heavy, at present, to be comfortably worn on the users person. A cordless device is needed that would allow the user to answer incoming calls but is lightweight enough to be worn as a necklace, attached to clothing, or otherwise carried about the user's body.
DESCRIPTION
Field of the Invention NORMAN W BROOKS
ANSWER-ONLY PHONE
The present invention is directed to the field of telephone systems.
In particular, the present invention is directed to a telephone system that allows the user to remotely answer calls using a radio operated communications device than can be small enough to be worn on the user's person.
Summary of the Invention In the past, telephones could only be answered by physically going to the place where the phone was plugged into the wall, and the users movement was restricted to the length of the phone's receiver cord. Now, cordless phones have become common, allowing the user to answer incoming calls and dial outgoing calls from anywhere within 500 feet or more of the base unit, which is plugged into a telephone network.
However, these cordless phones are still too large and heavy, at present, to be comfortably worn on the users person. A cordless device is needed that would allow the user to answer incoming calls but is lightweight enough to be worn as a necklace, attached to clothing, or otherwise carried about the user's body.
2.
It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a device that allows a user to remotely answer telephone calls, that is lightweight enough to be worn as a necklace, or attached to clothing.
This aspect can be attained by an apparatus that includes a base unit, connected to a telephone network, which can send and receive telephone calls, and one or more sub-communication devices in wireless communication with the base unit, and being capable of answering incoming calls to the base unit within a range of 300' to 500', but not dialing out to the base unit.
These sub-communication devices can include a microphone, a speaker, a transceiver, and a power source.
These together with other aspects and advantages, which will be subsepuently apparent, reside in the details of the construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a device that allows a user to remotely answer telephone calls, that is lightweight enough to be worn as a necklace, or attached to clothing.
This aspect can be attained by an apparatus that includes a base unit, connected to a telephone network, which can send and receive telephone calls, and one or more sub-communication devices in wireless communication with the base unit, and being capable of answering incoming calls to the base unit within a range of 300' to 500', but not dialing out to the base unit.
These sub-communication devices can include a microphone, a speaker, a transceiver, and a power source.
These together with other aspects and advantages, which will be subsepuently apparent, reside in the details of the construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
3.
Description of the Figures Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
Figure 1. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a pen-shaped sub-communication device (retracted) in the ready-mode to receive an incoming call signal, according to an embodiment;
Figure 2. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a pen-shaped sub-communication device (extended) in the talk-mode for conversation, according to an embodiment;
Figure 3. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a locket style sub-communication device (closed) in the ready-mode to receive an incoming call signal, according to an embodiment;
Figure 4. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a locket style sub-communication device (open) in the talk-mode for conversation, according to an embodiment; and 4.
Figure 5. is a schematic diagram of a telephony apparatus, according to an embodiment.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
The present inventive concept relates to a telephone that can be answered remotely by one or more sub-communication devices that are capable of receiving incoming calls, but not iniating outgoing calls.
Figure 1. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a pen-shaped sub-communication device (retracted) in the ready-mode to receive an incoming call signal, according to an embodiment;
A pen-shaped sub-communication device 100 can be used to remotely answer an incoming call made to a telephone base unit (not pictured) that is connected to a telephone network. When an incoming call is made to the base unit, the base unit can send a signal to any number of sub-communication devices.
Description of the Figures Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
Figure 1. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a pen-shaped sub-communication device (retracted) in the ready-mode to receive an incoming call signal, according to an embodiment;
Figure 2. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a pen-shaped sub-communication device (extended) in the talk-mode for conversation, according to an embodiment;
Figure 3. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a locket style sub-communication device (closed) in the ready-mode to receive an incoming call signal, according to an embodiment;
Figure 4. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a locket style sub-communication device (open) in the talk-mode for conversation, according to an embodiment; and 4.
Figure 5. is a schematic diagram of a telephony apparatus, according to an embodiment.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
The present inventive concept relates to a telephone that can be answered remotely by one or more sub-communication devices that are capable of receiving incoming calls, but not iniating outgoing calls.
Figure 1. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a pen-shaped sub-communication device (retracted) in the ready-mode to receive an incoming call signal, according to an embodiment;
A pen-shaped sub-communication device 100 can be used to remotely answer an incoming call made to a telephone base unit (not pictured) that is connected to a telephone network. When an incoming call is made to the base unit, the base unit can send a signal to any number of sub-communication devices.
5.
Each sub-communication device 100 can then alert the user of the incoming call by ringing, vibrating or otherwise signaling a user. These alerting signals can be produced by ringing or vibrating mechanisms (not pictured) within the sub-communication device 100, which can be set to either ring or vibrate using a ring/vibrate selector switch 104.
Figure 2. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a pen-shaped sub-communication device (extended) in the talk-mode for conversation, according to an embodiment;
The sub-communication device 200 can be used to answer the incoming call by extending an inner barrel 207 telescopically from within an outer barrel 208, prompting the sub-communication device 200 to inform the base unit that the call is being answered by the sub-communication device 200.
The user can then speak into a microphone 202 and listen to the incoming conversation using an earphone 205, on the sub-communication device 200.
s.
The voice andlor data can then be communicated between the sub-communication device 200 and the base unit wirelessly. The sub-communication device 200 can be powered by a battery (not pictured), which can be located within the body of the sub-communication device 200 and can be recharged by inserting element 206 into a charging base (not pictured).
The sub-communication device can be worn either around the user's neck, using a lanyard 201, or on the user's clothing, using a pocket clip 203.
Figure 3. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a locket style sub-communication device (closed) in the ready-mode to receive an incoming call signal, according to an embodiment;
A locket style sub-communication device 300 can be in a ready-mode to receive a call signal when it is in the closed configuration depicted in Figure 3. A locket sub-communication device 300 can also contain a liquid crystal display 307, or other similar display, where the time, date, and other information, can be displayed.
7.
Figure 4. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a locket type sub-communication device (open) in the talk-mode for conversation, according to an embodiment;
A locket type sub-communication device 400 can operate in a similar manner as the pen-shaped sub-communication device described in Figures 1 and 2, except that the locket sub-communication device400 can be in the talk-mode when the locket sub-communication device 400 is in an open configuration depicted in Figure 4. The sub-communication device 400 can be powered by a battery (not pictured), which can be located within the body of the sub-communication device 400 and can be recharged by placing the device into a charging base (not pictured).
Additionally, the locket sub-communication device 400 can be capable of holding and displaying at least one photograph in picture mounting areas 403 and 406. The locket sub-communication device 400 can include a lanyard 401 for carrying the locket sub-communication device 400 around a user's neck.
The locket sub-communication device 400 can also include a microphone 402, a hinge 404, a ring/vibrate selector switch 405, and an earphone 407 $.
Figure 5. is a schematic diagram of a telephony apparatus, according to an embodiment.
A base unit 501 can be connected to a telephone network (not pictured) via a standard cable 505 or other type of connection known to one skilled in the art. The base unit can be in wireless communication with one or more sub-communication devices 500, 502, and 504.
The base unit 501 may comprise an antenna 503 and the sub-communication devices 500, 502, and 504 may also comprise internal antennae (not pictured).
Incoming calls can be answered using one or more sub-communication devices 500, 502, and 504 that are in wireless two-way communication with the base unit 501. However, the sub-communication devices 500, 502, and 504 cannot be used to initiate outgoing calls.
9.
Summation The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Each sub-communication device 100 can then alert the user of the incoming call by ringing, vibrating or otherwise signaling a user. These alerting signals can be produced by ringing or vibrating mechanisms (not pictured) within the sub-communication device 100, which can be set to either ring or vibrate using a ring/vibrate selector switch 104.
Figure 2. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a pen-shaped sub-communication device (extended) in the talk-mode for conversation, according to an embodiment;
The sub-communication device 200 can be used to answer the incoming call by extending an inner barrel 207 telescopically from within an outer barrel 208, prompting the sub-communication device 200 to inform the base unit that the call is being answered by the sub-communication device 200.
The user can then speak into a microphone 202 and listen to the incoming conversation using an earphone 205, on the sub-communication device 200.
s.
The voice andlor data can then be communicated between the sub-communication device 200 and the base unit wirelessly. The sub-communication device 200 can be powered by a battery (not pictured), which can be located within the body of the sub-communication device 200 and can be recharged by inserting element 206 into a charging base (not pictured).
The sub-communication device can be worn either around the user's neck, using a lanyard 201, or on the user's clothing, using a pocket clip 203.
Figure 3. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a locket style sub-communication device (closed) in the ready-mode to receive an incoming call signal, according to an embodiment;
A locket style sub-communication device 300 can be in a ready-mode to receive a call signal when it is in the closed configuration depicted in Figure 3. A locket sub-communication device 300 can also contain a liquid crystal display 307, or other similar display, where the time, date, and other information, can be displayed.
7.
Figure 4. is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a locket type sub-communication device (open) in the talk-mode for conversation, according to an embodiment;
A locket type sub-communication device 400 can operate in a similar manner as the pen-shaped sub-communication device described in Figures 1 and 2, except that the locket sub-communication device400 can be in the talk-mode when the locket sub-communication device 400 is in an open configuration depicted in Figure 4. The sub-communication device 400 can be powered by a battery (not pictured), which can be located within the body of the sub-communication device 400 and can be recharged by placing the device into a charging base (not pictured).
Additionally, the locket sub-communication device 400 can be capable of holding and displaying at least one photograph in picture mounting areas 403 and 406. The locket sub-communication device 400 can include a lanyard 401 for carrying the locket sub-communication device 400 around a user's neck.
The locket sub-communication device 400 can also include a microphone 402, a hinge 404, a ring/vibrate selector switch 405, and an earphone 407 $.
Figure 5. is a schematic diagram of a telephony apparatus, according to an embodiment.
A base unit 501 can be connected to a telephone network (not pictured) via a standard cable 505 or other type of connection known to one skilled in the art. The base unit can be in wireless communication with one or more sub-communication devices 500, 502, and 504.
The base unit 501 may comprise an antenna 503 and the sub-communication devices 500, 502, and 504 may also comprise internal antennae (not pictured).
Incoming calls can be answered using one or more sub-communication devices 500, 502, and 504 that are in wireless two-way communication with the base unit 501. However, the sub-communication devices 500, 502, and 504 cannot be used to initiate outgoing calls.
9.
Summation The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Claims
What is claimed is:
A receivable-only cordless telephone apparatus comprising:
a base unit, connected to a telephone network, which sends and receives telephone calls; and at least one sub-communication device in wireless communication with the base unit, the sub-communication device being capable only of answering incoming calls to the base unit, and the sub-communication device comprising a microphone, earphone, transceiver, and power source.
A receivable-only cordless telephone apparatus comprising:
a base unit, connected to a telephone network, which sends and receives telephone calls; and at least one sub-communication device in wireless communication with the base unit, the sub-communication device being capable only of answering incoming calls to the base unit, and the sub-communication device comprising a microphone, earphone, transceiver, and power source.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002509435A CA2509435A1 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2005-06-16 | Penfone and locketfone |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002509435A CA2509435A1 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2005-06-16 | Penfone and locketfone |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2509435A1 true CA2509435A1 (en) | 2006-12-16 |
Family
ID=37545740
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002509435A Abandoned CA2509435A1 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2005-06-16 | Penfone and locketfone |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2509435A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010105706A1 (en) * | 2009-03-17 | 2010-09-23 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Event notifier device and headset |
-
2005
- 2005-06-16 CA CA002509435A patent/CA2509435A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010105706A1 (en) * | 2009-03-17 | 2010-09-23 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Event notifier device and headset |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |