KR20020062565A - A wrist communication device having multi-sectioned keypad and antenna system - Google Patents

Abstract

The wrist worn communication device comprises cellular phone means configured to transmit and receive a communication signal. The apparatus includes an antenna system for transmitting and receiving signals. The antenna system further includes at least one antenna extendable to the horizontal plane of the communication device.

Description

Wrist communication device with multi-section keypad and antenna system TECHNICAL FIELD

With the recent development of wireless communication technology, cellular telephones have enjoyed tremendous popularity. Early models were large and heavy, making it difficult for users to carry them conveniently, so newer models were constantly decreasing in size and weight. Today's useful cellular telephones are small enough to fit in a user's pocket or purse.

The new models enjoy increased portability, but suffer some flaws. For example, the lightweight and compact size of the model causes the phones to fall, break, or be lost very much. In addition, when a cellular telephone user receives a call, the user has lost time locating and taking out the telephone (in his pocket, purse, briefcase, etc.). When the user needs to reorient the phone to activate the response mode, there is an additional time loss.

To overcome these defects, cellular telephones have also been developed that can be worn on the user's wrist. Some of such devices are described in US Pat. No. 5,239,521; 5,274,513; 5,224,076. In both of these descriptions, the telephony device is generally in the form of a wrist watch that is secured to the user's wrist by a strap, wherein the cellular phone means replaces the watch in its usual position. The main components of the cellular phone means, such as battery power, as well as transceivers, telephone call initiation means, keyboards, speech recognition devices, displays and the like are housed in a common case. Microphones and speakers are generally employed within the strap.

One of the problems experienced by wrist-mounted cellular phones in the prior art is that it is difficult for a user to operate the phone. For example, some of the prior art cellular telephone devices are left attached to the user's wrist while the user is making a call. Therefore, the user initiates a call by pressing the keypad of the device while the device is mounted on the wrist, and then attaches his wrist to the ear to continue the conversation. Because the microphone and speaker of the device are attached at a certain position on the device, the user needs to place his or her arm in an abnormal position to align the microphone and speaker with the mouth and ear of the caller respectively. In contrast, some of the prior art cellular telephone devices are completely detached from the user's wrist, requiring the device to be removed from the user's wrist prior to initiating or receiving a telephone call.

In addition, the reduction in size of the cellular phone generally results in a reduction corresponding to the overall size of the keypad of the cellular phone so that it can be conveniently worn on the user's wrist. The overall size of the keypad in turn requires that the keys of the keypad become smaller and / or more compact in close proximity. Small, dense-spaced keys are difficult for the user to operate, ie wrong keys may inevitably be pressed.

A sensitive aspect of wrist phone technology design is the antenna portion. In general, wristphone systems of the prior art use antennas that are located proximate or very close to the user's skin. In many cases, the location of such antennas can result in unnecessary signal loss. To avoid such losses, many users have found that it is necessary to remove the wrist phone system from their wrist area for some or all calls.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved wrist-wearing cellular telephone device and improved antenna technology.

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of June 11, 1999, pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 330,728, and the filing date of October 27, 1999, and pending US patent application No. 09 / 428,228. do.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to portable cellular telephone devices, and more particularly to wrist-worn cellular telephone devices with multi-section keypads and antenna systems.

To understand the invention and to understand how the invention may be practiced, some preferred embodiments are described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings:

1 (a) and (b) illustrate a wrist-wearing communication device in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

2 (a) and (b) show side views of a handset and wrist communication device attached in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

2 (c)-(f) illustrate a handset for use with a wrist communication device and a handset attached according to various embodiments of the present invention;

3 (a) and 3 (b) show a front view of a wrist communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 (a), (b), (c) and (d) illustrate a wrist communication device having a foldable, multi-section keypad in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

5 (a), (b), (c) and (d) illustrate a wrist communication device having a keypad that is telescopically extensible in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

6 illustrates a wrist communication device having one keypad section in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

7 (a), (b) and (c) illustrate a wrist communication device having a handset with a foldable extendable antenna in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

8 (a), (b) and (c) illustrate a wrist communication device having a handset with a telescopically extendable antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention;

9 (a), (b), (c) and (d) illustrate a wrist communication device having a handset having a telescopically extendable antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention;

10 (a) to 10 (e) illustrate a wrist communication device having a small detachable handset with a speaker and a microphone mounted to a wristband according to another embodiment of the present invention;

11 (a) and (b) illustrate a wrist communication device having a larger removable handset with a speaker and a microphone mounted to a wristband in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

12 (a), (b), (c) and (d) illustrate a wrist communication device in which a handset is detachably mounted from a cellular phone means in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

13 illustrates a wrist watch device with a standalone watch and additional speakers and microphones in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

14 illustrates a wrist communication device having a permanently visible display unit portion in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

15 (a) -15 (g) illustrate a wrist communication device using an antenna system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

16 (a) -16 (b) illustrate a wrist communication device using an antenna system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

17 (a) -17 (b) illustrate a wrist communication device using an antenna system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

18 (a) -18 (b) illustrate wrist communication devices using an antenna system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

19 illustrates a wrist communication device using an antenna system in another embodiment of the present invention;

20 illustrates a wrist communication device in a closed position according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 19;

21 is a pictorial view of a wrist-mounted cellular phone device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

22 is a pictorial view of the device showing the unlocked state of FIG. 21 in more detail;

FIG. 23A is a side view of the portion of FIG. 22 showing the mini-vibrator in more detail; FIG.

FIG. 23B is a partial exploded view of the device of FIG. 21 with the flip flip open cover and the battery in its removed position;

24A-24C illustrate three embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 25A shows another embodiment of a wrist-mounted cellular phone device having a wrist-watch mounted over the device; FIG.

FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 25A showing in more detail coupling means for mounting a wrist-watch to a cellular phone device;

26 (a) and 26 (b) illustrate a cellular phone device having a two-section keypad provided in a bracelet in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

27 (a) and 27 (b) show an arrangement of buttons on a keypad that prevent buttons from touching each other when the cellular phone device is in the closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

28 (a) to 28 (d) show additional configurations of the apparatus 21 with the multi-section keypad 6 according to one embodiment of the invention.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel wrist-mounted telephone device that eliminates the above enumerations of conventional wrist-mounted cellular telephone devices, and other disadvantages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatus, wherein all major components of the cellular phone means are configured to be attached to the wrist of a user.

Therefore, a wrist-mounted telephone apparatus for attaching to a wearer's wrist is provided in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. According to one embodiment, the device comprises a wristband configured to attach to the wearer's wrist, where the wristband is configured to support the cellular phone means. The apparatus also includes a keypad attached to the wristband to provide a signal to the cellular phone means and coupled to the cellular phone means. According to various embodiments of the invention, the keypad has a plurality of adjustable sections.

The device also includes a handset that is removably mounted to the wristband or keypad. The handset consists of at least one section and has a microphone and a speaker. Advantageously, the handset consists of two or more sections that extend or fold telescopically so that, in the closed position, the handset requires minimal space and can be easily connected to the wristband or keypad. In the open position, the handset is deployed so that the microphone is placed at one end of the handset and the speaker is placed at the other end, and the distance between the microphone and the speaker is approximately equal to the distance between the user's ear and the mouth. The handset may be hardwired to the wristband or wirelessly connected.

Preferably, the keypad comprises buttons that transmit signals corresponding to the cellular phone means when pressed. In one embodiment of the invention, the keypad includes a plurality of pressure sensitive switches that use a pressure transducer to manipulate the key elements of the keypad. As a result, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the keypad may be made generally thin and flexible.

The keypad may consist of one or more sections. In one embodiment, all the keys of the keypad are located on the wristband. In another embodiment, only some of the keys of the keypad are located on the wristband and the remaining keys are disposed on at least one additional keypad section attached to the wristband or cellular phone means, for additional dialing between keys more easily. Allow space to be provided. In another embodiment, all the keys of the keypad are located on an additional keypad section coupled to the cellular phone means.

Each keypad section may be attached to the wristband or cellular phone means by a hinge, or slidably to the wristband or cellular phone means through at least one rail guide to extend telescopically therefrom. In those embodiments where more than one keypad section is used, the sections of the keypad may also be coupled together by a hinged or folded internally guided parallel guide.

Advantageously, additional keypad sections are rotatably attached to the first keypad section to hide the buttons on each of the first and second sections when the second section is pivoted to a closed position relative to the first section. . Also, when the second section is pivoted to an open position with respect to the first section, the second section is preferably rotatably attached to the first section to form a flat keypad.

Preferably, the apparatus also includes a transceiver for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals and a telescopically extendable antenna. The apparatus also includes indicating means responsively coupled to the cellular phone means to alert the incoming call to the wearer. Preferably, the indicating means comprises a vibrator in the form of a mechanical assembly comprising a reciprocating prong for stimulating the wearer's wrist.

The apparatus also includes at least one data display panel. Preferably the device also comprises a clock unit. According to one embodiment, the watch unit, at least the keypad part or the phone means parts are arranged in oppositely opposite relations on the wearer's wrist.

The cellular phone means comprise a handset extendable toward the palm region of the wearer and retractable into the housing region. Preferably, the receiver is extendable along the axis of the wearer's arm. The handset may be extended by a flip open cover pivotally coupled to the housing and further extended by at least one telescopic, or accordion-shaped segment of the cover. Alternatively, the handset of the cellular telephone means may be mounted on one end of the tube having a fixing arrangement for securing it to the wearer's finger. Upon release of the fixed arrangement, the tube is drawn into the housing by elastic biasing means coupled to one end of the tube.

The battery power source may include a single battery extending circumferentially along at least a substantial portion of the wearer's wrist, or a plurality of batteries coupled to each other and extending each circumference along the wearer's wrist. It is understood that any type of battery may be used. The battery may be removably housed in the case.

If a plurality of batteries are used, each of them is housed in the case and the cases are coupled to each other. For this purpose, the apparatus preferably comprises an electrical circuit suitable for selectively connecting the cellular phone means to a predetermined battery of the plurality of batteries.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a movable antenna extending outward from the device. Advantageously, hinge or pivot means are used to allow the antenna to rotate in a direction away from the horizontal plane of the device. The antenna may have multiple expandable sections, such as sections using telescopic means.

According to another embodiment of the invention, at least first and second antennas are used, wherein at least one of the antennas is movable in a direction away from the horizontal plane of the device. In operation, the position of the two antennas is adjusted so that the antennas provide polarization diversity in their orientation with respect to each other allowing the reception of signals to be unresponsive by the device.

1 (a) and (b) illustrate a wrist worn communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 (a) and (b) show the device 5 when the device 5 is inactive. Advantageously, the wrist communication device 5 is slim and lightweight, minimizing the possibility of getting caught in the user's clothing or otherwise interfering with the user's activity. In particular, FIG. 1A is a side view of a wrist communication device 5 that includes a wristband 10 and a handset 12. Wristband 10 is preferably flexible and can be worn around a user's wrist and has a locking device to securely attach the device to the user's wrist.

1 (b) shows a front view of the wrist communication device 5. The device 5 also comprises additional function buttons 44 located on the side of the cellular phone means 20 and along the edge of the wristband 10. The buttons 44 allow a user to initiate a call, end a call, manipulate a menu displayed by the display unit, etc., according to one embodiment, which will be further listed below.

2 (a) and 2 (b) show a side view of the wrist communication device 5. In FIG. 2A, the handset 12 is removed from the wrist communication device 5, exposing the cellular phone means 20, which may be located at any position on the wrist communication device 5. have. The cellular phone means 20 remains attached to the wrist communication device 5 and includes other general features of the transceiver, display unit and cellular telephone device, which will be discussed in more detail below. In one embodiment, cellular phone means 20 is installed in Internet browser technology, such as a wireless application protocol (hereinafter referred to as "WAP"), to enable the wearer to use the Internet application. In one embodiment, both handset 12 and cellular phone means 20 have a battery that powers them. As already mentioned above, the battery of the cellular phone means 20 can be located anywhere on the wristband 10. However, in one embodiment, the wrist communication device 5 is configured such that the battery of the cellular phone means 20 also supplies power to the battery of the handset 12, such as for charging purposes.

According to some embodiments, when the wristband 10 is worn by the user, the keypad and display sections of the cellular phone means 20 may be located on the palm or forearm of the user's wrist. However, it is important to note that while the various figures in the text show the cellular phone means 20 as a single unit disposed only on either side of the user's wrist, the invention is not limited in its scope. Various cellular phone means units 20, including batteries, transmitters, receivers, microprocessors, I / O units, antennas, etc., may instead be placed in various locations around the wrist to maximize the use of space on the wristband 10. Can be placed in.

According to various embodiments of the invention and as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the handset 12 may be hardwired to the cellular phone means 20 via wires 30 to transmit and receive communication signals to the means. Can be. In this embodiment, an antenna (shown in the figure discussed below) for receiving communication signals is located in the handset 12. Alternatively, the handset 12 and the cellular phone means 20 may have a radio relationship so that communication signals are transmitted over the air between them, which will be discussed further below.

In the preferred embodiment, the wire 30 is retractable so that the handset 12 does not hang loosely when mounted on the wristband 10. In one embodiment, in addition to transmitting signals between the handset 12 and the cellular phone means 20, the wire 30 itself receives and receives external communication signals, such as cellular communication signals, from and to the base base station. Can function as an antenna configured to transmit.

The length of the wire determines the maximum distance between the handset and the wristband. If handset 12 is wirelessly connected to cellular phone means 20, the user will not be so limited. Therefore, the wireless connection between the cellular phone means 20 and the handset 12 is advantageous in this respect, because the fixed wiring connection allows the user to switch the handset during a call or to another person who wants to make a call. Because it makes things vulnerable. However, the wireless connection requires that the handset 12 and the cellular phone means 20 have additional transceivers so that external communication signals (e.g., signals generated by the cellular base station) are transmitted and transmitted by one transceiver. Internal signals that can be received (ie, signals between cellular phone means 20 and handset 12) have a condition that can be received by another transceiver.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the handset 12 has two telescopically extendable handset sections 12a and 12b, the portions of which have a very small thickness. The speaker unit 14 is arranged at one end of the handset section 12a and the microphone 16 is arranged at the other end of the handset section 12b. The telescopically extendable handset sections 12a and 12b are provided by guides (eg parallel guides or rail guides) between open and closed positions, such as one or more guides 12d provided inside one of the sections. By sliding along and slidingly engage each other. In Figure 2 (a), handset 12 is shown in a closed position. In the closed position, the handset 12 has a small length and occupies a small amount of space, making it easy to store between uses on the wristband 10.

In FIG. 2 (b), the handset 12 is shown in the open position. In the open position, the handset 12 has a longer length than the closed position. Therefore, in the open position, the speaker 14 and microphone 16 in use are generally closer to the user's ear and mouth, but the invention is not limited to the scope of this aspect. For example, as shown in Figures 2 (c) and (d), the sections 12a and 12b of the handset 12 can also be folded about the linear hinge 13 to achieve the same extensibility and the like. And, as shown in Figure 2 (e) and (f), it can rotate around the pivot (13b). Another embodiment of the present invention having a handset 12 of different configuration is discussed below, and the present invention contemplates that sections 12a and 12b may be extended by other means known in the art. do.

Returning to Figures 2 (a) and 2 (b), an additional feature of the handset 12 is the right angled extension areas 32a and 32b of the handset 12 in the speaker unit 14 and the microphone 16, respectively. . When the handset 12 is in the open position, the extended areas 32a and 32b allow the speaker unit 14 and the microphone 16 to be held closer to the user's ears and mouth during operation. Extension regions 32a and 32b of handset 12 are also configured to frictionally engage corresponding matching regions on wristband 10 when handset 12 is in a closed position. have. Depending on the arrangement of the handset 12, the speaker unit 14 and the microphone 16 may be arranged in this right angle extension as shown in Figs. 2 (a) and (b), or Fig. 2 (c). And elsewhere on handset 12 as shown in (d). In one embodiment of the invention, the handset 12 is sealed to protect it from water, air, and the like.

3 (a) and (b) are similar to FIGS. 2 (a) and (b) except that FIGS. 3 (a) and (b) show a front view of the wrist communication device 5. As in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the handset 12 has two telescopically extendable sections 12a and 12b comprising a speaker 14 and a microphone 16, respectively. It is shown in (a) and (b). In FIG. 3 (a), handset 12 is shown removed from wrist communication device 5, exposing cellular phone means portion 20. In this regard, additional features of the cellular phone means 20 are shown, such as the keypad section 18 and the display unit portions 22. According to one embodiment of the invention, the keypad section 18 is folded over the cellular phone means 20 as shown in Fig. 3 (a). Additional embodiments in which the keypad 18 has multiple sections are discussed in detail below.

As already mentioned above, FIG. 3 (a) also shows a display unit 22 which can be seen when the handset 12 is detached from the wristband 10. Display 22 may be a liquid crystal display. Advantageously, the display 22 may include a number currently dialed by the user when transmitting an outgoing call from the device, a number of remote telephony devices generating the incoming call (if such an option is authorized by the remote telephone owner), It is configured to display the date or time.

Preferably, the display 22 is large in size, as shown in FIG. 4A and in the other figures described below. Therefore, according to other embodiments of the invention, the display unit 22 is large enough to display a menu for the user to select or to display an internet application. In one embodiment, cellular phone means 20 is installed in Internet browser technology, such as "WAP," and display 22 is configured to display data from the Internet, such as stock prices, weather and traffic conditions, driving directions, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 1 (b), 3 (a) and 4 (a) (and various other embodiments, some of which are discussed below), the display 22 has a handset 12 with a wristband When mounted to 10, it may be completely covered by handset 12. For example, in FIG. 1B, when the handset 12 is in the closed position, no portion of the display 22 can be seen. Similarly, in FIGS. 5A-5C, described in more detail below, the display portion 22b can only be seen by the user when the keypad section 18b is rotated to the open position. The full display, which includes most of the display portion 22, can only be seen when the keypad section 18a is stretched to the open position.

However, the present invention also contemplates embodiments in which the display portion 21 may be permanently visible to the user. For example, FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment in which the display unit 22a may be permanently visible to the user. Although display 22 is shown as relatively small in FIG. 14, other embodiments may use larger display 22, some or all of which may be visible to the user. According to various embodiments, having at least one display 22 that can be permanently visible performs various functions without the user removing the handset 12 or manipulating the wrist communication device 5. Make it possible. For example, the permanently visible display unit 22 may display a date and time, a phone number of an incoming call, a phone book, and the like.

As already mentioned above, FIGS. 1B and 2A are front views illustrating the wrist communication device 5 in a partially-closed position. This configuration is easy to be worn by the user when the device is inactive. FIG. 4A shows the open position when the first section 18a of the keypad 8 coupled to the cellular phone means 20 is rotated about the hinge 21. 4B shows the wrist communication device 5 in a fully open position, i.e., the first section 18a and the second section 18b of the keypad 18 are open. The section 18b of the keypad 18 is coupled to the section 18a via the hinge 23 and rotated about the hinge 23 to be in a fully open position (sliding the section 18b over the section 18a). Other methods are discussed further below). 4 (c) shows the same embodiment with the handset 12 detached for operation. 4 (d) shows the handset 12 detached from the wristband 10 and extended to its full length.

As shown in FIG. 4 (b), when the wrist communication device 5 is in the fully open position, the keypad sections 18a and 18b form a generally flat surface for easy manipulation by the user. The buttons 42 are arranged on the keypad 18 in a known manner, usually on a telephone, and are spaced sufficiently to minimize the inevitable case of the user pressing an unintentional button. The keypad sections 18a and 18b are both arranged with buttons 42 on them which the user presses to operate the wrist communication device 5. In particular, the keypad 18 is electrically coupled to the cellular phone means 20 of the device 5 and transmits signals to the cellular phone means 20 corresponding to a button pressed by the user.

4B also shows a handset 12 mounted to keypad section 18a. As already mentioned above, the perpendicular extension areas 32a and 32b of the handset 12 are frictionally mounted on the keypad section 18a. On the other hand, Figures 4 (c) and 4 (d) show the handset 12 detached from the keypad section for operation by the user.

Various other embodiments of the wrist communication device 5 are also possible. For example, such elements of the communication device 5 which are foldable are instead telescopically extensible or adjustable by some other means. Similarly, such elements of the telescopically extendable wrist communication device 5 may instead be foldable (or otherwise adjusted).

Similarly, FIGS. 1 to 4 show keypad section 18a coupled to wristband 10 through hinge 21 such that keypad section 18a can be folded over display 22. 5 (a), (b), (c) and (d) show another embodiment, the keypad 18 extending telescopically from the wristband 10. According to this embodiment, in the closed position, the keypad 18 is arranged in the cellular phone means 20 as shown in Fig. 5 (a). The keypad 18 moves to the open position along the parallel guides 28a and 28b of the cellular phone means 20 as shown in FIG. 5 (b). Preferably, in this embodiment (and another embodiment in which the two elements extend elastically relative to each other), a bias spring (not shown) is used to return the keypad 18 to the closed position after the element is extended. It is used so that a certain amount of force must be applied.

In particular, in Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C, the keypad 18 comprises two sections 18a and 18b. The keypad section 18a extends telescopically from the cellular phone means 20. The keypad section 18b, on the other hand, is via a hinge 23 so that when the keypad section 18a is in the closed position, the keypad section 18b can be folded over the keypad section 18a and the cellular phone means 20. Coupled to keypad section 18a. In this embodiment, the handset 12 does not restrict the telescopic movement of the keypad section 18a and the keypad section 18b to allow the handset 12 to be accessible to the user while the keypad section 18a is in the closed position. ), Such as by friction adaptation).

The present invention also contemplates that the keypad section 18a is coupled to the cellular phone means 20 by a hinge and the keypad section 18b is coupled to the keypad section 18a by a telescopically extensible relationship. The invention also contemplates that the keypad 18 comprises two sections, in accordance with various embodiments, each section being coupled by any of the means described above. For example, the wrist communication device 5 may include only one keypad section which is connected to the device in a foldable or sliding manner.

6 shows another embodiment of the invention with a single keypad section 18a. In this case, all the keys 42 are placed on the keypad section 18a. Although the keys are more difficult to operate in close proximity to each other, this arrangement makes the wrist communication device 5 more compact than the embodiments having two or more keypad sections. In addition, the handset 12 is removably mounted on the keypad section 18a to facilitate manipulation.

The use of a multi-section keypad, such as the keypad of Figures 5 (a) and 5 (c) described above, allows the buttons on the keypad to be spaced further apart or larger in size, increasing the overall size of the device. And has the advantage that it is not difficult for the user to wear on his or her wrist. Additional configurations of the multi-section keypad and a detailed description of the advantages allowed by each are described in detail in Applicant's pending application 09 / 330,728, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. .

In general, the use of a multi-section keypad allows the size of the keypad to be reduced when it is closed to minimize the possibility of disturbing or damaging the user. In addition, the multi-section keypad hides keypad buttons and protects them from water, dust, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the buttons on each keypad section are positioned so that they do not touch each other when section 18a is closed over section 18b. This embodiment reduces the engagement thickness of the sections 18a and 18b when closed, thus making the wrist communication device 5 on the user's wrist a small volume, and the buttons are not pressed above when the device is in the closed position. Limit the wear of the buttons.

According to another embodiment, the multi-section keypad 18 is arranged like a membrane keypad. In this embodiment, the key elements use a touch actuated switch formed on the membrane. The structure and operation of the membrane keypad is known and described in US Pat. No. 3,987,259 or Patent 4,489,302, which is incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, a plurality of electrodes are arranged in spaced relation to each other. When any of the key elements are pressed, some of the electrodes establish an electrical connection that can cause a signal pointing to the particular key element that was pressed. According to one embodiment of the invention, such membrane keypads are generally made of a flexible material such as plastic.

As already mentioned above, the wrist communication device 5 may also be configured to have a wireless connection between the handset 12 and the cellular phone means 20, according to one embodiment of the invention. For example, FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C show another embodiment in which the handset 12 has a telescopically extendable antenna 25. FIG. 7A shows the handset 12 mounted detachably to the wrist communication device 5, such as when the device is not in use by a user. The width of the handset 12 is approximately equal to the width of the wristband 10.

Fig. 7 (b) shows the handset 12 in close position, detached from the device. 7 (c) shows the handset 12 in the open position. In the open position, the sections 12a and 12b slide with each other, and the telescopically extendable antenna 25 extends to receive and transmit external communication signals. As already mentioned above, if the antenna 25 is configured to receive external communication signals, the handset 12 is preferably hardwired to the wrist communication device 5 to transmit signals therebetween.

8 (a), (b) and (c) show another embodiment in which the handset 12 has a telescopically extendable antenna 25. 8 (a) shows a handset 12 removably mounted to the wrist communication device 5, such as when the device is inactive by a user. In this case, the width of the handset 12 is slightly wider than the width of the wristband 10 to accommodate the antenna housing 12c. 8 (b) shows the handset 12 in close position, detached from the device. 8 (c) shows the handset 12 in the open position. In the open position, the telescopically extendable antenna 25 extends into the antenna sections 25b and 25c to provide improved reception and transmission of the communication signal. Of course, the antenna 25 may be attached to either of the handset sections 12a and 12b and may extend in the direction depending on the configuration of the handset.

The configuration of the handset 12 in FIGS. 8 (a)-(c) can also be used in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 9 (a)-(e). 9 (a) shows a wrist communication device 5 having keypad sections 18a and 18b. The keypad section 18a extends telescopically on the display 22. The keypad section 18b is coupled to the keypad 18 by a hinge. Handset 12 is removably mounted to keypad 18b. The full display 22 on the wrist communication device 5 allows the user to check the caller with information such as the other party's telephone number, internet data and the like.

9 (b) shows the handset 12 removed from the keypad section 18b. The figure shows a keypad section 18a configured to slide over the display 22 by parallel guides 34a and 34b. As shown, the keypad section 18a is not as wide as the cellular phone means. Therefore, the cellular phone means portion 20, i.e. the display unit 22, remains uncovered. The width of the cellular phone means portion 20 left uncovered until the keypad section 18 does not extend telescopically corresponds to the width of the antenna housing 12c of the handset 12. When the handset 12 is placed on the wristband 10, the antenna housing 12c is suitable for a space not occupied by the keypad 18a and thus enables the wrist communication device 5 to have a slim profile. .

9 (c) shows the keypad section 18b being folded over the keypad section 18a to minimize the size of the wrist communication device 5. 9 (d) and 9 (e) also show the handset 12 in the closed and open positions, respectively. In FIG. 9 (e), the handset 12 is shown having an antenna 25 that is telescopically extensible in an extended position. The antenna housing 12c may be located at any position on the handset 12 and configured to frictionally match an area on the wristband 10 that is not occupied by additional features of the wrist communication device 5. Note that it can be.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (e). 10 (a) shows the wrist communication device 5 in a closed position. 10 (a) shows a handset 12 which is very small in size. Handset 12 is mounted side by side with wire housing 38. In the illustrated embodiment, both the handset 12 and the housing 38 can be located side by side with the cellular phone means 20, but the invention is not limited to the scope of this aspect. The figure also shows a microphone 16 similarly configured on the wristband 10. In this embodiment, the microphone 16 is located on the opposite side of the cellular phone means 20 on the wristband 10, but other positions are also contemplated.

10 (b) shows the handset 12 detached from the wristband 10 as the user would do when operating the device. The handset 12 includes a speaker unit 14 and is configured to be held between the user's fingers, such as between the user's thumb and forefinger. The handset 12 is connected to the cellular phone means 20 by a wire 30 which is preferably withdrawn to the wire housing 38. As already mentioned above, the wire 30 is configured to transmit communication signals between the handset 12 and the cellular phone means 20.

To operate the device, the user detaches the handset 12 from the wristband 10 and lifts the handset between his fingers, ie with a hand on which the wrist communication device 5 is worn. The user then places the handset 12 on his ear so that it can be heard by the speaker unit 14. Therefore, the wire 30 must be long enough to reach from the position of the wire housing 38 on the user's wrist to the user's fingertips, and long enough to fit the various different sizes of the hand. Once the handset 12 is positioned in his ear, the user then positions the wrist such that the microphone 16 located on the wristband 10 is close to his mouth.

10 (c) to 10 (e) show how the keypad 18 and the display 22 are configured on the wristband 10. For example, FIG. 10 (c) includes keypad sections 18a and 18b in which the keypad 18 is removable by the hinge 23, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As in the embodiment already described, the keypad 18 is configured to form a flat keypad in which the section 18b can be rotated and operated by the user.

FIG. 10D shows the keypad 18 in a closed position but extending telescopically from the cellular phone means 20. As already described, the keypad 18 extends telescopically along the parallel guides 28a and 28b disposed on the cellular phone means 20. When the keypad 18 is extended, the display unit 22 can be seen by the user. As a result, Fig. 10 (e) shows that the keypad section 18a extends telescopically so that the display 22 is visible, and the keypad section 18b is rotated about the hinge 23 to provide a flat keypad. The cellular phone means 20 in the correct position.

11A and 11B show another embodiment of the invention incorporating some of the features of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 10. For example, FIGS. 11A and 11B show a handset 12 that is approximately the same size as the handset shown in FIGS. 1 to 10. At one end of the handset 12 is a speaker unit 14. The user detaches the handset 12 from the wristband 10 and places the speaker 14 on the ear in the same manner as previously described. In addition, Fig. 11 (a) shows the microphone 16 located on the wristband 10 adjacent to the cellular phone means 20 in this case. As described in connection with FIGS. 10A-E, when the handset 12 is located near its ear, the user then positions the wrist such that the microphone 16 is near the mouth.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the wrist communication device may also be configured in other ways to minimize the thickness of the wrist device. For example, FIGS. 12A-12E show additional embodiments in which the handset 12 is detachably mounted along the side of the keypad section 18. Since the handset 12 is not mounted on the keypad section 18, the wrist communication device 5 is a slimmer profile than is possible in other embodiments.

12A shows a handset 12 mounted on wristband 10 in parallel with keypad 18. Handset 12 is held in place by parallel guides 40a and 40b. FIG. 12B shows the handset 12 sliding relative to the wristband 12 to be held by the user during operation. The handset 12 communicates with the wrist communication device 5 as previously discussed, according to one embodiment of the invention. 12 (d) shows the handset 12 in the first position, sliding out from its mounting position on the wristband 10. 12 (e) shows the handset 12 rotated to show the speaker unit 14. Preferably, the handset 12 is configured to be mounted on the wristband 12 so that the speaker unit 14 faces towards the user's wrist, thereby protecting the speaker from water, dust, etc., but the present invention is limited in this respect. It doesn't work.

12 (c), on the other hand, shows a handset 12 that extends telescopically. In this embodiment, the handset 12 consists of four telescopically extensible sections, indicated as 12a-12d, although the present invention contemplates that multiple sections may be used. In this case, the handset section 12a includes a speaker 14 and the hand section 12d includes a microphone 16. As already mentioned above, the extensibility of the handset 12 allows it to occupy less space when it is closed and mounted on the wristband 10, with the microphone 16 and speakers as the most desirable configuration for operation when in the open position. Place (14).

According to another embodiment of the invention, the wristband device 5 further comprises a watch unit which operates independently of the cellular phone means 20. For example, FIG. 13 shows a wrist communication device 5 comprising a watch unit 50 mounted on a wristband 10. Obviously, any means may be used to attach the watch unit 30 to the wristband. For example, the watch 30 may be mounted on the housing, which may be coupled to the wristband 10 in turn by a hinge, or may be integrally formed. The wrist communication device 5 is a watch unit in any part of the wristband 10, such as when worn by the user, on the opposite opposite side of the user's wrist in relation to the part of the keypad 18 or display unit 22. It can be configured to have (50).

Referring to FIG. 13, the wrist communication device may include a handset 12 that operates in the manner discussed in the previously described embodiment. That is, the handset 12 is preferably detachable from the wristband 10 to be held by the user during operation. 13 also shows an additional speaker unit 52 and microphone 54. The additional speaker unit 52 and microphone 54 can be used in a variety of ways.

For example, the additional speaker unit 52 can be used as a loudspeaker, according to one embodiment of the invention, so that the user can listen to another part of the call without placing the device 5 in the ear. Preferably, the user can activate the operation of the "hands-free" mode in order to be able to operate the device 5 while performing other functions, such as driving. In this case, the handset 12 is left mounted on the wristband 10 and the microphone 54 receives the user's voice and the other part of the voice in the call can be heard by the user through the speaker unit 52. Is delivered.

Alternatively, speaker unit 52 and microphone 54 may be used to operate when handset 12 is broken or lost, according to another embodiment of the invention. In this way, the wrist communication device 5 is removed from the user's wrist and is usually kept in the same position as the telephone (ie, the speaker unit 52 is held in a position close to the user's ear and the microphone 54 is placed in the user's mouth). Will be kept close to you.

Each of the devices shown in the figures already described enables the wrist communication device 5 to be operated in a unique and improved manner. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 3 (a) (of which) illustrates how a user operates a wrist communication device when a call is received from another portion. When a call is received, the user detaches the handset 12 from the device 5 and answers the call. The present invention, in accordance with various embodiments, enables a user to quickly detach and speak a handset without opening the keypad 18 or otherwise manipulating any keys on the keypad 18. Of course, in one embodiment where the display 22 is configured to display the telephone number of the incoming call, the user may first open the keypad 18 to see the display 22, if necessary, then detach the handset to make a call. You can answer

On the other hand, Figures 4 (a) and (b) show how to operate the wrist communication device 5 when the user wishes to initiate a call, according to one embodiment of the invention. . In particular, FIGS. 4A and 4B show that the handset 12 is removably mounted on the keypad 18, the keypad 18 being coupled to the wristband 10 by a hinge 21. do. In this manner, when the user initiates a call, the user opens the keypad 18 to expose the keys 42 and the display 22. This step is performed with the handset 12 still mounted on the keypad 18 of the wrist communication device 5. In addition to stabilizing the keypad while the user presses the buttons, leaving the handset 12 mounted during this step eliminates the need to have the handset in his or her hand while the user is trying to dial the phone. . Only after the buttons are pressed and a call is initiated does the user detach the handset and start a conversation. Of course, the handset 12 is removably mounted to the device so that if the user wishes to detach the handset prior to operating the keypad, he or she can do so.

One of the advantages of the wrist communication device of the present invention is that it is more convenient to use than the wrist communication device of the prior art. This is because the removable handset allows the user to place the handset 12 in a location that is most convenient for them. In contrast, prior art wrist communication devices, which have a speaker and a microphone in a fixed position thereon, force all users to adopt the same hand position, which may not be convenient for all users. As shown in some embodiments, the handset 12 has a shape that is convenient for users.

Another advantage of the present invention is, in some embodiments, the ability of the user to switch the handset 12 with the other hand if necessary without removing the device from his or her wrist. Similarly, a user, in some embodiments, also has the ability to call someone else who wishes to speak to the caller without removing the device from his or her wrist.

Another embodiment of the invention uses an antenna extending from the wrist of the user. For example, a problem commonly encountered by wrist-mounted communication devices is the proximity of the antenna to the user's body. The proximity of the antenna to the user's body causes the quality of the signals transmitted and received by the antenna to degrade. When a wrist mounted communication device is worn, its antenna is generally very close to the user's body due to the slim profile of the device.

15 (a) to 15 (e) illustrate an embodiment of the present invention in which the antenna extends from the user's wrist in order to improve the quality of signals transmitted and received by the antenna. Figure 15 (a) shows the wrist communication device 5 in a closed position, where the handset 12 is detachably mounted on the wristband 10, although the invention is not limited in scope thereto. Do not. For example, the antenna system shown in Figures 15 (a) -15 (e) may be well employed in other wrist telephony devices. The wristband 10 of the communication device 5 may be made of various materials such as plastic, leather or metal. According to one embodiment of the invention, the back cover of the handset 12 is made of the same material as the wristband, so that when it is in the closed position, the entire communication device 5 appears as a uniformly integrated device.

Figure 15 (b) shows the wrist communication device 5 in a partially open position. In this case, the keypad section 18b is rotated about the hinge 21. Handset 12 is configured to be fitted on keypad section 18b, such as by a friction fit. The width of the keypad section 18a is configured to be smaller than the overall width of the communication device 5 to allow space for the antenna system 58. According to one embodiment of the invention, the antenna system 58 includes an antenna 56 disposed close to, and preferably adjacent to, the keypad 18a. Preferably, the height of antenna 56 in its closed position is substantially the same as the height of keypad section 18b.

The antenna system 60 includes a hinge or pivot means 62 to allow the antenna 58 to open in a direction away from the horizontal plane of the wrist communication device. According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivoting means 62 causes the antenna 58 to rotate in any direction of the upper space of the wrist communication device horizontal plane for optimum accommodation (Fig. 15 (g) )).

Fig. 15C shows the antenna 58 in the retrived position. As shown, the antenna 58 extends from the horizontal plane of the wrist communication device. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna 58 is held in its closed position by biasing means, such as a spring bias, so that when the keypad 18b is removed from the keypad 18a, the biasing means is removed by the user. It is recognized that the antenna 58 is released at a predetermined position without having to do so.

Figure 15 (d) shows an antenna system 60 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, an extension antenna 66 is telescopically extendable from the antenna 58. According to one embodiment, the extension antenna 66 may be extendable for better reception. In addition, the pivot or hinge means 70 cause the extension antenna 66 to rotate relative to the antenna 58.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the extension antenna 66 and the antenna 58 are configured to operate independently as a diversity antenna. The operation of diversity antennas is well known and described by way of example in US Pat. No. 5,564,082, incorporated by reference herein and issued October 8, 1996. Therefore, when the extension antenna 66 rotates relative to the antenna 58, the two antennas can be substantially uncoupled and independent of each other. If the antennas are driven with, for example, orthogonal independent signals, their angular arrangement provides polarization diversity. This arrangement of the extension antenna 66 relative to the antenna 58 improves transmission and reception, regardless of the position of the wrist communication device 5.

Additionally, according to another embodiment of the present invention, one of the antennas 58 or 66 may be employed for transmission, and the other is employed for transmission.

Figures 15 (d) and 16 (a) show exemplary positions of the extension antenna 66, while Figure 16 (b) is an antenna 58 both coupled to the wrist communication device 5 and one of its ends. 6 shows an antenna system 60. The antennas 58, 66 are both extendable away from the horizontal plane of the communication device 5.

17 (a) and 17 (b) illustrate another embodiment of an antenna system 60, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Antenna system 60 includes two antennas 74 and 76 attached outside the keyboard area of communication device 5. Each of the antennas 74, 76 is extendable from the communication device 5 via the pivot means 80. The antennas 74, 76 may be part of one antenna or may act as two independent antennas as described above with reference to the diversity antenna arrangement.

On the other hand, Fig. 17 (b) shows an antenna 78 extending from the communication device 5 via the pivot means 82. 18 (a) and 18 (b) show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the handset 12 completely covers the antenna 78 when it is in the closed position.

Finally, Figures 19 (a) and 19 (b) show another embodiment of the present invention, where the base region 84 is disposed below the antenna 58.

In operation, antenna system 60 provides an arrangement in which the antenna for wrist communication device 5 extends away from the user's body to allow for improved transmission and reception capabilities. Moreover, the location of the antenna system is advantageously close to the keypad device and the handset device provides a user friendly interface system wherein the LCD display, keyboard member, handset and antenna are not limited to the scope of the present invention. However, they are positioned close to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, there is shown a device, generally designated 100, comprising a housing in the form of a bracelet 102 having two C-shaped portions 102a, 102b. The portions 102a and 102b are pivoted so as to pivot one against the other between the closed state of the bracelet 102 when worn on the user's wrist 105 and the open state for removing the bracelet from the user's wrist. 103) are permanently coupled at one end. The portions 102a, 102b are on the inner butt end 102c at opposite ends, for example, to engage respective recesses made in, for example, an interfacing butt end (not shown) of the portion 102a. It is interlocked by a clasp means of known type with a latch 104 made therein. It is understood that suitable means are provided for easily releasing the latch 104 with the user's hand.

Any other coupling means may be employed for the same purpose, which will provide such mechanical engagement between the parts 102a, 102b which, on the one hand, is guaranteed against accidental loosening and on the other hand is easily released by the user. It is also understood that. For example, a magnetic clasp mechanism can be used.

As shown in Figure 21, the bracelet 102 is in such a way that all the major components of a typical cellular phone means except for the battery are disposed on one side side 105a of the wrist 105, for example, the palm side. It is wound around the user's wrist 105. Therefore, the portion 102a has a conventional keypad 106 on its outside that is readily available for the user. However, the keypad 106 need not be disposed outside of the C-shaped portion 102a as shown in FIG. 21, but various other configurations such as those shown in FIGS. 26 to 28 (described in detail below). It is recognized that it may instead be placed in the device 100 according to.

The portion 102a further includes a liquid crystal display 107 on the outside. The display 107 is typically a number currently dialed by the user when transmitting an outgoing call from the device 101, and also an incoming call if such an option is authenticated by the owner of the remote telephone. It is possible to display the number of the telephony device that generates.

A flip open telescopic cover, generally 108, is coupled to the portion 102a of the bracelet 102 in the form of two hinged flat plates 109, 110. The plate 110 is concave and slightly larger than the plate 109 so that the latter can be accommodated therein in a conventional manner. For this purpose, the plate 110 may be provided with a pair of spaced parallel guides therein, extending along opposite sides of the plate 110 to support the plate 109. Such telescopic arrangements are well known and therefore not shown in detail. Thus, the flat plate 109 is suitable for the sliding operation between its folded position when partially inserted into the flat plate 110 (FIG. 22) and the withdrawal position which completely protrudes from the flat plate 110 (FIG. 21). The end 112 of the plate 109 is angled and, when in the folded position of the plate 109, protrudes from the plate 110, as shown better in FIG. 22. The plate 110 is connected to the portion 102a at one end thereof by a pair of hinges 111, so that the open, withdrawal position of the plate shown in FIG. 21 and when it partially covers the keypad 106, It is rotatable about the portion 102a between the retrieved positions. Such partially recovered position is shown in FIG. For this purpose, cover 108 may be formed of a flexible material. A two-segment magnetic clasp, generally indicated at 113, is suitably housed on portion 102a and plate 110 so that cover 108 remains closed.

The magnetic clasp 113 can be replaced by any other suitable means, for example spring means. Although not shown in detail, it is recognized that the display 107 or additional suitable display may be located on either side of the flat plate 110.

Further provided is a conventional antenna 114, which may be a telescopic antenna, mounted to the opposite portion 22a of the display 107. The antenna 114 may be supported at either end of any portion of the bracelet 102 in such a way that the axis of the antenna 114 extends across the supported portion parallel to the user's arm. A conventional microphone 115 (composing a mouth piece) mounted on the portion 102a and a speaker unit 116 (ear piece located on the angled end 112 of the plate 109) ) Is also provided.

As shown in FIG. 23A, one of the essential features of the present invention is a portion 102a in response to a ring signal prodding the wrist of the user to notify him / her of the incoming signal without disturbing others nearby. It is to provide a small-vibrator 117 having a reciprocating prong 118 (prong) protruding from it. The miniature, rubber, disc-shaped washer 120, when driven by an incoming signal, is a conventional cellular phone ringer in such a way that the latter drives the mini-vibrator 117 which causes the reciprocation of the prong 118. It is attached to the protruding end of the prong 118, which is joined at its opposite end to a ringer (not shown). In a public place where an ordinary audible ring may be disturbed, it may be undriven, but still allow the user to be notified of the incoming signal via the mini-vibrator 117. It is apparent that this configuration requires a substantially small amount of power and does not cause vibration of the entire device 100 in operation.

Reference is now made to FIG. 23B showing another essential feature of the present invention. A battery 121 is shown that is formed as part of the bracelet 102 and is generally hollow and dimensioned to fit into and out of the portion 102b that functions as a battery holder member. For this purpose, the cavity 102b has a pair of peripheral slots or guides to allow the battery to enter and exit in a conventional manner. Although not shown in detail, it is understood that the battery 121 is electrically connected to the respective components of the phone means housed in the portion 102a. For this purpose, the wires are suitably positioned inside the portions 102a and 102b.

If desired, portion 102b may consist of a two part construction, for example two parts, which are curved parts designed to receive a battery therebetween. The configuration is similar to that used in cassettes for inserting and ejecting tapes, and need not be described in detail except that it is known per se to include a spring device which is generally driven by a press button. .

Alternatively, although not shown in detail, the battery 121 itself may be provided with a latch means of a known type and, for example, when attached in this manner with respect to the portions 102a, 102b. Complete the bracelet form and function as a complete portion 102b of the bracelet. The configuration may be such that the portion 102b associated with the battery wraps around the entire wrist, ie the portion 102a associated with the phone means is suitably coupled to these upper portions 102b. Obviously, instead of the single battery described above, two or more batteries with appropriate electrical circuit connectors may be employed. For this purpose, the part 102b may be formed of two or more segments each connected by hinges, short belts, etc., each supporting a battery therein or being a battery itself. In the case of short belts, they are short enough not to occupy a significant portion of the wearer's wrist. It should be particularly noted that any type of battery may be employed.

Device 100, which is a cellular phone device, is designed to incorporate the features of conventional cellular phones such as time, date, alarm clock, auto dialing mode, phone book, and the like. In addition, the sensor means is provided to automatically put the device in the operating mode when the plate 110 of the cover is rotated to its open position and vice versa. All these functions are well known in nature and need not be described in detail.

The user wears the cellular phone device 100 on the wrist 105 and, when using the device, anchors his hand on his side of the original hand position with the bracelet 102 near his mouth. The microphone 115 of the bracelet portion 102a is thus approximated to the mouth of the user, but the ends of the fingers are close to their ears. The speaker 116 of the extended flat plate 109 of the cover may be fixed close to the user's ear. The cupping of the fingers acts to filter out background noise and simultaneously provide a resonant external cavity to improve the sound quality of the sound emitted from the speaker.

Reference is now made to Figs. 24A, 24B and 24C, which show three or more embodiments of the present invention, which are generally similar to the above embodiment, and in all embodiments the same components thereof are identified by the same reference signs. The cellular phone devices 200 and 300 are distinguished from each other and distinguished from the device 100 by a somewhat different configuration of a flip open cover. Therefore, as is clearly shown in FIG. 24A, the cover 208 is formed of two plates 209, 210 pivotally coupled by a pair of hinges 211, 212, with the speaker mounted on the plate 209. have. It will be readily appreciated that the cover 208 is foldable and extendable like an accordion. An additional two-part magnetic clasp is provided in a conventional manner on the inner surface 209a of the plate 209 in contact with the inner side 210a of the plate 210, which is not shown in detail. Obviously, such magnetic clasps may be replaced by any other means suitable for the same purpose. The cover 309 of the cellular phone device 300 is a three-plate telescopic cover, with the final plate 309 being a central plate that is in turn accommodated by the plate 311 in the manner described above with reference to FIGS. 21-23. Slidably retractable to 310.

Referring now to FIG. 24C, cellular phone device 400 features a flexible thin tube 409 that has no cover at all and includes a connection to speaker 416 mounted on free end 409a. . The other ends of the electrical connections are connected to the audio output of the cellular phone. As shown, the free end 409a of the wire 409 is attached to the user's forefinger 410 via a loop 411 (which constitutes the securing means). Therefore, the hands of the user are substantially free to operate the phone device 400. Coil springs (not shown) are secured at one end to portion 102a and at opposite ends to free end 409a of tube 409. When the tube 409 is withdrawn to an extended operating position as shown in FIG. 24C, the coil spring is elastically biased to allow automatic retrieval by the coil spring of the tube 409 when necessary.

Both C-shaped portions of the bracelet 102 of any of the preferred embodiments have a rough surface that is worn over the user's wrist 105 to prevent undesirable movement of the bracelet 102. It should be noted that it is preferably formed.

Referring to FIGS. 25A and 25B, certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, for example, a cellular phone device similar to the device 100, are shown, and additionally the watch unit 130 mounted on the portion 102b is shown. Include. For this purpose, a conventional bolt-and-nut assembly 132 is provided. For example, the threaded bolt 134 protrudes from the bottom surface of the watch unit 130 to be received by the nut 136 made on the portion 102b. Obviously, any other means can be used for the same purpose. For example, the watch 130 may be mounted on or integrally formed with the housing, which may in turn be coupled to the bracelet 102 by a hinge or the like. It should be appreciated that the same battery 121 of the cellular phone device 100 may be adapted to power the watch 130.

As noted above, the keypad 106 need not be disposed outside of the C-shaped portion 102a of the configuration shown in FIG. 21, but instead is placed on the bracelet portion of the device 100 according to a variety of different configurations. Can be arranged. 26-28 illustrate various embodiments of the invention employing a multi-section keypad 106. By employing a keypad having one or more sections, the size of the keypad can be minimized when the cellular phone is not in use and can be increased to a larger, easier to use size when the cellular phone is in an open, operational mode.

For example, FIGS. 26A and 26B show that a multi-section keypad may be part 102b of the device 100, or any of the wrist-wearing cellular phone devices in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the cellular phone device 100 of the present invention has a two-section keypad 106 provided on the bracelet portion 102a, although it may be appreciated that it may be provided on another portion of the. It is also recognized that the multi-section keypad 106 of the present invention may employ any wrist-wearing cellular communication device, regardless of the configuration of the cellular phone means and the battery power source on the device.

In the illustrated embodiment, keypad 106 has two sections, sections 106a and 106b, which sections are attached to each other by hinge 140. Section 106a is attached directly to portion 102a of device 100 and section 102b is configured to pivot pivotally about section 106a about hinge 140. Both sections 106a and 106b have placed pressure sensitive buttons 142 on top of which the user presses to operate the cellular phone. In particular, the keypad 106 is coupled to the cellular phone means of the device 100 and transmits signals to the cellular phone means corresponding to the buttons pressed by the user.

FIG. 26 (a) shows the device 100 in an open, operable position, with the section 106b of the keypad 106 hinged 140 to provide access to the buttons 142 of the keypad 106. Is pivoted around Preferably, the keypad 106 is configured such that when the section 102b is pivoted to the open position, the sections 106a and 106b form a substantially flat surface for easy manipulation by the user. The buttons 142 are disposed on the keypad 106 in a well known manner, such as a regular telephone, and are spaced far enough apart to minimize the user's chance of accidentally pressing buttons that the user does not intend to press.

In order to provide greater space between the buttons 142, the device 100 has additional function buttons 144 located on the side of the keypad 106 and along the edge of the width of the portion 102a. 106 (a) and 106 (b). These buttons 144 may, according to one embodiment, allow a user to initiate a call, end a call, and activate a menu displayed by the display 107.

On the other hand, Figure 26 (b) shows the device 100 in the closed, non-operational position, wherein the section 106b of the keypad 106 hides the buttons 142 of the keypad 106,- That is, the buttons 142 are pivoted about the hinge 140 to prevent accidental pressurization and to protect them from dust, water, and the like. In this embodiment, the keypad 106 only needs about half of the space required in the open position shown in Fig. 26 (a).

In addition to reducing the size of the keypad shown by Figures 26 (a) and 26 (b), the multi-section arrangement of the keypad 106 allows the overall size of the device 100 to be reduced as well. Typically, when the keypad is placed on a wristband of a cellular phone designed to be worn on the wrist, the strap is substantially the same width as the keypad. This ensures that the outer edge of the keypad does not extend beyond the bracelet and does not rub the user's wrist and also reduces the possibility of damage through contact with other surfaces. However, wider bracelets add the size and weight of the device, making it too large and heavy.

The present invention allows the bracelet of the wrist-wearing device to be substantially the same as the keypad, without the need for an uncomfortably wide bracelet. Specifically, when the keypad 106 is in the closed position, its width is reduced by half with respect to the width of the section 106a. As a result, the width corresponding to the portion 102a of the device 100 can be designed with a narrower width of the section 106a as long as the bracelet is wide enough to support a sufficiently large battery power source. As noted above, the design of the portion 102a of the device 100 having the same width as the keypad 106 maximizes the aesthetic appeal of the device and the keypad 106 interferes with the mobility of the user's wrist or Minimize the possibility of damage when worn by the user.

As described above, FIG. 26B shows the device 100 when it is closed and the buttons 142 are hidden. In a preferred embodiment, the buttons 142 are located on the sections 106a and 106b, respectively, so that the sections 106a do not touch each other when closed onto the section 106b. This embodiment reduces the combined thickness of the sections 106a and 106b when closed to provide a device 100 that is less bulky on the user's wrist. Additionally it limits wear and tear on button 142 because they are not pressed when the devices are in the closed position.

For example, FIGS. 27A and 27B show an arrangement of buttons 142 on sections 106a and 106b that prevent buttons of each section from touching each other when the device 100 is in the closed position. To show. Figure 27 (a) shows a keypad section 106a having two rows of buttons 142, one row of respective regions 145 and 146 located along the outer edge regions. In addition, the figure shows a section 106b having a row of buttons 142 of an area 147 located at the center thereof. 27 (b) shows that when the sections 106a and 106b are in the closed position, the regions 145, 146 and 147 do not overlap so that the buttons do not touch each other. However, the areas shown in Figures 27 (a) and 27 (b) are illustrative only and the present invention is directed to the invention of the buttons on the keypad sections 106a, 106b where the buttons 142 are not in contact with each other when the device is in the closed position. Note that any configuration is considered.

28A-28D show additional embodiments of device 100 having a multi-sectioned keypad 106. For example, Figure 28 (a) shows a keypad 106 having three sections. The central section 106b is connected at opposite sides to the sections 106a and 106c by hinges 140. In this embodiment, the space required by the keypad 106 in the closed position is only about one third of the space required by the keypad 106 in the open position. FIG. 28 (b) shows the same keypad as shown in FIG. 28 (a) in a fully open position with substantial space between each button 142.

FIG. 28 (c) shows another embodiment in which the keypad 106c includes three sections, with two sections having a telescopic arrangement with respect to each other. For example, section 106a is connected to section 106b by hinge 140. However, section 106b also has a pair of spaced parallel guides therein that extend along opposite sides of section 106b to support section 106c. Figure 28 (d) shows two other embodiments in which the keypad 106 comprises three sections, with two sections having a telescopic arrangement for the third section. For example, section 106b has two pairs of spaced apart parallel guides therein extending along opposite sides of section 106c to support both sections 106a and 106c. As noted above, each embodiment shown in FIGS. 26-28 provides a multi-section keypad 106 that reduces the space required by the keypad 106 and improves the wrist-wearing cellular phone device 100. to provide.

Although only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, numerous modifications, substitutions, variations and equivalents will now be recalled to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims (44)

A wrist-mounted telephone device for attaching to a wearer's wrist, A bracelet configured to attach to a wearer's wrist and configured to support cellular phone means housed in the housing and battery power coupled to the housing; And A keypad attached to the bracelet and coupled to the cellular phone means to provide a signal therein and having a plurality of adjustable sections Wrist-mounted telephone device comprising a. The wrist-mounted telephone device according to claim 1, wherein the keypad comprises buttons. The wrist-mounted telephone device according to claim 2, wherein the signals are provided by the keypad corresponding to the buttons pressed by the wearer. The wrist-mounted telephone device according to claim 1, wherein the keypad comprises two sections. The method of claim 4, wherein the keypad, A first section attached to the bracelet; And A second section pivotally attached to the first section by a hinge Wrist-mounted telephone device further comprising. 6. The second section of claim 5, wherein when the second section is pivoted to a closed position relative to the first section, the second section is configured to hide the buttons on each of the first and second sections. Wrist-mounted telephone device, characterized in that it is pivotally attached to. 6. The wrist according to claim 5, wherein when the second section is pivoted to an open position with respect to the first section, the second section is pivotally attached to the first section to form a flat keypad. -Mounted phone device. The method of claim 5, wherein the first section of the keypad has a plurality of buttons in at least one area of the first section, and the second section of the keypad is in a plurality of buttons in at least one area of the second section. Wrist-mounted telephone device comprising a. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one region of the first section is in contact with the at least one region of the second section when the second section is pivoted to a closed position relative to the first section. Featuring a wrist-mounted telephone device. The method of claim 4, wherein the keypad, A first section attached to the bracelet; And A second section telescopically attached to said first section Wrist-mounted telephone device further comprising. The wrist-mounted telephone device according to claim 1, wherein the keypad comprises three sections. The method of claim 10, wherein the keypad, A first section attached to the bracelet; And Second and third sections attached to the first section Wrist-mounted telephone device further comprising. 13. A wrist-mounted telephone device according to claim 12, wherein said at least one of said second and third sections is pivotally attached to said first section. 13. A wrist-mounted telephone device according to claim 12, wherein said at least one of said second and third sections is elastically attached to said first section. 6. The wrist-mounted telephone device according to claim 5, wherein the bracelet has a width substantially the same as the width of the first section attached to the bracelet. In a wrist-mounted communication device, Cellular phone means configured to transmit and receive communication signals; And At least one antenna attached to the communications device to transmit and receive signals, the antenna system further extending from a horizontal plane of the communications device Wrist-mounted communication device comprising a. 17. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 16, further comprising hinge means for hinge coupling one end of the antenna to the communication device. 17. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 16, further comprising pivot means for pivotally coupling one end of the antenna to the communication device. 18. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 16, further comprising a keypad unit coupled to the phone means. 20. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 19, wherein the antenna is disposed at a position close to the keypad unit. 17. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 16, wherein the antenna is releasably biased in a closed position. 17. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 16, wherein the antenna is extendable in its open position. 23. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 22, further comprising an extension antenna configured to rotate around the first antenna. 17. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 16, further comprising at least a second antenna, configured to operate independently from the first antenna. 25. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 24, wherein the first and second antennas operate as diversity antennas. 25. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 24, wherein one end of the first antenna is coupled to the communication device and the other end of the first antenna is rotatably coupled to one end of the second antenna. 25. The wrist-mounted communication of claim 24, wherein one end of the first and second antennas is rotatably coupled to the communication device so that the first and second antennas are angled relative to each other. Device. In a wrist-mounted communication device, Cellular phone means configured to transmit and receive communication signals; A keypad unit attached to said means for providing signals there; And Removably mounted on the device, the handset comprising a microphone and speaker unit Wrist-mounted communication device comprising a. 29. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 28, wherein the handset is wired to the cellular phone means. 29. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 28, wherein the handset further comprises a wireless connection to the cellular phone means. 29. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 28, wherein the handset comprises one or more sections to be extensible. 32. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 31, wherein the one or more handset sections are extendable by unfolding the handset through a hinge. 32. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 31, wherein the one or more handset sections are configured to extend elastically, such that the sections are extensible by sliding the sections relative to each other. 29. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 28, wherein the handset further comprises a telescopically extendable antenna. 29. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 28, further comprising a display unit. 29. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 28, further comprising a watch unit. 29. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 28, wherein the keypad is located on the cellular phone means. 29. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 28, wherein the keypad comprises at least one keypad section with buttons. 39. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 38, wherein a first keypad section is attached to the cellular phone means and a second keypad section is pivotally attached to the first section by a hinge. 40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein when the second keypad section is pivoted to a closed position relative to the first keypad section, the second keypad section is configured to hide the buttons on each of the first and second keypad sections. Wrist-mounted communication device, pivotally attached to the first keypad section. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the second keypad section is pivotally attached to the first keypad section to form a flat keypad when the second keypad section is pivoted to an open position with respect to the first keypad section. Wrist-mounted communication device. 41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the first keypad section has a plurality of buttons in at least one area of the first keypad section, and the second keypad section has a plurality of buttons in at least one area of the second section. Wrist-mounted communication device, characterized in that. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one region of the first section is not in contact with the at least one region of the second section when the second section is pivoted to a closed position relative to the first section. Wrist-mounted communication device. 29. The wrist-mounted communication device of claim 28, wherein the keypad further comprises a first section attached to the device and a second section elastically attached to the first section.