MXPA96005014A - Switch hook in the form of armrests for an electronic communication unmicrotelefono - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a armrest for use with a chair, the armrest is characterized in that it comprises: a molded frame having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end defines the end of the armrest and is accessible to the user, and includes a top surface forming an integral part of the armrest for a passenger seated in a chair, and including a support cavity formed within the upper surface of the molded frame, in the support cavity dimensioned to receive and removably attach thereto a electronic communications handset, wherein at least a portion of the electronic communications handset provides a support armrest along the molded frame when the electronic communications handset is received within the support cavity and so that at least one portion of the electronic communications handset it can be operated when it is fixed in the support cavity, and a layer connected to the distal end of the molded frame and accessible to the user having a panel removably connected to the lid, the lid defines a chamber for operably placing therein at least an electronic device so that at least one electronic device is accessible through the bread

Description

SWITCH HOOK IN THE FORM OF ARMRESTS FOR AN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION MICROTELEFONO FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to housings for electronic communication handsets. More particularly, the invention relates to the switch hooks for an electronic communication handset.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The recent development and adaptation of electronic communication handsets, such as handsets and the like, has resulted in their use in commercial transportation, including commercial aircraft. For example, in commercial aircraft, handsets and their hooks or supports have been incorporated, so that the telephone service can be done by the user from the commercial aircraft to a land-based telephone equipment via radio telephone links. REF: 23045 Many combinations of handset and hooks are known for use in commercial aircraft and adaptable to other modes of commercial transport. Most of these devices are for mounting on the back of the seat, that is, for mounting on or in the rear surface of the passenger seat immediately in front of the intended user or group of passengers. For example, see Hollowed et al. (US Patent No. 5,157,722) and Skowrons i (US Patent No. 5,128,993 and No. 5,155,766). Also, see Kepley, III et al. (US Patent No. 5,410,597), which are jointly owned together with this application. Additionally, a number of associated features are known for use with such telephone sets, including latching mechanisms (for example, see Hollowed et al, US Patent No. 5,157,722), telephone ejector mechanisms activated by credit cards (e.g. see Hollowed et al., U.S. Patent Nos. 4,881,254 and 4,977,592) and cord reel (e.g., see Hollowed et al 5,109,412) Also, see generally U.S. Patent No. 5,418,836 to Yazaki and U.S. Patent No. 5,173,936 to U.S. Pat. Ditzig et al.

In U.S. Patent No. 4,965,824, Hollowed et al. disclose a handset switch hook that includes an engagement mechanism activated by a credit card and mounting means such as a bracket or the like. The patent teaches the installation or assembly of the handset and the hook-and-loop device "under the armrest of an aircraft seat, or perhaps under or over the armrests of seats such as those included in limousines, yachts, trains and the like". As is known, space is very valuable in all modes of commercial transport, particularly commercial aircraft. Therefore, it is desirable to have available a switch hook or support for an electronic communication handset that makes efficient use of the limited space available in commercial modes of transport, including commercial aircraft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with its main and widely established aspects, the invention is an armrest for use with the passenger seat. In particular, it is an armrest having a switch hook cavity formed therein to reoperably secure an electronic communication handset such as a telephone. The electronic communication handset is held in the armrest so that it becomes part of the armrest when it is not in use. Alternatively, the armrest also accommodates electronic devices not necessarily related to the electronic communication handset, such as additional communication ports and transducer modules. The armrest is comprised of modular components for efficient mounting, as it can be installed and removed from a passenger seat as a single unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of an armrest according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the armrest of Figure 1 shown in use with an electronic communication handset; and Figure 3 is a side view of the armrest of Figures 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following description similar components have been indicated by the same numerical references for the purpose of being consistent through the drawings. Referring now to Figure 1, an armrest 10 is shown according to one embodiment of the invention. Associated with the armrest 10 is an armrest frame 14 or other suitable arrangement that matches a chair 16, for example, a passenger seat in an aircraft, train or other mode of transport. The armrest 10 comprises a molded frame 22 having a commutator hook cavity 24 formed therein. The switch hook cavity 24 is sized to receive and secure an electronic communication handset 26, such as a cordless or cordless telephone, which includes the electronic communication handset shown and described in the following commonly assigned US Patents: U.S. Patent No. 5,410,597 granted on April 25, 1995 to Kepley, III et al. and entitled "Telephone Apparatus for Wired Aircraft Seat Support"; U.S. Patent No. 5,39,467 issued February 28, 1995 to Kepley, III et al. and entitled "Protection Against Multi-Purpose Telephone Pulls"; and US Patent No. 361,568 issued August 22, 1995 to Kepley, III et al. and entitled "Telephone Appliance for Airplane", all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The switch hook cavity 24 is dimensioned and configured so that the electronic communication handset 26 is substantially even with an upper surface 32 of the molded frame 22 when it is secured in the switch hook cavity 24. The cavity of the switch hook 24 is defined by a floor 34 and a plurality of walls 36. When the electronic communication handset 26 is secured to the cavity of the switch hook 24, the electronic communication handset 26 together with the upper surface 32 of the molded frame 22 form an armrest which provides support a passenger seated in the chair 16. However, even when the electronic communication handset has been removed from the cavity of the switch hook 24, the upper surface 32 will still provide the appropriate armrest support to a passenger seated in the chair 16. It is advantageous to attach fixedly to a distal end 44 of the molded frame 22 a protective bevel 54 and a clamp 56, as shown. Also, a panel or faceplate 62 is connected to the bevel 54 and is easily removed from it to provide access behind the bevel 54 for installation and / or service of other electronic devices. The bevel 54, the panel 62 and the clamp 56 collectively define an area behind the bevel 54 and under the molded frame 22 which is adapted to accommodate or position a selected plurality of electronic devices. Panel 62, in one embodiment, has one or more openings 64 to accommodate electronic devices. For example, an audio transducer module (not shown) or similar device operating independently of the electronic communication handset 26 may be installed between the clamp 56 and the bevel 54 so that its operating controls are accessible through the openings 64 in panel 62. Also, for example, a communication line (not shown) may be installed, either related to or unrelated to the electronic communication handset 26, under, inside or behind the armrest 10, so that its communications port or associated socket (not shown) fits loosely within one of the openings 64 in panel 62 for operational access thereto.

It should be noted that the bevel 54 and its configuration increase the applicability of the armrest 10 to environments in which space is limited, such as in the seats in commercial modes of transport, especially in the seats of commercial airplanes. That is, the bevel 54, in addition to providing a comfortable final part to the structure of the armrest formed by the molded frame 22, defines a compact area in which other devices can be placed in addition to the electronic communication handset 26. Also, the bevel 54 and its connection to the distal end 44 of the molded frame 22 is designed to be modular so that various styles of bevels are suitable for connection to the molded frame 22. An ejector mechanism, for example an ejector plate driven by a spring 76 and an ejector button 78 shown in Figures 1-3, are connected to the molded frame 22 and are operated to push in a controlled manner, eject or in other circumstances release the electronic communication handset 26 from the cavity of the switch hook 24, as desired . However, it is within the scope of one skilled in the art to use any suitable ejector mechanism to push the electronic communication handset 26 from the cavity of the switch hook 24.

For example, with respect to the ejector mechanism shown, the eject button 78 has a tab (not shown) that engages a corresponding slot (not shown) on the front end 82 of the electronic communication handset 26 to maintain the electronic communication handset 26 is secured within the cavity of the switch hook 24. However, the ejector button 78 is moved so that the tab is uncoupled from the corresponding slot, thereby causing the ejector plate 76, which is rotatably connected to it. is actuated by a spring from the floor 34, push or eject at least the front end 82 of the electronic communication handset 26 from the cavity of the switch hook 24 to the extent that a user can manually remove the electronic communication handset 26 completely from the cavity of the switch hook 24. Again, although a specific example of an ejector mechanism is shown in Figures 1-3 and described above, another suitable ejector mechanism can be used to push the electronic communication handset 26 from the cavity of the switch hook 24 in response to the movement of a button, tongue or appropriate ejector element. For example, an ejector mechanism that prevents unauthorized use of the electronic communication handset 26 is adaptable for use with the armrest 10. Such mechanisms typically require the use of a credit card or similar article to activate the ejector mechanism, thereby allowing mode the use of the electronic communication handset 26. Alternatively, such a mechanism is contained or formed integrally with the electronic communication handset 26, for example, a slot or other receiving device that requires a credit card or similar article to activate the handset communication electronics 26. A communication line retractor and / or retractor, for example, a cord reel 84, is operably connected to the molded frame 22 via a bracket 86 or other suitable connection mechanism for providing cable to the electronic handset of communication 26, if desired, or possible There is no need for any of the additional electronic devices placed behind the bezel 54 and the panel 62. For example, the cord spool 84 is suitable for mounting to a proximal end 48 of the molded frame 22 such that a retractable communication line 88 connected to , for example, the electronic communication handset 26, is available and is administered thereto when the electronic communication handset 26 is removed from the cavity of the switch hook 24. Consequently, the communication line 88 is stored in the cord reel 84 when the electronic communication handset 26 is secured within the cavity of the switch hook 24. Depending on the specific configuration of the armrest 10 and the chair 16, the fastener of the line of communication is adaptable to hide from view, for example, in a portion of the arm of the additional seat, within a vertical portion of the seat or simply tucked under an available region of the armrest 10. Therefore, the fastener of the line of communication will probably not be in the visual plane of a passenger seated in the chair 16 or those seated in the chairs behind or adjacent to the chair 16. In use, the electronic communication handset 26 is typically removed from the cavity of the switch hook 24 before of your operation. However, because the electronic communication handset 26 is secured within the cavity of the switch hook 24 with its upper face and at least some of its accessible function buttons, the electronic communication handset 26 can be operated, at least in a certain degree, while still being secured within the cavity of the switch hook 24.

Formed on the floor 34 of the cavity of the switch hook 24 is a channel or port 92 which allows spills to enter the cavity of the switch hook 24 to be drained from the molded block 22 and discharged through the armrest 10. The floor 34 is configured to facilitate the migration of any spillage in the cavity of the switch hook 24 to the drain channel 92. For example, if the drain channel 92 is located near the proximal end 48 of the molded frame 22, as shown in the Figures 1-3, then the floor 34 is slightly inclined from the distal end 44 downwardly of the proximal end 48. In this way, spills such as those of fluid material can be removed from the cavity of the switch hook 24 as quickly as possible to avoid interference with and possible malfunction of the electronic communication handset 26 or other electronic devices. Additionally, the floor 34 is slightly inclined from one side of the molded frame 22 towards the other so that the electronic communication handset 26 is correspondingly inclined towards one side of the armrest 10 when it is secured in the cavity of the switch hook 24. this way, the armrest 10 is adaptable to be made in specific versions, for example, for the right or left side of a passenger seat. The specific versions of the armrest 10 allow an electronic communication handset 26 secured to it to form a slight angle towards the body of the passenger seat, thus providing additional comfort to the armrest for the occupant of the seat. The overall configuration of the molded block 22 depends on its particular application. That is, the molded frame 22 can be formed as an attachment that is operably connected to an existing armrest or armrest frame, or that is connected to a specially manufactured chair. Alternatively, the molded frame 22 is formed integrally as part of an entire armrest or the entire arm of an existing or specially manufactured commercial chair. In addition, the molded frame 22 is formed as part of a commercial seat or chair having arms integrally formed therein. Accordingly, it should be understood that, except with the novel armrest structure described herein, the seat arms and passenger seats according to the invention may have a conventional structure. Due to its compact design and suitable molding material available, the molded frame 22 is suitable to be formed as a modular single piece that is adaptable to be installed or removed from an existing armrest arrangement. Furthermore, such compact modular design adapts itself well to existing commercial transport environments in which space is limited. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and substitutions to the armrest described herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the practice is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (27)

1. An armrest for use with a chair, the armrest is characterized in that it comprises: a molded frame having a switch hook cavity formed therein, the cavity of the switch hook being dimensioned to receive and removably secure therein an electronic communication handset , so that at least a portion of the electronic communication handset provides armrest support along with the molded frame and so that at least a portion of the electronic communication handset can be operated when it is secured in the cavity of the switch hook.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a bezel connected to the frame and has a panel removably connected to the bevel, the bevel defines a camera for operable placing in it at least one electronic device, so at less an electronic device is accessible through such a panel.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an ejector mechanism in operable connection with the frame for releasing the electronic communication handset from the cavity of the switch hook.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a retractable communication line in electrical communication with the electronic communication handset.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a channel formed in the frame to define a drainage path from the cavity of the switch hook through the armrest towards the chair.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an electronic communication handset removably secured in the cavity of the switch hook, the electronic communication handset has a slot receiving a card formed therein.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a passenger seat, wherein at least one of the armrests is operably connected to it.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity of the switch hook is formed inside the frame, so that the electronic communication handset inclines towards the chair when it is operably placed inside the cavity of the switch hook.

9. An armrest attachment for use with the armrest of a passenger chair, the armrest attachment is characterized in that it comprises: a molded frame having a switch hook cavity formed therein and dimensioned to removably secure an electronic communication handset, the frame has a proximal end and a distal end; and a bevel connected to the distal end of the frame, the bevel has a panel removably connected thereto, the bevel defines a chamber with the distal end of the frame sized to operably place therein at least one electronic device that operates independently of the electronic communication handset, at least one electronic device placed inside the camera, so that it is accessible through the panel.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises a clamp fixedly connected to the distal end of the frame between the frame and the bezel to operably place at least one electronic device.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises an ejector mechanism in operable connection with the frame and the cavity of the switch hook to release the electronic communication handset from the cavity of the switch hook, the ejector mechanism has a tab that is moves between a release position and an assurance position so that, when the tab is in the securing position, the electronic communication handset can be secured within the cavity of the switch hook and when the tab is in the release position , the electronic communication handset is released from the cavity of the switch hook.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises a cord reel operably connected to the frame, the cord reel has a retractable communication line in electrical communication with the electronic communication handset.

13. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the electronic communication handset provides armrest support when it is secured in the cavity of the switch hook.

14. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the cavity of the switch hook has a floor and wherein the armrest further comprises a channel formed through the floor of the cavity of the switch hook, the channel establishes a draining path from the cavity from the switch hook through the armrest to the arm of the chair.

15. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises an electronic communication handset removably secured to the cavity of the switch hook, the electronic communication handset has a slot receiving a card formed therein.

16. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a passenger seat having at least one armrest, wherein the molded frame is connected to each of at least one armrest.

17. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the frame has a first side and a second opposite side between the proximal and distal ends, wherein the electronic communication handset has a first face, and wherein in the cavity of the switch hook it is formed within the frame, so that the first face of the electronic communication handset is inclined towards the first side and away from the second side when it is operably positioned within the cavity of the switch hook.

18. An apparatus for removably securing an electronic communication handset, the apparatus is for use with a plurality of electronic devices operating independently of the electronic communication handset, the apparatus is characterized in that it comprises: a modular frame having a hook-and-socket cavity formed therein, the cavity of the switch hook is dimensioned to receive and securely detach the electronic communication handset; and a modular arrangement connected to the frame to operably place the plurality of electronic devices within the apparatus, whereby the plurality of electronic devices is accessible.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the plurality of electronic devices includes an electronic module and wherein the modular arrangement comprises: a clamp fixedly connected to the modular frame for connecting thereto a first side of the electronic module; and a bezel connected to the modular frame for connecting a second side of the electronic module to it, the clamp and the bevel define between them an aperture sized to receive the electronic module.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the modular array further comprises a bezel fixedly connected to the modular frame and a panel removably connected to the bezel through which the plurality of electronic devices are accessible.

21. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises an electronic communication handset that is removably secured to the cavity of the switch hook, the electronic communication handset has a slot receiving a card formed therein.

22. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that it comprises an ejector mechanism in operable connection with the frame for releasing the electronic communication handset from the cavity of the switch hook.

23. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the apparatus further comprises: a clamp fixedly connected to the frame; and a cord reel connected to the clamp, whereby the cord reel is electrically connected to the electronic communication handset.

24. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises a channel formed in the frame to define a drainage path from the cavity of the switch hook through the armrest towards the arm of the chair.

25. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the cavity of the switch hook is formed inside the frame, so that the electronic communication handset is inclined toward the chair when it is operably positioned within the cavity of the switch hook.

26. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the apparatus is configured as the armrest of a passenger chair.

27. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the apparatus is installed within the rear area of the seat of a passenger seat.