MXPA99005667A - A wrist-mounted telephone device - Google Patents

Abstract

A wrist-mounted cellular telephone device for attaching to a wearer's wrist. The device comprises a cellular phone mechanism mounted in a housing and a battery power source coupled to the housing. The battery power source circumferentially extends along at least a substantial portion of the wearer's wrist.

Description

DEVICE FET.KTONICO TO BE PLACED ON THE DOLL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to portable cellular telephone devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A cell phone is a family personal communication accessory that is widely used. The first models were bulky, transported in motor vehicles or in backpacks. More developed models were stored in a bag or held in a belt when not in use. Therefore they tended to fall, break or simply be forgotten. Additionally, these models suffered from the loss of time caused by carrying these cell phones out of a garment cavity or belt support, adjusting the telephone orientation to trigger a response mode. A number of wrist telephony devices have been developed and described, for example in U.S. Patents. Nos. 5,239,521; 5,274,513; 5,224,076. In all of these descriptions, a telephony device typically in the form of a wristwatch attached to a user's wrist by a strap, wherein a cellular telephone mechanism replaces that of a watch at its conventional site. The main components of a cell phone mechanism such as REF .: 30566 a transceiver, means for initiation of telephony call, a keyboard, a speech recognition device, an exhibitor, etc., as well as a source of battery power, are housed within a common enclosure. A microphone and a speaker are usually incorporated into the strap. For example, in a device described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,521, a strap, has a member pivotally engaged in a shape to be rotatable between its inoperative position aligned with and fastened to the strap, and an operative position, perpendicular to the strap. The pivotal member functions as an earphone, which has a receiver at its free end and a microphone mounted on or near its opposite end, close to the strap. The telephone devices described in the above patents have the common disadvantage associated with the fact that a battery is substantially small in size and therefore low in energy. Without a doubt, the battery is always a part of the enclosure that contains the telephone mechanism, whose enclosure is supported on the wrist of the user as a clock unit, by means of a conventional strap. WO Publication No. 95/35622 discloses a telephone device that can be used as a wristwatch cell phone by placing it on a conventional strap to be attached to the wearer's wrist. Here, a battery is accommodated in a separate enclosure which, at its first end, is hinged to the end of the enclosure containing the telephone mechanism. However, the battery is still small in size and associated with the same portion of the user's wrist as the enclosure that contains the cell phone mechanism. The two interconnected enclosures are typically associated with the strap that connects their free ends and supports them on the wearer's wrist. In this way, it is evident that in conventional devices of the specified type, a battery is too small to meet the user's requirements, while a strap always occupies at least half of the user's wrist, which is free of both mechanism of telephone as a battery. Additionally, most known cell phone devices generate a disturbance caused when they start to sound, for example when the user is in a public meeting, concert, speech or the like. It is often the case that the user wants their cell phone to be permanently turned on to be informed immediately of an incoming call. However, it would be clearly desirable that the telephone device be operated in a way to notify the user of an incoming call without disturbing others with their immediate proximity. In order to solve this problem, usually a vibrator is included in the cell phone mechanism and is connected to the telephone bell in a way to cause a continuous vibration of the entire cellular telephone device, when activated by an incoming call. It is understood that this fact of being vibrate the entire device results in a significant waste of energy. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, an object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages listed above and others of conventional cellular telephone devices and to provide a telephony device placed on the novel wrist. A further object of the invention is to provide said device which is configured as a bracelet, wherein all the main components of a cellular telephone mechanism and a battery energy source are distributed around the wrist of the user in the most effective manner. This allows designing a battery of significantly larger dimensions and easily replaceable without disturbing the cell phone mechanism itself.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide said device that includes a vibrator, which when actuated, indicates to a user an incoming call without causing the vibration of the entire device. Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, a telephony device placed on the wrist is provided to be placed on a user's wrist, the device comprising: a cellular telephone mechanism located in a housing; a battery power source coupled with the housing, wherein the battery power source extends circumferentially over at least a substantial portion of the user's wrist. Preferably, the housing and the battery energy source together form first and second interlocking portions respectively of a bracelet. The construction may be such that at least one of the first and second portions of the bracelet has a flat or C-shaped geometry. It is understood that the battery power source is adapted to be electrically connected to the cell phone mechanism. The electrical connection can be in the form of wires.

Preferably, the battery power source substantially occupies the wrist of the user. The housing containing the cellular telephone mechanism can be located on one side of the palm of the user's wrist. The housing and battery power source are coupled by a connector that provides mechanical coupling. The connector may comprise hinges or a staple or buckle mechanism, or at least one belt. The connector is substantially small so as not to occupy a significant portion of the user's wrist. In the case of the belt, it can be formed of plastic, cloth or similar material. The cellular telephone mechanism comprises a hearing aid that extends to a region of the user's palm and retractable to a region of the housing. Preferably, the handset is extendable on an axis of the user's arm. The earphone can be extended by a cover that opens when flipped pivotally coupled with the housing and can also be extended at least by an accordion or telescopic segment of the cover.

Alternatively, the headset of the cellular telephone mechanism can be mounted on one end of a tube that has a holding structure, to attach to a user's finger. Upon release of the holding structure, the tube is retracted into the housing by a resilient branch means coupled to the end of the tube. The battery power source may comprise a single battery which extends circumferentially over at least a substantial portion of the user's wrist, or a plurality of batteries coupled together and each extending circumferentially over the wrist of the user. It is understood that a battery of any type can be used. The battery can be housed in a removable form inside an enclosure. If the plurality of batteries is used, each of them can be housed within its enclosure and the enclosures are coupled together. For this purpose, the device preferably comprises an electrical circuit that is adapted to selectively connect the cellular telephony mechanism to a preconfigured one of the plurality of batteries. Preferably, the cell phone mechanism includes an antenna that can be telescoping type. The device may also comprise an indication means that is responsively coupled with the cellular telephone mechanism to alert the user of an incoming call or that a call is entering. The preferably indicating means comprises a vibrator in the form of a mechanical structure that includes a reciprocating tip to touch or contact the wrist of the user. The device may also comprise at least one panel for displaying data. Preferably, the device also comprises a clock unit. The clock unit and the housing are arranged in a diametrically opposite relationship on the wrist of the user. According to another aspect of the present invention, a telephone device placed on the wrist to place a user's wrist is provided, the device comprising: a cellular telephone mechanism located in a housing; a battery power source coupled to the housing; and a wristwatch unit placed diametrically opposite the housing containing the cell phone mechanism. The battery power source may be contained in a container coupled to the housing. The wristwatch unit can be connected electrically and / or mechanically with the battery power source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to understand the invention and to see how it can be carried out in practice, several preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a graphic illustration of a cellular telephone device placed on the wrist according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a graphical view of the device of Figure 1, which more specifically illustrates an open or unlocked position thereof; Figure 3a is a side view of the portion of the device of Figure 2, which more specifically illustrates a mini-vibrator; Figure 3b is a partial exploded view of the device of Figure 1, with a cover opening when the tire is retracted and a battery in its retracted position; Figures 4a to 4c illustrate three further embodiments of the invention; Figure 5a illustrates yet another embodiment of a cellular telephone device placed on the wrist having a wristwatch placed there; and Figure 5b is a cross section of the device of Figure 5a, which more specifically illustrates a coupling assembly for placing the wristwatch in the cellular telephone device.

DESCRIPTION py? T & T.T.ApA OF THE MODALITY ??? PREFERRED With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a device designated generally 1 is shown, comprising a housing in the form of a bracelet 2, having two C-shaped portions 2a and 2b. The portions 2a and 2b are permanently coupled at one end to a pair of hinges 3, to be pivotal relative to each other between a closed state of the bracelet 2 when worn on the wearer's wrist 5 and an open condition for removing the bracelet from the user's wrist. The portions 2a and 2b at an opposite end are interlocked by a buckle mechanism of known type, for example having a latch 4 made at an inner butt end 2c for coupling a respective recess formed at one end to the interconnection stop (no shown) of portion 2a. It is understood that appropriate means are provided to easily unlock the bolt 4 with the user's hand. It is also appreciated that any other coupling mechanism could be used for the same purpose of providing a mechanical coupling between the portions 2a and 2b which, on the one hand, is secured against accidental unlocking and on the other hand, is adapted to be easily unfastened by the user. For example, a magnetic buckle mechanism can be used. As illustrated in Figure 1, the bracelet 2 wraps around the user's wrist 5 in such a way that all the main components of a conventional cell-phone mechanism, except the battery, are arranged on one side 5a of the wrist 5, for example the side of the palm of the hand. In this manner, the portion 2a is provided on its exterior, with a conventional numeric keypad 6, easily available to the user and a liquid crystal display 7. The display 7 is typically capable of displaying a number currently marked by the user. when an outgoing call is transmitted from the device 1, and also a number of a remote telephone device that generates an incoming call, if said option is authorized by the owner of the remote telephone. Coupled to the portion 2a of the bracelet 2 is a telescopic cover that opens when turning, generally at 8, formed of two hinged plates 9 and 10. The plate 10 is recessed and is slightly larger than the plate 9, to receive the latter inside in a conventional way. For this purpose, the plate 10 can be provided internally with a pair of spaced parallel guides, which extend on opposite sides of the plate 10 to support the plate 9. Said telescopic structure is well known and therefore not specifically illustrated. Therefore, the plate 9 is adapted for sliding movement between a bent position when it is partially inserted into the plate 10 (Figure 2) and a fully projecting extracted position from the plate 10 (Figure 1). An end 12 of the plate 9 is angled and when in the folded position of the plate 9, projects from the plate 10, as best illustrated in Figure 2. The plate 10 is at one end connected by a pair of hinges 11 in the portion 2a, to be rotatable with respect to the portion 2a between an open extracted position of the plate shown in Figure 1, and a closed position reLcffl ri, aenb air p-nr? almaite the buitreara or • ffrlfriD pmeriao 6 .

This partially retracted position is illustrated in Figure 2. For this purpose, the cover 8 can be formed of a flexible material. A two-segment magnetic buckle generally in 13, conveniently accommodates "in the portion 2a and the plate 10 to keep the cover 8 closed.It is seen that the magnetic buckle 13 can be replaced by any other convenient means, for example a spring mechanism It should be noted, although not specifically illustrated, that the display 7 or an additional convenient display can be located on either side of the plate 10. Further, a conventional antenna 14 which may be a telescopic antenna mounted on the portion 2a opposite the merchandiser is provided. 7. The antenna 14 can be held at either end of any portion of the bracelet 2, in a way to extend through the supported portion, such that an axis of the antenna 14 is parallel to the user's arm. Also provided is a conventional microphone 15 (constituting a mouth piece) mounted on the portion 2a and a horn unit 16 (constituting a piece for the ear) located at an angled end 12 of the plate 9. As shown in FIG. illustrated in Figure 3a, one of the essential features of the present invention is to provide a mini-vibrator 17 having a reciprocating tip 18 projecting from the portion 2a and responding to a bell signal to contact the wrist the user In order to inform you of an incoming call, without disturbing others in the vicinity. A miniature disc disk washer 20 is connected to a projecting end of the tip 18 which is connected at its opposite end with a conventional cell phone bell (not shown) in such a way that the latter, when operated by a Incoming call, activates the mini-vibrator 17 causing the tip 18 to reciprocate. In public places where the regular audible bell would disturb, it may be deactivated, r. While still allowing the user to be informed by the mini-vibrator 17 of an incoming call. It is evident that the above construction requires a substantial amount of energy and when it operates, it does not cause vibrations to the entire device 1. Reference is now made to Figure 3b, which illustrates another essential feature of the present invention. Illustrated is a battery 21 configured as a portion of the bracelet 2 and sized to engage within and withdraw from the portion 2b which is generally hollow and functions as a battery support member. For this purpose, the hollow portion 2b is provided internally with a pair of peripheral slots or guides, to allow the battery to slide in and out in conventional manner. It is understood, although not specifically illustrated, that the battery 21 is electrically connected to the respective components of the telephone mechanism housed in the portion 2a. For this purpose, electrical wires are appropriately located within portions 2a and 2b. If desired, the portion 2b can be a two piece construction, both parts being for example curved shaped sections, designed to house a battery therebetween. The construction can be similar to agüella used in tapes for inserting and removing cassettes or cartridges, which are. it knows per se and therefore does not need to be described specifically except to note that it is usually included in a spring structure operated by a push button. Alternatively, although not specifically illustrated, the battery 21 itself can be provided with a buckle mechanism of a known type and when connected eg in the manner described above with respect to the portions 2a and 2b, it completes the bracelet shape total, functioning in this manner as an integral portion 2b of the bracelet. The construction may be such that the portion 2b, ie associated with the battery, wraps around the entire wrist 5 and the portion 2a, ie associated with the telephone mechanism, appropriately engages with the portion 2b above. Obviously, instead of using a single battery as described above, two or more batteries having appropriate electrical circuit connectors can be employed. For this purpose, the portion 2b can be formed of two or more segments connected by hinges, short belts or the like, each carrying a battery inside or in itself is a battery. In the case of short belts, they are short enough so as not to occupy a significant portion of the wearer's wrist. It should be noted specifically that any type of battery can be used.

The device 1, which is a cellular telephone device designed to include the characteristics of conventional cellular telephones such as time, date, alarm clock, automatic dialing mode, telephone book, etc. Additionally, a detector means is provided to automatically put the device in an operational mode, when the cover plate 10 is rotated to its open and vipeverse position. All these functions are well known per se and therefore do not need to be specifically described. The user uses the cellular telephone device 1 on his wrist 5, and when using the device he keeps his hand next to the face in a natural hand position with the bracelet 2 near a region of the mouth. The microphone 15 in the portion of the bracelet 2a in this way is close to the user's mouth, while the tips of his fingers are close to his ear. The horn 16 on the extended plate 9 of the cover can now be held close to the user's ear. Fingering is used to filter the background noise, and simultaneously provide a resonant external cavity to improve the audio quality of the sound emanating from the speaker. Reference is now made to Figures 4a, 4b and 4c illustrating three embodiments of the present invention, which are generally similar to the modality described above and therefore those components that are identical in all embodiments are identified by the same numbers reference. The cellular telephone devices 100 and 200 are distinguished from each other and from device 1 by somewhat different constructions of a cover that is opened upon flipping. In this way, as clearly illustrated in Figure 4a, a cover 108 is formed of two plates 109 and 110, pivotally coupled by a pair of hinges 111 and 112, where the horn is mounted on the plate 109. It will be easily understood that the cover 108 is foldable and extensible like an accordion. An additional two-part magnetic buckle is provided in a conventional manner on an inner surface 109a of the plate 109 interconnecting an inner side 110a of the plate 110, which is not specifically illustrated. Obviously, this magnetic buckle can be replaced by any other suitable means for the same purpose. A cover 209 of the cellular telephone device 200 is a three-plate telescopic cover, wherein a last plate 209 is slidably inserted in a central plate 210, which in turn is received by a plate 211 in a manner described above with reference to the Figures 1 - 3. Turning now to Figure 4c, the cellular telephone device 300 has no de facto cover and is characterized by a flexible thin tube 309 containing horn connections 16 mounted on its free end 309a. The other ends of the electrical connections are connected to an audio output of the cell phone. As illustrated, the free end 309a of the wire 309 is connected to the index finger 310 of the user by a loop 311 (which constitutes a fastening means). In this manner, the hands of the user are substantially free to operate the telephone device 300. A coil spring (not shown) is fixed at one end to the portion 2a and is fixed at an end opposite the free end 309a of the tube 309. When the tube 309 is directed to the extended operated position as illustrated in Figure 4c, the coil spring being resiliently derived to allow automatic retraction by the coil spring of the tube 309 when required. It will be noted that both the C-shaped portions of the bracelet 2 in any of the preferred embodiments described above, are preferably formed with rough interior surfaces that superimpose the user's wrist 5 to prevent undesirable movement of the bracelet 2. With reference to the Figures 5a and 5b, there is illustrated a cellular telephone device which is similar to any of the preferred embodiments of the invention, for example the device 1, and additionally comprises a clock unit 30 mounted on the portion 2b. For this purpose, a conventional pin-and-nut structure 32 is provided. For example, a threaded bolt 34 projects from a bottom side of the clock unit 30 to be received by a nut 36 made in the portion 2b. Obviously, any other means can be used for the same purpose. For example, the watch 30 can be mounted on or integrally formed with its housing which in turn can be coupled to the bracelet 2 by hinges or the like. It should be noted that the construction can be such that the same battery 21 of the cellular telephone device 1 energizes the watch 30. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications to the invention can be applied as exemplified without departing from its scope as defined in and by the appended claims. In this way, for example, the antenna can be an integral part of either an accordion-shaped or telescoping cover, which contains the earphone, or an integral part of the tube that connects the earphone to the bracelet. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates.

Claims (32)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, it is claimed that prqais-fed ID coríb-iiido ea s guisites rejvinrliprpt'i-es: 1. A wrist telephone device to be placed on the wrist of a user, the device is characterized because it comprises: a telephone mechanism for sending and receiving communications signals and a clock unit operating independently of the telephone mechanism, wherein the telephone mechanism and the clock unit are separately arranged in different portions of the user's wrist. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the telephone mechanism is disposed substantially opposite to the telephone unit. 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a portion of the telephone mechanism comprises at least a portion of a roLc aid. or numeric keypad ^ in giving you the picture of the bolt or rear window and the clock unit diffuses to opposite sides of the user's fist. 4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a battery energy source disposed on a portion of the wrist of the user. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the length of the battery power source is at least a function of the amount of energy used by the telephone mechanism. 6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises a housing for releasably coupling the source of battery power to the device. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing is defined by a hollow slot for slidably coupling the battery power source. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the telephone mechanism is mounted in a housing and the housing and battery power source respectively define first and second interlocking portions of a bracelet. 9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the telephone mechanism comprises a headset connected by a means of fastening, to the finger of a user. 10. The device according to claim caracterizado characterized in that the telephone mechanism further comprises a headset and an extendable wire for coupling the handset with the telephone mechanism. 11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the telephone mechanism comprises a handset extending towards a region of the palm of the user's hand and an expandable plate coupled to the telephone mechanism for holding the handset. 12. The device according to claim 11, further characterized by comprising a cover that is opened when turning, having a first end pivotally coupled with the telephone mechanism and a second end for coupling the extensible plate. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the telephone mechanism further comprises an antenna extending longitudinally on the forearm of the user. 14. A telephone wrist device to be placed on the wrist of a user, the device is characterized in that it comprises a telephone mechanism that has a transceiver unit, a display unit and a battery or keyboard unit running a clock tcpilafla arcpilafla to the telephone device placed on the wrist, wherein at least a portion of one of the units of the telephone mechanism and the clock unit are separately arranged in different portions of a user's wrist. 15. The device according to claim 14, characterized by the watch unit and at least a portion of the telephone mechanism, are arranged on opposite sides of the wrist of the user. 16. The device according to claim 14, characterized by the clock unit and at least a portion of the keypad unit being arranged on opposite sides of the user's wrist. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises a battery energy source disposed on a portion of a user's wrist, wherein the length of the battery power source is at least one function of the energy used by the telephone mechanism. 18. A wrist telephone device for positioning the wrist of a user, characterized in that it comprises: a telephone mechanism having a keypad unit and a transceiver unit; and an exhibition unit, wherein the display unit is disposed separately from the telephone mechanism in different portions of the user's wrist. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that at least a portion of the keypad unit and the display unit are located on opposite sides of the user's wrist. 20. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that it also comprises a rigid bracelet that extends circumferentially around the wrist of the user, the rigid bracelet defines at least a first and a second housing, the first housing is used to attach at least one portion of the telephone mechanism; and the second housing is used to couple at least a portion of a battery power source to provide power to the telephone mechanism. 21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that it further comprises a clock unit coupled to the rigid bracelet. 22. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that the second housing is defined by a hollow slot for slidingly connecting the battery power source. 23. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that the first and second housings are coupled together by an interlocking structure. 24. A wrist-phone device for placing the wrist of a user. The device is characterized in that it comprises: a telephone mechanism for sending and receiving communications signals; and an indication unit for alerting the user, the indication unit further comprising a mechanical structure including a vibrating reciprocating tip. 25. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that the reciprocating tip extends outwardly from the device. 26. A wrist telephone device for placing on a user's wrist, the device is characterized in that it comprises a telephone mechanism having a keypad unit, and a clock unit wherein at least a portion of the keypad unit and The clock unit is arranged on opposite sides of a user's wrist. 27. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that it further comprises a battery energy source disposed on a portion of the wrist of the user. 28. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that the length of the battery power source is at least one function of the amount of energy used by the telephone mechanism. 29. The wrist phone device to place on a user's wrist, the device is cn-x _hμ i7s? ptrjt rrnpn *? > In the case of a telephone, it has a transcept and a clock unit, wherein at least a portion of the transceiver and the clock unit are arranged on opposite sides of the user's wrist. 30. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that it further comprises a battery energy source disposed on a portion of a user's wrist. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that the length of the battery power source is at least one function of the amount of energy used by the telephone mechanism. 32. A wrist telephone device for placing on a user's wrist, the device is characterized in that it comprises a telephone mechanism having a keypad unit and a transceiver unit; and at least one display unit, wherein at least a portion of one of the telephone mechanism units and the display unit are arranged separately on opposite sides of the user's wrist.