Desk Set Patents (Class 379/436)
  • Patent number: 9167062
    Abstract: The holder for a hand-held electronic communication device comprises a base that is constructed for hand-held use, shoulder support, and surface support in a multiplicity of portrait inclination angles and landscape orientations. The holder incorporates two clamping mechanisms, one being operative for fixing its gripping part in selected positions of extension and the other desirably acting dynamically, such as by pivotal movement, for cooperatively clamping the mounted communication device in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Smart And How LLC
    Inventors: Leonard M Leibenhaut, Paul Santarsiero
  • Patent number: 8750495
    Abstract: A telephone apparatus includes a phone body and an earpiece that is removably placed upright in the phone body. A supporting leg having a mounting surface that contacts a desk in a desk mount mode and that contacts a wall in a wall mount mode is provided on a sloped back side of the phone body so as to be turnable around a pivot. When the supporting leg is in a first turn position, a lower end of the slope of the phone body is substantially parallel to the mounting surface. When the supporting leg is in a second turn position after having turned through about 180 degrees from the first turn position, an upper end of the slope of the phone body becomes substantially parallel to the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Daiichiro Suzuki, Mitsuhiro Haraguchi, Toshiya Sakai, Katsuhiko Uto, Tohru Sakata
  • Publication number: 20140064477
    Abstract: A telephone uses a locking mechanism for a handset where the handset includes a receiver part and a microphone part. The receiver part defines a receiving groove facing the microphone part. The telephone set includes a holding part to hold the handset. The holding part includes a first portion. The first portion defines a recess to receive the receiver part, and an accommodating space to receive the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is rotatably received in the accommodating space and is switchable between a first state and a second state. The locking mechanism has a locking block. In the second state, the locking block is locked in the receiving groove of the receiver part to prevent release of the handset from the telephone set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: QIAO-LUN CHIANG
  • Patent number: 8358776
    Abstract: A telephone comprising one or more speaker apertures, a microphone indicator disposed on a user-facing surface of the telephone, and one or more microphone apertures disposed proximate to the microphone indicator on a surface of the telephone other than the user-facing surface, where at least one of the microphone apertures is operable to allow audio to pass from the user to a microphone disposed in the telephone, and where the microphone indicator is arranged to direct the user to speak in a direction toward at least one of the microphone apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: ShoreTel, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin Basart
  • Patent number: 8090096
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a tilting mechanism includes a fixed section including a guide surface depressed in an arc shape; and a movable section having an outer peripheral surface curved in an arc shape that comes in contact with the guide surface of the fixed section and tilting along the guide surface, the movable section including a concave portion cut out to open the outer peripheral surface, wherein the concave portion includes a pair of side surfaces opposed to each other; and guide grooves that are curved along a curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the movable section and are formed on the side surfaces; and the fixed section includes a plurality of shafts that are slidably fitted into the guide grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kenji Nitobe, Shinichi Yoshida, Akira Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7986777
    Abstract: A stand allows a user to quickly and easily set the angular orientation of a telephone or other piece of equipment relative to a support surface (e.g. a desktop). The stand is fastened to, and removed from, the equipment without the use of tools by a magnetic attraction. The stand allows a user to tilt the equipment at one of two user-selected angles, to improve access to keys of the equipment and/or to reduce glare on the equipment's display. The display may also be tiltable. The stand provides for at least two course angle adjustments of the tilt of the equipment by the selected orientation of the stand and/or the selected attachment position of the stand relative to the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Daly, Brian Dinicola, James Farber, Antoinette Mazza, Wolfgang Schneider, Claus-Christian Eckhardt
  • Patent number: 7751555
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an angle variable mechanism includes: a fixed unit that has guide surfaces and coaxial shaft portions; a movable unit that includes an outer surface, a concave portion having side surfaces, guide grooves, and notches; and a lock member that is swingably supported with the fixed unit and interposed between the side surfaces. The lock member has convex portions. The convex portions are slidably fitted to the guide grooves through the notches. Each of the convex portions has end portions. A length of the convex portion between the end portions is larger than an opening width of each of the notches. The end portion is formed thinner than another end portion, so that a gap is formed between the end portion and an inner surface of the guide groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shinichi Yoshida, Akira Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7688971
    Abstract: A network telephone expansion seat including a housing and a signal conversion module is provided. The housing has a bearing portion for disposing a network telephone thereon. The signal conversion module disposed inside the housing has a circuit substrate. At least one connection interface for transmitting data is disposed on the circuit substrate for connecting the network telephone to transmit data. Meanwhile, the circuit substrate is connected to peripherals such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a card reader, and an MP3 player via the connection interface, thereby expanding the functions of the network telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Inventec Multimedia & Telecom Corporation
    Inventors: Chang-Hsiung Lee, Yi-Hsiu Tang, Kao-Yu Hsu
  • Publication number: 20100008495
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a keyboard that can be coupled to external equipment connectable to a communication network compatible with the Internet Protocol. The keyboard includes at least keys for sending commands to the external equipment; an interface unit for coupling the keyboard to the external equipment; a main control unit operatively associated with the keys, a means for receiving sound, a means for emitting sound, the interface unit, and a data storage unit. The data storage unit having firmware and communication software that can be automatically run by the main control unit when the keyboard is coupled to the external equipment, said firmware for providing identification of the keyboard by the external equipment. The communication software having an algorithm for voice over Internet Protocol that allows a real time conversation between a user of the keyboard and at least one other user of the communication network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: LEGALSOFT PARTICIPACOES, COMERCIO E. SERVICOS DE TELECOMUNICACOES LTDA
    Inventor: Athos Bulgari
  • Patent number: 7564965
    Abstract: A wire communication terminal has a position adjusting member which allows an LCD module to slide to any angle within a predetermined rotational range. The terminal includes a first case having a through hole, a guide member fixed to a rear surface of the first case, a slide member having a circular arc shape provided at one side of the LCD module, and a cover member having a circular arc shape fixed to a rear surface of the first case. Arranged in this manner, the slide member can slide along a rear surface of the guide member to an optimal desired viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: LG-Nortel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Moon Ahn, Jong-Won Lim
  • Publication number: 20090161862
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an angle variable mechanism includes: a fixed unit that has guide surfaces and coaxial shaft portions; a movable unit that includes an outer surface, a concave portion having side surfaces, guide grooves, and notches; and a lock member that is swingably supported with the fixed unit and interposed between the side surfaces. The lock member has convex portions. The convex portions are slidably fitted to the guide grooves through the notches. Each of the convex portions has end portions. A length of the convex portion between the end portions is larger than an opening width of each of the notches. The end portion is formed thinner than another end portion, so that a gap is formed between the end portion and an inner surface of the guide groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Shinichi Yoshida, Akira Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20090161861
    Abstract: A desktop apparatus includes: a base that has a bottom wall and an inclined portion; a front cover that is detachably fixed to the inclined portion and has an apparatus operation panel disposed opposite to the bottom wall; and a plurality of connectors that are provided on the front cover to face the bottom wall. An inclination direction of the apparatus operation panel is changeable by reversing a direction of the inclined portion with respect to the front cover. The front cover includes a connector cover that covers at least an area where the plurality of connectors are provided. The connector cover has a plurality of connection ports at positions corresponding to the plurality of connectors to expose the plurality of connectors. The bottom wall is provided with an opening portion corresponding to the connector cover irrespective of the direction of the inclined portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shinichi Yoshida, Tsutomu Hoshino
  • Publication number: 20080044008
    Abstract: A network telephone expansion seat including a housing and a signal conversion module is provided. The housing has a bearing portion for disposing a network telephone thereon. The signal conversion module disposed inside the housing has a circuit substrate. At least one connection interface for transmitting data is disposed on the circuit substrate for connecting the network telephone to transmit data. Meanwhile, the circuit substrate is connected to peripherals such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a card reader, and an MP3 player via the connection interface, thereby expanding the functions of the network telephone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Chang-Hsiung Lee, Yi-Hsiu Tang, Kao-Yu Hsu
  • Publication number: 20070286410
    Abstract: A stand allows a user to quickly and easily set the angular orientation of a telephone or other piece of equipment relative to a support surface (e.g. a desktop). The stand is fastened to, and removed from, the equipment without the use of tools by a magnetic attraction. The stand allows a user to tilt the equipment at one of two user-selected angles, to improve access to keys of the equipment and/or to reduce glare on the equipment's display. The display may also be tiltable. The stand provides for at least two course angle adjustments of the tilt of the equipment by the selected orientation of the stand and/or the selected attachment position of the stand relative to the equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: AVAYA TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Martin Daly, Brian Dinicola, James Farber, Antoinette Mazza, Wolfgang Schneider, Claus-Christian Eckhardt
  • Patent number: 7266391
    Abstract: A keyboard and a microphone for inputting information, a display screen and a speaker for viewing or hearing information, and a processor, all mounted to or within a housing in the form of a laptop computer or hand-held computer. A phone interface has a slot, channel, or other support member for holding the portable phone, with a phone port electrically connected to the processor. Alternative embodiments include a modem that is electrically connected to the processor and the phone port, and an adapter with a port that mates with the phone port and a port that mates with a selected phone. The phone wirelessly transmits data entered into the input components and transferred to the phone via the phone port, and wirelessly receives data to be transferred to the output components via the phone port for visual or audible output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Warren
  • Patent number: 7254424
    Abstract: A mobile telephone station is disclosed having a receptacle comprising a bottom and one or more upstanding sides defining a compartment configured to removably receive a mobile telephone through a top opening. The receptacle may have one or more clips for retaining a battery charger cord. The receptacle may have stabilizing means for mounting the receptacle or supporting it on a surface. The station may further comprise an accessory secured to the receptacle, the accessory comprising one or more of a picture frame, message board, key holder, and pen and paper holder, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: William E. Reichert
  • Patent number: 7197139
    Abstract: A telephone set includes a cradle for receiving a selected electronic device, such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The cradle comprises a cradle base and a cradle cover coupled to the cradle base. The cradle cover includes a support for selectively securing the selected electronic device thereto. Means for coupling the cradle to the telephone set, which preferably comprises a snap device, is provided. A connector is coupled to the cradle in order to enable communication between the selected electronic device and the telephone set. The cradle can be selectively removed from the telephone set by decoupling the cradle base from the telephone set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Mitel Knowledge Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Charles Templin, Toby John Kemp, John Mahan, Anders Fahrendorff
  • Patent number: 6973292
    Abstract: A multi-function telephone handset comprises a handset body on which is defined a receiving space, and a holding element to which is mounted a receiver and a transmitter. Two opposite portions of the handset body are respectively formed in a receiver part and a transmitter part respectively provided with sound holes. The holding element, with the receiver and the transmitter thereto connected, is detachably placed in the receiving space of the handset body. The telephone handset can be thereby configured to in a manner to perform either a conventional telephonic communication by manually holding the telephone handset, or a hand-free telephonic communication can be achieved by carrying the holding element on the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Sheng Hsin Liao
  • Patent number: 6681022
    Abstract: The two-way communication earpiece is a small, inconspicious, and comfortable earpiece which fits behind the ear for sound delivery and pickup. The earpiece may be used with a variety of communication devices, such as telephones, cellular telephones, two-way radios, radios, tape players, CD players, and televisions. The earpiece is configured to be received behind the ear of a user with a sound delivery tube extending from behind the ear into the ear canal of the user. An eartip positioned on the sound delivery tube is preferably a non-occluding type eartip which allows ambient sound to enter the ear canal around the eartip. A microphone is positioned on the earpiece above the ear for voice pickup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: GN ReSound North Amerca Corporation
    Inventors: Steven H. Puthuff, Patrick A. Mavrakis, Jon C. Taenzer, David L. Luger, William N. Buchele
  • Patent number: 6453046
    Abstract: A baseplate for an electronic housing, containing a plurality of extendible feet. The baseplate includes a receptacle for each foot for accommodating the foot while retracted within the housing. Each receptacle includes guide slots for accommodating extension and retraction of the foot within the receptacle and guideslopes for preventing inadvertent extension of the foot but allowing easy extension when desired. The foot includes a plurality of compressible extensions. A first set of extensions includes locking tabs which lock against the baseplate to when the foot is in an extended position to prevent inadvertent retraction. Compression of the extensions moves the locking tabs clear of the baseplate to allow retraction of the foot. The locking tabs rest against the guideslopes when the foot is in a retracted position. A second set of extensions includes security tabs which extend against the baseplate when the foot is in an extended position to prevent inadvertent removal of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Jagdish Thawerdas Madav
  • Patent number: 6445793
    Abstract: An adjustable telephone system includes a base and a support coupled to the base. The support is operable to dispose the base in a plurality of positions relative to a support surface. The telephone system also includes an actuator coupled to the support to effect movement of the support relative to the base. The telephone system may also include one or more add-on line modules. Each add-on line module may include a support operable to dispose each add-on line module in a plurality of positions relative to the support surface. Each add-on line module may also include an actuator to effect movement of each add-on line module support. The actuator disposed on each add-on line module may also effect movement of other supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Vassallo, Steven R. Takayama, Jonathan I. Kaplan, Rudy L. Samuels, Heather Andrus, Jochen P. Backs
  • Patent number: 6351535
    Abstract: A telephone set includes a telephone component and a base component supporting the telephone component at a plurality of angles. The two components have nested curved portions allowing mutual angulation while maintaining the nested relation, thus allowing the telephone component to swing through a range of angulation with respect to the base component. The set includes a retention device for maintaining the portions in nested relationship, and a locking device for releasably securing the two components in any one of the plurality of mutual angulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Mitel Corporation
    Inventors: David Nogas, Michael Langlois, Chris Gorman, Hans Beisner
  • Patent number: 6130944
    Abstract: A one piece stand is utilized with a telephone console to provide multiple console orientations with respect to a mounting surface. The stand includes two or more mounting surfaces, each of which can be mounted to the base of the console to provide a particular angular orientation. A biased handset hook is also included. The hook can be switched between wall mount and desk mount configurations without removal from the console by using an access port on the base of the console. A spring force maintains the hook in a desired position in a bayonet fitting. The spring-loaded hook can absorb the force from a handset by retracting into the console without breaking and returning to its normal position when the force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: David G. Harting, Douglas A. Marsden, Benjamin Beck, Glen Walter
  • Patent number: 6101247
    Abstract: A currency operated telephone, such as a coin operated telephone, and which is typically referred to as "pay telephone", having a uniquely designed outer housing capable of being wall mounted or supported in an upright or a self-standing position. The telephone housing has an openable hinged closure plate or so-called "flip lid", which carries on its exterior a face plate, and when opened, allows access to the interior of the telephone housing. The exterior of the face plate is arranged so that any information carried thereon is ergonomically visible to a user, whether the telephone is wall suspended or in a stand-alone surface supported position. When the closure plate is lifted and held in the opened position, direct access to a coin mechanism is obtained and access to a coin box, which collects the deposited currency for operation of the telephone, is also enabled. A coin return chute is also integral with the coin mechanism, such that installation and/or repair of the mechanism is easily enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Gary S. Lalin
  • Patent number: 5999620
    Abstract: An electronic device having a cover with a selected configuration, and an accessory electrically connectable to a main part. The main part has duplicate electrical connectors for use with different covers having different external configurations. The accessory makes electrical connection via a connector which is part of the cover, or is formed by pins protruding through the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Marcel Pinel, Gilbert Brochet
  • Patent number: 5889859
    Abstract: A modular housing system (100) comprises a first housing unit (102), a second housing unit (104), and a clamp (600). The first housing unit (102) has a first bottom wall (610) and a first side wall (108). The second housing unit (104) has a second bottom wall (612) and a second side wall (116). The first housing unit (102) defines a first channel (702) which borders the first side wall (108) and includes an first opening (703) along the first bottom wall (610). The second housing unit (104) defines a second channel which borders the second side wall (116) and includes a second opening along the second bottom wall (612). The clamp (600) has a longitudinally extending U-shape defining a base (800), a first attachment wall (802), and a second attachment wall (804). For optionally attaching the first and second housing units (102, 104), the first attachment wall (802) insertably attaches within the first channel (702) and the second attachment wall (804) insertably attaches within the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis Lundell, Sang Y. Oh
  • Patent number: 5864619
    Abstract: The present invention provides a telephone which can be reliably switched from a tabletop usage state to a wall-mount usage state by a simple operation. This telephone is equipped with a hook that protrudes when the telephone is mounted on a wall, and fits into a concave component provided to the handset. The hook is constructed such that it is able to slide, and does not protrude when the telephone is used on a tabletop. The hook is equipped with a locking mechanism on the inside, and the weight of the handset will not cause the hook to go down accidentally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Uniden Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Ehara
  • Patent number: 5826193
    Abstract: A method of facilitating interchanging the use of a mobile station and a permanently wired telephone set includes providing the number of the permanently wired telephone set as a bar code near the telephone set. A bar code reader is connected to the mobile station for scanning the bar code for ordering of interchanging the mobile station and the permanently wired set without dialing the number on a keyset of the mobile station. A predetermined interchanging key on the keyset is designated and connected for ordering the interchanging. The interchange is initiated by scanning the bar code with the bar code reader and pressing the interchanging key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventors: Walter Ghisler, Per Viktor Israelsson, Georg William Robin Chambert
  • Patent number: 5818925
    Abstract: The characters of liquid crystal display devices (LCDs) normally exhibit asymmetrical visibility or identifiability dependent upon the direction from which the display is viewed. The asymmetrical identifiability is controllable by the bias applied to the LCD. The contrast of a liquid crystal display device used in a telephone apparatus is automatically controlled by a position sensing switch in accordance with the spatial orientation of the telephone apparatus in order to select the bias that will effectuate the greatest identifiability for the characters of display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Cushman Anders, Scott David Fudge, James Joseph Hartmann, Glen Eric Stanley
  • Patent number: 5796585
    Abstract: To provide an electronic equipment mounting device having flexibility in the mounting direction, the device is provided with a mounting jig on which a plurality of tongues are formed and a housing whose flat faces having different areas have slits in them, the tongues being inserted into the slits in a detachable manner. The mounting jig is mounted on, for example, the surface of a wall, and then the housing is coupled to the mounting jig by selectively using one of its side faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akira Sugiyama, Tsutomu Hoshino
  • Patent number: 5784458
    Abstract: A telephone includes a telephone body, a handset and a telephone network line hold mechanism. The telephone body includes a handset cradle on which the handset is placed, a plurality of operation buttons and the like. The telephone is placed in the offhook state when the user lifts the handset from the handset cradle and placed in the on-hook state when the user places the handset on the handset cradle. The telephone network line hold mechanism is energized when the user places the handset on the telephone body at its position in which the offhook state of the telephone is retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shizuo Adachi, Junko Hirata, Hiroshi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 5761297
    Abstract: The interconnection mechanism preferably attaches a display unit to the cover of a telephone in a manner that allows the display unit to be rotated relative to the telephone. The interconnection mechanism includes a rotation edge on the telephone cover that engages with a rotation notch on the display unit to define an axis of rotation. The mechanism also includes a cantilever beam on the telephone that applies a force against a curved surface of the display unit. The cantilever beam presses the rotation notch of the display unit against the rotation edge of the cover. The force from the cantilever beam also provides a slight, uniform resistance against the rotation of the display unit. The display unit also includes a pair of snaps that engage with a pair of curved surfaces on the cover to lock the display unit into the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Business Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary E. Kingsbury, Wayne E. McKinnon, Charles Elbert Sparks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5754642
    Abstract: A telephone terminal has a plurality of handsets and at least one button to input a demand for starting an outgoing call or receiving an incoming call. The terminal includes a demand recognition unit for recognizing the input demand through the one button. The terminal also includes a search unit for searching for handsets in the idle status when the input demand has been recognized. The terminal further includes a select unit for selecting one of the searched handsets that are in the idle status as a selected handset. The terminal also includes a call connection unit for controlling a call connection of the operation corresponding to the input demand, when a handset in the idle status has been selected. The terminal still further includes a nullification unit for nullifying the input demand when no handset in the idle status has been selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi Telecom Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Domoto, Yasuo Wada
  • Patent number: 5748727
    Abstract: A telephone apparatus (100) includes a base (102) and a handset (104) configurable in a desktop mode and a wall mount mode. Spring loaded detents (132, 134) in the base (102) engage recesses in the handset (104) in wall mount mode to securely retain the handset (104) in a pocket (101) in the base. The base includes a switchable detent mechanism (170) for retracting the detents (132, 134) in response to an actuator (150) when the base (102) is switched from wall mount mode to desktop mode. Thus, the detents (132, 134) do not interfere with the handset (104) when the handset (104) is placed in or withdrawn from the pocket (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Lundell, Sang Y. Oh, Terron C. Newman
  • Patent number: 5721776
    Abstract: A telephone line connector for location between a telephone and a plurality of outlet sockets and in which the connector is connectable to a power cable. The connector has a plurality of input signal sockets and a common signal and power output socket. A pair of power input terminals are connected to the common socket. The common socket also has pairs of signal output terminals connected in such a way that the connector through the input signal sockets is connectable to a plurality of wall outlets, each of which may have a single pair or a plurality of pairs of lines connected to it. The connector is thus capable of transferring all of those lines, as required, to a telephone together with power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth W. McLean, Barry K. Klassen, Edward Chu, Michael A. Tenace, Scott B. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5631959
    Abstract: Electro-static discharge protection for sensitive circuitry in devices, which have exposed metallic contacts for accessing such circuitry, is achieved by providing switching apparatus in these devices. The switching apparatus isolates the sensitive circuitry from static electricity which may be impressed upon the exposed metallic contacts. In operation, when a first device is placed in engagement with a second device for transferring data, charging a battery or the like, the switching apparatus relies on the weight exerted by the first device on the second device for establishing a conducting path between the contacts and the sensitive circuitry in each device. This conducting path is interrupted when the first device is removed from the second device thereby providing isolation for the sensitive circuitry from any static electricity which may be impressed upon the exposed metallic contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastian J. Messina, Jr., Joseph E. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5577118
    Abstract: A microprocessor-based telephone having a housing, a lower key panel positioned within a top portion of the housing, and an upper key panel hingedly mounted to the housing to swing away and reveal the lower key panel. The lower key panel carries an alphanumeric keyboard thereon to enable a user to perform alphanumeric data entry. The upper key panel carries a telephone keypad to enable a user to dial telephone numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Verifone, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Sasaki, James S. Arakaki
  • Patent number: 5519776
    Abstract: A cordless telephone set including a first groove and a second groove on each of the side faces of a handset, the first groove having an open end at a front edge of the side face, the second groove having an open end at a rear edge of the side face, a pair of charging terminals at the ends of the first and second grooves opposite the open ends, and conducting terminals on both the inner side surfaces of a charger for charging the handset, the conducting terminals coming into contact with the charging terminals through the open ends of the first or second groove. With this structure, the charger is installable either on a desk or a wall without using a separate member, and charging the handset is available even when the handset is reversibly set on the charger installed on the desk or wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukiya Kodama
  • Patent number: 5440628
    Abstract: A telephone apparatus comprises a base and a handset. An inclined cradle is provided on the base for receiving the handset and is shaped such that a handset placed thereon normally falls naturally into a fully seated position. A switch responsive to the presence or absence of the handset in the cradle places the apparatus in an "on-hook" or "off-hook" condition respectively. A co-operating arrangement respectively on the handset and the base permit the handset to be temporarily retained in a partially seated position on the cradle without activating the switch so as to permit the handset to be parked temporarily on the cradle without placing the apparatus in the "on-hook" condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Mitel Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas A. Milc
  • Patent number: 5432836
    Abstract: A telephone device for selective mounting on a substantially horizontal or substantially vertical surface includes a housing having a top panel, and a base portion which is adapted to be alternatively mounted on a substantially horizontal and vertical surface. The base portion includes a first base member fixed on the housing, and a wedge-shaped second base member removably coupleable to the first base member. The first base member has two mutually inclined surface portions which are inclined relative to each other and which intersect and meet at an angle A, each of the two mutually inclined surface portions has substantially the same dimensions, and the mutually inclined surface portions meet at an apex which faces away from the top panel of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: PhoneMate, Inc.
    Inventor: Alastair W. Jarrett
  • Patent number: 5422951
    Abstract: A low profile telephone set which may be used as a table type model or as a wall mount-type model. The telephone set includes a casing and a holder. The casing is formed with a front bottom surface and a back bottom surface forming a predetermined angle there between. The holder is secured to the front bottom surface or back bottom surface in a designated direction depending on the manner of usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshiya Takahashi, Katsumi Itoyama, Kouichiro Suda, Yoshio Fujinami
  • Patent number: 5416838
    Abstract: A pivotal bracket is attached to the base of a telephone receiver to permit a user to adjust the angle of the base. Preferably the bracket is wider than the base, and extends to one side to provide support for the handset. The bracket may be slidable along the pivot axis to permit user selection of the side on which the handset can be rested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Ullrich Liebing, Peter Hirth, Jurgen Hoflinger, Wilhelm Wekerle
  • Patent number: 5414768
    Abstract: An interconnect bracket which mechanically and electrically connects an auxiliary device to a main unit. Very few additional parts are required and the auxiliary device is user installable with minimal tools. The interconnect bracket provides the electrical connection by employing traces which run the length of the bracket. The interconnect bracket attaches to the bottom surface of the main unit and is configured to fit within receiving recess slots such that the bracket is substantially flush with the bottom surface of the main unit. As a result, no visible connectors or cables are necessary. The interconnect bracket is lightweight and contains guides which assist in the installation of the auxiliary device. The interconnect bracket provides a means of connection which enables the auxiliary device to separate from the main unit when subjected to forces such as would be experienced if the coupled units were dropped. This reduces the potential for damage to the components of the main unit and auxiliary device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Rolm Systems
    Inventors: Wayne McKinnon, David Bryant, William McRight, Edwin Kretzschmar
  • Patent number: 5402487
    Abstract: A telephone housing is mounted on a metal plate that is secured in a fixed location on a room wall. The mounting plate has two vertical flanges extending along its side edges; hooks project forwardly from the flanges, for interengagement with vertical slots formed in the housing rear wall. At its lower edge, the mounting plate has two forwardly extending tabs that form two additional hooks. Additional slots in the telephone housing rear wall receive the two additional hooks to provide additional support for the housing. The preferred mounting plate is formed out of sheet aluminum by a stamping and bending process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Richard D. Swett
  • Patent number: 5373556
    Abstract: A quick connection system and method for coupling two housings, e.g. a telephone and special function module, includes a bracket having at least one hole. The bracket comprises a slide latch having a slide latch aperture, with the bracket fastened to the first housing base and extending beyond a side of the first housing so that the slide latch and hole overlap the second housing when the second housing is placed adjacent to the first housing. At least one shear boss is affixed to the second housing. A slide latch receptacle is mounted to the second housing, such that the hole on the bracket receives the shear boss and the slide latch on the bracket receives the slide latch receptacle when the second housing is placed adjacent to the first housing. The slide latch can be engaged to rigidly interlock the first housing to the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5303292
    Abstract: A low profile telephone set which may be used as a table type model or as a wall mount-type model. The telephone set includes a casing and a holder. The casing is formed with a front bottom surface and a back bottom surface forming a predetermined angle there between. The holder is secured to the front bottom surface or back bottom surface in a designated direction depending on the manner of usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshiya Takahashi, Katsumi Itoyama, Kouichiro Suda, Yoshio Fujinami
  • Patent number: 5259028
    Abstract: A telephone holder which can be secured to either the vertically extending side wall of a conveniently located item or a horizontally extending upwardly facing wall thereof, on which a telephone can be held for easy reach by a user. The holder includes a base plate on which the telephone is secured, an elongated vertically extending mounting plate integrally joined to the base plate along a side edge and extending substantially normal thereto, a pair of spaced apart horizontally extending mounting plates integrally joined to the base plate along its lower edge and extending substantially normal to the base plate in one direction therefrom, and another horizontally extending mounting plate integrally joined to the base plate along its lower edge in the space between the pair of spaced apart horizontally extending mounting plates, also extending substantially normal to the base plate but in the opposite direction therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: William S. Westbrook
  • Patent number: 5237605
    Abstract: A telephone set is disclosed which includes an adjunct interface module within the telephone set stand of the telephone set. This adjunct interface module converts the telephone set interface, which connects the telephone set to a premise switching system, to a different interface that is used by adjunct telephone equipment associated with the telephone set. Typically, the telephone set interface is a non-standard, or proprietary, interface, while the adjunct interface is the more common tip-ring interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventors: Russell S. Peak, A. U. Sulijoadikusumo
  • Patent number: 5237608
    Abstract: A telephone station is composed of a handset and a housing composed of an upper housing part and a bottom tub. In order to reduce the risk of an arc-over due to electrostatic discharge between the joining locations of the bottom tub and the upper housing part to damage the electronic components in the interior of the telephone housing, the upper housing part has an edge region which overlaps a rim provided on the bottom tub with a substantially large amount of overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Otto, Klaus Wechsler
  • Patent number: 5228012
    Abstract: A wristwatch radiotelephone has a plurality of arcuate members connected to one another in a series by rotatable connection mechanisms connected between adjacent members in the series. The connection mechanisms allow the arcuate members to be rotated relative to one another so that they either all curve in the same direction (thereby providing a nearly closed C-shaped structure suitable for being worn on the wrist as a wristwatch), or so that alternate members curve in opposite directions (thereby converting the apparatus to a more elongated form suitable for use as a hand-held radiotelephone).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventor: Richard H. Seager