Abstract: The technology disclosed herein attaches to a communications handset cradle to improve accessibility. In a particular embodiment, an apparatus includes a connector for affixing the apparatus to a telephone handset cradle. The apparatus also includes a bottom face with a first sidewall and a second sidewall extending from the bottom face. A distance between the first sidewall and the second sidewall tapers towards the cradle.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a lens, a predetermined operation member configured to receive a predetermined instruction, a frame portion configured to form an opening, at least a portion of the frame portion being an opening and closing member. In the imaging device, the predetermined operation member and the opening and closing member of the frame portion are disposed so that the predetermined operation member and the opening and closing member do not overlap each other in an operation direction of the predetermined operation member, and the frame portion forms a portion of a housing of the imaging device.

Abstract: The cellular telephone case comprises a sound deflector, a heat conducting sheet, a plurality of vent apertures, one or more bumpers, and an ear rest. The case fits onto a cellular telephone. The sound deflector may increase the audio volume of a cell phone by deflecting sound energy to the front of the phone. The ear rest may increase the comfort when using the cell phone. The heat conducting sheet and the plurality of vent apertures may enhance the cooling of the cell phone by spreading the heat over a larger surface area and by allowing air to carry the heat away. The one or more bumpers may enhance the cooling of the cell phone and increase the audio volume by creating a gap between the rear of the phone case and the surface upon which the phone has been laid.

Abstract: A portable communication system is provided with modular components. The modular components can include internal modules located in a base unit and external modules that can be connected to predefined terminals on the exterior of the base unit. The internal modules can include modules that provide one or more of simplex, half-duplex or full-duplex communication modes. The external modules can include modules that can provide one or more of a full-duplex communication mode or a boost to the power level of the portable communication system. An internal connection can be connected to each of the terminals to provide internal couplings to the terminals. The internal modules can be connected to the external modules by the corresponding internal connections and terminals. The configuration of the portable communication system can be changed by disconnecting the internal modules and/or external modules from the base unit and then connecting new internal modules and/or external modules to the base unit.

Abstract: An earphone device includes a housing, a speaker diaphragm, and a sealing cup. The housing includes a cavity and a plurality of vent holes acoustically coupled to the cavity. The speaker diaphragm is received in the cavity and configured to produce sound. The sealing cup is hermetically closed with the housing, and has at least one opening defined therethrough. The sealing cup and the housing cooperate to define an air chamber acoustically coupled to both the vent holes and the opening. The vent holes are configured to transfer the sound produced by the speaker diaphragm into the air chamber. The air chamber serves as an acoustic resonator to resonate the sound. The opening is configured to allow the sound transfer from the air chamber to outside of the air chamber.

Abstract: An accessory securing mechanism includes a housing member, a securing member, and elastic members. The housing defines an assembly recess, the assembly recess forms a protrusion to engage a string, the securing member and the elastic member are received in the assembly recess, the elastic member resists the securing member, and the securing member resists the protrusion to secure the string.

Abstract: A device mounting apparatus includes a mounting base portion having a plurality of opposing pairs of rails. The mounting base portion is adapted for mounting on a support structure. The apparatus further includes a mounting tab affixed to a device for snap in mounting between a pair of rails, whereby the device is captively retained on the mounting base portion, and can be disengaged therefrom by snapping the mounting tabs out of the associated pairs of rails.

Abstract: A device mounting apparatus includes a mounting base portion having a plurality of opposing pairs of rails. The mounting base portion is adapted for mounting on a support structure. The apparatus further includes a mounting tab affixed to a device for snap in mounting between a pair of rails, whereby the device is captively retained on the mounting base portion, and can be disengaged therefrom by snapping the mounting tabs out of the associated pairs of rails.

Abstract: A device mounting apparatus includes a mounting base portion having a plurality of opposing pairs of rails. The mounting base portion is adapted for mounting on a support structure. The apparatus further includes a mounting tab affixed to a device for snap in mounting between a pair of rails, whereby the device is captively retained on the mounting base portion, and can be disengaged therefrom by snapping the mounting tabs out of the associated pairs of rails.

Abstract: A device mounting apparatus includes a mounting base portion having a plurality of opposing pairs of rails. The mounting base portion is adapted for mounting on a support structure. The apparatus further includes a mounting tab affixed to a device for snap in mounting between a pair of rails, whereby the device is captively retained on the mounting base portion, and can be disengaged therefrom by snapping the mounting tabs out of the associated pairs of rails.

Abstract: A personal audio device accessory includes a collar having a semi-circular back portion and two side members extending from the semi-circular back portion. The side members form an opening to enable the collar to be placed around a user's neck. An adjustable mounting clip is coupled to the semi-circular back portion to removably retain a personal audio device behind the user's neck.

Abstract: Provided is a clamp for fastening a portable electronic device. The clamp comprises two spring biased sliding arms and a spring biased trigger member. Pushing the trigger member toward the body will move the shuttle member upward to unlock both arms for extending thereafter. In response to sandwiching the device between the arms releasing the trigger member will push the trigger member outward and the shuttle member downward respectively for locking the ridges. In a case of the device having its ports provided at one side or both sides thereof, two central, rectangular openings of the arms are adapted to allow the ports to dispose therein for causing no interference to a normal operation of the fastened device. A distance between both arms can be adjusted by sliding one arm toward or away from the other arm or sliding both arms toward or away from each other.

Abstract: The clip-mount operates with a button mount and includes a body defining a locking cavity for the button and a resilient locking tongue therein. The tongue biases the button into a locking position. The tongue includes at least one cam surface. A movable cam actuator on the body includes another cam surface which coacts with the first cam permitting the tongue to flex from a locking to an unlocking position. An enhancement includes one cam and cam follower, to flex the tongue from the locking to the unlocking position, and a second cam and cam follower to flex the tongue to a button locking position. The method includes biasing the button to a locking position, providing a sloped cam surface on the resilient locking tongue and moving a second cam surface over the tongue cam surface thereby flexing the tongue from a locked to a button release position.

Abstract: A novel carabiner-type attachment means for personal communication devices is provided. In one embodiment the carabiner-type attachment device extends from the bottom of said communication device. The attachment device is in one embodiment integral with the communication device. Alternate embodiments provide novel means for concealing the carabiner-type attachment device within the body of the communication device.

Abstract: A user interface, and an associated method, facilitates operation of a mobile station by a physically-disabled user. In one implementation, concave-shaped face covers are provided for the telephonic keypad of a mobile station to facilitate its usage by a physically-disabled user. In another implementation, the mobile station is provided with a TTY (telecommunications device), also to facilitate operation of the mobile station by a physically-disabled user. And, in another implementation, a location-request signal generator, carriable by a user, generated a location-request signal upon actuation by the user. The mobile station includes a local receiver for receiving the location-request signal and an annunciator for annunciating reception of the location-request signal. If the mobile station becomes misplaced, a user actuates the location-request signal generator, and the annunciation signal generated responsive to detection of such signal at the mobile station facilitates location of the mobile station.

Abstract: A carrying attachment for a mobile communication device includes a caribiner that attaches to a clothing article (such as a belt or belt loop), a swivel mount that attaches to the mobile communication device, and a flexible toggle having a first end connected to the caribiner and a second end connected to the swivel mount. The caribiner comprises a closed ring with a hinged element that allows the caribiner to be hooked onto the user's belt loop. The caribiner attaches to a first end of the flexible toggle. The swivel mount attaches to a back side of the mobile communication device. The swivel mound is connected to a second end of the flexible toggle in a manner that allows the flexible toggle to rotate about the swivel mount.

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.

Abstract: A plastic number plate cover that can be installed from the exterior of the housing faceplate of a public telephone and which is resistant to tampering. The cover includes an envelope-shaped pocket into which a number plate or card is inserted, and opposed cantilever arms each terminating in a tab having a beveled edge. The cover is inserted into a rectangular-shaped recess on the faceplate when the tabs are brought into contact with a recess edge, causing the arms to flex and allowing the beveled edges to slide past the recess edge. The cover may be fixed or removable once installed within the faceplate, depending on the structure of the tabs.

Abstract: A shield conceals operation of a keypad such as a telephone keypad, from a view oblique to the user, who can view the keypad either over or through a front member. The front member is movable such that it does not interfere with normal operation of the telephone, and permits the handset to be conventionally mounted over the keypad. One or two side members extend from the sides of the keypad forward toward the user, for example by a distance at least equal to the width of the keypad. The front member can be pivotable and/or slidable on the side members, and is preferably translucent, whereas the side members are preferably opaque.

Abstract: An adapter (10) for a cellular telephone includes a first coupling apparatus (21) disposed on a first surface (30) of the adapter (10). The first coupling apparatus (21) is for engaging coupling apparatus disposed on a rear surface of the cellular telephone. The adapter (10) also includes an earpiece (40) coupled to a side (33) of the adapter (10) and a second coupling apparatus (23, 24) disposed on a second surface (32) of the adapter (10). The second coupling apparatus (23, 24) engages coupling apparatus disposed on a power source. The earpiece (40) comprises a speaker electrically coupled to connections on a connector for tapping an external audio output of a cellular telephone. The speaker (40) is constrained to maintain a position within one-half centimeter of the side (33) of the adapter (10). An outer shell of the earpiece (40) is connected to the side (33) of the adapter (10) and protrudes therefrom by a distance of less than a centimeter.

Abstract: Mobile telephone apparatus comprises a transceiver unit (10) having a handset cradle (12), signal antenna (14) and ports (16-24) for the connection of a handset, external loudspeaker/microphone, power supply etc. A power lead (26) for connecting the power supply port (24) of the apparatus to a cigarette lighter socket is stored when not in use by plugging the cigarette lighter adaptor (36) at one end of the lead (26) into a dummy socket (44) formed in a housing (42) which is detachably connected to the transceiver unit (10). The lead (26) is combined with a carrying strap (28), one end of which is connected to the cigarette lighter adapter and the other end (30) of which is detachably connectable to a retaining slot (32) on the transceiver unit (10).

Abstract: A compact portable cellular telephone extension that provides additional electronic functions is implemented in a case attachable to a first external surface of the cellular phone to form a physically integral unit. A connector is supported by the case and couples the extension electronics to the cellular phone electronics. The connector connects through a second external surface of the cellular phone that lies in a plane different from the plane of the first external surface. A speaker arm extends from the case and supports a speaker unit. The speaker arm is positionable in a first position adjacent a third external surface of the cellular phone and in a second position away from the third external surface allowing the case to be readily attached and detached.

Abstract: A key marking overlay for telephone keypads. The overlay is mountable over the telephone keypad and allows pressing of the keys through the overlay. It provides a mechanism for keeping track of the keys which have been pressed during period of use of the keypad. The overlay may also present graphical indicia assigning arbitrary functions to selected keys of the keypad.

Abstract: A blank which may be erected to form a security shield for public telephones to guard against unauthorized visual access and theft of telephone calling card numbers and information. The blank includes a plurality of hingedly connected panels, and retention slots which engage cradle posts in a conventional telephone housing. A telephone security feature is provided by dimensioning the shield so that it extends around the periphery of the key pad and limits visual access to the user. The shield panels fold into a compact arrangement of overlying panels to facilitate its ready storage and accessibility to the user.

Abstract: A viewing shield for use on a telephone front wall for preventing observation of the dialing pad by individuals other than the caller. The viewing shield includes side walls that are located in close proximity to and on opposite sides of the dialing pad. The side walls are attached to a back wall section which is, in turn, attached to the telephone front face wall. The viewing shield side walls extend away from the dialing pad and telephone front wall and curve toward one another. An access opening is provided between the two side walls wherethrough the caller may reach the dialing pad with his fingers and enter the desired numbers.

Abstract: A handsfree mobile telephone rack for holding any of a variety of mobile telephones permitting a user to send a message by a mobile telephone with both hands free, comprising a power socket connected to a power supply by a power cord, a power switch, a volume control, and two loudspeaker circuits, wherein the two loudspeaker circuits each comprised a microphone and a loudspeaker with the output volume thereof regulated by the volume control; the two loudspeaker circuits include one for transmitting the sound waves from a user to the mouthpiece of the mobile telephone mounted thereon and the other for transmitting the sound waves from the receiver of the mobile telephone into the air.

Abstract: A telephone switch depressor that includes a planar wedge panel that includes a tapered, planar wedge end that is adapted to be received between a telephone flash switch and the opening through which the switch extends. The depressor serves to hold the flash button in its depressed condition, to disconnect the telephone line from a handset, and to avoid the need to physically replace the handset on the base or rest in order to actuate a switch hook to cause disconnection of the handset from the telephone line. The wedge panel can be formed from a flexible, yet sufficiently rigid plastic material, and it can be adapted to carry printed information.

Abstract: A coin slot cover for telephones to indicate an out-of-order condition. A plate with a pair of locking tabs extending therefrom that may be inserted into the coin slot of a pay telephone.

Abstract: A telephone earpiece attachment that accommodates users wearing earrings. The attachment may be mounted on the telephone handset by a hinge or by magnetic attraction. The attachment body holds the ear away from the earpiece with the ear lobe radially beyond the body so that no pressure is applied to the earring. The body provides a chamber through which sound is transmitted from the earpiece to the ear of the user.

Abstract: Improvement in telephone handset supports or, more specifically, shoulder supports for telephone handsets; such a support versatilely adjustable for users of different physical conformations, particularly with respect to the configuration of the user's head and shoulders; a device readily, simply and dependably changeable by the user to permit either left or right shoulder use, the versatility of adjustment with respect to size and configuration of the user's head and shoulders remaining the same with respect to each shoulder; a new, different and versatile connecting piece adjustably connecting and fixable with respect to the telephone handset on one end and a shoulder pad for the user on the other.

Abstract: The open end of a thin shell is snugly fitted over the earpiece of a standard telephone handset to secure the shell on the handset. Teeth or projections can extend inward from the sidewalls of the shell for snap-fit connection of the shell to the earpiece. The sidewalls of the shell project beyond the sound-emitting outer surface of the earpiece to an apertured outer surface of the shell against which the ear of a user can rest. The shell forms an extension attachment spacing the ear of a hearing aid wearer a distance from the earpiece sufficient to avoid generation of objectionable feedback sounds during use of the telephone.

Abstract: An attachment for a telephone handset used by users of in-the-ear hearing aids including a cup shaped member which acoustically couples the handset to the ear and serves to cancel feedback between the hearing aid receiver and microphone.

Abstract: An attachment for a telephone comprises a block in the form of a wedge for securing two lenses to the rear surface of the telephone handset. The lenses are arranged such that the user of the handset can look through one of the lenses when the handset is held in either hand.

Abstract: A telephone station including an optical display device fashioned as a display is provided. The display device is quickly and simply attachable by being pluggably connected to the telephone station by engagement of webs on the display device with springs in the telephone station.

Abstract: A telephone accessory for use by hearing impaired individuals wearing hearing aids which enables a conventional telephone to be used without causing annoying feedback. The telephone accessories include a deeply-dished ear horn portion which reduces feedback problems since the sound reflective surfaces of the ear horn are displaced some distance from the hearing aid microphone. Various embodiments of this invention are described including alternate means for retaining the device attached to a telephone handset, and several embodiments disclosing means for varying the depth of the ear horn cup to suit an individual user.

Abstract: A tiltable and to-fro adjustable telephone handset cradle. A curvilinear wire-or band-frame cradle has a base that engages a track which is fixable to a handset. Pivotability means in the cradle, as well as a slideable, adjustable attachment to the handset, achieves an apparatus that grants considerable comfort to the telephone user by allowing side-to-side head motion and adjustment of head to-fro posture.

Abstract: A telephone set housing (1) is disclosed having at least one cradle (2) arranged in a base component of the housing for receiving the handset. In the region of the cradle, a filler body (5) is provided which, for a desk application of the telephone set housing (1), flushes with the cradle (2), whereas, for the use of the telephone set (1) as a wall-mounted set, a projection (1) which is integrally connected to the filler body projects beyond the contours of the cradle (2). The filler body (5) is secured in such manner that the subscriber himself/herself can easily convert the telephone set housing (1) for desk or wall-mounted application. For this purpose, there is provided at least one freely accessible recess (3) in the region of the cradle (2) into which recess the filler body (5) can be inserted by means of a catch connection in two operating positions.

Abstract: An attachment for a telephone handset includes a portion which engages a groove in the handset and which may be rotated along the groove. A lens is mounted in a frame rotatably attached to the portion which engages the handset to allow the lens to be oriented for left or right handed use. A connection between the lens frame and the portion engaging in the handset includes a socket which receives flexible projections for holding the frame in any of several desired orientations. In use, a lens is positioned to provide optical assistance for an operator while simultaneously talking on the telephone.

Abstract: In a telephone usable as both table mounted type and wall hung type by selectively changing the direction of attaching of a holding board of which upper side extends at a certain inclination angle relative to the bottom thereof, a casing of the telephone is detachably fitted onto the holding board. The holding board includes receiving means for receiving telephone cable in the form of a bundle and it is formed with an inlet hole through which the cable is introduced into the holding board and an outlet hole through which it is taken from the same. As required, an excessive part of the cable is received in the holding board and thereby an usable length of cable can be reduced remarkably.