Abstract: A method in one example has: applying, for a telephone having a plurality of number buttons having at least a nine button and a one button, a first predetermined color to the nine button and a second predetermined color to the one button, the remaining number buttons having a third predetermined color, the first, second, and third predetermined colors being three different colors; and pushing the number buttons in a sequence first predetermined color—second predetermined color—second predetermined color to dial an emergency telephone number. In one embodiment the first predetermined color may be red, and the second predetermined color may be yellow. Therefore, a 911 emergency telephone number may be dialed by pushing the number buttons in the order red-yellow-yellow.

Abstract: This invention is a toy audio recorder in the exterior shape of a telephone. The recorder is equipped with large pushbutton assemblies capable of housing illustrations. Depressing one of the pushbutton assemblies will playback the message stored in the storage location associated with that pushbutton assembly, or, if the record switch is depressed simultaneously, a new message will be recorded in that storage location. Messages may be recorded directly or via telephone by using a conventional telephone in concert with the toy telephone recorder.

Abstract: An improved light guide for use in illuminating a telephone dial includes apertures through which individual buttons of a telephone dial extend. These buttons are used for dialing and are illuminated by one or more light sources that are positioned within recesses in the light guide. Each recess comprises four inwardly curved walls for directing light from the light source along two paths that are substantially perpendicular to each other. Additional openings within the light guide are designed to reflect light into areas of the dial needing more illumination, and the sides of the light guide are shaped to reflect additional light into those areas. The present invention directs light so efficiently that only two sources are needed to provide uniform illumination in standard telephone dials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for entering alphanumerical characters into a push button telephone system having automatic response functions. Each alphabetic letter and character is assigned a keypair having a dual tone multifrequency signal which is stored in the memory of the telephone system. The code provides for the conversion of analog voice frequency signals to digital signals. The digital signals may be converted to analog signals to provide voice prompts to the caller. The letters and characters are sequentially arrayed on a matrix overlaying the telephone keypad. Characters are positioned above and between the push buttons so that each character may be separately accessed from adjacent keys. Entry of a keypair requires the sequential pressing of at least one key two times. Sequential operations that require the pressing of two different and adjacent keys may be performed in any sequence.

Abstract: A telephone keyboard structure for making connections through static induction or touch induction control, which includes a key pad and a numbered transparent face plate with a thin slot defined therebetween for insertion therein of a picture, photo, or printed advertising card.

Abstract: A key pad having phosphorescent portions which provide the user with the ability to read the key pad in dark environments, thereby ensuring that the key pad is utilized without error. Information indicia on the key pad, or areas immediately adjacent thereto, are provided with phosphorescence. The key pad may be manufactured with this property, or phosphorescent informational indicia may be sold in kit form to be selectively applied via an adhesive to a conventional key pad.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for facilitating the dialing of a given telephone number on a push button type telephone having a fixed arrangement of push buttons. The apparatus illustratively takes the form of a card having a plurality of openings therethrough of a number equal to the number of push buttons and positioned according to the fixed arrangement thereof such that the card may be readily inserted over the telephone and its push buttons inserted through the openings. Each of the openings has a region adjacent the opening and uniquely colored to identify that opening and the push button inserted therethrough from all other push buttons. A plurality of separable elements having a variety of colors corresponding to those of the regions is provided. The card includes an area for receiving and mounting selected of the plurality of elements on the card, the elements being selected and arranged in a sequence on the card to represent the given telephone number.

Abstract: A telephone has a first keypad provided with conventionally numbered touch tone keys. A second keypad has a plurality of transparent keys, each provided with a slot for the insertion of a small picture or symbolic representation. Optical fiber may be embedded in each of the transparent keys for illuminating the pictures. The telephone is provided for use with a conventional handset or as a speaker phone. Each of the keys in the second keypad are connected to actuate the speaker phone section of the telephone. The keys of the second keypad are each associated with a memory for the assignment of a telephone number associated with the picture or symbolic representation inserted within the key slot. A large emergency 911 key is also provided. The telephone is designed for use by small children.

Abstract: The invention is a flexible, plastic sheet which, in one embodiment thereof, is uniplanar and has tactually-sensitive indicia fixed thereon, and adhesive strips are arrayed in adjacency to edges thereof. The sheet is adhesively emplaced over the only visually-sensitive or visually-discriminatory controls on a control panel to render the controls tactually-sensitive or tactually-discriminatory.

Abstract: A rotary dial telephone set has the normally opaque disc-shaped member, which closes the aperture in the top housing through which the dial passes, replaced by a transparent member behind which is held an opaque insert having indicia thereon giving both dialling numbers and related service indications in association with the finger holes in the dial. The opaque insert is held in the transparent member by a backing member. The form of numerals, i.e. Roman, Arabic, Hebrew, can readily be provided without separate disc-shaped members and similarly the service information can easily be changed without having to prepare new disc-shaped members or alternatively having to stick labels thereon.

Abstract: A conventional calendar for a dial telephone instrument is improved so that it may be used alternatively either as a calendar which is to be associated with a conventional telephone instrument or stood on a desk or the like. In case the calendar is to be associated with a telephone instrument, a disc portion is removed from a sheet and placed in the central portion of the dial of a telephone instrument. In case the calendar is to be free standing, the upper portion of its peripheral part is bent backwardly to form a supporting leg.