US3558831A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Telephone set base structure with exterior plug cavities in the base bottom secured by a detachable baseplate
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1968-04-18
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Granted: 1971-01-26
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Expires: 1988-04-18
Abstract
Abstract The line cord and handset cord plugs of a telephone base are fixedly mounted in jacks within exterior cavities of the base bottom. The baseplate is detachably secured to the base by the feet which are rotatable. In addition to locking the plugs into their cavities, the baseplate mass serves as a convenient vehicle for imparting added weight for stability to the base.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert E Prescott
- 👤 Cornelius Tanis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 08:42
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A telephone base comprising: a housing having an interior volume and a bottom; a first exterior cavity extending from said bottom and into said interior volume for receiving a line cord connector; a second exterior cavity extending from said bottom and into said interior volume for receiving a handset cord connector; a unitary generally rectangular flat member disposed upon said bottom for securing said connectors in their respective positions, said member including engaging surfaces; and means connected to said bottom for detachably engaging said surfaces thereby to fasten said member to said bottom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A telephone base comprising: a housing having an interior volume and a bottom; a first exterior cavity extending from said bottom and into said interior volume for receiving a line cord connector; a second exterior cavity extending from said bottom and into said interior volume for receiving a handset cord connector; a unitary generally rectangular flat member disposed upon said bottom for securing said connectors in their respective positions, said member including engaging surfaces; and means connected to said bottom for detachably engaging said surfaces thereby to fasten said member to said bottom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A telephone base pursuant to claim 1, wherein said member is a weighted metallic plate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A telephone base pursuant to claim 1, wherein said means comprises a plurality of compliant feet each rotatably connected to said bottom, and each including a flange for rotating engagement and disengagement with each said member surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
A telephone base pursuant to claim 3, wherein said member further comprises a plurality of elongated slots arranged at the corners of said member, said flanges fitting through said slots in one attitude but rotatably locking over said slots in another attitude.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
A telephone base pursuant to claim 4, wherein said member comprises a metallic weighted baseplate, said baseplate including a plurality of detents disposed around each said slot for engagement with said feed to lock the latter in locking relation with said baseplate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A telephone base pursuant to claim 5, wherein each said foot further comprises a slotted contact surface for receiving a turning implement.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-25 | 1974-07-27 | 1975-01-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-25 | 1978-07-27 | 1979-01-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-25 | 1982-07-27 | 1983-01-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |