US5010565A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone
Assignee: NASH BRYAN
•
Filing: 1990-06-29
•
Granted: 1991-04-23
•
Expires: 2010-06-29
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone is disclosed. A cordless handset replaces the corded handset of the existing corded telephone. The cordless handset includes a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, a battery to provide power to the cordless handset, and a battery charging connector. A cradle insert forms a substitute handset cradle over the original handset cradle of the corded telephone. The substitute handset cradle receives the cordless handset when it is not in use. Charging contacts are provided on the substitute handset cradle to charge the batteries of the cordless handset. The substitute cradle allows operation of the hook switch of the corded telephone when the cordless handset is placed into the substitute cradle.
Inventors
- 👤 Bryan Nash
- 👤 Trenton D. Stoddard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 09:32
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/72; H04M1/725; H02; H02J; H02J7/00; H02J7/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone, the existing corded telephone having an original handset cradle, the apparatus comprising: cradle insert means for forming a substitute handset cradle on the original handset cradle, the substitute handset cradle fitting into the original handset cradle and receiving a cordless handset having at least one battery charging connection; and charging contact means, positioned on the cradle insert means, for providing a charging current to the battery charging connection on the cordless handset when the cordless handset is placed on the substitute cradle.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
94 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone, the existing corded telephone having an original handset cradle, the apparatus comprising: cradle insert means for forming a substitute handset cradle on the original handset cradle, the substitute handset cradle fitting into the original handset cradle and receiving a cordless handset having at least one battery charging connection; and charging contact means, positioned on the cradle insert means, for providing a charging current to the battery charging connection on the cordless handset when the cordless handset is placed on the substitute cradle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone as defined in claim 1 further comprising charging circuit means for supplying a charging current to the charging contact means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
59 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone as defined in claim 2 wherein the charging circuit means is located externally to the existing corded telephone and wherein the apparatus further comprises interconnection means for connecting the charging circuit means to the charging contact means, the interconnection means routed externally to the existing corded telephone.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
61 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone as defined in claim 2 wherein the charging circuit means is located externally to the existing corded telephone and wherein the apparatus further comprises interconnection means for connecting the charging circuit means to the charging contact means, the interconnection means routed at least partially within the existing corded telephone.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone as defined in claim 1 wherein the existing telephone set includes a hook switch and wherein the apparatus further comprises hook switch means for actuating the hook switch on the existing telephone as the handset is raised and lowered.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone as defined in claim 1 wherein the existing telephone set includes a hook switch and wherein the apparatus further comprises a cordless handset, the cordless handset having a switch, the switch being adapted to perform a hook switch function.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone as defined in claim 1 wherein the cradle insert means comprises: a first receptacle; a second receptacle; and wherein the charging contact means comprises a pair of charging contacts positioned in the second receptacle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone as defined in claim 7 wherein the first receptacle and the second receptacle are formed as a unitary structure.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone as defined in claim 7 wherein the first receptacle and the second receptacle are separate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone as defined in claim 7 further comprising securing means for securing the cradle insert means over the original handset cradle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone as defined in claim 1 further comprising: a cordless handset comprising a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver; and a cordless base comprising a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
52 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone as defined in claim 11 wherein the existing telephone comprises a four conductor handset jack and a line jack and wherein the cordless base comprises connection means for connecting the base unit to the handset jack on the existing telephone.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone as defined in claim 11 further wherein the wireless transmitters comprise radio frequency transmitters and the wireless receivers comprise radio frequency receivers.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone as defined in claim 1 wherein the existing telephone comprises a multi-line telephone.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
198 words
An apparatus for converting an existing corded telephone, the existing corded telephone having an original handset cradle and a four wire handset jack, into a telephone having cordless handset capability, the apparatus comprising: a cordless handset comprising a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, and a battery charging connector; cradle insert means for forming a substitute handset cradle on the original handset cradle, the substitute cradle receiving the cordless handset; charging contact means for providing a charging current to the battery charging connector on the cordless handset when the cordless handset is resting in the substitute cradle; a cordless base comprising a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver; charging circuit means for providing a charging current to the charging contact means; and interconnection means for electrically connecting the handset jack to the cordless base so that information can be conveyed therebetween and for electrically connecting the charging contact means to the charging circuit means such that the batteries in the cordless handset are charged when the handset is resting in the substitute cradle and such that duplex communications can be established between the cordless base and the cordless handset when the cordless handset is removed from the substitute cradle.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
198 words
An apparatus for converting an existing corded telephone, the existing corded telephone having an original handset cradle and a four wire handset jack, into a telephone having cordless handset capability, the apparatus comprising: a cordless handset comprising a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, and a battery charging connector; cradle insert means for forming a substitute handset cradle on the original handset cradle, the substitute cradle receiving the cordless handset; charging contact means for providing a charging current to the battery charging connector on the cordless handset when the cordless handset is resting in the substitute cradle; a cordless base comprising a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver; charging circuit means for providing a charging current to the charging contact means; and interconnection means for electrically connecting the handset jack to the cordless base so that information can be conveyed therebetween and for electrically connecting the charging contact means to the charging circuit means such that the batteries in the cordless handset are charged when the handset is resting in the substitute cradle and such that duplex communications can be established between the cordless base and the cordless handset when the cordless handset is removed from the substitute cradle.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
46 words
An apparatus for converting an existing corded telephone into a telephone having cordless handset capability as defined in claim 15 wherein the charging circuit means is located externally to the existing corded telephone and wherein the interconnection means is routed externally to the existing corded telephone.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus for converting an existing corded telephone into a telephone having cordless handset capability as defined in claim 15 wherein the charging circuit means is located externally to the existing corded telephone and wherein the interconnection means is routed at least partially within the existing corded telephone.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
54 words
An apparatus for converting an existing corded telephone into a telephone having cordless handset capability as defined in claim 15 wherein the existing telephone set includes a hook switch and wherein the apparatus further comprises hook switch means for actuating the hook switch on the existing telephone as the handset is raised and lowered.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus for converting an existing corded telephone into a telephone having cordless handset capability as defined in claim 18 wherein the hook switch means comprises an aperture located in the cradle insert means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus for converting an existing corded telephone into a telephone having cordless handset capability as defined in claim 15 wherein the existing telephone set includes a hook switch and wherein cordless handset further comprises a switch, the switch being adapted to perform a hook switch function.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus for converting an existing corded telephone into a telephone having cordless handset capability as defined in claim 15 wherein the cradle insert means comprises: a first receptacle; a second receptacle; and wherein the charging contact means comprises a pair of charging contacts positioned in the second receptacle.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus for converting an existing corded telephone into a telephone having cordless handset capability as defined in claim 21 wherein the first receptacle and the second receptacle are formed as a unitary structure.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus for converting an existing corded telephone into a telephone having cordless handset capability as defined in claim 21 wherein the first receptacle and the second receptacle are separate.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus for converting an existing corded telephone into a telephone having cordless handset capability as defined in claim 21 further comprising securing means for removably securing the cradle insert means over the original handset cradle.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
53 words
An apparatus for converting an existing corded telephone into a telephone having cordless handset capability as defined in claim 15 wherein the existing telephone comprises an RJ modular handset jack with four audio conductors and an RJ modular line jack with two line conductors and wherein the cordless base comprises a microphone interface.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus for converting an existing corded telephone into a telephone having cordless handset capability as defined in claim 15 wherein the cordless base further comprises a hook switch interface.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus for converting an existing corded telephone into a telephone having cordless handset capability as defined in claim 26 further wherein the wireless transmitters comprise radio frequency transmitters and the wireless receivers comprise radio frequency receivers.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
242 words
A system for replacing a corded handset provided on an existing corded telephone with a cordless handset capable of duplex communication, the existing corded telephone having an original handset cradle and a four wire handset jack, the system comprising: a cordless handset comprising a radio frequency transmitter, a radio frequency receiver, and at least one battery charging connector; a substitute handset cradle having a first and a second receptacle, each receptacle receiving a portion of the cordless handset, the substitute handset cradle fitting onto the original handset cradle; means for securing the substitute handset cradle into position on the original handset cradle; charging contacts positioned in the substitute handset cradle adapted for conveying a charging current to the battery charging connector on the cordless handset when the cordless handset is resting in the substitute cradle; a cordless base; a radio frequency transmitter located in the cordless base; a radio frequency receiver located in the cordless base; a charging circuit located in the cordless base; first interconnection means for electrically connecting the handset jack to the cordless base so that information can be conveyed therebetween such that duplex communications can be established between the cordless base and the cordless handset when the cordless handset is removed from the substitute cradle; and second interconnection means for electrically connecting the charging contacts to the charging circuit such that the batteries in the cordless handset are charged when the handset is resting in the substitute cradle.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
242 words
A system for replacing a corded handset provided on an existing corded telephone with a cordless handset capable of duplex communication, the existing corded telephone having an original handset cradle and a four wire handset jack, the system comprising: a cordless handset comprising a radio frequency transmitter, a radio frequency receiver, and at least one battery charging connector; a substitute handset cradle having a first and a second receptacle, each receptacle receiving a portion of the cordless handset, the substitute handset cradle fitting onto the original handset cradle; means for securing the substitute handset cradle into position on the original handset cradle; charging contacts positioned in the substitute handset cradle adapted for conveying a charging current to the battery charging connector on the cordless handset when the cordless handset is resting in the substitute cradle; a cordless base; a radio frequency transmitter located in the cordless base; a radio frequency receiver located in the cordless base; a charging circuit located in the cordless base; first interconnection means for electrically connecting the handset jack to the cordless base so that information can be conveyed therebetween such that duplex communications can be established between the cordless base and the cordless handset when the cordless handset is removed from the substitute cradle; and second interconnection means for electrically connecting the charging contacts to the charging circuit such that the batteries in the cordless handset are charged when the handset is resting in the substitute cradle.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
39 words
A system for replacing a corded handset provided on an existing corded telephone with a cordless handset capable of duplex communication as defined in claim 28 wherein the second interconnection means is routed externally to the existing corded telephone.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system for replacing a corded handset provided on an existing corded telephone with a cordless handset capable of duplex communication as defined in claim 28 wherein the second interconnection means is routed at least partially within the existing corded telephone.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
47 words
A system for replacing a corded handset provided on an existing corded telephone with a cordless handset capable of duplex communication as defined in claim 28 further comprises hook switch means for actuating the hook switch on the existing telephone as the handset is raised and lowered.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
59 words
A system for replacing a corded handset provided on an existing corded telephone with a cordless handset capable of duplex communication as defined in claim 31 wherein the hook switch means comprises an aperture provided in the substitute handset cradle through which a hook switch can extend when the substitute handset cradle is secured on the original handset cradle.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system for replacing a corded handset provided on an existing corded telephone with a cordless handset capable of duplex communication as defined in claim 28 wherein the charging contacts comprise a pair of charging contacts positioned in the second receptacle.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system for replacing a corded handset provided on an existing corded telephone with a cordless handset capable of duplex communication as defined in claim 28 wherein the first receptacle and the second receptacle are formed together as a unitary structure.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
39 words
A system for replacing a corded handset provided on an existing corded telephone with a cordless handset capable of duplex communication as defined in claim 28 wherein the first receptacle and the second receptacle are formed as separate structures.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system for replacing a corded handset provided on an existing corded telephone with a cordless handset capable of duplex communication as defined in claim 28 wherein the cordless base further comprises a hook switch interface.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
292 words
A system for adding cordless capability to an existing corded telephone, the existing corded telephone having an original corded base with a handset cradle, a handset jack, and a corded handset with a cord, the system comprising: a cordless handset comprising a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver; at least one battery charging connector located on the cordless handset; first charging cradle means fitting onto said original handset cradle for receiving a telephone handset, the charging cradle means being free standing from the existing corded telephone; first charging contact means, positioned in the first charging cradle means, for conveying a charging current to the battery charging connector on the cordless handset when the cordless handset is resting in the first charging cradle means; first hook switch means at said corded base for actuating said corded telephone when said corded handset is carried by said first charging cradle means; a cordless base; a wireless transmitter located in the cordless base; a wireless receiver located in the cordless base; a charging circuit means located in the cordless base; first interconnection means for electrically connecting the handset jack of the corded base to the cordless base so that information can be conveyed therebetween such that duplex communications can be established between the existing corded telephone and the cordless handset; second charging cradle means formed at said cordless base for receiving a handset; second charging contact means positioned in said second charging cradle means for conveying a charging current to the battery charging connector on the cordless handset when the cordless handset is resting in the second charging cradle means; and second hook switch means at said cordless base for actuating said corded telephone when said corded handset is carried by said second charging cradle means.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
292 words
A system for adding cordless capability to an existing corded telephone, the existing corded telephone having an original corded base with a handset cradle, a handset jack, and a corded handset with a cord, the system comprising: a cordless handset comprising a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver; at least one battery charging connector located on the cordless handset; first charging cradle means fitting onto said original handset cradle for receiving a telephone handset, the charging cradle means being free standing from the existing corded telephone; first charging contact means, positioned in the first charging cradle means, for conveying a charging current to the battery charging connector on the cordless handset when the cordless handset is resting in the first charging cradle means; first hook switch means at said corded base for actuating said corded telephone when said corded handset is carried by said first charging cradle means; a cordless base; a wireless transmitter located in the cordless base; a wireless receiver located in the cordless base; a charging circuit means located in the cordless base; first interconnection means for electrically connecting the handset jack of the corded base to the cordless base so that information can be conveyed therebetween such that duplex communications can be established between the existing corded telephone and the cordless handset; second charging cradle means formed at said cordless base for receiving a handset; second charging contact means positioned in said second charging cradle means for conveying a charging current to the battery charging connector on the cordless handset when the cordless handset is resting in the second charging cradle means; and second hook switch means at said cordless base for actuating said corded telephone when said corded handset is carried by said second charging cradle means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
49 words
A system for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone, the existing corded telephone having an original handset cradle, a handset jack, and a corded handset with a cord, as defined in claim 37 wherein the second charging cradle means is formed integrally with the cordless base.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
64 words
A system for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone, the existing corded telephone having an original handset cradle, a handset jack, and a corded handset with a cord, as defined in claim 37 wherein said first charging cradle means comprises a substitute handset cradle having a first and a second receptacle, the substitute handset cradle fitting onto the original handset cradle.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
80 words
A system for adding cordless handset capability to an existing corded telephone, the existing corded telephone having an original handset cradle, a handset jack, and a corded handset with a cord, as defined in claim 39 further comprising: charging circuit means for supplying a charging current to each charging contact means; and second interconnection means for connecting the charging circuit means to each charging contact means, the interconnection means being routed at least partially externally to the existing corded telephone.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
126 words
A method of converting an existing corded telephone to a cordless telephone comprising the steps of: detaching the existing corded handset from the corded telephone; attaching a substitute cradle to the original cradle, the substitute cradle having at least a pair of charging contacts; connecting a charging circuit to the pair of charging contacts; placing a cordless handset in the substitute cradle, the cordless handset including both a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver and a battery charging connection; and connecting a cordless base to the existing telephone, the cordless base including both a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, such that a communication link may be established between the cordless handset and the existing telephone when the cordless handset is removed from the substitute cradle.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
126 words
A method of converting an existing corded telephone to a cordless telephone comprising the steps of: detaching the existing corded handset from the corded telephone; attaching a substitute cradle to the original cradle, the substitute cradle having at least a pair of charging contacts; connecting a charging circuit to the pair of charging contacts; placing a cordless handset in the substitute cradle, the cordless handset including both a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver and a battery charging connection; and connecting a cordless base to the existing telephone, the cordless base including both a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, such that a communication link may be established between the cordless handset and the existing telephone when the cordless handset is removed from the substitute cradle.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method of converting an existing corded telephone to a cordless telephone as defined in claim 41 wherein the step of attaching a substitute cradle to the original cradle comprises the step of securing a substitute cradle having a first receptacle and a second receptacle joined together on the original cradle.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
60 words
A method of converting an existing corded telephone to a cordless telephone as defined in claim 41 wherein the step of attaching a substitute cradle to the original cradle comprises the step of securing a substitute cradle having a first receptacle and a second receptacle, the first and the second receptacles being formed from separate structures, on the original cradle.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method of converting an existing corded telephone to a cordless telephone as defined in claim 41 wherein the step of connecting a charging circuit to the pair of charging contacts comprises the step of routing an interconnecting cable externally of the existing corded telephone from the charging circuit to the pair of charging contacts.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method of converting an existing corded telephone to a cordless telephone as defined in claim 41 wherein the step of connecting a charging circuit to the pair of charging contacts comprises the step of routing an interconnecting cable at least partially internally to the existing corded telephone from the charging circuit to the pair of charging contacts.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method of converting an existing corded telephone to a cordless telephone as defined in claim 41 wherein the step of placing a cordless handset in the substitute cradle comprises the steps of: making electrical contact between the pair of charging contacts and the battery charging connection; and depressing a hook switch.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method of converting an existing corded telephone to a cordless telephone as defined in claim 41 further comprising the step of transmitting a radio frequency signal from the cordless handset to the cordless base.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method of converting an existing corded telephone to a cordless telephone as defined in claim 41 wherein the step of connecting a cordless base further comprises the step of connecting the cordless base to an AC power source.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3476882A
Cited
US4005269A
Cited
US4119800A
Cited
USD283420S
Cited
US4634810A
Cited
US4593409A
Cited
US4794636A
Cited
US4775997A
Cited
DE3434686A1
Cited
US4752949A
Cited
US4691338A
Cited
US4839918A
Cited
US4700375A
Cited
US4754473A
Cited
US4882745A
Cited
US4939770A
Cited
US4775996A
Cited
JPH01137856A
Cited
US4937852A
Cited
US4908847A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-04-22 | 1994-10-22 | 1995-04-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-04-22 | 1998-10-22 | 1999-04-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-04-22 | 2002-10-22 | 2003-04-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |