US006999792B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Us 6,999,792 B2
`Warren
`Feb. 14, 2006
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`
`(54)
`
`INPUT-OUTPUT DEVICE WITH UNIVERSAL
`PHONE PORT
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Peter Warren, 5600 Lake Resort Ter.,
`Apt. 208-H, Chattanooga, TN (US)
`37415
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 316 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/247,661
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Sep. 19, 2002
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2003/0153355 A1
`
`Aug. 14, 2003
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/323,661, filed on Sep.
`20, 2001.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`H04B 1/38
`(2006.01)
`H04M 1/00
`(52) US. Cl.
`................ 455/557; 455/556.1; 455/556.2;
`379/9305, 379/435, 343/702
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................ 455/450,
`455/556.1, 556.2, 557; 379/9305, 93.09,
`379/435, 446; 343/702
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`................ 455/5562
`2/1999 Lee et al.
`5,873,045 A *
`3/1999 Tso .......................... 710/64
`5,890,016 A *
`
`4/1999 Foladare et a1.
`..
`455/556.2
`5,894,595 A *
`5,974,334 A * 10/1999 Jones, Jr.
`..........
`455/556.2
`
`2/2001 Laureanti .................... 455/573
`6,188,917 B1 *
`6,292,148 B1 *
`9/2001 Matsuura et al.
`........... 343/702
`6,516,202 B1 *
`2/2003 Hawkins et al.
`......... 455/5562
`
`6,633,759 B1 * 10/2003 Kobayashi ............... 455/419
`................ 345/168
`6,661,404 B1 * 12/2003 Sirola et al.
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`JP
`
`2000—278380
`
`*
`
`1/2000
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—Stephen D’Agosta
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Michael J. Mehrman;
`Mehrman Law Office
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A keyboard and a microphone for inputting information, a
`display screen and a speaker for viewing or hearing infor-
`mation, 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 pro-
`cessor 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.
`
`5/1991 Morris .................... 455/556.1
`5,020,090 A *
`5,566,226 A * 10/1996 Mizoguchi et a1.
`......... 455/558
`
`22 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 1
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 1
`
`

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`US. Patent
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`Feb. 14, 2006
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`Sheet 1 0f 6
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`US 6,999,792 B2
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`
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 2
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 2
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Feb. 14, 2006
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`Sheet 2 0f 6
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`US 6,999,792 B2
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`I/O DEVICE ID
`
`28
`
`PHONE
`
`I/O PORT
`
`34
`
`16
`
`18
`
`20
`
`22
`
`MODEM
`
`KEYBOARD
`
`MIC.
`
`SCREEN
`
`SPEAKER
`
`I/O INTERFACES
`
`38
`
`36
`
`4O
`
`MEMORY
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`BATTERY
`
`
`
`FIG 2
`
`DATA STORAGE
`DEVICE 42
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 3
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 3
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Feb. 14, 2006
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`Sheet 3 0f 6
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`US 6,999,792 B2
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`
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`12
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`14b
`
`-
`
`i P
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`etitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 4
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`143
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`266
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 4
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`US. Patent
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`Feb. 14, 2006
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`Sheet 4 0f 6
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`US 6,999,792 B2
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`116116
`
`FIG. 10
`
` 116
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 5
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 5
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`US. Patent
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`Feb. 14, 2006
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`Sheet 5 0f 6
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`US 6,999,792 B2
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`162
`
`f/,
`
`/.
`
`)F‘114
`
`126b
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`128
`
`FIG. 13
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 6
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 6
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Feb. 14, 2006
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`Sheet 6 0f 6
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`US 6,999,792 B2
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`15
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`/210
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`214 270272
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`212
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`262 272
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`270
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`’f/rll'llllllllllll'I/IIIIA
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`274
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`258
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`228
`
`FIG. 15
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 7
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 7
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`

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`US 6,999,792 B2
`
`1
`INPUT-OUTPUT DEVICE WITH UNIVERSAL
`PHONE PORT
`
`PRIOR U.S. APPLICATION
`
`This Specification is based on US. Provisional Applica-
`tion Ser. No. 60/323,661 filed on Sep. 20, 2001. The
`inventors claim the benefit of Title 35, Section 119 of the
`US. Code based on said provisional application.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`This invention relates to portable electronic devices for
`communicating with remote computers and, more particu-
`larly, to an input-output device with a universal port for
`connecting to a cell phone that wirelessly communicates
`with remote computers.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Technological advances in the telecommunications and
`computer-related industries have provided cell phones, web
`phones, personal digital assistants (PDA’s), hand held com-
`puters, laptop computers, and other portable devices that
`allow for
`instant communication and remote access to
`information. These portable devices generally have proven
`to be very beneficial because they allow people to stay
`connected wherever they are.
`For example, laptops are great for remotely accessing
`information on another computer or network (e.g.,
`the
`Internet) and sending/receiving email messages, in addition
`to their primary function as portable information processors.
`However, they have to be connected to a phone (or cable or
`other) jack, and they tend to be rather bulky, heavy, and
`expensive. Therefore,
`laptops are not
`ideal for carrying
`around on a routine basis (relative to cell phones) for instant
`communication and remote access to information.
`
`On the other hand, cell phones are small, light weight, and
`convenient to carry around, relative to laptops. In an effort
`to realize the full potential of both the Internet and wireless
`connectivity, some cell phones are now provided with capa-
`bilities for wirelessly accessing the Internet. Web phones, as
`they are sometimes called, are configured with wireless
`application protocol (WAP) for browsing and viewing web
`pages (or portions or reformatted versions thereof), for
`sending, receiving, and viewing email messages, and so
`forth.
`
`Web phones have been available since the late 1990’s yet
`have not been overly commercially successful. Drawbacks
`to web phones include the difficulty in reading the small
`screen on the phone, the difficulty in using the small keypad
`on the phone to enter data and control the Internet functions
`of the phone, and the increased weight and size of the phone
`from the added web access features.
`
`Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a portable
`wireless device that permits instant communication and
`remote access to information, that is sufficiently small and
`lightweight that it can be conveniently carried around by a
`user on a routine basis, and that permits the user to easily
`enter information such as a web site address or an email
`message, to easily control the device to browse the web or
`send an email message, to easily view web pages and email
`messages, and to easily access information stored on a home
`or other remote computer.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention fulfills these and other needs by
`providing an input/output device having a phone port for
`connecting to a cell or other portable phone. The device has
`
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`input components (such as a keyboard) and output compo-
`nents (such as a screen), which are much easier to use than
`the mini-keypad and mini-screen on typical web phones. A
`person uses the keyboard to input information or commands.
`Then signals representing the information or commands are
`sent to the portable phone via the phone port, and the phone
`transmits wireless signals to the intended computer, phone,
`etc. Similarly, the phone receives wireless signals and sends
`the signals to the device via the phone port. Then the text
`and/or images represented by the signals are displayed on
`the screen.
`
`Generally described, the input/output device includes a
`housing for one or more input components such as a
`keyboard and/or microphone, one or more output compo-
`nents such as a display screen or a speaker, a data storage
`device such as a hard drive, a processor, and a phone
`interface. Also, a modem can be provided for use with a
`portable phone without one. The data storage device has a
`browser, email, and wireless application protocol program-
`ming stored therein. The phone interface has a support
`member for the portable phone and the aforementioned port.
`The phone wirelessly transmits data entered into the input
`components and wirelessly receives data to be displayed or
`audibly output by the output components.
`In a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
`housing has the shape and size of a conventional laptop
`computer. The support member is formed by a frame
`mounted to the housing and having a bottom (or side) wall
`with the port disposed thereon. The frame can be solid,
`perforated, latticed, or have another construction. The port
`has two male connectors that insert into two female con-
`
`nectors in the phone. The number, shape, and size of the
`connectors can be selected as desired. Elastic members can
`
`be provided in the frame to snugly receive different sized
`portable phones, and adapters can be provided for connect-
`ing to different connector arrangements of different types of
`phones.
`In a first alternative embodiment, the support member is
`formed by a frame that is pivotally mounted to the housing
`at an opening, so that the frame pivots into and out of the
`housing opening. In a second alternative embodiment, the
`support member is formed by a slot in the base housing
`section. Similarly,
`in a third alternative embodiment, the
`support member is formed by a slot in the pivotal housing
`section.
`
`In a fourth alternative embodiment, the support member
`is formed by a base plate that is slidably attached to the
`housing at an opening so that the base plate slides into and
`out of the housing. Additionally, a slidably retractable arm
`can be attached to the housing at an opening so that the arm
`slides out of the opening to laterally support the phone.
`Similarly,
`in a fifth alternative embodiment,
`the support
`member is provided by a base plate that is pivotally mounted
`to the housing at an opening so that the base plate pivots into
`and out of the housing, and a pivotally retractable arm can
`be attached to the housing at an opening so that the arm
`pivots.
`In a second exemplary embodiment, the housing has the
`shape and size of a conventional hand-held computer. The
`housing has a slot or channel for receiving the portable
`phone, with the support member formed by one of the walls
`defining the slot or channel. Of course, support members
`similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment alterna-
`tively can be provided. In a third exemplary embodiment,
`the housing and slot (or channel) are similar to that of the
`second embodiment, plus an adapter sleeve is provided. The
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 8
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 8
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`

`

`US 6,999,792 B2
`
`3
`adapter sleeve receives and holds the phone so that the
`phone can be slid into and out of the sleeve (and the slot) as
`desired.
`
`Accordingly, the input/output device of the present inven-
`tion provides numerous advantages over the prior art. For
`example, a user can easily enter information (such as a web
`site address or an email message) by the keyboard (instead
`of by a mini-keypad of a web phone), easily view text and/or
`graphics (from web pages or email messages) on the screen
`(instead of on a mini-screen of a web phone), and easily
`access information (such as appointment calendar entries)
`stored on a home or other remote computer. In order to
`communicate with the desired computer(s), phone, etc., the
`user merely inserts his or her portable phone into the phone
`interface so that the phone engages the port, and the phone
`sends and receives wireless signals to accomplish the com-
`munication. When the user removes the phone from the
`device, the phone then returns to functioning as a conven-
`tional portable phone. In this way, the input/output device
`can be sufficiently small, lightweight, and inexpensive that
`it can be conveniently carried around on a routine basis for
`use when desired.
`
`The specific techniques and structures employed by the
`invention to improve over the drawbacks of the prior sys-
`tems and accomplish the advantages described above will
`become apparent from the following detailed description of
`the embodiments of the invention and the appended draw-
`ings and claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodi-
`ment of an input/output device of the present invention in
`use with a cell phone to communicate with a computer and
`another cell phone.
`FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the input/output device
`of FIG. 1, showing the main internal components of the
`device.
`
`FIG. 3 is a side detail view of a phone interface of the
`input/output device of the FIG. 1, showing a support mem-
`ber for the cell phone in the form of a frame.
`FIG. 4 is a cross sectional detail view of the support
`member of FIG. 3, showing an adapter connected to phone
`ports connected to the cell phone.
`FIG. 5 is a side detail view of a first alternative embodi-
`
`ment of the support member in the form of a pivotal frame.
`FIG. 6 is a side detail view of a second alternative
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`embodiment of the support member in the form of a slot in
`the base housing section.
`FIG. 7 is a side detail view of a third alternative embodi-
`
`50
`
`ment of the support member in the form of a slot in the
`pivotal housing section.
`FIG. 8 is a front detail view of a fourth alternative
`
`embodiment of the support member in the form of a linearly
`retractable base plate and lateral support arm.
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fifth alternative embodi-
`ment of the support member in the form of a pivotally
`retractable base plate and lateral support arm.
`FIG. 10 is a front detail view of a second exemplary
`embodiment of an input/output device of the present inven-
`tion in use with a cell phone.
`FIG. 11 is a side view of the input/output device of the
`FIG. 10, showing the support member provided by a slot in
`the housing.
`FIG. 12 is a cross sectional detail view taken at line
`
`55
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`60
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`65
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`12—12 of FIG. 11, showing the phone connected to the
`input/output device by an adapter.
`
`4
`FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of an alternative
`embodiment of the input/output device of FIG. 10, showing
`the support member provided by a channel in the housing.
`FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a third exemplary embodi-
`ment of the input/output device of the present invention,
`showing the support member provided by a slot
`in the
`housing and an adapter sleeve for the phone.
`FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the input/output
`device of FIG. 14 taken at line 15—15, showing the con-
`figuration of the slot, sleeve, and phone.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
`
`FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the present
`invention, referred to generally as the input/output device
`10, in use with a portable phone 12. The device 10 includes
`a housing 14 that has a base section 14a and a pivot section
`14b pivotally connected together. The housing 14 can be
`made of a plastic, fiberglass, metal, or other material, with
`a shape and size smaller than or comparable to a laptop and
`larger than or comparable to a hand held computer. In this
`fashion, the housing 14 provides a protective case for the
`components of the device 10.
`The device 10 has one or more input components and one
`or more output components mounted to the housing 14 or
`enclosed in the housing and accessible through openings
`therein. For example, the input components can be provided
`by a keyboard 16 and/or a microphone 18, and the output
`components can be provided by a display screen 20 and/or
`a speaker 22. Of course, a pointer device, stylus,
`touch
`screen, keypad, and/or other input and/or output components
`can be provided. It will be understood that these components
`can be provided by commercially available components well
`known in the art.
`
`Additionally, the device 10 includes a phone interface 24
`having a support member 26 that supports the portable
`phone 12 and a port 28 for communicating with the phone.
`Utilizing these features, a user much more easily can use
`their cell (or web) phone to communicate with and remotely
`access information on another computer (or network of
`computers such as the Internet) 30, another portable phone
`32, or other electronic devices.
`For example, the user can be engaged in a conversation on
`his portable phone 12, and simply insert the phone into
`engagement with the phone interface 24 to bring up a web
`page or to view other data on the display screen 20 of the
`device 10. When desired, then the user simply removes the
`phone from the interface and resumes using the phone as a
`conventional portable phone. Also, the user can utilize the
`keyboard 16 or another input component of the device 10 to
`enter data such as a web site address, an email message,
`personal identification information for making an online
`purchase, or a file location on a remote computer, or to enter
`control functions such as page scrolling or sending the email
`message,
`instead of having to use the mini keypad on
`conventional web phones. The device 10 processes the
`entered data or command and communicates with the por-
`table phone 12 via the port 28. The phone 12 in turn
`wirelessly transmits signals representing the data or com-
`mand to the intended computer(s) 30, phone 32, or other
`electronic device.
`
`Similarly, the phone 12 receives wireless signals from
`another computer(s) 30, phone 32, and so forth, and com-
`municates the signals to the device 10 via the port 28. The
`device 10 then processes the signals and outputs the data
`visually on the display screen 20, audibly through the
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 9
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`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 9
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`US 6,999,792 B2
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`5
`speaker 22, or otherwise. In this way, the outputted text
`and/or images of web pages, email messages, etc. can be
`seen more clearly and easily than when using the mini
`display screen on conventional web phones. Additionally,
`users can remotely access documents, check their schedules,
`or retrieve other information stored on their home and/or
`office computers.
`Accordingly, users can carry their cell phones as they
`normally do and, when needed, use the input/output device
`10 to easily access information and/or features on their home
`computer from elsewhere, their office computer from home,
`the Internet from anywhere, and so forth. The device 10 is
`lightweight, compact, and inexpensive relative to a laptop
`computer, so it can be carried around routinely like a cell
`phone, if so desired. Also, users can keep additional devices
`10 where they are likely to need them, for example, in their
`brief case or business bag, automobile, office, boat, vacation
`home, etc. Furthermore, users can affordably obtain several
`of the devices 10 and configure them in a network in their
`home with, for example, one device upstairs, one down-
`stairs, one in the kitchen, etc., each able to communicate
`with a main computer in the house (and/or with each other
`when someone inserts their cell phone into the phone
`interface). Additionally or alternatively, a host of the devices
`10 can be provided in restaurants, cafes, bars, airports,
`airplanes and jets, trains, taxicabs, hotels, and so forth, for
`use as needed by persons carrying cell phones.
`The device 10 can be used with most any type of portable
`phone 12. As used herein, a portable phone is any analog,
`digital, third generation, and/or other portable telephone or
`other telecommunications device. In order to function with
`
`the device 10, the portable phone 12 may need to be adapted
`to include modified circuitry and a mating connector, for
`example, a female connector for mating with a male con-
`nector of the port 25. Such adaptations can be readily made
`to provide a portable phone that cooperatively functions
`with the device 10 as described herein.
`Furthermore, the device 10 can be used to communicate
`with most any type of electronic device that is connected to
`a phone or cable line or that sends and/or receives wireless
`signals. Thus, while the device is described herein for
`communication with computers 30 and cell phones 32, it
`also can be used to remotely control, retrieve information
`from, or otherwise communicate with PDA’s, household
`appliances, portable or stationary televisions, portable or
`stationary radios, compact disc and tape players, and/or
`other electronic devices modified to include a phone or cable
`line connection and/or a wireless transmitter and/or receiver
`operating within the designated frequency range for portable
`phones.
`FIG. 2 schematically shows the configuration of the
`components of the input/output device 10, including the
`keyboard 16, microphone 18, screen 20, speaker 22, and
`phone port 28. The phone port 28 is connected to a modem
`34 that encodes the entered data for transmission by the
`phone 12, for use with a portable phone without a modem.
`The modem can be provided by a modem card, an internal
`modem, or another conventional modem. Alternatively, the
`device 10 can be provided without the modem, for use with
`a portable phone 12 that has a modem. Also, a dial tone
`generator can be provided, as needed.
`Aprocessor 36 is connected to the modem 34, a memory
`device 38 (for example, RAM), a power supply 40 (for
`example, batteries), and a data storage device 42 (for
`example, a hard drive) via input/output interfaces. The data
`storage device 42 includes an operating system 44 for
`instructing the processor 36 to run the components of the
`
`6
`device 10, WAP software 46 for sending and receiving web
`pages, programs for voice recognition 48 and video 50
`(included if the device has the microphone and the screen,
`respectively), and application programs such as an email
`program 52 and a browser 54. The processor 36 can be
`programmed to turn on the device 10 when the phone port
`28 is connected to a port on the portable phone 12, and to
`turn off the device upon disconnection. It will be understood
`that these components can be provided by commercially
`available components well known in the art.
`In this configuration, the device 10 has minimal on-board
`functionality. The device 10 need only include components
`for inputting and outputting information and for communi-
`cating the information to and from the portable phone 12.
`Thus, the device does not need word processing, spread-
`sheet, or other common application programs, and can be
`provided with a correspondingly smaller (and lighter) data
`storage device, memory device, batteries, and housing.
`Accordingly, the device 10 can be produced for a low cost
`and with a small size and weight, relative to laptops.
`The device 10 can be provided with additional features
`and/or in alternative configurations, as desired. For example,
`the hard drive 42 can be provided without the WAP software
`46, email 50, or browser 52 if the device is to be used with
`a web phone including these components, the video program
`50 can be provided by a video card, the hard drive 42 can be
`provided by a disc drive, optic drive, CD-ROM, and/or
`another drive, and/or the power supply can be provided by
`a detachable power cord for connection to 120/240 v line
`source, by photovoltaic cells, by combinations thereof, and
`so forth. Also, the device 10 can have additional input/output
`interfaces for connecting additional components such as a
`printer, scanner, backup storage device, and so forth. Fur-
`thermore, the device can be provided with a wireless trans-
`mitter and receiver and BLUETOOTH or another wireless
`
`for example, a
`communications software for use with,
`wearable communications device such as the eyeglasses
`disclosed in US. patent application Ser. No. 09/888,280.
`FIGS. 3 and 4 show the support member 26 for the
`portable phone 12, with the support member formed by a
`frame 26a. The frame 26a has side walls and a bottom wall
`
`that define a receptacle for the phone, and is mounted to the
`pivotal housing section 14b. The frame 26a can be generally
`rectangular with an open top and a size selected for receiving
`and holding any of the various different sizes of phones 12
`that are commercially available. Alternatively, the frame 26a
`can have other regular or irregular shapes with the frame
`walls provided by solid, perforated, lattice, wire, or flanged
`members, or other structures that will receive and hold the
`phone 12. It will be understood that instead of a frame, the
`support member can have the form of a bracket, plate, arm,
`sleeve, shelve, bottom or side wall of a slot, pocket, or other
`receptacle, or another structure that supports the portable
`phone.
`Additionally, two or another number of elastic members
`56 can be attached to or otherwise arranged within the frame
`26a for adjusting the size of the receptacle to snugly hold the
`phone in place. Accordingly, the elastic members 56 can be
`provided by leaf springs, spring-biased runners, a bellows,
`elastomeric arms or bushings, or other structures.
`The port 28 has two conventional male connectors 58 that
`extend from the bottom wall of the frame 26a and insert into
`
`two conventional female connectors 60 of the phone 12. The
`connectors 58 can be sized and spaced to be universal for
`mating with the connectors 60 on any cell phone. Of course,
`another number of connectors can be provided, and the
`female connectors can be provided on the device with male
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 10
`
`Petitioner Motorola Mobility LLC - Exhibit 1006 - Page 10
`
`

`

`US 6,999,792 B2
`
`7
`connectors on the phone, as may be desired. Alternatively,
`the port can include a wireless transmitter and a wireless
`receiver that send and receive radio or other frequency
`signals to and from the portable phone (with the hard drive
`including BLUETOOTH or another communications soft-
`ware), or the port can be provide by an infrared or other
`optical transmitter and receiver for communicating with
`similar components on a modified portable phone.
`In order for the device 10 to accommodate different
`
`5
`
`brands and types of phones, one or more adapters 62 can be 10
`provided that mate with the connectors 58 of the device 10.
`Each adapter 62 has connector(s) 64 with a number, length,
`spacing, and cross sectional shape and size selected for
`mating with the particular connectors of the phone to be
`used. In this manner, when the user upgrades or for another 15
`reason obtains a new cell phone with connectors that do not
`mate, he or she can continue to use the device by simply
`obtaining an adapter for that particular new phone. Also, for
`phones with similar connector arrangements, one adapter
`can be configured for use with several different brands or 20
`types of phones.
`FIGS. 5—9 show several of the contemplated alternative
`embodiments of the support member 26 for the portable
`phone 12. In a first alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5,
`the support member is provided by a frame 26b that forms 25
`a receptacle for the phone and that is pivotally mounted to
`the housing 14b at an opening 25b therein. The port con-
`nectors are disposed on the bottom (or another) wall of the
`receptacle. The frame 26b pivots between an open position
`extending from the housing so that the phone 12 can be 30
`inserted into the receptacle and a closed position retracted
`into the housing opening 25b.
`In a second alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the
`support member is provided by walls defining a slot 266 in
`the base housing section 14a, and the port connectors are 35
`disposed on the bottom (or another) wall of the slot. Simi-
`larly, in a third alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the
`support member is provided by walls defining a slot 26d in
`the pivotal housing section 14b, and the port connectors are
`disposed on the bottom (or another) wall of the slot.
`In a fourth alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the
`support member is provided by a base plate 266 that is
`slidably attached to the housing 14a at an opening 256
`therein. The port connectors are disposed on the top surface
`of the base plate 266. The base plate 266 slides between an 45
`open position extending from the housing so that the phone
`12 can be placed on the base plate engaging the connectors
`and a closed position slidably retracted into the housing
`opening 256. A spring-loaded latch or the like can be
`provided for releasing and urging the base plate 266 to move 50
`to the open position. Additionally, a retractable arm 276 can
`be slidably attached to the housing 14b at an opening 236
`therein. The arm 276 slides between an open position
`extending from the housing and laterally supporting the
`phone and a closed position slidably retracted into the 55
`housing opening 236.
`Similarly, in a fifth alternative embodiment shown in FIG.
`9, the support member is provided by a base plate 26f that
`is pivotally mounted to the housing 14b at an opening 25f
`therein. The port connectors are disposed on the top surface 60
`of the base plate 26f The base plate 26f pivots between an
`open position extending from the housing so that the phone
`12 can be placed onto the base plate and a closed position
`pivotally retracted into the housing opening 25f Addition-
`ally, a retractable arm 27f can be pivotally attached to the 65
`housing 14b at an opening 23f therein. The arm 27f pivots
`between an open position extending from the housing and
`
`40
`
`8
`laterally supporting the phone and a closed position pivot-
`ally retracted into the housing opening 23f
`Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11,
`there is shown a
`second exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
`referred to generally as the input/output device 110, for use
`with a portable phone 112. The input/output device 110 has
`internal electronic components similar to those of the first
`exemplary embodiment described above. In this embodi-
`ment, the housing 114 has a touch screen for entering and
`outputting data, and function buttons 116 for operating the
`device 110. Additionally, a microphone 118, a speaker 122,
`and/or other input/output components can be provided, as
`desired.
`
`The housing 114 has the shape and size of a conventional
`hand-held computer. For example, the housing 14 can be
`similar to that of a PDA such as a BLACKBERRY® PDA,
`PALM® PDA, VISOR® PDA, POCKET PC® PDA, or
`another electronic device that can be held in the user’s hand
`
`when in use. In this manner, the input/output device 110 can
`be used anywhere, anytime, such as when walking down the
`street or exercising on a stationary bicycle. The support
`member 126a is formed by a wall defining a slot in the
`housing 114 for receiving the portable phone 112, with the
`phone port 128 positioned on the support member 126a.
`Accordingly, the phone 112 can be slid into and out of the
`slot to engage the phone port 128. For thinner portable
`phones, the housing and slot also can be thinner.
`Additionally, an adapter 162 can be provided for connect-
`ing the phone port 128 to a modem port 160 or other port on
`a selected portable phone 112. Thus, the adapter 162 can
`have two male connectors with one connector received by a
`female connector of the phone port 128 and the other
`connector received by a female connector of the modem port
`160. Alternatively, similar to the first exemplary embodi-
`ment, the adapter 160 can have female connectors and the
`modem and phone ports can have male connectors, or other
`configurations can be provided with other types, numbers,
`sizes, shapes, and positions of connectors. Also, the adapter,
`160 can have a curved top surface that forms a cradle for a
`portable phone with a curved bottom. Additionally, two (or
`another) retainers 163 can be coupled to the housing inside
`the slot for securing the adapter 162 therein. Such retainers
`163 can be provided by clips, straps, bands, screws, latches,
`or the like.
`
`Referring to FIG. 13, in an alternative embodiment, the
`support member 126b is formed by a wall defining a channel
`in the housing 114 for receiving the portable phone 112, with
`the phone port 128 positioned on the support member 126b.
`Additionally, a retractable arm can be provided that
`is
`pivotally, slidably, or otherwise mounted to the housing 114
`(similar to the arm 27c of FIG. 9), for supporting the phone
`in the channel. Of course, other