Telephone handset with thumb-operated tactile keypad
October 30, 2021. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 407715 Grip and protective casing for cellular telephone Circular tactile keypad Ergonomic cellular phone Keypad and method for arranging keys of the keypad in a clockwise orientation Ergonomic housing for a handheld device Communication device Keypads for electrical devices Rounded keypad Patent #: 6657560 InventorApplicationNo. 10011383 filed on 10/30/2001US Classes:455/575.1, Housing or support455/90.2, Having particular configuration (e.g., C.B., or walkie-talkie) of a transceiver455/90.3, Having particular housing or support of a transceiver455/128, With casing or housing455/347, Cabinet, housing, or chassis structure379/433.01, Handset structure379/433.06, Button or switch having specific function379/433.07, Keypad379/55.1, HAVING NEAR FIELD LINK (E.G., CAPACITIVE, INDUCTIVE)379/56.3, Including infra-red link with landline telephone networkD14/138, Mobile telephone type (i.e., cellular or cordless unit with provision for initiation or reception of telephone calls)361/679, For electronic systems and devices400/489, Key-board including keys grouped to facilitate positioning of typist's fingers368/10, COMBINED WITH DISPARATE DEVICE345/169, Portable (i.e., handheld, calculator, remote controller)341/22Including keyboard or keypadExaminersPrimary: Trost, WilliamAssistant: Doan, Kiet Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesH04M001/00H04M009/00 H04B001/38 H04B017/02 AbstractAn improved cell phone arrangement has a centrally located orientation key, for referencing a location tactilely via the user's thumb, and the dialing keys arranged in a substantially circular arrangement around the orientation key, in an array having a relatively large diameter but within range of motion of the thumb. The keys are shaped and spaced for tactile reference, i.e., for dialing without the need to look at the keyboard after becoming familiar with it. Cardinal compass-points can be marked by distinct keys, which extend radially outwardly from the central reference point and are of different shape and feel from the dialing keys. The phone housing has finger ridges on one or both sides, and optionally a distinct ridge or bump on the back of the housing, for repeatable positioning of the hand.Field of SearchFoldable typeWith casing or housing Radiotelephone equipment detail Housing or support Having particular configuration (e.g., C.B., or walkie-talkie) of a transceiver Having particular housing or support of a transceiver TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER AT SAME STATION (E.G., TRANSCEIVER) RADIOTELEPHONE SYSTEM Plural-switch number input device (e.g., keypad) Button or switch having specific function Keypad HAVING NEAR FIELD LINK (E.G., CAPACITIVE, INDUCTIVE) Including infra-red link with landline telephone network Handset structure Mobile telephone type (i.e., cellular or cordless unit with provision for initiation or reception of telephone calls) | |
