Mini cell phone adapter and method for extending the function of a mini cell phone

• US 20080146284A1
• Filed: 12/18/2006
• Published: 06/19/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/18/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Dylan Evan Stone, Samuel Lee Stone, Samuel W. Stone
• Original Assignee: Dylan Evan Stone, Samuel Lee Stone, Samuel W. Stone
• Inventors: Stone, Samuel Lee, Stone, Samuel W., Stone, Dylan Evan
• Application Number:
  US11/640,519
• Publication Number:
  US 20080146284A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/565
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0256 wherein the modules are operable in the detached state, e.g. one module for the user interface and one module for the transceiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2474 Telephone terminals specially adapted for disabled people user interfaces for cordless or mobile telephones specially adapted for disabled users H04M1/72475; network based special services or facilities for hearing-impaired persons H04M3/42391; devices for conversing with the deaf-blind G09B21/04
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6775 by providing access to preprogrammed keys

Abstract

A new mini cell phone and adapter are disclosed where the mini cell phone is of the type that has restricted usage. The adapter is provided so that a user may selectively restore full functioning capability to the mini cell phone upon occasions. In addition, the adapter provides for the recharging of the battery of the mini cell phone portion that is integrated between the two components.

Claims

1. A mini cell phone for use as a cell phone with restricted capabilities, and an adapter for same for use in the restoration of full function to the mini cell phone, the mini cell phone and adapter comprising:

A mini cell phone portion; and

,

A function module including a keypad, where the function module is reversibly engageable with the mini cell phone portion to provide full functioning capability to the mini cell phone portion when the function module and the mini cell phone portion are engaged, and where the mini cell phone portion is returned to restricted operation when the function module and the mini cell phone portion are disengaged.

2. The mini cell phone and adapter of claim Number 1, where the function module also include function buttons.

3. The mini cell phone and adapter of claim Number 2, where the function module further includes a scroll/tab button.

4. The mini cell phone and adapter of claim Number 1, where the mini cell phone portion is powered by replaceable batteries and where the function module includes a rechargeable battery source, and where the power supplies for function module and the mini cell phone portion are integrated operationally where the rechargeable battery source powers the full functioning combination of the mini cell phone portion and the function module when they are in the engaged condition, and the replaceable battery source powers the mini cell phone portion when it is in the disengaged condition.

5. The mini cell phone and adapter of claim Number 1, where the mini cell phone includes pre-set call buttons.

6. A mini cell phone for use as a cell phone with restricted capabilities, and an adapter for same for use in the restoration of full function to the mini cell phone, the mini cell phone and adapter comprising:

A mini cell phone portion comprising a case, a speaker, a microphone, a battery power source, and a number of pre-set call buttons;

A function module including a keypad, where the function module is reversibly engageable with the mini cell phone portion to provide full functioning capability to the mini cell phone portion when the function module and the mini cell phone portion are engaged, and where the mini cell phone portion is returned to restricted operation when the function module and the mini cell phone portion are disengaged.

7. The mini cell phone and adapter of claim Number 6, where the mini cell phone portion is powered by replaceable batteries and where the function module includes a rechargeable battery source, and where the power supplies for function module and the mini cell phone portion are integrated operationally where the rechargeable battery source powers the full functioning combination of the mini cell phone portion and the function module when they are in the engaged condition, and the replaceable battery source powers the mini cell phone portion when it is in the disengaged condition.

8. The mini cell phone and adapter of claim Number 6, where the function module also include function buttons.

9. The mini cell phone and adapter of claim Number 8, where the function module further includes a scroll/tab button.

10. The mini cell phone and adapter of claim Number 6, where the case of the mini cell phone may be comprised of an ornamental appearance designed to appeal to a child.

11. A method for the use of a mini cell phone that includes an adapter for the mini cell phone where the adapter is reversibly engageable with the mini cell phone to provide full functioning capability to the mini cell phone when the adapter and the mini cell phone are engaged, and where the mini cell phone is returned to restricted operation when the adapter and the mini cell phone are disengaged, the steps comprising:

Providing a power supply for the mini cell phone;

Powering the mini cell phone;

Selecting to use the mini cell phone in a restricted mode or in a full functioning mode of operation, where upon selecting the full functioning mode of operation the adapter is connected and operationally engaged with the mini cell phone;

12. The method for the use of a mini cell phone and adapter of claim Number 11, where the power supply for the mini cell phone is a battery source.

13. The method for the use of a mini cell phone and adapter of claim Number 12, the additional step including:

Recharging the battery power supply.

14. The method for the use of a mini cell phone and adapter of claim Number 11, where the mini cell phone has a replaceable battery source and where the adapter includes a rechargeable battery source.