USB stacking devices and applications

• US 20090156252A1
• Filed: 12/14/2007
• Published: 06/18/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/14/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Scott C Harris
• Original Assignee: Scott C Harris
• Inventors: Harris, Scott C.
• Granted Patent: US 8,155,697 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/557
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0254 comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/7246 by connection of exchangeable housing parts

Abstract

A modular device formed with USB connectors. The USB can be used for connecting different kinds of devices, for example memories, user interfaces and the like. The USB devices can be piggybacked. In an embodiment, the USB devices can be located in a cavity formed inside the computer. Another embodiment forms a modular cellular telephone.

Claims

1. A telephone, comprising;

a first housing, having telephone electronics therein, said first housing having telephone electronics therein and said first housing including at least first and second connectors accessible from an outer surface of said first housing, wherein said first and second connectors are connectors of the same type;

a battery module, having a second housing that is physically separate from said first housing of said telephone module, connected to said first connector; and

a user interface module, including a capability to allow entering an address to be communicated with using said telephone electronics, said user interface module having a third housing that is physically separate from said first housing of said telephone module, said user interface module connected to said second connector.

2. A telephone as in claim 1, further comprising a second user interface module that includes a wireless connectivity capability.

3. A telephone as in claim 1, wherein said telephone electronics include a part storing plug and play information for a plurality of telephone peripheral parts that connect to said connectors, and said telephone electronics uses said plug and play information to determine information that allows said telephone electronics to communicate with said modules.

4. The device as in claim 1 wherein said telephone electronics includes a display therein, and includes at least a portion of the housing which allows said display to be seen therethrough.

5. A telephone as in claim 1, wherein said battery module includes another connector thereon, and a hub device that allows connection between a connection between said battery connection and said telephone electronics, and another part coupled to said another connector.

6. A method comprising:

at a first time, first connecting first and second peripheral devices to a portable communication device;

allowing said portable communication device to carry out communication using said first and second peripheral devices, and using said first and second peripheral devices allow first and second functions associated with communication;

at a second time, different than said first time, second connecting a third peripheral device to said portable communication device; and

Using said third peripheral device to allow a third function associated with communication, said third function being different than said first and second functions,

Wherein said first connecting and said second connecting all connect to a connector that is of the same type.

7. A method as in claim 6, wherein said connector is a USB connector.

8. A method as in claim 6, wherein said first peripheral device is a battery, and said second peripheral device is a user interface device.

9. A method as in claim 6, further comprising allowing connection of another peripheral device into a piggyback connector on one of said peripherals.

10. A method as in claim 6, further comprising displaying information about a telephone operation on a display that can be seen through the housing.

11. A method comprising:

Receiving a plug in device via USB;

Determining account information associated with said plug in device, said account information including at least an amount of time remaining during which a pay internet connection can be accessed;

Determining connection characteristics that allow connecting to said pay internet connection, by accessing said usb device, and using said connection characteristics to automatically configure a communication said pay internet connection, and

Connecting to said internet connection using said connection characteristics and said account information.

12. A method as in claim 11, wherein said account information also includes an amount of time remaining, and further comprising removing time from said amount of time remaining when using said device.

13. A method as in claim 12, further comprising allowing replenishing of said amount of time remaining.

14. A battery module comprising:

A battery part; and

A USB connector, connected electrically to said battery part.

15. A module as in claim 14, further comprising a housing holding said USB connector, and another USB connector, coupled to said housing, and coupled to said USB connector.

16. A module as in claim 15, further comprising a hub within said battery module, connectable between said USB connector and said another USB connector.