Vehicular steering wheel telephone apparatus

• US 4,850,015 A
• Filed: 10/27/1987
• Issued: 07/18/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 10/27/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Martin, Gary
• Original Assignee: Martin, Gary
• Inventors: Martin, Gary
• Primary Examiner(s): Ng, Jin F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Vaas, Randall S.
• Application Number:
  US07/113,052
• Time in Patent Office: 630 Days
• Field of Search: 379/56, 379/58, 379/63, 379/59, 379/60, 379/428, 379/424, 455/88, 455/89, 381/86, 200/DIG. 39, 200/61.54, 74/484 R
• US Class Current: 379/446
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0217 for loud-speakers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0247 for microphones or earphones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/001 Vehicle control means, e.g. steering-wheel or column
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/04 Hand wheels
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/23 Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof by improving visibility H04M1/22
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/025 Arrangements for fixing loudspeaker transducers, e.g. in a box, furniture
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/08 Mouthpieces; Microphones; Attachments therefor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 224/929 Article carrier for electrical device

Abstract

A vehicular steering wheel telephone apparatus is set forth wherein a centrally mounted telephone unit is positioned medially of a vehicle-type steering wheel. Positioned in overlying relationship to said telephone unit is a pair of voice receiving speakers. In underlying relationship to said telephone unit is a pair of voice transmitting microphones. An overlying pivotal closure releases the telephone for use by releasing a switch hook exposing the telephone unit for operation. Optionally, a switching means is available for switching the receiving speakers for utilization with automobile stereo speakers.

Claims

1. A combination vehicular telephone and steering wheel apparatus for use in vehicles comprising,

a telephone case including a push-button dialing telephone integrally secured to said steering wheel, and

microphone transmitting means for transmitting voice communication secured to said steering wheel remote from said case, and

speaker receiver means for broadcasting received voice communication secured to said steering wheel remote from said case, and

pivotally mounted lid means secured to said case for depressing a switch hook associated with said telephone in a first position and releasing said switch hook when pivoted to a second position, and

wherein said lid means is pivotally retractable within a cavity formed within said case, and

wherein the lid means in said first position is substantially parallel to a plane defined by a perimeter of said steering wheel and substantially perpendicular with respect to said perimeter when in said second position.

2. A combination vehicular telephone and steering wheel apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein when said telephone case includes a speaker switch means to selectively include radio speakers for broadcasting received voice communications.

3. A combination vehicular telephone and steering wheel apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said telephone case is centrally positioned with respect to the perimeter of said steering wheel to facilitate access to said telephone case.

4. A combination vehicular telephone and steering wheel apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said steering wheel includes vehicular horn actuation ring segments positioned about said perimeter.

5. A combination vehicular telephone and steering wheel apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said speaker means are integrally secured to said steering wheel above said case, and said microphone means is positioned below said case and integrally secured to said steering wheel.

6. A combination vehicular telephone and steering wheel apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said microphone means includes at least two microphone units and said speaker means includes at least two speaker units.