Detachable Wireless Terminal

• US 20070242424A1
• Filed: 04/12/2006
• Published: 10/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/12/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: OL Security LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Mobicom Corporation
• Inventors: Lieu, Winston, Zhao, Haixiong
• Granted Patent: US 8,358,983 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/679.420
• 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 1/6775 by providing access to preprogrammed keys
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72424 with manual activation of emergency-service functions
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

A limited-capability wireless terminal that is particularly well adapted for use in emergency situations, recreational activities and occasional calls is disclosed. The detachable wireless terminal does not have a display or a numeric keypad. Rather, the detachable wireless terminal has several “one-touch” buttons that place a call to pre-programmed phone numbers when pressed. The detachable wireless terminal is small enough and light enough to be worn around a user'"'"'s neck, received by a lanyard or a necklace. The wireless terminal detachably couples to a relatively larger docking device, which can be used to program it.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising a detachable wireless terminal, wherein said detachable wireless terminal detachably couples to a docking device having wireless telecommunications capability, and wherein said detachable wireless terminal:

(a) comprises a first button that, when depressed, places a 9-1-1 call;

(b) does not include a display;

(c) is smaller and lighter than said docking device; and

(d) is not physically coupled by a wire to said docking device when it is detached therefrom.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising said docking device.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said docking device comprises a suitably-programmed processor and control circuitry for programming said detachable wireless terminal.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said docking device comprises a mobile phone.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said detachable wireless terminal further comprises a second button for placing a call to a number other than 9-1-1, wherein said second button is user-programmable.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said detachable wireless terminal comprises no more than five buttons for placing calls, including said first button.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said first button is larger than any other button that is capable of placing a call.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said detachable wireless terminal further comprises an interface for transmitting information to said docking device, wherein said interface is selected from the group consisting of a wireless interface and a port.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said detachable wireless terminal further comprises a coupler, wherein said coupler enables said detachable wireless terminal to be physically coupled to an item that facilitates carrying said detachable wireless terminal.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said item is selected from the group consisting of a lanyard, a necklace, a bracelet, a key-ring, and a belt.

11. An apparatus comprising a detachable wireless terminal, wherein said detachable wireless terminal detachably couples to a docking device having wireless telecommunications capability, and wherein said detachable wireless terminal:

(a) comprises a button that is not user programmable and which, when depressed, places a 9-1-1 call;

(b) is smaller and lighter than said docking device; and

(c) comprises a coupler, wherein said coupler enables said detachable wireless terminal to physically couple to an item that facilitates carrying said detachable wireless terminal.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising said docking device.

20. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising RFID technology.

13. An apparatus comprising:

a mobile docking device having wireless telecommunication capabilities and a dock; and

a detachable wireless terminal, wherein said detachable wireless terminal detachably couples to said dock of said mobile docking device, and wherein said detachable wireless terminal is smaller and lighter than said mobile docking device.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said detachable wireless terminal does not have a display.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said detachable wireless terminal comprises:

a first button that is not user programmable and which, when depressed, places a 9-1-1 call; and

a second button that is user programmable and which, when depressed, places a call to a pre-programmed number other than 9-1-1.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said first button is larger than said second button.

17. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said detachable wireless terminal further comprises a coupler, wherein said coupler enables said detachable wireless terminal to physically couple to an item that facilitates carrying said detachable wireless terminal, wherein said item is selected from the group consisting of a lanyard, a necklace, a bracelet, a key-ring, and a belt.

18. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said detachable wireless terminal further comprises an interface for transmitting information to said docking device, wherein said interface is selected from the group consisting of a wireless interface and a port.

19. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said mobile docking device is selected from the group consisting of cellular phone and an MP3 player with wireless telecommunications capability.