Abstract:
Mechanical handset lift for raising of one end of a telephone receiving handset to activate the hook switch and allow the handset to remain positioned over a telephone body so that electrical operation of a remote receiver/mouthpiece can be effected.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08/770,599 entitled “Remote Telephone Answering System” filed Dec. 19, 1996, abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08/484,070 entitled “Mechanical Handset Lift for a Telephone” filed on Jun. 7, 1995, abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 07/914,540 entitled “Mechanical Handset Lift for a Telephone” filed on Jul. 17, 1992, abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 07/667,286 entitled “Mechanical Handset Lift for a Telephone” filed on Mar. 11, 1991, abandoned, all by the same inventor. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates generally to a device that attaches to a telephone for the purpose of lifting up the receiver end of a telephone handset (hook-switching). 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Many of the newest telephone systems that are coming out on the market have what is called electronic hook-switching. This is basically a button, that when pressed, will give a dial tone for a telephone headset. This is a very convenient option for people who use telephone headsets, but the problem still remains that there are literally millions of telephones on the market that do not have this option. 
     Until now, the only option that people have had to alleviate this problem is to physically pick up the handset every time the telephone rings, and place the headset off to the side of the telephone base. This procedure is time and space consuming. 
     Another method that is commonly used when getting a dial tone, is to balance the telephone handset just up and to the side of the telephone&#39;s hook-switch. The major problem with this solution is that if accidently bumped or moved, the handset will fall back into place and one will hang up the line. 
     The present invention overcomes the prior art practices by providing a mechanical handset lift for lifting the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook-switch and pivoting the handset about the microphone end, but leaving the handset centrally positioned over and about the telephone body. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a mechanical device for lifting the receiver end of a telephone handset off the telephone hook-switch to allow electrical operation of a remote handset receiver/mouthpiece while still leaving the handset placed over and about the telephone base unit. 
     According to one object of the present invention, there is provided a vertically oriented base for mounting to the side of a telephone base. A moveable pivot shaft extends through an upper region of the vertically oriented base end, which includes a lift rod secured to one end of the pivot shaft and a lift rod lever handle secured to the opposite end of the pivot shaft. A stop shaft limits the over center travel of the lift rod lever handle and the lift rod to allow on hook or off hook positioning of a telephone handset receiver. 
     According to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a vertical base member with a lift rod and lift lever secured about the base member in positive locked alignment and also having rotational stops aligned on a surface of the vertical base member. 
     One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is mechanical handset lift that will mechanically lift up the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook-switch so that a dial tone may be obtained for the telephone headset in use. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a mechanical handset lift which will lift the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook-switch so as to allow a user to use either the telephone handset or a telephone headset. 
     A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a mechanical handset lift which will lift the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook-switch and which will result in the environment on a person&#39;s desk being less cluttered due to the absence of a telephone handset lying off to the side of the telephone base while the telephone handset is in use. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a mechanical handset lift that will mechanically lift up the receiver end of a telephone handset in such a manner that will greatly increase the chances of not accidentally hanging up the telephone while a telephone headset is in use. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a lift rod and lift rod handle in positive angular engagement with each other about a base unit. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is stops which define rotational movement of the lift rod and lift rod handle with respect to the base of a telephone. 
     Having thus described the embodiments of the present invention, it is the principal object hereof to provide a mechanical handset lift. 
     The present invention relates to a mechanical handset lift device that will enable the telephone user to enable and disable the telephone&#39;s hook-switch capabilities without the inconvenience of picking up the telephone and placing it on the desk. Currently, the only means to do this is by placing the telephone handset on and off the hook-switch. The problems that arrive from this method are 1) one has to physically pick up the handset every time the telephone rings, 2) one has to lay the handset on the desk (for many people this takes up just too much room), 3) if the telephone allows one to balance the handset off to the right side of the hook switch, one may bump the telephone, and accidentally hang up. 
     The invention uses the handset&#39;s own mold to accomplish the goal of hook-switching, and allows the handset to be used as well. The present invention also creates an environment where it is virtually impossible to accidently hand up the telephone. This is a very common problem when the telephone is balanced to the side of the hook-switch. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that will enable a telephone handset operator to use both the telephone handset or headset conveniently, without the problems that are currently plaguing the telephone headset industry. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other object of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the mechanical handset lift, the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of the mechanical handset lift in use with a telephone base, a handset, and a remote headset/boom mike; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a partially exploded top view of the mechanical lift in use with a telephone base and a headset; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of the mechanical headset lift in the static position; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a left side view of the mechanical headset lift in the operational position; 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the vertically oriented base member; 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the lift rod; 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the left rod; 
     FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of an angled bracket; 
     FIG. 10 illustrates a back view of the vertical portion of the angled bracket; 
     FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the vertical portion of the angled bracket; 
     FIG. 12 illustrates a back view of the horizontal portion of the angled bracket; 
     FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the lift rod lever handle; 
     FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the lift rod lever handle; 
     FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the screw and washer; 
     FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the pivot shaft; 
     FIG. 17, an alternative embodiment, illustrates a perspective view of a vertically oriented base member having a lift rod and lift rod lever rotatingly secured thereto; 
     FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the vertically oriented base member; 
     FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of the lift rod; 
     FIG. 20 illustrates an end view of the lift rod; 
     FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of the pivot rod lever; 
     FIG. 22 illustrates a rear view of the pivot rod lever; 
     FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view along line  23 — 23  of FIG. 22; and, 
     FIG. 24 illustrates the method of engagement of the lift rod lever with the lift rod. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1, a typical embodiment of the mechanical handset lift  10  is illustrated in perspective. The mechanical handset lift  10  has a durable vertically oriented planar base member  12  consisting of a durable material which can be either cut or injection molded. In the preferred embodiment, the unit is a durable plastic, such as acrylic. However, the unit can consist of any other material that can be durable enough to obtain the required strength in order for the unit to perform optimally. 
     The base member  12  of the mechanical handset lift  10  is the core unit which the other components revolve around. A rounded ear shaped extension member  14  extends from the essentially square shaped base member  12 . A hole  16  in the base member  12  that is farthest to the right at the top is where a stationary stop shaft  18  is frictionally engaged. A pivotal shaft  20  extends through a hole  22  in the extension member  14  to connect and secure both a lift rod lever  24  and a lift rod  26  together. The lift rod  26  is L-shaped and includes a hole  30  in the shorter of the angled members. The pivotal shaft  20  is smaller than the 5.08 mm hole  22 . One end of the pivotal shaft  20  frictionally engages a hole  28  in the bottom portion of the lift rod lever  24 , passes through the hole  22  in the extension member  14  and then frictionally engages a hole  30  in one end of the lift rod  26 . The hole  16  just to the right of hole  22  is created to be filled by stationary stop shaft  18  that is the same size as the 5.08 mm hole  16 . The stationary stop shaft  18  is press fit into the hole  16 . An angled mounting bracket  32  is provided for attachment of the base member  12  and its associated members to the base of a telephone. The vertical portion  34  of the angled mounting bracket  32  includes a slot  36  for adjustable sliding accommodation of a mechanical screw  38 . The mechanical screw  38  aligns in a hole  40  in the base member  12  as illustrated in FIG.  6 . The horizontal portion  42  of the angled mounting bracket  32  includes a slot  44  for securement to the underside of a telephone base member. 
     In the alternative VELCRO strips can be used to attach just the base member  12  and associated members to the telephone base member if the use of the angled bracket is not desired. Use of VELCRO strips are illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. 
     The base unit of the mechanical handset lift is sometimes not supported enough with the use of VELCRO against the telephone on its own. In this case, the angled mounting bracket  32  will be used. This angled mounting bracket  32  attaches to the telephone base unit with the use of the adjustment nut and washer, such as illustrated in FIG.  15 . By placing the angled mounting bracket  32  next to the base unit, and placing the horizontal portion  42  of the angled mounting bracket  32  under the telephone base, one can increase its stability tremendously. This stabilizes the angled mounting bracket and adds support. 
     Additional embodiments are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In each case, the mechanical handset lift is not connected to the telephone. Illustrated in particular is the alignment of VELCRO strips  46   a - 46   n  for positioning of the base  12  on the telephone base  48 . FIGS. 4 and 5 show how the handset  50  will be raised off the telephone switch  52 , thereby allowing a dial tone for the telephone headset. In FIG. 4, the lift rod  26  is shown aligned to the telephone handset  50 . The lift rod  26  is flush to the receiver portion of the telephone handset  50 . 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of the mechanical handset lift  10  in use with a telephone base  48 , a handset  50 , and a connected remote headset/boom mike  52 . 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a partially exploded top view of the mechanical lift  10  in use with a telephone base  48  and handset  50  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. The remote headset/boom mike  52  is not illustrated for purposes of brevity and clarity. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of the mechanical handset lift  10  in the static position where the lift rod  26  allows the handset receiver  54  to depress the hook switch  56  of the telephone base  48  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. The lift rod  26  rests just adjacent to or touching the bottom surface  50   a  of the handset  50  in order to allow the weight of the handset  50  to depress the hook switch  56 . 
     FIG. 5 illustrates the mechanical handset lift  10  in the operational mode where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. The lift rod lever  24  is actuated in the direction of arrow  58  to cause the lift rod  26  to assume the actuated vertical position, thereby contacting the surface  50   a  to lift the handset receiver  54  and allowing the hook-switch  56  to assume the off hook position. This allows the parallel wired headset/boom mike  52  of FIG. 2 to be utilized without removal of the handset  50  from the cradle as the telephone is now on line with respect to the hook switch  56 . As also illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the stationary stop shaft  18  limits the movement of the lift rod lever  24 , and thus the lift rod  26 , both predetermined over the center positions. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the vertically oriented base member  12  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the lift rod  26  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the lift rod  26  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the angled mounting bracket  32  in a vertical orientation where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. 
     FIG. 10 illustrates a back view of the vertical portion  34  of angled mounting bracket  32  of FIG. 9 where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates a back view of the vertical portion  34  of angled mounting bracket  32  of FIG. 9 where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. 
     FIG. 12 illustrates a back view of the horizontal portion  42  of the angled mounting bracket  32  of FIG. 11 where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. 
     FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the lift rod lever  24  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. 
     FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the lift rod lever  24  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. 
     FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the mechanical screw  38  and a washer  39  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. 
     FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the pivotal shaft  20  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. 
     MODE OF OPERATION 
     The manner of using the mechanical handset lift  10  is as follows. One first aligns the base member  12  next to the telephone so that the lift rod  26  is flush next to the listening portion of the handset  50  as shown in FIG.  4 . Next, press the base member  12  unit against the telephone base  48  so that when the lift rod  26  is in its raised position, one will obtain a dial tone, see FIG. 8, for example. Next, if one is satisfied with the operation of the mechanical handset lift  10 , attach the male portion of the gripping aperture to the telephone and fasten the female portion, which is on the base unit of the gripping aperture, against it until needed strength is obtained. Next, if additional strength is needed, align the angled mounting bracket  32  next to the base unit and fasten them together with the adjustment nut and washer. If stability is still required, place an additional gripping aperture to the bottom of the telephone to connect both the telephone and the angled mounting bracket  32  to one another. 
     DESCRIPTION OF AN ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 17, an alternative embodiment, illustrates a perspective view of a vertically oriented planar base member  100  for use with the angled mounting bracket  32  of FIG. 2 including a lift rod  102  and a connected lift rod lever  104 . The above members are of a durable plastic, such as acrylic, and can be either cut or injection molded. 
     the base member  100  is the core unit which the other components revolve about, and includes a VELCRO strip  101 , incorporated as previously described. A rounded ear shaped extension member  106  extends from the essentially square shaped base member  100 . An integral pivotal shaft, as illustrated in the following figures, extends from the lift rod  102  through a hole in the base member  100  to frictionally engage the lift rod lever  104  as described later in detail to pivotally secure the lift rod  102  and the lift rod lever  104  to the base member. Integral stop members  108  and  110  extend outwardly from one planar surface of the base member  100 . A mounting hole  111  is also included through the base member  100 . The lift rod lever  104  includes a base member  112  having rounded ends and a configured actuation tab  114  perpendicular to and extending from the base member  112 . The base member  112  includes opposing planar surfaces  116  and  118  between the rounded ends  120  and  122 . A semicircular hole  124  aligns in one end of the base member  112 . 
     The lift rod  102  includes a round base member  126  and a rounded shaft member  128  extending at a right angle therefrom. Also included is a pivotal shaft as illustrated in detail in the following figures. 
     FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the base member  100  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. Illustrated in particular are the stopping members  108  and  110 , each aligned at a similar distance from and perpendicular to a pivotal mounting hole  130  in the extension member  106 . 
     FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of the lift rod  102  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. A pivotal shaft  132  having a notched end  135  at one end extends perpendicular from the base member  126 . The notched end  135  is formed by intersecting horizontal surface  136  and shaft member  128 . A raised engagement member  140  extends downwardly from horizontal surface  136  for subsequent fractional engagement with the lift rod lever  104  as later described in detail. 
     FIG. 20 illustrates an end view of the lift rod  102  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. 
     FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of the lift rod lever  104  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. The semicircular hole  124  is the extension of a co-centered hole member  142  extending through the backside of the base member  112 . 
     FIG. 22 illustrates a rear view of the lift rod lever  104  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. Illustrated in particular is the co-centered hole member  142  in alignment with the semicircular hole  124 . A locking recess  144  is located in the flat surface  146  of the semicircular hole  124  for subsequent engagement with the raised engagement member  140  of the lift rod  102  when the lift rod  102  and the lift rod lever  104  are mated about the base member  100 . 
     FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view along line  23 — 23  of FIG. 22, illustrating the locking recess  144  located in the flat surface  146  of the semicircular hole  124  where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. 
     MODE OF INSTALLATION AND OPERATION 
     The manner of installing and operating the mechanical handset lift  10  is now described. Installation begins by determining the requisite orientation of the mechanical handset lift  10  needed for proper operation with the particular size and type of telephone at hand. This is accomplished by placing the base unit  12  adjacent to the side of the telephone base  48  and positioning it so that the lift rod  26  carried by the base unit  12  is approximately flush with the bottom surface  50   a  of the central portion of the handset  50  and lies next to the handset receiver  54  in the proper position where when rotated it will be able to raise the handset receiver  54  off the hook-switch  56  to obtain a dial tone. Once one is satisfied that the requisite orientation has been established, one of a pair of matable hook and loop fastener strips of a fastening system such as is available under the registered trademark VELCRO is applied to the side of the telephone base  48 , and the other of the pair is applied to the base unit  12 . Then, the two fastener strips are pressed together to affix the base unit  12  to the side of the telephone base  48 . If additional strength is needed, the angled mounting bracket  32  is employed. The angled mounting bracket  32  is fastened to the base unit  12  by placing vertical portion  34  of angled mounting bracket  32  against the base unit  12  and fastening it to the base unit  12  by thumbscrew  38  passing through the slot  36  in vertical portion  34  and threading into threaded hole  40  in base unit  12 . The horizontal portion  42  of angled mounting bracket  32  extends under the telephone base  48 . If more stability is still required, matable hook and loop fastener strips are attached to the bottom of the telephone base  48  and to the top surface of the horizontal portion  42  of the angled mounting bracket  32  and are pressed together to connect the telephone base  48  and the angled mounting bracket  32  positively to one another. 
     Once the mechanical handset lift  10  is securely attached to the telephone base  48  by following the installation procedure just described, it is ready for operation. When it is desired to obtain a dial limits for the positioning of the lift rod  102  for on and off hook operation of the handset. 
     Accordingly, the reader will see that the mechanical handset lift is of great benefit to the telephone handset operator. In addition, when the mechanical handset lift is used, it creates an environment that allows the telephone headset operator to use either the telephone handset or headset. Furthermore, the mechanical handset lift has the additional advantages in that: it provides a device that will mechanically pick up a telephone handset so that a dial tone may be obtained for the telephone headset in use; it provides a device that will allow its user to use either the telephone handset or telephone headset; it provides an environment on a persons desk which is less cluttered due to not having to have a telephone handset laying off to the side of the telephone, while the telephone headset is in use; and it provides a device that will mechanically pick up the handset in such a manner that will greatly increase the chances of not accidently hanging up the telephone while a telephone headset is in use. 
     The structure can be of acrylonitrile butadiene stytren (ABS) polymer or any other suitable polymer or material, and color coordinated to match a telephone. Height adjustment is also provided by the screw as in the previous embodiment or by the VELCRO as in the previous embodiment. Height of the lift is slightly over the center when lifted up by the rod which is dependent on the base unit height. 
     Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting of the scope of the present invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the base unit, angled mounting bracket, lift rod, and lift rod lever can have other geometrical shapes, such as circular, oval, trapezoidal, triangular, etc. 
     Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.