Abstract:
A telephone comprising: a planar housing; a planar support connected to the planar housing to rotationally support the planar housing; a cantilever beam type cradle on which a handset is to rest, the cradle being extended to one side of the planar support; and an angled support connected to the bottom part of the planar support for supporting the planar support at a predetermined acute angle.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
   This application makes reference to, incorporates the same herein, and claims all benefits accruing under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from my application Telephone With Cantilever Beam Type Cradle And Cradled Handset Therein filed with the Korean Industrial Property Office on 11 Jul. 2001 and there duly assigned Serial No. 41635/2001. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a telephone including an image phone, a picture phone, a web phone, a web video phone and an Internet communication phone. In particular, the present invention relates to a telephone with a cantilever beam type cradle and a handset cradled thereon. 
   2. Related Art 
   Normally, what “a phone” indicates is a wire telephone including either a phone in a general sense for telecommunicating with another person or a key-phone, using a curl cord that connects a handset to a main body. Such handset is equipped with a transmitting portion (hereafter: transmitter) at a lower end of the handset and a receiving portion (hereafter: receiver) at an upper end of the handset. The main body of the phone is equipped with a cradle for the transmitter and a cradle for the receiver. See for example, U.S. Pat. No., Des. 348,265 to Albert L. Nagele entitled Secure Telephone Cradle. Also, the cradle for the receiver has an on/off hook switch, which takes either side depending on whether the handset is back to its position or not. See for example U.S. Pat. No. Des. 280,617 to Hiroshi Inaba entitled Telephone Set. Sometimes, the cradle for the receiver has a hanger also. 
   Recently, an Internet communication using a telephone has been chiefly made. Thus, it is easy to find Internet telephones anywhere, such as, “data processing telephones,” “image telephones” or “Internet communication telephones”. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 328,076 to Natsuki Hagiwara entitled Telephone Set Having Data Processing Function, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 402,977 to Ronald Leroy Lytel entitled Telephone Base; and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 398,302 to Cheng Lio entitled Video Telephone. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates one of the typical Internet communication telephones in the related art. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the main body  100  of the telephone for Internet communication has a wide LCD housing  102  in which a wide LCD  102   a  is installed. And, a plurality of button keys  104  are arrayed below the wide LCD  102   a . Here, the wide LCD  102   a  is used as a data output means, and the button keys are used as a data input means. On the left side of the wide LCD  102   a , there is a cradle where the handset  110  is cradled. The cradle includes two caved-in spaces  106  and  108  for the receiver  112  and the transmitter  114  of the handset  110  to be cradled, respectively. 
   The wide LCD  102   a  rotates at a designated angle around a hinge axis A. Hence, after inputting data simply by pressing the buttons with a finger during the Internet communication, a user can check the data displayed in a comfortable position. In addition, a weight balance W is installed on behalf of the weight balance of the handset  110  and a more precise on/off function of the hook switch  109 . Since the operating method of the hook switch  109  of the telephone is well known to those skilled in the art, it is not described here in detail. 
   A number of the users of the aforementioned Internet communication telephone, however, confess that it was often uncomfortable to pick up the handset from the cradle. In other words, the Internet communication telephone requires by its nature a wider LCD screen, but when such LCD is installed, it becomes more difficult for the user to pick up the handset avoiding the wide LCD. Trying not to touch the LCD in any way, he or she soon realizes that it is very uncomfortable to pick up the handset without actually contacting the LCD. In reality, the LCD window is almost always interfered with by a hand of the user, and the screen of the LCD naturally gets dirty. Unfortunately, the LCD of a web phone has been enlarged every year in accordance with the development of Internet environment. Therefore, the structural problem of the Internet telephone is something to be solved in the long run. 
   As for another problem, when the handset is put on the cradle, the unstable handset due to the wide LCD makes the on/off operation of the hook switch unstable as well. Especially, the problem occurs as the handset moves from the left to the right side, and has a negative effect on the on/off operation of the hook switch, consequently deteriorating the reliability of the Internet telephone in overall. 
   There are a number of different designs for cradles to hold a handset, as illustrated by the above mentioned patents and as illustrated in the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. Des. 278,813 to Donald M. Genaro et al. entitled Housing For A Telephone Stand Or Similar Article, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 301,474 to Minoru Hotsumi et al. entitled Cradle For A Portable Radio Telephone Set, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 354,287 to Masaru Tokiyama entitled Telephone Handset Holder; and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 359,283 to Tomek Rudkiewicz entitled Cradle And Mobile Telephone Handset. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a telephone having a cantilever beam type cradle. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a telephone having a handset and a cantilever beam type cradle where the handset is put on. 
   It is still another object of the present invention to provide a telephone having a handset where a weight balance is installed nearby a receiver. 
   It is still another object of the present invention to provide a telephone having a cradle and a handset that are tightly bound with each other by using a force between a magnet and a metal. 
   It is still another object of the present invention to provide a telephone having a handset free of a bilateral mobility. 
   To achieve the above object, there is provided a telephone, comprising a planar housing; a planar support connected to the bottom part of the planar housing for supporting the housing to rotate; a cantilever beam type cradle where a handset is put on, being extended to one side of the planar support; a handset to be put on the cantilever beam type cradle; and an angled support connected to the bottom part of the planar support for supporting the planar support to a tilt angle. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A more complete appreciation of the present invention, and many of the attendant advantages thereof, will become readily apparent as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols indicate the same or similar components, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a telephone with a handset according to an embodiment in related art; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a telephone with a cradle and a handset to be put on the cradle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view showing a cradle and a handset put on the cradle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a top perspective view showing a cradle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing a handset according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a sectional perspective view showing a handset according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view showing a cradle and a handset put on the cradle. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The matters defined in the description are merely provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Thus, it is apparent that the present invention can be carried out without those defined matters. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail. 
     FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a telephone with a cantilever beam type cradle  20  and a handset  50  for putting on the cantilever beam type cradle  20 . The cantilever beam type cradle  20  and a handset  50  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is also applicable to other phones, for example, image phones, picture phones, web phones or web video phones as long as they require the cradle and handset. Through  FIG. 2 , it is shown how the handset  50  is put on the cradle  20 . 
   As shown in the  FIG. 2 , the telephone according to the present invention is capable of performing a telephone function as well as an Internet communication function. Especially, the telephone is provided with a display device, more specifically, a wide LCD  402  and the cantilever beam type cradle  20  in order to carry out an image or picture Internet communication function. 
   According to the present invention, a large-sized wide LCD  402  is provided in order to help the user to check the displayed data more easily during the Internet communication with the other person. Additionally, a touch screen is displayed on LCD  402  in order to display a key pad used to dial a telephone number. Also, the cantilever beam type cradle  20  is provided in a way that the cradle  20  and LCD  402  do not interfere with each other, and the user can easily pick up the handset  50 . That is, the lower part (the transmitter end) of the handset  50  is not put on the cradle  20  such that the user can pick up the handset  50  more freely. 
   When the handset  50  is put on the cantilever beam type cradle  20 , the LCD  402  is on the right side of the handset, and the cantilever beam type cradle  20  is on the left side of the LCD  402 . The cantilever beam type cradle  20  is provided to help the user to pick up the handset  50  more easily. On the other hand, the weight balance of the handset  50 , which is further explained below, is provided to secure the stability of cradling the handset on the cantilever beam type cradle  20 , and more particularly, ensure the precise on/off operation of the hook switch. 
   Also shown in  FIG. 2  are a planar support  10  for supporting a wide LCD housing  40 , an angled support  30  for supporting the planar support  10 , an angled sub support  32  for supporting the angled support  30 , wherein the cantilever beam type cradle  20  is extended to one side of the planar support  10 . 
   LCD housing  40  frames LCD  402  and is planar. A lens  401  is positioned on the upper portion of the wide LCD  402 , and a plurality of keys (buttons)  403  are arrayed below the wide LCD  402 . The lens  401  is used for the image or picture communication facing the other person, and the keys  403  are used for the Internet communication, especially for a data communication with the other person, such as, E-mail transmission or chatting. 
   The LCD housing  40  is able to rotate around the hinge axis H of the planar support  10  by a hinge (not shown). Namely, the LCD housing  40  rotates, or tilts, in the direction indicated by the arrow arch {circle around (1)}, which is very helpful for the user at the time of picture communication with another person, since the LCD housing  40  can be adjusted to a certain angle appropriate for the picture communication. The planar support  10  is positioned a predetermined angle as supported by the angled support  30 . Here, the angled support  30  supports the planar support  10 , while the angled sub support  32  supports the angled support  30 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the telephone sits on a surface (desk top)G and the LCD housing  40  is closed next to planer support  10 , the handset  50  is positioned lower than the face surface  40   a  of the LCD housing  40  as it is rests on the cantilever beam type cradle  20 . In this way, it becomes much easier to cradle or to pick up the handset  50  without interfering with or touching the LCD  402 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 4 , the cantilever beam type cradle  20  according to the present invention is explained. Before explaining the cantilever beam type cradle  20 , the role of the angled sub support  32  is further explained. Angled sub support  32  can be moved horizontally as indicated by direction arrow {circle around (2)} to add further support to the angled support  30 . The user can tilt the LCD housing  40  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) on the planar support  10  to a desired position. Therefore, if the user tilts the LCD housing  40  upwards to a large degree, the angled sub support  32  is withdrawn (moved away from angled support  30 ) completely along a guide rod  31  (a pair of guide rods) connecting the angled sub support  32  to the angled support  30 , and makes the telephone stable in overall. That is, angled sub support  32  acts as a counter balancing means to counter the weight of the LCD housing  40 . Moreover, if the user wishes to move the telephone to another place, he or she should insert the angled sub support  32  completely into the angled support  30  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
   The cantilever beam type cradle  20  according to the present invention is now explained below. 
   The cantilever beam type cradle  20  is built to extend from one side of the planar support  10 , and only the receiver of the handset is put on the cradle  20 . To this end, the cantilever beam type cradle  20  includes a slot  201 , on which the receiver is placed, a hook switch  202 , which is projected on the slot  201 , and a hanger  203 , which is projected between the hook switch  202  and a top end (upper or facing surface)  20   a  of the cradle. Here, the slot  201  is where the projected part of the receiver of the handset  50  is put on, and the top end  20   a  is where the handset is touched. 
   Furthermore, at least one projection  204  for preventing left-right motions is projected above the top end  20   a  of the cantilever beam type cradle  20 . Here, two projections  204  are projected above the top end  20   a  of the cradle  20 , and preferably they are projected symmetrically in a shape of a circle or semicircle. 
   With reference with  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the construction of the handset according to the present invention is explained. Since only the receiver  501  of the handset  50  is cradled on the cantilever beam type cradle  20  as mentioned before, then only the receiver  501  of the handset  50  is projected. On the other hand, since the transmitter  502  of the handset  50  is not cradled on the cantilever beam type cradle  20  it can have just about any desired profile. Although it is perfectly fine if a part of the transmitter is projected, it is not necessary for the transmitter to have a projected shape at all. Rather, the transmitter can be planar instead. In addition, a holding portion  503  to enable the handset  50  to be hand held is provided between the receiver  501  and the transmitter  502 . Therefore, when using the telephone, the user can hold this holding portion  503  or the transmitter  502  that are not cradled on the cradle  20 . A catch  506  is shown in receiver  501  for mating with hanger  203  of cradle  20 . 
   The handset  50  includes an front case  52  and a back case  54 . Using a screw (not shown), the cases are connected to form one body. The essential role of the handset  50  on the cradle is to take the hook switch on or off precisely. For this purpose, the handset  50  is equipped, as shown in  FIG. 6 , with a weight balance W 1  as a weight balancing means. The handset  50  must have at least one of the weight balance W 1 . Preferably, the weight balance is installed adjacent the receiver  501  of the handset  50  making the receiver be the center of gravity. 
   The handset  50  also comprises recesses  503   a  and  503   b  corresponding to the projections  204  shown in  FIG. 4 . When the handset  50  is put on the cantilever beam type cradle  20 , the recesses  503   a  and  503   b  are mated with the projections  204  to provide cradle stability. More particularly, the union of the projections  204  and the recesses  503   a  and  503   b  prevents the handset  50  from moving bilaterally.  FIG. 5  illustrates two bilaterally symmetrical recesses  503   a  and  503   b . A portion of a curl cord for connecting the handset  50  and the LCD housing  40  using a wire is shown  53 . 
   With reference with  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the installation structure of the weight balance is now explained. As shown, the weight balance W 1  of the handset  50  is mounted over a pad P 1  to the back case  54  adjacent to the receiver  501  and secured in place with at least one screw. Thus, when the handset  50  is put on the cantilever beam type cradle  20 , the weight balance W 1  is placed very close to the cantilever beam type cradle  20 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , a magnet  205  is installed in the top end  20   a  of the cantilever beam type cradle  20 , and the projection  204  is placed nearby the magnet  205 . Additionally, the handset  50 , besides the weight balance, further comprises a metal implement  505 . The metal implement  505  is positioned nearby the weight balance W 1 , and more specifically, at a lower part of the weight balance. Accordingly, the magnet  205  attracts the metal implement  505  when the handset  50  is set in cradle  20 . 
   When the handset  50  is put on the cantilever beam type cradle  20  according to the present invention, the metal implement  505  helps the handset  50  and the cradle  20  to be united more tightly, SO the metal implement  505  is generally placed closer to the receiver  501  than the magnet  205 . The magnetic force between the magnet  205  and the metal implement  505  heads toward the direction of the line of gravity of both sides. The metal implement  505  has a radius as big as a radius of the magnet  205 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , once the handset  50  is put on the cantilever beam type cradle  20 , the self-weight of the metal implement  505  projects a perpendicular force F 1 , and the magnetic force F 2  between the metal implement  505  and the magnet  205  is applied with an inclination of a designated angle of particular degrees. Therefore, the resultant force F 3  of the force F 1  and the force F 2  heads toward a designated direction. At this time, the designated direction F 3  is the direction for tightly drawing the handset  50  to the cradle  20 . That is, the handset  50  of the present invention is very tightly cradled to the cradle  20 , and becomes stable thanks to the binding force between the projections  204  and the grooves  503   a  and  503   b  that prevents any bilateral motion. In this manner, the handset  50  is capable of directing a more precise on/off operation of the hook switch. 
   In conclusion, the telephone with the cantilever beam type cradle according to the present invention helps the user to pick up the handset more easily. Moreover, the telephone of the present invention provides the cradle with stability by installing the weight balance nearby the receiver of the handset, and the on/off operation of the hook switch becomes more precise. While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.