PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9398637-B2
Application Number: US-201314086381-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Hotspot device

Abstract:
Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a compact device for providing Wi-Fi connectivity for an electronic device. The compact device is rotatably activated and includes interchangeable batteries and indicia indicating activation.

Claims:
The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable wireless access device for communicating with a portable computing device comprising:
 a first housing portion including:
 a main logic board; 
 an antenna electrically connected to the main logic board; 
 a security information management card electrically connected to the main logic board; 
 a first contact coupled to the main logic board; 
 
 a second housing portion rotatably coupled to the first housing and including:
 a power source; and 
 a second contact coupled to the power source; wherein:
 the second housing portion is configured to rotate between a deactivated position and an activated position; 
 in the activated position, the first and second contacts are aligned and the power source and the main logic board are electrically connected; and 
 in the deactivated position the first and second contacts are misaligned and the power source is disconnected from the main logic board. 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The portable wireless access device according to  claim 1  wherein the first housing portion includes a first cylindrical portion and the second housing portion includes a second cylindrical portion removably connected to the first housing portion. 
     
     
       3. The portable wireless access device according to  claim 1  wherein the first housing portion includes a first side and a second side and the second housing portion includes a first side and a second side coplanar with the first side and the second side of the first portion, the second housing portion removably connected to the first housing portion. 
     
     
       4. The portable wireless access device according to  claim 1  wherein the power source includes a battery. 
     
     
       5. The portable wireless access device according to  claim 1  wherein the first housing portion includes indicia electrically connected to the main logic board indicating that the power source is connected to the main logic board. 
     
     
       6. The portable wireless access device according to  claim 1  wherein the first and second housing portions include visual indicia on the external surface of the first and second housing portions that cooperatively indicate that the power source is connected to the main logic board. 
     
     
       7. The portable wireless access device according to  claim 1  further including:
 the first contact includes first electromagnetic detents; 
 the second contact includes second electromagnetic detents engageable with the first electromagnetic detents; and 
 whereby an electromagnetic connection is made between the power source and the main logic board when the first electromagnetic detents are engaged with the second electromagnetic detents. 
 
     
     
       8. The portable wireless access device according to  claim 7  further including:
 the first portion including first insulating detents engageable with the second electromagnetic detents; 
 the second portion including second insulating detents engageable with the first electromagnetic detents; and 
 whereby an electromagnetic connection is broken between the power source and the main logic board when the first electromagnetic detents are engaged with the second insulating detents and the first insulating detents are engaged with the second electromagnetic detents. 
 
     
     
       9. The portable wireless access device according to  claim 1  wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion include magnetic sensors for detecting rotation of the first housing portion with respect to the second housing portion. 
     
     
       10. A system for use in a wireless communication network comprising:
 a computing device; 
 a portable hotspot device connectible to the computing device, the portable hotspot device including:
 a first housing portion, including:
 a main logic board; 
 an antenna electrically connected to the main logic board; 
 a security information management card electrically connected to the main logic board; and 
 
 a second housing portion rotatably coupled to the first housing portion and including:
 a power source; and wherein 
 
 
 the second housing portion is configured to rotate between a deactivated position and an activated position; 
 when in the deactivated position, a first detent mechanism inhibits rotation between the first housing portion and the second housing portion; and 
 when in the activated position, a second detent mechanism inhibits rotation between the first housing portion and the second housing portion and the power source is electrically connected to the main logic board. 
 
     
     
       11. The system according to  claim 10  wherein the first housing portion includes a first cylindrical portion and the second housing portion includes a second cylindrical portion removably connected to the first housing portion. 
     
     
       12. The system according to  claim 10  wherein the first housing portion includes a first side and a second side and the second housing portion includes a first side and a second side coplanar with the first side and second side of the first housing portion, the second housing portion removably connected to the first housing portion. 
     
     
       13. The system according to  claim 10  wherein the second housing portion includes a battery. 
     
     
       14. The system according to  claim 10  wherein the first housing portion includes indicia electrically connected to the main logic board indicating that power is provided to the main logic board. 
     
     
       15. The system according to  claim 10  wherein the first and second housing portions include visual indicia on the external surface of the first and second housing portions that cooperatively indicate that the power source is connected to the main logic board. 
     
     
       16. The system according to  claim 10  wherein:
 the second detent mechanism includes a first electromagnetic detent engageable with a second electromagnetic detent; and 
 an electrical connection is broken between the power source and the main logic board when the first electromagnetic detent is disengaged with the second electromagnetic detent. 
 
     
     
       17. A method for connecting a computing device and an internet service provider comprising the steps of:
 electrically connecting a wireless router to the internet service provider and to a wireless service provider; 
 electrically connecting a portable wireless hotspot device to the router including the steps of:
 rotating a first housing portion of the portable wireless hotspot device with respect to a second housing portion of the portable wireless hotspot device from a deactivated position to an activated position such that electrical contacts on the first housing portion align with electrical contacts on the second housing portion in the activated position, the first housing portion including a main logic board and the second housing portion including a power source; 
 providing power from the power source to the main logic board in the activated position; 
 receiving an electromagnetic signal from the wireless service provider at the portable wireless hotspot device; 
 
 electrically connecting the computing device to the portable wireless hotspot device; and 
 whereby the computing device is electrically connected to the internet service provider through the portable wireless hotspot device. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17  wherein the step of rotating includes engaging first electromagnetic detents on the first housing portion with second electromagnetic detents on the second housing portion in the activated position. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18  wherein the step of rotating further includes engaging the first electromagnetic detents on the first housing portion with a second set of insulating detents on the second housing portion and engaging a first set of insulating detents on the first housing portion with the second electromagnetic detents on the second housing portion in the deactivated position and whereby the electrical connection is broken between the power source and the main logic board in the deactivated position. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 17  further including the step of rotating the first housing portion of the portable wireless hotspot device with respect to the second housing portion of the portable wireless hotspot device from an activated position to a deactivated position such that the power source and the main logic board are electrically disconnected.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to devices for enabling internet connectivity through a cellular network. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A hotspot is a site that offers Internet access over a wireless local area network (WLAN) through the use of a wireless router connected to an internet service provider. Hotspots typically use Wi-Fi technology. Hotspots are often found at restaurants, train stations, airports, libraries, hotels, hospitals, coffee shops, bookstores, fuel stations, department stores, supermarkets, RV parks and campgrounds, public pay phones, and other public places. Many universities and schools have wireless networks on their campus. These establishments having wireless routers can turn off their authentication requirements, thus opening their connection, intentionally or not, for sharing by anyone in range. The public can then use a laptop or other suitable portable device to access the wireless connection. 
     Closed public networks use a hotspot management system to control the hotspot. This software runs on the router itself or an external computer. With this software, operators can authorize only specific users to access the Internet, and they often limit the free access. Operators are also now able to limit each user&#39;s available bandwidth—each user is therefore restricted to a certain speed to ensure that everyone gets a good quality service. Often this is done through service-level agreements. Other hotspot providers charge a fee to users in order to provide internet access through the hotspot. 
     Roaming services are expanding among major hotspot service providers. With roaming service the users of a commercial provider can have access to other provider&#39;s hotspots with extra fees, in which such a user will usually be charged on the basis of access-per-minute. Hotspots may be provided by retail establishments as an incentive for users to frequent their stores. For example, coffee shops offer free internet connections over Wi-Fi networks. These connections, while free, suffer from limitations such as security and privacy. These networks also suffer from signal limitations such that a user must be within range of the signal to access the connection. Sheer volume of traffic due to many users may also slow down the transfer of information and make the connection less than optimal. 
     Many Wi-Fi adapters built into or easily added to consumer computers include the functionality to operate as hotspots. Some third-party software vendors offer applications to allow users to operate their own hotspot, whether to share an existing connection or extend the range of another hotspot. Other methods provide for a user to join a Wi-Fi subscriber service. The intention is to provide better bandwidth and services-on-demand to end-users, while also alleviating traffic overloads of mobile carrier infrastructure. 
     Security is a serious concern in connection with hotspots. In particular the wireless connection between the client and the access point is often encrypted to prevent the connection from being compromised. A hotspot gateway is a device that provides authentication, authorization and accounting for a wireless network. This can keep malicious users off of a private network even in the event that they are able to break the encryption. A wireless hotspot gateway helps solve guest user connectivity problems by offering instant Internet access without the need for configuration changes to the client computer or any resident client-side software. Thus the user can still get access to the network with their existing network configuration. 
     Existing wireless hotspot devices are limited in their usefulness in that, while more convenient and secure than public hotspot access, they may not be convenient to operate and carry. These devices include external control which may accidentally be activated by a user. It would be useful therefor to have a device which minimizes inadvertent activation. In addition, hotspot gateways should be convenient to carry and have a conveniently available power supply. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention is a cellular hotspot device. In one embodiment the invention is a cylindrical device with no external controls. The device includes two cylindrical portions which may be rotated to activate the device. The electronics, antenna, and power supply are contained within the device. The cylindrical portions may be separated to access the internal components. The power supply is included in one of the cylindrical portions and may be interchangeable with power supplies of different capacities. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is a cellular hotspot device in the form of a card-like configuration. The structure includes removable portions in the interior of the card which may contain the power supply, electronics and the antenna. Other configurations for the hotspot device may be included in alternate embodiments which will allow for convenient transport and ease of use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       In  FIG. 1  is a schematic illustrating a conventional Wi-Fi network; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic of a Wi-Fi network using a hotspot gateway; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a hotspot gateway device; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a hotspot gateway device illustrating the rotational operation of the device; 
         FIG. 5  is a side sectional view along the lines 5-5 of  FIG. 3  of a hotspot gateway illustrating the electrical detents in activation configuration; 
         FIG. 6  is a side sectional view along the lines 5-5 of  FIG. 3  illustrating the electrical detents in deactivation configuration; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view illustrating the interaction of the detents in the first and second portions of the hotspot device; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a hotspot gateway device illustrating indicia to signal the status of the device; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a hotspot gateway device illustrating the removable connection between first and second portions of the device; 
         FIG. 10  is a side sectional view of the device illustrating the electronic components in a first portion of the device; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a hotspot gateway device illustrating alternate battery configurations; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a hotspot gateway device in accordance with an alternate embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a hotspot gateway device in accordance with an alternate embodiment illustrating the rotational operation of the device; 
         FIG. 14  is a side sectional view taken along the lines 14-14 of  FIG. 12  illustrating the electrical detents in activation configuration in an alternate embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a side sectional view taken along the line 14-14 of  FIG. 12  illustrating the electrical detents in deactivation configuration in an alternate embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a side view illustrating the interaction of the detents in the first and second portions of the hotspot device in an alternate embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  is top view of an alternate embodiment of the invention illustrating the indicia to signal the status of the device; 
         FIG. 18  is top view of an alternate embodiment illustrating the removable connection between first and second portions of the device; 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of an alternate embodiment illustrating the electronic components in a first portion of the device; 
         FIG. 20  is a side sectional view along the line 20-20 in  FIG. 19  illustrating the electronic components in a first portion of the device; 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of an alternate embodiment illustrating alternate battery configurations; and 
         FIG. 22  is a flow chart illustrating the method for connecting a computing device and an internet service provider. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the figures wherein like reference numerals denote like elements,  FIG. 1  illustrates a conventional Wi-Fi network which includes an internet service provider (ISP)  11  connected to wireless router  12  through a conventional Ethernet wired connection  13 . Wireless router  12  may be located, for example, in a retail establishment and have a desired signal range generally illustrated by circle  14 . The strength of the signal from router  12  determines its signal range  14 . This signal range is controlled by the retail establishment to maximize user traffic on the user premises. These signal providers customarily generate a signal strength from router  12  such that users remain within the confines of the establishment providing the signal. The retail establishment, or airport, or other party provides this access as a convenience to its customers as a courtesy and to attract such users to its premises. A user computer or other electronic device  15  which is located within this range and which is capable of connecting to a wireless network may access ISP  11  through router  12 . Similarly, an additional multiplicity of users such as second electronic device  16  may access ISP  11  through router  12 . 
     One of the disadvantages of the system shown in  FIG. 1  is that the privacy of communications through wireless router  12  may be limited. A multiplicity of members of the public may access this network merely by having a presence inside the signal range  14  of router  12  as is shown by users  15  and  16 . Another disadvantage of the network shown in  FIG. 1  is that the connection through router  12  may be slow due to a large number of users or due to the quality of the connection and the router or other equipment provided in that network. Some establishments, such as hotels offer such a network access at a price in order to limit the number of users and to limit the use to approved users (i.e. hotel guests). In this system the hotel provides a password to its guests either free or for a price. In this way, the network provider has some control over additional or unwanted users such as hackers accessing the network undetected. 
     The use of a wireless capability such as shown by users  15  and  16  in  FIG. 1  may have certain disadvantages in that the user must remain in a possibly chaotic environment in some retail establishments such as coffee shops etc. to remain within signal range  14 . A user may wish to choose a quieter and more private venue as opposed to a crowded and less secure one. In addition, the user may achieve a greater degree of physical privacy in that she may not have another individual “looking over her shoulder” while she is using her computer or other device. Thus, such a public system continues to suffer from the drawbacks of network privacy and possibly network overload resulting in poorer performance of her device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a network is shown in which internet service provider  11  is connected through Ethernet or other known physical connections to the premises  17  which may be a home or other suitable location as chosen by a user  19 . A wireless router  18  contained within premises  17 , with access to router  18  being controlled by user  19 , may be wirelessly connected though wireless network carrier  21  to the user computer  22  through a wireless device  23 . Wireless device  23  may be a cellular phone of a user or another mobile device which functions as a mobile wireless router to effectively connect user device  22  with internet service provider  11  through the wireless router  18  located on the premises  17 . With this system configuration, access and the signal range  20  of the wireless device  23  is controlled by the user such that the location at which the user accesses ISP  11  is chosen by the user. In addition, by controlling signal range  20 , the user can limit access to the immediate area surrounding her. 
     The system described in  FIG. 2  is often referred to as tethering. Tethering refers to connecting one device  22  to another  23  to allow for internet access of the connected device  22 . In the context of mobile phones or Internet tablets, tethering allows sharing the Internet connection of, for example, phone  23  with other devices such as laptop or tablet  22 . Connection of the phone other devices  23  with the user device  22  can be done over wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), over Bluetooth or by physical connection using a cable, for example through a USB port. If tethering is done over Wi-Fi, the device  23  to which the tethered device  22  is connected may be referred to as a mobile hotspot or gateway device. The Internet-connected mobile device  23  can thus act as a portable wireless access point for devices connected to it. 
     The system shown in  FIG. 2  may provide a greater degree of privacy to user device  22  and may also provide a higher level of performance than connecting to the ISP  11  though the public Wi-Fi network shown in  FIG. 1 . The mobile hotspot device  23  shown in  FIG. 2  used for tethering may be a mobile telephone such as an iPhone or other suitable mobile device. While mobile telephones have become more compact and easier to carry in recent years, there are times when it is not convenient or otherwise desirable to carry such devices. For example, when a user is engaged in physical activities such as jogging or otherwise exercising, or is engaged in an outdoors activity such as hiking or camping, it is not always convenient or desirable to carry multiple electronic devices. 
     While it may not be desirable or convenient to carry multiple electronic devices, there may still be a need or desire to connect to the internet through an ISP as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In order to overcome the disadvantages associated with carrying multiple sophisticated devices, it is possible to obtain devices which are commonly known as mobile hotspot devices. These devices are small portable devices which may readily be carried on the person of a user, such as for example, in the pocket or attached to a keychain of the user. 
     There are disadvantages with use of conventional mobile hotspot devices. Chief among the disadvantages is inadvertently activating or deactivating the devices and the relative battery lifetime of such devices. Because the mobile hotspot devices are small and may be used in situations where the user is engaged in strenuous physical activities such as hiking or jogging, inadvertent activation of the mobile hotspot device may occur. The device may be carried in a pocket or otherwise jostled thereby activating an on-off switch which is located on the exterior of the device. 
     Because of the small size of the mobile hotspot device, it is difficult to provide power to the device for long periods of time as the battery life tends to be proportional to the size of the battery. Because, by design, the mobile hotspot device is made small such that a user may carry it on a key chain or in a small area on the user&#39;s person, the battery tends to be small and have a relatively short life. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a mobile hotspot device in the form of a cylinder  24  is shown. Cylinder  24  includes a first half  25  and a second half  26 . In one embodiment, first half  25  may contain the main logic board (MLB) and other electronics such as the Security Information Management (SIM) card. Second half  26  may contain the battery or power source (such as a 1000mAh battery)for the device. In order to prevent inadvertent activation of the device there are no external switches or buttons on the device which could be accidently moved to activate the device during ongoing activities of the user. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , mobile hotspot device may be activated or deactivated by rotating first half  25  and second half  26  in opposite directions as shown. Of course, the rotation arrows are for illustration purposes only and first half  25  and second half  26  could be rotated in opposite directions to the arrows shown so long as they are rotated opposite to each other. Referring to  FIG. 5 , which is a sectional view of first half  25  and second half  26  taken along line 3-3 of  FIG. 3 , the ends of first half  25  and second half  26  are shown where they engage one another along sectional line 3-3. Electrical detents  27  are shown in  FIG. 5  in alignment such that the electrical detents  27  on first half  25  and the electrical detents on second half  26  are in electrical contact when in this configuration and power from a battery contained in second half  26  may be supplied to MLB and other electronics contained in first half  25 . Insulating detents  28  are also shown in alignment in  FIG. 5  and serve to help align first half  25  and second half  26 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , electrical detents  27  are shown out of phase such that, when in this configuration, there is no power supplied by battery in second half  26  to the MLB or other electronics contained within first half  25 . That is, electrical detents  27  are engaged with insulating detents  28  and no electrical connection is made. The relative positions of electrical detents  27  in  FIGS. 5 and 6  is achieved by rotating first half  25  and second half  26  with respect to one another as shown in  FIG. 4 . That is, rotation of first half  25  with respect to second half  26  by approximately one quarter turn will align electrical detents  27  in first half  25  with those of second half  26  and will align insulating detents  28  in first half  25  with insulating detents  28  in second half  26 . Similarly, once engaged, rotation of first half  25  with respect to second half  26  in the opposite direction will disengage electrical detents  27  in first half  25  with those of second half  26  and engage electrical detents  27  in first half with insulating detents  28  in second half and vice versa such as the configuration shown in  FIG. 6 . In this configuration, electrical detents  27  engage with insulating detents  28  in first and second portions  25  and  26  such that electromagnetic connection of power source in second half  26  with MLB and other electronics in first half  25  is broken and the device  24  is turned off. In an alternate embodiment, insulating detents are eliminated and electromagnetic detents  27  do not engage with any other detents in the “off” position. Air pockets or other nonconductive materials could be provided in place of insulating detents such that electrical detents  27  in first half  25  do not receive electric current from power source in second half  26 . 
     As can be appreciated, the location and number of detents  27  and  28  is merely one of design choice and could be modified without departing from the preferred embodiments. For example, the location of detents on the periphery of first half  25  and second half  26  could be such that rotation of more or less than one-quarter turn of first half with respect to second half is needed to align electrical detents  27  in first half  25  with electrical detents  27  in second half  26  and thus align electrical detents  27  in first half with insulating detents  28  in second half to turn the device off. 
     By using the rotation of first half  25  with respect to second half  26  to align detents  27  and  28  to activate the device, the possibility of inadvertent or accidental activation of the device is reduced. While a button or switch located on the exterior of cylinder  24  may be highly susceptible to such inadvertent activation, the rotation activation of one embodiment of the invention substantially reduces this risk. In one embodiment the physical configuration of electrical detents  27  and insulting detents  28  contributes to this improved reliability. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a side sectional view of first half  25  and second half  26  is shown taken along the same sectional line 3-3 as in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Electrical detents  27  and insulating detents  28  are shown as protrusions  29  in first half  25  and as depressions  31  in second half  26 . By using this configuration for detents  27  a positive engagement between first half  25  and second half  26  may be achieved. That is, when first half and second half are rotated with respect to one another into the engagement position of  FIG. 5 , Protrusions  29  on first half  25  fit into depressions  31  on second half  26 . Protrusions  29  may be spring loaded to allow for retraction during rotation of first portion  25  and second portion  26 . When protrusions  29  are engaged with depressions  31  a greater degree of force is required to rotate first half  25  with respect to second half  26  to activate or deactivate the device. Thus the possibility of inadvertent activation/deactivation is thereby reduced. A removable connection device  34  and  35  is also shown and will be described in more detail below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view of cylinder  24  is shown in the device activation position of  FIG. 5 . That is, electrical detents  27  in first portion  25  and second portion  26  are engaged with one another. One or more external indicators  32  is shown indicating that first half  25  and second half  26  are in the activation position illustrated in  FIG. 5 . External indicator  32  may take the form of an indicator light such as a light emitting diode (LED) which is lit when the device is “on” and unlit when the device is “off”. In another embodiment, indicator  32  could be markings  33  on the exterior of first half  25  and second half  26  such that when the marks are aligned as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the user knows that the device is “on” and when the marks are not aligned the user may know that the device is off. Alternatively, “off” markings could also be supplied. In yet another embodiment, magnetic sensors  30  on first portion  25  and second portion  26  may be provided to detect rotation of first portion  25  with respect to second portion  26 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , in another embodiment first half  25  and second half  26  are separated along sectional line 3-3 of  FIG. 3 . A male threaded portion  34  on first half  25  and a female threaded portion  35  on second half  26  are illustrated. In this embodiment, first half  25  and second half  26  may be separated by rotating (unscrewing) first half  25  from second half  26 . In this embodiment, the electronics contained in first half may be accessed through the opening inside threaded portion  34 . For example, referring to  FIG. 10  a security information management (SIM) card  36  may be accessed by a user through opening  40  in threaded portion  34 . By allowing access the SIM card  36  may be replaced or accessed for other reasons. Similarly, the main logic board (MLB)  37  or other electronics may be accessed in first half  25 . An antenna  38  is enclosed in plastic housing  39  or otherwise insulated from metal body of first portion  25 . Alternatively, first portion housing  25  could be made of plastic or other suitable material so as not to interfere with wireless radio signals received by antenna  38 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  allows ease of repair or replacement of electronic components of the device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , in another embodiment, alternate power sources may be utilized. For example, batteries  41  and  42  may be used in place of the battery contained in second half  26 . Batteries  41  and  42  may be of a different power level than the battery contained in second half  26  as shown. This allows a user to choose the level of battery life and power desired and to control the size and weight of the device  24 . For example, a battery  42  of 250 milli-amps per hour (250 mAh) such as that shown may be substituted for the 1000 mAh battery  26  shown in  FIG. 3 . Another battery  41  may supply 500 mAh. Each of batteries  41  and  42  include female threaded portion  35  such that they are easily engaged with threaded portion  34  on first portion  25  of device  24 . Batteries  26 ,  41 , and  42  are thus interchangeable. The relative size and weight of each of batteries  26 ,  41 , and  42  can be evaluated by a user depending upon her needs and weighed against the life and strength of the power supplied by each. Thus the device  24  may have a length that varies from about 2 inches to about 4 inches depending upon the battery selected. Of course, the actual size and weight are merely one of design choice and may vary from one embodiment to another. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , in another embodiment, a card-like device  43  may function as a mobile hotspot device. Card  43  includes a first portion  44  and a second portion  45 . In one embodiment, first portion  44  may contain the main logic board (MLB) and other electronics such as the Security Information Management (SIM) card. Second portion  45  may contain the battery or power source for the device. In order to prevent inadvertent activation of the device there are no external switches or buttons on the device which could be accidently moved to activate the device during ongoing activities of the user. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , mobile hotspot device may be activated or deactivated by rotating first half  44  and second half  45  in opposite directions. In this embodiment, first portion  44  and second portion  45  are rotated one half turn such that a first side  46  of second portion  45  is coplanar with a second side  47  (not visible ) of first half  44  when in one mode and first side  46  is coplanar with first side  48  of first portion  44  in another mode. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , which is a sectional view of first portion  44  and second portion  45  taken along line 14-14 of  FIG. 12 , the ends of first portion  44  and second portion  45  are shown where they engage one another along sectional line 14-14. Electrical detents  49  are shown in  FIG. 14  in alignment such that the electrical detents  49  on first half  44  and the electrical detents  49  on second half  45  are in electrical contact when in this configuration and power from a battery contained in second half  45  may be supplied to MLB and other electronics contained in first half  44 . Insulating detents  51  are also shown in alignment in  FIG. 14  and serve to align first half  44  and second half  45 . This activation mode occurs when first side  46  of second portion  45  and second side  47  of first portion  44  are aligned. Removable attachment portion  52  is shown and allows connection of first portion  44  and second portion  45  as will be discussed below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , electrical detents  49  are shown out of phase such that, when in this configuration, there is no power supplied by battery in second half  45  to the MLB or other electronics contained within first half  44 . The relative positions of electrical detents  49  in  FIG. 15  is achieved by rotating first half  44  and second half  45  with respect to one another as shown and described with respect to  FIG. 13 . That is, rotation of first half  44  with respect to second half  45  by approximately one hundred eighty degrees in either direction from the position shown in  FIG. 14  such that first side  46  of second portion  45  is coplanar with first side  48  of first portion  44 . In this position electrical detents  49  in first half  44  will disengage with electric detents  49  of second half  45  and engage electrical detents  49  in first and second portions  44  and  45  with insulating detents  51  in the other portion  44  and  45  such as the configuration shown in  FIG. 15 . In this configuration, electrical detents  49  engage with insulating detents  51  such that electromagnetic connection of power source in second half  45  with MLB and other electronics in first half  44  is broken and the device is turned off. 
     As can be appreciated, and as with the cylindrical embodiment described above, the location of detents  49  and  51  is merely one of design choice and could be modified. For example, the location of detents shown as evenly spaced on the edge of first half  44  and second half  45  could be changed such that the detents are spaced closer to or further from the edge. As long as detents  49  and  51  align as described above when first  44  and second  45  halves are aligned, the actual position of detents  49  and  51  on the edge of first and second portions  44  and  45  are irrelevant to the function of the device. 
     By using the rotation of first portion  44  of card  43  with respect to second potion  45  to align detents  49  and  51  and activate or deactivate the device, the possibility of inadvertent or accidental activation of the device is reduced. While a button or switch located on the exterior of card  43  may be highly susceptible to such inadvertent activation, the rotation activation of first half  44  and second half  45  in one embodiment substantially reduces this risk. In one embodiment the physical configuration of electrical detents  49  and insulting detents  51  contributes to this improved reliability. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , a side view of first half  44  and second half  45  is shown taken along the same sectional line 12-12 as in  FIGS. 14, and 15 . Electrical detents  49  and insulating detents  51  are shown as protrusions  53  in first half  44  and as depressions  54  in second half  45 . By using this configuration for detents  49  and  51  a positive engagement between first half  44  and second half  45  may be achieved. That is, when first half and second half are rotated with respect to one another into the engagement position of  FIGS. 14 and 15 , protrusions  53  on first half  44  fit into depressions  54  on second half  45  such that a greater degree of force is required to rotate first half  44  with respect to second half  45  to activate or deactivate the device. The possibility of inadvertent activation or deactivation is thereby reduced. Protrusions  53  may be spring loaded to allow for movement as needed during rotation of first portion  44  and second portion  45 . A removable connection device  52  is also shown and will be described in more detail below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , a perspective view of card  43  is shown in the device activation position of  FIG. 14 . That is, side  46  of second portion  45  and side  47  of first portion  44  are aligned in the position shown in  FIG. 14  such that electrical detents  49  in first portion  44  and second portion  45  are in electrical contact and power is supplied to first portion  44 . In this position, one or more external indicators  55  is shown indicating that first half  44  and second half  45  are in the activation position illustrated in  FIG. 14 . External indicator  55  may take the form of an indicator light such as a light emitting diode (LED) which is lit when the device is “on” and unlit when the device is “off”. In another embodiment, indicator could be external indicia markings  56  on the exterior of first half  44  and second half  45  such that when the marks are aligned as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the user knows that the device is “on” and when the marks are not aligned the user may know that the device is off. In another embodiment, first half  44  and second half  45  could be color coded such that side  46  of second portion  45  and side  47  of first portion  44  are, for example, a first color. The other side  47  of each of first half  44  and the opposite side (not shown) of second half  45  are a second different color. When the user sees the colors on first half  44  and second half  45  match each other such that each side of card  43  is a uniform color, she knows that the device is “on”. When the colors on first half  44  and second half  45  are not the same then the device is turned “off”. Of course, the choice of colors and choice of color alignment are arbitrary such that matching colors could indicate that the device is turned “off”. In yet another embodiment, magnetic sensors  50  on first portion  44  and second portion  45  may be provided to detect rotation of first portion  44  with respect to second portion  45 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , in another embodiment first half  44  and second half  45  are separated along sectional line 12-12 of  FIG. 12 . A removable attachment portion  52  is shown. A male portion  57  on first half  44  and a female portion  58  on second half  45  are illustrated. In this embodiment, first half  44  and second half  45  may be separated by disengaging male portion  57  from female portion  58 . Male portion  57  and female portion  58  may be mating members of a rotatable hinge, threaded portion or other known device such that male portion  57  may be rotated with respect to, and detached from, female portion  58  by a user. Separation of first portion  44  from second portion  45  may be accomplished when desired as will be discussed below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 19  a security information management (SIM) card  36  may be accessed by a user by removing a cover layer (not shown) to access a recessed portion  59  in the interior of card  44 . By allowing access the SIM card  36  may be replaced or accessed for other reasons. Similarly, the main logic board (MLB)  37  or other electronics may be accessed in first half  44 . MLB  37  is electrically connected to electrical detents  49  in first portion  44 . An antenna  38  may be enclosed in plastic or otherwise insulated from metal body of first portion  44 . Alternatively, first portion  44  could be made of plastic or other suitable material so as not to interfere with wireless radio signals received by antenna  38 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 19  allows ease of repair or replacement of electronic components of the device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , in this embodiment, the electronics contained in first half are shown in a side sectional view of first half  44  taken along line 20-20 of  FIG. 19 . For example, a security information management (SIM) card  36  may be accessed by a user. By allowing access the SIM card  36  may be replaced or accessed for other reasons. Similarly, the main logic board (MLB)  37  or other electronics may be accessed in recessed portion  59  of first portion  44 . Access to these components in first half  39  may be made by separating a removable top portion  61  from lower portion  62  of first portion  44 . This embodiment allows ease of repair or replacement of electronic components of the device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , in another embodiment, alternate power sources may be utilized. For example, batteries  63  or  64  may be used in place of the battery contained in second half  45 . Batteries  63  and  64  may be of a different power level than the battery contained in second half  45 . This allows a user to choose the level of battery life and power desired in the card device  43 . For example, a battery  63  of 250 milli-amps per hour (250 mAh) such as that shown may be substituted for the 1000 mAh battery shown in  FIG. 12 . Another battery  64  may supply 500 mAh. Each of batteries  63  and  64  include female portion  58  such that they are easily engaged with male portion  57  on first portion  44  of device  43 . The relative size and weight of each of batteries  44 ,  63 , and  64  can be evaluated by a user depending upon her needs and weighed against the life and strength of the power supplied by each. Thus the device  43  may have a size which varies from about the size of a credit card to one larger or smaller depending upon the desire of a user. Of course the actual size and weight are merely one of design choice. 
     Referring to  FIG. 22 , a flow chart of the method for connecting a computing device and an internet service provider is illustrated. Referring to  FIG. 21 , in step  65  a router  18  is connected to an internet service provider by means of an Ethernet connection  13  or other suitable connection. A hotspot gateway, which may be a hotspot device  23 , is activated by rotating a portion of the device with respect to a second portion of the device in step  66  to provide a wireless connection between hotspot device  23  and the computing device  22  and between the hotspot device  23  and the router  18  through wireless provider  21 . By activating the hotspot device, in step  67 , the hotspot device wirelessly connects the computing device  22  to the router  18  through a wireless provider  21 . The computing device  22  is then effectively connected to the internet service provider  11  and a user  19  may thus access the internet on the computing device  22  in step  68 . When the user desires to terminate the wireless connection of the hotspot  23  (and the computing device  22 ) to the router  18 , she may again rotate the hotspot device portions to deactivate the wireless connection. 
     While the disclosure has described various embodiments, it should be expressly understood to those of ordinary skill in the art that certain modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. For example, while various configurations have been disclosed for electrical and insulating detents, various other placements of the detents would function without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. While the cylindrical and card configurations of the hotspot device have been disclosed, other configurations such as, for example, cubes, spherical, or rectangular configurations that have a first portion and a second portion which are rotatable with respect to each other may be employed without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the proper scope of this disclosure is set forth in the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20131121
Publication Date: 20160719
Grant Date: 20160719
Priority Date: 20131121
Inventors: MONTEVIRGEN ANTHONY S.
HAVSKJOLD DAVID G.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04W88/04", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0208", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0243", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W88/04", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0208", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0243", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 53173825