GB2477114A

GB2477114A - Mobile phone accessory connector tip

Info

Publication number: GB2477114A
Application number: GB1000995A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas Cameron
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-01-22
Filing date: 2010-01-22
Publication date: 2011-07-27
Also published as: GB201000995D0

Abstract

A connector tip comprises a clasp 4, a connector tip pin 3 and a ball pin connection 5 within a shell 1. The connector tip is preferable for use with a mobile phone herein the connector tip pin 3 is inserted into the battery charge input slot located on the phone handset. The connector tip allows a user to connect accessories via the clasp 4 to a mobile phone handset; the ball pin connection 5 neutralizes any detrimental forces that may act on the connector tip.

Description

Mobile phone accessory connector tip

Field of Invention

This invention relates generally to mobile phone accessories, and more specifically to an alternative purpose mobile phone connector tip.

Background of the Invention

There is an abundance of ways in which people of the 21st century attempt to illustrate their personality through everyday materialistic accessories. This thought process is no different when applied to the most commonly used worldwide technology in modern day society, the mobile phone.

In recent years the mobile phone market has boomed, with ever changing innovations at the forefront of this growth. To remain sustainable in this hugely competitive market, established mobile phone manufactures' and independent retailers have attempted to adapt to the ever changing customer technological needs and requirements. In order to satisfy the large segment of this market who not only purchase a handset for practicality purposes but also for its personality and appearance, many manufacturers have diversified into this area, but with varied success.

When purchasing a handset, there is often an overwhelming choice of colours and designs from which the customer can choose, whilst some manufacturers implement phone handsets with interchangeable fascias. As appealing to the customer as this is at the time of purchase, the handset often struggles to portray a true reflection of the buyer's tastes or identify with their personality and fails to sustain this in the future. A handset design can quickly become outdated, especially in the context of a fashion accessory.

This demand has seen many independent retailers produce fashion accessories for handsets of their own, the most prominent being specifically jewellery and charm related. There have been various approaches to providing the customer with the ability to externally personalise their handsets, including two commonly used methods for attaching accessorised items. The first of which is a mobile strap', which if elasticated, acts as a tight band around the handset from which jewellery or charms can be positioned.

Although this method can be used in conjunction with various handsets, its practicality and aesthetics are less ideal. Whether the band is made from elastic or of metallic structure, its positioning on the handset inevitably interferes with its operation and functionality. This has also seen the popularity for unpractical methods such as handset sticker personalisation significantly reduced. After listing some of these evident issues, there is a 2 2 clear necessity and demand for a suitable product of this nature.

The major issue surrounding this product concept is not determined by the availability of accessories itself, but more the fact that there is currently no universal solution to attach an accessory to the handset which embodies all the necessary criteria for a product of this nature as previously stated.

Notwithstanding that mobile phone handset attachment accessories of this kind have to an extent already reaped some commercial success; I am unaware of any practical solution to overcome the previously listed self-evident problems.

Disclosure of Invention

My universal product gives the end user the opportunity to genuinely renovate there mobile phone handset into an interchangeable fashion accessory, whilst not compromising the functionality, practicality and aesthetics of the handset.

The innovative design of the mobile phone handset connector tip provides the end user with a truly unique accessory attachment experience by accompanying the facility to respond consistently to body and handset movement.

Please note there is no electrical current connected or passed through the connector tip i.e. it is a standalone accessory, not an electrical device.

Brief Description of Drawings

For a further in depth explanation of the present invention, references will be made to the following drawings in which: Figure 1. Shows a bottom up' view of connector tip Figure 2. Shows a bird's eye view of connector tip Figure 3. Shows the ball pin fastening clasp Figure 4. Provides a cross section view of connector tip Figure 5. Shows a side view of connector tip Figure 6. Presents an alternative connector tip example Figure 7. Provides a cross section view of alternative connector tip

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Please Note: The various diagrams of the connector tip throughout this document are based on one connector tip mould 2/3 i.e. the input end of the connector tip 3 which attaches to the battery output socket on the mobile phone handset (Figure 5.).

In this instance, a standard input connector pin tip 3 which is designed to fit one brand of mobile phone will be used to illustrate the invention. The product is compatible to all mobile phones with a battery output slot, as the invention design and method are consistent and transferable between all compatible devices. It is only the connector tip mould 2/3 that is modified between alternate connector tips, whilst the technology remains untouched.

An example of a potential alternative connector tip is given in Figure 6. and Figure 7.

The invention is the design and function of the mobile phone connector tip which will be inserted primarily into the battery charge input slot located on the handset, although not discounting other future design possibilities, from which an accessory can be attached.

This physical modification of a standard connector tip is dependent on the design of the connector tip itself, which provides a fixed point at the handset battery input slot, with an inserted fitted fastening clasp thus allowing an accessory to be attached to the output end of the connector tip.

Situated within the connector tip is the fastening clasp which will allow the end user to modify and change the accessory. The fastening clasp is connected to a rotation fitting, the bail pin, within the connector tip enabling the fastening to respond to the handsets centre of gravity thus providing durability and reduced stress on the connector tip itself.

A further in depth description of the proposed invention will now be given, with references being made to the diagrams Figure 1. to Figure 7. ,cited on pages 3 to 8 of this document. The following numbered list is consistent

throughout the drawings and description:

I Cavity shell 2 Connector tip pin plate 3 Connector tip pin 4 Fastening clasp Ball pin component 6 Connector tip base 7 Connector tip output cap 8 Alternative connector tip pin example The connector tip pin 3 of the connector tip is inserted into the input slot, commonly termed the battery input slot, of the mobile phone device.

The cavity (outer) shell I of the connector tip houses the ball pin component 5 which is able to move freely about the connector tip output end. The omission of a restrictive fixed point allows the connecting fastening clasp 4 to move freely about the connector tip. This design allows the connector tip device to move consistently about the handset and the end user, providing the accessory with further spontaneity and appeal. Constructively the ball pin 5 counteracts any stress on the connector tip as a result of everyday handset movement or abnormal force on the connector tip and fastening clasp 4 when in motion.

Figure 4. gives a cross section side view of the ball pin fastening clasp.

Although its relative simplicity in appearance, it is this effective element that enables an external physical attachment accessory to be connected to any mobile phone handset. The ball pin 5 itself is located within the connector tip wall cavity I, with the ball partially imbedded semi-securely, positioned in a depth grooved fashion found within the connector tip base 6. The motion of the ball pin fastening clasp 4/5 is only restricted when its extremities come into contact with the inside of the connector tip output cap 7. The connector tip output cap 7 allows sufficient movement to the ball pin fastening clasp 4/5 to serve its purpose.

Figur& . and Figure 7. show an example of an alternative popular connector tip. The previously stated methodology remains consistent through this alternative practice.

As previously stated, the connector tip is universally compatible with, at the time of writing, all mobile phone handsets. This is unlikely to change in the immediate future -or until means other, for example, then the process of cable charging a handset which would make the battery charger input slot on the handset to become redundant. Even with this possible predicament, the principles behind the design of the connector tip mean it can be adapted to fit the input slot of many alternative handset orifices.