FR2670446A1 - Device for mounting a telephone set inside a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle (car) - Google Patents

Abstract

The device comprises a movable support (1) capable of accommodating the base (2) of the handset (3) of such a set, which base can be fixed onto this support by adhesive bonding, screwing or another suitable means. This support is mounted so as to slide on a fixed slideway (6) intended to be fixed onto an internal equipment element of a vehicle - for example a console (9) provided between the seats of the two front passengers or a dashboard element. The arrangement is such that the movable support (1) has two separate positions, namely: a ready position in which this support is placed above the slideway, and a position for using the telephone set, in which position this support is situated partly beyond the fixed slideway (6), which facilitates use of the telephone set, suitable braking or blocking means being provided for immobilising the sliding support in each of its positions. This device is intended to be used for installing a telephone set inside any vehicle.

Description

"Device for mounting a telephone device inside a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle"
The present invention relates to television apparatus
phonic installed inside a vehicle, such
than a car.

Depending on the device models and their brands,
the installation mode is different. In most
case, the handset, which groups together the microphone, the speaker and
control keys, is detachably hung
on a support intended to be fixed on an element of the
vehicle dashboard. This solution has the inconvenience
comes that this handset is then placed relatively
away from the driver, which is inconvenient. It's for
what, it is often necessary to take the handset in
hand, for the simple purpose of dialing a call number. Of
more, in many cases, this installation mode bothers or
hinders the operation of a dashboard element
(glove compartment for example), or even the use
a control member, such as the change lever
of speed.

In other models, the handset is immobilized at
flat removable on a base, itself intended for
be attached to a piece of equipment, for example a
console provided between the seats of the two front passengers.

But then again, it's relatively impractical
reach the handset and dial a number by
leaving it in its holder because the handset is
then located too far back. In addition, in this position
it can, as before, hinder the use or
functioning of certain organs necessary for the
driving, such as the shift lever or
some control elements provided on the console
corresponding.

This is why the subject of the present invention is
a mounting device which is designed so as to facilitate access to the handset of a telephone apparatus installed in a vehicle and to allow the dialing of a telephone number thereon without having to handle this handset, thereby ensuring safe driving and access to all vehicle controls, as well as their normal operation, as provided by the manufacturer.

To this end, this device is essentially characterized in that
- It includes a mobile support capable of receiving the base of a telephone device which can be fixed on this support by gluing, screwing or other suitable means, this support being slidably mounted on a fixed slide intended to be fixed on an internal element d 'equipment of a car - for example a console provided between the seats of the two front passengers or an element of the dashboard, or even a support specifically designed for this purpose,
- And the arrangement of this device is such that its mobile support has two distinct positions, namely: a standby position in which this support is placed above the slide, and a position for using the device telephone, position in which this support is located partly beyond the fixed slide, which facilitates access to the handset of the telephone apparatus, suitable braking or blocking means being provided to immobilize the sliding support in each of its positions.

 Thus, when the fixed slide of this device is fixed on the top of a console existing between the two front passengers, the driver can easily access the keys of the handset, after having dragged the mobile support forwards so as to bring the corresponding end of the handset beyond the console which serves to support the assembly.

However, other particularities and advantages of the device according to the invention will appear during the following description. This is given with reference to the accompanying drawings for information only, and on which
Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the installation of this device and its instructions for use inside a motor car.

 Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the present device when installed on a console existing between the two front passengers, the movable support being shown in the position of use of the device.

 Figure 3 is a schematic top plan view.

 Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view, each of the half-sections illustrating a different embodiment.

 Figure 5 is a schematic view in longitudinal section showing another embodiment of the present device.

 FIG. 6 is a view in cross section along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5.

 The mounting device shown in Figures 1 to 4 comprises a movable support 1 adapted to receive the base 2 of the handset 3 of a telephone set intended to equip a vehicle, such as a motor car. This base 2, which is of a model known in itself, comprises framing beads capable of ensuring the immobilization in place of the handset 3, two elastic clamps 4 being further provided to complete this immobilization.

 In the embodiment shown on the left half of Figure 1, the movable support 1 is constituted by a plate substantially the same length as the base 2 and whose longitudinal edges 5 are folded down. This support is mounted sliding in the axial direction on a fixed slide 6 which can be constituted by a metal section of rectangular section, the folded edges 5 of the support 1 being arranged opposite the sides of this section. The arrangement is such that one of the ends of this support can thus be moved beyond the corresponding end of the fixed slide.

 Retaining and guiding means are interposed between the support 1 and the fixed slide 6. These means can consist of a series of balls 7 engaged in complementary grooves provided respectively on each edge 5 of the movable support and on the corresponding side of the fixed slide 6. Furthermore, one or more brake pads 8 are provided which are also interposed between the fixed slide and the mobile support. In the example shown on the left side of Figure 4, these pads are fixed on the top of the slide 6. They are thus able to immobilize the movable support 1 in the position where it has been placed.

Thanks to its sliding mounting, the mobile support 1 can occupy two distinct positions, namely
a waiting position in which this support is placed above the fixed slide 6,
- And a position of use of the device in which this support is located partly beyond this slide, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

 The whole of this device is intended to be fixed to an interior item of equipment of a vehicle, for example on top of the console 9 possibly provided between the two front passengers or on top of a cover 10 closing a storage space at the top of this console (see Figure 4). In this case the mounting device is oriented so that the movable support 1 can be moved forward by sliding.

 The fixing in place of the fixed slide 6 can be ensured very simply by interposing an adhesive strip 11 having an adhesive power on its two faces.

However, this fixing could be ensured by any other suitable means, for example by screwing, gluing, etc.

 When the mobile support 1 is in its waiting position above the fixed slide 6, it is placed entirely above the console 9 and the same is true for the telephone handset 3. However, for easier access the control keys provided on the latter, the user just has to slide the mobile support 1 forwards to bring it into the position illustrated in FIG. 2. In this position, the end of the handset, which includes the control keys 12, is located projecting beyond the console 9, which allows much easier access to the control keys.

 As already indicated, the mobile support 1 is immobilized in each of its useful positions by the brake pads 8 already mentioned. As a result, the base of the telephone handset cannot be moved inadvertently during a sudden stop or a sudden acceleration of the corresponding car.

 In the example described above, it is provided that the device according to the invention is installed on top of a console 9 possibly existing between the two front passengers of a car. However, this device could be installed on any other item of equipment in a car, for example an item on the dashboard.

But it could also be installed on a support specifically designed for this purpose, for example a support intended to be fixed on the floor of a vehicle between two neighboring seats. Of course, the position and orientation of the device according to the invention should then be chosen appropriately according to each case.

 In the variant embodiment shown on the right-hand side of FIG. 4, the corresponding movable support is constituted by a metal profile comprising it, on each side, two parallel strips 5a and 5b. The first of them is intended to play the same role as the folded edge 5 provided in the first embodiment. Indeed, this strip is arranged opposite the respective side of the section 6a constituting the fixed slide and guide and retaining means 7a are interposed.

In this particular embodiment, the braking means of the movable support consist of braking pads 8a placed opposite the strip 5a. Under these conditions, the corresponding device is able to be used in the same way as the previous one.

 As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3, the present device can be equipped with a small electric motor 13 ensuring the movement in motion of the mobile support 1, for example by means of a rotary screw 14 rotating inside of a nut (not shown) secured to the support 1. A control button is provided for starting and stopping this motor, which then constitutes the blocking member of the movable support in the position chosen for it.

 Figures 5 and 6 show another embodiment of the device according to the invention. In this embodiment, the mobile support lc, provided for the base 2 of a handset 3 of a telephone apparatus, is mounted to slide in the corresponding fixed slide 6c by means of rollers carried by this support and engaged in grooves guide provided in this slide.

More specifically, the folded edges 5c of the movable support lc are engaged inside the slide 6c which has a U-shaped section. On each of these folded edges, two pairs of rollers are provided respectively 15a , 15b towards the front end and 16a, 16b at the rear. These rollers are engaged in two superimposed grooves 17a, 17b formed in the corresponding sides of the slide 6c (see Figure 6). Thanks to this mounting method, the movable support can be brought by sliding forwards into the position id shown in phantom in Figure 5, position in which it is almost completely free from the fixed slide 6c.

 However, the arrangement is such that in this position the mobile support Ic can pivot in the direction of the arrow F around the two upper rollers 16b located at the rear.

This allows this support to be straightened into the position shown in solid lines in Figure 5, position in which it is immobilized by the fact that the lower rollers 16a located at the rear are stopped by the end of a leaf spring 18 provided for this purpose. This pivoting movement can be controlled by the action of a return spring. However, in this position the handset 3 is itself straightened in a position such that the control keys 12 provided on its upper face are located before the eyes of the operator and are very easily accessible for their operation.

 However, the device according to the invention can be the subject of numerous embodiments, in particular depending on the possibilities of installation in the various types of vehicles to be equipped.

Claims (4)

 1. Device for mounting a telephone device inside a vehicle, such as a motor car, characterized in that  this device comprises a mobile support (1, la, lb) capable of receiving the base (2) of the handset (3) of such an apparatus, which base can be fixed on this support by gluing, screwing or other suitable means, this support being slidably mounted on a fixed slide (6) intended to be fixed on an interior element of equipment of a car - for example a console (9) provided between the seats of the two front passengers or an element of the dashboard -, or even a support specifically studied for this purpose,  - And the arrangement of this device is such that its mobile support (1, la, lb) has two distinct positions, namely: a waiting position in which this support is placed above the slide, and a position use of the telephone set, position in which this support is located partly beyond the fixed slide (6), which facilitates the use of the telephone set, appropriate braking means (8, 8a) or blocking being provided to immobilize the sliding support in each of its positions.  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that guide and retaining means (7) are interposed between the mobile support (1, la) and the fixed slide (6), one or more friction pads (8, 8a) being provided on the slide to immobilize the mobile support (l, la) in the position chosen for this.  3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the mobile support (1, la) assumes the shape of a plate substantially of the same dimension as the base (2) of the handset of a telephone apparatus and the edges (5) of which are folded down opposite the sides of a fixing piece (6) forming a slide.  4. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the mobile support (lc) is mounted on the corresponding fixed slide (6c) so as to be able to pivot upwards after having been moved by sliding beyond the corresponding end of this slide.