초록 ▼

Flexible supports for enhancing hands-free operation of telecommunications devices such as radiotelephones are provided. An elongate member containing Theological material is flexible in the absence of an electromagnetic energy field and becomes rigid in the presence of an electromagnetic energy fie

Flexible supports for enhancing hands-free operation of telecommunications devices such as radiotelephones are provided. An elongate member containing Theological material is flexible in the absence of an electromagnetic energy field and becomes rigid in the presence of an electromagnetic energy field. When electrical current flow is induced through one or more internal electrical conductors, the Theological material viscosity increases from that of a fluid to that of a solid. Accordingly, in the absence of electrical current flow, the elongate member can be positioned to any of a plurality of positions. When electrical current flow is present, the elongate member becomes rigid and, thus, resistive to movement.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An apparatus that supports an electronic device in proximity to a user for hands-free operation, comprising:an elongate member having opposite first and second ends and an internal passageway extending between the first and second ends, wherein the first end is configured to electrically communic

1. An apparatus that supports an electronic device in proximity to a user for hands-free operation, comprising:an elongate member having opposite first and second ends and an internal passageway extending between the first and second ends, wherein the first end is configured to electrically communicate with an electrical power source, and wherein the second end is configured to support the electronic device; an electrical conductor extending through the internal passageway, wherein the electrical conductor is configured to provide electrical current to the electronic device from the electrical power source when the elongate member first end is in electrical communication with the electrical power source; and a Theological material disposed within the internal passageway, wherein the rheological material has a controllable viscosity that increases in response to a magnetic field generated by electrical current flow through the electrical conductor, such that the elongate member is flexible in the absence of electrical current flow through the electrical conductor, and such that the elongate member is rigid in the presence of electrical current flow through the electrical conductor.