Position sense radio carry case apparatus and method of using same

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG.
1, a portable radio is shown generally at 10.
The radio includes a housing 12 and various switches, buttons and displays to allow the user to operate the radio's options and features.
A DTMF tone pad 13 allows the radio to interface with a telephone system.
Included within the housing 12 is a hall effect switch 14.
As is known in the art, hall effect switch 14 is a semiconductor device and opens when a magnetic field is applied across a current carrying material within the device.
This acts to force the moving carriers to crowd to one side of the switch conductors where an electric field develops as a result of this crowding.
An example of a typical hall effect switch which may be used in the invention in Sprague Ser.
No.
51R05469E52 or the like.
Within the radio, hall effect switch 14 is attached to a microprocessor.
The microprocessor ultimately controls the functions of the radio such as level of audio output emitted by the radio speaker, audio level emitted by the DTMF tone pad 13, mode of operation, phone hang up and light brightness.
FIG.
2 shows the carrying case 30 which provides a means to hold and transport the radio 10 by a user.
The carrying case 30 is typically worn on the hip and includes a recessed cavity 32 with support members 34, 36.
Mounted within cavity 32 and to the interior side of support member 36 is a magnet 38.
A typical magnet which may be used in the invention is Dexter Ser.
No.
5905359X01 or the like.
Magnet 38 is sized to fit within cavity 32 while still allowing radio 10 also to fit within the cavity without obstruction.
Magnet 38 is specifically positioned so when radio 10 rests within carting case 30, the hall effect switch 14 is aligned with the magnetic field emitted by magnet 38.
This works to activate hall effect switch 14 when in position.
When the switch is activated, this directs the microprocessor to change a control function such as providing a greater or high audio output from the radio speaker or DTMF tone pad 13