WO2005076233A1

WO2005076233A1 - Method and apparatus for recharging mobile telephones

Info

Publication number: WO2005076233A1
Application number: PCT/IB2005/000227
Authority: WO
Original assignee: O'mahoney, Joseph, Kevin
Priority date: 2004-02-07
Filing date: 2005-01-31
Publication date: 2005-08-18
Also published as: GB2410845A; GB0402761D0; GB2410845B

Abstract

A locker (1) for recharging mobile telephone devices is provided. The locker (1) comprises a source of electrical power and a plurality of individual recharging compartments (2) with lockable doors each with its own key. Each compartment comprises one or more substantially different phone adaptors, a locking mechanism and a sound sensor for detecting incoming calls. The recharger heads are connected to one or more electrical mains transformers. Each compartment further comprises a mechanism for accepting and returning payment deposits. The key to any compartment is removable by a customer after they have attached their phone to the relevant recharger head, inserted a deposit or charge and locked the door. Each key has a fob capable of detecting a wireless communication signal from a transmitter situated in the locker. The locker further comprises at least one wireless signal transmitter, and at least one communications link between each said sensor and said transmitter. When a mobile phone deposited in a compartment receives a call, the sound sensor transmits a first signal to the wireless transmitter via said communications link. After receiving said first signal the wireless transmitter emits a second signal. The key fob belonging to the compartment in which said phone was deposited emits an alerting signal after detecting said second signal. The alerting signal is at least one of a flashing light, a vibration or an auditory emission. In a further embodiment of the invention intended for applications where a free recharging service is provided, the mechanism for accepting payments or deposits is not required. The locker could be wall mounted or free standing.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECHARGING MOBILE TELEPHONES This application claims the benefit of the British Patent Application No. GB0402761.1 by the same inventor filed on 7 February 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a service facility for mobile telephones and more particularly to an apparatus and method for charging mobile telephones and alerting customers to incoming phone calls or messages. Mobile phone users frequently encounter the problem of phone batteries running flat with no opportunity to recharge them while the user is away from home or the office. While facilities for vending recharging facilities are becoming more widely available, mobile phone users have the additional concern that phone calls or text messages may be received while the phone is being charged and the user is not available to respond. A phone recharging vending facility that can provide customers with secure compartments containing rechargers for all well known telephone types and means for alerting users to an incoming call would be highly desirable.

The inventor is aware of several examples of relevant prior in the field of mobile phone recharging technology. In several cases the prior art shows some similarities in mechanism to components of the present invention.

Japanese Patent Publication No. JP2003196735A by Awane discloses an automatic vending machine for charging mobile telephones, which avoids the problem of having to provide different recharger heads. Charging may be carried out by means of a single adjustable charger using charging voltages and recharging times based on the charging voltage of the telephone as determined from the detected characteristics of the secondary battery used in the telephone. Awane does not describe means for alerting users to an incoming call.

European Patent Application No. EP0862151A and United States Patent Application Publication No. US2002/0064258A1 by Schelberg et al describe a vending machine for dispensing telecommunications access under the control of a central control unit. The apparatus disclosed in Schelberg's patent applications does not provide recharging facilities or means for alerting users to an incoming call.

United States Patent Application Publication No. US2003/0141840A1 by Sanders discloses a recharging station for personal electronic devices comprising a plurality of individual recharging lockers each having a plurality of substantially different recharging electrical connectors contained therein. Each locker is provided with a lockable door. An activation system locks the door of a selected locker and supplies electrical power to the connectors therein in response to the receipt of a prescribed fee. Sanders does not describe means for alerting users to an incoming call.

United Kingdom Patent Application No. GB 2395847 by Mrsic-Flogel et al and Japanese Patent Publication No. JP 10307961 by Takahashi disclose automatic recharging machines suitable for a range of devices. Neither document describes means for alerting users to an incoming call.

United Kingdom Patent Application No. GB 2,345, 595A discloses a battery charger for mobile telephones in the form of a free standing or wall mounted cabinet divided into four compartments each capable of accommodating five mobile phones. However, the document does not describe means for alerting users to an incoming call.

United States Patent No. 5317691 by Treagar discloses a data communication system that provides communicating and recharging docking facilities for hand held data devices. Treagar does not describe means for alerting users to an incoming call.

A PCT Application with International Publication number: WO 02/089288A by Trela discloses a recharging apparatus designed for use by emergency services. The apparatus provides the tracking coordinates of its user to emergency authorities but does not detect incoming calls. .

Japanese Patent Publication JP2002315206A by Takad discloses a mobile telephone charging apparatus in which a charging circuit charges the mobile phone battery placed in a housing upon input of a charging provision key. A control circuit detects the charging status and displays the charging status. Takad does not describe means for alerting users to an incoming call.

The problem of alerting users to incoming phone calls is addressed by several inventors. United Kingdom Patent Specification No. 1, 159,94 by Gregson et al discloses a means of alerting a remote operator that an audible alarm set by said operator has sounded. The specific application addressed by Gregson relates to detection of a coalmine claxon by a microphone and the electrical system for providing the alerting signal. United Kingdom Patent Specification No. GB 2,391, 746A by Peters et al discloses a personal communication device such as a mobile phone which is provided with a facility for sending a signal to a remote alerting device such that silent alerting can take place without the need to carry the communication device. The remote alarm device senses proximity of an audio or vibration alarm and translates it into a unique encoded signal, which is transmitted to the personal alert device. The personal alert device may be a key fob. The signal may be a radio or optical signal.

United States Patent No. 5892817 by Will describes a system for alerting individuals in a large open space to incoming telephone calls but that avoids disturbing other individuals by loud ringing. Individuals carry miniature alerting units that are clipped to clothing. An incoming call on a telephone subscriber line is received by a telephone ringer control which transmits a signal by a wireless medium to an alerting unit which transmits a signal by a wireless medium to an alerting unit which emits a low-level auditory or vibratory or visual signal to alert the user and transmits an acknowledgement signal by the same wireless medium back to the ringer control. Although the prior art address many of the problems that the present application aims to solve, the prior art suffers from the problem that it fails to provide users with an integrated service for charging phones in a secure compartment, suitable interfaces for recharging a range of phone types and means for alerting users to incoming calls while recharging is taking place. The documents GB2395847A, GB2345595A,

US2003/141840A1, US2003/064258A1, JP and 9245841 A describe mobile phone lockers that appear to provide charging facilities and secure storage. However, none of the above documents describe means for alerting users to an incoming call. Thus there exists a need for an integrated mobile phone recharging vending service characterized by a secure storage compartment, suitable interfaces for recharging a range of phone types and means for alerting users to incoming calls while recharging is taking place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an integrated mobile phone recharging vending service characterized by a secure storage compartment, interfaces for recharging a range of phone types and means for alerting users to incoming calls while recharging is taking place.

The objects of the invention are achieved in a first embodiment in which a locker for recharging mobile telephone devices is provided. The locker comprises a source of electrical power and a plurality of individual recharging compartments with lockable doors each with its own key. The key to any compartment will be removable by a customer after they have attached their phone to the relevant recharger head, inserted coinage equal to that deemed necessary for a deposit or a charge and locked the door. Each said compartment comprises at least one substantially different mobile phone recharging adaptors disposed within said compartment, a locking mechanism disposed on the door of said compartment and a sound sensor disposed inside said compartment. Desirably, said recharger heads correspond to the most widely used phones. The recharger heads are connected to one or more transformers that convert the electrical mains supply voltage into recharging voltages required by individual phones. Each compartment further comprises a mechanism for accepting and returning payment deposits. The locker further comprises at least one wireless signal transmitter; and at least one communications link between each said sensor and said transmitter. Each key has a communications signal detecting fob attached to its body. Said key fob emits an alerting signal after detecting an alerting signal from the wireless transmitter.

When a mobile telephone deposited in a compartment receives a call or message, the sound sensor transmits a first signal to the wireless transmitter via said communications link. After receiving the first signal the wireless transmitter emits a second signal. The second signal is detected by the key fob, which in turn emits an alerting signal. The alerting signal is at least one of a flashing light emitted by said fob, a vibration emitted by said fob or an auditory emission from said fob.

In a further embodiment of the invention, each compartment may contain a wheel or bevel mechanism which supports a number of mobile recharger heads.

In a further embodiment of the invention intended for applications where a free recharging service is provided, the mechanism for accepting payments or deposits is not required.

In a further embodiment of the invention the locker will be attached to a frame that can be securely mounted on a wall.

In a further embodiment of the invention the locker will be free standing.

In a yet further embodiment of the invention, one or more surfaces of the locker may also be used for advertising purposes.

A more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like index numerals indicate like parts. For purposes of clarity details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of the invention showing a front view of the locker with the door of one compartment open

FIG.2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of the invention showing the open compartment of FIG.1 exposing the recharger heads and the sensor

FIG.3 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of the invention showing the electrical design of a typical locker FIG.4 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of the invention showing the incoming call alerting mechanisms.

FIG.5 is a flow diagram of a first method of charging a mobile telephone and alerting the user to an incoming call according to the principles of the invention.

FIG.6 is a flow diagram of a second method of charging a mobile telephone and alerting the user to an incoming call according to the principles of the invention. FIG.7 is a flow diagram of a third method of charging a mobile telephone and alerting the user to an incoming call according to the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The basic principles of a first embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. l to 4, which show schematic three-dimensional views of the locker according to a first embodiment of the invention. As detailed in FIG.1 the locker 1 comprises a multiplicity of compartments generally indicated by 2. In FIG.1 one particular compartment labelled 20 is shown with its door open. Each compartment comprises a unique locking mechanism 3 and a payment slot 4 for inserting coins for a deposit as well as a refund slot 5. Each compartment lock has its own key, which is not shown in FIG.1. The key is removable by a customer after they have inserted coinage equal to that deemed necessary for a charge or deposit. Each compartment also contains device recharger heads 6 and electrical leads 7. The recharger heads and electrical leads are not shown in FIG. 1 but are illustrated in detail in FIGS 2 to 3. Electrical power is provided via at least one electrical transformer 8 attached to an electrical mains supply via a plug 9. Each compartment has a sound activated sensor 11 capable of detecting the ringing or bleeping tones emitted by a telephone when an incoming call or message is received. The locker further comprises a transmitter module 14 for transmitting wireless signals from the locker. The transmitter module will typically include some signal processing capability to identify the compartment within which the incoming call signal was detected. The design principles on which the fob is based are well known to those skilled in the art and do not form part of the present invention. The locker also comprises a set of mounting brackets 10. The transformer 8 converts the mains supply voltage into the voltages required for each mobile phone to recharge. FIG.2 is a schematic three-dimensional view of one compartment of the locker showing the open compartment 20 exposing the recharger heads 6 and the sound sensor 11. One or more recharger heads, generally indicated by 6, are provided. Each charger head is applicable to a specific type of phone. Desirably, the recharger heads correspond to the most widely used mobile phones. After a phone is attached to a recharger head and a deposit has been inserted, the compartment door can be locked and the key will be released to the customer. Although the sound sensor is shown attached to the compartment door in FIGS.1 to 4, the sensor may be configured to operate at other locations inside the compartment.

FIG.3 is a schematic three-dimensional view of the locker showing the electrical design of a typical locker. As detailed in FIG.3 the recharger heads in each compartment are connected to hidden electrical leads generally indicated by the dashed lines 7. The hidden electrical leads are connected to at least one transformer 8, which is in turn connected to the electrical mains supply via the plug 9.

FIG.4 is a schematic three-dimensional view of the locker showing the incoming call alerting mechanisms. The apparatus for alerting the customer to an incoming call will now be described with reference to FIG.4. When the deposited telephone receives an incoming call or message the sound activated sensor 11 detects the ringing or bleeping tones emitted by the telephone. As detailed in FIG.4 the sound sensor sends a first alerting signal to the wireless transmitter 14 via the communication links indicated by the dotted lines 15. The transmitter in turn sends a second alerting signal to the fob 12 on the appropriate key 13 via a wireless link indicated by 16. The key fob may comprise a wireless signal receiving device, processor and means for generating at least one of a flashing light emitted by said fob, a vibration emitted by said fob or an auditory emission from said fob. The communication link indicated by 15 would typically be provided by an electric circuit. In a further embodiment of the invention, each compartment may contain mechanisms such as a wheel or bevel, which supports a number of mobile recharger heads.

In a further embodiment of the invention the locker will be attached to a frame that allows the locker to be securely mounted on a wall In a yet further embodiment of the invention the locker may be mounted on a stand.

In a yet further operational embodiment of the invention, the locker and its constituent components, including the compartments and the key, may provide surfaces to be used for advertising purposes. For example, said surfaces may be used to display static images using a variety of printed media. To give a further example, said surfaces may be used to display dynamic images with the aid of electronic image display. As a yet further example, the surfaces may be used to display advertising information displayed using a combination of static and dynamic display media. It will be clear a wide range of advertising opportunities are provided by the invention. The details of how the locker surfaces are to be used for advertising do not form part of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the number and disposition of the compartments within the locker will vary depending on the size and shape of the locker. The number and disposition of the compartments within the locker may also vary to accommodate the requirements of advertisers.

The invention does not rely on any particular type of component or material technology. The locker structure, compartment structure, key fob, recharger, and the sensor and wireless communications circuits may be fabricated using a range of standard components, materials and processes. Exemplary components and materials that could be used in a practical embodiment of the invention are summarised in the following paragraphs.

The basic locker structure would typically consist of a sheet metal back plate and a sheet metal electronics enclosure for housing the transformer. Exemplary sheet metal materials are manufactured by Oneto Metal Products Corporation (Sacramento, CA). The front cover could be formed from moulded fibreglass using fabrication processes provided by W. L. Cunliffe Limited (Skelmersdale, Lancashire, UK). The compartment could be fabricated from an injection-moulded polycarbonate using moulding processes such as those provided by Americhem Incorporated. (Cuyahoga Falls, OH). The compartment doors could be fabricated from injection-moulded polyurethane using moulding processes such as those provided by Armstrong Mold Corporation (East Syracuse, NY). The lock could be a classic coin operated lock as supplied by ASSA Limited (Croydon, Surrey, UK).

The key fob would typically consist of: a receiver; a vibrating motor of similar specification to the devices currently used in mobile phones and pagers such as the components supplied by Sanko Electric Company Limited. (Taichung Hsien, Taiwan), for example; one or more Light Emitting Diodes; an injection moulded plastic casing and a standard printed circuit board similar to those supplied by Advanced Circuits Incorporated (Aurora, CO).

The recharger circuit would typically consists of recharger heads such as the standard recharger components supplied by the Elcomm Accessories Company Limited (Shen Zhen, China), recharger leads also supplied by the Elcomm Accessories Company Limited and a standard transformer.

The sensor and wireless communication circuit would typically consist of a sound detector, a transmitter and a printed circuit board similar to the type supplied by Advanced Circuits Incorporated (Aurora, CO). A method of providing an integrated service for charging phones characterised by a secure storage compartment, suitable interfaces for recharging a range of phone types and means for alerting users to incoming calls while recharging is taking place in accordance with the basic principles of the invention is shown in FIG.5. Referring to the flow diagram 100, we see that the said method comprises the following steps.

At step 101 a mobile phone recharging locker comprising a plurality of individual recharging compartments with lockable doors, and a wireless transmitter is provided. Each said compartment comprises one or more substantially different mobile phone recharging adaptors, a locking mechanism, a key with a communications signal detecting fob attached to its body, a sensor operative to detect when a mobile telephone placed in said compartment receives a call or message, and a mechanism for receiving a coin deposit from a customer. At step 102 a coin deposit from said customer is received. At step 103 a compartment door is unlocked. At step 104 a mobile phone is attached one of said recharger heads. At step 105 the compartment key is released to the customer after customer closes and locks the compartment At step 106 the mobile phone recharge initiates. At step 107 an incoming call or text message is detected by means of said sensor. At step 108 a signal is transmitted from said sensor to said wireless transmitter. At step 109 a wireless signal is transmitted from said transmitter to said key fob. At step 1 10 an alerting signal is emitted from said key fob to advise the customer that they have received a phone call. At step 1 1 1 the key is reinserted when said customer returns to the locker. At step 1 12 the telephone is released from said recharger head.

In one operational embodiment of the invention based on FIG.5 the compartment is unlocked by the action of inserting a coin deposit (step 102). Insertion of the coin deposit into the payment slot also enables the key to be released after the compartment has been locked. The coin will be released from the refund slot after the compartment has been unlocked by reinserting the key. In an alternative operational embodiment of the invention based on FIG.5 the compartment key will be released after insertion of a deposit into the payment slot but the coin is retained, either within the compartment, or is routed to a secure centralised coin storage container.

An alternative method of providing an integrated service for charging phones characterised by a secure storage compartment, suitable interfaces for recharging a range of phone types and means for alerting users to incoming calls while recharging is taking place in accordance with the basic principles of the invention is shown in FIG.6. The procedure of FIG.6 is very similar to that of FIG.5 with the difference that the compartment is initially unlocked. The embodiment of FIG.6 is intended for applications in a reasonably secure environment, for example, in an attended area such as an airport lounge, or a hotel lobby. The main advantage of presenting the compartments initially unlocked is that potential customers may be more willing to use the locker if no advance payment is required. Referring to the flow diagram 200 in FIG.6, we see that the method comprises the following steps. At step 201 a mobile phone recharging locker comprising a plurality of individual recharging compartments with lockable doors, and a wireless transmitter is provided. Each said compartment comprises one or more substantially different mobile phone recharging adaptors, a locking mechanism, a key with a communications signal detecting fob attached to its body, a sensor operative to detect when a mobile telephone placed in said compartment receives a call or message, and a mechanism for receiving a coin deposit from a customer. At step 202 a compartment door is opened. At step 203 a mobile phone is attached to one of said recharger heads. At step 204 a coin deposit from said customer is received. At step 205 the compartment key is released to the customer after customer closes and locks the compartment At step 206 the mobile phone recharge initiates. At step 207 an incoming call or text message is detected by means of said sensor. At step 208 a signal is transmitted from said sensor to said wireless transmitter. At step 209 a wireless signal is transmitted from said transmitter to said key fob. At step 210 an alerting signal is emitted from said key fob to advise the customer that they have received a phone call. At step 21 1 the key is reinserted when said customer returns to the locker. At step 212 the telephone is released from said recharger head.

In one operational embodiment of the invention based on FIG.6 the compartment is initially unlocked, allowing the customer to simply open the compartment door. Insertion of the coin deposit into the payment slot then enables the key to be released after the compartment has been locked. The coin is released from the refund slot after the compartment has been unlocked by reinserting the key.

In an alternative operational embodiment of the invention based on FIG.6 the compartment key will be released after insertion of a deposit into the payment slot but the coin is retained, either within the compartment, or is routed to a secure centralised coin storage container.

A further alternative method of providing an integrated service for charging phones characterised by a secure storage compartment, suitable interfaces for recharging a range of phone types and means for alerting users to incoming calls while recharging is taking place in accordance with the basic principles of the invention is shown in FIG.7. The procedure of FIG.7 is very similar to that of FIG.5 & 6 with the difference that no mechanism for receiving payment is provided. The embodiment of FIG.7 is intended for applications where a payment mechanism is not required. For example, some businesses may offer mobile phone recharging as a free service without the need for a deposit or a payment. Referring to the flow diagram 300, we see that the method comprises the following steps. At step 301 a mobile phone recharging locker comprising a plurality of individual and a recharging compartments with lockable doors, and a wireless transmitter is provided. Each said compartment comprises one or more substantially different mobile phone recharging adaptors, a locking mechanism, a key with a communications signal detecting fob attached to its body, a sensor operative to detect when a mobile telephone placed in said compartment receives a call or message. At step 303 the compartment door is opened. At step 304 a mobile phone is attached to one of said recharger heads. At step 305 the key is released to the customer after said customer closes and locks cabinet. At step 306 the mobile phone recharge initiates. At step 307 an incoming call or text message is detected by means of said sensor. At step 308 a signal is transmitted from said sensor to a said wireless transmitter. At step 309 a wireless signal is transmitted from said transmitter to said key fob. At step 310 an alerting signal is emitted from said key fob to advise the customer that they have received a phone call. At step 311 the key is reinserted when said customer returns to the locker. At step 312 the telephone is released from said recharger head.

Although the invention has been described in relation to what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed arrangements, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent constructions included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A locker for recharging mobile telephone devices comprising: a source of electrical power, a plurality of individual recharging compartments with lockable doors, and at least one wireless signal transmitter; wherein each said compartment comprises: at least one substantially different mobile phone recharging adaptors disposed within said compartment; a locking mechanism operated by a key; a sound sensor disposed inside said compartment; said locker further comprising at least one wireless signal transmitter; and at least one communications link between each said sensor and said transmitter; wherein said key has a communications signal detecting fob attached to its body; wherein said sensor detects when a mobile telephone deposited in said compartment receives a call or message, wherein said sensor transmits a first signal to said transmitter via said communications link when a call or message has been detected; wherein said wireless transmitter emits a second signal after detection of said sensor signal; wherein said key fob is operative to emit an alerting signal after detecting said second signal.

2. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said locker further comprises a mechanism for receiving payment.

3. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said source of electrical power is provided by at least one transformer and an electrical mains supply wall plug.

The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said alerting signal is at least one of a flashing light emitted by said fob, a vibration emitted by said fob or an auditory emission from said fob

The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein each said recharging adaptor is applicable to a particular type of mobile telephone

The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said transmitter incorporates a processor operative to encode information about the compartment within which an incoming call is detected into the signal emitted by said transmitter

The apparatus of Claim 2 wherein said mechanism for receiving payment or deposits provides a coin payment slot and a coin refund slot

The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said locker further comprises a frame that allows said locker to be securely mounted on a wall

The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said communications link between each said sensor and said transmitter comprises an electrical circuit

The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said locker is mounted on a stand

The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said locker has surfaces that may be used for advertising purposes

The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said locker is made of at least one of wood, plastic or metal

The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said mobile recharger heads are supported by a wheel mechanism

The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said mobile recharger heads are supported by a bevel mechanism

15. A method of recharging mobile telephones comprising the steps of: (a) providing a mobile phone recharging locker comprising a wireless signal transmitter and a plurality of individual and recharging compartments with lockable doors, wherein each said compartment comprises: at least one substantially different mobile phone recharging adaptors; a locking mechanism; a key with a communications signal detecting fob attached to its body; and a sensor operative to detect when a mobile telephone placed in said compartment receives a call or message;

(b) opening the door of a compartment; (c) accepting attachment of a phone to one of said relevant recharger heads; (d) receiving a coin deposit from a customer; (e) locking said compartment door and releasing said key to said customer; (f) charging said mobile telephone; (g) detecting incoming call or text message by means of said sensor; (h) transmitting a signal from said sensor to a said wireless transmitter; (i) transmitting a wireless signal from said transmitter to said key fob; (j) emitting an alerting signal from said fob to advise said customer is alerted that they have received a phone call; (k) unlocking the door in response to the insertion of said key when said customer returns to the locker; and (1) releasing telephone from said recharger head.

16. The method of Claim 15 wherein said step of emitting an alerting signal from said fob uses at least one of a flashing light emitted by said fob, a vibration emitted by said fob or an auditory emission from said fob.

17. The method of Claim 15 wherein said step (d) of receiving a coin deposit from a customer is omitted.

18. A method of recharging mobile telephones comprising the steps of: (a) providing a mobile phone recharging locker comprising a wireless signal transmitter and a plurality of individual and a recharging compartments with lockable doors, wherein each said compartment comprises: at least one substantially different mobile phone recharging adaptors; a locking mechanism; a key with a communications signal detecting fob attached to its body; a sensor operative to detect when a mobile telephone placed in said compartment; receives a call or message; and a mechanism for receiving a coin deposit from a customer;

(b) receiving a coin deposit for the use of a compartment from a customer; (c) unlocking the door of said compartment; (d) accepting attachment of a phone to one of said relevant recharger heads; (e) locking said compartment door and releasing said key to said customer; (f) charging said mobile telephone; (g) detecting incoming call or text message by means of said sensor; (h) transmitting a signal from said sensor to a said wireless transmitter; (i) transmitting a wireless signal from said transmitter to said key fob; (j) emitting an alerting signal from said fob to advise said customer is alerted that they have received a phone call; (k) unlocking the door in response to the insertion of said key when said customer returns to the locker; and (1) releasing telephone from said recharger head.

19. The method of Claim 18 wherein said step of emitting an alerting signal from said fob uses at least one of a flashing light emitted by said fob, a vibration emitted by said fob or an auditory emission from said fob.