Ericofon

The Ericofon, also known as the cobra phone, is a one-piece plastic telephone designed by Ericsson of Sweden. Its distinctive design, where the dial or keypad and handset are integrated into a single unit, made it a significant design innovation in telephone technology. Originally introduced in 1954, it was initially targeted at hospitals due to its ease of cleaning. Full-scale production for the public began in 1956.

The Ericofon's aesthetic appeal and functionality set it apart from traditional telephones. Rather than a separate base and handset, the user simply picked up the entire phone to make a call. The base contained the dial (later a keypad) and internal components.

Over its production run, the Ericofon underwent several design modifications, including changes to the materials used and the switch mechanism. It was produced in a wide range of colors, adding to its popularity as a stylish household item. While ultimately not achieving the dominance of standard telephone designs, the Ericofon is considered a classic example of mid-century modern industrial design and remains a sought-after collectible. Its design influenced later telephone designs and contributed to the evolution of telecommunications technology.