Abstract: Electronic devices may be provided with one or more electrical components that may be coupled to one or more circuit boards by flexible circuits that can have reduced ground lengths. Each flexible circuit can include at least one ground conductor that may run along its length and that may have at least one portion exposed for coupling to a grounding element that may also be coupled to a ground plane.

Abstract: A handheld device may include one or more antennas and a connector both disposed at a base of the handheld device. The connector may have a shell comprising a conductive material. The connector shell may include at least one opening in a portion of the conductive material to reduce electromagnetic interference between the connector shell and the one or more antennas.

Abstract: One embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a “plug-in” button module for a personal digital assistant (PDA). Specifically, the “plug-in” button module includes a button frame module having a membrane layer (e.g., thermo-plastic urethane or thermo-plastic elastomer) molded over it. The plug-in module can be snapped into the PDA over its button array. In this manner, the plug-in button module provides a seal for the buttons of the PDA that restricts dirt, grim, and other foreign particles from getting underneath them. Furthermore, since the plug-in button module is modular, it can be manufactured separately from the rest of the PDA in a wide variety of ways. For example, the membrane layer of the plug-in button module can be fabricated with different shapes, colors, hardnesses, decorations, textures, and opacities. In this manner, a user is able to personalize their PDA by snapping in a particular plug-in button module.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism is provided to couple an accessory device with a handheld computer. The attachment mechanism includes a spine adapted to detachably couple to an accessory slot of the handheld computer. The spine includes a deformable layer that deforms as the spine inserts into the accessory slot. The deformable layer expands within the accessory slot to couple the accessory device to the handheld computer.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides for a housing having a first shell, a midframe, and a second shell. The first shell and the second shell each providing an exterior surface to the handheld computer. The housing is formed by coupling a cap to the midframe to form a portion of the housing. The portion of the housing is coupled to the first shell, and to the second shell.

Abstract: One embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a nested flip cover lid for a portable computing system such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). Specifically, the nested flip cover lid includes an accessory rail spine, a hinge and a rigid material that is fabricated to nest within the top cover parameter bevels surrounding the display device of the portable computing system. Therefore, the nested flip cover of the portable computing system is designed and fabricated in order to add a minimal amount of thickness (e.g., 1 millimeter) to the overall portable computing system package. Furthermore, the nested flip cover may also be integrated with a latching mechanism in order to secure the nested flip cover closed when the portable computing system is not being used. In this manner, the latching mechanism keeps the nested flip cover aligned with the outer parameter of the portable computing system.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides for a housing having a first shell, a midframe, and a second shell. The first shell and the second shell each providing an exterior surface to the handheld computer. The housing is formed by coupling a cap to the midframe to form a portion of the housing. The portion of the housing is coupled to the first shell, and to the second shell.

Abstract: A housing cap is provided for a handheld computer. The housing cap includes a structure having a length extending along a first axis and a height extending along a second axis. The structure includes a first exterior surface, a first strip and a second strip. The first exterior surface extends along the first axis, the first strip and the second strip each extending along the first axis and having a thickness. The first strip is dimensioned to adjoin an interior of the first exterior shell. The second strip is dimensioned to adjoin an interior of the second exterior shell. The structure includes an interior partially enclosed by the first exterior surface. The first strip and the second strip form an opening extending along the length of the housing cap opposite to the exterior surface. The opening is dimensioned to accommodate an antenna element and a segment of the frame for the handheld computer.

Abstract: A housing cap is provided for a handheld computer. The housing cap includes a structure having a length extending along a first axis and a height extending along a second axis. The structure includes a first exterior surface, a first strip and a second strip. The first exterior surface extends along the first axis, the first strip and the second strip each extending along the first axis and having a thickness. The first strip is dimensioned to adjoin an interior of the first exterior shell. The second strip is dimensioned to adjoin an interior of the second exterior shell. The structure includes an interior partially enclosed by the first exterior surface. The first strip and the second strip form an opening extending along the length of the housing cap opposite to the exterior surface. The opening is dimensioned to accommodate an antenna element and a segment of the frame for the handheld computer.

Abstract: A handheld computer is provided including a housing and a device slot formed into the housing. The device slot is configured to receive an elongated member. The flex member includes an internal structure to allow the elongated member to bend, while supporting the elongated member from yielding.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism is provided to couple an accessory device with a handheld computer. The attachment mechanism includes a spine adapted to detachably couple to an accessory slot of the handheld computer. The spine includes a deformable layer that deforms as the spine inserts into the accessory slot. The deformable layer expands within the accessory slot to couple the accessory device to the handheld computer.

Abstract: A handheld computer is provided including a housing and a device slot formed into the housing. The device slot is configured to receive an elongated member. The flex member includes an internal structure to allow the elongated member to bend, while supporting the elongated member from yielding.

Abstract: A garment and method for its use, a covering such as a poncho or an anorak, designed to enable a backpacker to don the covering while he or she is wearing a backpack. The garment incorporates a belt with an integrally-formed pouch where the covering garment is stored. The pouch is worn about the waist of the user with the pouch at the front. Where the garment is an anorak, it is open in the back. To use, the user unfolds the garment from the pouch and dons the garment from the rear. There is a slide fastener in the back of the unfurled garment, allowing the user to close the back of the garment after it has covered the backpack.