Patents by Inventor Gary D. Spence

Gary D. Spence has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6488425
    Abstract: An electronics device having a removable bezel to facilitate cleaning of a keypad structure. The electronics device includes a housing that defines and encloses an interior of the electronics device. Keys included in a keypad structure are formed on a surface of the housing in a manner such that spaces may exist between the keys and the housing. A pliable structure is positioned over and substantially conforms to the keys and the adjacent portions of the housing so as to cover the opening near the keys and to further seal the housing. A removable bezel covers the keypad structure, including at least a portion of the pliable structure. The bezel has openings through which the keys extend, permitting users to depress keys while the bezel is positioned on the electronics device. The bezel, in combination with the keys, provides a keypad surface that enables users to conveniently enter information into the electronics device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Juniper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. Spence, Jeffery D. Ricks
  • Patent number: 6421234
    Abstract: Electronics devices having a housing with ergonomic features that enhance the ability of a user to hold the electronics devices for extended periods of time using different grips. The housing has a middle gripping region that is narrower than a top section and a bottom section positioned to either side of the gripping region. A keypad structure is positioned at the middle gripping section on a front surface of the housing. The back surface of the housing has a depression positioned generally at the midline of the housing. The depression engages the fingertips, the palm, or other portions of the hand when the user holds the electronics device. Rounded corners where the lateral surface of the housing meet the front surface and the back surface contribute to the user's comfort when holding the electronics device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Juniper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Ricks, Gary D. Spence, Ronald H. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6407911
    Abstract: Portable electronics devices having a sealed housing and an expansion port that does not interfere with the sealed nature of the housing. The housing has a front portion and a back portion connected one to another at a sealed interface. The sealed interface can include a pliable gasket that conforms to both the front and back portions, making the housing substantially watertight. Near the distal end of the electronics device, where the expansion port is formed, the sealed interface is displaced toward the front of the housing. The expansion port can thereby be positioned behind the sealed interface such that the expansion port does not straddle or interfere with the sealed interface. Because the expansion port does not interfere with the sealed interface, the gasket can have a relatively simple shape. The electronics device can accept expansion cards and devices while maintaining the integrity of the sealed housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Juniper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. Spence, Jeffery D. Ricks