Abstract: A vibrator assembly (100) for a radio (200) having a transducer (110) includes a front housing (102) having first and second recessed cavities (104, 106) within which a vibrator (108) and transducer (110) are seated. A unitary molded pad (122) is configured to cover the vibrator (108) and a portion of the transducer (110). When a bezel (128) is attached to the front housing (102) of the radio, the unitary molded pad (122) is compressed against the vibrator (108) to provide increased rigidity of the vibrator within the first recessed cavity (104). The unitary molded pad (122) transfers vibrations emanating from vibrator (108) to the radio surface while providing a seal about the transducer (110).

Abstract: A display module (100) includes a light pipe (140), a liquid crystal display (LCD) module (130), a lens cover (110), and a gasket (120), which are mated together to form a sealed assembly. The LCD module (130) and gasket (120) are captured between the lens cover(110) and light pipe (140), such that the gasket (120) provides a seal between the lens cover (110) and the LCD module (130). Preferably, the gasket (120) has at least one integrally formed button (122) that protrudes through a buttonhole (112) on the lens cover (110) to provide for external actuation of a switch (152) within the display module assembly (100).

Abstract: A battery package (100) includes a latch (106) for easy attachment to a radio (402). Engagement of the battery package (100) to the radio is accomplished via matching a plurality of retaining rails (110) via notches (112) with a plurality of opposing and complementary retaining rails on the radio (402). A simple sliding motion locks the latch (106) to the radio (402). Disengagement requires little force as the latch (106) is depressed in the same direction as the battery package (100) is slid down. The battery comes to a stop when an alignment of the notches (112) with the radio retaining rails has taken place. An effortless lift separates the battery package (100) from the radio (402).

Abstract: A battery (100) includes charging contacts (102) having a number of exposed planes (104, 106, and 108) for versatility charging battery cells (112) via a number of charging configurations (402 and 502). Three different charging embodiments; a radio charging structure (302), a vertical charging apparatus (502) and a horizontal charger (402) are presented. These chargers may be conveniently designed without limiting their versatility as is commonly imposed by contact limitations experienced with battery packages of the prior art.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes an internally mounted circuit substrate (110) having a surface (111) with mounted electrical components (130), including a flat switch (132) having a direction of actuation (201) substantially perpendicular to the surface. The electronic device (100) includes an actuator button (150) with an externally accessible user interface portion (151) and an internally positioned actuator member (155). The actuator member (155) is pivotable from a first position adjacent to the switch (132), to a second position engaging and actuating the switch (132) when the user interface portion (151) is depressed. Preferably, the actuator button (150) is attached to a device housing member (121, 122) using an integrally formed shaft (180) that provides a spring bias return force for the button (150) when depressed.

Abstract: The PTT assembly (100) self locates and then locks a back support plate (106) and switches (146, 148) directly to an inner surface (134) of a housing wall (132). On the outer surface (136) of the housing wall (132), keypad plungers (116) self locate through holes (140) in the housing wall. The perimeter of the keypad itself is retained by a bezel (110) that snaps into the housing (132). A hook (130) extends from the bezel (110) to lock and fix the travel distance of the plungers (116) to the switches (146, 148). With the back support plate (106) firmly in place, the keypad actuation force remains consistent since the travel distance of the plungers (116) to the switches (146, 148) is fixed by the hook (130) length. Additionally, the back support plate (106) supports the switches without bowing under the applied plunger force further ensuring a consistent actuation force.

Abstract: A shield (100) includes a raw sheet metal part (102) that is formed to include a tab 108 along with its biasing feature (110) at one end and a locating slot (114) at the other. This sheet metal part (102) is bent to form, whereby the tab (108) is engaged into the locating slot (114). The engagement of the tab (108) into the locating slot (114) is accompanied by the biasing feature (110) forcing the shield (100) to maintain a coplanar surface. The coplanarity of the shield (100) provides for an optimum soldering of the shield (100) to a circuit carrying substrate (300).

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes an attached door cover (150) having a speaker (160) with an integral speaker magnet (165) that is used as an actuator for a magnetically enable switch (130) positioned within the housing (115) of the electronic device (100). The door cover (150) is movable between a first position adjacent to the housing (115), and a second position having at least a portion of the door cover (150) away from the housing (115) and the switch (130) is actuated magnetically by the speaker magnet (165) when the door cover (150) is in the first position. Preferably, the speaker magnet (165) helps to latch the door cover (150) closed. Additionally, the door cover (150) is preferably detachable from the housing (115) of the electronic device (100) and is user replaceable.

Abstract: Metallized contacts (102, 104) electrically interconnect two substrates (202, 204). Each metallized contact (102, 104) includes a stationary base member (106, 130) and a compressible member (112, 128) extending from the stationary base member. At least one retaining wall (118, 124) is used to retain each of the compressible members (112, 128) to prevent shorting between each of the metallized contacts (102, 104).

Abstract: First and second shielding portions (110, 112) formed of electroless plated plastic enclose a radio frequency (RF) board (108). Bosses (148) extend from inner surfaces (130, 142) of the first and second shielding portions (110, 112) to make contact with compressible ground clip members (126) located on the RF board (108).

Abstract: An electronic device (100) has a housing (110), and a shielded keypad interface (150) for actuating a switch (285, 290) accessible through an opening (115) within the housing (110). The keypad interface (150) has a key surface (265) that is aligned with the opening (115) and with the switch (285, 290). A conductive layer (250) between the key surface (265) and the switch (285, 290) covers the opening (115). The conductive layer (250) is electrically isolated from the switch (285, 290), and coupled to electrical ground (255) to provide an electrical shield for the keypad interface (150).

Abstract: An antenna assembly (300) includes an antenna nut (100) which is reflow soldered onto a printed circuit board (202). First and second radio housing members (302, 304) provide additional support to the antenna nut (100).

Abstract: An assembly for electrically interconnecting a printed circuit board (106) to a flexible circuit carrier (104) includes a retention clip (102) for mechanically pressing the printed circuit board (106) against the flexible circuit carrier (104). The printed circuit board (106) includes a set of locating features (110) which match with locating features (116) located on the flexible circuit (104). A set of retention features (114) match up with side locks (122) located on the retention clip) and maintain the clip (102) engaged to the printed circuit board (106) in a mechanically biased state. The clip (102) also includes alignment apertures (118) for receiving the locating features (110) on the printed circuit board to aid in alignment of the assembly.

Abstract: A carry holder (100) includes a housing (110) having a pocket (120) for receiving a portable product (160), and a latching mechanism (130, 140, 150) to help secure the portable product (160) within the pocket (120). The latching mechanism (130, 140, 150) includes a latch retainer (130), integral to the housing (110), a latch (140) formed to engage the latch retainer (130), and an elastic member (150) having a portion (152) mechanically coupled to the latch (140), and another portion (153) mechanically coupled to the housing (110). The latch (140) and elastic member (150) are pivotable about the pocket (120) such that latch (140) is selectively engageable with the latch retainer (130) to secure the portable product (160) within the pocket (120).

Abstract: A battery cradle (130) is provided for securing a battery (117)within a battery compartment (120). The battery cradle (130) includes a frame member (131) having a cavity (141) to receive the battery (117). The frame member (131) is formed to fit a portion of the battery compartment (120) and has a peripherally located seal (146) to seal the battery compartment (120).

Abstract: A carry case for a portable hand held appliance such as a radio unit is disclosed which is constructed of a soft resilient shock absorbing material and includes a retainer bracket of semirigid material affixed to the interior back wall of the case. This bracket includes a self locating means for centering the portable appliance within the case and a latch means spring biased to locate and retain the portable appliance within the carry case. The radio may be removed by a user's hand contacting an upwardly extending flange to clear the latch means and permit the radio to be removed from the case.