Abstract: A wireless communications device, such as a cellular telephone, is provided with a torsional hinging mechanism for rotatably coupling a flip cover to the device's main body. The torsional hinging mechanism both minimizes lateral loading and causes the flip cover to automatically assume the open position when released. One, and preferably two, torsional axles interconnect the main body to the flip cover. One end of the torsional axle is engaged by the main body so as to prevent relative rotation therebetween, for example by fitting the end through a retaining slit in the main body. The opposite end of the torsional axle is engaged by the flip cover so as to prevent relative rotation therebetween, for example by fitting a keyed end into a keyed hole. When the flip cover is in the closed position, the torsional axle is rotationally loaded so as to urge the flip cover towards the open position.

Abstract: A cover for a housing is maintained in a fixed position with respect to the housing by a latch arrangement that has at least one edge surface disposed along one edge of a flange which engages a mating surface on the housing when the cover is assembled with the housing. The other side of the flange is integrally formed with an elongated beam that is attached to the cover structure. The elongated beam is torsionally loaded upon assembly of the cover with the housing, and provides a bias force on the edge surface of the flange to maintain the forcible engagement of the edge surface with a mating surface of the housing. The latch arrangement combines the cost effectiveness and space efficiency characteristics of plastic latch designs with the durability, dependability and tactile qualities of mechanical spring arrangements.

Abstract: A radiotelephone having an asymmetric hinge configuration includes a housing having a door member, a handset member, and an asymmetric hinge connected to the door and handset members for enabling rotation therebetween about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to a plane bisecting the door member but preventing axial translation therebetween. The radiotelephone further includes a radiotelephone transceiver and a microphone positioned within the housing. The microphone is located on the pivot axis. The asymmetric hinge is configured so that the door and handset members are rotatable between a closed position, in which the door member overlies the handset member, and an operative open position, in which the handset member and the door member define an angle of between about 100 and 160 degrees.

Abstract: A cover for a housing is maintained in a fixed position with respect to the housing by a latch arrangement that has at least one edge surface disposed along one edge of a flange which engages a mating surface on the housing when the cover is assembled with the housing. The other side of the flange is integrally formed with an elongated beam that is attached to the cover structure. The elongated beam is torsionally loaded upon assembly of the cover with the housing, and provides a bias force on the edge surface of the flange to maintain the forcible engagement of the edge surface with a mating surface of the housing. The latch arrangement combines the cost effectiveness and space efficiency characteristics of plastic latch designs with the durability, dependability and tactile qualities of mechanical spring arrangements.

Abstract: A hinge configuration particularly suitable for use with a radiotelephone includes: an arcuate hinge body having a predetermined body length, a predetermined body thickness and a predetermined radius of curvature; and a pair of arms, a respective one of which is attached to and extends away from a respective end of the arcuate hinge body, the pair of arms each having predetermined arm lengths and predetermined arm thicknesses. The arms are pivotally mounted on a housing such that the arms twist upon pivotal movement of the arcuate hinge body relative to the housing. At least one of the predetermined body length, predetermined body thickness, predetermined radius of curvature, predetermined arm lengths and predetermined arm thicknesses should be selected to induce preferential deflection in the arcuate hinge body relative to the pair of arms upon twisting thereof during pivotal movement of the hinge body so that the arms resist fracture during such repeated pivotal movement.