Abstract: A handheld communication device includes a screen to receive input from and provide graphical output to a user, a processor to execute machine readable instructions and control operation of the device, a computer readable medium to store the machine readable instructions, an energy storage device to power the screen, processor, and computer readable medium, and a substantially planar electrically conductive member positioned between the screen, processor, and computer readable medium on one hand and the energy storage device on the other. The conductive member engages a first side of the energy storage device and comprises a flexible tab extending from the first side of the energy storage device, around a side of the energy storage device, and to a second terminal on an opposing second side of the energy storage device.

Abstract: A housing for a handheld computing device can include an outer shell having a base and a sidewall connected to a periphery of the base, the sidewall having a port configured to receive a button and the outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface and a backing plate connected to the inner surface of the outer shell, the backing plate having a front edge and a rear edge, the front edge being positioned a predetermined height above the base, the rear edge being positioned adjacent to the base, the backing plate being positioned adjacent to the sidewall having the port and spaced apart from the sidewall by a predetermined distance to provide rigidity to the button and to define a datum for positioning a component within the housing.

Abstract: A housing for a handheld computing device can include an outer shell having a base and a sidewall connected to a periphery of the base, the sidewall having a port configured to receive a button and the outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface and a backing plate connected to the inner surface of the outer shell, the backing plate having a front edge and a rear edge, the front edge being positioned a predetermined height above the base, the rear edge being positioned adjacent to the base, the backing plate being positioned adjacent to the sidewall having the port and spaced apart from the sidewall by a predetermined distance to provide rigidity to the button and to define a datum for positioning a component within the housing.

Abstract: A snap hinge assembly for rotatably connecting a flip cover to a portable phone housing has only two parts, a hinge pin and a spring. The hinge pin is rotatably mounted in the housing and secured to the cover so as to rotate with the cover as it is opened and closed, and has a cam portion for engaging the spring. The spring is anchored in the housing and has a bearing portion for bearing against the cam portion as the pin rotates with the cover. The shape of the cam portion is such that the bearing portion is resiliently biased as the hinge pin rotates, and released at a predetermined orientation so as to snap the cover into either the open or closed position, depending on the direction of rotation of the pin. The cover is held by the engaging spring and cam surfaces in the open or closed position until positively urged towards the opposite end position.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus has relatively rotatable first and second parts, one of which is adapted to be secured to the phone housing and the other of which is adapted to be secured to a cover. One of the parts comprises a cam and the other comprises a follower, the cam having end stops corresponding to an open and a closed position of the cover relative to the housing, and a convex surface between the end stops to provide initial resistance to rotation of the cover out of the open and closed positions. The parts are spring loaded such that the cover is snapped into the open and closed positions, respectively, once the follower passes the arcuate surface of the cam.

Abstract: A shielding assembly (102) for shielding an electronic circuit (108) disposed on a substrate (107) includes traces (118) and a shield (200). The traces (118) are disposed on the substrate (107) about the electronic circuit (108). The shield (200) includes leads (214, 218) for attachment to the traces (118). The shield (200) is attached to the traces (118) such that some of the leads (218), which are staggered, attach to the traces (118) in a nonconsecutive manner. An additional shield (201) including alternately staggered leads (222) can be adjacently attached to the previously attached shield (200). This is accomplished by attaching the alternately staggered leads (222) of the additional shield (201) to those traces that are between the traces attached to the previously attached shield (200).

Abstract: A switch for a card reader assembly forming a portion of a radio transceiver. The switch is operative responsive to positioning of a card member at a support position of the card reader assembly. The switch is operative to move out of a first switch position and into a second switch position responsive to actuation forces exerted upon the switch by the card member. The actuation forces are exerted by the card member to position the switch at the second switch position only when the card member is positioned at the support position. A lever arm of the switch includes a force receiving surface for receiving actuation forces generated by the card member when positioned thereagainst. Application of the actuation forces generates twisting moments to cause pivotal movement of the lever arm about a pivot arm.