Abstract: A flexible circuit having improved tear resistance is provided. A flexible circuit, made of polyimide film, includes at least one extension which needs to be folded. To prevent tearing, an annular piece of metal, like an exposed copper pad for example, is placed at the apex of the bend angle. A second metal is then deposited atop the annular piece of metal, thereby reinforcing the annular piece of metal. The reinforced annular piece of metal helps to prevent the flexible circuit from tearing when shearing forces are applied to the extension. Experimental results have shown that the invention provides as much as a 285% increase in tear resistance when compared to prior art flexible circuits.

Abstract: An apparatus for spacing a battery cell includes a cradle member having a top surface, that defines a first indentation, and an opposite bottom surface. The cradle member also has a first ledge portion and an opposite second ledge portion. At least one first cantilever beam extends from the top surface. The first cantilever beam has a first base portion having a first top end and a spaced-apart first bottom end. The first bottom end is connected to the cradle member adjacent the first ledge portion. The first cantilever beam also has a first flexible elongated arm portion extending from the first top end. The first flexible elongated arm portion is directed toward the indentation and has a length sufficient to exert inwardly-directed radial force in a first direction on the battery cell when the battery cell is placed into the indentation. At least one second cantilever beam extends from the top surface.

Abstract: A vibration reducing radio speaker assembly (100) located within a radio housing (101). The radio speaker assembly (100) includes a speaker grommet (105) having an aperture (111) and notched portions (115) which extend along the lateral sides of the grommet (105). The grommet (105) holds a speaker (103) and frictionally engages within the aperture located in the interior of the grommet (105) while the notched portions (115) frictionally engage with rib member (119) which protrude from the radio housing (101). The speaker assembly (100) provides reduced acoustic vibration and enhances audio quality since the speaker (103) is not directly fastened to the radio housing (101).

Abstract: A latch (16) for latching or locking a battery housing (14) to a portable radio housing (12) automatically locks into place when it is placed in the radio, and automatically ejects the battery housing when it is unlocked. The latch is movable from a first position, in which the battery housing is locked to the portable radio, to a second position, in which the battery housing is unlocked from the radio, and movable from the second position to the first position. The latch comprises a spring biasing apparatus (18) for attaching the latch to the housing, retainer apparatus (22) for locking the battery housing to the radio, and a spring finger member (20) for ejecting the battery housing from the radio housing when the latch is moved from the first to the second position.

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 portable two-way radio includes a radio portion and a battery removably attached to the radio portion. The radio portion includes an opening that is accessible when the battery is removed. An electronic card is received by the radio portion through the opening. When reassembled, the battery retains the electronic card in the radio portion.

Abstract: A retaining washer (100) prevents the rotation of a D-shaped shaft (106) which is mounted in a round hole (105a) of a housing (105). The retaining washer includes a substantially flat washer (101) having a hole (101a). A tapered tab (102) includes a wide end (102a) and a narrow end (102b). The tab is attached to the flat washer at the wide end such that the tab is substantially perpendicular to the flat washer. A gusset (103) is attached between the tab and the flat washer. The gusset includes a lower edge (103a) which is positioned at an obtuse angle (104) relative to the flat washer. The gusset indents into the housing (105b) and the tab is forced against the flat portion (106b) of the D-shaped shaft. The upper left and right edges of the tab cut into the wall of the housing hole (105c and 105d).