Abstract: A unique apparatus for coupling radio frequency (RF) signals from a wireless communication device (200) to an external device by way of an I/O port (116). In particular, a connector having three adjacent contact elements (238) couples signals to an external device wherein the first and third contact elements (239, 241) are electrically coupled to a ground plane (302) and wherein the second or middle contact element (240) is electrically coupled to a conductive RF signal path (344). The ground plane and the conductive path (334) are preferably on a printed circuit (pc) board which is preferably a three layer board with the conductive path (334) located between two ground planes (302, 352). The connector is substantially covered with a shield (230) coupled by legs (248) to the ground plane (302) at apertures (332). A mating connector (400) also includes a shield (430) which is commonly grounded.

Abstract: A novel portable electronic device including a first housing portion (106) having a first battery (135) integrally associated with the first housing portion and a second housing portion (104) having a second battery (102) operatively coupled to an external surface of the second housing portion. Also, a method for coupling power to a portable electronic device comprises steps of providing a recessed region in a first housing portion for receiving a first battery and operatively coupling a second battery to an external surface of a second housing portion.

Abstract: A novel portable electronic device comprising a first housing portion (106) having a first battery (135) integrally associated with said first housing portion and a second housing portion (104) having a second battery (102) operatively coupled to an external surface of the second housing portion. Also, a method for coupling power to a portable electronic device comprises steps of providing a recessed region in a first housing portion for receiving a first battery and operatively coupling a second battery to an external surface of a second housing portion.

Abstract: A unique method and apparatus effectively routes conductors such as conductors on a flex strip (402) through a hinge of a foldable electronic device (100) such portable cellular radiotelephone or some other wireless communication device. In particular, a cylinder (118) is rotatably mounted within the hinge portion of a housing (104). The cylinder preferably includes a slot for receiving a distal end portion (414) of the flex strip which is also inserted into a slot (310) in the other housing (102) of the foldable electronic device. The method and apparatus of the present invention enables the flex strip to be routed between the two moveable housings and the housing elements to move with respect to one another without being damaged.

Abstract: A latching mechanism (160) disposed on an accessory (102) for attaching the accessory (102) to a portable device (100) includes a support (164) and a latch (162) disposed about opposite ends (150, 152) that mate with first and second portions (206 and 300, 302) of a retaining device (123) disposed about opposite ends (112, 122) of the portable device (100). The support (164) includes feet (412, 414) having prongs (420) that face a hooked end (404) of the latch (162). The latch (162) includes a spring (502, 510) coupled to the hooked end (404) such that when the latch (162) is extended, the hooked end (404) exerts a force (700) on the first portion (206) of the retaining device (123) drawing the support (164) into abutment with the second portion (300, 302) of the retaining device (123). The exerted force (700), which is in a plane parallel to a front surface (146) of the accessory (102) extending between the ends (150, 152) thereof, maintains the accessory (102) in attachment with the portable device (100).

Abstract: A battery charger (100) includes a charging pocket (112) capable of receiving either a first battery (102) in a first orientation or a second battery (104) in a second orientation. The charging pocket (112) includes a first set of contacts (170) and a second set of contacts (152). The contacts (172-175) of the first set of contacts (170) have a first spacing so as to mate with contacts (187) disposed on the first battery (102) when the first battery (102) is inserted into the charging pocket (112). The contacts (154-157) of the second set of contacts (152) have a second spacing so as to mate with contacts (199) disposed on the second battery (104) when the second battery (104) is inserted into the charging pocket (112). By providing two sets of contacts (170, 152) in a single charging pocket (112), the battery charger (100) can charge batteries (102, 104) having dissimilarly positioned contacts.