Abstract: A portable telephone includes a multi-function key-switch unit in which a key top is operated in a plurality of directions. The multi-function key-switch unit comprises a stick switch which comprises a switch body and a stick projecting from the switch body, and the approximately cylindrical key top which is attached to the stick. The key top has a stopper portion provided on the bottom surface thereof, the stopper portion coming into contact with the switch body when the key top is operated to more than a predetermined degree so as to prevent the key top from inclining more than a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for use in a portable telephone in which a foldable lid is rotatably supported by the hinge mechanism to rotate the foldable lid between an opened position and a closed position, includes a rotary shaft on which the lid is rotatably supported. A first spring, fitted to the shaft, generates a biasing force to rotate the lid on the shaft in a first direction from the closed position to the opened position. A second spring, fitted to the shaft, generates a biasing force to rotate the lid on the shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction after the lid is further rotated from the opened position in the first direction. A first stopper restricts a rotation of the shaft in the first direction to cancel the biasing force of the first spring when the lid is further rotated on the shaft in the first direction from the opened position.

Abstract: A battery charger for use with a portable telephone set and capable of charging both a battery pack mounted on the telephone set and a battery pack as a discrete unit. The case of the battery charger comprises a concave portion on the top thereof, a first convex portion at one end of the top and a second convex portion at the other end of the top. The concave portion of the top engages with a convex portion of the first battery pack. The first convex portion engages with a concave portion of the portable telephone set. The second convex portion engages with a concave portion common to the first battery pack and the second battery pack. Inside the case is a printed circuit board having charging circuits. A pair of charging terminals electrically connected to the charging circuits protrude from the case top. The battery charger further includes a battery pack holder removably attached to the case, the holder holding the battery pack from above to prevent its dislodging from the case.