Moveable Or Removeable Element (e.g., Cover) Patents (Class 379/433.11)
  • Patent number: 7239700
    Abstract: An electronic radiotelephone comprising: a first housing; a second housing releasably attachable to the first housing to meet with the first housing around the periphery of the radiotelephone; and retaining means comprising a cover for holding the electronic components of the radiotelephone to the first housing when the second housing is released from attachment with the first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Fuhrmann, Annett Ortscheid, Dirk Umbach, Ricky William Barnett, Terence Johnson, Mark Robert Mason, Bruce Samuels, Tony Horne
  • Patent number: 7236588
    Abstract: An assembly for a mobile terminal, or a portable electronic device such as a cellular telephone or a personal digital assistant, is provided that includes a chassis with a locking perimeter and at least one covering, such as a front and/or a rear cover, with a locking edge. A cover may include a void or window for viewing a display of the electronic device and a keymat to control the electronic device. The chassis may include a convex groove in which a bracelet or wrap may be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Julian Gartrell
  • Patent number: 7224381
    Abstract: When a call-up is generated, an data type identifying unit of a CPU identifies the type of data type information which is appended as a header to received data as one of sound data, text data, and image and sound data, and displays the type on a display unit comprising a monitor. When the type is sound data or text data, an application for executing a corresponding telephone function or data communication function is activated via the user line connection. When the type is image and sound data, an application for executing a corresponding visual telephone function is activated after line connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 7203529
    Abstract: A bar type portable wireless terminal includes a lower body installed at its one side surface with a camera lens unit, and at the other surface an image reproduction device is adapted to output images captured by the camera lens unit, and an upper body coupled to an upper end of the lower body so that it is rotatable in a twisting direction relative to a rotation axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the lower body, the upper body being installed at its front surface with a display device adapted to enable the output of the images captured by the camera lens unit. The portable wireless terminal can be used as a digital image device and functions as portable phone, PDA and so on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Kwon Kim, Chang-Soo Lee, Seung-Min Park, Jun-Sang Park, Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 7197140
    Abstract: A sound baffle attached to a telephone handset comprises a pair of telescopically connected members shaped and dimensioned to act as a sound guide in combination with a reflecting cover plate that can be obliquely adjusted to direct the sound waves emitted by the user toward the handset microphone, and to muffle his conversation to the surroundings for improved privacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: V. Frank Asaro
  • Patent number: 7197344
    Abstract: A mobile telephone battery cover locking mechanism includes at least one latching member and at least one spring loaded locking member adapted to securely engage the latching member at one end when the latching member is fully inserted in at least one spacing provided at that end. The latching member forces the spring loaded locking member to move against its spring bias when the latching member is being inserted in the spacing with the spring loaded locking member having moved under its spring bias when the latching member is fully inserted in the spacing. The spring loaded locking member may be moved against its spring bias to allow the fully inserted latching member to disengage from the spring loaded locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung-Woong Ahn, Yun-Taek Jung
  • Patent number: 7194291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective mask of mobile phone comprising an upper cover body and a lower cover body. The upper and lower cover bodies can be joined with a front and a rear phone housings of a mobile phone, respectively, to effectively prevent abrasion of the mobile phone due to carelessness of a user, thereby preventing ill-favored scars on the mobile phone. Therefore, the deterioration of the quality of the mobile phone and the fall of its value can be avoided. Moreover, trend and fashion of the mobile phone can be achieved without the need of replacing the mobile phone. Therefore, waste of money can be avoided, and economic burden to the user can be lessened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Kuan-Lin Peng
  • Patent number: 7185818
    Abstract: A system that facilitates desirable orientation of a display on a machine data reader comprises a keypad that is moveable with respect to a body of the machine data reader, the keypad utilized to relay information to the machine data reader. The system further comprises a component that senses a position of the keypad, and a component that orients the display based at least in part upon the sensed position of the keypad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dominick H. Salvato
  • Patent number: 7187951
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile telephone in which content displayed in an auxiliary display area is operatively associated with content displayed in a main display area to make possible more effective utilization of the auxiliary display area. A function that presents a display in the main display area and a function that presents a display in the auxiliary display area can be selected to be the same function, whereby the content displayed in the main display area and the content displayed in the auxiliary display area can be operatively associated at all times. Accordingly, a function for which a display is being presented in the main display area is capable of utilizing the auxiliary display area, thereby making it possible to utilize the auxiliary display area effectively irrespective of whether the mobile telephone is open or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Sou Kaida
  • Patent number: 7151911
    Abstract: A portable communication device which is improved in operationality for taking pictures of a landscape and the like by its camera, and ensures excellent portability. The portable communication device comprises: a main body which has an operation section including operation keys and buttons on its main surface; a cover which has a display section for showing information, and is foldably joined to the main body; and a camera having an objective lens. The cover includes a rotation supporting section which is supported for rotational movement relative to the main body on a first axis, and a display section which is supported for rotational movement relative to the rotation supporting section on a second axis running at right angles to the first axis. The rotation supporting section is provided with the objective lens in a position facing the operation section on the main body when the portable communication device is folded up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuyoshi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7149559
    Abstract: A replaceable panel device has a panel (20), a locking subassembly (30) and a top cover (40). The panel is mounted on the top cover by the locking subassembly. The panel has a mounting hole (24) with a first arc groove (244). The locking subassembly is accommodated in the mounting hole of the panel and has a button (31) with a locking portion (314) and a spring (32). Two ends of the spring respectively contact with a particular portion of the mounting hole and the button. The top cover has a second arc groove (45) which corresponds with the first arc groove of the panel. The locking portion of the button passes through the first groove of the panel and the second groove of the top cover, and mates with the second arc groove by a return force of the spring to fix the panel and the top cover together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shui Yuan Qin, Chia-Hua Chen, XingHuang Luo, Jian Wu Chen
  • Patent number: 7136687
    Abstract: An electrical device including a top module having a panel for displaying an image, a bottom module having a plurality of buttons for controlling the operation of the electrical device, a base affixed on the bottom module, a pivot formed on the base having a buckle for buckling the top module which is capable of rotating around the buckle, a stop block for stopping the top module, and a track surrounding the base for allowing the stop block to move along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ming-Shiung Chang
  • Patent number: 7117009
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for electronic device control. The apparatus can include a first housing including a first housing face, a display coupled to the first housing face, a second housing pivotably attached to the first housing the second housing including a second housing face, the second housing face being configured to cover at least a portion of the first housing face. The apparatus can also include a housing orientation detection module coupled to the second housing, the housing orientation detection module configured to detect a position of the second housing relative to the first housing. The apparatus can additionally include a controller configured to display motion on the display based on the position detected by the housing orientation detection module. The second housing can be pivotably attached to the first housing along at least two axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Wong, Keith Kinerk
  • Patent number: 7110787
    Abstract: A structure of a shielding case is changed into a fixing apparatus for holding a digital photography module on a mobile telephone. A first component of the fixing apparatus has several folded sides. These folded sides are used to fix the horizontal movement of the digital photography module. A second component of the fixing apparatus has at least one engagement portion. The engagement portion is used to fix the vertical movement of the digital photography module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Arima Communications Corp.
    Inventor: Ming-Pin Chen
  • Patent number: 7095986
    Abstract: An interchangeable covering for a mobile electronic communication device (mobile device) includes an electronic component having a switch unit, a personalization unit and an interface unit. The switch unit includes key(s) that are accessible to the user when the covering is fitted to the mobile device. The personalization unit stores information such as music data files, audio ring files, screen animation files, data files (e.g., telephone numbers, email addresses, URLs, radio channels, etc.) and/or instructions that can be executed by a processor in the mobile device. The user can use the switch unit to access the information in the personalization unit. The personalization unit interacts with the electronics of the mobile device via the interface unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Wildseed Ltd.
    Inventor: Gary N. Mager
  • Patent number: 7092519
    Abstract: A communication terminal has a user interface having a keypad and display means, said key pad is included in a releasable housing part assembly, a processor controlling the terminal in dependence of the operation of the user interface, and identification means included in said housing part assembly for identifying the housing part assembly. The processor controls the display means in dependence of the identified housing part assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd.
    Inventor: Christian Lindholm
  • Patent number: 7092520
    Abstract: An electronic radiotelephone comprising: a first housing; a second housing releasably attachable to the first housing to meet with the first housing around the periphery of the radiotelephone; and retaining means comprising a cover, for holding the electronic components of the radiotelephone to the first housing when the second housing is released from attachment with the first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Fuhrmann, Annett Ortscheid, Dirk Umbach, Ricky William Barnett, Terence Johnson, Mark Robert Mason, Bruce Samuels, Tony Horne
  • Patent number: 7085542
    Abstract: An apparatus and method utilizing a portable device including an array sensor and a replaceable housing. The apparatus can include a main housing, a first replaceable housing configured to be coupled to the main housing, an array sensor coupled to the main housing, a sensing module coupled to the array sensor, the sensing module being configured to sense a change in a field across the array sensor using a predefined conductive pattern, and an adjustment module coupled to the array sensor, the adjustment module being configured to adjust a parameter of operation of the mobile communication device in response to the sensing module sensing the change in the field using the predefined conductive pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Dietrich, Michael Charlier, Thomas Gitzinger, Matthew C. Loppnow
  • Patent number: 7082289
    Abstract: Disclosed is a folder driving device for a portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae Hyeong Lim
  • Patent number: 7079864
    Abstract: An interchangeable cover is endowed with one or more peripherals complementary electronics to add the one or more peripherals to a mobile device, to which the interchangeable cover is attached. In various embodiments, the peripherals may be a credit card reader, add on non-volatile storage, an ASIC, and so forth. In various embodiments, the complementary electronics are packaged in an ASIC with output pins similar to that of a SIM chip, which may include a properly equipped protocol processor for de-packaging and packaging data being inputted/outputted in accordance with selected protocols. In one embodiment, the cover is U-shaped. In a wireless mobile phone embodiment, the cover is attached to a rotabable sub-section of a pivotable section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Wildseed, Ltd.
    Inventors: G. Eric Engstrom, Peter Zatloukal
  • Patent number: 7072699
    Abstract: An electronic device with a body having a first side, a second side a distance from the first side, and a third side between the first and second side. Portions define a space extending from the first side to the second side across the third side. A sliding cover can be fitted in the space. A first housing part is detachably attachable to the electronic device and can cover at least part of the space when the housing part is attached to the electronic device. The first housing part can restrain the sliding cover from escaping the space when attached to the electronic device. The electronic device can allow, when the first housing part is detached from the electronic device, entry and removal of the sliding cover to and from the space. A cover system detachably attaches a sliding cover to an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Niko Eiden
  • Patent number: 7069063
    Abstract: A cordless telephone handset. The cordless telephone handset has telephone circuitry with a front side. The front side of the telephone circuitry has a top end and a bottom end. A housing is provided having a top shell and a bottom shell where the top shell and the bottom shell are disconnectable. The housing is adapted to substantially enclose the telephone circuitry when the top shell and the bottom shell are mated in a direction from the top end to the bottom end of the telephone circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
    Inventors: Heikke Halkosaari, Mikko Laaksonen, Mikko Laitinen, Jarmo Lehtonen, Juoko Pirila
  • Patent number: 7058433
    Abstract: An ergonomic clamshell housing for a mobile device with a camera comprises a housing with a hinge mechanism that pivotally connects a display section to a camera section. The hinge mechanism allows the display and camera sections to rotate relative to each other between at least a first folded position and a second folded position. When in the first folded position, the display and camera sections are folded in a side-by-side relation such that the display and camera lens face each other. When in the second folded position, the display and camera sections are folded in a side-by-side relation such that the display and camera lens face away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Kevin Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7027294
    Abstract: A hinge connects two members and has a rotation arrester in one of the members. A shaft connected to the body has a slide key at its opposite end. The key constrains rotation but is axially slidable and has an arrester. An outer cam with an arrester is in the other member. An inner cam in the outer cam, passes the key and has an arresting projection that disengages from the arrester of the key at a selected angle. A slider cam confronting the inner and outer cams, is slidably mounted in the body to constrain rotation. Two springs with differing elastic force are between the slider cam and the body, and between the slide key and outer cam. A push-button on the key is engaged to the arresting projection to block rotation. Pressing the push-button disengages the arrester to allow rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Kato
  • Patent number: 7006854
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a folding section of a mobile communication device comprises: an upper cover; a lower cover rotatably connected to a main body and engaged with the upper cover; an engaging portion formed between the upper cover and the lower cover for connecting the upper and lower covers, wherein the engaging portion comprises: a hook part protruding from the inner surface of the upper cover; and a hook engaging part formed at the lower cover facing the upper cover for engaging the hook parts; and a cap inserted into the hook engaging part so as to prevent the hook part from releasing from the hook engaging part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Yong-Chai Choi
  • Patent number: 7002073
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a removable panel (10) defining a first latching hole (122) therein, a knob (30), and a base cover (40). The knob includes an operating portion (31) and a shaft portion (32). A catch (321) extends from the shaft portion. The shaft portion is rotatably received in the first latching hole, with the operation portion being above an upper surface of the removable panel, and the catch being below a lower surface of the removable panel. A second latching hole (450) and a latching hatch (454) are defined in the base cover. The removable panel is attached to the base cover by way of the shaft portion of the knob being inserted into the second latching hole with the catch being received through the latching hatch, and the operating portion of the knob then being rotated so that the catch is engaged below the base cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: FIH Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Can-Ming Lai, Chia-Hua Chen, Jiang-Yuan He, De-Lin Li
  • Patent number: 7003333
    Abstract: A hand held electronic device (50) has a flip cover (52) movable between a latched closed position and an open position, the flip cover (52) being slidable in a closed position along a sliding axis between a latched position and an unlatched position whereby in the unlatched position the flip cover (52) is rotatable between a closed position and an open position about a rotational axis transverse to the sliding axis. The flip cover (52) is securable in a latched closed position and an unlatched open position by frictional engagement between gripping fingers at opposite ends of parallel tracks in which rollers attached to the flip cover hinge shaft are able to travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Tatt Hoong Chow, Huan Seng Chia, Ee Fong Lee
  • Patent number: 6999805
    Abstract: A mobile station including a cover assembly and a wireless telecommunications signal receiving and generating assembly. Included in the cover assembly is a belt that substantially extends around the signal receiving and generating assembly, and a connector to hold the belt closed about the signal receiving and generating assembly. The belt includes a pair of side edges which define side openings through which the signal receiving and generating assembly can be accessed. Advantageously, the belt is easily exchanged with other belts so as to vary the appearance of the mobile station. Further, the side edges are easily gripped by a user holding the mobile station. In another aspect, the belt includes an integrated key pad which overlies a plurality of key contacts of the signal receiving and generating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Julian Gartrell, Robert A. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6999804
    Abstract: A mobile communications device including an interchangeable covering addition for display and key reorientation is provided. A body encases a first set of electronic components. A display screen with a default display orientation and a first plurality of input keys are disposed on the body and are coupled to the first set of electronic components. Each of the input keys has a default function and is designed to be used in a default input orientation complementary to the default display orientation. An interchangeable covering is designed to at least partially cover the body. The interchangeable covering has a second plurality of input keys and a second set of electronic components. Data and/or logic stored in the second set of electronic components is to at least facilitate redefining of the function of at least one of the first input keys and re-orienting the display and the first inputs keys to second complementary orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Wildseed, Ltd.
    Inventors: G. Eric Engstrom, Peter Zatloukal
  • Patent number: 6985311
    Abstract: A flip screen magnifying system for a cellular telephone having a base portion and a top portion including an information screen. The base and top portions are hinged such that the top portion may be folded with the screen proximate the base portion in a closed position and opened to expose the base and the screen to the user in an opened position. A thin Fresnel lens magnifying film is secured to the top portion over the information screen by a pair of cantilever springs on opposite sides of the screen. The lens is movable between a contracted position proximate the screen in the telephone closed position, and a normally biased extended position spaced away from the screen to magnify information thereon in the telephone opened position. The lens may be manually adjustable to permit change of magnification when the telephone is in the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Bartone
  • Patent number: 6980777
    Abstract: A protective enclosure for a mobile module. The enclosure includes a pouch having a plurality of walls. The walls define a module cavity, and the module cavity is configured to slideably receive the mobile module. The pouch may be constructed of shock absorbent and/or flexible materials, such as rubber, woven textiles, and soft plastics. The mobile module is removable from the pouch, and a connector may be used to electrically couple the pouch with the mobile module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Shepherd, Ronald J. Lander, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6980840
    Abstract: A drawer-type mobile phone includes a main boy provided with a microphone; a drawer cover slidably movable linearly, having a panel form so as for both margins to be moved along both side faces of the main body; a speaker mounted at the upper inner surface of the drawer cover, being connected with an audio amplifier of the main body through a connection member; an antenna movably connected with a tuner terminal of the main body and mounted in a manner of being able to interwork with the drawer cover; and an operating unit for moving the drawer cover by one touch. The drawer cover has a transparent window at the position corresponding to an LCD part of the main body and is formed in a panel form so that both margins thereof can be movable along the both side faces of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Min Soo Kim, Yong Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 6980825
    Abstract: A communication unit with personalizing feature, where the communication unit is provided with a holder for holding a releasable picture in an exposable place of the communication unit. The holder can according to the invention be located on either the back cover part of the communication unit or in a display assembly of the communication unit. In one embodiment the holder includes a plastic film that is attached along one of its sides to a transparent part of the communication unit, e.g. back cover part. The plastic film can be lifted and a picture can be placed between the holder and the back cover. To improve the holding feature of the holder the holder could be provided with an adhesive that holds the picture in it's exposable position. In another embodiment the holder is included in the display assembly and having an insert that holds the picture in an exposable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
    Inventors: Jesper Andersen, Jan Kilund, Mohammad Asaf
  • Patent number: 6978123
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device having a housing (1) which has a housing wall (5) with openings (7) for control elements (8) and/or display elements (9, 10). Attachment means (11) for detachably connecting to the housing (1) an external wall element (14) which at least partially covers the housing wall (5) being present on the housing (1), the external wall element (14) having openings (7?) which are aligned with the openings (7) in the housing wall (5). As a result, by using different external wall elements (14) the external appearance of the electronic device can be easily modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Fuhrmann, Annett Wilke, Dirk Umbach
  • Patent number: 6975842
    Abstract: A mobile phone has a housing having a battery chamber for selectively accommodating a rechargeable battery. The mobile phone includes a battery latch and a latch coupling element. The battery latch is movably connected with the housing for locking or releasing the rechargeable battery. The latch coupling element is disposed on the housing adjacent to the battery chamber. The battery latch, corresponding to the latch coupling element, reciprocally moves along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the battery chamber. When no force is exerted on the battery latch, the battery latch is in a first position. When a predetermined force is exerted on the battery latch, the battery latch moves a predetermined distance to a second position to release the battery from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: BENQ Corporation
    Inventor: Ming-Te Chen
  • Patent number: 6968161
    Abstract: A portable telephone to which additional function units, such as a flip unit and a slide unit, that provide additional functions for the main body of a portable telephone, are easily mounted on the case of a basic unit that includes only the essential units required for speech. One or more of an LCD bezel 40, a flip cover 50, a keypad bezel 60, grips 70, a keypad slide cover 80 and a slide cover 90, which are additional function units, are mounted on a basic unit 20. Therefore, this arrangement can cope with a request from a user who desires to alter a portable telephone he or she purchased to obtain a model he or she favors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoji Inomata, Yasunobu Ikeda, Ryuichi Toyoda, Akira Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6967750
    Abstract: A handheld mobile image-sensing device comprising: a support structure; an image sensor positioned on the support structure for sensing an image; a display positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor for displaying the image sensed by the image sensor; a printing mechanism positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to print the image sensed by the image sensor; a capping mechanism operable to selectively cap a printhead of the printing mechanism when the printing mechanism is not printing; and a remote transmission arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to transmit data representing the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research PTY LTD
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 6952599
    Abstract: A folding portable radio device is provided with a first display part on the inner side of a case 16 and a second display part 29 on the outer side of the case 16, and owner's name is displayed in the second display part 29 at the idle state. In order to display owner's name in the second display part 29, in case that the folding portable radio device is in a waiting state, a user operates a key operation part to input owner's name and registers owner's name by input of a function key of a key operation part assigned to registration, whereby hereinafter owner's name can be displayed in the second display part 29 in the waiting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Noda, Hideya Ichikawa, Naokazu Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 6925684
    Abstract: A hinge device of an information terminal, wherein the information terminal comprises a main body, a sub-body to be opened away from or closed to the main body while rotating about a hinge axis extending in one direction of the main body, and the hinge device for rotatably coupling the main body to the sub body. The hinge device comprises a driving part generating a driving force for rotating the sub body, and a clutch part for rotating the sub-body by the driving force of the driving part. When the sub-body rotates by external force, the clutch part prevents rotating force of the sub-body from being transmitted to the driving part. Such a hinge device configured as stated above allows the user to automatically open and close the sub-body of the information terminal by virtue of a driving motor provided therein, as well as to manually open and close it. Further, the user can freely adjust an opening angle of the sub-body to various angles, resulting in improvement in convenience of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Ill Kang, Jong-Gun Bae, Young-Chun Kim
  • Patent number: 6914995
    Abstract: A portable multi-function device includes a housing and a cover. The housing includes an interior housing and an exterior housing connecting to each other. The interior housing has at least a hub having audio units. Recess parts are located on the upper side of the interior housing for placing the audio units. The exterior housing has a storage box. Terminal ends on side of the storage box connect correspondingly to each of the audio units for placing a data process device in the storage box. The cover is mounted on a side of the housing. A connector is installed at another side of the housing corresponding to the cover to lock and unlock the housing. The cover has holes corresponding to each of the recess parts on the upper side of the interior housing. Whereby, each of the audio units is portable and easy for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Chia-Hung Kao
  • Patent number: 6898283
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable housing cover that is adapted to be detachably connectable to a mobile phone. The removable cover having a distinguishing identity means associated therewith, and the phone having a sensor for sensing the distinguishing identity means of the removable cover and a processor controlling the operating characteristics of the device. The arrangement being such that in use, the removable housing cover is mounted on the phone and the sensor senses the identity means and outputs a sensed parameter of the identity means to the processor; wherein, the processor is responsive to the sensed parameter to change selected ones of the operating characteristics of the phone. In this way, changing the phone cover causes a change in the internal operating characteristics of the phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Wycherley, Dominic Lobo, Kalevi Kaartinen
  • Patent number: 6882865
    Abstract: The present invention offers a fixing structure for input keys, applied in personal digital assistant provided with function of a mobile telephone. On the backside of the case of a framework are provided a plurality of positioning elements and a plurality of thermomeltable elements respectively. On said positioning elements and thermomeltable elements are sheathed consecutively with elastic sheet, plate, circuit board and fixing plate. Each end of said thermomeltable elements is accommodated in corresponding recessed hole provided in said fixing plate to avoid interference with other parts. Pressing keys set up on elastic sheet can be just protruded from the case respectively, and by means of a bottom plate kept flat against the whole bottom, the fixing structure is completed. In this way, not only is the aim to decrease thickness of PDA achieved, but also it is convenient for users to carry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Inventec Electronics (Nanjing)
    Inventors: Jie Yuan, Chengshing Lai
  • Patent number: 6847806
    Abstract: An electronic radiotelephone comprising a first housing, a second housing, and an inner housing having retaining means for retaining to the inner housing the electronic components of the radiotelephone; and first releasable attaching means for releasable attaching the first housing to the inner housing, wherein the first housing, when attached to the inner housing, is presented towards a user during operation of the radiotelephone; and second releasably attaching means for releasable attaching the second housing to the inner housing, wherein the second housing, when attached to the inner housing, faces away from the user during operation of the radiotelephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventors: Alastair Curtis, Bent Ole Poulsen, Michael McKay, Morten Pontoppidan, Claus Nicolaisen, Gert Plenge, Jakob Kristensen, Anne Primdahl, Jesper Andersen, Allan Moeller Kristensen
  • Patent number: 6842633
    Abstract: A housing assembly for a mobile telephone comprises a window panel and a front cover, with a clip arrangement which assists in preventing the common problem of the window panel falling out of the front cover. The clip arrangement comprises a rigid clip on the window panel which engages with a beam integrally moulded in the cover. This allows use of a low profile clip which does not extend into the telephone assembly, so permitting strong connections to be made in small assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventors: Hammond Deo, Mark Hutchison
  • Patent number: 6819947
    Abstract: This invention provides a foldable portable telephone which comprises a main body case 1 provided with manual keys 12, and a closure case 2 connected to the main body case 1 by a hinge mechanism for covering the manual keys 12, and which is adapted to detect electrically the closure case 2 in its opened state or closed state relative to the main body case 1. The main body case 1 and the closure case 2 are respectively provided with barrel portions 14, 23 being aligned coaxially with an axis of rotation of the hinge mechanism. Opposed faces of the two barrel portions 14, 23 are respectively provided with contact pieces 4, 5. The two pieces 4, 5 are in contact with/away from each other corresponding to opening or closing the closure case 2, to detect electrically opened or closed state of the closure case 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsumi Okuda, Motoaki Mushiga
  • Publication number: 20040224729
    Abstract: A wiring device is used in a folding portable device including a hinge unit permitting an upper unit to fold/unfold and/or to rotate with regard to a lower unit. The wiring device comprises a rotative direction wound portion having a first central axis corresponding to a rotating axis of the hinge. A folding/unfolding direction wound portion has a second central axis corresponding to a folding/unfolding axis of the hinge. A FPC fixing member fixes a FPC holding member holding a predetermined part of a FPC to the hinge. The rotative direction wound portion is wound with a first part of a flexible printed cable that is continuous with one end of the predetermined part. The folding/unfolding direction wound portion is wound with a second part of the flexible printed cable that is continuous with the other end of the predetermined part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Watanabe, Masatomo Mizuta, Mitsuru Sendoda, Koji Matsunaga, Takeshi Komatsu
  • Patent number: 6816083
    Abstract: A cover member for an electronic device, the cover member having a secure radio frequency identification (RFID) module within it, an electronic device including such a cover member, and a system including such an electronic device for authorizing providing of goods or services. If desired, the circuitry of the electronic device can supplement that of the RFID module, enabling storage, display and control of transactions enabled by the RFID module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Jan Brandt
  • Patent number: 6809921
    Abstract: A PDA includes a housing and a detachable panel. An exterior surface of the housing has an engaging sink and a dimple. The detachable panel has a hook for locking onto the engaging sink and a cylindrical shaft protruding from the detachable panel for engaging with the dimple so as to prevent lateral movement of the detachable panel with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: High Tech Computer Corp.
    Inventors: James Wu, Chien-Ming Tseng
  • Publication number: 20040203522
    Abstract: Disclosed is a folder driving device for a portable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae Hyeong Lim
  • Publication number: 20040203514
    Abstract: A mobile phone with detachable covers. The phone body provided with a threaded hole, a cover detachably connected to the body defining a hole, and a connecting element having a threaded post twisted through the hole and into the threaded hole to fix the cover and the body together. The body and the cover are separable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Yung-Fa Cheng, Kuo-Hsiang Wu, Hsiang-Lung Kao