Abstract: This invention is a wireless communication device (100) including a first housing (220) with a housing support (250) and a second housing (120) positioned about the housing support, or a portion thereof, so that the second housing may rotate around the housing support. Also, the second housing (120) includes a circular portion (122) positioned about the housing support (250) and an extending portion (124) extending from the circular portion. When the device (100) is in a closed position (110), the circular and extending portions (122 & 124) of the second housing (120) are adjacent to the first housing (220). When the device (100) is in an opened position (210), the circular portion (122) is adjacent to the first housing (220) and the extending portion (124) is away from the first housing. In addition, the second housing (120) may have multiple position relative to the first housing (220) in which each position activates a particular function of the device (100).

Abstract: A bottom portion 11a is formed on an external end portion of a support sleeve portion 11 which is located on an external side, and an engagement recess 43 is formed in an inner peripheral surface of a support sleeve portion 21 which is located on an internal side. That end face of the engagement recess 43 which faces the support sleeve portion 11 side serves as an engagement surface 44. An engagement piece 45 is formed on one end portion of a hinge body 3. The engagement piece 45 is elastically deformed such that its distal end portion is displaced radially inward of the hinge body 3, thereby the engagement piece 45 is allowed to extend beyond a bottom surface of a key groove 41. Thereafter, the engagement body 45 is elastically restored such that its distal end portion is displaced radially outward of the hinge body 3, thereby the engagement piece 45 is engaged with the engagement recess 43.

Abstract: In a portable communication apparatus of the invention, an inner wall (22) of an openable/closable member (2) faces the front face of a diaphragm of a close-talking microphone (5) via a sound path (64), and an outer sound hole (27) faces the rear face of the diaphragm of the close-talking microphone (5) via a sound path (65). An inner sound hole (26) is biasedly located in a position which is close to a free end of the openable/closable member (2), and the outer sound hole (27) is biasedly located in a position which is close to the center position of opening and closing movements of the openable/closable member (2), thereby obtaining a speech quality of a very high S/N ratio at a substantially same degree in both the cases where the openable/closable member (2) is opened, and where the member is closed.

Abstract: A portable communication apparatus includes a first unit having at least a display section and a second unit having at least a main operation section, which are coupled by a slide coupling and are freely slidable in a longitudinal direction between a retracted state and an extended state. The first unit and the second unit are urged by an urging member in an extension direction and are releasably locked by a releasable lock mechanism in the retracted state. The locking is released by a predetermined operation. An optical aperture for optical function is provided in one of surfaces of the first and second units that face one another in the retracted state. The optical function section is made operable when the first and second units are positioned in the extended state.

Abstract: A hinge unit is formed of a case with an inside wall, a rotating cam freely rotatably accommodated inside the case, a slide cam accommodated inside the case such that the slide cam is prevented from rotating relative to the case and is moved freely in an axial direction along the inside wall of the case, and an urging device accommodated inside the case to urge the slide cam toward the rotating cam. Cam surfaces are formed on the rotating cam and the slide cam to abut against each other. The cam surfaces has a contact range from a full-surface contact to a partial contact according to a relative rotational angle of the slide cam and rotating cam.

Abstract: A telephone handset has a flat satellite antenna mounted thereon, the antenna being movable between a first position, in which the antenna is parallel to and contacting a main portion of the handset, and a second position, in which the satellite antenna faces in generally the same direction as a top surface of the main portion. A cover portion is mounted on a side of the main portion opposite to the satellite antenna and movable between an open position and a closed position to provide, with the satellite antenna, a compact three-fold configuration.

Abstract: A wireless mobile communication device enclosure of the invention includes a main part and flip part joined to permit opening and closing of said flip part. A hinged connection joins the main part and the flip part to permit said opening and closing of said flip part. The hinged connection includes a shaft accommodated within a housing. Rotation of the shaft relative to the housing deflects a leaf spring in the housing at a first relative rotational position of the shaft and said housing, and allows the leaf spring to relax, preferably to a completely undeflected state, at two additional relative rotational positions of the shaft relative to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement at a cellular mobile telephone apparatus (1), comprising a protective hatch or flip (2) pivotably arranged on a housing (3) of said apparatus (1). The flip (2) is pivotable around an axis and arranged to at option physically cover at least parts of a front surface (5) on said apparatus (1), said axle comprises at least one active hinge means arranged in a cavity (7) each, at the end of said housing (3), of which at least one of said hinge means is aimed to positively urge said flip (2) to take a certain predetermined open position, when released. The active hinge means (6) comprise a shaft arrangement, colinear with said axis, comprising at least one unit (6) built from an end piece (9) and an elongated core (10) fixedly connected thereto, around which core (10) a torsion spring (11) is arranged.

Abstract: A device for connecting a main board with an LCD module in a folder type portable radiotelephone which includes a body element having the main board, a folder having a speaker unit, the LCD module and a hinge arm, and a hinge disposed in the hinge arm for mechanically coupling the body element and the folder with each other such that the folder can be rotated at one end of the body element. The folder further includes a flexible printed circuit connected to a speaker unit and the LCD module.

Abstract: A flip-up type portable phone and a hinge mechanism for opening and closing a flip cover of such a flip-up type portable phone. A speaker is mounted in the interior of the flip cover, so that the space for occupying the speaker is eliminated from a phone body, thereby enabling the phone body to be compact. The hinge mechanism includes a pair of hinge assemblies adapted to open and close a flip cover and arranged at opposite sides of a liquid crystal display module disposed at the upper portion of the phone body, so that the flip cover can be opened by an upward pivotal movement thereof carried out about hinge shafts arranged at opposite sides of the LCD module. Accordingly, a microphone unit can be arranged at the lower end of the phone body. Moreover, the microphone unit can be arranged at an optional position on the lower end of the phone body. In accordance with the above arrangement, the LCD unit is always exposed.

Abstract: A second connecting portion 22 of a second inside portion 2A is formed with an opening portion 24 extending all the way from an inner peripheral surface of the connecting hole 23 to an outer surface of the connecting portion 22 and towards a second outside portion 2B. This opening portion 24 is set both in size dimension and configuration such that a fitting portion 32a of a hinge pin 32 can be inserted into the connecting hole 23 via the opening portion 24. The second outside portion 2B is formed with a shielding portion 25 for shielding the opening portion 24. The shielding portion 25 is formed with a protruding portion 26 which is brought into the opening portion 24. A distal end face of the protruding portion 26 is generally in contact with the fitting portion 32a.

Abstract: A wireless communication device (10) is provided for maintaining acceptable acoustic coupling, increasing display and data input device capability and increasing antenna performance to encourage further miniaturization and weight reduction thereof. Two moveable housing portions (12) and (14) are moveable between a closed (18) and an open (20) housing position and matively engage to provide an expandable housing while aligning earpiece (26) and microphone (28) transducers on a center as (30) of the device (10). Paging and radiotelephone functions of the device are configured responsive to the position of the housing portion (12). The housing portion has a lens for viewing a display (46) thereunder and keycaps for actuating a keypad (54) thereunder when the housing portion (12) is in the closed housing position (18). An antenna (56) is extendable beyond the moveable housing portion (12).

Abstract: A foldable portable telephone of the invention comprises a main body case 1, and a closure case 2 connected to the case 1 by a pair of hinge mechanisms 10, 10′. On the hinge mechanisms, 10, comprises cylindrical barrel portions 13, 22 provided respectively on the main body case 1 and the closure case 2, and a hinge assembly 4 inserted through the barrel portions. The hinge assembly 4 comprises a main body drive member in engagement with the barrel portion 13 on the main body case 1 nonrotatably relative thereto, a closure drive member in engagement with the barrel portion 22 on the closure case 2 nonrotatably relative thereto, a prime mover spring for rotating the closure drive member in a direction to open the closure case 2, a holding mechanism for holding the closure case 2 in a closed position, a manual button 41 to be manipulated to open the closure case 2, and a hold release mechanism for releasing the holding mechanism from the holding state in response to the manipulation of the manual button.

Abstract: A shapeable communication device is provided. The communication device comprises a communication module and a shapeable material. A system incorporating the device and methods for using the device are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling a correct position of opening and closing a sub-body (folder) in an automatic foldable mobile communication terminal. A sensor means is arranged in one end of a main-body and the sub-body, for detecting a fully open status or a fully closed status of the sub-body. A sub-body opening and closing drive unit opens or closes the sub-body by activating a drive motor. A current sensing unit is coupled to a control unit for sensing an amount of motor drive current applied to the sub-body drive motor. The control unit measures the motor drive current from the current sensing unit upon an enabling of an automatic opening or closing operation of the sub-body, and then discontinues to drive the sub-body drive motor when the measured amount of the motor drive current is larger than a predetermined current threshold and the sensor means senses either one of a fully open status or a fully closed status.

Abstract: An absence reception information device for informing the user of a folding portable cellular phone about occurrence of a call during the user's absence is proposed. A folding portable cellular phone generally has a body, a cover section which is rotatably attached to the body, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for displaying necessary information. The LCD is usually provided on the inner side of the body or the cover section and can not be seen by the user when the cover section is closed. The absence reception information device comprises an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) which is placed on the folding portable cellular phone so as to be seen by the user when the cover section is closed, and an open/close detection circuit. The open/close detection circuit detects whether the cover section is opened or closed.

Abstract: A hinge device of a flip type mobile telephone including a body and a flip cover with a speaker mounted thereon. In the hinge device, a hinge assembly includes a spring connector pin; a hinge shaft having at least one open end, a pair of opposite protrusions, a pair of opposite indents, and a cylindrical inner wall into which the connector pin is pressed, the shaft being movable along a rotation axis; a hinge housing having at least one open end into which the hinge shaft is inserted; guide means for enabling the hinge shaft to move rectilinearly in the hinge housing; and securing means for preventing separation of the hinge shaft from the hinge housing. The hinge device further includes a coupling member having a pair of opposite protrusions and a pair of opposite indents, for keeping in sliding surface contact with the hinge shaft; and conducting means interposed between the hinge assembly and the coupling member, for electrically connecting the speaker to a printed circuit board housed within the body.

Abstract: Antenna systems for electronic devices, such as radiotelephones, include a paging antenna that enhances paging mode operation when a pivotable primary antenna is in a stored position. Paging antennas are disposed within a hinge rotatably secured to one end of a radiotelephone housing. A primary antenna, in electrical communication with the transceiver, is secured to the hinge and rotatable therewith along a predetermined path of rotation from a stored position adjacent the housing to an operating position extending away from the housing. Radiation axes for a primary antenna and a paging antenna are orthogonal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cellular telephone comprising: 1) a handset case; 2) a display associated with the handset case capable of displaying alphanumeric characters when the cellular telephone is operated; and 3) a personal mirror associated with the cellular telephone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable information apparatus, which is provided with a display section capable of displaying a color display and a dynamic display in a high image quality, and which consumes less electricity. When the portable information apparatus of a folder type is in a folded state, a display screen 100 is composed of an image display region and a non-image region, so that at least a part of the image display region can be seen via a transparent section 102.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mobile telephone comprising a housing containing an electrical circuit and a bearing a cover fixed in articulation to this housing a comprising a microphone, revolving contact being integrated in one of the two hinges linking the cover to the housing, for providing electric connections between the electric circuit and the microphone. The hinges articulate the housing to the cover comprise two contacts integrated with the housing, each including a contact arm, the ends of the two contact arms elastically resting on the two conductive pads separated by an insulating material and integrated in the articulating part of the cover, such that when the cover rotates, the ends of the two contact arms define circular paths on the two conductive pads.

Abstract: An information communication terminal device having a first display/operation part and a second display/operation part mounted on an upper and a lower case, respectively. A housing member accommodates a video camera therein, and a support mechanism rotatably supports the first display/operation part, the second display/operation part and the housing member on the same rotation axis with respect to each other. The first and second display/operation parts are rotatably mounted by at least 180 degrees about the housing member and are structured so as to be opposed to each other when the information communication terminal device is in an opened condition and to be overlapped with respect to each other when the information communication terminal device is in a closed condition.

Abstract: A portable radio telephone having an antenna which can be pivoted between a first position in which it projects from a surface of the telephone and a second position in which it projects from the surface of the telephone. The second position of the antenna relative to the surface of the telephone is different than the first position. The antenna is pivoted from the first position to the second position to control the operation of the telephone.

Abstract: A mobile telephone including a housing (1) containing an electrical circuit (2) and carrying a cover (3) fastened to the housing in an articulated manner. The telephone also comprises a microphone and rotary contacts incorporated in one of the two joints connecting the cover (3) to the housing (1), in order to make electrical connections between the electrical circuit (2) and the microphone. One of the joints (4a, 4b) articulating the housing on the cover comprises three contacts integral with the housing, namely two lateral contacts (5a) and (5b) and a central contact (5c), each comprising a contact arm (7a), (7b) and (7c). The central contact (5c) bears permanently on a conductive element (9), while the ends of the two lateral contact arms (7a) and (7b) bear elastically on two conductive plates (10).

Abstract: A flip-up type mobile telephone terminal enables a user to answer an incoming call even without opening a flip. A speaker unit includes first and second speakers installed at front and rear sides of the flip, respectively, facing the opposite directions. The speaker unit further includes a partition intervening between the first and second speakers to prevent interference therebetween. A flip-open sensor senses an open state of the flip. A controller detects the open state of the flip through the flip-open sensor, and switches a voice output path to the first speaker when the flip is closed and to the second speaker when the flip is open. A microphone device is installed in a bottom of the body.

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. The foldable portable telephone can be made compact, safe. Further, high reliability in opening-closing detection can be realized.

Abstract: A portable communication device includes a rotating member and a latching mechanism which employs a magnet means and a quantity of magneto-rheological fluid (“MR” fluid) or electro-rheological (“ER”) fluid therein to latch the rotatable member against the primary body of the portable communication device when a magnetic or electric field is positioned proximate to the MR or ER fluid. The rotating member can be a low-profile flip and/or antenna. The magnet means can be an electromagnetic field or at least one translatable permanent magnet. Additionally, a portable communication device with a translating antenna and an antenna receptacle and elbow also includes a quantity of magneto-rheological fluid therein. The device can also include an externally accessible latch release which controls the application of the magnetic field to the MR fluid (or electric filed to the ER fluid). Associated latching mechanisms employ rheological fluid and a magnetic or electric field source.

Abstract: A portable phone has a cavity at one end in which a hinge pin is rotatably mounted, with opposite ends of the hinge pin releasably secured to a flip panel rotatable between a closed position extending over part of one face of the phone, and an open position. The hinge pin includes a cam formation, and a biasing spring secured in the cavity has a bearing portion acting against the cam portion to releasably retain the flip panel in its open and closed positions. A cam retainer is mounted in the cavity to extend over the hinge pin and resist bending of the hinge pin out of a straight, axial orientation.

Abstract: A portable radio telephone set provided with a display section includes a rotary selector which turns to select various functions. A menu displayed on the display section is selected by the rotary selector during a non-conversation time, and the sound volume can be adjusted during the conversation time. The adjusting operation can be performed from both the front and the rear sides of the telephone set. The rotary selector and button keys are arranged within the operation range of the thumb, and ordinary dial functions performed by operating these rotary selector and button keys are provided.

Abstract: A portable telephone having a cover (14) rotatably mounted to a cover body (2). When the cover (14) is in a closed condition, it covers and protects a switch section of the body (2), while when the cover (14) is in an open condition, it is held in a stable position at a predetermined inclined angle with respect to the body (2) by a cover holding mechanism. When the cover (14) is in the open condition, it also functions as a voice reflecting and collecting board for a microphone provided in the body (2).

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for a foldable portable telephone is disclosed. The hinge includes a first cylindrical member coupled to a main body portion and a second cylindrical member coupled to a foldable portion. The first cylindrical member has a first cylindrical hollow formed therein and the inner side wall of the first cylindrical hollow has positioning recesses formed in a predetermined pattern corresponding to the opened and closed positions. The second cylindrical member has a second cylindrical hollow formed therein and a plurality of holes formed in a side wall thereof. The second cylindrical member is rotatably fit in the first cylindrical hollow of the first cylindrical member. An elastic cylinder is fit in the second cylindrical hollow. A hard ball freely fit in each of the holes and the hard balls fit in the holes are pinched between the elastic cylinder and the inner side wall of the first cylindrical hollow to allow each sphere to be fit into a corresponding one of the positioning recesses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge device comprising: a casing having a projection hole; a cam provided in the casing, the cam being rotatable with respect to a rotational axis, movable in the direction of the rotational axis, and undetachable from the casing, the cam having a projection projecting through the projection hole and a cam face surrounding the rotational axis; a flat spring for holding the cam face; a base movable in the direction of the rotational axis, the cam being rotatably attached to the base; and a pressing spring for urging the cam and the base toward the direction of the projection.

Abstract: An electrical connector establishes electrical connection between transceiver electronics disposed in a main body of the phone and remote electrical components contained in a movable cover. One or more fixed contacts operatively connected to the transceiver electronics are disposed on the main body of the phone. Movable contacts operatively connected to the remote electrical components are disposed on the cover. The movable contacts on the cover engage the fixed contacts on the main body when the cover is in the open and closed positions. Commutating contacts can be used to maintain a continuous connection as the cover travels between open and closed positions.