Cabinet, Housing, Or Chassis Structure Patents (Class 455/347)
  • Publication number: 20070287512
    Abstract: A portable or mobile device includes a top layer, a middle layer, and a bottom layer that are slidably suspended from one another. The top layer can move between a retracted position in which a first keypad on the middle layer is covered and to a first extended position in which the first keypad is exposed. The top layer can also move to a second extended position in which a second keypad on the middle layer is exposed. The bottom layer can move between a retracted position in which a keypad on the bottom layer is covered and to an extended position in which a keyboard on the bottom layer is exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Pekka Kilpi, Ilpo Kauhaniemi, Esa-Sakari Maatta, Jussi Hakunti, Anthony Dalby
  • Publication number: 20070273786
    Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided, including a first body, which has a display screen, a second body, which is slidably connected to the first body, and a door unit, which opens and closes a battery compartment disposed between the first and second bodies, in which the door unit is concealed and made externally visible according to the position of the second body relative to the first body, and in which the door unit can be opened and closed when it is externally visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Kyoung-Jin Ahn, Yo-han Park
  • Patent number: 7289833
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Soon Kim, Jae-Young Jang, Sang-Man Seong, Sang-Joon Park
  • Patent number: 7286803
    Abstract: A mobile information terminal includes a case that is formed in tabular form and in the size of a palm, a display device that is stored such that the screen is exposed to the outside, an electronic circuit that is stored in the case and controls the display device, a protective frame that is arranged on the edge portion of the case and surrounds the edge portion, and a hooking portion that sticks out outward of the case from the protective frame, and is formed for fingers to be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shogo Hamasaki, Daisuke Iino, Makoto Fujimoto, Kazuhisa Watanabe, Atsushi Saso
  • Patent number: 7283853
    Abstract: A folding type portable radio machine, includes a chassis part formed by a first chassis and a second chassis, the second chassis being foldably connected to the first chassis. The chassis part includes a conductive part having conductivity whose full length is an approximately half wave length (?/2) of a using frequency of the radio machine, and an electric notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masaru Kanazawa, Yoshiyuki Yamashita, Tabito Tonooka, Masatomo Mori, Hisamitsu Takagi
  • Patent number: 7280854
    Abstract: A portable information terminal device cradle apparatus includes a recording/reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing data using a recording disk, disposed in an inner space enclosed by an enclosure including an upper plate and a lower plate, a main part of a connector for a connection with a portable information terminal device and/or a cradle assembly placed on the upper plate, and a connector holding part for holding the main part of the connector such that the main part of the connector is rotatable with respect to the upper plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignees: Olympus Corporation, Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventors: Ken Sugawara, Kunio Yamamiya, Keito Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20070218961
    Abstract: A battery cover assembly (100) includes a housing (10), a button assembly (20), a driving assembly (30), and a back cover (40). The button assembly includes a button portion (21) and a first latching portion (23). The back cover has a second latching portion (451). The driving assembly is configured for driving the back cover along a second axis. The button assembly is mounted on the housing and is movable along a first axis. The back cover covers the housing and is movable along the second axis. The first latching portion engages with the second latching portion in order to lock it to the back cover. When the button portion is pressed to move along the first axis, the second latching portion disengages from the first latching portion, and the back cover is moved along the second axis, under the force of the driving assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO,.LTD., Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventors: JIN-JIANG LUO, TAI-JUN LIU, GANG YANG, JUN WANG, PENG-JIN GE, HSIAO-HUA TU
  • Patent number: 7263390
    Abstract: A folding mobile phone comprises a panel housing, a motherboard housing and a blocker. The panel housing is hingedly connected with the motherboard housing by a pivot portion of the motherboard housing to have the folding mobile phone in a closed position or in an open position. The blocker includes a sliding track and a blocking mechanism, wherein the sliding track is mounted at the motherboard housing, perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pivot portion, and the blocking mechanism moves back and forth between a first brake location and a second brake location of the sliding track. When the blocking mechanism moves to the first brake location and the second brake location respectively, it produces respective interference in the pivot portion such that the panel housing and the motherboard housing are unfolded at different angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventor: Yi-Lan Lin
  • Patent number: 7263391
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a foldable electronic apparatus capable of exhibiting satisfactory acoustic characteristics even if the body is thinned and its internal space is made small. In an electronic apparatus according to the invention, a first casing (1) and a second casing (2) can be folded together along a bearing portion (3) and the front face and the back face of one of the first and second casings ((1) or (2)) are formed with respective sound emission holes (8) and (6) that are opposed to each other. A speaker (7) is provided at a position corresponding to the sound emission holes (8) and (6), and the front face of the other body ((2) or (1)) is formed with a through hole (9) that is opposed to the sound emission hole (8) in a state that the first and second casings (1) and (2) are folded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Sugiyama, Emi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7260364
    Abstract: Micro-speaker assemblies and mobile terminals including micro-speaker assemblies are provided. The micro-speaker assembly includes a micro-speaker positioned in a housing. A low frequency back tuning volume is adjacent a front face of the micro-speaker and a high frequency forward tuning volume is adjacent a back face of the micro-speaker. A passageway extends from the forward tuning volume to an opening in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: William Chris Eaton
  • Patent number: 7254424
    Abstract: A mobile telephone station is disclosed having a receptacle comprising a bottom and one or more upstanding sides defining a compartment configured to removably receive a mobile telephone through a top opening. The receptacle may have one or more clips for retaining a battery charger cord. The receptacle may have stabilizing means for mounting the receptacle or supporting it on a surface. The station may further comprise an accessory secured to the receptacle, the accessory comprising one or more of a picture frame, message board, key holder, and pen and paper holder, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: William E. Reichert
  • Patent number: 7254423
    Abstract: The invention concerns a latching mechanism (105) for assembly of a housing (110) of an electronic device (100). The latching mechanism includes a latch element (120) and a receiving element (131) contained within the housing. The receiving element includes a recess (140) for engaging the latch element and at least one audio port (122) for providing an audio channel (190) for the electronic device. The invention also concerns a method (500) of operating a latching mechanism. The method includes the steps of mechanically coupling (512) a latch element to a housing, creating (514) an audio channel by engaging the latch element within the housing and porting (516) audio through the audio channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Robertson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7248904
    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: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Julian Gartrell, Robert A. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7245948
    Abstract: A folder type cellular phone and an automatic folder method includes a main body having a key pad and a hinge thereof in a first direction, a folder having a display, a driving source disposed on a lower portion of the folder in the first direction to generate a driving force, a power transmission unit having one end coupled to the driving source and the other end coupled to the folder to transmit the driving force to folder to rotate with respect to the main body when the folder is in an open state, and a rotation controller coupled to the power transmission unit and disposed in a housing installed at the hinge of the main body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to automatically and/or manually rotate the folder with respect to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Tai Jung, Tae Hyeong Lim, Young Ok Chung
  • Patent number: 7242974
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for determining incomplete opening/closing of a sub-body of a mobile terminal due to overload when a user automatically opens/closes the sub-body, by means of an open sensor and a close sensor, and for controlling operation of the sub-body during overload condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moon-Jung Ko
  • Publication number: 20070155359
    Abstract: A telecommunications infrastructure includes first and second trough members for routing signal-carrying fibers. A coupler is used to releasably couple the first and second trough members together. The coupler includes a first pair of rotatable latches for releasably securing the first trough member to the coupler, and a second pair of rotatable latches for releasably securing the second trough member to the coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: Telect, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Ellison, James Patrick Jenkins
  • 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: 7226162
    Abstract: An audio lanyard audio device provides a number of advantages not seen with earlier devices, including, (1) a pair of soft openings to accept the ear pieces of conventional eyewear in a manner that supports and engages several inches of the ear pieces of conventional eyewear with sufficient surface area and friction to hold the conventional eyewear securely, (2) provision of a length of softer foam material for fitting both the lanyard and convention eyewear ear pieces between the ear and head, (3) formation of a balanced combination when worn with conventional eyewear, and (4) the location of the controls and main electronics and battery at the rear for balance and easy reach by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Daka Research Inc. (Br. Virg.Isl Corp.) Offshore Operations
    Inventor: Pat Y. Mah
  • Patent number: 7203513
    Abstract: The stationary body 12 comprises a plurality of operation keys 18 and two or more microphones 22 and 24. The movable body 16 comprises a receiver 34 and a liquid crystal image displaying surface 32, and is connected to the stationary body 12 by the hinge 14 so that the movable body 16 can be folded to the stationary body 12. The movable body 16 further comprises a structure 40 by which a user or others can recognize the presence of the microphones. The microphones 22 and 24 can be used for conversation purposes or for recording sound in stereo. The structure 40 capable of indicating the presence of two or more microphones can guide sound to the microphones. The structure 40 capable of indicating the presence of the microphones is constituted in such a manner that the user or others can see a hole provided on the wall above the microphone or a recess portion communicated with the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Kakuguchi
  • Patent number: 7197348
    Abstract: A mobile phone with an interchangeable housing. The mobile phone includes a body, a front housing, a rear cover, a battery cover, and a battery pack. The body includes an engaging member. The front housing is detachably disposed on the body via the engaging member. The rear cover is detachably disposed on the body via the engaging member. The battery cover is detachably disposed on the body. The body is covered by the front housing, the rear cover, and the battery cover. The battery pack is disposed on the body, and includes a projecting portion. The projecting portion is abutted by the engaging member so as to move the engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: BENQ Corporation
    Inventor: Long-Jyh Pan
  • Patent number: 7184422
    Abstract: An access point includes a housing, two sliding slots, and two sliding platesdetachably installed on the slide slots. One of the sliding slots has two openings for hanging the housing of the access point on hooks positioned on a wall. One of the sliding plates can be inserted into a concave slot on the housing, so that the housing can stand vertically on a flat surface. The housing can also be placed on a flat surface or set on its side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Inventec Appliances Corp.
    Inventors: Shih-Chin Tseng, An-Ping Yang
  • Patent number: 7181172
    Abstract: The present invention provides wireless devices where component parts are formed directly to the housing for the wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Centurion Wireless Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Sullivan, Tony Vejraska, Steve Bowles
  • Patent number: 7181257
    Abstract: A slider mechanism (414) includes a first element (516), a second element (518) and a biasing device (590). The second element (518) slides with respect to the first element (516) along a path. The biasing device (590) functions as an over-center mechanism, such that external force is required to move the slider mechanism (414) for an initial range of its travel, and stored energy is used to move the slider mechanism (414) along a subsequent range of its travel. The biasing device (590) includes a pair of springs (524, 522) that are under compression. The springs (524, 522) are accommodated in openings (530, 532, 534) formed in the first and second elements (516, 518) and the springs (524, 522) move in a plane of the mechanism (414) to reduce the thickness of the slider mechanism (414).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryszard J. Gordecki
  • Patent number: 7174148
    Abstract: A receiver includes a rear yoke inside a housing, a first acoustic paper bonded to an annular base of the rear yoke to block a rear open side of a tubular body of the rear yoke, an annular magnet supported on the annular base around the tubular body, a front yoke disposed at a front side of the magnet, a vibration diaphragm stretched in front of the yokes, a voice coil suspended in an annular space between the yokes, a tubular cushion fitted into the tubular body of the rear yoke, and an annular cushion (or annular step) set between the magnet and the tubular body, and a second acoustic paper covering an air hole at a rear side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Merry Electronics, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jui-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 7167733
    Abstract: A portable telephone (10) includes comprises a main body (11), a detachable member (12), a data transmission cable (13), and a spring biased spool (20). The detachable member includes an earphone module (121), a microphone module (122), and a rolling member (14). The detachable member is attachable to a top surface of the main body when the earphone and microphone modules are not in use. The spring biased spool is mounted within the main body. Opposite ends of the data transmission cable respectively connect with the spring biased spool and the detachable member. The spring biased spool enables the data transmission cable to be extended or retracted. When the data transmission cable is retracted, it is housed within the main body, and the detachable member can be firmly attached on the main body. The rolling member allows the earphone and the microphone modules to conveniently separate from each other at the beginning of a call, and to be conveniently coupled together at the end of a call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming Chiang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7149514
    Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication as originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as to this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corp.
    Inventors: Sebastiano DePani, Peter O. Roach, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7146197
    Abstract: A portable communication device is disclosed. The portable communication device comprises a first housing extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, a second housing rotated about a first hinge axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first housing such that the angle between a bottom surface of the second housing and a corresponding top surface of the first housing varies, and a cylindrical hinge housing disposed at one end of the first housing while a portion of the cylindrical hinge housing protrudes outward from the first housing. The first hinge axis extends in the diametrical direction of the cylindrical hinge housing wherein the second housing is attached to the cylindrical hinge housing while the second housing is rotated about the first hinge axis. The cylindrical hinge housing has a second hinge axis extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical hinge housing so that the second housing can rotate about the second hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Ill Kang, Sung-Sun Park, Chang-Heum Byun, Seung-Min Park, In-Gon Park
  • Patent number: 7136682
    Abstract: A portable electronic system equipped with a spare battery device. The portable electronic system includes a spare battery device and a portable device. The spare battery device includes a first fixer unit, a power storage unit and a sensory control unit. The sensory control unit further includes a constant voltage source, a resistor, a resilient object, output contact pads, and a control unit. The portable device includes a second fixer unit, a covering, and input contact pads. By adjusting the coupling relationship between the first fixer unit and the second fixer unit, each output contact pad can be coupled to the associated input contact pads; and the control unit is for controlling output power of the spare battery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: High Tech Computer, Corp.
    Inventor: Chien-Min Lin
  • Patent number: 7130654
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless headset apparatus using a local area communication, comprising an attachment recess formed at a designated position of a communication equipment, and a wireless headset detachably attached to the attachment recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Woo Cho
  • Patent number: 7110256
    Abstract: A communication device which efficiently dissipates locally generated heat, and at the same time is small in size and light in weight, is provided. A high-efficiency heat-dissipating fin section having fins disposed on an heat pipe which is bent into an S shape is mounted on a high-temperature heat-generating section that generates high-temperature heat. A heat-dissipating fin section having fins disposed on a heat-receiving plate thereof is mounted on a low-temperature heat-generating section that generates heat having a lower temperature than that of the high-temperature heat generated by the high-temperature heat-generating section. This makes it possible to efficiently dissipate heat and reduce the size and weight of the communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yuuji Hasegawa, Kazuo Hirafuji, Toshimitsu Kobayashi, Manabu Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7088986
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a front panel provided at a front surface of apparatus main body; and a holding mechanism that detachably holds the front panel against the apparatus main body. The holding mechanism has engaging member formed in one of the front panel and the apparatus main body and engaged member formed in the other of the front panel and the apparatus main body, and the engaging member and the engaged member are each provided with a connection terminal so that the engaged member is engaged with the engaging member to electrically connect the front panel and the apparatus main body together via the connection terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Shimizu, Takahiro Sasaki, Nobumitsu Kasahara
  • Patent number: 7089040
    Abstract: An object is to provide a portable radio communication apparatus which allows a user to easily view displayed contents when the apparatus is folded even in the nighttime or in a dark place, and which can extend the battery life. A second case 4 is connected to a first case 2 so as to be in open and closed positions with respect to the first case 2. A main display section 11 which is exposed when the second case 4 is in the open position, a sub-display section 12 which is exposed whether the second case 4 is in the open or closed position, a main illuminating device 23A which illuminates the main display section 11, and a sub-illuminating device 23B which illuminates the sub-display section 12 are provided. A driver 24 which selects a line to supply electric power for illumination to the main illuminating device 23A or the sub-illuminating device 23B, and a detecting switch 22 which detects whether the second case 4 is in the open or closed position, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Iwabuchi, Masayoshi Dohata
  • Patent number: 7089032
    Abstract: A radio transmitting/receiving device having at least three modules. The first module includes a first function for amplifying a radio frequency signal, demodulating the amplified radio frequency signal to a baseband signal and outputting the same, and a second function for modulating the input baseband signal, converting the modulated baseband signal to a radio frequency and outputting the same. The second module includes a function for amplifying the input radio frequency. The third module includes a function for executing a baseband signal process and controlling respective units according to a transmission/reception sequence based on a communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Renesas Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Toyohiko Hongo, Toshinori Hirashima
  • Patent number: 7085543
    Abstract: The present invention teaches that a small standardized plate may be affixed to a cellular telephone or item of office equipment. The plate has a first fastener portion. The base unit of a wireless headset and base unit device is equipped with a second fastener portion which cooperates with the first fastener portion on the plate to secure the base unit to the plate and thus to the cellular telephone or office equipment. The plate may be permanently affixed to the surface of the telephone or other item by such means as adhesives, because when it is necessary to remove the base unit from the surface, it may be unfastened from the plate, leaving the plate in place. The fasteners used may be metal snaps, plastic snaps, hooks, clasps, clips, fabric hooks, magnets, latches and combinations thereof. In alternative embodiments, there may be extra fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Shary Nassimi
  • 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: 7058435
    Abstract: A portable terminal device includes a connector that opens from a lateral surface of a case and electrically connects with another terminal device, an elastic connector cap that opens and closes an opening of the case, and a holder that maintains the opening in a closed state. The connector cap includes a first wall that protrudes perpendicularly to the lateral surface from a periphery of the opening located on one end of the case, and a second wall that protrudes from the other end of the case, is continuous with the first wall, and is coupled to swing freely to the other end. When the opening is closed, the first wall is exposed on a top surface of the case roughly perpendicularly to the thickness direction, and its distal end is located farther away from the opening relative to a coupling section of the second wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Masato Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7046310
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display apparatus including a front cover, a rear cover coupled the front cover and forming an accommodating space, a display panel disposed inside the accommodating space, a main PCB having a signal processor and transmitting a video signal to the display panel, and a PCB supporting member supporting the main PCB. The display apparatus includes a TV tuner unit having a TV tuner receiving the TV video signal, a casing accommodating the TV tuner, and a connector electrically connected with the TV tuner, a tuner unit accommodating part accommodating the TV tuner unit, and a connection port provided at the tuner unit accommodating part for transmitting the TV video signal from the TV tuner unit to the signal processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: You-Sub Lee
  • Patent number: 7035678
    Abstract: A modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a housing into the mirror assembly case for supporting an electronic control module to reduce the vibration, to ease the installation of the components in the mirror assembly, and to improve access to the various components in the mirror assembly for maintenance or repair. The rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective element, at least one electrical component mounted to the reflective element, and a case housing the reflective element and the electrical component. An electronic control module is supported by the case which communicates with the electrical component. Preferably, the electronic control module is supported by a housing that is either molded with the case or welded to the inner surface of the case to support the electronic control module independently from the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Desmond J. O'Farrell, Roger L. Veldman
  • Patent number: 7031758
    Abstract: A mobile phone (1) includes a main body (3), a keypad (5), and a pair of fasteners (7, 9) slidably and pivotally attaching the keypad to the main body. The main body has a housing (2) with a recess (31) defined in a lower portion thereof. The keypad is received in said recess and comprises a front panel (51) for a keypad input mode and a back panel (53) for a touch screen input mode. A switch between two input modes is achieved by sliding and rotating the keypad around the pair of fasteners to display one side or another side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Fih Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Suli Chang
  • Patent number: 7031761
    Abstract: A two part cellular radio telephone in which a separable part is charged from a cellular transceiver portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Vertu Limited
    Inventors: Lisa Hunt, Simon Furmidge, Mark Hutchison, Peter Ashall, Nigel Cridland
  • Patent number: 7027359
    Abstract: The invention relates to watches, generally wristwatches, whose cases incorporate electronic modules for storing information that comprise an integrated circuit connected to an antenna consisting of a coil and are able to communicate by radio signals with a reading and/or writing device adapted at least to read the information contained in a memory of the integrated circuit and often also adapted to delete or modify at least some of that information and to add other information. To eliminate the drawbacks of prior art watches in which the module is inside the case (complicated fabrication or new design of the watch, increased volume thereof) or to reduce the importance of those drawbacks (attenuation and/or distortion of the signals sent and received by the coil), in the watch of the invention the electronic module (14) is housed at least for the most part in a cavity (13) in the back (3) of the case (1) open towards the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AG
    Inventors: David Apothéloz, Jacques Müller, Clément Meyrat
  • Patent number: 7027845
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a hinge device simple in structure, excellent is cost efficiency, and excellent in durability, and a cellular phone using the hinge device. To attain this object, the hinge device includes a tubular member 5, a catch 3 which includes engagement projected parts 38 each having a convex surface with a specified radius of curvature formed thereon, a energizing means 4, and a disk 2 which includes engagement recessed parts 32 engaged with the engagement projected parts in regions opposed to the engagement projected parts 32 of the catch, respectively, and which is rotatably connected with the catch, each of the engagement recessed parts 32 having concave surfaces with a radius of curvature larger than the radius of curvature of the engagement recessed parts formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Ohashi Technica, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Sudo
  • Patent number: 7003316
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an attachment that may be coupled to a wireless communication device, such as a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like to perform commercial or other information transactions, as well as to an apparatus, system and method for conducting such transactions. The wireless communication device generally includes an antenna that may be directly accessed by a processor in the attachment for transmission of data to a remote computer over a communication network. The attachment may also include an input device, such as a magnetic stripe reader, smartcard reader, barcode scanner, optical scanner, fingerprint scanner, proximity detector, or the like. When input is received at the input device, the input information may be sent to the attachment processor for processing and transmission to the remote computer via the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Virtual Fonlink, Inc.
    Inventors: Georges F. Elias, Demetrios G. Vrotsos
  • 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: 6990321
    Abstract: A telephone system for providing a telephony feature includes a phone system controller and a first telephone system interface. The first telephone system interface is coupled between a first telephone handset and a telephone line. Moreover, the first telephone system interface is operable to selectively couple the first telephone handset to the telephone line. The first telephone system interface is also operable to establish a first wireless control channel to the phone system controller. The wireless control channel is operable to carry control signals associated with the telephony feature between the first telephone system interface and the phone system controller. The phone system controller is operable to (i) receive the first control signals via the wireless control channel, and (ii) process the first control signals to provide the telephony feature to the telephone handset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel V. Peters
  • Patent number: 6985759
    Abstract: To provide a novel opening/closing structure for a flip provided to a portable phone, which is superior in evaluation on the market, a flip (3) that is rotatable in an opening direction from a condition where a phone operating portion (2) provided on a surface of a portable phone body (1) is covered by the flip to the condition where the phone operating portion (2) is exposed is provided at a predetermined position on the surface of the portable phone body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Strawberry Corporation
    Inventor: Masaaki Ona
  • Patent number: 6983137
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes, an electronic apparatus main unit, a front panel attached at the front of the electronic apparatus main unit detachably from the electronic apparatus main unit. The electronic apparatus has a driving section provided at the electronic apparatus main unit to drive the front panel, a main-unit-side communications element to perform signal communications to/from the front panel, a battery provided at the front panel for storing power fed from the electronic apparatus main unit, a panel-side communications element to perform signal communications to/from the main-unit-side communications element. The electronic apparatus has a controller for controlling the driving section in order for the driving section to drive the front panel in a state where recharging of the front panel is allowed in case the charge voltage of the battery has dropped below a preset reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Tobishima
  • Patent number: 6980788
    Abstract: A resonance chamber with two or more speakers positioned in the lid of a commercially available cooler chest and electrically connected to a radio circuit board also positioned in the lid and powered by a solar panels or a combination of solar panels and batteries. All elements are water proofed and positioned for protection during normal use of the cooler and positioned so as to not disrupt the normal use of the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Jason W. Peeples
  • 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