Latch assembly for portable electronic device

Details Latch assembly for portable electronic device Latch assembly for portable electronic device

2000-11-06

2003-12-09

Ruthkosky, Mark (Department: 1745)

Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus, product, and

Cell support for removable cell

Having switch or interlock means

C455S347000, C361S600000, C361S814000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06660427

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to battery door latches, and more specifically, to a low profile, encapsulated door latch that protects the latch assembly from tampering and from degradation from foreign material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Battery latches for portable electronic devices are well known in the art. However, prior art battery latches are usually beleaguered by poor mechanical reliability since the components are usually exposed, leaving the latch unprotected from damage by users of the device. Moreover, unprotected latching assemblies have an inability to withstand everyday use over the life of the battery and/or device in that the battery latches usually break during use or transport.
Many prior art latching assemblies also incorporate springs for biasing a latch mechanism into a latched or closed position. One problem with these types of preloaded latching devices is that the springs are usually exposed, leading to damage from tampering when the battery door is removed. Another problem with exposed spring type latches is that foreign matter such as dirt, sand, lint, or even food particles become entrapped within the coils of the spring, which interferes with the function of the spring, which in turn can usually hinder free movement of the latch door and even lead to degradation of the battery operation and/or performance.
Furthermore, most prior art latching devices which address the mechanical reliability problems are usually cumbersome and bulky. Therefore, they seldom find application in the down-sized, low profile electronic devices being marketed today.
Therefore, a new latching design is needed for a battery door latching assembly which protects the latches and springs in order to overcome the above-mentioned problems.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4231598 (1980-11-01), Natale, Jr.
patent: 4904549 (1990-02-01), Goodwin
patent: 5028083 (1991-07-01), Mischenko
patent: 5244755 (1993-09-01), Benoist et al.
patent: 5634675 (1997-06-01), Mo
patent: 5762512 (1998-06-01), Trant
patent: 5851692 (1998-12-01), Potts
patent: 5856038 (1999-01-01), Mason
patent: 5869204 (1999-02-01), Kottke
patent: 5881823 (1999-03-01), Kabatnik
patent: 5895729 (1999-04-01), Phelps, III et al.
patent: 5935729 (1999-08-01), Mareno
patent: 1025962 (2000-01-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Latch assembly for portable electronic device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Latch assembly for portable electronic device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Latch assembly for portable electronic device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3106686