Portable radiotelephone

Details Portable radiotelephone Portable radiotelephone

1998-05-29

2001-02-13

Chiang, Jack (Department: 2742)

Telephonic communications

Terminal

Housing or housing component

Reexamination Certificate

active

06188765

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to handsets for portable radiotelephones of the folding or ‘clamshell’ type. Specifically it relates to an apparatus for enabling the telephone to be opened easily, particularly by using only one hand.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There is an increasing trend towards smaller portable radiotelephones. One way of achieving a smaller profile for the telephone when not in use, whilst retaining a functional separation between earpiece and microphone whilst in use, is to configure the telephone such that it folds up when not in use. This configuration has become popular with consumers.
In order to enhance the ease of use of such phones, it is desirable to be able to open the telephone using only one hand. With prior art solutions, both hands must generally be used. One hand is used to hold the lower portion of the telephone while the other hand grips the upper portion and moves it into an open position.
Alternatively, it is possible to configure the telephone such that a pushbutton may be used to activate a spring mechanism within the hinge which automatically opens the telephone. Such a mechanism is described in GB Patent Application 2300880A. Such mechanisms, however, are complex and expensive. It is desirable to keep the hinge design as simple, and hence as inexpensive, as possible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handset comprising a cover and a base, said handset being operable to move between an open position in which said cover and base are arranged to allow access to a plurality of keys, and a closed position, the cover being attached for rotation with respect to the base about a hinge axis and comprising:
a first formation enabling a first force to be applied to rotate the cover about the hinge axis to open the handset; and
a second formation enabling a second force to be applied to rotate the cover about the hinge axis to open the handset,
the first and second formations being on opposing sides of the hinge axis.
Advantageously, this assists a user of the handset in being able to open the telephone using only one hand.
A suitable formation may be provided by a projection.
Preferably, the projection is a ridge positioned proximal and substantially parallel to the axis of the hinge.
Advantageously, this provides a relatively large site to which finger pressure can be applied.
Suitably, the second formation is a recess in the profile of the closed handset.
This does not impact adversely the aesthetic design of the handset.
Preferably, the second formation is adjacent the hinge.
This provides the most advantageous position for such a formation, as the mobility of a user's fingers and thumb is restricted when holding the handset.
Preferably, a second recess is provided adjacent the hinge.
This allows left-handed users to use the handset as easily as right-handed users. Alternatively, users may wish to use both recesses simultaneously.
Suitably, the cover comprises a display.
Suitably, the cover is movable between two endpoints, and the effort required to move the cover is provided by a user of the handset.
Suitably, the base comprises a housing for a battery.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable radiotelephone comprising a cover and a base, said cover and base being hingedly connected together towards one end of the telephone, said telephone being operable in an open position in which said cover and base are arranged to allow access to a plurality of keys, and a closed position in which the profile of the telephone is minimised, wherein means are provided to facilitate opening of said telephone, said means comprising:
a first formation, positioned on the cover of the telephone towards a first end of the cover, enabling a first force to be applied to said hinge; and
a second formation, positioned on the cover of the telephone towards an opposite end of the cover to said first end, enabling a second force to be applied to said hinge,
such that said first and second forces produce a turning moment causing the telephone to move from a closed to an open position.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5933330 (1999-08-01), Beutler et al.
patent: 5987122 (1999-11-01), Daffara et al.
patent: 2 300 880 (1995-11-01), None

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